Xavier Musketeers vs UConn Huskies Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 12 2026
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The Xavier Musketeers and UConn Huskies meet in the Big East Tournament Quarterfinal on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET with television coverage on FS1. UConn enters the matchup as a -14.5 favorite, while Xavier is listed at +14.5, and the total for the game is 152.5 according to DraftKings. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily predictions and betting insights.
Musketeers Escape Opening Round in High-Scoring Battle
The Xavier Musketeers enter this matchup with a 15-17 overall record and a 6-14 mark in Big East play this season. Xavier advanced to the Big East Tournament quarterfinals after defeating Marquette 89-87 in the opening round. Over their last five games, the Musketeers have recently won over Marquette and Georgetown, while also recently losing to Villanova, Seton Hall, and Providence.
Xavier averages 78.4 points per game while allowing 80.3 points per game this season. The Musketeers shoot 44% from the field, collect 34.5 rebounds per game, and average 17.7 assists per contest. Defensively, Xavier contributes 4.0 blocks and 6.5 steals per game, but they have struggled at times on the defensive end throughout the season.
In their opening-round win over Marquette, Jovan Milicevic led the Musketeers with 21 points, helping spark the offense in a tight contest. Tre Carroll led the team with 9 rebounds, providing key work on the glass. Xavier shot an impressive 52% from the field and 88% from the free throw line, demonstrating strong offensive efficiency. However, the Musketeers now face a short turnaround as they prepare to take on a rested and highly ranked UConn squad.
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Huskies Look to Rebound After Late-Season Loss
The UConn Huskies enter the Big East Tournament quarterfinal with a 27-4 overall record and a 17-3 mark in Big East play, earning a bye into this round. Over their last five games, UConn has recently won over Seton Hall, St. John’s, and Villanova, while also recently losing to Marquette and Creighton.
UConn averages 78.2 points per game while allowing just 65.3 points per game this season. The Huskies shoot 48% from the field, collect 36.5 rebounds per game, and average 18.5 assists per contest. Defensively, UConn contributes 5.4 blocks and 7.0 steals per game, combining strong interior defense with active perimeter pressure.
In their most recent game, UConn fell to Marquette 68-62 despite strong individual performances. Silas Demary Jr. led the Huskies with 17 points and also dished out 8 assists, while Tarris Reed Jr. controlled the boards with 10 rebounds. UConn dominated the rebounding battle 40-25, but struggled shooting from the field at just 36% and made only 3 three-pointers. With the extra rest and one of the top defenses in the Big East, the Huskies will look to bounce back with a stronger shooting performance.
Xavier Musketeers vs UConn Huskies Pick
Xavier Musketeers vs UConn Huskies Spread Pick
- Pick: UConn Huskies -14.5
UConn enters this matchup with a significant defensive advantage and the benefit of extra rest after receiving a first-round bye. Xavier had to battle through a close game just to advance and now faces one of the top defensive teams in the Big East. With UConn’s ability to control the boards and slow opposing offenses, the Huskies should be able to gradually build a comfortable lead.
Xavier Musketeers vs UConn Huskies Total Pick
- Pick: Under 152.5
I like the under in this matchup because UConn consistently plays strong defense and allows just over 65 points per game. While Xavier showed offensive efficiency in its first tournament game, the Huskies are far stronger defensively than Marquette. If UConn controls the pace and forces tougher shots, this total could stay under the number.
Final Score Prediction: UConn 79, Xavier 63
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