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Odds Are Golden Eagles Handle Struggling Xavier
No. 7 Marquette is a strong double-digit favorite at home in the NCAA basketball lines to take care of struggling Xavier in a Big East contest on Sunday.
The Golden Eagles have won 9 of 10 games, losing only to top-ranked Connecticut, and recovered from that defeat to rout DePaul 105-71 on Wednesday. Marquette has won 12 of 13 games at home.
Kam Jones scored a career-high 34 points and Tyler Kolek dished out a school-record 18 assists Wednesday as the Golden Eagles reached 20 wins for the second straight season under coach Shaka Smart.
Xavier has lost three in a row after a promising 6-2 stretch that improved the Musketeers’ odds to get an NCAA Tournament bid. But Xavier allowed 81.7 points per game the last three outings after giving up 66 per the previous three.
The Musketeers, who lost to Marquette in the BIg East tournament final last March 65-51, also play host to the Golden Eagles on March 9.
Xavier vs Marquette Game Information
- Game: Xavier (13-13, 7-8 Big East) vs Marquette (20-6, 11-4)
- Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wis
- Day/Time: Sunday, Feb. 25, 5:00 p.m. ET
- Xavier vs Marquette Live Stream: TBS.com
Marquette is a 10½-point favorite in the college basketball odds as it tries to solidify a hold on second place in the Big East when Xavier visits on Sunday. The Golden Eagles suffered their only loss at home to Butler on Jan. 10 and the Musketeers have won just two of eight games on the road. The under is 5-0-1 in the last six meetings.
Xavier vs Marquette Spreads and Odds
Xavier vs Marquette Betting Trends
- Under bettors are 3-1 at the sportsbook in the last four Xavier games, but just 11-14 on the season.
- The Golden Eagles force 15.6 turnovers per contest -14th most in the nation – and under bettors are 16-10 in their games this season.
- Musketeers senior guard Quincy Olivari is averaging 23.7 points over the last six games – 4.6 above his season mark.
- Kolek has connected on 17-of-33 from 3-point range over his last six contests for Marquette.
- Xavier is just 2-9 as an underdog in the NCAA odds this season.
- The Golden Eagles are 1-4 ATS in their last five games after scoring 100 or more points in the previous contest.
- The Musketeers are 0-4 ATS in their last four outings after a 14-7 start to the season.
- Marquette is 5-0 ATS in the last five games as a favorite.
Xavier vs Marquette Over/Under Pick: Under 158 1/2 (-110)
Both teams can put up 80 points, but we expect the Musketeers to come in determined and Marquette to cool off after dropping in 105 on Wednesday.
Xavier vs Marquette Pick ATS: Golden Eagles -10½ (-110)
Xavier has four players that can score and could spoil this bet if it has a good shooting night, but the Golden Eagles should play just enough defense to keep the win comfortable if you bet online.
Shaka Smart said Marquette had 53 deflections against DePaul, which marks a season high. #mubb
— Ben Steele (@BenSteeleMJS) February 22, 2024
Xavier vs Marquette Moneyline Pick: Marquette (-600)
You won’t be able to make much money with this one, but Marquette could be among your NCAA basketball picks for a parlay bet.. The Golden Eagles are just a better team.
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Xavier vs Marquette Prediction
Marquette 82, Xavier 68: Jones and Kolek will do their thing for the Golden Eagles while teammate Oso Ighodaro is coming off a game in which he had 15 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Xavier needs another big effort from Desmond Claude, who had 22 in the 79-75 home loss to Providence on Wednesday.
Questions of the Day
Which team is likely to win the rebounding battle?
Xavier. The Musketeers are a +2.6 in rebounding margin while Marquette is -2.2.
Will Jones match his performance from 3-point range (8-for-10) in the last game?
No. Jones has made 60 in 25 games this season, so draining eight again is unlikely.
