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A Big East battle has the No. 17 Providence Friars (17-5) matching up against the No. 16 Xavier Musketeers (17-5) on Wednesday evening. This is the first showdown of the season as both teams are currently tied for first in the Big East. Providence leads the all-time series 10-9, including a three-game win streak. The Friars beat the Musketeers 99-92 in a triple overtime bout on Feb. 23, 2022.

Tip-off from Cintas Center in Cincinnati is set for 6:30 p.m. ET. The Musketeers are 4-point favorites in the latest Providence vs. Xavier odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 153.5. Before locking in any Xavier vs. Providence picks, be sure to see the college basketball predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. The model enters Week 13 of the season 50-29 on all-top rated college basketball picks, returning more than $1,200 for $100 players. Anybody who has followed it has seen huge returns. 

Now, the model has set its sights on Providence vs. Xavier and just locked in its picks and CBB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several college basketball odds and betting lines for Xavier vs. Providence:

  • Providence vs. Xavier spread: Musketeers -4
  • Providence vs. Xavier over/under: 153.5 points 
  • Providence vs. Xavier money line: Musketeers -180, Friars +152
  • PROV: The Friars are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games
  • XAV: The Musketeers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning straight-up record
  • Providence vs. Xavier picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why Providence can cover

Sophomore forward Bryce Hopkins has a massive frame with good strength. Hopkins plays above the rim and is a superb rebounder. The Illinois native is fourth in the Big East in points (16.4) and second in rebounds (9.1). He's logged eight double-doubles thus far this season. On Jan. 21, Hopkins finished 20 points and 11 boards.

Senior forward Ed Croswell is an athletic scoring player in the frontcourt. Croswell has the instincts and awareness to consistently snag offensive boards to create second-chance opportunities. The Pennsylvania native logs 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and shoots 61% from the field. On Jan. 18, Croswell notched 20 points and seven rebounds.

Why Xavier can cover

Senior forward Zach Freemantle is a skilled big man that can knock down jumpers from multiple spots on the floor. Freemantle has been a solid rebounder and pulls down boards on a regular basis. The New Jersey native is fourth in the Big East in rebounds (8.1) to go with 15.2 points per game. On Jan. 21, Freemantle recorded 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.

Junior guard Colby Jones passes the ball well and finishes at the rim with ease. Jones attacks the mid-range to score or dump it off to a teammate. The Alabama native is versatile due to his awareness to play multiple positions. Jones is putting up 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. He has dropped at least 20 points in two of his last three contests. 

How to make Xavier vs. Providence picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the total, projecting 151 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations. You can only see the model's picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Providence vs. Xavier? And which side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its college basketball picks, and find out.