Shannon Russell of the Cincinnati Enquirer was gracious enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer some of my questions surrounding the Crosstown Shootout. Don’t really need a fancy intro paragraph when someone of Shannon’s stature swings by to answer questions. Here we go.
How important is this game for Xavier? Is this as much of a ‘must win’ as a team can have in February, or is it maybe the ‘least’ important of the next 4 games considering it’s not a league game?
The Crosstown Shootout is huge for Xavier. CBSSports.com’s Jerry Palm said the Musketeers need to win three of their last five to be in good shape for an NCAA tournament at-large bid, and there are no easy games in those last five (at UC, vs. No. 19 Butler, at St. John’s, vs. No. 6 Villanova and at Creighton). Xavier has lost to four of those teams in Big East play already. So winning on the road – something XU hasn’t been able to do consistently – would be a big deal Wednesday, as would a defeat of a UC team ranked 35th in the NCAA Daily RPI. Simply put, there is no “least important” game left on their schedule. They’re all important.
The Musketeers have been horrific in Big East play when it comes to the 3 ball. The team is at 29.6%. Outside of Remy Abell, no one is consistently hitting, especially Dee Davis. What has gone wrong for Xavier’s shooters? Is there much they can do to course correct?
In Big East play alone, Xavier is No. 10 of 10 teams in 3-point field goal percent. Some of that has to do with a 1-for-19 mark from three in the Jan. 31 loss to Seton Hall. Xavier has capable shooters (despite the stat) and has done well from three in spurts. Myles Davis was 4-for-5 from the perimeter in the Feb. 7 defeat of Providence, JP Macura was 3-of-6 in the next game at Marquette and Trevon Bluiett shot 50 percent from three in most recent loss to St. John’s. All three of those guys have had rough stretches this season but regained their confidence by continuing to shoot. The team also has focused on shooting drills more as the season has progressed. Remy Abell is shooting 42 percent from long range and continues to be a threat. It’s hard to know who will be hitting from three on a given day but there are multiple shooters who can change any game.
Jalen Reynolds has made a star turn recently with 14.2 points (61% shooting), 7.8 rebounds and 9 blocks over his last 5 games. Two questions, what has fueled his sustained performance? What can Cincinnati do to slow him down?
The game of basketball is starting to slow down for Jalen Reynolds and the sophomore forward has really come into his own lately. He is unquestionably the best athlete on the team and he possesses talents that are very difficult to contain. About the only thing that slows him down is his own foul trouble. Being able to stay on the court has been a season-long progression; in earlier games he would quickly pick up two fouls and never make a consistent impact. He’s playing smarter now even when he does pick up a foul or two.
Matt Stainbrook is 17th in the nation in true shooting percentage (weighs 3s & FTs) at 66.3%, which has made him one of the best interior players in the Big East. What makes him so effective offensively?
Matt is a fifth-year senior with extensive college basketball experience at multiple programs. He knows his strengths and is a very cerebral player. One of his best assets isn’t his shooting – it’s his passing. He is adept at passing out of traps and hitting teammates on the perimeter. His 61 assists through 26 games rank second on the team. Matt has improved his post catches, positioning himself closer to the basket to make shots and draw fouls, which pays off at the FT line. And at times his size mismatch is a great asset, as he can use it to Xavier’s advantage.
What are the X factors if the Musketeers are going to win Wednesday night?
For Xavier to beat UC, it will have to take care of the ball and handle the Bearcats’ pressure. The team struggled as recently as St. John’s with communicating in transition, which led to multiple runouts by the Red Storm. The Musketeers will have to take in stride the loud crowd, weather any UC runs and stay locked in for a full 40 minutes. Avoiding a letdown down the stretch, another Achilles’ heel for this XU team, also will be imperative.
A huge thanks again to Shannon for taking the time. Her schedule is pretty hectic and this was very appreciated. Be sure to follow her on twitter and read her coverage of the game on Cincinnati.com.
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