7:00 p.m. ET: Xavier Musketeers (11-1) at Villanova Wildcats (7-4)

Spread: Villanova -6
Total: 137

Two ranked teams meet as #18 Xavier visits #23, Villanova, in a Big East showdown. Xavier has one win and no losses against ranked opponents this season, while Villanova has won 1 of its 4 games against ranked teams who were much tougher opponents. The Musketeers are led by Jack Nunge and Colby Jones. Nunge has averaged 13 points and 7.8 rebounds while Jones has accounted for 11.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. The Wildcats have been anchored by Collin Gillespie and Justin Moore, who are scoring 16.2 and 14.7 per game, respectively. Villanova has won its last three home games, scoring an average of 90.7 points while giving up 61.3. Villanova has struggled in its two recent losses by over 20 points and with this team, back on their home court, they will be looking for redemption. Villanova is due to re-set offensively and find its groove, especially against a Xavier program that has offered limited resistance to the Wildcats in recent years. Xavier is playing well but has been at home in most games with a few neutral site games however they have played just one true road game. Take the Villanova Wildcats to get the win and cover the spread. 

Trends

• The Favorite is 13-4 ATS in the last 17 meetings.

The Bookie:          Villanova -6 / Under 137
Fade the Public:   Xavier / Under
Sharp Action:       Villanova / Under