Houston Cougars vs. Xavier Musketeers 12/1/23 NCAAB Forecast, Predictions and Tips

Houston Cougars vs. Xavier Musketeers 12/1/23 – The undefeated Houston Cougars (7-0) will put their perfect record on the line when they face the Xavier Musketeers (4-3) on the road this Friday. Our NCAAB prediction sees this as a tough matchup for both sides. The Cougars, with their perfect start to the season, are looking to continue their dominance, while the Musketeers aim to upset the odds and add a high-profile win to their record.

Team	SP/RL	TOTAL	ML
Cougars	-7 -110	o138.5 -110	-375
Musketeers	+7 -110	u138.5 -110	+300

PREVIEW – Coogs ready for Big East-@Big12Conference Battle inside Cintas Center on Friday night

WATCH on @FS1, LISTEN on @KPRCradio 950 AM & @varsity network app#ForTheCity x #GoCoogs https://t.co/wsbiWROLoh

— Houston Men's Hoops 🏀 🐾 (@UHCougarMBK) November 30, 2023

LJ Cryer (Guard) vs Desmond Claude (Guard)

LJ Cryer has been lighting it up for the Cougars this season. The sophomore guard is averaging 17 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting efficiently from the field (42.4%) and from three (37.9%). His scoring punch has been vital for this Houston team. However, at just 6’1”, Cryer can struggle on defense, especially against bigger guards.

Desmond Claude has emerged as Xavier’s top scorer, putting up 16.7 points to go along with 3.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. The senior hits close to 49% of his shots but is only making 23.8% of this threes this season. Claude’s ability to create offense for himself and others makes him difficult to stop. Though at 6’5”, he may have trouble matching up with Houston’s quick guards.

This matchup pits two of the best backcourt scorers in the country against one another. With both guards excelling at putting the ball in the basket, whoever can get stops on the other end could swing the game in their team’s favor.

Houston Cougars: Analyzing the Stats

Houston comes into this game with one of the most efficient offenses in the nation, averaging over 76 points while shooting 45% from the field. They move the ball well (14 APG) and excel in transition. However, Xavier has defended well this season, holding opponents under 39% shooting. Slowing down this Houston attack won’t be easy.

Xavier Musketeers: A Closer Look

Despite their mediocre record, Xavier has defended at a high level, allowing just 64 points per contest. They clean up the defensive glass well (29.1 DRPG) and don’t give up many second chance opportunities. However, Houston has overwhelmed opponents this season no matter the pace or style. Xavier must slow this game down to have a chance.

NCAAB Betting Odds: Houston Cougars ML, Over/Under –

As the betting odds are yet to be released, this game presents an interesting scenario. The over/under will be a key bet, especially considering the offensive capabilities of both teams and their recent trends.

Trends

Houston Cougars Betting Trends

Houston are 5-0 in their last 5 games.
Cougars are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
Houston are 1-1 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Houston’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 0 of Houston’ 5 last games at home

Xavier Musketeers Betting Trends

Xavier are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Musketeers are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
Xavier are 2-1 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Xavier’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Xavier’ 4 last games at home