Connecticut Huskies (13-2) vs. Xavier Musketeers (7-7)
January 10, 2024 8:30 pm EDT
The Line: Xavier Musketeers +4.5 / Connecticut Huskies -4.5; Over/Under: +145
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The UConn Huskies and the Xavier Musketeers meet in college basketball action from the Cintas Center on Wednesday night. Can Xavier pull off the upset as a home underdog? Or will UConn win to maintain their top-5 ranking? Let’s dive in and find out with our UConn vs. Xavier Prediction.
UConn Team Preview
The UConn Huskies come into this one looking to build on their three-game win streak after an 88-81 win over Butler in their last matchup. Tristen Newton leads the Huskies across the board with 15.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 5.7 APG while Cam Spencer has 15.1 PPG with 3.9 RPG and 3.3 APG. Alex Karaban has 14.8 PPG with 5.9 RPG and Donovan Clingan has 13.9 PPG with 6.3 RPG to round out the scoring in double figures for UConn up to this point in the year. As a team, UConn is averaging 83.5 PPG on 50.5% shooting from the field, 34% from three and 73.6% from the foul line this season.
Xavier Team Preview
The Xavier Musketeers come into this one looking to bounce back from a 66-65 loss to Villanova last time out. Quincy Olivari leads the Musketeers in scoring with 17.9 PPG along with 4.7 RPG while Desmond Claude has 14.8 PPG with 4.8 RPG and 3.7 APG as the only other double-digit scorer for Xavier up to this point in the season. Dayvion McKnight has 9.7 PPG with 4.5 RPG and a team-high 5.2 APG to lead Xavier in the assist department while Abou Ousmane has a team-high 6.4 RPG to lead Xavier on the glass this season. As a team, Xavier is averaging 74.6 PPG on 44% shooting from the field, 33.3% from three and 71.7% from the foul line this season. Xavier will face Providence after this game.
UConn vs. Xavier Prediction
I’m on UConn here. I just like this Huskies team a lot and think that all of the talent is there to repeat as national champions. Xavier’s had their ups and downs and have been competitive in spots, but I just think this is a spot where UConn flexes some muscle and shows that they’re a far superior team in this one. Give me the Huskies on the road laying the points.
