By Offense meets defense when the No. 10 Villanova Wildcats (9-2) welcome the Xavier Musketeers (11-2) to Finneran Pavilion. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on Monday, December 30, 2019.
Xavier Musketeers at Villanova Wildcats Free Prediction
The Musketeers will be looking for similar success after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs in their last contest, 67-59. Xavier had an effective field goal percentage of 0.598 (above their season average of 0.486). TCU, meanwhile, had a free throw rate of 0.241 (above their season average of 0.129). Xavier received a boost from Tyrique Jones, who was the top scorer from either team with 18 points on 9-for-12 shooting.
The last time the Wildcats played, they won a close one over the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks, 56-55. Villanova had a better turnover percentage (12.3 vs. 16.8). Kansas, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.073 vs. 0.032). Jermaine Samuels was the game’s top scorer with 15 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field.
After the Wildcats won two out of three games against the Musketeers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, Villanova won 71-67. The Wildcats knocked down 12 of their 17 free throws (70.6 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (14.9 vs. 16.1).
This matchup pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Villanova currently ranks 10th in offensive efficiency and Xavier is 34th in defensive efficiency.
Xavier at Villanova Odds Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Xavier, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Villanova ranks 42nd in three pointers attempted per game (26.6) while Xavier ranks 161st (21.4).
The Musketeers rank 33rd in assists allowed per game (10.3) while the Wildcats rank 131st (13.0).
Xavier ranks 41st in rebounds per game (39.7) while Villanova ranks 99th (37.2).
The Musketeers rank 49th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while the Wildcats rank 68th (3.0).
Xavier averages 7.2 steals per game, which ranks 93rd in the NCAA. Villanova ranks 99th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
The Musketeers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, down from 9.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 75.0 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (1.6 below their season average).
