Xavier at Villanova

Tenth ranked Xavier is 15-2 but is a big dog here. You need great defense and guard play to hang with Villanova and the Musketeers have both. Xavier is on a 19-7 spread run, including 10-3 ATS on the road. The current Xavier team figures to have as good a shot as any to hang with Villanova. The Musketeers have been hailed by multiple opposing coaches as national title contenders after ticking off several boxes on their NCAA Tournament resume early this season and adding to it in recent weeks. Villanova is first  in the nation but its defense has not been sharp, ranking #117 at 69.8 points allowed per contest. They've given up 92 points per game over their last three contests. Xavier is 14-6 ATS against winning teams and this Top 10 showdown shapes up as a close one. Play Xavier.