A pair of ranked teams out of the Big East are set to square off again on Wednesday with the No. 4 ranked Xavier Musketeers looking for the season series sweep over No. 17 Providence. The Musketeers won—on the road—back on January 26 and look to repeat, this time at home.
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HOW THE PROVIDENCE FRIARS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
Providence doesn’t have the statistics to match up with Xavier, but has managed to win its fair share and rank in the top-25 thanks to some key talent at the top of the roster.
They’ve also been able to shoot effectively from the free throw line, taking advantage of what the opposition gives them, while holding their opponents at bay, particularly on the outside.
In terms of that elite talent, forward Ben Bentil’s name is at the forefront of the list. He’s leading the way with 20.4 PPG and 7.8 RPG. Bentil figures to be the best player on the court on Wednesday. He’s also joined by guard Kris Dunn and fellow forward Rodney Bullock who have 17.1 and 12.4 PPG respectively. Dunn is also totaling 159 assists and 5.9 RPG while Bullock has 7.1 RPG and a team high 35 blocks.
This trio of players top the team in most statistical categories. They can be counted on for big games and will need to produce to allow the Friars to cover the spread, but Providence will also need a stand out performance from a role player or two like Jalen Lindsey who had eight points against Xavier back in January.
In that game, the Friars were without Bullocks so his return could be the key.
As for their opposition, Xavier did beat the Friars the last time they met, covering the spread in the game, but the Musketeers have covered in one of their last four and three of their last eight.
HOW THE XAVIER MUSKETEERS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
Of course, the Musketeers top-five ranking is an encouraging sign as is their previous win over the Friars, but there’s more on their side than just that if you’re looking to back Xavier against the spread.
The Musketeers boast strong numbers both offensively and defensively, outscoring their opposition by 11.3 PPG.
While they’ve struggled to cover the spread of late, they’ve still managed to win games SU. They also did cover their last outing, beating Butler 74-57 which could be a good sign of things to come.
Over their last seven games, they’ve scored at least 74-points six times and at least 84 four times. Against Butler in their most recent game, they had four players score in the double-digits, including two off the bench.
Overall, Xavier has four players averaging double-digits, including three guards along with forward James Farr. Just under that 10-point limit is fellow forward Jalen Reynolds scoring 9.7 PPG. The two are also big players on defense, combining for 49 blocks and 15 RPG.
While the frontcourt is in capable hands, the backcourt is loaded with talent including Trevon Bluiett. The star guard is the team’s leading scorer with 15 PPG and also contributes on rebounds, blocks and assists, ranking in the top three on the team in each category.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Neither team has dominated against the spread of late. The Friars have dropped four straight and five of six while the Musketeers have lost three of their last four.
We’ve already seen Xavier beat Providence both SU and ATS so they’ve got history on their side, along with the home court edge.
Of course, more importantly, they’ve also got the more balanced roster. Ben Bentil will keep Providence in any game, but outside of him Kris Dunn and Rodney Bullock there’s a sizeable drop in talent.
While a handful of elite level players is enough in most cases, the Musketeers have the players to overcome that and beat the Friars once again.
Xavier 76, Providence 72
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