5*
(NCAAB) Villanova vs. Xavier,
Point Spread: -3.00 | -110.00 Xavier (Home)
Result: Push
Xavier will win and cover on Wednesday, building off its dominant performance versus DePaul. The Musketeers feature three double-digit scorers and reliable three-point threats who will challenge the Wildcats on the perimeter. I expect the home team to shoot the basketball more efficiently from long range than in the first meeting, stretching the floor. They should also score plenty of points in the paint, as Villanova's opponents average 59 percent shooting at the rim. The Musketeers are much stouter defensively at the rim (52.7% opponent rim FG%) and the Wildcats struggle from deep (242nd in 3PT%). We are backing Xavier on their home court here tonight.