3 Things We Learned From Xavier vs Ole Miss

1. Ole Miss Can’t Come Back This Time

After Ole Miss surged back from a 17-point deficient against BYU in the First Four, many thought the Rebels could ride a VCU-esque momentum into a quick second round turnaround against Xavier. This certainly wasn’t the case against Xavier in Jacksonville, Ole Miss struggled in both halves to score from the field – especially when it came to easy shots.

Andy Kennedy wanted his team to be more aggressive against the zone in the second half, and though they were, they still ended up shooting an abysmal 32.9% from the field, including 22.2% from three. Stefan Moody contributed scoring, but many of the other Rebels just could not finish around the rim particularly in transition. These narrow misses led to a double-digit deficit most of the game, one that Ole Miss just could not come back from.

2. Xavier Goes Inside, Stainbrook Dominates

Matt Stainbrook was unquestionably the best player on the court tonight. Ole Miss could not stop Xavier’s inside-out game in any shape or form, and that was largely due to the scoring, passing and rebounding ability of their senior center. With an absolute stat-stuffing night, compiling 20 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 1 block, Stainbrook has solidified himself as a player to watch this tournament.

He has both a soft touch around the rim, as well as a long game with hookshots. His court vision led to the majority of Xavier’s 10 3-pointers. If the Musketeers are to advance past upset-minded George State on Saturday and beyond to the Sweet 16, it will most certainly be due to the play of Stainbrook. Ole Miss just had no answer for the point-center’s all-around game.

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3. Frustration For Ole Miss, Xavier Likely Favored For Sweet 16

Ole Miss really has to be kicking themselves for missing their second opportunity in three seasons to reach the Sweet 16. Andy Kennedy has the program competing at this level, but the next task is to break through. A matchup with George State would have been tough, but favorable for the athletic Rebels.

This break through comes down to the little things like making easy shots, of which the Rebels missed so many. Matt Stainbrook and Xavier seemed to have all of the intangibles tonight, as his on-court prowess has to unnerve Ron Hunter and George State somewhat. However, no one can expect Stainbrook to shut down likely first-round pick R.J. Hunter. It will take a similar effort to take care of the Panthers in a game in which the Musketeers will certainly be favored.

Next: NCAA: Wide Right Goes Wrong For SMU

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