Xavier vs Oklahoma State Picks and Predictions: Back the Cowboys' Defense at Home

The Xavier Musketeers will take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big East-Big 12 Battle. Oklahoma State doesn’t have this year’s first overall pick in Cade Cunningham, but the Cowboys still look impressive this season, despite two losses that should’ve been won.

Meanwhile, Xavier has faced better competition this season and has defeated Ohio State and Virginia Tech in the early going. Will those two wins prepare Xavier for its first road game of the season?

Here are our picks and predictions for an ESPN2 matchup between Xavier and Oklahoma State at 5 p.m. ET. 

Xavier vs Oklahoma State odds

Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.

Oklahoma State opened as a 2.5-point favorite at home and is currently as high as a 3.5-point favorite. Meanwhile, the total opened at 135 with outlets holding anywhere from 134.5 to 136. Make sure to shop around for the best price on a total!

Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until tip-off and be sure to check out the full college basketball odds before placing your bets.

Xavier vs Oklahoma State predictions

• Prediction: Oklahoma State -3 (-110)
• Prediction: Under 135 (-110)
• Best bet: Oklahoma State -3 (-110)

Predictions made on 12/5/2021 at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.

Xavier vs Oklahoma State game info

• Location: Gallagher-Iba Arena, Stillwater, OK
• Date: Sunday, December 5, 2021
• Tip-off: 5:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN2

Xavier at Oklahoma State betting preview

Injuries

Xavier: No injuries to report.
Oklahoma State: Chris Harris Jr. G (Out).

Find our latest NCAA basketball injury reports.

Betting trend to know

Cowboys are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games following a SU loss. Find more NCAA betting trends for Xavier vs. Oklahoma State.

Xavier vs Oklahoma State picks and predictions

Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.

Spread analysis

In these types of battles, it’s usually a good practice to take the home team. In this game specifically, it also makes sense. 

Oklahoma State already has two losses on the season despite being ranked 7th in the nation in defensive adjusted efficiency. The Cowboys are holding teams to a 42.6% effective field goal percentage and force 27.1% turnovers per game this season. That is the highest percentage in college basketball right now.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys are holding opponents to 40.4% inside and 30.8% from behind the arc on the year. It’s going to be tough for Xavier to score, especially with the Musketeers shooting just 32.2% from long range while turning the ball over 21.2% of the time. 

On the other hand, Oklahoma State isn’t the best offense either. The Cowboys are shooting just 29.1% from long range and scoring 53.1% inside the arc. While Oklahoma State turns the ball over at a high rate of 22.1%, Xavier isn’t as big of a threat when it comes to forcing turnovers. 

These teams are even except for the fact that the Cowboys can work on the glass a little bit better. Offensively, the Cowboys are gaining 35.3% offensive rebounds and that will lead to a few more second-chance opportunities. 

Xavier, like Oklahoma State, defends inside well, allowing teams to shoot just 40.3%. 

This is going to be a tight game throughout, but for me, it’s the offensive rebounding and the defensive turnovers for Oklahoma State that gives them the slight edge and the cover. 

Prediction: Oklahoma State -3 (-110)

Over/Under analysis

Oklahoma State rarely shoots three-point balls. The Cowboys’ game is inside while Xavier allows teams to shoot just 40.3%. It’s not going to be easy for Oklahoma State and that should help the Under. For every second-chance opportunity, there’s a solid chance that 45 or 50 seconds come off the clock before a possession changes. 

Xavier’s opponents are using 18.4 seconds per possession this season, which is 330th in the nation. 

On the other hand, there will be plenty of turnovers and if both defenses can put together solid transition defenses, the Under seems like the play. 

Prediction: Under 135 (-110)

Best bet

Xavier will have to play its first true road game of the season and it’s never easy to play at Oklahoma State.

The spread seems a bit too low for a Big 12 team like Oklahoma State going up against a Big East team. I know Xavier has already won some big games this season, but on the road, things are going to be different. 

Grab Oklahoma State in a turnover-friendly battle. The Cowboys need this game way more than Xavier does for March purposes. 

Pick: Oklahoma State -3 (-110)

Pages related to this topic