Overview of the game
Villanova and Xavier will meet for the second time in 22 days. The Wildcats were able to stymie the Musketeers’ offense in the first meeting, limiting Xavier to 58 points in a 13-point win. The Musketeers had a few games postponed after Christmas but returned from a 15-day layoff with an 87-57 win over Butler.
Last games records
- Villanova – Last time out: 79-64 W over DePaul. Record: 11-4, 4-1.
- Xavier – Last time out: 79-64 W over DePaul. Record: 12-2, 2-1.
Matchup information
- 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Cintas Center
Villanova vs. Xavier Betting Analysis
Villanova Betting Analysis
Creighton may have inadvertently set the rest of the Big East Conference to be on the end of Villanova’s wrath. Since losing to the Bluejays in the conference opener, the Wildcats have won four straight, including victories of 13, 15, and 34 points.
Villanova, which is 11-4 overall and 4-1 in conference, has been stout on defense during its victories. The Wildcats’ limit opponents to 56.7 points per game when they win, while they concede 75.5 in losses.
Collin Gillespie leads Villanova with five games where he’s scored 20 points or more and leads the team by scoring 16.9 points per game. Fellow guard Justin Moore has also scored more than 20 points in a game three times this season and is second in scoring by averaging 15.7 points per game.
The Wildcats are an effective outside shooting team. Villanova shoots 35.6 percent from the 3-point line, making an average of 9.7 treys per game. The Wildcats are 4-3 in true road games this season.
Xavier Betting Analysis
Xavier isn’t a team where opposing defenses can expect to find much relief. The Musketeers have four players who average in double figures and two more who average 8.5 points per game or more.
Junior guard Jack Nunge is a multi-faceted threat for Xavier. Nunge averages 12.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, with three double-doubles to his name.
Senior guard Nate Johnson leads the team in scoring at 12.7 points per game and is a deadly deep threat. Johnson ranks 12th in the nation in 3-point percent, shooting 46.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Xavier is also a team that relies on its strong rebounding acumen. The Musketeers outrebounded their opponents by an average of 8.5 boards per game, which is the best mark in the Big East and the 18th best in the country. Villanova has one of the best home-court advantages in the country, with a 290-48 all-time record at the Cintas Center.
Teams updates
Villanova Team Updates
In Villanova’s last game, the Wildcats benefitted from the return of senior guard Caleb Daniels. Daniels contributed 11 points and three rebounds in the Wildcats’ win over the Blue Demons. Senior Brandon Slater played through a left ankle injury last weekend for Villanova but has been practicing this week.
Jay Wright said he believes Slater will be ready to play Wednesday night. Slater, a 6-foot-7 senior forward, averages 10.2 points per game.
- Villanova is 9-6 against the spread this year.
- The total has gone under in eight of the Wildcats’ 15 games.
Xavier Team Updates
Zach Freemantle will be a key player for the Musketeers. The junior forward missed the first six games of this season with an injury before returning to the lineup. Freemantle has shot 49 percent from the field since returning. He also averaged 8.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
- Xavier is 10-4 against the spread.
- The over is 6-7-1 in the Musketeers’ games this season.
Villanova vs. Xavier Betting Preview
Villanova is walking into a difficult environment vs. a Xavier team that will be looking for another win over a ranked opponent. The Musketeers have a lot of scoring depth and will be eager to show the Wildcats they are much better than the first meeting.
Top sportsbooks have installed Villanova as a 2-point favorite and set the over/under at 140.5 points. The Wildcats are -136 on the moneyline, while Xavier is +110.
Villanova vs. Xavier Betting Prediction
- Xavier will win at home and get a major victory for its resume.
- Take the Musketeers +2.
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