Crosstown Shootout Predicitions

[mumuskie87]

106-17 X

Hmmm...what bourbon were you drinking?
Think I might want some.

[mumuskie87]

The game will again be decided in the paint. If O'mara, Jones and Gates struggle to defend and not foul it will again make things difficult. If they hold their own, i like their chances. Hard to say if Kanter will be a factor. The main players on both sides have experience in this game so i doubt the environment impacts the game as much as it has in other instances.

X got crushed on the defensive boards last year and UC outscored X 30-4 on 2nd chance points.
SOM is a solid offensive player - shooting 80% from the field and over 90% from the line so far this year - but he is not a strong defensive rebounder.
Basketball Jones is their best post defensive rebounder. He needs to play well and stay out of foul trouble.
Not sure what Kanter will bring but he can play solid.
May need Gates and Marshall to step up on the defensive boards.

I think Tre might be playing hurt. He has not had great games against ASU and Baylor.
Going to need him at peak tomorrow.

If would be nice if Q and/or Scruggs can knock a few 3's down...kind of like what Brandon Randolph did a few years.
At minimum, Q needs to stay out of foul trouble and not turn it over.

[mumuskie87]

I agree with most of that although "top 10" defense may be a bit of a stretch.

It is a stretch.
Per Ken Pom's rankings, Mick has had one top 10 defense in his career.
But his UC teams have been in the top 25 in each of the past 7 seasons.
Offense has been his achilles heel but not this year.

[muskieman]

I agree with most of that although "top 10" defense may be a bit of a stretch.

It is a stretch.
Per Ken Pom's rankings, Mick has had one top 10 defense in his career.
But his UC teams have been in the top 25 in each of the past 7 seasons.
Offense has been his achilles heel but not this year.

then they have not faced a D like X's yet. Easy to score on teams like they have played. Not saying they are bad just no real tests yet.

[Theology73]

This should be a great game. Too bad it is hidden in the middle of key football match-ups and Christmas preparations. Only XU/Big East and UC/AAC fans will pay much attention. Both teams are solid, but I have to go with X considering home court and level of competition so far this year. 87-77.

One of my closest predictions!