it's the big one- Xavier/Villanova

It's a real tossup to me. I like Xavier because I think they got a wakeup call last game after struggling some recently. I think this is the big one for them. I like Villanova because they're well, Villanova and that's just what they do. They're 8-1 vs Xavier in the NBE.

Ken Pom has it 89-79 Nova. Looking at Ken Pom breakdown, the big thing that sticks out to me is that Xavier only forces turnovers on 15.7% of possessions. That's #326 in the country. Nova only commits turnovers on 14.2% of possessions. If Nova doesn't turn the ball over, I think it could be a really long night for Xavier. The other red flag for me for Xavier- they give up 3's 40.2% of the time. That's #256 in the country. I could see Nova just having a field day with that. The big plus stat for Xavier is offensive rebounding.

I'll say it's like 94-80 Nova.

Yea, still like Nova to win it even though I enjoy watching X.

Should be a great game. I'll take Nova.

even a bit worse than I called it- 89-65. Death, Taxes, and Nova beating down Xavier in Philly.

Creighton/Xavier on Saturday is interesting. All of a sudden, Xavier playing to avoid a 3 game losing streak. At least small consolation, lose that and it almost certainly won't go 4, as their next opponent- St John's.