Musketeer Madness

Though early, this game should be a good win for X's resume come tourney time. Coming into this game, X's KenPom (KP) ranking was 38, VTech 27 (should still be around 30 after the loss), and Iowa St 96. Iowa State's is due to their early games against dreadful competition, but they are much better than advertised, and I know their KP will only get better in league play. Currently up 5 on Memphis after the first half.

BTW, OSU is at 25 also. Having two KP top 25 (almost) wins this early bodes well for March. X only had two top 50 KP wins all of last year I believe (though obviously, they missed a number of games). They still have another high-quality, non-conf win opportunity against Okl St. Tacitus' analysis of this year's schedule was spot on.

Having two, and possibly three top 50 KP wins coming into tourney play leaves a lot more margin for error than any previous year with Steele. That's how much a missed tip has put X in the driver's seat through November.

After watching the Memphis vs Iowa State I would say you are right because State is carving up Memphis and their d has held them to 47 points with 5 minutes to go. State is up 21 points make that 24 with a three

with everyone out didn't think X had much of a chance-particularly with Scruggs having a bad game. Johnson was obviously huge but Nunge is the real deal.

All Xavier Fans should be thrilled to watch the getting healthy team progress from this point forward. I do not remember a competitive bb team lose
4 of their first 7 starters and play and win a game against a competitive team! Moreso, that is not even counting Paul playing with obvious weakness from the illness.
When considering XU's defense is becoming smothering, the shooting is getting better, and Steele is doing a phenomenal job coaching, it is extremely
exciting to imagine how good this team might be.

looking at CMU's schedule/results, tomorrow looks like a perfect get well/get right game for everyone.

X-Expert wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 27, 2021 5:47 pm

with everyone out didn't think X had much of a chance-particularly with Scruggs having a bad game. Johnson was obviously huge but Nunge is the real deal.

Scruggs was sick during the VT game too.