A day before the Shootout, I sent some questions to my good friend known as Golf It Up on twitter. He was a Xavier blogger in a past life. I put his knowledge to the test as we talked about many things Crosstown Shootout. Such as Semaj Christon, Xavier's recent woes, free throw shooting, rebounding and whether the series should continue at a neutral site. A huge thanks to GolfItUp.
Questions are in bold.
Xavier was rolling until they went to the Bahamas. They lost every game in the Battle 4 Atlantis. They came home to beat Bowling Green and Evansville, neither team hot stuff, in very close games. What has happened to the Muskies?
Good question. I think we fans and the team itself are still trying to figure this out as well. X was rolling against Iowa, up by 15 at one point in the second half. Then, Semaj's cramps flared up again, an issue that plagued him many games last year, and it was all downhill from there in Atlantis. It was one of the most frustrating losses in a while. I don't think anyone thought 0-3 was possible before that tournament. It may have blind sided the team and certainly brought them, and the fans, back down to earth after a nice start to the season. The BG and Evansville wins have not restored confidence and to be honest, X didn't really deserve to win either of those games. There are several newcomers to this year's squad and it seems like it's taking a bit for everyone to get on the same page as the offense can be a bit stagnant at times.
Is there an adjustment Xavier can make as they prepare for Cincinnati?
Not sure I have an answer for this question, Scott. I haven't seen UC play once this year. There's nothing real specific I can offer, just that the offense needs to improve and fast. (ED: that works)
Xavier ranks 333 at the foul line hitting just 60.7%. How are they so bad?
The foul line struggles have really been a site to behold. It seems like going 1 for 2 is a mortal lock no matter who steps up to the stripe. Semaj Christon does not have a reliable jumper, so his struggles stick out the most, especially since he can get to the line seemingly at will. He did go 13-17 against Evansville so that's encouraging. Semaj getting to the line and converting those free throws will be key if X is to win Saturday night.
UC has shown a weakness in defensive rebounding, is this something X can take advantage of?
Rebounding is a point of pride for Coach Mack. If UC remains lax on the boards you can be sure Xavier will try to take advantage of this. James Farr and Jalen Reynolds have made good improvements throughout the season and will be looking to feast on the boards.
Would you rather the series continue at US Bank Arena or go back to home and home?
Plain and simple, this game should be played in the home gyms. I'm a season ticket holder who is not attending this game Saturday night out of pure protest. Reading this crap Mick keeps spouting about how it should be a showcase for the city on a neutral court is laughable. First off, if you want to showcase Cincinnati, US Bank is most certainly not the place to do that. US Bank is a piece of crap. Secondly, Mick is full of shit. He, and UC, are using the fight to leverage Xavier out of the home and home series because they know a neutral site game will ultimately benefit UC. And the fact that they seem to think UC came out ahead in the aftermath of that whole debacle is equal parts hilarious and infuriating. I get angry. Anyways, worst of luck to the Bearcats Saturday night.
And worst of luck to Xavier as well. I happen to agree with the home and home point. I really don't like games at US Bank. I went there for the Big East/SEC invitational whatever at least 6 years ago and that place was a dump then. Unless UC is going to move there, they need to go back home and home.
Anyway, thanks a lot to my man Golf it up. He's a very good follow on twitter. Obviously because I follow him.
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