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Xavier NCAA Tournament Preview, Prediction
The Xavier Musketeers have made it to the NCAA Tournament. Here's a preview of the team and a prediction of how they'll do during March Madness.
March 14, 2016
The Xavier Musketeers have made it to the NCAA Tournament. Here’s a preview of the team and a prediction of how they’ll do during March Madness.
Resume
Team: Xavier Musketeers
Record: 27-5
Conference: Big East
Head coach: Chris Mack
How they got here: At-large bid
The Good
Trevon Bluiett is one of the most versatile players around, and as he goes, so goes Xavier. Bluiett can score inside and out, and his length makes him a factor on the glass as well. But he’s not a one-man show. Edmond Sumner, James Farr and Myles Davis are a mix of versatility and have great chemistry, and Farr will give Xavier a boost inside. Xavier can put points on the board in a hurry, too.
The Bad
Xavier has the same problem as Villanova in that the Musketeers haven’t played top-notch opponents for a while and may be in for a rude awakening. Xavier has also seemed a bit fatigued at times this season, and when Chris Mack’s team loses focus, things can unravel in a hurry. Protecting the rim is an issue, too.
Prediction
Xavier has picked up some nice wins this season, and it hasn’t backed down from anyone all season. Still, the Musketeers are far from battle hardened, and when it loses, it tends to lose big. Matchups are everything, but a second-round exit is certainly a possibility.
