The conference rivalry between the Xavier Musketeers and Villanova Wildcats has been little more than hot air over the past several seasons. Though both teams almost always find their way into the tournament, Villanova has steamrolled Xavier, going 8-1 SU and ATS in the past nine meetings between the two programs. Villanova and Xavier will look to cement themselves as one of the top teams in the nation when they clash yet again Wednesday.
- The total has gone OVER in Villanova’s last 7 games.
- Xavier is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games against teams with winning records.
- Villanova is 18-0 SU in its last 18 games as a favorite of 9.0 or more.
Just how bad has Villanova beaten up on Xavier? Of the eight victories mentioned above, seven have come by double digits and three have come by 20 or more. Just last season, Villanova outscored Xavier by a combined 41 points in two games.
The Wildcats find themselves in a familiar place, as the No. 1-ranked team in the nation. Despite that distinction, Nova is far from a polished product. Since Big East play began, Villanova is averaging a whopping 98.7 points per game but is also allowing 92.
The Musketeers saw their 10-game winning streak snapped in their most recent meeting, an 81-72 upset defeat at the hands of Providence. It was an uncharacteristically poor performance from star Trevon Bluiett, who shot 4-for-13 and failed to score a single point in the second half. That’s concerning for coach Chris Mack, as Bluiett scored a combined 10 points vs Villanova last season.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
On the Sportsbook NCAA basketball betting line for this matchup, Villanova sat as a 9-point favorite over at Sportsbook. Also, check out the current OVER/UNDER betting total for points scored, which often goes up first at online sportsbook Sportsbook
Xavier Musketeers vs Villanova Wildcats Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
This college basketball season, the Villanova Wildcats are 14-1 overall and 9-5-1 ATS, while the Xavier Musketeers are 15-2 and 12-5 ATS. As for the betting totals, Villanova boasts a 11-4 on the OU, and Xavier is 11-6.
The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Wildcats rated this week at No. 9 and the Musketeers sitting at No. 44.
Statistical Matchup
Scoring and defensive stats point to some betting edges in this matchup. The game features Villanova's No. 7-ranked scoring average of 88.93 PPG, against an Xavier defense rated No. 148 and allowing 72.18 PPG. The Wildcats FG% has averaged 51.41% to date this season, more than the Musketeers shooters have managed so far (50.51% per game).
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Kerem Kanter poured in 24 points and added 12 rebounds in a losing cause for Xavier on Saturday, as the Friars rolled to a 81-72 victory over Xavier at Dunkin Donuts Center.
Villanova earned a 100-90 victory over Marquette on Saturday, getting 27 points from Jalen Brunson at Wells Fargo Center-PA.
- Xavier is 19-6 ATS in its last 25 games
- Xavier is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
- Xavier is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
- Xavier is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
- Villanova is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
- Villanova is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Villanova's last 5 games
- Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Xavier home to Creighton, Saturday, January 13
Villanova at St. John's, Saturday, January 13
