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USATSI

A Big East showdown gets underway when the No. 24 Connecticut Huskies (18-7) host the Xavier Musketeers (17-8) on Saturday afternoon. On Feb. 11, these team played and Xavier came out on top, defeating UConn 74-68. The Huskies are currently third in the Big East. Meanwhile, the Musketeers are ranked sixth. 

Tipoff is at noon ET from Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Caesars Sportsbook lists the Huskies at -7 in the latest Xavier vs. UConn odds. The over-under for total points is set at 140. Before finalizing any UConn vs. Xavier picks, be sure to check out the college basketball predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. Over the past five-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated an impressive profit of almost $2,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college basketball picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.

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

  • Xavier vs. UConn spread: UConn -7
  • Xavier vs. UConn over-under: 140 points
  • Xavier vs. UConn money line: Musketeers +250, Huskies -320
  • XAV: Musketeers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as underdogs
  • CONN: Over is 9-3 in Huskies' last 12 games as home favorites

Why UConn can cover 

UConn kept up its momentum on Wednesday. The Huskies defeated Seton Hall 70-65 and their top three players carried them to victory. Sophomore forward Adama Sanogo led the way for the Huskies and recorded a double-double. Sanogo had 20 points and 16 rebounds. Senior guard Tyrese Martin also finished with a double-double in the win. He had 16 points and 10 rebounds.

This was Martin's fifth straight game with at least 14 points. Grad student guard R.J. Cole added 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. UConn dominated the Pirates in the paint, outscoring them 40-24 down low. The top three scorers for the Huskies played extremely well and will look to lead UConn to its third straight win. 

Why Xavier can cover

Junior forward Jack Nunge is averaging 13.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Nunge has been a reliable offensive option for Xavier. He has logged six performances over 20 points, including three straight. In the last game against UConn, the Indiana native had a solid outing. Nunge finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and shot 6-for-11 from the floor.

Senior guard Paul Scruggs is an all-around player for Xavier. He is putting up 12.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Scruggs has scored at least 15 points in five of the last 10 games he's played in. One of his best games during that stretch came against Seton Hall. The Indiana native had 21 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. 

How to make Xavier vs. UConn picks

SportsLine's model is leaning over on the total, projecting 141 combined points. It also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine. 

So who wins UConn vs. Xavier? And which side of the spread has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that is up almost $2,000 on its college basketball picks the last five-plus years, and find out.