Quote:
Originally Posted by Caveat Emperor
Xavier's been a fun team to watch this year. I could see them picking up a win or two in the tournament as long Tu stays hot and they can get competent play out of their big men.
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One or two wins would make most fans happy, but from what I've learned about this team, it would not make them happy, especially not Mack. He's led this team beyond expectations with his vision of what's possible. Believe me, he's gunning for the Final Four, and so are the players on the team. Realistic or not to outsiders.
Personally, I can't tell how good XU is, especially against top teams, which is who you play in the sweet 16. They ripped Temple, Richmond and UGA, so who knows? It looks more and more like the UC team that beat them by 20 has a top 10 defense in the country. Look what they did to Gtown.
I feel like the top 5 is really really strong, but after that 6-35 are all very hit or miss. To that extent, I don't think any team can rule out a trip to the sweet 16 or even elite 8. If XU can make the elite 8, I honestly think they'll have a chance to punch through because it will mean they've hardened their resolve, Mack has them playing peak, and the rest of the country is what I think they are, beatable.
That said, they could get beat in a 5/12 game.
Right now, they need to win the A 10 tourney and grab a protected 4 seed so the XU base can follow them the Cleveland or Chicago or Charlotte.
15-1, damn, it feels nice, if not disorienting.