It’s Crosstown Shootout time. No words needed. But, here are some anyway. This is going to be a battle. Xavier really needs this game to avoid tanking to every good team they’ve played. The Bearcats need this one because it’s fucking Xavier. You can throw the records out the window when the ball goes up tonight. My prediction and the stats, after the jump.
First up, your Cincinnati Bearcats.
All stats taken from KenPom.com, the Polls, and the school’s websites. (stats from 12.12)
Cincinnati Bearcats
Record: 6-1
KenPom Rank: 62
AP/USA Today Rank: 19/19
Strength of Schedule (KenPom): 227
Tempo: 67.5 (216)
Offensive Ratings (Rank)
Efficiency: 103 (142)
Effective FG%: 49.3 (160)
Turnover %: 20 (122)
Off. Rebound %: 40.8 (18)
FTA/FGA: 30.8 (289)
3%: 28.7 (293)
2%: 52.6 (49)
FT%: 62.7 (296)
Point Distribution (% of total points)
3: 25.1 (207)
2: 58.5 (46)
FT: 16.4 (319)
Defensive Ratings (Rank)
Efficiency: 88. 7 (29)
Effective FG%: 44.4 (64)
Turnover %: 20 (223)
Off. Rebound %: 24.8 (7)
FTA/FGA: 34 (120)
3%: 33.8 (174)
2%: 40.5 (26)
Block %: 10.1 (116)
Steal %: 9.7 (178)
Point Distribution (% of total points)
3: 35.5 (19)
2: 45.5 (313)
FT: 19 (233)
Statistical Leaders
Points (top 3): Yancy Gates 11.6, Lance Stephenson 11.6, Deonta Vaughn 10.3
Rebounds (top 3): Yancy Gates 7.7, Lance Stephenson 5.9, Rashad Bishop 5.3
Assists (top 2): Deonta Vaughn 4.3, Lance Stephenson 2.7
Blocks: Yancy Gates 1.6
Xavier Musketeers
Record: 5-3
KenPom Rank: 33
AP/USA Today Rank: NR
Strength of Schedule (KenPom): 114
Tempo: 71.2
Offensive Ratings (Rank)
Efficiency: 107.4 (75)
Effective FG%: 55.2 (20)
Turnover %: 18.8 (76)
Off. Rebound %: 29.2 (279)
FTA/FGA: 44.2 (69)
3%: 44.5 (8)
2%: 49.7 (112)
FT%: 66.7 (210)
Point Distribution (% of total points)
3: 31.1 (83)
2: 47.8 (273)
FT: 21.1 (152)
Defensive Ratings (Rank)
Efficiency: 88.2
Effective FG%: 44
Turnover %: 18.1
Off. Rebound %: 24.5
FTA/FGA: 34.5
3%: 35.7
2%: 40
Block %: 10.1
Steal %: 8.5
Point Distribution (% of total points)
3: 29
2: 51.7
FT: 19.3
Statistical Leaders
Points (top 3): Jordan Crawford 18.5, Jason Love 10.3, Terrell Holloway 9.1
Rebounds (top 3): Jason Love 10, Jamel McLean 7.1, Jordan Crawford 5.3
Assists (top 2): Terrell Holloway 3.3, Mark Lyons 3.1
Blocks: Jason Love 2.3
Here we are, Crosstown Shootout day. Did I choose the fruitiest looking Xavier logo I could find? Yes, yes I did. The game is really lacking the buzz of past years, and I think that’s mainly because it’s on a Sunday. But, that’s one of the problems if you want the game to be on ESPN. If you are going to play that game, you have to deal with the consequences. That aside, this should be an incredibly interesting game.
The key for the Cats is perimeter defense. Xavier is one of the best 3 point shooting teams in the country, and there can’t be any open looks for Jordan Crawford, Mark Lyons, Brad Redford, Dante Jackson or Terrell Holloway. Xavier showed a major weakness in rebounding Tuesday, as Kansas State pounded them on the boards. Rebounding happens to be one of the strengths of the Bearcats. Unlike Thursday, Deonta Vaughn needs to be involved in the offense. I have a feeling that this could be a gigantic game for Lance Stephenson. Xavier plays good defense, and will probably stick Crawford or Jackson on him. I think Lance goes for 21-9-5. The Cats can’t settle for jump shots. Cashmere Wright looked to get his stroke back against Miami, but he needs to be a creator and not just throw up 3s. I thinkYancy Gates and Jason Love cancel each other out and both put up between 10-14, grab 8-11 boards, and block 2-3 shots.
Surprise Hero: Rashad Bishop. I think this is the type of game that Bishop can utilize his skills and be a match up nightmare for Chris Mack and the Muskies.
Worst Nightmare: Tie game, or up 1, and Jordan Crawford has the ball. We’ve seen enough Xavier heartbreaking shots
Prediction: This one should be nip and tuck the whole way. I can’t see any team being up more than 7. I think UC gets off to a hot start on the road, and X makes a run in the second half. Final score: Cincinnati 75 Xavier 71. Mick gets his second win against X, and the Bearcats pose like champions to make up for Xavier posing like jackasses after their win last year. Go Cats
The key for the Cats is perimeter defense. Xavier is one of the best 3 point shooting teams in the country, and there can’t be any open looks for Jordan Crawford, Mark Lyons, Brad Redford, Dante Jackson or Terrell Holloway. Xavier showed a major weakness in rebounding Tuesday, as Kansas State pounded them on the boards. Rebounding happens to be one of the strengths of the Bearcats. Unlike Thursday, Deonta Vaughn needs to be involved in the offense. I have a feeling that this could be a gigantic game for Lance Stephenson. Xavier plays good defense, and will probably stick Crawford or Jackson on him. I think Lance goes for 21-9-5. The Cats can’t settle for jump shots. Cashmere Wright looked to get his stroke back against Miami, but he needs to be a creator and not just throw up 3s. I thinkYancy Gates and Jason Love cancel each other out and both put up between 10-14, grab 8-11 boards, and block 2-3 shots.
Surprise Hero: Rashad Bishop. I think this is the type of game that Bishop can utilize his skills and be a match up nightmare for Chris Mack and the Muskies.
Worst Nightmare: Tie game, or up 1, and Jordan Crawford has the ball. We’ve seen enough Xavier heartbreaking shots
Prediction: This one should be nip and tuck the whole way. I can’t see any team being up more than 7. I think UC gets off to a hot start on the road, and X makes a run in the second half. Final score: Cincinnati 75 Xavier 71. Mick gets his second win against X, and the Bearcats pose like champions to make up for Xavier posing like jackasses after their win last year. Go Cats
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