Xavier should beat Northern Iowa when the two programs clash Friday. However, the Musketeers can’t walk into the McLeod Center complacent with the Panthers holding a perfect 6-0 record at home this season and 12-6 all-time vs ranked opponents in front of their fans.
- Northern Iowa F Bennett Koch is averaging just 6.3 ppg in the past 3 games.
- Xavier is 7-2 ATS in its past 9 true road games.
- The total has gone OVER in 8 of Xavier’s last 12 games.
To make matters worse for Xavier, the team is dealing with a rash of injuries. J.P. Macura, Kasier Gates, Naji Marshall and Tyrique Jones all found themselves on the bench for some time due to injuries over the past two games. In addition, leading scorer Trevon Bluiett was kept out of contact drills throughout the week. Keeping an eye on the lineup and who will play will be critical for bettors wanting to back Xavier.
UNI has been beaten up in their two games vs ranked opponents this season with the Panthers losing by 14 and 17 points to UNC and Villanova. Coach Ben Jacobson has a deep and experienced team with three of his top four scorers being upperclassmen. Senior big Bennett Koch is the straw that stirs the drink, as he leads the team in points, shooting percentage and blocks.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Bettors looking to go with the Northern Iowa Panthers in this one found them listed as 6.5-point underdogs earlier on the NCAA basketball betting odds menu at Sportsbook. Check for line moves and odds updates as money coming in on the Musketeers was expected to move the line.
Xavier Musketeers vs Northern Iowa Panthers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Northern Iowa Panthers bring a 8-3 record (3-3-1 ATS) to this tilt against the 11-1 Musketeers, who are 9-3 ATS. Those OVER/UNDER betting have witnessed Northern Iowa go 3-4 so far and the Xavier Musketeers go 8-4.
The Power Rankings at Odds Shark show No. 23-rated Xavier Musketeers taking on the No. 228-rated Northern Iowa Panthers in this contest.
Statistical Matchup
In the paint, the rebound battle will feature Northern Iowa's No. 62-rated squad against Xavier's No. 42-rated roster. And in long-range shooting, Northern Iowa rates No. 107 in the country with 8.27 per game, while their foes tonight, the Xavier Musketeers rank No. 150 nationally with 7.5 per match.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Musketeers got 16 points from Kerem Kanter as Xavier ran past Marshall 81-77 on Tuesday at Cintas Center.
Northern Iowa got 16 points from Wyatt Lohaus but lost anyway, 76-65, to Iowa State on Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena-IA.
- Xavier is 16-4 ATS in its last 20 games
- Xavier is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 8 of Xavier's last 12 games
- Xavier is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
- Northern Iowa is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
- Northern Iowa is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Xavier at Marquette, Wednesday, December 27th
Northern Iowa at Southern Illinois, Thursday, December 28th
