Musketeer Madness

Xavier plays at St Johns WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2023 AT 7 P.M. ET AT CARNESECCA ARENA IN QUEENS, N.Y.

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Alex Faust and analysis from Jim Spanarkel.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW and Varsity Network and on SXM.

• Xavier is 8-2 in BIG EAST Conference openers, including wins in 6 of the last 7 BE openers.

St. John’s senior center 20 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Fordham on Saturday. It earned him earned a spot on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll, as announced by the conference office on Monday. It was his fifth 20-point performance of the season

Team Ranking has X rated at 45, with St Johns at 46
KenPom ranking has X ranked 41 St Johns 60
RPI X-86 St Johns 84
BPI X 58 St Johns 52

I don’t know what to think about this game. By all accounts we should win, but they are coached by a Hall of Fame coach and that counts. Not saying Sean is not as good, but that does tend to equalize the playing field.

Team Ranking gives X a 38.7% chance to win the game. 6th man, Fans needed.

this is one we need to "steal" on the road. Pitino will have them so much better coached than in the past so we have to play well to win. i don't know much about St. Johns - if they're the same type of team that is long, athletic, likes to pressure, get steals/run, or if Pitino has them playing a different style. either way, we have to do what we do best - DEFEND, REBOUND, and then take care of the ball. if shots don't fall, so be it, but don't get beat because you didn't guard, rebound, and turned it over.

let's hope they show up to play.

Soriano is a handful not sure who can guard him. This is when we miss Hunter.

Assuming the pattern holds of X rising up and playing with effort and energy versus the stronger teams on our schedule this season- then I give us a 54% chance to win this and steal a roadie. However, one thing clearly stands out entering conf play: X is solely dependent upon Quincy O. being “on” shooting the ball. I shudder to think of those games where he has an off night.

Good point. Take away Quincy’s 3’s and we are the worst shooting 3 team in BE. Hopefully get some offense from others.

The timing of this game may prove excellent or undesirable. The team is coming off 2 wins straight wins. Looked good against US and for parts of the last game. Momentum and confidence may carry into this game generating a nice road win. Or the team would be better off with more time to develop before playing a winnable road game.

Getting a 3rd straight win and starting 1 and 0 in conference while on the road could be huge for this team. Might even create confidence and energy for Saturday.

I have no expectations for this game but hope Xavier brings the energy and limits silly mistakes. Generally doing those things should keep them competitive and give them a chance to win.

Can’t shoot or defend the post not a good combo. Lazar is getting exploited

Can’t gain any consistency