Xavier Musketeers vs Providence Friars Picks and Predictions for Tuesday February 24 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 02/24/2026, 02:25 AM ET

Xavier travels to Providence to take on the Friars at Amica Mutual Pavilion (Providence, RI) on Tuesday at 7:30 PM, with the game airing on TNT. Providence is listed as a 5.5-point favorite, and the total is set at 171.5, while at the time of this writing the odds were not released for the moneyline. For more daily betting insight, make sure to check out our free college basketball picks.

Xavier Looking to Steady the Ship

Xavier enters this matchup at 13-14 overall with a 5-11 record in Big East play. A road record was not provided in the information available, but the Musketeers have been in several competitive games recently. In their last five outings, they as recently lost to Butler 80-75, lost to Villanova 92-89 OT, won over Marquette 96-88, lost to St. John’s 87-82 OT, and lost to UConn 92-60.

The Musketeers are averaging 78.1 points per game while allowing 79.1, and they are shooting 44% from the field. They grab 35.0 rebounds per contest and average 18.0 assists per game, a strong number that shows their willingness to move the ball and create scoring opportunities.

The challenge for Xavier has been defense. Allowing nearly 80 points per game and giving up multiple outings in the high 80s and 90s highlights inconsistency on that end. Even though they average 4.2 blocks and 6.6 steals per game, they have struggled to string together stops against high-scoring teams.

Subscribe Now

I authorize Picks And Parlays to send me promotional emails

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Terms & Conditions

Providence Thriving in High-Scoring Games

Providence comes into this contest at 12-15 overall with a 5-11 mark in Big East play. A home record was not included in the provided information, but the Friars have shown they can score in bunches. Over their last five games, they as recently won over DePaul 71-68, lost to St. John’s 79-69, lost to Hall 87-80, won over DePaul 90-72, and won over Butler 97-87 2OT.

Providence is averaging 86.8 points per game while allowing 84.7, and they are shooting 48% from the field. They collect 39.4 rebounds per game and average 14.8 assists per contest. The Friars have been involved in several games that push well into the 80s and 90s.

The key theme for Providence is pace and scoring volume. Averaging nearly 87 points per game with 48% shooting suggests they can dictate tempo offensively. However, allowing 84.7 per contest leaves them vulnerable if the offense cools off. Against a Xavier team that also averages over 78 points, this has the makings of another high-scoring battle.

Xavier vs Providence Pick

Xavier vs Providence spread pick

Pick: Providence -5.5

Providence’s offensive output gives them the edge in this matchup. Averaging 86.8 points per game compared to Xavier’s 78.1 is a significant gap, and the Friars’ 48% shooting suggests they can generate consistent offense. With both teams struggling defensively, the home side’s scoring ceiling makes them the stronger play laying the points.

Xavier vs Providence total pick

Pick: Over 171.5

I’m leaning over because both teams have shown a tendency to play in high-scoring games. Providence averages 86.8 points and allows 84.7, while Xavier averages 78.1 and allows 79.1. With both defenses giving up significant production and each offense capable of pushing into the 80s, this matchup has a clear path to surpassing the 170 mark.

Final Score Prediction: Providence 89, Xavier 82

Betting on College Basketball?

Join Picks and Parlays premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos