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2022 NIT Game Today: Florida vs Xavier Line, Predictions, Odds, TV Channel & Live Stream for NIT

By Matt Melton

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 05: Colin Castleton #12 of the Florida Gators looks on during the second half of a game against the Mississippi Rebels at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on February 05, 2022 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 05: Colin Castleton #12 of the Florida Gators looks on during the second half of a game against the Mississippi Rebels at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on February 05, 2022 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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Advancing to the second round of the 2022 NIT earlier this week, Florida now travels for a matchup with the Xavier Musketeers.

Despite trailing for a majority of the contest, the Gators defeated Iona 79-74 in Gainesville on Wednesday night due to a late run in the second half, a game in which Florida claimed the lead around the 9:00 mark for the first time. Snapping a two-game losing streak that dated back to the regular season, the Gators now sit at 20-13 for the year, and travel where they are 4-6 in road games this season.

Averaging 71 PPG offensively, the Gators had four players in double-figures against Iona led by Colin Castleton and Phlandrous Fleming Jr with 18, with 14 apiece from guards Tyree Appleby and Kowacie Reeves as well. Guards Myreon Jones, Niels Lane, and Brandon McKissic all saw a significant amount of minutes in the first round, while Tuongthatch Gatkek and Elijah Kennedy also saw time.

Xavier on the other hand defeated Cleveland State 72-68 on Tuesday night in the first round of the 2022 NIT, but parted ways with head coach Travis Steele on Wednesday. Bringing the Musketeers record for the year to 19-13, this marked only Xavier’s third win across their last nine games however, with three of the losses coming to NCAA Tournament teams.

A Musketeers team that averages 73.9 PPG, Xavier had five players in double-figures against Cleveland State led by a double-double from Zach Freemantle, along with Adam Kunkel, Paul Scruggs, Jack Nunge, and Colby Jones. Nate Johnson is also a key guard for the Musketeers, while Dwon Odom and Jerome Hunter also saw time.

Florida vs Xavier Odds: Line, Spread, Over/Under

The line, spread, and over/under for Florida vs Xavier can be found here.

Florida vs Xavier 2022 NIT Prediction

Florida did pick up a big win in the first round in Gainesville over Iona, but it will likely be tougher to win here on the road against Xavier. Expect the Gators to have a chance to win this game late, but for the Musketeers to win a very-close contest. Prediction: Florida 68, Xavier 71

What channel is the Florida vs Xavier Game On?

Taking place on Sunday, March 20 from Cintas Center in Cincinnati, OH, Florida is set to tipoff at 1:00 pm ET with the game available on ESPN.

dark. Next. Game Preview: Auburn vs Miami

Florida vs Xavier Live Stream

A live stream of Florida vs Xavier on fuboTV can be found here.

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