We just couldn't resist. Despite NCAA rules that permit only five posts per half and one halftime post, we are going to bring you a live blog of today's Second Round matchup with Wisconsin. I am sure all of you are watching on CBS, so we wil try to limit it to things you can't see on tv and some stats! Go Musketeers!
UPDATE 2:36 (ET) - Nearly eight and a half minutes into the game, only 13 total points have been scored, showcasing the stout defenses both of these teams possess. Wisconsin likes to work the shot clock under 10 seconds and limit the number of possessions for each team. They took 54 shots in their overtime victory over Florida State on Friday, and exactly half of them (27) came from behind the three-point arc, hitting just nine. Being efficient on offense is going to be key for the Musketeers, as will utilizing the few opportunities to get out in transition that are available.
UPDATE 2:49 - As they settle a shot clock dispute, it's impossible not to reflect on how good a player Derrick Brown is, and also how he continues to grow as a player. Since the second half of the Portland State game, he has played with a sene of urgency and the team has benefited from that. When he is flying around grabbing rebounds, throwing down dunks and knocking down threes, the Musketeers are a very, very dangerous team.
UPDATE 3:00 - Defensive battle doesn't begin to describe what is going on her in Taco Bell Arena. Both teams are pressuring the perimeter and doing a tremendous job of denying the post. It looks like the Musketeers are more athletic than the Badgers, but Wisconsin's execution has been extremely precise. I don't see either team being able to pull away in this game.
UPDATE 3:12 - At halftime, XU trails by two, 27-25. At one point, the Badgers scored eight straight points, four of which came on free throws, to turn a three-point deficit into a five-point lead. Terrell Holloway hit a huge three there with just under a minute to play and Brown made a nice catch and shot to make this a pretty even contest heading into the break. It's gong to be a great second half!
UPDATE 3:39 - Opportunties are slipping through the Musketeers' fingers right now. C.J. Anderson had two chaces a layup and Jason Love missed a dunk, and the Badgers have opened the biggest lead of the game at seven points, 33-26. Coach Sean Miller called a timeout and will need to regroup his troops and respond to the early second-half surge of Wisconsin.
UPDATE 3:46 - After Wisconsin opened the half with a 6-1 run, the Musketeers have scored four straight to make it a three-point game. Important defensive possession for XU.
UPDATE 3:54 - Make that CONNSECUTIVE big defensive possessions for Xavier. The Musketeers have held the Badgers without a field goal since the 17:13 mark and we are now have 11:32 to play.
UPDATE 4:06 - Blocks by Jamel McLean and Kenny Frease have thwarted the last two attempts on offense by the Badgers. When the Musketeers are playing that way on defense, it often translates to points on the other end as XU is able to get out and run. Obviously, Wisconsin will try to slow the tempo down over the final sevn minutes, but look for Xavier to push it each chance it gets. With the tight schedule after the game, this will be the last post. Check GoXavier.com for results as they become available.
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