Cincinnati vs. Xavier: Who wins the position battles?

Center: Kyle Washington vs. Tyrique Jones

Another player who has improved from a year ago, Tyrique Jones has become the focal the paint for the Musketeers. He averages just under double-figures in scoring at 9.6 ppg and is the lead rebounder at 6.9 rpg. His production has basically doubled and plays good defense in the middle of the paint. In his second game of the season, he scored a career-high 19 points against Rider. If that can become more of the norm and Jones can be more of a factor on offense that balance will make Xavier even more potent.

His counterpart is senior forward Kyle Washington, a transfer from NC State with a reputation for playing well on offense, yet being defensively challenged. In his first season with Cincinnati, that played out, causing his minutes to be limited.

This season has been more of the same, with him scoring 10.4 ppg in around 20 mpg. The issue of consistency has continued to plague him with performances all over the place. He’s had highs of a 16 point and 11 rebound game to a good Wyoming team. Then days later, he only had six points and two rebounds to a below average Richmond program.

If Washington can play to his talent level, then Cincinnati is a Final Four team. If not, he becomes a liability on the court, having already been coming off the bench for two games this season. Jones is less talented but more consistent as a player.

Edge: Jones