There should be little surprise that Sean Miller was able to return to Xavier and help lead the Musketeers up the college basketball standings.
While things didn’t work out in Arizona, anyone making a Xavier vs Kennesaw State prediction will see Miller’s first season back in Cincinnati has worked for all parties.
Xavier finished second in the Big East in the regular season and punched its way back into the conversation for people making March Madness bets.
While Miller’s redemption arc is an incredible story, seeing how Kennesaw State fairs on the big stage will be a fun storyline to follow. The Owls are in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since it won the Division II national championship in 2004.
After winning the ASUN Tournament, Kennesaw State is ready to see how things look on the big stage. The Owls will get their opportunity to prove they belong with the best when they take on Xavier.
Xavier vs. Kennesaw State Odds
Xavier vs. Kennesaw State Information
Xavier Musketeers vs Kennesaw State Owls
Location: Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, N.C.
Date and Time: Friday, March 17, 2023, 12:40 p.m. ET.
How to Watch: truTV | https://livestreamsports.co/
Updates for Xavier and Kennesaw State
People making March Madness predictions will see that Xavier was at the top in the Big East in several offensive categories. The Musketeers are first in the nation in assists per game, turning in 19.3 per game. Xavier also shoots 49.4 percent from the field and makes 39.5 percent of their 3-pointers. When it comes to making a Xavier vs Kennesaw State prediction, the Musketeers will be pushing the pace on offense.
Solely Boum leads the Xavier Musketeers by averaging 16.5 points per game. Colby Jones (15.2 points per game) and Jack Nunge (14.1) also average in double figures. Xavier was hit on the college basketball injury report as 6-foot-9 forward Zach Freemantle is out for the season with an injury.
Defensively, the Musketeers have been playing solidly as of late, limiting nine of its last 11 opponents to 71 points or less. Anyone making a Xavier vs Kennesaw State prediction will see the Owls aren’t someone people would have had in their March Madness bracket predictions before the season. Kennesaw State, which had never had a winning record since moving to Division I, shattered a school record by going 26-8.
Kennesaw State’s Success in One-Possession Games
One of the biggest factors for Kennesaw State’s success on the NCAAB schedule has been how the Owls have closed games. Kennesaw State is one of the NCAA basketball teams that know how to finish games. The Owls are 7-3 in one-possession games this season.
Kennesaw State is 5-5 against the spread over its past ten games. When it comes to college basketball players, Owls junior guard Chris Youngblood has contributed a lot. He leads Kennesaw State by averaging 14.7 points per game and has also grabbed 4.8 rebounds per contest.
When it comes to NCAA basketball games today, the Owls will need to find a way to score effectively against Xavier. Kennesaw State averages 75.3 points per game and shoots 36.8 percent from the 3-point line.
Xavier vs. Kennesaw State Betting Preview
NCAAB odds show that Xavier is a 12.5-point favorite.
Moneyline: The Musketeers are -670 on the moneyline, while Kennesaw State is +480.
Over/Under: The over/under is set at 154.5 points.
Xavier vs. Kennesaw State Betting Prediction
Making college basketball picks on the NCAA Tournament is always difficult. Playing in a neutral environment can be difficult for the most seasoned programs.
Xavier, which has improved leaps and bounds in Miller’s return, still has to prove it can win in the tournament. Kennesaw State may be a team where March Madness bets show the Owls intimidated by being on the big stage.
What Kennesaw State needs to find is a way to make sure Xavier’s athleticism and athletic ability don’t overwhelm them. Xavier, which doesn’t have the best odds to win March Madness, should overwhelm Kennesaw State.
Betting on this event:
Bet on Xavier to cover the -12.5 betting spread at -110.
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