Scouting report: Keys to a Xavier Musketeers victory over Morgan State at Cintas Center

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Much has been made of Xavier’s brutal December schedule that really gets tricky starting in Saturday’s Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout.

Xavier’s road matchup against the Cincinnati Bearcats tips off a one-week stretch that features three matchups against ranked opponents.

It’s a big seven days for Xavier, but before they can worry about the Bearcats and the start of Big East play, the Musketeers must first handle business Tuesday night at Cintas Center against Morgan State.

Xavier is 6-0 at Cintas Center this season.

Why Xavier won’t overlook Morgan State

It might be tough for some first-year Musketeers to look past the lowly Bears with one of college basketball’s best rivalries on deck. However, the Musketeers have no room for error. They’ve seen just how close disaster can be.

In its last home game, Xavier had to hang on for a 71-68 win over South Carolina State as a 25.5-point favorite. Last season before beating UC, Xavier dropped three consecutive games − all at home − including two non-conference affairs against Oakland and Delaware.

Coming off a frustrating loss in Fort Worth, Texas to TCU, Xavier has a nice opportunity for a get-right spot when Morgan State comes to town.

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Xavier vs. Morgan State

Tip: Tuesday, 7 p.m., Cintas Center (10,212)

TV/Radio: CBS Sports Network/700 WLW

Ratings: Xavier is No. 65 in KenPom while Morgan State is No. 348. In the NCAA’s NET Rankings, the Musketeers are No. 90 while the Bears are No. 353.

History: Xavier is 4-0 all-time against Morgan State. The most recent matchup was Sean Miller’s first game back as the Musketeers’ head coach on Nov. 7, 2022. Xavier rolled, 96-73, behind 23 points from Souley Boum.

Morgan State guard Kameron Hobbs (0) scored 14 points off the bench in a loss to Xavier at Cintas Center in 2022.

Morgan State Bears Scouting Report

Record: 5-7

Head coach: Kevin Broadus (73-82 at Morgan State, sixth season)

Offense: 84.3 ppg

Defense: 77…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/scouting-report-keys-xavier-musketeers-154515741.html

Author : Cincinnati.com | The Enquirer

Publish date : 2024-12-09 15:45:00

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