Busting Brackets
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Xavier Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Musketeers

By Lukas Harkins

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 09: Xavier Musketeers fans are seen during a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Cintas Center on December 9, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Xavier won 96-69. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 09: Xavier Musketeers fans are seen during a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Cintas Center on December 9, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Xavier won 96-69. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Jones #0 of the Xavier Musketeers reacts. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Jones #0 of the Xavier Musketeers reacts. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Non-conference schedule breakdown

High-quality scheduling is extremely important for building an NCAA Tournament resume. And even though scheduling has taken a turn in recent years, it is still vital for Power-6 programs like the Musketeers. Out of the gate, this is a fairly challenging non-conference schedule. Even though there might not be one “elite” home game for the fans, the Musketeers will have many tough tests away from the Cintas Center. Here are Xavier’s top non-conference games:

  • Nov. 13: vs. Wisconsin Badgers (H)
  • Nov. 19-21: Maui Invitational (N)
  • Dec. 8: at Cincinnati Bearcats (A)
  • Dec. 18: at Missouri Tigers (A)

All three of the individual matchups on this schedule project as at least Quadrant 2 games. Facing Cincinnati in a rivalry game on the road will likely be the most difficult of these but it is never safe to underestimate a completely healthy and experienced Wisconsin team. Also, Missouri may not be as dangerous without Jontay Porter but they are still a tough team to beat on the road.

Even having said this, though, it is clear that the crowning jewel of this schedule is participating in the Maui Invitational. Easily one of the most challenging non-conference events of the year, this field is absolutely stacked and Xavier will be tested early in the season. Right out of the gate, Xavier will face Auburn, a fringe preseason top-10 team in the nation, in the opening round of that event. After this matchup, the other teams competing in Hawaii are Duke, San Diego State, Arizona, Iowa State, Gonzaga, and Illinois.

In short, Xavier should enter Big East play with at least a couple of Q1/2 wins and in good shape for an NCAA Tournament bid.