Game:    (755) Missouri Tigers (2-0) vs (756) Xavier Musketeers (2-0)
Time:      Tues. 11/12 7:00 PM EST at Cintas Center
Spread:  Xavier -5.5  ML: -250/+210 Total: 136  at 5Dimes
Tools:     Public Consensus | View Matchups | Bet This Game

The Missouri Tigers visit the Xavier Musketeers on Tuesday in an SEC/BIG East matchup. Both teams are unbeaten through two games.   This will be the first significant test of the season for the 21st-ranked Musketeers and the Tigers after each posted two non-conference victories last week. Missouri’s 71-56 victory last year snapped a four-game skid to Xavier. The Musketeers lead the all-time series 5-3. 

Missouri beat Incarnate Word and Northern Kentucky with their intense defense which is ranked 12th in the nation and holding opponents to only 49 PPG. The Tigers defense is holding their opponents to 35.2% shooting from the field, which ranks 35th in the nation, and just 24.4% from three. They are also keeping opponents off the offensive glass and averaging 16 turnovers a game.

Missouri’s 6-10 forward Jeremiah Tilmon is making an impact on both ends of the court. Tilmon leads the way for the Tigers with 14.5 points, on 12 of 15 shooting, along with 6 rebounds and 3.5 blocks. Xavier Pinson (11.5 points, three rebounds, 5.5 assists). Missouri is averaging 76.5 points on 44.9% shooting from the field and 26% from beyond the arc, as well as, 73.9% from the FT line. The Tigers are averaging 10.5 offensive rebounds, 15 assists, and 13 turnovers.

Xavier has taken care of its business so far as they have defeated Jacksonville and Siena. Naji Marshall (20 points, seven assists) and Tyrique Jones (20 points, 8 rebounds) combined for 40 points on 15-30 shooting to lead Xavier to an 81-63 over Siena on Friday. Xavier shot 42.9% from the field along with 31.6% (six of 19) from the 3-point line and held Siena to 37.5% shooting from the field and just 21.1% from long distance.

Jones and Marshall lead the way for the Musketeers through two games as both are averaging 18.5 points. Jones, who has made 15 of 20 shots this year, leads the squad with 8.5 rebounds a game while Marshall tops the team with 5.5 assists and is second on the team with 7.5 rebounds. Paul Scruggs is the only other player in double-figures producing 12. Xavier is averaging 78.5 points on 45.5% shooting from the field, although the Musketeers are just shooting 23.8% from beyond the arc. The Musketeers are only allowing 60 points a game as they are holding their opponents to 39.3% shooting from the field and 22.5% from the 3-point line, which ranks 39th in the league. They are allowing seven offensive rebounds while forcing 15.5 turnovers.

Xavier coach Travis Steele played down the revenge factor but acknowledged that the 2018 loss at Missouri was a beatdown for the Musketeers, who shot poorly, had 17 turnovers, were outrebounded and trailed by as many as 19 points. Tilmon had his way against Xavier, putting up a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds along with three blocks. Tigers’ Jones, also struggled with turnovers and fouls in the meeting last year and he will have a hard time with Tilmon. Xavier shoots 23.8 percent from 3-point range while the Missouri Tigers shoot 26 percent.

There is some concern that Scruggs who missed the Musketeers’ last game with a knee injury may have to sit out Tuesday’s contest as well. If Scruggs is indeed unable to go, it will be a difference-maker. Xavier also has Ramsey and Tandy out with injuries. If Scruggs doesn’t play Xavier will have a hard time in this game but regardless you can count on this being a defensive battle from both teams.

• Missouri is 5-2 ATS their last 7 games
• Missouri is 4-1-1 ATS their last 6 games against Xavier
• Missouri is 4-1 ATS their last 5 games against Big East opponents