What has to happen for UC to WIN?

[Thegreatone]

Xavier shoots 72% from the line, which ranks 77th in the country. Also, late in the game when both teams are likely to be in the bonus, Tu will have the ball a lot. If the game is called tightly and it is a close game, this could really hurt UC.

Could help them if it gets to each teams bench early. Xavier does not want to get into the bench game.

 

[UCalum08]

I agree with everything being said. There is just a little thought in the back of my mind which X player is going to pull an All American performance out of their butt and make some ridiculous shots. It seems to happen every year.

 

[Thegreatone]

I agree with everything being said. There is just a little thought in the back of my mind which X player is going to pull an All American performance out of their butt and make some ridiculous shots. It seems to happen every year.

We share that fear. I still can't believe Dante scoring 13 in the first half 2 years ago.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Maybe a UC player will do that this year :0)

 

[thebeast]

its going to be taylor. he will popout and hit a couple threes ha but seriously uc is going to win as long as they keep holloway under control probably less than 25 points

 

[adrock]

You know, it's kind of surprising watching X all year, I can't remember a game where Tu was in serious foul trouble. I may be forgetting a game, but it is shocking how he can play so many minutes without being in serious foul trouble. If UC does get him in foul trouble, I don't see how X could keep it close.

I also wonder if Dante will show up or not. In games he has shown up, he only has for a half of the game. If he is on from three, it would be a huge help for X (obviously.) He has had some good games against UC in the past, but I wouldn't be surprised if he has a horrible one on Thursday. He and Lyons are just to inconsistent.

I can't say as I haven't watched X this year with the exception of the Gonzaga game, but if I were Chris Mack and I relied on one scorer as much as he relies on Tu Holloway, I'd make damn sure he doesn't get in foul trouble. Have him play mostly off the ball defense, if that's possible. Or if not, have him play none at all.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I think this game will be largely impacted by the low post match ups. Frease/ Gates and McLean/Thomas. Rebounding will be huge in this game. In my opinion Wilks and Bishop could be the X factors (no pun intended). Rebounding, defense, and an ability from these two to hit some mid-range shots. Bishop is due for a big game and I can't think of a better time to have it.

The guards need to attack and put pressure on the Xavier defense to foul. Look for Xavier to play some zone. They have 4 starters playing 30 plus minutes.

X shoots 30% from the 3 point line. Lyons is their best shooter at 34%. Holloway shoots 33% and Jackson 30%. Jackson has by far taken the most attempts from the arc with 81. McLean averages nearly 10 boards a game and is their best offensive rebounder. All their starters average over 9 ppg with all but Jackson in double digits. Tu Holloway has scored 96 of his 255 points from the foul line.

Xavier has 424 rebounds on the year and they've shot 289 ft's. UC has 543 and 340 in the same areas respectively.