Scouting report: Xavier Musketeers gets first road test against TCU Horned Frogs

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After losing its AP Top 25 ranking, Xavier will get its first taste of playing inside an opponent’s home venue when the Musketeers visit the TCU Horned Frogs Thursday in Fort Worth, Texas.

It’s the final edition of the Big East-Big 12 Battle as the scheduling alliance between the two conferences expires after this year. Xavier has been great in the event, compiling a 4-1 overall record.

Xavier at TCU

Tip: Thursday, 8 p.m., Schollmaier Arena (8,500)

TV/Radio: ESPN+/700 WLW

Ratings: Xavier is No. 65 in KenPom and TCU is No. 82. In the NCAA’s NET Rankings, Xavier is No. 87 and TCU is No. 104. The Musketeers are a 1.5-point favorite over the Horned Frogs, according to BetMGM.

History: Xavier leads the all-time series, 2-1. In the inaugural Big East-Big 12 Battle in Dec. 2019, Xavier pulled out a 67-59 road win over the Horned Frogs.

TCU Horned Frogs scouting report

Record: 4-3

Head coach: Jamie Dixon (164-113 at TCU, ninth season)

Offense: 72.4 PPG

Defense: 64.3 PPG

Overview: TCU has won 20-plus games and gone to the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons under Dixon, but the Horned Frogs lost three November games for the first time since 2009. TCU didn’t lose its third game last season until Jan. 6.

Following a 3-0 start, TCU lost on the road to Michigan and went 0-2 with losses to Santa Clara and Colorado State last week in the Acrisure Invitational in Palm Springs, California.

TCU head coach Jamie Dixon has led the Horned Frogs to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last three seasons.

TCU lost three players through the portal but added a half-dozen in a transfer class that ranked in the top 30 in the nation, according to 247Sports.

TCU’s biggest get was UNC Wilmington’s Trazarien White, but he’s gotten off to a slow start offensively at just 9.9 points per game while shooting 42.4% from the field. Leading scorer Frankie Collins (11.3 points per game) is an Arizona State transfer.

Projected lineup

(Pos., Height, Stats)

Frankie Collins (G, 6’1″, 11.3 PPG)

Noah Reynolds (G, 6’3″, 9.7…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/scouting-report-xavier-musketeers-gets-160316187.html

Author : Cincinnati.com | The Enquirer

Publish date : 2024-12-05 16:03:00

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