2014 NCAA Tournament Profile: Xavier Musketeers
By Joe Nardone
Mar 14, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Xavier Musketeers head coach Chris Mack coaches against the Creighton Bluejays during the second half of a semifinal game of the Big East college basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden. Creighton defeated Xavier 86-78. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Xavier Musketeers
Record: (21-12, 10-8 Big East)
RPI: 48
BPI: 48
Conference: Big East
How They Qualified: At-large
Those sneaky Xavier Musketeers. It seems like they do this every single year. As everyone was focused on how “down” the Big East was or how few teams were going to make the Big Dance, Xavier is not only in the Tournament but has a chance to go dancing deep into the night (if the night were referred to as March).
A major question heading into the NCAA Tournament for Xavier, however, is if their “good” is good enough to beat other really good teams. The NCAA Tournament is a far cry from beating the DePaul Blue Demons of the world. If the field were filled with 67 of of them, Xavier would be our favorite.
What You Need to Know
Leading Scorer: Semaj Christon (17.1 ppg)
Leading Rebounder: Matt Stainbrook (7.3 rpg)
Leading Passer: Dee Davis (4.7 apg)
Bad Losses: USC
Good Wins: Tennessee, Cincinnati, Providence, Creighton
What to Expect
I am not sure Xavier has enough to go on a deep run. To be honest, their first-round game against NC State would make me nervous if I were an X-Men. Well, that and the fact that Hugh Jackman would be all up in my grill.
Balance is usually vital to the success of recent Xavier teams. This one is no different.
Regardless, the Musketeers are going dancing in the NCAA Tournament!