Xavier v. DePaul: Three Takeaways

In March, everything in the college basketball world becomes roughly 500% more intense as the 4 month season comes to a head and teams try to put the finishing touches on their resumes as Selection Sunday looms. One such team is Xavier, who didn't really help their case today so much as avoid a loss to DePaul that would have completely derailed an already unraveling season.

Trevon is still not quite back

Bluiett was on record as being "85%" tonight and it showed as his struggles in the first half contributed to Xavier's slow start. It is no coincedence that as Bluiett heated up after half time, so did Xavier. As the tests become steeper, Xavier will need Bluiett to get closer and closer to being back to his best.

All hands are on deck

Tyrique Jones was a no go tonight, leaving X 7 deep in a game they absolutely had to win. Malcolm Bernard was the low scorer tonight with 7 and, perhaps more importantly, Quentin Goodin made a return to double digits for the second time since Valentine's Day. With numbers so short, Xavier couldn't afford any non-performers tonight- luckily they didn't have any.

Tomorrow is a big day

Xavier now has a chance to make headway on the bubble if they can knock off Butler. A win gives Xavier a resume finishing win and, as importantly, some much needed momentum at the end of a season that had gone almost completely listless. A loss means a very uncomfortable wait for Sunday for X and their fans.