7:00 p.m. ET: UConn Huskies (16-6) at Xavier Musketeers (16-7)

Spread: Xavier -1
Total: 139

The #25 Xavier Musketeers host the #24 UConn Huskies after Jack Nunge scored 22 points in Xavier’s 73-71 loss to the Seton Hall Pirates. The Musketeers are 11-3 in home games. The Huskies are 7-4 in Big East play. Jones is averaging 10.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals for the Musketeers. R.J. Cole is averaging 16 points, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Huskies. Xavier has now lost their last 2 games and probably won’t be in the top 25 next week with losses to DePaul and Seton Hall. UConn had 2 bad losses followed by a big win against Marquette to give them more momentum. Xavier has struggled with rebounding in the last two games. The Huskies are fifth in rebounds per game (38.1) and lead the country with 12.1 offensive rebounds per game. The Musketeers just gave up 17 offensive boards to Seton Hall. UConn has the defense to hold Xavier’s offense down and Cole is the type of guard that can score at will. Xavier may have got off to a hot start this season but UConn is the better team. Take the Huskies to get the job done on the road in this one. 

Trends

• The Musketeers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games.
• The Musketeers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite.
   

The Bookie:          UConn +1 / Under 139
Fade the Public:   UConn / Under
Sharp Action:       UConn / Under