by Rod Pearson
Tuesday, Jan 09, 2024
Game Time: 8:30 pm ET, Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Venue: Cintas Center, Cincinnati, OH
Where to Watch: Fox Sports 1
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: UConn -4.5, Xavier +4.5; Over/Under: 146.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: UConn -4.5, Xavier +4.5; Over/Under: 146.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: UConn -4.5, Xavier +4.5; Over/Under: 146.5 points
Season Record
UConn Huskies: 13-2 (3-1) (1st place, Big East)
Xavier Musketeers: 7-7 (1-2) (8th place, Big East)
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Recent Form
UConn Huskies: 4-1 last 5
Xavier Musketeers: 3-2 last 5
UConn Huskies vs Xavier Musketeers Preview and Analysis
UConn is entering this game with a 13-2 record overall, a 3-1 record in conference games, and they are 1-2 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are coming off a win against the Butler Bulldogs in their last game. Alex Karaban led the team in points per game in that game with 20 while Tristen Newton was next on the team with 17. Tristen Newton led the team in assists with 5 in that game while Stephon Castle led the team in rebounds with 9. They were 54.5% from the field, 38.5% from 3-point range, and 78.3% from the free throw line with their shooting in that game. Their offense is averaging 83.5 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 64.8 PPG against them. UConn has an ATS record of 9-6 this season and their O/U record is 7-7-1.
Xavier is entering this game with a 7-7 record overall, a 1-2 conference record, and they are 6-3 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are coming off a loss against the Villanova Wildcats in their last game. Quincy Olivari led the team in points in that game with 14 while Dayvion McKnight was next on the team with 12. Dayvion McKnight led the team in assists with 3 in that game while Quincy Olivari led the team in rebounds with 8. They were 36.8% from the field, 27.8% from 3-point range, and 100% from the free throw line with their shooting in that game. Their offense is averaging 74.6 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 69.3 PPG against them. Xavier has an ATS record of 9-5 this season and their O/U record is 5-9.
UConn vs Xavier Prediction
The current betting odds have UConn listed as a 4.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. UConn has looked really good in their games this season with their 13-2 record overall which leads the Big East since they also have the best conference record at 3-1. They are only 1-2 in their road games this season but the defending national champions have looked a lot better in their games lately. Meanwhile, Xavier hasn't looked great in their games this season with their 7-7 record overall and they aren't off to a great start in the Big East either with their 1-2 conference record. They are also 6-3 in their home games this season which is good, but worse teams have come into their house and won this year. UConn is a really good ranked team that is looking to defend their national title from last season but they will also be looking to make a statement in this conference road game so they can climb up the rankings more. Xavier has been struggling a lot this season and they just don't have the talent to keep up with UConn even being on their home court here. The best way to place a bet here is on UConn to cover the spread in this game.
UConn Xavier Prediction: Our NCAAB Pick for Wednesday, January 10, 2024 (8:30 pm ET start time) is UConn 82 Xavier 72.
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NCAAB Betting Trends
UConn Huskies: 9-5 ATS as a favorite. 14-7 ATS after 2 consecutive covers as a favorite. 8-4 ATS after scoring 85 points or more 2 straight games. 6-1 UNDER after 2 straight games where they made 50% of their shots or better. 12-5 UNDER after scoring 80 points or more in a win over a conference rival.
Xavier Musketeers: 15-25 ATS after 3 consecutive conference games. 5-11 ATS after 2 straight games committing 11 or less turnovers. 9-5 UNDER in all games. 6-1 UNDER after 2 straight games where they attempted 12 or free throws.
Key Injuries
UConn Huskies: D. Clingan (C) Late Jan - Ankle.
Xavier Musketeers: J. Hunter (F) out for season - Undisclosed. Z. Freemantle (F) out for season - Foot.
Notable Quotes
“It was a great game to watch. I was losing my mind. Lot of intensity out there. The championship DNA we have showed.” - Dan Hurley after his team’s win against Butler in their last game on Friday.
“A problem.” - Sean Miller on his team’s rebounding this season after his team’s loss against Villanova in their last game on Wednesday.
Starting Lineups
UConn Huskies
S. Ball
D. Clingan
A. Karaban
T. Newton
C. Spencer
Xavier Musketeers
D. Claude
D. McKnight
G. Nemeikša
Q. Olivari
A. Ousmane
Statistical Leaders
UConn Huskies
PPG: T. Newton (15.1)
APG: T. Newton (5.7)
Reb/G: T. Newton (6.5)
Xavier Musketeers
PPG: Q. Olivari (17.9)
APG: D. McKnight (5.2)
Reb/G: A. Ousmane (6.4)
Coaches:
UConn Huskies: Dan Hurley (6th season)
Xavier Musketeers: Sean Miller (2nd season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
