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Big East Basketball: Villanova versus Xavier game preview, prediction, TV schedule

By Taylor Sturm

Feb 7, 2017; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after scoring a basket against the Georgetown Hoyas during the second half at The Pavilion. Villanova defeated Georgetown 75-64. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2017; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after scoring a basket against the Georgetown Hoyas during the second half at The Pavilion. Villanova defeated Georgetown 75-64. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Big East basketball conference could be at stake on Saturday afternoon, as Villanova and Xavier face-off just 1.5 games apart in the race for the conference regular season title.

TV Schedule: Saturday, Feb. 11, 2:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

Arena: Cintas Center

Prediction: Villanova 74, Xavier 68

The two top teams in the Big East face off on Saturday afternoon, as the Villanova Wildcats travel to face the Xavier Musketeers. Both teams are likely locks for the 2017 NCAA Tournament already, but we should see a hard fought, tournament-style game in which both teams are fighting for far more than bragging rights – Villanova sits atop the Big East standings and is a mere 1.5 games ahead of Xavier.

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Ranked No. 2 in the country behind only the undefeated Gonzaga Bulldogs, Villanova continues to roll during the 2016-17 season, as Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins have been dominating opponents all season long. Both of their losses have come on the road within Big East play, and they could easily head into the 2017 NCAA Tournament as the favorites with a strong close to the season.

Xavier was blown out at the hands of Villanova in January by a final score of 79-54. The loss sent the Musketeers on a losing streak that saw them drop three of their next four games. However, the streak should be taken with a grain of salt, as they were all to ranked Big East opposition in the Butler Bulldogs, Cincinnati Bearcats, and Creighton Bluejays. Xavier has since gone 4-0.

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While the Musketeers face an uphill task in upsetting the No. 2 ranked Wildcats, both Butler and the Marquette Golden Eagles showed that Villanova is definitely vulnerable on the road. However, I think Villanova is the most all-around solid team in college basketball, and they will scrounge out a tough win on the road against an extremely talented Xavier squad.

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