The Providence Friars are riding high after a huge win at Villanova on Sunday afternoon that not only helps their tournament profile, but also keeps them in the running for the Big East conference title. However, now they just have one day off before they have to play another Top 10 team, the No. 5 Xavier Musketeers.
You can bet on college basketball odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
HOW THE XAVIER MUSKETEERS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
Xavier cruised through its non-conference schedule but have had a few bumps since they have started Big East play. One of the bumps, a road loss at Villanova, was excusable, but last Monday they suffered a head scratching defeat at home against Georgetown in a game the Musketeers went off the board as double digit favorites.
This is still one of the favorites to win the Big East though.
James Farr has been a beast down low for the Musketeers. As a senior, he is finally fulfilling his potential as a menace in the low post by averaging 10.8 PPG and 9.1 RPG despite playing 21.4 minutes per game. Farr dominated Seton Hall last week, putting up 24 points and 15 rebounds to help Xavier log the win. He is prone to foul trouble though and keeping him on the floor is a big part of Xavier's game plan.
Myles Davis will be another big part of the Musketeers' game plan on Tuesday. He is the undisputed leader of this team and has been another coach on the floor. His stats aren't eye-popping but he contributes in every phase of the game and has a very high basketball IQ.
HOW THE PROVIDENCE FRIARS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
The Friars knocked off Villanova on Sunday thanks to some big performances from Ben Bentil and Kris Dunn, as well as a tough zone defense that held Villanova's efficient shooters in check. Bentil went off on Sunday putting up 31 points and 13 boards and winning the battle down low against Daniel Ochefu.
His matchup against Xavier's James Farr will be an important one to watch for this one.
Dunn showed why he was the preseason Big East Player of the Year and stole the show from Josh Hart. Dunn dished out 14 assists and garnered four steals and again showed that he isn't just a shooter, even though he knocked down three of his four three point attempts.
It's hard to overplay how well Providence played on defense after they went to zone. Nova is ranked as one of the most efficient teams in the country by anyone's metrics, but struggled mightily to get the ball inside the Friars' zone, instead settling for contested threes.
Providence made Nova shoot half of its field goal attempts from beyond the arc and held the Wildcats to just 43.5 percent from the field altogether.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Providence is one of the better ATS teams this college basketball season with a mark of 12-7 ATS overall, but are just 5-6 against the number at home. Xavier has been solid ATS this season as well, also with a 12-7 ATS mark and are 3-2 ATS on the road.
Both teams have had 11 of their 19 games go over the total and seven of the last 11 games Providence played in the Double D have combined to go over the number.
Fatigue is going to be a major factor for the Friars in this one. Although they have the luxury of playing at home, they only have one day of rest and played an overtime game on Sunday. Bentil and Dunn both played over 40 minutes and are going to have tired legs.
Look for Xavier to come into Providence and get a big win here to keep them in the running for the conference title.
Xavier 78, Providence 71
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The game between the Xavier Musketeers and the Providence Friars is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 8:30 p.m. ET at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. The game will be televised nationally on FS1.
