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The Xavier Musketeers looked good in their only public exhibition game a week ago. Many things to watch will be extensions from that game, most notably the play of Brandon Randolph, how well the freshmen perform and what kind of game James Farr has. In their first game of the 2014 season, the Musketeers will tangle with the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks.
Last week, the guard play for the Musketeers was overall very solid and very exciting to watch. Not only were shooters knocking down three's but they were penetrating the lane and finding the open man whether it be a big with good position or an open man beyond the arc. It is hard to believe Brandon Randolph will go 0-8 every game with the sort of strong, aggressive driving ability he possesses. Brandon's scoring, defense and overall effort will surely be something to watch.
As mentioned in (my previous article, Chris, I'm not sure how to link that in here) a number of freshman had great scoring nights, like Trevon Bluiett and Sean O'Mara, while Larry Austin Jr. showed a knack for facilitating the basketball as well as running a half court offense. If those three, as well as the other freshman, can play well then the Musketeers should run away with this one.
Veteran, consistent play should be expected of both Jalen Reynolds and Matt Stainbrook this season at both the power forward and center positions. They will hold down the majority of the minutes in the paint this year for the Muskies and they both are very skilled at scoring, blocking/alternating shots as well as rebounding on both ends of the floor. It is up to James Farr to continue that style and consistency of play when he comes off the bench to give either "Stain Train" or Reynolds a breather.
Game time: 7 p.m. ET
TV schedule: FOX College Sports
Live radio stream: 700 WLW/550 WKRC