Xavier Musketeers vs Providence Friars Prediction, Picks and Game Preview - 03/01/2023

by Rod Pearson

Tuesday, Feb 28, 2023
Game Time: 6:30 pm ET, Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Venue:  Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, RI 
Where to Watch:  Fox Sports 1


Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks

DraftKings:  Point Spread:  Xavier +4, Providence -4; Over/Under:  154.5 points
Bet365:  Point Spread:  Xavier +4, Providence -4; Over/Under:  154.5 points
BetMGM:  Point Spread:  Xavier +4, Providence -4; Over/Under:  154.5 points

Season Record

Xavier Musketeers:  21-8 (13-5) (2nd place, Big East)
Providence Friars:  21-8 (13-5) (3rd place, Big East)

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Recent Form
Xavier Musketeers:  2-3  last 5
Providence Friars:  3-2  last 5


Xavier Musketeers vs Providence Friars Preview and Analysis


Xavier is coming into this game with a 21-8 record overall and they are 6-4 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are also 13-5 in their conference games this season as well. They are entering this game off of a win against the Seton Hall Pirates in their last game. Souley Boum led the team in points in that game with 23 while Colby Jones was next on the team with 19 points. Jack Nunge led the team in assists in that game with 5 while Jerome Hunter led the team in rebounds with 9. They were 48.3% from the field, 43.5% from 3-point range, and 87.5% from the free throw line with their shooting in that game. Their offense is averaging 81.9 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 74.3 PPG against them. Xavier has an ATS record of 16-12-1 this season and their O/U record is 18-10-1.


Providence is coming into this game with a 21-8 record overall and they are 15-0 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are also 13-5 in their conference schedule this season as well. They are entering this game off of a win against the Georgetown Hoyas in their last game. Ed Croswell led the team in points in that game with 25 while Jared Bynum was next on the team with 18 points. Ed Croswell and Jared Bynum each led the team in assists in that game with 6 while Ed Croswell led the team in rebounds with 13. They were 50.7% from the field, 52.6% from 3-point range, and 66.7% from the free throw line with their shooting in that game. Their offense is averaging 78.8 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 70.1 PPG against them. Providence has an ATS record of 18-11 this season and their O/U record is 15-14.



Xavier vs Providence Prediction

The current betting odds have Providence listed as a 4 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. Both of these teams are entering this game as ranked teams and both have been really good teams in the Big East this season. Xavier is 21-8 overall this year and they are 13-5 in their conference games too which makes them one of the best teams in the Big East. They have been alright in their road games too with a 6-4 road record and they just pulled off a win in their last game too, but they haven't been playing their best lately and they will need their best effort with the way Providence has been on their home court this season. Providence has the same overall record at 21-8 and they even have the same 13-5 conference record as they are also one of the best teams in the Big East. Providence has a really big home edge though and with 2 games left in the entire season, they are still undefeated in their home games this year with a 15-0 home record. Providence is going to bring their best effort for this game and as good as Xavier has been all year, they haven't been as good in their games lately and have started to slip with their recent play. The best way to place a bet here is on Providence to cover the spread in this game. 

Xavier Providence Prediction:  Our NCAAB Pick for Wednesday, March 1, 2023 (6:30 pm ET start time) is Providence 76 Xavier 65.
Don't miss our champion handicappers free picks and expert basketball picks today. And if you enjoyed this Xavier Musketeers Providence Friars prediction, be sure to drop by every day for our weekly NCAAB predictions and previews.

NCAAB Betting Trends


Xavier Musketeers: 2-8 ATS off a win by 10 points or more over a conference rival. 10-3 OVER after allowing 60 points or less. 11-2 OVER after a blowout win by 20 points or more.
Providence Friars: 9-2 ATS as a home favorite of 6 points or less or pick. 10-3 ATS after 3 or more consecutive overs. 30-14 OVER after playing a game as a road favorite.

Key Injuries


Xavier Musketeers:  K. Tandy (G) Ques Wed - Foot. K. Craft (G) Mid March - Knee. Z. Freemantle (F) Early March - Foot.
Providence Friars:  Q. Berry (G) Out indefinitely - Undisclosed.

Notable Quotes


"Our lack of depth is something that we have, and we have to play through it and around it (and) be smart." - Sean Miller on his team coming into this game against Providence.


"We have an opportunity to finish the regular season off with two home games, which, we've been pretty good at the crib, so hopefully we can go back to the crib and play well." - Ed Cooley on his team’s upcoming game against Xavier here.


Starting Lineups


Xavier Musketeers
S. Boum 
Z. Freemantle 
C. Jones 
A. Kunkel 
J. Nunge

Providence Friars
J. Bynum 
D. Carter 
E. Croswell 
B. Hopkins 
N. Locke

Statistical Leaders


Xavier Musketeers
PPG: S. Boum (16.5)
APG: S. Boum (4.6)
Reb/G: Z. Freemantle (8.1)

Providence Friars
PPG: B. Hopkins (16.4)
APG: J. Bynum (4.5)
Reb/G: B. Hopkins (8.8)

Coaches:
Xavier Musketeers: Sean Miller (1st season)
Providence Friars: Ed Cooley (12th 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.

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

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