CBB Picks: Can Xavier cover at home against Creighton Monday?

Creighton vs. Xavier Pick

It’s a huge Big East matchup today at 2PM ET when No. 15 Xavier hosts No. 8 Creighton. Which team has the edge?

According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Xavier is the favorite in today’s game, as the Musketeers are getting odds of -3.5 points against the Bluejays. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 156.5 points. Xavier has won two of the last three meetings in this series, but Creighton has covered the spread in five straight.

Bet on Creighton vs. Xavier

Creighton has won four straight coming into this afternoon’s game to move to 17-1 overall and 4-1 in the Big East. The Bluejays’ lone loss this season was to Villanova at home, 80-70. Creighton is also 12-4 against the spread this season, including 6-1 ATS on the road. The Jays are averaging 86.8 points per game on offense this season while giving up 68.2 points per contest defensively. Marcus Foster is leading this team with 18.2 points per game while Justin Patton is adding 14 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

Xavier has lost its last two games to fall to 13-4 on the year and 2-2 in the Big East. The two losses were on the road to Villanova and Butler, but the Musketeers couldn’t cover the spread in either instance. Xavier is now 9-7 against the spread on the season, but 6-2 against the spread at home. The Musketeers average 76.6 points per game on the season while giving up 68.2 points per game on defense. When at home, Xavier puts up 81 points per game on offense and allows just 62.1 points per contest on defense. Edmond Sumner is averaging 15.7 points and 4.6 assists this season, but he is dealing with a shoulder injury. He is probable to play, but isn’t likely 100 percent. Trevon Bluiett is the leading scorer with 16.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

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This should be a good game. Xavier returns home after a rough road trip to face a hot Creighton team. The Bluejays have to offense to win, but Xavier has been very good defensively at home and I think that will be the difference. Creighton will be limited in what they want to do while Xavier is desperate and playing at home. I like the Musketeers in today’s contest.

 

COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: XAVIER -3.5