A relatively light college basketball schedule is buoyed by a huge matchup between the Xavier Musketeers and Wisconsin Badgers on Thursday. Xavier is 2-0 thanks to an explosive offense that has crossed the century mark in both games this young season. On the other side of the court, Wisconsin is also undefeated but it’s thanks to a defense that has held opponents to 55.5 ppg.
- Dating back to last season, Xavier’s Trevon Bluiett has scored 20+ points in 5 of his past 6 games.
- Wisconsin is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games at home.
- Xavier is 1-3 ATS in its last 4 games against Wisconsin.
This will be the first meeting between the two programs since they met in the NCAA Tournament two years ago. That game featured a hectic ending that saw Wisconsin guard Bronson Koenig hit two three-pointers in the closing seconds – including a buzzer-beater to win the game.
Both Koenig and Nigel Hayes are now off to greener pastures, meaning that Ethan Happ is the man in Madison. Through two games this year, Happ is leading the team in points and rebounds. The junior is the stabilizing force in a lineup that has featured five underclassmen playing at least 15 minutes of court time per game.
Though Xavier’s lineup has gone through some changes since last season, the backcourt remains intact. The senior duo of Trevon Bluiett and JP Macura are pacing an explosive offense, as the tandem is averaging a combined 41.5 points while shooting 67.6% from the field. Sophomore forward Tyrique Jones – who has seen his minutes double since last year – will be in charge of trying to control a big Wisconsin team down low.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
On the Sportsbook NCAA basketball betting line for this matchup, Wisconsin sat as a 3-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 Wisconsin Badgers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Xavier Musketeers will try to spoil the party and cover the point spread on Thursday; they are 2-0 against the betting line this season, while the Wisconsin Badgers are 1-0 ATS. The Musketeers are 2-0 on betting the total; the Badgers are 1-0.
The Power Rankings at OddsShark show No. 18-rated Xavier taking on No. 26-rated Wisconsin in this contest.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The battle between the Musketeers and Broncs didnt turn out to be much of a battle at all as Rider was handed a 101-75 defeat on Monday at Cintas Center.
Wisconsin handed Yale a 89-61 defeat on Sunday at Kohl Center.
- Xavier is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games
- Xavier is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Xavier's last 10 games
- Xavier is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
- Wisconsin is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- Wisconsin is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Xavier home to Hampton, Monday, November 20
Wisconsin at Baylor, Monday, November 20
