Xavier at Butler

Xavier has out-performed ll expectations so far this season. The Musketeers are 19-5 on the season and sit on top of the Big East. A lot of that was built on an 11-game winning streak, and they have since been 4-2, but managed to cover just 2 of those. Butler is just 12-13 on the season, but they are 13-4 with wins over Kansas St., and Villanova. This is a contrast in styles as Xavier likes to get up and down, while Butler runs a methodical offense that runs the shot clock down, and limits possessions. Xavier is 15-28 ATS in the last 3 years following a pair of conference games, and the Musketeers may not be fully engaged as they play at Marquette in their next game, which is huge for the top of the Big East. I like Butler in this one.