Must-Watch Xavier vs Texas First Four March Madness Odds & Predictions for March 19
The #11 Xavier Musketeers (21-11) face the #11 Texas Longhorns (19-15) in a First Four matchup at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Xavier enters as a 2.5-point favorite (-166 ML) with the total set at 151.5.
Player slam dunks basketball in game
Key Betting Trends:
- Xavier is 18-0 as a betting favorite this season
- Texas is 5-7 as underdogs
- Xavier is 12-6 ATS when favored
- Over has hit in 10 of Texas' last 13 games
- Public backing Texas with 55% of ML and ATS bets
Head-to-Head History:
- Texas leads 2-0 all-time
- 2023: Texas won 83-71 (Sweet 16)
- 2019: Texas won 78-76 (NIT, OT)
Team Analysis:
- Xavier won 7 of last 8 games before losing to Marquette in Big East quarters
- Texas lost to Tennessee in SEC quarters but showed fight in tournament run
- Xavier's Zach Freemantle leads team (17.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG)
- Texas freshman Tre Johnson averaging 19.8 PPG
- Xavier stronger defensively, Texas better offensively
Prediction: Texas +2.5 (+100)
- Teams evenly matched with contrasting strengths
- Texas battle-tested after SEC Tournament run
- Line value with underdog getting points
- Xavier's perfect record as favorite due for regression
- First Four environment favors competitive game
The close matchup between conference tournament-tested teams suggests taking the points with Texas, though Xavier's consistency as a favorite makes the moneyline less appealing.