Xavier vs UConn Prediction 3/12/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Xavier vs UConn prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 12th at Madison Square Garden in New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Xavier Musketeers Betting Preview

The Xavier Musketeers are 15-17 (6-14) this season after they defeated Marquette by a score of 89-87 in their last game. Xavier was tied at 38 at halftime, but they managed to score 51 points in the second half to get the close win. The Musketeers shot 52% from the field, 35% on three pointers, and 88% on free throws in the game. Jovan Milicevic led Xavier with 21 points and three rebounds, while Tre Carroll added 18 points and nine rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Xavier lost to Villanova by a score of 91-78 and Seton Hall by a score of 77-68. The Musketeers have scored 78.4 points per game with 34.5 rebounds and 17.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 80.0 points against per game this season. Tre Carroll is averaging 18.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, while Jovan Milicevic is averaging 12.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game for the Musketeers. Xavier is shooting 44.3% from the field, 72.9% on free throws, and 36.7% on three pointers this season.

UConn Huskies Betting Preview

The UConn Huskies are 27-4 (17-3) this year after they lost to Marquette by a score of 68-62 in their last game. UConn led 35-33 at halftime, but they only scored 27 points in the second half in the loss. The Huskies shot 36% from the field, 13% on three pointers, and 94% on free throws in the game. Silas Demary Jr led UConn with 17 points and eight assists, while Tarris Reed Jr added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, UConn defeated Seton Hall by a score of 71-67 and St. John’s by a score of 72-40. The Huskies have scored 78.2 points per game with 36.5 rebounds and 18.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 65.3 points against per game this season. Solo Ball is averaging 13.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, while Tarris Reed Jr is averaging 13.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for the Huskies. UConn is shooting 48.4% from the field, 71.1% on free throws, and 35.7% on three pointers this season. 

Why the Connecticut Huskies will win

• Connecticut has won 14 of its last 15 March games as an AP-ranked team.
• Xavier has lost 12 of its last 13 games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
• Xavier has lost the first half in 15 of its last 16 games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Xavier Musketeers will win

• Connecticut has lost each of its last three games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team at neutral venues.

Total Points Facts

• Nine of Connecticut’s last 10 Conference Tournament games at Madison Square Garden have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
• Eight of Xavier’s last nine games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 155+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Connecticut ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for assists per game this season (18.5).
• Connecticut ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (10.6).
• Xavier ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio this season (1.77).
• Xavier ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (63.5).

Xavier vs UConn Prediction 

UConn comes into this matchup as a pretty big favorite to get the win, but they were upset in their last game. The Huskies are shooting 48% from the field and they have allowed fewer than 69 points in four straight games. Xavier has lost two of their last three games, but did beat Marquette on Wednesday. The Musketeers are shooting 44% from the field and they have allowed 84 points in four of their last five. I think UConn will get the win, but Xavier’s offense could keep this close. Take the points here.

David Racey's Pick: Xavier +14.5