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This team needs to start quicker
Against ETSU, UNI, and now DePaul, Xavier has been sloppy out of the gates and let their opponents get comfortable in the game, leading to much harder fought wins than need be. Against Baylor and UC, X was brilliant at the outset to put the opponents on their heels early. You can't count on 22 or 16 point comebacks in this league, so Xavier needs to get back to their old ways sooner than later.
Love him or hate him, JP is a fantastic player
With Tre not starting today, the only X player to score in the first 5 minutes was future Governor of Wisconsin JP Macura. That was on his was to 19/6/5 with 0 turnovers, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. Sure he might rile some pearl clutching opposing fanbases, but there is no denying that he was everything X needed him to be today.
The freshmen are still a work in progress
Naji Marshall and, to a lesser extent, Paul Scruggs have drawn much admiration out of Xavier's fans with their recent performances, but today was not a,banner day for either in their home Big East debuts. Scruggs went for 4 points and a 2:2 A:TO ratio in 14 minutes, none of which came as Xavier roared into the lead late. Marshall, starting in place of Trevon Bluiett, was abysmal, going scoreless with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4turnovers today. It is important to remember both guys have shown why they are at Xavier, but today was a step backward.