Xavier Musketeers (2-0) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (2-0)
As the NCAA Men’s Basketball season moves forward, two undefeated teams Xavier Musketeers with an undefeated 2-0 record and Purdue Boilermakers both sporting unblemished records are scheduled to meet each other for an intense clash at Mackey Arena aired live on FS1. Fans and bettors looking for free NCAAB picks today will find this contest particularly captivating considering both sides’ impressive starts to their respective seasons.
The Musketeers have shown resilience and skill, yet Purdue offers them a formidable challenge. On their side are Boilermakers that combine offense and defense so well, creating the conditions for an epic college basketball battle. Xavier has made significant strides toward success on this journey. Averaging 78 points per game on offense with an impressive field goal percentage of 47.9%. At 27.5% 3-point shooting accuracy, Xavier may need to improve on their 3-point shooting percentage; however, their ability to draw fouls and capitalize on free throw opportunities (72.1% free throw percentage) has been an advantage. Defensively they have also excelled on the boards with 39 rebounds per game average – something which could prove instrumental against Purdue’s potent offense.
Purdue’s offense has been nothing short of astounding in their first two games, scoring 92.5 points on average with an impressive field goal percentage of 54.7% and 46.2% from beyond the arc. Furthermore, their shooting efficiency stands out with an eye-popping field goal percentage of 54.7% overall and 46.2% from beyond the arc. Their defensive play cannot be ignored either; with 8 blocks and 7 steals per game showing how effectively they disrupt opposing offenses while their rebounding (36.5 defensive rebounds per game) should help limit second chance opportunities given back by Xavier.
Xavier Musketeers vs. Purdue Boilermakers Game Info
| When: | Monday, November 13, 2023 at 8:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Mackey Arena |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Desmond Claude (Guard) vs. Braden Smith (Guard)
Desmond Claude has been one of the stars for Xavier so far this season. After just two games, he averaged 18.5 points with 50% shooting accuracy while shooting 27.3% from 3-point range and turning over two times per game – while his overall performance including an 80% free-throw shooting percentage made him an invaluable piece for their win against Purdue’s defense.
Braden Smith of Purdue has made himself known in many different ways. Averaging 11.5 points, 6 rebounds and an incredible 9 assists per game he has become an indispensable component for Boilermakers basketball. With 47.1% shooting from the field and 55.6% from 3-point range – as well as two steals per game on defense – he presents both offensive and defensive threats for Boilermakers’ opponents.
When these two guards square off against one another, it will be an epic matchup pitting Claude’s scoring ability against Smith’s all-around game. Claude must remain efficient with his ball usage while Smith will look to take advantage of any defensive gaps to continue making plays effectively.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: Purdue Boilermakers -1700, Total Odds: 151.5
Betting odds favor Purdue Boilermakers due to their strong start and home court advantage, however the spread between Purdue (-14.5) and Xavier (+14) indicates an unpredictable contest could ensue.
Xavier Musketeers Betting Trends
Xavier has displayed inconsistent betting trends. While their performance against the spread (ATS) has been less consistent, coming in at just 3-6 in their last 9 games. Of particular note is their strong record against Purdue of going 5-0 SU in their five encounters while 4-1 against them against betting lines over that same span – something which could play into this matchup psychologically.
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Trends
Purdue’s betting trends have been somewhat inconsistent, particularly on the totals side (where they have gone 4-8 in their last 12 games). However, their overall success indicates a different picture – 7-1 SU over their last 8 games and an incredible 9-1 mark at home indicates formidable competition on home court. Furthermore, November games (5-1 ATS in 6), Monday games where their total went UNDER in 5 out of the last 7 times) offer interesting angles for bettors to consider when betting against Purdue.
Xavier Musketeers vs. Purdue Boilermakers 11/13/2023 Betting Picks
Given the analysis and betting trends, this game should be closely contested. Given Xavier’s rich history against Purdue as well as their recent form, both sides will provide interesting contrast. Key will be how well Xavier can defend Purdue’s offensive firepower while Purdue maintains their defensive intensity throughout.
Betting picks for this game suggest Purdue as the safer pick, but Xavier provides value with their history against Purdue and ability to keep games close. While the total of 151.5 is challenging, given both teams’ offensive capabilities it might be worthwhile taking a chance on over in terms of total points scored; bettors should still remain mindful of defensive strengths on both teams before making their wager. For best sportsbook enthusiasts seeking exciting NCAA basketball betting action with multiple angles and outcomes to consider – I predict Purdue winning but keeping it closer than expected with my prediction leaning towards Purdue winning but keeping it closer than suggested by its spread.
Free Pick and Prediction: Purdue Boilermakers 80, Xavier Musketeers 70.
