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Connecticut vs. Xavier Prediction and Odds (Bet Huskies on the Road)

By Reed Wallach

Feb 8, 2022; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Tyrese Martin (4) reacts after a three point shot
Feb 8, 2022; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Tyrese Martin (4) reacts after a three point shot / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
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The Connecticut Huskies travel to Xavier in the lone high major game of the Friday night college basketball. The two Big East teams are a bit up-and-down on the season, but is the book out on Xavier? The team has dropped four of their last six, including a pair at home.

Meanwhile, UConn has had some issues in conference play, dropping a pair of games last week to Creighton and Villanova, but they did get back on track by beating a Big East contender in Marquette by 8 at home.

This is a tight line and being lined as essentially a coin flip? Let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook and find the best bet.

Connecticut vs. Xavier Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Connecticut: +1 (-115)
  • Xavier: -1 (-105)

Moneyline:

  • Connecticut: -105
  • Xavier: -115

Total: 139 (Over -110/Under -110)

Connecticut vs. Xavier Prediction and Pick

Xavier's slide continued over the last week, dropping a home game to lowly DePaul and Seton Hall, albeit by a combined 6 points.

Two key stats for me revolve around Xavier's interior: defensive rebounding percentage and two-point defense. The team has the best in the Big East in DREB%, but we saw them struggle with an oversized frontcourt in Seton Hall last time out. The Pirates grabbed 17 offensive rebounds and had the game in hand for the most part. Poor free throw shooting from SHU (14-of-23) kept Xavier in the game, so I think Wednesday's final score is a bit misleading.

Meanwhile, the Huskies profile similar to the aforementioned Pirates with big man Adama Sanogo on the block. The team has the second best offensive rebounding percentage in the country and can generate a ton of second chances again.

Further, X's two-point defense is trending downward, allowing opponents to post a near 52% two point percentage in conference play, down from what was below 45% in non conference play. Again, this is a physical, lanky UConn that I can see dominating on the inside and grabbing a road victory.

I make the Huskies more than 2-point favorites given the two team's recent form and think the Huskies grab a big road victory.

PICK: UCONN ML -105

All of Reed's college basketball plays can be tracked here, his best bets column for college basketball is 57-46-3 for +8.7 units.

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