The No. 17 Providence Friars (17-5, 9-2 Big East) visit the No. 15 Xavier Musketeers (17-5, 9-2) in a top-20 matchup in Cincinnati. The contest at the Cintas Center will tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Providence vs. Xavier odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Providence is on a 3-game win streak straight up and against the spread (ATS). The Friars are a mid-pace squad which is efficient at both ends of the floor and works with monster edges in free-throw frequency. Through 22 games, Providence has attempted 179 more free throws than its opponents.
The Musketeers are 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games against' Providence. That stretch includes an overtime game and 3 other games decided by 2 scores or less.