Wake Forest vs. Xavier 2016: Game time, TV channel, live stream, odds and preview

How to Watch, Listen, and Stream

Game Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

TV: FS1 (Gus Johnson, Tarik Turner)

Radio: 700 WLW in Cincinnati

Stream: Fox Sports Go (Where available)

Gamblin’ Info

Xavier enters the game as a nine point favorite per OddsShark. The over/under is set at 155.5

Series History

Xavier leads the series 4-2, including a 78-70 win at Wake Forest last season, where Xavier overcame a 36-18 deficit. The Skip Prosser Classic began in 2009 after the death of the legendary former coach of both schools. Prosser coached Xavier from 1994 until 2001 when he left for Wake Forest. He coached James Posey and David West and Xavier and Chris Paul at Wake Forest.

Key Statistics

Xavier has struggled from three all season, shooting only 32.5% from behind the arc. Trevon Blueitt and J.P. Macura have picked up their shooting lately; Blueitt made six threes last week against Colorado and Macura scored five vs. Utah. Their continued success from deep is pivotal for Xavier’s perimeter oriented offense.

RaShid Gaston has turned his season around since entering Xavier’s starting lineup. The forward has averaged 12.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game against Utah and Colorado. Gaston’s recent success is supplemented by his outstanding shooting percentage. Gaston is helping fill Xavier’s interior weaknesses by getting rebounds, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates, and finishing around the rim.

Wake Forest is led by forward John Collins. The 6-10 sophomore averages 18 points and 10.7 rebounds per game for the Demon Deacons. The big man is the focal point of Wake’s offense; he leads the team in shots, free throws, and shooting percentage at 65%. Gaston will likely start on Collins, but, since he draws so many fouls, Xavier will likely need its entire big man rotation to keep up with him.