Xavier Musketeers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs 2026 Preview: Prediction, Betting Outlook & 4 Prop Bets

College basketball takes center stage Friday night when the Xavier Musketeers face the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Colonial Hall inside The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

Both programs enter undefeated at 3-0. Xavier recently defeated Detroit Mercy 100-55, while Mississippi State secured an impressive 98-57 victory over Jackson State.

The Musketeers feature an athletic lineup led by Chance Westry, Mike Nwoko, Tru Washington and Kalek House. Mississippi State counters with explosive guard Josh Hubbard, RJ Johnson and Tristan Reed.

With both programs seeking their first major-conference victory of the season, the Greenbrier Tip-Off promises an entertaining Big East versus SEC showdown.

Game Information

• Matchup: Xavier Musketeers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
• Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
• Tipoff: 9:00 PM ET
• TV: FS1
• Radio: 700 WLW
• Venue: Colonial Hall at The Greenbrier — White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
• Event: 2026 Greenbrier Tip-Off
• Records: Xavier 3-0 | Mississippi State 3-0
• Point Spread: Not yet confirmed
• Over/Under: Not yet confirmed

This neutral-site contest represents an early opportunity for both programs to strengthen their postseason résumés.

Xavier: Musketeers Looking to Remain Undefeated

Xavier enters Friday following convincing victories over Mount St. Mary’s, Eastern Michigan and Detroit Mercy.

Head coach Richard Pitino’s Musketeers average 91 points while allowing just 53.3 per contest.

Xavier has demonstrated impressive offensive balance, shooting 51.7% from the field and averaging 23.7 assists.

Forward Mike Nwoko recently delivered 17 points against Detroit Mercy, connecting on eight of nine field-goal attempts.

Kalek House added 16 points, while Tru Washington contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and three steals.

Chance Westry scored 13 points, providing another dependable offensive option.

Nikos Chitikoudis controlled the glass with 10 rebounds.

Xavier averages 47 rebounds and 14.3 steals per game, demonstrating outstanding defensive pressure.

However, the Musketeers shoot just 27.5% from three-point range, making perimeter consistency an important concern.

Xavier must control the boards, protect the basketball and maintain its defensive intensity against Mississippi State.

Mississippi State: Bulldogs Looking for Statement Victory

Mississippi State enters Friday following convincing victories over Tennessee Tech, Northwestern State and Jackson State.

Head coach Chris Jans has guided the Bulldogs to an impressive offensive start, averaging 95.3 points per game.

Veteran guard Josh Hubbard remains Mississippi State’s most dangerous offensive weapon.

Hubbard recently reached 2,000 career points after scoring 14 against Jackson State, becoming only the fourth player in program history to accomplish that milestone.

Tristan Reed also contributed 14 points and eight rebounds against Jackson State.

RJ Johnson and Tajuan Simpkins added 12 points apiece, while Kimani Hamilton scored 11.

Thomas Bassong contributed 10 points and eight rebounds.

Mississippi State shot 58.2% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range against Jackson State.

The Bulldogs must protect the basketball, limit Xavier’s transition opportunities and establish consistent perimeter scoring.

Four Prop Bets to Consider

These are suggested betting targets, not verified sportsbook player-prop lines. College basketball props vary by sportsbook and jurisdiction. Confirm availability, injuries and odds before wagering.

Prop Bet #1: Josh Hubbard Over 17.5 Points

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Hubbard Over 17.5 Points

• 18.0 Points Per Game
• 2,000 Career Points
• Mississippi State Scoring Leader

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Hubbard remains Mississippi State’s primary offensive weapon.

His perimeter shooting and ability to create scoring opportunities could challenge Xavier’s aggressive defense.

Prediction: Josh Hubbard — 21 points

Prop Bet #2: Chance Westry Over 12.5 Points

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Westry Over 12.5 Points

• 14.3 Points Per Game
• Versatile Scorer
• Xavier Offensive Leader

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Westry provides Xavier with an important scoring option.

His ability to attack the basket and create opportunities in transition could be valuable against Mississippi State.

Prediction: Chance Westry — 17 points

Prop Bet #3: Nikos Chitikoudis Over 7.5 Rebounds

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Chitikoudis Over 7.5 Rebounds

• 9.0 Rebounds Per Game
• 10 Rebounds Against Detroit Mercy
• Xavier Interior Presence

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Chitikoudis has demonstrated impressive rebounding consistency.

His ability to control the defensive glass could help Xavier limit Mississippi State’s second-chance opportunities.

Prediction: Nikos Chitikoudis — 10 rebounds

Prop Bet #4: Kalek House Over 4.5 Assists

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: House Over 4.5 Assists

• 5.3 Assists Per Game
• Xavier Averages 23.7 Assists
• Important Offensive Facilitator

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House provides valuable playmaking in Xavier’s backcourt.

His ability to distribute the basketball should create opportunities for Westry, Washington and Nwoko.

Prediction: Kalek House — 6 assists

Players to Watch

Chance Westry — Xavier: His scoring versatility and ability to attack the basket will be important.

Mike Nwoko — Xavier: His interior scoring could create difficult defensive assignments.

Josh Hubbard — Mississippi State: His perimeter shooting could determine the Bulldogs’ offensive efficiency.

Tristan Reed — Mississippi State: His rebounding and interior production could influence the outcome.

Keys to the Game

Xavier must control the rebounding battle, limit turnovers and maintain defensive pressure.

The Musketeers should attack the basket while improving their three-point shooting.

Mississippi State must protect Hubbard from aggressive defensive pressure, establish offensive balance and prevent Xavier from generating transition opportunities.

Turnovers, rebounding and perimeter shooting could determine the outcome.

Betting Prediction

Xavier enters with impressive defensive numbers, while Mississippi State possesses an explosive offensive attack.

The Bulldogs’ experience and Hubbard’s scoring ability make this a difficult matchup.

Without confirmed betting odds, Mississippi State on the moneyline represents the preliminary selection, depending on the available price.

Best Bet: Mississippi State Moneyline — pending odds confirmation

The Verdict

Xavier’s best opportunity comes through its defensive pressure, balanced scoring and rebounding advantage.

However, Mississippi State possesses a dangerous offensive combination led by Hubbard and Johnson.

Expect a competitive contest featuring several scoring runs.

Xavier remains close throughout, but Mississippi State’s perimeter scoring eventually proves decisive.

Final Score Prediction

Mississippi State Bulldogs 79, Xavier Musketeers 75

Picks Summary

Betting Category Pick Best Bet Mississippi State Moneyline, price pending Against the Spread Await confirmed line Moneyline Mississippi State Over/Under Await confirmed total Top Prop Josh Hubbard Over 17.5 Points

Final Prediction: Mississippi State 79, Xavier 75

Mississippi State wins by four points, improving to 4-0, while Xavier falls to 3-1.

The projected 154 combined points reflect both programs’ offensive potential.

The Bulldogs secure an important neutral-site victory at the Greenbrier Tip-Off.