It will be a battle between Big East opponents when the Xavier Musketeers (15-8, 4-6 Big East) welcome the Providence Friars (13-10, 6-4 Big East) to the Cintas Center. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Providence Friars vs. Xavier Musketeers Free Prediction
In the Friars’ last matchup, they beat the No. 21 Creighton Bluejays, 73-56. The Friars were 9-12 from the free throw line (75.0 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.604 (above their season average of 0.458). Providence received a boost from A.J. Reeves, who was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Musketeers defeated the DePaul Blue Demons in their last contest, 67-59. The Musketeers knocked down 17 of their 24 free throws (70.8 percent) and held the Blue Demons to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.9 (below their season average of 31.2). With 12 points and 18 rebounds, Tyrique Jones played well for Xavier.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent game, the Musketeers won 75-61. Xavier’s effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Providence. The Musketeers had a rate of 0.673 while the Friars posted a mark of 0.411.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Xavier should have a significant edge. The Musketeers defense ranks 33rd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.451), while the Providence offense is ranked 315th in effective field goal percentage (0.464).
Providence Friars vs. Xavier Musketeers Free Pick
Pick:Â Â ATS Winner – Providence, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Xavier averages 40.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 20th in the NCAA. Providence ranks 200th in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
The Friars rank 23rd in steals per game (8.5) while the Musketeers rank 160th (5.9).
Xavier averages 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 63rd in the country. Providence ranks 124th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
The Musketeers average 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 66th in the NCAA. The Friars rank 104th in assists allowed per game (12.0).
The Friars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.8, down from 4.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Musketeers have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (0.5 above their season average).
