Expert Betting Preview: Xavier vs. Texas

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Xavier vs. Texas matchup, both teams have similar records and are evenly matched. Xavier has a 25-9 SU record and an 18-17 ATS record, while Texas has a 26-8 SU record and an 18-17 ATS record. The game is scheduled for Friday, March 24th at 9:45 ET at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO, and will be broadcasted on CBS.
The point spread for the game is set at Xav +4/UT -4, with a total line of 149.0. Bettors can also take the money line, with Xavier listed at +163 and Texas at -198.

Line Movement

The Texas Longhorns opened as a -4 point spread favorite and have been bet up to -4.5 at most betting shops. The total hit the board at 147.5 and is the move up to 149/149.5.

Last Game Info

Xavier picked up a victory over Pittsburgh by a score of 84-73. Heading into the game, the Musketeers were favored to win, with a point spread of -5. The combined 157 points finished above the 147 total line.

Texas is coming off a 71-66 win over Penn State. Entering the game, the Longhorns were favored at -5, resulting in an ATS push on each side. The combined 137 points did not surpass the 137.5 total line.

Current Form

Xavier
Over their last five games, Xavier has a straight-up record of 4-1 while going 2-3 vs. the spread. Over this stretch, the Musketeers’ offense averages 78.8 points per game while hitting 48.0% of their shots from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, they have allowed opponents to shoot 44.2% from the field while allowing 72.8 points per contest.

Texas
In their previous five contests, Texas is 5-0 straight-up and 4-0-1 vs. the spread. In these five games, they have a scoring average of 70.2 points per game on a shooting percentage of 42.5%. Defensively, they allow teams to hit 37.3% of their shots while giving up 59.4 points per game.

Average Power Rating Of Opponents Played

This season, the combined power rating of Xavier’s opponents comes in at 84.6. On the other side, Texas’ combined opponent power rating sits at 86.8.

How Does Xavier Fare On Neutral Courts?

On neutral courts, the Musketeers put together a mark of 5-3 this season.

How Does Texas Fare On Neutral Courts?

On neutral courts, the Longhorns put together a mark of 7-1 this season.

Offense vs. Defense

For the season, Xavier is averaging 73.9 points per game (118th) while posting an overall field goal percentage of 44.6%. In today’s game, they will be matched up against a Texas defense that has allowed an average of 67.4 points per contest. This year, opponents have hit 42.1% of their shots vs. Texas. On the other side, the Texas Longhorns are coming into the game averaging 68.3 points per game on a shooting percentage of 44.2%. The Longhorns will be facing a defensive unit allowing an average of 74.1 points per contest. So far, teams have hit 44.4% of their shots vs. the Musketeers.

Three-Point Shooting

From beyond the arc, Xavier has a shooting percentage of 32.5% while ranking 441st in attempts per game. The Musketeers will be facing a Texas defense that has a 3-point field goal shooting percentage allowed of 32.8%. Texas enters the game having hit 32.3% of their looks from deep while averaging 6.41 made 3’s per game. On the other end, Xavier has allowed opponents to hit 36.3% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Injuries Of Note

Xavier

• Zach Freemantle (Out) Foot
• Kyky Tandy (Out) Foot
• Kam Craft (Out) Knee

Texas

• Rowan Brumbaugh (Out) Redshirt

Pick Against The Spread

Xavier is a solid squad, but they don’t play good enough defense to move on to the Elite 8. I’m laying the points with the Horns with confidence!