As college basketball heats up, the Xavier Musketeers are set to face off against the Georgetown Hoyas in a Big East showdown scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. This matchup comes at a time when numerous top teams are in action, drawing fan interest throughout the day.
Currently, Georgetown enters the contest as a 4.5-point favorite according to DraftKings Sportsbook, with odds of +170 for an outright win. The game total is projected at 152.5 points.
The Xavier Musketeers have started the season with an 8-4 record, marking this as their second conference matchup. Their losses include close contests against teams like Santa Clara and Iowa, with notable success against rivals such as Cincinnati. Despite their overall positive start, Xavier has not fared as well against the spread, sitting at 5-7. The team has struggled defensively, allowing opponents to score an average of 73.7 points per game, positioning them 202nd in the nation. Offensively, they rank 206th, averaging 76.6 points and struggling with rebounding and field-goal percentages.
Leading the charge for Xavier is Tre Carroll, who averages 16.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, along with contributions from teammates Roddie Anderson III and Jovan Milicevic, both of whom also average double figures.
On the other hand, the Georgetown Hoyas have started strong with an 8-3 record and a win in their first Big East game against Marquette. They suffered defeats against strong teams, including North Carolina and Miami. Georgetown averages 78.2 points per game, ranking slightly better overall at 162nd, but similar struggles persist with field-goal efficiency and defense, sitting 198th in points allowed.
Malik Mack leads Georgetown with 14.6 points per game, while KJ Lewis stands out defensively with 2.3 steals per game alongside a solid offensive output. However, the team will be without Vincent Iwuchukwu, who is sidelined for several weeks after a medical procedure.
Both teams enter this contest with notable weaknesses, particularly in perimeter shooting and defensive consistency. Georgetown, however, is seeking to build on its recent successes and is expected to utilize a physical style of play against a Xavier team that has recently faced difficulties, notably after a tough loss to Creighton.
With Georgetown’s strong home record—having won 16 of their last 17 games at Capital One Arena—there is confidence in the Hoyas’ ability to not only win but cover the spread. Xavier’s previous struggles, combined with Georgetown’s determination, suggest an intriguing matchup where Georgetown may ultimately emerge victorious. Bettors should anticipate a competitive game, but lean towards Georgetown’s edge, while also noting the potential for a lower-scoring affair given both teams’ ongoing challenges.