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NCAA Basketball: 2021 NIT Season Tip-Off preview and predictions

By Jason Burgess

FRISCO, TEXAS - MARCH 28: The Memphis Tigers celebrate after defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the 2021 NIT Championship at Comerica Center on March 28, 2021 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
FRISCO, TEXAS - MARCH 28: The Memphis Tigers celebrate after defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the 2021 NIT Championship at Comerica Center on March 28, 2021 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Xavier Musketeers guard Paul Scruggs Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Xavier Musketeers guard Paul Scruggs Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

Xavier Musketeers

Record: 3-0

Travis Steele’s Xavier Musketeers were the consensus pick to finish behind Villanova in the Big East, but got some bad news early as arguably their best player, Zach Freemantle would miss the beginning of the year thanks to an injury and he will miss this tournament before hopefully returning in early December. The Musketeers are 4-0 and had their biggest test of the year, a 71-65 win over Ohio State in the Gavitt Games.

Senior Paul Scruggs and sophomore Colby Jones have been the offensive stars so far averaging 28.8 points, 15 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 3.5 steals so far this season. Iowa transfer Jack Nunge has helped fill the void in the middle without Freemantle. The 7-0 junior has been a force in the paint defensively with 1.75 blocks per game, while also contributing 9.8 points and 7.3 rebounds.

Once Freemantle returns, he, junior forward Jerome Hunter who is averaging 4.8 and seven, and Nunge will give Xavier one of the most formidable frontcourts in the Big East. The return of Freemantle should open things up even more for Scruggs and Jones on the perimeter. Even without him, Xavier should be a threat to win this tournament, which would put a stamp on their early-season success.

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