Northern Iowa Panthers vs Xavier Musketeers Point Spread Picks

Xavier has placed itself among the elite programs in College basketball, and nothing they have done this season would suggest otherwise. The Musketeers are off to an 11-1 start, but their last win vs. Marshall came with a price in a very physical game. Xavier saw four players injured during the game, and some of their status is not certain tonight on the road vs. a very good Northern Iowa team that is off to an 8-3 start. The Panthers may now be the team to chase in the MVC with the departure of Wichita State to the AAC. This is a huge opportunity for a very good team to get a signature win on their home court. The Panthers have already recorded wins this season vs. UNLV, SMU, and NC State, and certainly have enough at home to make this one a very close game. Take the points on Northern Iowa.

The Xavier Musketeers have been a very steady program over the years, and this year tends to follow suit as they have reached a #11 ranking early in the season. They have reached the final round of the Puerto Rico Tip-off. Northern Iowa has been a classy and talented mid-major for many years, and their giant killer reputation is well earned. They already have taken down a pair of power-5 conference teams in Arizona State and Oklahoma, and surely can compete with Xavier here. The Musketeers certainly looked vulnerable slipping past Missouri and Clemson to get here, winning the two games by a combined seven points. Northern Iowa likes to control tempo and have turned their quality opponents over 56 times in three games, the difference maker. Make the play on Northern Iowa, on the moneyline.