Xavier Musketeers vs Baylor Bears

Baylor aims for their fourth win over a ranked opponent despite only being eight games into the season when they host the Xavier Musketeers Saturday. Baylor has historically enjoyed their dates against Big East foes, as the Bears have won their past eight against the conference while covering in nine of their past 11.

Though Baylor is ranked ninth in the country, you can’t help but feel many are overlooking the team. Maybe it’s the defensive-first mentality, but the Bears have wins over Oregon, VCU, Michigan State and Louisville. The experienced Baylor team, which features six juniors and one senior, is led by Jonathan Motley, who has averaged 16.2 points and 8.2 rebounds this season.

After a rocky start to the season, which includes beating a sub par Lehigh team by just three points, Xavier has started to find their defensive rhythm. The Musketeers have held their last three opponents to 52 ppg and a combined 38.2 percent from the floor. Trevon Bluiett has been one of the best players in the country so far this season, as the junior has averaged 17.7 points per game while topping to 20-point plateau in four of Xavier’s seven games.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

Sportsbooks (including Sportsbook) had the Baylor Bears betting line as -4-point favorites in this particular matchup earlier in the day. Also, watch for the Sportsbook over/under total value at Sportsbook.

Xavier Musketeers vs Baylor Bears Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

Baylor Bears battles the Xavier Musketeers, currently sitting with a 7-0 mark (5-1 ATS). The OVER/UNDER records, always important for totals betting, are 1-4 for the Baylor Bears and 3-3 for the Xavier Musketeers.

It's a betting matchup between the No. 43-rated Baylor Bears and the No. 6-ranked Xavier Musketeers, according to the latest pro hoops power rankings here at Odds Shark.

Statistical Matchup

When it comes to rebounds, the visiting Xavier Musketeers rank No. 49 in NCAA Basketball Division 1 with 40.43 per game. That compares with Baylor’s No. 213 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where Baylor is college basketball's No. 212-ranked team at 6 per game, while the Xavier Musketeers rate No. 199 with 6.29 per game.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

The battle between the Musketeers and Bison didn’t turn out to be much of a battle at all as North Dakota State was handed a 85-55 defeat on Tuesday at Cintas Center.

The battle between the Bears and Bearkats didn’t turn out to be much of a battle at all as Sam Houston State was handed a 79-45 defeat on Wednesday at Ferrell Center.

Next Betting Matchups

Xavier at Colorado, Wednesday, December 7th
Baylor at Southern, Wednesday, December 14th