Xavier (6) vs Villanova (17)

[XUFan09]

Two years ago, Xavier had the slow-footed Stainbrook and Philmore at the 4 and 5, and last year, they still had Stainbrook, plus Bluiett and Macura were both really not good defensively. This year, those enormous matchup issues are erased and might even swing the other way. I still pick Villanova to win at their place but not by much, with Xavier winning the return game by a slightly larger margin.

[xavierfano8]

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.

All 3 of those are great points. I think X has the advantage on the glass with Farr and Reynolds. Bluiett has also rebounded very well this year.

I think losing Stainbrook hurts the offense because he was such a smart player and not many people could mach him physically. However, Reynolds and Farr are both MUCH more mobile on defense. Xavier plays the pack line and they love having the bigs hedge out on the ball screens. That leads to your 3rd point and what I think it ultimately comes down to. Xavier's defense is designed to make the other team hit perimeter shots. Nova has been very good at doing that against X. This may be the best game all year and we get it on game 1 in the Big East.

[Xudash]

Just look at this game.

Trips to Philadelphia for Xavier in the past meant the Hawks (not bad for many years), Temple (solid under Cheney) and LossSalle (pathetic). Yet "not bad" and "solid" can't even begin to compare to this.

Xavier v. Villanova.

That has a wonderful ring to it as a Xavier fan, even given our recent record against Nova.

May this be a great game for television that advances the interests of the Big East Conference.

[marquette]

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.

When you get posters who only post once a year talking about a game, you know it's a big one.

[MUPanther]

I'm sure Villanova season ticket holders are fired up to have two top 10 teams coming in on Thursday and Saturday on campus.

[DanofXav76]

I certainly respect everything Nova has earned on the court . 5-0 and home game counts for a bunch. Still I've been saying for a month now I'll take my chances with this X squad against anybody in the country. To be the Champ you gotta beat the Champ. Should be a helluva game.

[Nildogg]

Silly "Flagship" comments aside, I think Xavier is the most complete team in the BE this year.(Seriously, "flagship" was so A10; if anyone is going to be a "flagship" its going to be GTown/Nova in this conference)

That said, this is at Nova, so I expect them to be at their best, and have something to prove after a couple of tough losses in high profile games this year.

I see Nova winning by 4, but both teams look good in a great game.

[paulxu]

I'm sure Villanova season ticket holders are fired up to have two top 10 teams coming in on Thursday and Saturday on campus.

I think Villanova is at Creighton on Saturday.

[BEhomer]

I am really souring on ochefu. he got pushed out of the paint last night and looked soft. if he can't bully his way around basket against Penn what chance does he have against reynolds and farr?

[Wheelhouse]

Silly "Flagship" comments aside, I think Xavier is the most complete team in the BE this year.(Seriously, "flagship" was so A10; if anyone is going to be a "flagship" its going to be GTown/Nova in this conference).

Color me shocked this is coming from a Butler fan.