As we hit the midpoint of January, the college basketball landscape is starting to take shape, and the margin for error is shrinking for bubble teams. One such team, hosting a formidable foe this Friday, is in dire need of a quality win to bolster its tournament resume. With a NET ranking of 94 and a dismal 0-4 record in Quad 1 games, this home team is running out of chances to make a statement. A win against a top-25 opponent would not only be a significant confidence booster but also a crucial step towards securing a spot in the Big Dance.
The visiting team, on the other hand, is cruising along with a 14-5 record and a NET ranking of 23. With a 3-4 record in Quad 1 games and a 7-1 conference record, they're projected as a top-4 seed and are looking to keep their momentum going. Their recent form has been impressive, with a 3-game win streak and a quad record that suggests they're capable of taking down tough opponents. This game, however, is classified as a Quad 2 opportunity for the visitors, which means they'll need to avoid a letdown against a hungry home team.
CHD Scout Prediction
St. John's
82
Xavier
74
According to the CHD Scout prediction, the visitors are favored to win by 7.2 points, with the home team given just a 25.3% chance of pulling off the upset. While these numbers might seem daunting, the home team has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their last two games, where they've gone 2-1. Unfortunately, there's no notable player momentum to speak of, which means they'll need to rely on a collective effort to take down their opponents.
Given the stakes and the numbers, it's hard to envision the home team coming out on top. The visitors have been too consistent, and their recent form suggests they're peaking at the right time. I predict the visitors will take this one 82-74, with their superior talent and depth ultimately proving too much for the home team to handle. The home team's inability to win Quad 1 games will likely be their downfall, and this loss will only add to their tournament woes.