Xavier Musketeers vs Mississippi State Bulldogs Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Week 2

Xavier and Mississippi State are both 3-0 on a neutral floor in White Sulphur Springs, with the Bulldogs scoring 95.3 points per game behind Josh Hubbard.

The Matchup

This one is at Colonial Hall in White Sulphur Springs, a neutral floor, with Xavier of the Big East at 3-0 against Mississippi State of the Southeastern Conference, also 3-0. Xavier has posted the flashier defensive numbers: 91.0 points scored and only 53.3 allowed per game. Chance Westry leads the Musketeers at 14.3 points per game, Kalek House adds 5.3 assists per game, and Nikos Chitikoudis owns the glass at 9.0 rebounds per game.

Mississippi State scores even more, 95.3 per game, while allowing 63.0. Josh Hubbard is the Bulldogs' centerpiece at 18.0 points and 5.0 assists per game, and Thomas Bassong adds 7.3 rebounds per game. The ratings blend this season with last season, and last season cuts both ways: Xavier went 15-18 and Mississippi State 13-19, so neither 3-0 start should be read at face value.

On the blend, Xavier rates ahead, but modestly, and there is no true home court in this building to add to it. Hubbard and Westry both carry no injury designations.

Key Factors

The first factor is Hubbard against Xavier's defense. The Musketeers have allowed 53.3 points per game, an elite early number, but they have not yet faced a lead guard of Hubbard's caliber who both scores at 18.0 per game and creates at 5.0 assists per game. If he gets Xavier's defense in rotation, Mississippi State's 95.3-point offense has room to run.

The counterpoint is that Xavier's defensive start might simply be real, and its balance, with genuine contributors led by Westry and House, could grind Mississippi State down in a half-court game. Chitikoudis at 9.0 rebounds per game also gives Xavier second chances the Bulldogs must close out. But a neutral floor, a star guard, and points in hand is a strong combination, and Mississippi State needs only to keep this close, not win it.

Every pick is published with its line before the game. Odds via consensus sportsbooks at time of writing and move constantly. Must be 21+. If gambling is a problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.