Total Best Bet for Xavier vs Purdue
No.3 Purdue was upset by a 16 seed in the first round of last season’s March Madness, and facing Xavier on Monday night will be its first real test since then. NCAAB lines will favor the Boilermakers in this matchup, but Xavier could still pose some problems.
In their last game, the Musketeers beat Jacksonville 79-56, as its new roster is slowly figuring things out. The Boilermakers also picked up a nice win, beating Morehead State 87-57 and beginning the season with two commanding wins.
Xavier Still Working Things Out
Xavier‘s last season went well, with the team reaching the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament before losing to Texas. However, this season’s NCAAB predictions could be complicated as the roster is completely different and many key contributors from last season’s run are no longer with the Musketeers.
In the first game of this season, Desmond Claude took over the game, finishing with 25 points while playing 37 minutes against Robert Morris. The rest of the starting lineup also played at least minutes and each player finished with double-digit scoring totals.
In Xavier’s win over Jacksonville, the scoring was much more balanced. Claude only had 12 points while Quincy Olivari led the team in scoring with 17. In addition, while the Musketeers’ bench scored only eight points in the first game, reserves Dailyn Swain and Trey Green combined for 25 against Jacksonville.
Regarding college basketball predictions Xavier could be a difficult team to figure out, especially early in the season. The Musketeers are not yet in full swing of things, which could lead to uneven play.
Purdue’s First Real Challenge
Last season’s stunning ending was tough on Purdue, and it could have played a role in the decision by reigning national player of the year Zach Edey to not enter the NBA Draft. Having Edey back for another season could change everything, giving the Boilermakers another clear path back to the tournament.
Zach Edey dunks just never get old. 🙌@zach_edey x @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/GSfGplJF5R
— Big Ten Men’s Basketball (@B1GMBBall) November 11, 2023
Already, Purdue appears capable of a strong season. The 7-foot-4 Edey is averaging 17 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in 22 minutes through the first two games. His play, especially in a matchup where he will likely get more minutes against Xavier, obviously shifts college basketball lines toward the Boilermakers.
However, Edey is far from the only Purdue highlight through two games. No one has gotten a clear runway to have a big game, but in the win over Morehead State, Braden Smith nearly had a triple-double with 11 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. Furthermore, Purdue as a whole is shooting well from deep, which is important with such a dominant interior presence. The Boilermakers are shooting 46.2% from three on 26 attempts per game.
Even though Xavier will be Purdue’s first real test, beating Morehead State and Samford were not wins against easy opponents. Both schools won 21 games last season. This only backs the college basketball spread favoring Purdue so heavily against Xavier.
Xavier vs Purdue Best Bet
Both teams are complete opposites heading into this game, with Xavier having a completely new roster while Purdue is again leaning on Edey. However, we don’t know how good this Musketeers team might be and whether they can cover this large spread against the Boilermakers.
That is why, for college basketball picks, it makes the most sense to take the under in total points. Purdue’s elite defense will surely slow down a completely rebuilt Xavier roster.
College Basketball Best Bet: Under 151 -110
Xavier vs Purdue Betting Lines
Xavier vs Purdue Game Information
- Game: Xavier (2-0) vs Purdue (2-0)
- Location: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, IN
- Day/Time: Monday, Nov. 13, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Xavier vs Purdue Live Stream: TBS.com
Questions Of The Day
Will there be more total points scored in the first half or the second half?
Most of the points in this game should be scored in the first half with it likely becoming a defensive struggle.
Will Zach Edey be high scorer in the game?
Zach Edey should have a big scoring game, as this could be the first time Purdue needs him to put up points this season.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
