Is it not someone who keeps things real, and doesn’t cater to popular belief? I feel like that’s exactly what I’m doing.That’s definitely ok. But I think you’re confusing what a realist is
The line opened at -2.5 and has stayed at -2.5Not only are we favored we were -6.5 at one point. Think it’s down to about 4 now though.
Control Boum & UConn will win this game- I know it sounds simple- but I do really think as long as they keep him in check UConn will be 15-0.X is a high paced team, with about the 20th highest pace in the country. Teams that play at a higher pace than Xavier from the data I've seen that UConn has played are:
Alabama (1) 82-67
Buffalo (6) 84-64
LIU (12) 114-61
In addition UConn has played three other teams with a higher pace than UConn:
Georgetown (86) 84-73
Florida (98) 75-54
Stonehill (102) 85-54
Xavier really does try for quick hitting plays and goes for a lot of transition, and secondary breaks. They pass the ball a lot, like UConn, but don't have near the off-ball action UConn has. Assists seem a lot more predicated on fast breaks, PNRs/PNPs, and drive and kicks/dump offs
The two games I have seen them play they gave up a lot of open shots. Which shows in their 3PT% defense (37.4%, 326th worst in the country), they make up for that by shooting an absurd 40.8% (3rd in the country) from three. Not to mention 47% from two, again bested by their 55%.
Where Nova was a contest of UConn's three point defense in terms of attempts, this seems like it might be more focused on Xaviers three point shooting percentage vs UConn's three point shooting percentage defense (26.5%). Xavier doesn't really take a lot of threes, they just take good ones and make them.
Realist? Or pessimist? Odds say the latter.Hate to be that guy but I’m a realist.
76-67 X
Hope I’m wrong.
I’m modifying my prediction. It hit me like a lightning bolt this morning in the shower.UConn 82 - X 65. Our d holds up and Xavier’s d can’t contain us.
Interesting that this exact score has been predicted about 4-5 times heteThe key to victory is always the same. Keep the other team under 70.
UConn 82 Xavier 65
I expect to be a fun game. Nova was a tough slog game.Winning team wins by 5.
I say 73-68
It will be a tough game.
Xavier played St. John’s wed alsolet me just say even if Uconn loses this game I don't think it's bad, sometimes the pressure of undefeated gets to a team. That being said I think Xavier wins a narrow game 72-69. I think Sean Miller and the crowd at home on a short rest after Wed playing a tough Nova game will be tough.