Villanova probably isn't as bad as its record now that Justin Moore is back, but I struggle to see the Wildcats winning in Cincinnati with the Musketeers chasing the Big East regular-season title. Xavier, 14-1 at Cintas Center, is shooting to extend its 11-game home winning streak. Freshman guard Desmond Claude, who missed the past two injured, is expected to play. Ditto Jerome Hunter, who turned his ankle in Saturday's win over DePaul. Hunter has recorded nine of his 10 double-figure scoring games in the last 15 games.

The loss of Zach Freemantle has forced Xavier to find a new form here in recent weeks, as the Musketeers try to keep pace in a chaotic battle for the Big East title without one of the team's top post players. Souley Boum, Jack Nunge and the rest of the team has stepped up as the team has gone 3-2 in his absence so far, with the two losses coming by a combined three points. What's stood out the most about Xavier's play has been buy-in on the defensive end, holding four straight opponents under 70 points. That defensive improvement, plus Villanova's preferred slower pace makes this is a great spot for the under.