Vanderbilt Commodores vs Xavier Musketeers Point Spread Picks

It has been a struggle thus far for the Vanderbilt Commodores. This season wasn't expected to be easy after sending their three top players from a year ago to the NBA. Xavier is in a similar situation as they have started over, with all five of last year's starters having completed their eligibility. Vanderbilt has to rely on shortening games, and playing strong on the defensive end to get by this season. That became obvious after the first few games, and their last three have seen 106.3 total points scored. Xavier doesn't have the firepower either, and their last six games have seen them fail to get out of the 60s in all but one. Xavier is off to a better start at 6-1 on the season, but none of their last four wins have come by more than six points, and with Vanderbilt shortening the game here this pointspread becomes a tower to topple. Vanderbilt is also 9-1 ATS since last season on the road vs. great defensive teams (those averaging under 65 points per game). And, under head coach Kevin Stallings, the Commodores are 29-16 ATS after an upset loss. Vanderbilt has also seen each of their last three games produce just an average of 49.3 points in the first half as their deliberate style is limiting possessions. Play on Vanderbilt, and take the first half UNDER in this one.

Xavier is going to find out that Memorial Gym is a very difficult place to play a basketball game, especially when the Commodores have a good team. Vanderbilt comes into this one playing with revenge as they have never beaten the Musketeers in four prior meetings. John Jenkins has picked-up right where he left off a year ago, averaging over 20 points per game and has now gone for 10+ in 38 straight games for the Vanderbilt. Xavier has dominated Atlantic-10 play for several years running, but have not fared well in out-of-conference games of late, posting just a 2-9-1 ATS mark in their last 12. Vanderbilt has ridden the momentum after a big win as they are now 36-16 ATS following a win of 20 points or more. We have a home-court advantage here, so Vanderbilt is the pick.