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Xavier vs Marist Week 1 Betting Preview
The Xavier Musketeers open the season at home Monday night against the Marist Red Foxes at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati. Tipoff is set for 7:15 p.m. ET, streaming on ESPN+. It’s a new era for Xavier under coach Richard Pitino, while Marist brings back a veteran core led by eighth-year coach John Dunne.
Pitino inherits a full rebuild after Sean Miller’s departure. The Musketeers went 22-12 (13-7 Big East) last season, reaching the NCAA Tournament before falling to Illinois. Pitino, son of St. John’s coach Rick Pitino, spent the past four seasons at New Mexico and eight at Minnesota.
For Marist, the goal is to build on last year’s 20-10 record and 13-7 conference mark. The Red Foxes started 20-5 before fading late but retain most of their core.
You can track every game line and total at the NCAA odds board and find more previews in the college basketball section
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Line Movement and Odds
Oddsmakers opened Xavier around –12 with a total near 140. The current market shows Xavier –11.5 and 139.5 on the total, indicating slight early support for Marist and the Under.
Moneyline ranges: Xavier –550 / Marist +400.
Public money leans toward Marist covering, while sharper bettors are waiting to see how Xavier’s rebuilt roster performs in live action.
Compare numbers and totals any time at the college basketball odds page
Matchup Breakdown
Xavier Outlook
Pitino starts from zero with 12 new scholarship players. Guard Roddie Anderson III returns after redshirting and should steady the backcourt. Forward Gabriel Pozzato is still recovering from a meniscus injury but adds size once active. The Musketeers will rely on defense and ball pressure to stay competitive while the offense takes shape.
Check the full Xavier Musketeers team page for updated roster info and stats.
Marist Outlook
Dunne’s squad returns guards Elijah Lewis and Jadin Collins-Roberts, both preseason All-MAAC selections. Marist’s strength lies in chemistry and half-court defense. Expect Marist to slow pace and test Xavier’s discipline in transition.
You can follow player news on the Marist Red Foxes page
Injuries and Conditions
Xavier Musketeers
- Gabriel Pozzato (knee) – limited in practice.
- Roddie Anderson III – healthy, expected to start.
Marist Red Foxes
- No reported injuries.
No weather factor indoors at Cintas Center.
Stay updated with each program’s status on the Xavier Musketeers injury report and Marist Red Foxes injury report
Best Bets and Prediction
Marist was 13-7 ATS in conference play last year and 11-2 ATS as an underdog. Xavier may struggle early against experienced opponents, especially with limited continuity. Expect Marist to hang around before Xavier pulls away late.
Prediction: Xavier 74, Marist 63.
Best Bet: Marist +11.5.
Lean: Under 139.5.
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