CHICAGO — Xavier head coach Sean Miller ended his Sunday press conference following a win over Marquette with a message to his team.
"What we've done well is we've not overlooked a game. We've just kind of stayed and dealt with what's in front of us and that becomes the key for us," said Miller. "You don't wait to lose."
It's worth arguing that nothing will be more important that that mentality on Wednesday against DePaul at Wintrust Arena.
Behind the nation's fourth-longest win streak, the Musketeers (15-3, 7-0 Big East) can't stray from what's helped them get off to their best start ever in the Big East Conference.
DePaul's record (8-10, 2-5) won't strike much fear, but in recent years, this hasn't been the most seamless road trip for Xavier, and the Blue Demons just beat Villanova at home a week ago, in case the Musketeers needed reminding of how dangerous DePaul can be.
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More:Xavier does it again. Musketeers beat No. 25 Marquette for their 11th straight win
"They're a team, and it just seems like there are many teams in the Big East like this, that just pride themselves on steals, creating turnovers, blocking shots, leaving their feet and playing with tremendous effort," Miller said of the Blue Demons.
DePaul's a high-energy team with quickness and athleticism.
"You have one of those nights where you're irresponsible and nonchalant with the ball and just kind of picking and choosing execution, or you don't cut hard and do the things you need to do, and you have a high turnover night, I think that's when they're at their best and most dangerous," said Miller.
The other area that will come into play on Wednesday night is the 3-point line.
"We haven't been great at defending the 3-point shot," Miller said. "I think we're getting a little bit better every day. At home, especially, if you follow DePaul, they can have a huge night from behind the arc."
Xavier just played the entire second half against Marquette with three turnovers and maybe its best defensive performance of the season.
The goal becomes packing up that performance and bringing it with them to the Windy City on Wednesday.
The Game
- Tipoff: 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Wintrust Arena
- TV/Radio: FS1 with play-by-play from Jeff Levering and analysis from Nick Bahe. Byron Larkin and Joe Sunderman will have the radio call on WKRC-AM (550).
- Series info: Xavier leads the all-time series 17-12.
Scouting report
Xavier Musketeers (15-3, 7-0)
Coach: Sean Miller, 18th season (437-159 overall)
Offense: 84.2 ppg
Defense: 75.1 ppg
Projected lineup
Player (Position, Height, Key Stat)
Adam Kunkel (G, 6'4", 10.1 ppg)
Zach Freemantle (F, 6'9", 14.4 ppg)
Colby Jones (G, 6'6", 14.4 ppg)
Souley Boum (G, 6'3", 17.6 ppg)
Jack Nunge (F, 7'0", 14.8 ppg)
DePaul Blue Demons (8-10, 2-5)
Coach: Tony Stubblefield, third season (25-37 overall)
Offense: 71.7 ppg
Defense: 74.7 ppgProjected lineup
Player (Position, Height, Key Stat)
Javan Johnson (F, 6'6", 15.7 ppg)
Umoja Gibson (G, 6'1", 14.9 ppg)
Eral Penn (F, 6'6", 10.2 ppg)
Philmon Gebrewhit (G, 6'7", 7.3 ppg)
Yor Anei (F, 6'10", 5.7 ppg)
Players to watch
Javan Johnson
Johnson leads DePaul in scoring and he's the Blue Demons' best 3-point shooter at 41% from beyond the arc. Between Johnson, Gibson and Gebrewhit, those three have combined for 111 of DePaul's 155 3-pointers this season.
Souley Boum
Xavier's size is going to be crucial, both in terms of rebounding and scoring around the basket. But Boum's ability to take care of the basketball and remain a consistent scoring threat puts a ton of pressure on opposing defenses.
Keys to the game
Move the ball, take care of it
Xavier leads the nation in assists per game. When the ball moves it leads to high-percentage shots and it puts a ton of pressure on opposing defenses to try and defend.
If the Musketeers get that ball moving on Wednesday and take care of it, it should lead to positive results. DePaul thrives on forcing turnovers and turning them into easy points. Xavier can't get caught with a sloppy game on the road.
Rankings
KenPom: Xavier (15), DePaul (136)
NET: Xavier (16), DePaul (169)
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