Chris Mack and his Xavier Musketeers are in for quite a game on Friday, as they take on the Panthers of Northern Iowa in a true road game. The 9th ranked Xavier Musketeers are 11-1 on the season, with their lone loss coming to the Sun Devils of Arizona State. Xavier is coming off a win over Marshall, which was their sixth straight overall.
The Northern Iowa Panthers are 8-3 on the season, and have won all 6 of their home games. The Panthers losses this season have come to North Carolina, Villanova and Iowa State. The loss to Iowa State was their most recent game, where they dropped 76-65. The Xavier Muskeeters are -4 over the Northern Iowa Panthers in a NCAA Basketball battle on Friday night.
Panthers Seeing Home Upset
The Northern Iowa Panthers are probably the favorite to win the Missouri Valley Conference, but it’s going to be an interesting race without Wichita State dominating the top. The Panthers are winning with their defense. Northern Iowa is allowing just 59 points per game, and half of their most recent 8 wins, they allowed 50 or less.
The Panthers scoring sees Bennett Koch as their leading scorer. He is one of three guys scoring double digits per game, with Juwan McLoud and Klint Carlson combining for more than 20 per game as well. Northern Iowa will start their 2017 – 2018 Missouri Valley Conference play on December 28th at home against the Salukis of Southern Illinois.
Musketeers Preparing for Tough Big East
Chris Mack and his Xavier Musketeers are looking to win their 7th straight game. The Musketeers have notable wins over Wisconsin, Baylor and Cincinnati on the season. The Musketeers are one of three taems out of the Big East Conference that have just one loss or less. Villanova remains unbeaten.
The Musketeers are led in scoring by Trevon Bluiett. The guard is scoring more than 20 per game. J.P. Macura is the only other Xavier offensive threat that is scoring double digits per game, with 11.9 per game. The Musketeers will open their 2017 – 2018 Big East play on December 27th on the road at Marquette.
Great Game Ends with Road Win
This should be an excellent basketball game. Both of these teams are super fundamental and take care of the basketball. Both teams pride themselves on the ability to guard. Xavier will see a tough test as they go on the road. Look for a well played game that could come down to the final possessions.
In what will be one of the better non conference games of the College Basketball season, look for the Musketeers to hang on at home. The point spread is 4 points, and with a couple late free throws, Xavier is going to get the job done. Bet on the Xavier Musketeers -4 over the Northern Iowa Panthers in NCAA Basketball action.
