Last night sucked. We have another game in just over 48 hours.
X is a different team from the past few years. They are smaller and shooting the ball more effectively. I haven't had a chance to watch them much but the stats show a much different story than teams we've seen in the past.
They are a poor rebounding team that doesn't draw fouls or foul much. But they move the ball well and can space you out and knock down shots. Kenpom ranks them as the 16th "luckiest" team in CBB so far this year.
We'll be slight underdogs but our guys will respond well. Xavier doesn't seem to be very physical which will be a nice change after a game vs. the most physical team in the league.
I think MU wins this one by 4-8. Wojo improves to 5-0 vs. Steele.
They add a 6'6", 225 lb. forward who averaged 22 points and 7 rebounds per game for Hampton last year. Did not shoot from the perimeter much last year. This will be the first game he's eligible for.
The question is whether they will be rested or rusted. I hope that MU can play more than 7.
Xavier was on a tear when Covid put a pause on things this past week. They struggled early in the season against some lesser teams, but then were in control against Cincy in their rivalry game and crushed Oklahoma by hitting a school record 19 3 pointers. This team can shoot and is very deep with talented players.
Their studs are underrated Zach Freemantle and Paul Scruggs. Freemantle is aggressive and can hurt you inside and out (18 ppg/8.rpg). I thought he was underrated in the preseason assessments and has a good chance to be a first or second team All Big East player. Gardner Webb transfer Nate Jones has been on fire all season. He hit 7 3s v. OK and is 57% from 3s for the season. Kyky Tandy is a good offensive player who can light it up, but has been streaky. Frosh Dwon Odom is extremely athletic and active. One of their transfers whose waiver had been denied before the mass waiver granted yesterday, 6'6" 230 lb Ben Stanley, should be another impact player down the road this season, but I doubt he will step in immediately. They'll play 9 or 10 guys without much drop off.
X is a far better 3 and free throw shooting team than they have been in recent years. As noted above, they have an uncanny knack for avoiding fouls. They are susceptible to some of the same careless turnovers that we have seen with MU. It should be another very scrappy and tight game. X seems to be a streaky team that can be big trouble if they get hot from outside and start feeling it. They have several capable shooters.
We've got a reasonable shot to steal this one if we shoot moderately well (it shouldn't take Creighton level shooting) and control the defensive boards. Certainly wouldn't call this a "should win" game, but it would be a very nice win if we can get it.
Would be nice if MU has one more capable guy coming off the bench. Not sure if Symir will be available, or game-ready, for this one. 7-man rotation makes me nervous.
I think playing them in the first game back is beneficial. IMO they will be more rusty than rested. Second game back though...
Quote from: Fluffy Blue Monster on December 18, 2020, 02:04:56 PM
I think playing them in the first game back is beneficial. IMO they will be more rusty than rested. Second game back though...
Fairly certain this is their first game back.
Quote from: zcg2013 on December 18, 2020, 02:09:25 PM
Fairly certain this is their first game back.
I think Fluffy was saying we are fortunate to be playing them in their first game back, rather than in their second game, when they have gotten rid of the rust, and benefit from the rest.