Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Xavier Musketeers Spread Bet

Marquette Golden Eagles (22-8 SU, 17-12-1 ATS) vs. Xavier Musketeers (15-15 SU, 15-13-2 ATS)

When: Saturday, March 9th, 5:00 PM (ET)

Where: Cintas Center, OH, Cincinnati

TV: FOX

Point Spread: MARQ -2.5/XAV +2.5

Total: 158.5

Money Line: Marquette Golden Eagles -147/+121

Notable Injuries

Golden Eagles

• Tyler Kolek (Out) Oblique
• Sean Jones (Out) Knee

Musketeers

• Jerome Hunter (Out) Heart
• Zach Freemantle (Out) Foot
• Dailyn Swain (Out) Appendix
• Sasa Ciani (Questionable) Leg

Recent Form

Marquette comes into this game as the favorite, and they have been the favorite in 22 of their 30 games this season. So far, they have gone 18-4 when favored.

On the road, Marquette has struggled, going just 6-5 this season. Their average scoring margin on the road is -0.5, and they have lost two straight-road games.

This season, the over/under record for Marquette games is 12-18, and today’s over/under line of 158.5 is higher than the average over/under line in their games this year (149.5). Over their last three games, the over/under record is 2-1, and the average scoring total in those games is 154 points.

Marquette has an overall ATS record of 17-12-1 this season, and they are 13-9 vs the spread when they are the favorite. On the road, their ATS record is 5-6 this year and they have gone 4-6 vs the spread in their last 10 road games. However, their ATS mark as the favorite is 8-2 in their last 10 games.

With a record of 15-15, the Xavier Musketeers are looking to get back to .500 when they take on Marquette as 2.5-point underdogs. Xavier has been much better at home this season, going 11-6 compared to 4-9 on the road. Over their last 10 games at home, the Musketeers have gone 7-3.

Coming off a six-point loss to Butler, Xavier is 2-11 this season as underdogs. For the year, they have been the underdog 13 times, compared to being the favorite 17 times (13-4 record).

Today’s over/under line of 158.5 is higher than the average over/under line in Xavier’s games this season (150). So far, 22 of their games have finished with less points than today’s line. In their last three games, the over/under record is 1-2 with an average scoring total of 159 points.

As the underdog, Xavier has struggled against the spread this season, going just 6-6-1. Their overall ATS record is slightly below .500 at 15-13-2. At home, the Musketeers have an ATS mark of 9-6-2. Over their last 10 games as the underdog, Xavier has gone 3-6-1 vs. the spread.

Analysis

Against Connecticut, the Marquette had a tough time putting up points compared to their season average of 79 points per game. They scored 67 points and posted a field goal percentage of 43.3% in the game. Offensively, the Golden Eagles hold a season-long field goal percentage of 48%, placing them 53rd in the national rankings. When it comes to three-pointers, they are ranked 138th in terms of percentage and 46th in three-pointers made.

So far, the Golden Eagles’ defense is ranked 106th in the country at 69.5 points per contest. So far, the Marquette defense is giving up an average of 9.7 offensive rebounds per game and are turning teams over 10 times per game (420th).

Against Butler, the Xavier had a tough time putting up points compared to their season average of 76.2 points per game. They scored 66 points and posted a field goal percentage of 37.3% in the game. Quincy Olivari is currently the leading scorer for the team, entering today’s matchup with an average of 19.1. Meanwhile, Desmond Claude also brings a PPG average of 16.1 into the game.

At present, the Musketeers’ defense is nationally ranked 228th, allowing 73.8 points per game. Xavier will look once again to perform well on defense, holding Butler to just 40% shooting in their most recent game.

Betting Trends

• The Golden Eagles are 3-2 ATS in their last road games and 3-2 straight-up.
• Across their ten previous home games, Xavier has an ATS mark of 4-6. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-7 while averaging 74 points per game.
• The last three games that Xavier was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 0-3 while going 0-3 straight up.
• As the betting favorite, the Golden Eagles have an ATS record of 5-0 in their last five games. In these matchups their straight up record was 5-0.

Rich Crew’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Take Xavier +2.5