CaribouJim
02-12-2016, 10:07 PM
http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2016/02/11/surprise-teams-miami-iowa-xavier-usc-oregon
Xavier Musketeers (21-3, 9-3 Big East)
After losing center Matt Stainbrook and guard Dee Davis to graduation from its Sweet 16 team a year ago, Xavier entered the 2015-16 season with diminished expectations. Instead of receding to the middle of the Big East pack, however, the Musketeers have are in second place in the conference, a full two games ahead of a trio of teams (Creighton, Georgetown and Seton Hall) that are tied for third. Xavier, ranked No. 5 in this week's AP poll, doesn't do any one thing at an exceptional level, but it is balanced on both ends, with the No. 26 offense and No. 31 defense in efficiency, according to kenpom.com. The Musketeers are arguably the best rebounding team in the conference, and that has helped them clean up an effective field goal percentage that ranks 105th nationally. Given the strength of the Big East, Xavier likely won’t make it through the rest of the regular season unscathed, but it is a legitimate threat for a Final Four run in March.
Xavier Musketeers (21-3, 9-3 Big East)
After losing center Matt Stainbrook and guard Dee Davis to graduation from its Sweet 16 team a year ago, Xavier entered the 2015-16 season with diminished expectations. Instead of receding to the middle of the Big East pack, however, the Musketeers have are in second place in the conference, a full two games ahead of a trio of teams (Creighton, Georgetown and Seton Hall) that are tied for third. Xavier, ranked No. 5 in this week's AP poll, doesn't do any one thing at an exceptional level, but it is balanced on both ends, with the No. 26 offense and No. 31 defense in efficiency, according to kenpom.com. The Musketeers are arguably the best rebounding team in the conference, and that has helped them clean up an effective field goal percentage that ranks 105th nationally. Given the strength of the Big East, Xavier likely won’t make it through the rest of the regular season unscathed, but it is a legitimate threat for a Final Four run in March.