Xavier (6) vs Villanova (17)

[BMRadio99]

How X is playing right now, they're the most complete team in CBB. I'd usually be inclined to pick Nova at home, and X will drop a couple games here and there eventually, but I think right now, Xavier wins it late.

[ChestRockwell85]

I really don't know what to expect from this game, obviously I am rooting for Villanova but if Xavier wins, it will not be the end of the world.

I do think some of you are being fooled by Villanova's 2 losses this year though. Yes, the Oklahoma game was a blowout. Oklahoma shot lights out, Villanova couldn't throw it in the ocean. Oklahoma is ranked #3 (#2 in the coaches poll). Oklahoma shot about 48% from 2 and shot 55% from 3, knocking down 14 3-pointers.

Virginia is ranked #5 in the country, and Villanova lost by 11 on Virginia's home floor. Villanova at one point was leading in the second half. Like Oklahoma, Virginia also shot lights out, shooting about 56% from 2 and 60% from 3.

I don't care who you are, when you are playing against a Top 5 team and they are shooting like that, you are in for a looooooooooooong night.

Again, I think some of you are being fooled.

[Westbrook#36]

I really don't know what to expect from this game, obviously I am rooting for Villanova but if Xavier wins, it will not be the end of the world.

I do think some of you are being fooled by Villanova's 2 losses this year though. Yes, the Oklahoma game was a blowout. Oklahoma shot lights out, Villanova couldn't throw it in the ocean. Oklahoma is ranked #3 (#2 in the coaches poll). Oklahoma shot about 48% from 2 and shot 55% from 3, knocking down 14 3-pointers.

Virginia is ranked #5 in the country, and Villanova lost by 11 on Virginia's home floor. Villanova at one point was leading in the second half. Like Oklahoma, Virginia also shot lights out, shooting about 56% from 2 and 60% from 3.

I don't care who you are, when you are playing against a Top 5 team and they are shooting like that, you are in for a looooooooooooong night.

Again, I think some of you are being fooled.

Well I tend you agree with you for the most part, I do think our defense against elite teams needs to improve. We just didn't show up for the Oklahoma game and they played out of their minds. I can sort of see that, it was on Pearl Harbor day in Hawaii. We're not the first or last team to mail in a game out in paradise. Now against Virginia, I thought we played good enough on D for like 20-25 seconds but that last 5-10 seconds of the shot clock Virginia just killed us. Way too many defensive breakdowns or giving up rebounds for easy looks and baskets. And yes, Virginia doesn't usually shoot anywhere near that good on most days, even against air. We still need to improve on playing a whole 30 seconds on D and on rebounding. If that comes around, we are just as good if not better than anyone else in the BE.

[GumbyDamnit!]

What might be of interest is the status of Kris Jenkins. Not sure he'll be playing let alone close to 100%. It will hurt our depth for sure.

But it will certainly give M Bridges more time on the floor. I think he gives us a lot more athleticism and length that could cause headaches for the X wings. Make guys like Blueitt shoot over that 7'+ wingspan. Also last 7 games, 3 pt %'s: KJ= 24.5%, MB=37.5%. So maybe we don't miss him nearly as much as we'd expect.

Should be an interesting game.

Ochefu vs Reynolds
Brunson vs Sumner
Hart vs Blueitt
Wright vs Mack

[gtmoBlue]

Gonna be a great game.
X wins as 'Nova's 3pt shooting woes continue (31.67%, on the season). Live by the 3, die by the 3.

[novahoops11]

Gonna be a great game.
X wins as 'Nova's 3pt shooting woes continue (31.67%, on the season). Live by the 3, die by the 3.

Last 3 games 46%, 38%, 37%.

Nova started cold from three last season as well. By the end of the season they averaged .390.

[nuchman]

Nova has owned X since they joined the BE but records don't mean anything once the ball is tossed in the air. Right now X is playing as good as anyone in the country and I think it continues on Thursday afternoon. X by 10.

[FormulaX]

As most know, Nova is 5-0 against Xavier. Since, entering the Big East. The avg. margin of victory is 13 pts. That is just ridiculous, to us Xavier fans. But, has to be recognized. This game is a real tough call. Will Nova really go 6-0 over Xavier? If not, then will Nova lose again to a highly rated opponent? I'm going with the Xavier road upset. The chip on Xavier's shoulder, should be a "Cinder block" by now.
Keys
-Hopefully, Remy Abell (defensive guy) will be able to disrupt Arcidiacono, But, it's important Arcdiacono still throws over 10 shots.
-Farr and Reynolds need to out perform Ochefu.
-What's up with Jenkins? he has to be 100%

Should be a great game! Maybe, "The piccolo Girl" could end the evening, by going after Xavier's JP Macura #55 in a fit of rage!!

[MUPanther]

Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery, this game is going to be awesome!

[GumbyDamnit!]

Went back to take a closer look at the 3 games they played last year. All double digit wins by Nova. There were a few observations and one glaring stat that I noticed.

1. Rebounding margin was about even (Nova slight advantage). If there is one advantage X has this year it will be on the glass--especially if Ochefu is not in the game. If they can get 2nd chance points, that'll help.
2. Stainbrook and Reynolds both scored the ball well. Will they pound it inside to JR? Last year Ochefu struggled with Stainbrook's big body, and Reynolds matched up more against Pinkston. Does Stain's not being on the team any longer hurt or help X?
3. Nova limited X from 3; X had a tough time limiting Nova from 3. Nova hit a whopping 20 more 3 ptr's in the 3 games. 17 total made for X, 37 for Nova. And in each game it was at least +15 pts from 3 for Nova. They shot a collective 46% from 3 vs. X last year. Can X play the perimeter D to slow Nova's 3 pt. shooting? Over/under on 10 made 3's for Nova might be the difference between win and loss.