This crosstown shootout is very needed as we head towards the end of 2020. Add in some drama between the coaches, and it makes things all the better. This game is much earlier in the season than usual, and it will be without the fans, which usually gives the game so much energy. Since 2015, no team has won two shootouts in a row, and the home team has won every year. It will be interesting to see what advantage home court has this year, if any.
Xavier
Xavier has played five games so far, and somehow managed to get five wins. They missed two of their star freshmen during those games, who were out due to contact tracing, but we were able to get a good look at some of the other new additions. Freshman Dwon Odom played point guard, and although at times he made freshman mistakes, he showed great potential and even hit a game winning shot against Bradley. Grad transfers Nate Johnson and Byron Griffin also received significant playing time and showed potential.
Xavier’s returning players showed some of the growth they have made since last season. Big Zach Freemantle has shown that he is going to be a problem for anyone Xavier plays. He is averaging 17 points a game and makes big plays on defense too. Freemantle can hit the jumpers, but is also dangerous behind the arc. His issue so far this year has been foul trouble. Fremantle has amassed four fouls early in two games, and fouled out against Tennessee Tech. Xavier needs Fremantle to stay out of trouble, because he is a huge contributor and leader to their team. KyKy Tandy is another large contributor to the offense. He is shooting 41% from the three point line, and his defense has improved a little bit too. Senior Jason Carter has been tearing up the boards so far. He has been huge in getting offensive and defensive rebounds. Fellow senior Paul Scruggs has not been making the offensive splash many thought he would, but has done a good job distributing the ball. I would expect Scruggs to be more of an offensive force in the coming games.
One of Xavier’s major weaknesses they have shown so far is turnovers. They continue to make sloppy plays and as a result have dumb turnovers. In their overtime win against Eastern Kentucky, they had 25 turnovers. These constant turnovers stop Xavier from getting into an offensive rhythm.
UC
It is hard to write much about UC because we just don't know that much about them. They have only played one game which makes it hard to figure out their style and they experienced a lot of turnover coming into this season. They have seven new players on the roster, including freshman and grad transfers. UC’s two best players, Chris Vogt and Keith Williams, did not have great showing against Lipscomb. Williams got in foul trouble and Vogt did not score most of his 12 points until the second half. UC played a full court press against Lipscomb and forced them to play a high speed game. I would think they will play a full court press against Xavier as well.
My Pick:
I think that a major factor for this game is going to be the experience each team has had so far. Xavier has five games under their belt, while UC has only played one. With all the newcomers, this experience is crucial for team chemistry and working out kinks. I think the added experience Xavier has will play an important role in this game, especially in the first half. Xavier needs to make sure they limit their turnovers and Fremantle needs to make sure he stays out of foul trouble if they want to win. For UC, they need to try to play a full court press, as that is something Xavier struggled with. Both teams have struggled from the three point line, so whoever gets it going behind the arc first will have an advantage. I will admit that this pick is made heavily on my bias and love of Xavier, but I think that Xavier is a better team and will win today.
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