Insider Q&A: No. 16 Baylor at No. 21 Xavier

No. 16 Baylor is set to face No. 21 Xavier on Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m. CT in the final game of a two-game series which began in Waco last fall. Xavier basketball beat reporter Shannon Russell visited with Ashley Hodge of SicEm365 to discuss the contest.

I have only watched Xavier play at Wisconsin this year and highlights of the Arizona State game.  In the Wisconsin game I was really impressed with the way they played and of course Blueitt’s dominance at the end of that game.  Baylor fans will know all about Blueitt, O’Mara and Macura.  But tell us what we can expect from some of the other key players on this Xavier squad like Kaiser Gates? 

Shannon Russell (Xavier beat reporter):  

Kaiser Gates is a significant threat from 3-point range - so much so that 38 of his 44 field goal attempts thus far have come from the perimeter - and his length makes him a difficult post player to defend. The junior forward also can be a force on the glass, making him a unique part of the Musketeers' rotation. 

The Xavier player who has improved most significantly from last season to this season is Tyrique Jones (11 points per game, 6.8 rebounds). The 6-foot-9 sophomore forward played limited minutes last year, largely because of self-inflicted fouls that kept him on the bench. He lived in the gym in the offseason and has returned with greater confidence, sounder fundamentals and the ability to score more frequently around the rim. Jones is not only a key cog in the frontcourt, but the most consistent post player. 

Freshman Naji Marshall, a 6-foot-7 forward, has barely scratched the surface but is a great indication of Xavier's future. Rookie mistakes have dogged him in this early start to the season, an expected byproduct of the transition from the high school to college game, and his defense will catch up to his offense. But Marshall has drawn high praise from critics and fans alike, thanks to his play-making abilities and athletic capabilities. Six games in, he's averaging 7.8 points and 3 rebounds off the bench.

When I look at some of the advanced stats, one thing really sticks out to me.  Baylor wants to play methodical and use their strength and size to wear opponents down late.  They were able to get Creighton to play this type of style and beat them at the end.  Xavier plays fast on the offensive end but I have noticed opponents have been milking the clock against them when Xavier plays defense.  Because Xavier has such a strong, experienced backcourt, are they trying to push tempo any chance they get? 

Shannon:  

Yes, Xavier's goal is always to push the tempo. The Musketeers want to get the ball out and run, and they have the speed and athleticism to do it. Their last game - the loss to Arizona State in Las Vegas - was an interesting foil because the Sun Devils controlled the pace and, in the end, the game. When the Musketeers are in control, they play their best game. Games at home, in the comfort of Cintas Center, obviously play into their favor as they rarely lose there. They're 231-35 all-time at the arena since its 2000 opening.

The game in Waco last year was nip and tuck (Xavier led at half by 3) until Baylor went on a late run to put some distance.  What does Xavier need to do to beat Baylor?  How hard is it to get a win there and do you think the early tip time will hurt the crowd at all? 

Shannon:  

For Xavier to beat Baylor, the Musketeers need to take care of the ball and play much better defense than they did in the Arizona State loss. The Sun Devils scored an uncharacteristic 102 points against XU, a rarity for a Chris Mack defense, and he was vocal after the fact about that being the most important issue moving forward. Although Xavier has elite level players in Trevon Bluiett and J.P. Maura, point guard Quentin Goodin is just a sophomore and freshmen like Paul Scruggs, Naji Marshall and Elias Harden are also prone to mistakes at this early juncture. If the Musketeers don't play to the score, or worry about any runs instigated by the Bears, they'll have a good chance of avenging last season's loss in Waco. The early start won't affect any of that. And keep this in mind: XU has won 33 straight non-conference home games since 2012.