Musketeer Madness

The Rams went 14-1 in the non-conf., including top 100 wins over UAB, Providence, Ga. Southern, and @ #46 Syracuse.

They're 6-4 in the A-10, including a top 25/RPI win over Dayton, but a "?" loss @ #104 SLU. They only lost at Temple by 3, where we got smoked by 19.

They've won 5 of their last 7, with both losses on the road.

Their RPI has been between #19-24 since the week of Dec. 10th.

URI has 3 double-digit scorers- Will Daniels (18.4), Jimmy Baron (15.3) and Parfait Bitee (11.1). These three guys are shooting between 46-49% from the field.

Baron has taken 190 threes, making 44%. (By way of comparison, Raymond is Xavier's leader with 144.)

Their leading rebounder is Kahiem Seawright at 8.6rpg, with Daniels 2nd at 6.9rpg.

So we win by how much?

I'm predicting X 74 URI 68 with big games from Burrell and Raymond.

New here and a URI fan..First off, tonight's game should be awesome. I know people in URI circles think this game is do or die for URI's at-large chances. I know it's expected to sell-out. IMO, Xavier is much too athletic, talented, and deep for URI. The Rams are done if Baron or Daniels can be negated. URI's role players (Ulmer, Cothran, MBang) are inconsistent and inexperienced. The PG (Bitee) has improved, but really isnt a pure PG like Drew. It's gonna be a long night if URI cant hit 3's, rebound, hold onto the ball, and get a balanced scoring attack. Yes, URI is better at home, but they have been reeling since Jan. 1st. They lost to Temple, SLU, and narrowly beat Fordham. By far, Xavier is the toughest opponent they've faced. I know they're expecting to win at home, but I'm not so sure.....As long as Drew can play some quality minutes, and if Baron is hounded all night, Xavier wins with no trouble at all. URI is an inconsistent and not-so offensively balanced! Let me know if you have any questions.

LandenChase wrote:New here and a URI fan..First off, tonight's game should be awesome. I know people in URI circles think this game is do or die for URI's at-large chances. I know it's expected to sell-out. IMO, Xavier is much too athletic, talented, and deep for URI. The Rams are done if Baron or Daniels can be negated. URI's role players (Ulmer, Cothran, MBang) are inconsistent and inexperienced. The PG (Bitee) has improved, but really isnt a pure PG like Drew. It's gonna be a long night if URI cant hit 3's, rebound, hold onto the ball, and get a balanced scoring attack. Yes, URI is better at home, but they have been reeling since Jan. 1st. URI lost to Temple, SLU, and narrowly beat Fordham. By far, Xavier is the toughest opponent they've faced. I know they're expecting to win at home, but I'm not so sure.....As long as Drew can play some quality minutes, and if Baron is hounded all night, Xavier wins with no trouble at all. URI is an inconsistent and not-so offensively balanced! Let me know if you have any questions.

However, Drew is hurt and might not be able to play. I am die hard Xavier, but this does not bode well for X. The game should be a pick'em, and I like the Rams at home. 70-69

why would URI see at large status totally dependent upon this game ? Their RPI is legitimately high enough to withstand 2 more losses and then there is the league tournament (see udpride.com). XU defense is most vulnerable when good shooters spread the floor (see Temple & ASU), URI can easily fit that mold.

URI quality wins early on have turned out to be medicore. PC, Cuse, UAB, and Dayton will probably not make the Dance. Cuse' may! Also, URI's SOS is pretty weak(114). They really havent played well since Jan. 1st...The RPI, to me, is misleading. They dont have any 'bad' losses, but they dont have any trophy wins for the tourney resume. This is why Xavier is a must win.

<<URI quality wins early on have turned out to be medicore. PC, Cuse, UAB, and Dayton will probably not make the Dance.>>

Maybe not. As of this morning, their respective RPIs are 93, 46, 76 and 24. So, while none of them may be head-turning wins, the committee looks at top 100 wins.

Dayton and Syracuse are in Lunardi's "last 4 out" group as of 2/15, with UAB in the "next 4 out".

I think you may be underselling your own team, Landen (possibly sandbagging us?), and if Lavender can't play tonight, URI has to be the favorite.

I think RI is still in the tourny if they lose to us. Their SOS will jump some just by virtue of playing us, atleast a couple of points. I think they need to play us tough though, cause if we blow them out without Drew playing much, that is going to look bad. If they beat us, they are solid. If they lose, they are fine but can not afford any bad losses.