Xavier Musketeers vs
Villanova WildcatsPredictions & Preview

Villanova Wildcats Look to Make Statement Against Xavier in Crucial Matchup on Super Bowl Sunday

On Super Bowl Sunday, the Xavier Musketeers (14-9, 6-6 Big East) will face off against the Villanova Wildcats (13-10, 6-6 Big East) in a conference matchup. Xavier previously defeated Villanova by six points in their earlier meeting this season. Both teams are coming off recent victories, with Xavier winning against Georgetown and Villanova defeating DePaul. The game is scheduled for 12:00 EST and will be televised on FS1. Villanova is favored to win, opening at -4 with the current line at Villanova -3.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Musketeers +130 | Wildcats -155
• Spread: Musketeers +3 (-110) | Wildcats -3 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 141.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Villanova will win straight-up is 61%.

Xavier vs Villanova Stats

Xavier Musketeers

The Xavier Musketeers are currently on the bubble for an NCAA Tournament bid, sitting in fifth place in the Big East. They are projected to be just outside the tournament according to Joe Lunardi's Bracketology. Led by players like Dailyn Swain, Zach Freemantle, and Ryan Conwell, Xavier has the potential to secure an at-large bid with some strong conference wins. Offensively, they are shooting well from the field and three-point range, but need to improve defensively by allowing fewer points and rebounds. Xavier will need to continue to improve their performance to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Villanova Wildcats Analysis

The Villanova Wildcats have recently halted a three-game losing streak by defeating DePaul on the road, bringing their record to 6-6 and tying them with Xavier in the Big East standings. Led by senior guard Jordan Longino, who scored 17 points in the victory, the Wildcats have shown resilience despite recent struggles. Eric Dixon, the nation's top scorer with 23.8 PPG, has been a key player for the team, while Wooga Poplar adds athleticism and scoring ability as a wing. Despite their offensive strengths, Villanova ranks 129th in defensive efficiency and is not currently projected to earn an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament. In terms of statistics, the Wildcats have a power ranking of 204 with solid offensive numbers, shooting 46.86% from the field and 39.51% from three-point range. On defense, they allow opponents to shoot 42.34% from the field and 34.13% from beyond the arc. While Villanova may not be a top contender currently, they have proven their ability to compete and strive for success in the Big East conference.

Villanova Wildcats Look to Make Statement Against Xavier in Crucial Matchup

The Villanova Wildcats are currently facing a crucial moment in their season as they aim to secure significant victories to impress the selection committee in the upcoming weeks. In an upcoming match against the Xavier team, both teams find themselves in a precarious position on the bubble. However, Villanova holds the advantage of playing at home for this early noon tipoff. With Villanova boasting the nation's top scorer, they are poised to challenge Xavier's defense effectively. Despite recent performance dips, player Dixon is expected to deliver a strong game, given his impressive average of over 23 points per game. Additionally, Villanova ranks 18th in offensive efficiency, while Xavier lags behind at 50th in defensive efficiency. In light of these factors, it is predicted that Villanova will emerge victorious in this rematch, making them the favorable pick to cover the spread.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]