Crosstown

[XU80]

OK, game on with UC up next. I think this year's game has the most at stake for Xavier in many seasons. We lack a win against a Top 20 team and it is on the road. The game will likely be played in the 60s. The team that controls the boards and plays better defense will likely come away the winner.

While we beat a struggling Georgetown, I still felt our perimeter defense has taken a step back from December as we were beaten off the dribble on many possessions. Xavier cannot let that happen against UC. We also have to avoid consecutive, empty possessions that get UC crowd into the game. Finally, we will go to the line many times given the physical nature of the game. Macura, Blueitt and Sumner have to make free throws. Not sure why reliable Bluiett and Macura have been missing so many free throws of late. In a close game, that can be the difference, example Creighton Game.

On Selection Sunday, this game will be a BIG plus for one of these two teams.

[thecoach]

Kyle Washington is a problem. Best scenario is he gets in foul trouble early, but it looks like he got in foul trouble saturday so he will likely be aware of it. He's probably as good a big man offensively as we will have seen all year. He can go in an out, and he's a lefty. Definitely a guy who can give zones issues as he's got a strong 1o to 15 ft game.

[Xavier2005]

Georgetown win was needed due to 3 previous losses. Georgetown was/ is at the bottom of the BE....so a loss to GT would have been terrible to the season. Still no great win for the season so far. The UC game is two top 25 teams against one another. Time for a great win to the resume. X cannot afford another loss to another top 25 team. If X loses to UC....i think they will fall out of the top 25 and become a top 40 or top 50 team only.

[longliveskip]

so what do you think for tomorrow night, people?

is it finally UC's time?

i'm not feeling too great about this one, for whatever reason.

i think UC takes this game in a close one.

i'm hoping not, but it's just a feeling. i hope the boys prove me wrong.

[mumuskie87]

so what do you think for tomorrow night, people?

is it finally UC's time?

i'm not feeling too great about this one, for whatever reason.

i think UC takes this game in a close one.

i'm hoping not, but it's just a feeling. i hope the boys prove me wrong.

Have to agree.
Cronin is not a good offensive coach based on his team's KenPom's Offensive Efficiency calculation but this is his best team that he has had from an offensive standpoint. Defensively - one of the best.
They have a good balance of bigs and guards.
X's big 3 have to all play well for X to have a chance.

[lionelchalmers0]

I agree with a lot of what you guys are saying, and I too don't have a great feeling. I think this is just because of how Xavier's been playing recently.

I think the big hedge for Xavier though his recent competition. We've been getting beat up a little, yes, but at least we've been primed with top level competition. Meanwhile, you see is been playing the likes of tulane (twice), ECU, temple (who is way down this year) etc.

I think if we can come out and surprise them with speed and shooting unlike anything they see in their conference and can get them on their heels early we gotta good shot.

[True_Blue]

I have to agree with the negative 'vibe' for Muskie fans on this game.

Going on the road vs. a good defensive team + we cannot shoot free throws + we cannot shoot the 3 + we turn the ball over too much = Not a good formula for winning

That said, you just never seem to know about this game.

[QueenCityKings]

Obviously, anything can happen on the road in this one, but I am certainly not as worried as the majority of you on here. First, I don't think it is just a fluke we have dominated this series in recent years past. We have had the more talented teams during this run of success, and we still do today. We have out recruited Mick year after year FOR A LONG TIME. Next, we have the better coached team. Mack has accomplished not only more than Cronin, but has done so in a shorter period of time. Although I would disagree, one could argue Coach Mack is only better in the aspect he recruits at a higher level. To those who actually believe that, see my first point, we have the more talented team. Not to mention, Coach Mack is still 5-2 in the series with 3 straight. Cronin 3-7. Lastly, take a closer look at the schedules. UC has struggled against poor teams. Overtime against Marshall. Single digit, could have gone either way, games against eastern Carolina and Temple twice? We have been beaten by 4 top ten caliber squads, two of which we probably should have won. Yes, we lost to Colorado @ Colorado, but they lost to Rhode Island, on a neutral court. Call that one even. The only thing comparable is the one common opponent, @ Butler Xavier was victim to 3 straight questionable calls in the last minute, and still could have won. UC didn't have a shot in their double digit defeat. Besides that, the schedules aren't even close. Point being, this is a game between one battle tested Vs. one NON battle tested. My money is going on the battle tested program.

Don't get me wrong, do I think we can lose this game? Of course. Would I say I think its Uc's time to win, walking in before the ball is tossed? No Way, no how. Xavier 67 UC 58. Lets Go Muskies!!!!!

[thecoach]

Out recruited maybe in the back court, but not in the front court. Unfortunately this team is not representative of what we've had the past several years, and i think Uc is built well enough offensively to not go long stretches without scoring particularly with what we have upfront. This team away from home isn't built very well given the front court issues and lack of depth. We'll need another Dee Davis wonder moment hitting a bunch of 3's when he usually doesn't to win on the road.

[Anti-Homer]

Out recruited maybe in the backcourt, but not in the front court. Unfortunately, this team is not representative of what we've had the past several years, and I think Uc is built well enough offensively to not go long stretches without scoring particularly with what we have up front. This team away from home isn't built very well given the front court issues and lack of depth. We'll need another Dee Davis wonder moment hitting a bunch of 3's when he usually doesn't to win on the road.

That was one of CM's best coaching efforts. Tre was completely ineffective, and Dee was spectacular. That was his finest moment as well. I agree Kyle Washington is UC's "x" factor. The one who is most capable of guarding him on paper is Gates, but he has been tentative this year. Like it or not, X will throw up a bunch of treys, so just have to hope the law of averages catches up, and we hit several more than they do.