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Big East Basketball: Xavier vs. Providence preview, prediction, TV schedule

By Taylor Sturm

Jan 26, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Trevon Bluiett (5) reacts after scoring against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the first half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Trevon Bluiett (5) reacts after scoring against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the first half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Coming off of their biggest win of the season, the Providence Friars will face off with the Xavier Musketeers on Wednesday night.

TV Schedule: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

Arena: Dunkin Donuts Center, Providence, RI

The Xavier Musketeers are coming off of yet another disappointing performance against the No. 2 Villanova Wildcats, but should be confident in their chances at making the 2017 NCAA Tournament. Four of their remaining games are on the road and they still face the currently ranked Butler Bulldogs at home. A win on the road at Providence, who have a top 70 RPI despite their record, would look extremely promising to the selection committee.

Providence, on the other hand, understand that they are not that far away from the NCAA Tournament bubble despite a disappointing season. A tough win over Butler followed by a win over Xavier could put this team in position to win three of their last four and make the 2017 NCAA Tournament. This could be the Friars’ most important game of the year.

Xavier must be on full alert against Providence, because this Friars’ team is not a lightweight as their conference record might suggest. Four of their eight conference losses came by three possessions or less, and they have only lost two home games this season by double digits – both of which were to ranked opposition.

However, I think Xavier bounces back strongly from their blowout at the hands of Villanova. This is a clear top 25 team that was on a five game winning streak before their showdown with the No. 2 team in the country, and we can expect a strong finish to the regular season.

Prediction: Xavier 76, Providence 66

Next: Updated Big East Tournament seeding

Is the Big East the best all-around conference in college basketball? You could make an argument that every team except DePaul has a chance to make the Big Dance.

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