Top 25 battle in Cincinnati as Xavier hosts Creighton

How to watch

Time: 2 p.m. ET

TV: FOX (Tim Brando, Donny Marshall)

Stream: FOX Sports Go

Line: Xavier -3.5 (OddsShark)

It's been a rough week for the Xavier Musketeers so say the least.

After climbing to the highest AP Poll ranking in school history, Xavier fell to Providence on the road followed by a blowout loss to Villanova.

The road does not get much easier as they welcome in Creighton, the 25th team in the country.

One thing that we know about Xavier however, is that they can catch fire quicker and longer than any team in the nation. A home game tonight in arguably one of the toughest places to play in college basketball gives Chris Mack and company a slight advantage.

One thing that needs to change from the past two games is consistency. That starts with Trevon Bluiett.

During the two game slump, Bluiett is shooting 32% from the field, 33% from downtown, and 30% from the free throw line. At this point, it is almost inevitable that Bluiett is due for a breakout game where he simply cannot miss. Tonight may be that night.

For the Bluejays who come in a half game ahead of Villanova for first in the conference standings, come off of convincing wins against Georgetown in D.C, and Butler at home. Creighton will obviously be led by their 1-2 punch of Marcus Foster and Khyri Thomas, who combine to score 34 points a night. Another player to watch for is Martin Krampelj. The sophomore big man from Slovenia has recorded double-doubles in four of the first five Big East contests this season after only recording two in non-conference play.

Xavier lost six straight Big East games last season and made it to the Big East Tournament semi-finals and an Elite Eight. With that said, I don't think this is a "must-win" game but it certainly goes a long way taking care of business on your home floor.