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The Cincinnati Bearcats rebounded from a rough start to the season, but are currently coming off a two-game losing streak to two teams, including the Tulane Green Wave, who currently have an RPI of 149. Cincinnati is currently predicted to make the 2015 NCAA tournament, but they need a few more big wins if they are to be comfortable about their chances.
The Bearcats will get that opportunity on Wednesday, Feb. 18, as they face the Xavier Musketeers at home on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET.
Xavier should be fairly confident that they will make the 2015 NCAA tournament, as long as they avoid losing more than three of their final five games. The Musketeers were upset at home by the St. John’s Red Storm, but have beaten the teams they are supposed to all season long. Xavier will need to do well in the final stretch of the season, because they are going to need a high seed in the Big East tournament if they are to hope of winning.
Of these two teams, Xavier boasts the better squad and the better wins on the season. If the Musketeers were to face the Bearcats in the NCAA tournament, I would pick Xavier every time.
However, Cincinnati needs this win far more than the Musketeers. Xavier, who have lost three of their last five, will likely begin the game fairly conservative, allowing the Bearcats to get up early and try to hold off the Musketeers the remainder of the game. Give this one to Cincinnati at home in an NCAA tournament style game that will see two underrated teams fight until the very end.
Prediction: Cincinnati 63, Xavier 58
Taylor Sturm is a Featured Basketball Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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