FGCU vs. Xavier Preview: Q&A with Banners on the Parkway

(via Captive Photons)

In anticipation of Sundays game between Florida Gulf Coast and Xavier, we conducted a brief question and answer with Musketeers hoops expert Caleb Childers of Banners on the Parkway. Be sure to check out their site and my answers.

LJ: Xavier has a very high powered attack, ranking very well in offensive stats, such as PPG, FG%, assists, etc en route to a 8-3 record. What has been key to such a great start to the season?

CC: The key to success is exactly what you just said. Our offense is explosive. Several players putting up points and lots of good ball movement. On the flip side we haven't played very good defense, but we're averaging 82 points per game. So to answer your question, lots of talented players on offense. 

LJ: Who are a few players to watch for the Musketeers?

CC: I tend to love just about everyone on this team, but I'm going to focus on two guys for y'all to watch out for. First up is our senior big man Matt Stainbrook (lovingly known as the Stain Train). He's putting up big numbers and as a monster around the glass. The other is Trevon Bluiett, our superstar freshman forward. He has exceeded every expectation so far this season and constantly puts up points. Everyone has been impressed with him and he plays a lot of minutes for the team. Those two are almost always on the court for the Musketeers, so watch out for them.

LJ: Xavier dropped two games to mid-major opponents, in UTEP & LBSU. Is there anything from those games that FGCU can learn from - how to maybe slow down the Xavier attack?

CC: Ouch. I kinda figured that you would bring up the Thanksgiving tournament, but it still hurts to think about. Xavier historically (granted it's only been 3 or so years) has been horrid during holiday tournaments. This year they defeated San Diego just to lose to UTEP and blow a game to Long Beach State, who they had already beaten earlier in the season. Both teams shot well from behind the arc and Xavier never clamped down on defense. Basically both teams outshot the musketeers and made us look bad.

LJ: Are there any Musketeers suspensions/injuries that FGCU fans should be aware of. How will these absences affect Xavier?

CC: This team has been lucky this year to be avoiding injuries and suspensions. Sumner is on a medical redshirt, but he was a freshman far down on the depth chart so his absence is not really missed at all this season. This looks to be a fair fight on our end, everyone is healthy is eligible besides the student section who is home for the holidays.

LJ: How do you see this one playing out?

CC: I tend to be an optimist, so I'm thinking that Xavier is going to be sloppy to start the game and it will be close for the first 10 or so minutes, then Xavier is going to pull away and win by about 9 or 10.