Xavier-UCLA Betting Preview

It's time for Elite 8 betting as Xavier takes on UCLA. The Musketeers enter 30-6 straight up but just 16-15 against the spread. They have though covered all three of their games in the Big Dance.

UCLA is 34-3 straight up and 21-15 against the spread. The Bruins have dropped 4-of-5 against the spread. Against common opponents, UCLA is 3-0 straight up and where it really counts, while Xavier is 2-1 outright and 0-3 in the back pocket.

UCLA is shooting an amazing 47.8 percent to teams that normally allow just 43.1.  They also hold opponents to 3.2 percent below their normal average.

Xavier shoots lights out as well. They make 47.8 percent of their shots to squads that normally allow 43.5.  On defense it's 40.6 percent against to 44.6.

Sportsbooks currently have the Bruins as a 5.5-6 point favorite with the total fairly steady across the board at 154.5.

Some betting trends for this contest (all records against the spread): Xavier is 7-0 as an NCAA Tournament dog and 12-2 in all neutral floors as a puppy. UCLA is 35-16 off a ATS loss, but they have failed in four straight games to teams with a winning percentage above .600.

Totals bettors will want to note that Xavier is a big March Madness "over" team having exceeded the total in 10-of-11 NCAA Tournament games. Get the spread betting winners for today's card and every day at OffshoreInsiders.com