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No. 3 Xavier vs. No. 7 West Virginia in the Sweet 16
Xavier will face its toughest test to date tonight against West Virginia. (AP Images)
Unlike the other three squads in the West that made it to the Sweet 16, the Xavier Musketeers (+1) don't rely on one or two stars to win. All they use is balance.
"We have a number of different players that can answer the bell on offense," Musketeers coach Sean Miller said. "It's a really unique team to guard, because on different nights different people can beat you."
All five starters on the Musketeers score at least 10 points per game, but not one averages over 12. It's that kind of unselfishness that makes them a handful for any team looking to find a way to stifle their offense.
"That's why I love this team,” senior guard Stanley Burrell said. “We play for each other. We don't do any individual things whatsoever. It's all about the team and how we can help Xavier get to the next level. I'm so proud of these guys."
They'll need that balance to knock off West Virginia (-1), who has ridden the play of star G/F Joe Alexander to a surprising Sweet 16 appearance.
Some Betting Trends to Consider:
- West Virginia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
- The total has gone OVER in 7 of West Virginia's last 9 games
- Xavier is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Xavier's last 5 games