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Xavier v. St. John's: live chat, how to watch, keys to the game

By Joel D
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Musketeers (16-9, 7-6)

v.

St. John's Red Storm (16-8, 5-6)

Three keys:
-Speed up the game. St. John's has no depth and Xavier has a ton of it. St. John's basically ignores the offensive glass in favor of sending guys back to set up the defense. If Xavier can catch them while they're still in reverse by getting the ball out quickly, the Muskies can wear their opponent down and nullify one of the most effective facets of St. John's' game.

-Win the freebie war. The Johnnies basically concede the glass at one end and aren't that great on the other, and both teams have offenses that are stingy with the basketball. Offensive rebounds and forced turnovers are free possessions for a team; Xavier has a chance to dominate both of those categories on Saturday.

-Score from outside. Xavier has run hot and cold from behind the arc in Big East play, but the St. John's defense will give them plenty of opportunities to score three-point baskets. Whether or not Xavier converts on those may well be the largest factor in the outcome of the game.

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Xavier v. St. John's

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