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St. Joseph’s Hawks vs. Xavier Musketeers Gambling Prediction & CBB Preview

Hawks vs Musketeers A-10 Tourney Spread/Handicapping

If memory serves I think there was some buzz about the Hawks being a surprise team in the Atlantic 10 conference this season.

St. Joe’s Hawks (17-12) vs Xavier Musketeers (17-13)
Thursday March 14
Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY
6:30PM
Moneyline:  No ML currently listed at WagerWeb
Spread:  St. Joes -1
O/U:   122

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St. Joe’s

They finished just 8-8 in conference play, scaring some of the better teams, but never really breaking through.

If they have any designs on playing in the postseason they need to win this one and be impressive throughout the weekend.

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There isn’t much being expected of them now.

The Hawks beat Xavier in their one head to head matchup this season winning by 10.  The trio of Langston Galloway, Carl Jones and Halil Kanacevic each scored 15 points almost outscoring the Musketeers by themselves.

Forward Ronald Roberts add some muscle to their attack, he is averaging close to a double-double and is a reliable option as well.

This team probably should be better than its record indicates.

Essentially a pick’em game here but be weary because St. Joes only got 5 of its 17 victories away from home.  Talent wise it makes sense that they are the favourite but I am concerned because Xavier is the name you know.

This time of year experience usually is a factor so St. Joe’s seems like the smart play. [ad-6571516]

Xavier

For years Xavier was the program leading the A-10.  Now with a down year and the arrival of VCU and Butler, two ascending, media friendly programs, the Musketeers are an afterthought.  They finished 9-7 in the conference – good for a 6th place tie with UMass.  Definitely not the spot they are accustomed too.

If Chris Mack can get this team back to the NCAA tournament it will easily be his best coaching job yet.

With Tu Holloway graduated and Mark Lyons transferring to Arizona freshman guard Semaj Christon knew he would have the ball in his hands a lot.  He has made the most of his opportunities leading the team in points and assists.  Quite frankly there is no way this team would have done even as well as it did without him.

Forward Travis Taylor, a transfer from Monmouth is also enjoying the opportunity to show what he can do, averaging close to a double-double with 11 and 9.

Xavier has been kinder than expected to the betting public at 15-11-1 ATS this season, again I think coach Mack is doing a great job with this mostly inexperienced group.

They have transfers but none who played big roles in past success.

I think in a game like this you might have to bet against the team with the frosh point who might not be ready for his closeup.

Spread Pick:  St. Joe’s
O/U Pick:  Over
Score Prediction:  St. Joe’s 67 – Xavier 61

By The Wiesguy

The Wiesguy is a newcomer to the handicapping scene. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is always sweet on the underdogs and you can often find his thoughts, musings and picks at moneydogs.blogspot.com.