We’ve finally done away with that wretched Crosstown “Classic” and are returning to the good ol’ Crosstown Shootout on Wednesday. The Cincinnati Bearcats hope to get back to their winning ways in both this season and this series by beating the Xavier Musketeers at Fifth Third Arena. Here’s the least you should know about UC’s next opponent and this game.
KEY NUMBERS
Xavier is simultaneously prolific offensively and horrific defensively. The Musketeers’ 48.1% field goal percentage leads the Big East and ranks 20th in college basketball. They’re simultaneously a fast-paced team, averaging 68.3 possessions per game (2nd in the Big East), and efficient on those possessions (1.12 points per possession, 2nd; 111.9 in floor efficiency, 2nd).
But where the Musketeers struggle is defensively. While they’re averaging 76.5 points per game, Xavier is also giving up 68.7 on the defensive end. Essentially Chris Mack’s strategy this season has been to win shootouts. But, like with Cincinnati’s inability to score consistently this year, Xavier’s struggles stopping opposing teams has cost them several games. Despite solid big men, the Musketeers are allowing a whopping 9.2 offensive boards (2nd most) in Big East play. They’re also allowing opponents to move the ball on them fairly easily, averaging an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.06 per game (3rd highest).
Essentially, if UC can’t score of Xavier Wednesday night, they won’t score on anybody.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
More from Cincy on the Prowl
- Cincinnati Football: Bearcats aim to get back on track against Oklahoma in Big 12 opener
- Cincinnati Football: Red zone concerns could be a recurring issue throughout season
- Cincinnati Football: Players of the game from the Bearcats recent loss to rival Miami
- Cincinnati Football: Defensive standouts from the disappointing Battle for the Victory Bell loss
- Cincinnati Football: Can the Bearcats bounce back from frustrating loss against Miami?
Matt Stainbrook (#40): We discussed this at length Sunday but Cincinnati has to keep this 6’10”, 270 lbs center in check on Wednesday. Stainbrook is averaging a 12-7 line for the Musketeers, throwing his body around in the paint like the hulking big man he is. When he does that, he’s prone to get fouled and Stainbrook has no problem going to the line to get his points. He averages an excellent 78% from the stripe so don’t think he won’t go after the almost-50 lbs lighter Octavius Ellis if he has the chance.
Trevon Blueitt (#5): If there’s anyone who can compliment Stainbrook’s presence inside better than this true freshman on Mack’s team, I don’t know who it is. Blueitt is an uber athletic three-man who’s proficient enough to drop back and hit the three just as well as he can drive the lane. He takes advantage of the opposing front court’s attention on Stainbrook to do just that; attack outside-in to get his team leading 12.5 points per game.
BEST MATCHUP
Troy Caupain v. Dee Davis (#11): The easy selection for this section is Octavius Ellis or Coreontae DeBerry against Matt Stainbrook but these two are the kick starters of their respective offenses. Caupain has been erratic of sorts since the UConn game and Davis too since Xavier’s loss to Creighton (chuckle). But where the latter has always excelled is his ability to hit other players for open looks. Davis is averaging 6.3 assists per game to go along with his 8.5 points.
FINAL THOUGHTS AND PREDICTION
This is your classic matchup between one squad that can score on anyone and another that can stop anyone. I swear if you slapped Cincinnati’s defense with Xavier’s offense you’d have yourself a National Championship caliber team. But fantasy isn’t reality and the fact is these two strengths are clashing on Wednesday night. With the way both teams have been playing it’s difficult to get a read on who’s in a better position to win. Cincinnati, maybe, because they’re on their home floor and their defense usually never takes a night off.
Ok, I’m picking the Bearcats because I can’t very well call myself a UC fan and pick Xavier, right?
Cincinnati: 70
Xavier: 69