Poll: MU vs. Xavier

[mu_hilltopper]

Straight up poll.

[patso]

And Syracuse

[g0lden3agle]

A team that knows how to get to the 2nd weekend vs a team that knows anything but...  I'd like to believe, but this is going to be a tough W.

[AlienWarrior]

This game is similar to last years except it's closer to home. Both Wash. and X are basically home games for them and both teams are similar. Let's hope we can get the close W on this trip

[77ncaachamps]

This game is similar to last years except it's closer to home. Both Wash. and X are basically home games for them and both teams are similar. Let's hope we can get the close W on this trip

As an MU fan from NorCal, it was NOT fun to see the arena filled with purple.
At least Xavier's navy will blend in with Marquette's gold to give an MU-like appearance.

But yes...it's a HOME game for Xavier. MU's gotta give it to them!

[NersEllenson]

I voted for us to win...anyone surprised?

Think we are far more battle tested than Xavier...and that we match up very well personnel wise...and the fact that they don't shoot the 3 that well.  Furthermore..we beat them last year in the Old Spice Classic with Jordan Crawford who was awesome.  Holloway is good but Crawford was better..in my opinion.

Otule should be able to defend against their big.  Should be a good game..X gets a slight advantage due to location..but think we pull it out.

[mu_hilltopper]

<debbie downer mode>

Honestly, I'm a little surprised at the optimism.  Marquette, as a program, has had mucho difficulty getting out of the first round. 

The last 5 NCAAs with 2 wins to show for it, it'd make me really surprised if, this year especially with 14 losses, if we could actually make it to the 2nd round.

Sure, we could win.  Every year someone says "wouldn't be surprised if we lost the first game, wouldn't be surprised if we won 2-3 games." 

This year is no different.   Could win.  Could lose.

Except .. don't we know better? 

[DomJamesToTheBasket]

I think we win.  IMO we lucked out with this match-up.

#1 They aren't great at 3's....MU's Achilles heel.
#2 They rarely play zone......the most effective defense against us
#3 They only go 7 deep and play their starters 30+.....we draw tons of fouls and I see foul trouble in their future!

It's interesting how it appears most MU fans like our chances because the Xavier forum also loves the draw and are looking past us already.  I would be pissed if I were them....

[ChicosBailBonds]

We are 1 point dogs

[romey]

We are 1 point dogs

that's not bad for an 11 seed.  I voted for the W.

[HoopsMalone]

<debbie downer mode>

Honestly, I'm a little surprised at the optimism.  Marquette, as a program, has had mucho difficulty getting out of the first round. 

The last 5 NCAAs with 2 wins to show for it, it'd make me really surprised if, this year especially with 14 losses, if we could actually make it to the 2nd round.

Sure, we could win.  Every year someone says "wouldn't be surprised if we lost the first game, wouldn't be surprised if we won 2-3 games." 

This year is no different.   Could win.  Could lose.

Except .. don't we know better? 

The last five featured mostly the same core of players.  This is a new bunch, so hopefully new results. 

[mu_hilltopper]

That doesn't compute for me.  We've had better teams, better players, better records, better seeds, fewer losses, not to mention each of those teams had 1 or more future NBA players on the roster.

About the only thing superior about the 2011 squad is that they are deeper and a bit taller.