By Anthony Weihofen,
With this being the last week in February one of the biggest events in sports is right around the corner. That’s right, this means that March Madness is right around the corner, so let’s review some of the conference leaders.
Though the American East conference is not exactly most known for it’s basketball teams the Stony Brook Seawolves are having a great season. They are on top of the American East with only two games left in the season.
Xavier is at 12-8 and is on the outside looking in the tourney.
By Anthony Weihofen
Although the Xavier Musketeers started the season off winning three of their first four games of the season they have struggled lately and probably should not get their hopes up looking deep into the big tournament in March.
The Musketeers do not look real impressive so far this year as they have an overall 12-8 record and would need to win at least 75-percent of the remainder of their season in order to make the tournament. Most teams that enter March Madness tournament or at least do well in it usually end their seasons with no more than 8-10 losses and even that is pushing it.
Sean Kilpatrick, Credit AP
By Chris Ramirez
Cincinnati, OH - Sean Kilpatrick scored 25 points, as 11th ranked Cincinnati defeated Xavier, 60-45, at U.S. Bank Arena. It was the first meeting since last season’s ugly brawl. Last year’s 76-53 win by Xavier was remembered for a benches-clearing incident that resulted in ejections and subsequent suspensions for both squads. “Last year’s incident is something that isn’t going to happen again,” Xavier guard Brad Redford said. “I think that both of these teams have a lot of respect for each other.”
By Chris Ramirez
Xavier Musketeers redshirt junior guard Mark Lyons will not return for his senior season, the school announced Monday.
” Head Coach Chris Mack said”After our end of the season meeting with Mark it became apparent that a change for both parties was the right thing moving forward. “During our meeting expectations were outlined for his fifth and final season, areas in which I believe needed improvement.
Michael Kidd Gilchrist
By Tim Donohoo
Sweet 16 action was fast and furious and here is how it all shook down.
Thomas Robinson led Kansas to the round of eight with 18 points and 15 rebounds as the Jayhawks upended North Carolina State in St. Louis, 60-57. Kansas’ Jeff Withey blocked 10 shots to finish one rejection shy of the NCAA tournament record. C.J. Leslie had 18 points for the Wolfpack despite sitting on the bench much of the second half with four fouls. Kansas was just 1-for-14 from beyond the arc in the contest. N.C. State missed 48 shots in the game (19-for67). State led at the intermission, 33-32.
Michael Kidd Gilchrist, Getty Images
By Chris Ramirez
South Region
Quincy Acy had 20 points and 15 rebounds Friday night and Baylor held on for a 75-70 win over Xavier to reach the Elite Eight for the second time in three years. Perry Jones III added 14 points and Kenny Frease added 18 points and led a 13-0 run that helped pull Xavier out of an 18-point hole in the first half. Holloway score 22 points to lead the Musketeers, while Mark Lyons had 16 points in the loss.
