The Xavier Musketeers (19-12, 8-10 Big East) take on the DePaul Blue Demons (15-16, 3-15 Big East) in the Big East Conference Tourney at Madison Square Garden. The game gets underway at 9:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
DePaul Blue Demons vs. Xavier Musketeers ATS Prediction
The Blue Demons failed to cover as 10.5-point underdogs in their 93-55 loss to the Providence Friars in their last outing. The game’s total points (148) finished over the projected point total of 137.5. Providence made good use of their 26 trips to the free throw line, making 21 of them (80.8 percent). DePaul, meanwhile, was just 7-13 (53.8 percent). Charlie Moore was DePaul’s high scorer with 14 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
In the Musketeers’ previous game, they lost a close one to the Butler Bulldogs, 72-71, despite being 2.5-point favorites at BetRivers. The total points for the game (143) came in over the projected point total of 128.5. Butler launched 14 three pointers, making eight of them (57.1 percent), while Xavier was 6-23 (26.1 percent). Xavier’s Tyrique Jones had 14 points and 13 rebounds in the game.
DePaul comes into the game with records of 15-16 straight up (SU) and 13-17 against the spread (ATS). There does not appear to be a trend for Blue Demons games in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Xavier is 19-12 SU, but they struggle covering the spread (11-19-1 ATS). Vegas tends to set the total high when the Musketeers are involved, as 18 of their 30 games have gone under the O/U total.
Xavier could have their way on the defensive side of the ball as they clash against one of the nation’s worst offenses. The Musketeers currently rank 45th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.462), while DePaul is 259th in effective field goal percentage (0.483).
DePaul vs. Xavier Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – DePaul, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Xavier ranks 33rd in rebounds per game (39.0) while DePaul ranks 239th in rebounds allowed per game (37.1).
The Blue Demons rank 29th in steals per game (8.1) while the Musketeers rank 185th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Xavier ranks 62nd in assists per game (14.4) while DePaul ranks 208th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
The Blue Demons rank 16th in blocks per game (5.0) while the Musketeers rank 127th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Xavier ranks 157th in three pointers allowed per game (21.6) while DePaul ranks 260th (24.4).
Over its last five outings, DePaul is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Xavier is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Blue Demons’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 0.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Musketeers have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (2.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (1.7 above their season average).