Cincinnati vs. Xavier Pick
Will No. 11 Cincinnati struggle in its first true road game when it takes on No. 21 Xavier today at Noon ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Xavier is the slight favorite in this game, as the Musketeers are getting odds of -2.5 points against Cincinnati. The over/under total for the game has been set at 148 points. Today’s game takes place from Cintras Center in Cincinnati, Ohio and will air live on FS1.
Cincinnati is off to a 7-0 start to the season, but the Bearcats have yet to play in a true road game. They are 3-2 against the spread. Cincinnati is averaging 87.9 points per game this season while allowing 57.3 per contest. Gary Clark has been leading Cincinnati this season with 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Jacob Evans is putting up 11.7 points and 4.3 assists per contest.
Xavier is coming off a 76-63 win over Baylor earlier this week to improve to 6-1 on the season. The Musketeers are also 6-1 against the spread, failing to cover in their lone loss to Arizona State on a neutral floor. Xavier is putting up 89 points per game on offense while allowing 69 points per contest. Trevon Bluiett is leading the team with 19.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while J.P. Macura is adding 14.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
Xavier has won three of the last four meetings with Cincinnati, covering the spread in those wins as well. Xavier is 13-3 against the spread in its last 16 games overall and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games against a winning team. Cincinnati is just 1-7 against the spread in their last eight road games. The Bearcats should have some struggles playing in a hostile environment against a non-conference rival. I think that will lead to Xavier getting a comfortable win at home. The public betting is siding with Xavier today and I would agree.
CBB DAILY PREDICTION: XAVIER -2.5