Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Xavier Musketeers – Big East Tournament Preview – March 13, 2025

Marquette and Xavier will battle in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday at Madison Square Garden. Marquette enters the game at 22-9, while Xavier sits at 21-10. Both teams are looking to improve their NCAA Tournament standing, with Xavier seen as one of the “last four in” or “first four out” teams.

These teams met twice in the regular season, splitting the series. Xavier defeated Marquette 59-57 in their most recent meeting on January 18, while Marquette won the earlier matchup 72-70. The winner of this game will advance to the Big East semifinals on Friday.

Marquette Preview – Jones Leading the Way

Marquette has been inconsistent late in the season, splitting its final 14 regular-season games. The Golden Eagles ended the year with an 86-84 overtime loss to St. John’s after missing 10 free throws.

Kam Jones has been Marquette’s best scoring threat, averaging 15.3 points per game this season. He scored 32 points in the loss to St. John’s and 21 in the prior game against UConn. Jones was a unanimous pick for the All-Big East first team, and his scoring ability will be key for Marquette.

Beyond Jones, David Joplin adds scoring depth, contributing 21 points against St. John’s. Marquette averages 76.9 points per game but has struggled defensively at times, giving up 70.3 points per contest. The Golden Eagles must improve their defense and free-throw shooting to advance in the tournament.

Xavier Preview – Freemantle Dominating Inside

Xavier enters the tournament on a seven-game winning streak, making them one of the hottest teams in the Big East. The Musketeers are averaging 82.1 points per game during that run.

Zach Freemantle is Xavier’s top scoring option, averaging 24.0 points in his past three games, including 25 points in the season finale win over Providence. Ryan Conwell has also emerged as a consistent scorer, averaging 21 points over his past four outings.

Xavier has been strong defensively, limiting teams to 70.3 points per game. The Musketeers’ ability to slow down Marquette’s perimeter attack will be key. Xavier’s improved offensive balance has been vital during their winning streak, and they’ll need Freemantle and Conwell to continue that form.

Key Matchup – Kam Jones vs. Zach Freemantle

Jones and Freemantle are the primary scorers for their respective teams, and whoever wins that battle may decide the game. Jones has been efficient from the perimeter, while Freemantle’s ability to score inside gives Xavier an edge in the paint.

In addition to the scoring leaders, Xavier’s Ryan Conwell could play a key role. If Conwell continues his recent scoring surge, Xavier may have enough firepower to pull off the upset.

Betting Prediction

Marquette enters the game as a slight favorite, but Xavier’s recent form cannot be ignored. The Musketeers are playing their best basketball of the season, while Marquette has struggled in close games. Xavier’s ability to control the pace and rely on Freemantle in the paint should give them an edge.

Expect this game to stay close, with Xavier’s defense and recent momentum playing a key role. Marquette’s scoring ability should keep them in the game, but Xavier’s balanced offense makes them a strong pick to win outright as an underdog.

Pick: Xavier +2.5 / Under 144.5

Trends to Watch

• Marquette: Has hit the Moneyline in 26 of their last 37 games (+5.85 Units / 1% ROI).
• Marquette: Has hit the Game Total Under in 21 of their last 37 games (+4.50 Units / 11% ROI).
• Xavier: Has hit the Moneyline in 23 of their last 33 games (+15.90 Units / 3% ROI).
• Xavier: Has hit the Team Total Under in 22 of their last 34 games (+8.49 Units / 22% ROI).
• Head-to-Head: The total has gone under in eight of the last ten meetings between these teams.

What’s Next

The winner of this game will face the victor of the matchup between top-seeded UConn and the winner of Seton Hall vs. Butler in the Big East semifinals. Both Marquette and Xavier will be looking to improve their NCAA Tournament standing with a strong showing in New York.