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How to watch, listen, or stream
Time: 2 p.m. ET
TV: RSN Associates. See your local listings.
Radio: 55KRC-AM in Ohio. 670 AM in Illinois.
Stream: Fox Sports Go
Gamblin’ info
Xavier is favored by 6.5 points according to OddsShark.com.
The over/under is 145.
Two Things to Watch for
Can Xavier stop their skid?
Entering Saturday’s matchup, the X-Men have lost six straight games. Their skid has placed them squarely on the bubble with only one game remaining in the season. What truly seems to be the issue is simply a lack of defensive coherency.
For a while after sophomore Edmond Sumner’s injury, they were able to cope, utilizing other members to deal with other team’s athletic backcourts. Yet recently, they simply haven’t found the ability to stop anyone. During this stretch, the Musketeers have allowed over 75 points four times, including outputs of 88 and 95 in their last two. For Xavier to return back to their winning ways, they will need their defensive backbone to reappear.
Billy Garrett Jr.’s last home game
The senior from Chicago, in my opinion, has been incredibly undervalued throughout his college career. A consistent starter since his freshman year, Garrett has averaged double figures in each of the last four years. While the surrounding coaching staff and personnel was never talented or experienced enough to help the Blue Demons reach the NCAA Tournament, Garrett has always stuck out. He has this masterful ability to either create and make his own shot while also being a skilled passer. In this day and age of position-less college basketball, he is the true epitome of a combo guard.
Much like his successful career, it has gone unnoticed that Garrett is recording career highs in points and steals per game, as well as 3-point and free throw percentage. As one of the new Big East’s most unappreciated careers comes to a close, here is to hoping that he finally receives the recognition he deserves on his senior day.
Other Players to watch
Trevon Bluiett (Xavier): The junior returned from injury three games ago but has yet to hit his stride. If Xavier is to make an impact in a postseason tournament, Bluiett needs to return to his early form.
Eli Cain (DePaul): One of the Big East’s best sophomores will finish out his second season leading the Blue Demons in points per game. Along with his 15.7 points, Cain grabs around 4.5 rebounds a game.
Brandon Cyrus (DePaul): The Blue Demon freshman averages around 6.1 points per game to go along with four rebounds. The last time these two teams met, he scored a career-high 18 points.