The TCU men’s basketball team gets set to take on the Xavier Musketeers in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday, December 5th, 2024.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. central. Neither team is ranked.
The Horned Frogs (4-3) have lost three of their last four games, with all three losss coming away from home — at Michigan and at a classic in California during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Xavier (7-1) won its first six games of the year, including a victory over South Carolina last week. But, like TCU, the Musketeers fell to Michigan for their first loss of the season. Xavier is also getting ready for a three-game run in which it will also face Cincinnati in their rivalry game, with a contest against Morgan State in between.
How to Watch TCU vs. Xavier
Date: Thursday, December 5th, 2024
Time: 7 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN+
TCU vs. Xavier Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: TCU -1
Current Line: TCU 1-
Over/Under: 144
TCU vs. Xavier Predictions
The Horned Frogs are basically a brand-new team this year, and they’ve had some struggles. Their offense is balanced, with five players averaging at least eight points per game, led by guard Frankie Collins (11.3 ppg). Center Ernest Udeh (7.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg) has taken a step up this season and is playing more like the impact center coach Jamie Dixon thought he would be last year.
Xavier has been a blowout machine this season, but its most recent win over South Carolina State was only by three points. Guard Ryan Conwell averages 16.5 points and forward Zach Freemantle averages 15.6 points and 7.8 rebounds. Guard Dayvion McKnight adds 11.4 points and a team-high 4.5 assists.
There are no reported injuries for either team going into the game. Expect a fast-paced affair, especially from TCU’s side. Xavier shoots nearly 10% better from the 3-point line than TCU and will likely be the difference.
Xavier 75, TCU 69
ESPN Matchup Predictor: TCU (67.7% Chance of Winning)
Odds Shark Preview and Odds: TBA
CBS/SportsLine: TBA
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
