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Team: Xavier
Conference: Big East
Coach: Chris Mack
Record: 27-5, 14-4 in conference
KenPom Rank: 15
Good wins: The Musketeers won most of their Big East games but the win that stands out among the 14 is their win over Villanova. Xavier took down the No. 1 team 90-83. Six Xavier players scored in double figures in the game.
Impact players: Sophomore guard Trevon Bluiett is leading the team in minutes (976), three point percentage (39%) and points per game (15.5) Senior forward James Farr, 6-6, 244 lbs, is a force on the defensive end. Farr leads the team in defensive rebounds (158) and blocks (31), he is also third in the Big East with 7.8 rebounds per game and fifth in field goal percentage (.552).
How did they get in? Xavier was one of the five Big East teams to make the tournament. They got a two seed and will face No. 15 Weber State, winners of the Big Sky conference regular season and tournament titles.
How far can this team go in the NCAA Tournament? Xavier is great at getting to the line and foul shots account for almost a quarter of their points this season (23.4), which ranks 37th in the nation. Getting to the foul line could be Xavier's strategy for efficient scoring throughout the tournament. The Musketeers have the potential to get to the Elite Eight. That's where they might face some problems since they have the possibility of a North Carolina or Kentucky matchup. In the history of Xavier's NCAA appearances (26 times), they have never advanced past the Elite Eight.
Last time in the NCAA Tournament? Last season (2015). They lost to #2 Arizona in the Sweet Sixteen, 60-68.