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The Butler Bulldogs (12-13) are hosting the No. 13 Xavier Musketeers (19-5) in a Big East contest on Friday evening. Xavier sits in first place in the Big East standings. Meanwhile, Butler is in the eighth spot in the conference standings. Xavier leads the all-time series 17-11 over Butler. Butler won the last contest 89-82 in an overtime battle in March of 2022. 

Tipoff from Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is set for 7 p.m. ET. The Musketeers are 7-point favorites in the latest Xavier vs. Butler odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 145.5. Before making any Butler 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. The model enters Week 14 of the season 57-37 on all-top rated college basketball picks this season, returning more than $1,000 for $100 players. Anybody who has followed it has seen huge returns.

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

  • Xavier vs. Butler spread: Musketeers -7
  • Xavier vs. Butler over/under: 145.5 points
  • Xavier vs. Butler money line: Musketeers -320, Bulldogs +250
  • XAV: Musketeers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight Friday games
  • BUT: Bulldogs are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a winning road record
  • Xavier vs. Butler picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why Xavier can cover

Senior forward Jack Nunge has been a bruising and physical force down low. Nunge continues to score in the low post while being an active presence on the glass. The Indiana native ranks fifth in the Big East in rebounds (7.9) along with 14.8 points per contest. Additionally, he's recorded seven double-doubles on the season. On Feb. 1, Nunge had 23 points and 14 rebounds.

Senior guard Adam Kunkel is another scoring option in the backcourt. Kunkel is relentless when driving down the lane and can absorb contact at the basket. He also has a smooth jumper from the perimeter. The Kentucky native logs 10 points, three assists and is shooting 39% from beyond the arc. On Jan. 28, Kunkel had 13 points and seven boards. 

Why Butler can cover 

Sophomore guard Jayden Taylor plays with a good pace and has solid ball handles to get past defenders. Taylor attacks the defense from the mid-range and in the lane. The Indiana native averages 12.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Additionally, he's shooting 34% from downtown. Taylor has dropped 19 points in back-to-back games.

Senior center Manny Bates is an outstanding rim protector and has great instincts. Bates has superb length to contest shots and snag boards. The North Carolina native leads the team in rebounds (5.6) and blocks (1.9) with 11.6 points per contest. He's recorded at least three blocks in 10 games. Bates notched 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks in his last contest. 

How to make Butler vs. Xavier picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 147 combined points. It has also generated an against-the-spread pick that cashes in well over 50% of simulations. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine. 

So who wins Xavier vs. Butler? And which side of the spread cashes in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that has returned more than $1,000 on its college basketball picks this season, and find out.