Texas vs. Xavier prediction, odds, start time: 2023 NCAA Tournament picks, Sweet 16 best bets by proven model
A Sweet 16 contest in the Midwest Region of the 2023 NCAA Tournament features the No. 3 seed Xavier Musketeers and the No. 2 seed Texas Longhorns colliding on Friday night. This is the first matchup between these schools since 2019. Texas topped Xavier 78-76 in an overtime tilt in the NIT in the last meeting between these teams. The Musketeers are 25-8-2 ATS in their last 35 NCAA Tournament games. Texas is 6-0-1 ATS in its last seven games overall.
Tipoff from T-Mobile Center in Kansas City is set for 9:45 p.m. ET on CBS. The Longhorns are 4.5-point favorites in the latest Xavier vs. Texas odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 148.5. Before locking in any Texas vs. Xavier picks, be sure to see the college basketball predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. The model enters the Sweet 16 round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament 83-54 on all-top rated college basketball picks this season, returning more than $1,500 for $100 players. It also went 4-1 on top-rated picks during the first week of March Madness. Anybody who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Texas vs. Xavier and revealed its coveted picks and predictions for the NCAA Tournament 2023. You can head to SportsLine to see the picks. Here are several college basketball odds and trends for Xavier vs. Texas:
- Xavier vs. Texas spread: Longhorns -4.5
- Xavier vs. Texas over/under: 148.5 points
- Xavier vs. Texas money line: Longhorns -190, Musketeers +158
- TEX: The Longhorns are 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven games overall
- XAV: The Musketeers are 25-8-2 ATS in their last 35 NCAA Tournament games
- Xavier vs. Texas picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Xavier can cover
Junior Colby Jones is a skilled combo guard who impacts the game in many different ways. Jones owns a secure mid-range jumper while being a high-IQ facilitator. The Alabama native averages 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. In the second-round victory over Pittsburgh, Jones had 10 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists.
Senior guard Adam Kunkel uses his smooth jump shot to be an asset on the outside. Kunkel constantly moves without the ball and excels as a spot-up option. The Kentucky native averages 10.6 points and 3.1 assists while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. In Sunday's victory over Pittsburgh, Kunkel dropped 15 points, four rebounds and shot 5-of-8 from 3-point land.
Why Texas can cover
Senior guard Sir'Jabari Rice is an agile and quick playmaker in the backcourt. Rice has a smooth jumper and is able to take defenders off the dribble. The Texas native averages 12.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He has racked up at least 17 points in two of his last three games. On March 16 against Colgate, Rice had 23 points, six rebounds and shot 7-of-10 from downtown.
Senior forward Timmy Allen excels at attacking the lane and finishing around the rim. Allen has the ability to finish with either hand and be a secure rebounder. The Arizona native puts up 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest. In the last game versus Penn State, Allen totaled nine points, 12 rebounds and three assists.
How to make Xavier vs. Texas picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 151 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time. You can only see the model's pick at SportsLine.
