The Villanova Wildcats will play the Xavier Musketeers in a Big East game on Wednesday night at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Villanova has lost five of their last six games, while Xavier is on a two game winning streak. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Villanova vs Xavier prediction.
Villanova Preview
The Villanova Wildcats are 12-10 (5-6) this year after they defeated Providence by a score of 68-50 in their last game. Villanova led 26-16 at halftime and they scored 42 points in the second half in the win. The Wildcats shot 42.2% from the field and were +4 in rebounding margin in the game. Villanova had lost their previous five games, allowing 85+ points in three of those losses. The Wildcats are scoring 73 points per game with 36 rebounds per game and 12.5 assists per game, while allowing 67.6 points against per game this year. Eric Dixon is averaging 15.9 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, and 1.5 assists per game. Villanova is shooting 42.2% from the field, 81.4% on free throws, and 32.8% on three pointers this season.
Xavier Preview
The Xavier Musketeers are 12-10 (6-5) this season after they defeated DePaul by a score of 93-68 in their last game. Xavier led 47-33 at the half and they added 46 points in the second half for the easy win. The Musketeers shot 47.6% from the field and made 11 three pointers in the game. Xavier defeated St. John’s by a score of 88-77 in the game prior to DePaul, but lost to UConn and Creighton before that. The Musketeers are scoring 77.1 points per game with 39.8 rebounds per game and 16.5 assists per game, while giving up 73 points against per game this season. Quincy Olivari is averaging 19.1 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 1.9 assists per game. Xavier is shooting 43.9% from the field, 74.2% on free throws, and 35% on three pointers this year. Xavier will face Creighton and Seton Hall after this game.
Xavier Musketeers Team Facts
- Xavier has won each of its last six home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Each of Xavier’s last eight games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 150+ points.
- Xavier has won the first half in 14 of its last 16 games at Cintas Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Villanova Wildcats Team Facts
- Villanova has won each of its last nine night games against Xavier.
- Seven of Villanova’s last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.
- Villanova has won the first half in five of its last six road games against Xavier.
Villanova vs Xavier Betting Prediction
Villanova has lost five of their last six games, but they are coming off of a dominant win against Providence in their last game. The Wildcats have lost three road games in a row and they are only shooting 42.2% from the field this year. Xavier has won two games in a row and they are 3-0 in their last three home games. The Musketeers have scored 88 and 93 points in their last two games and I think they continue their strong play here at home. Take Xavier.