First Four March Madness: Xavier vs Texas Odds, Picks & Must-See Predictions for NCAA Tournament
In the First Four matchup, #11 Xavier (21-11) faces #11 Texas (19-15) as 2.5-point favorites. Tip-off is set for 9:10pm ET at UD Arena in Dayton, with broadcast coverage on TruTV.
Player slam dunks basketball in game
Key Betting Information:
- Xavier is favored by 2.5 points (-166 moneyline)
- Total set at 151.5 points
- Public betting: 55% backing Texas (+140) to upset
- Xavier is 18-0 this season as betting favorites
- Texas is 5-7 as underdogs
- Over has hit in 10 of Texas' last 13 games
Head-to-Head History:
- Texas leads 2-0 all-time
- 2023: Texas won 83-71 (Sweet 16)
- 2019: Texas won 78-76 (NIT, OT)
Key Players:
- Xavier: Zach Freemantle averages 17.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG
- Texas: Tre Johnson leads with 19.8 PPG, followed by Arthur Kaluma (12.4 PPG)
Recent Form:
- Xavier: Won 7 of last 8 games
- Texas: 4-6 in last 10 games
Prediction: Texas +2.5 (+100)
- Teams are evenly matched
- Texas stronger offensively, Xavier better defensively
- Texas battle-tested after three SEC Tournament games
- Value lies with Texas covering the spread rather than ML upset
Public Betting Splits (as of 5:33 pm ET):
- 55% of ML and ATS handle on Texas
- 74% of totals handle on Over 151.5
Both teams face long odds to advance far in the tournament, but this First Four matchup promises to be competitive given their recent performances and statistical profiles.