Just thought I'd stop by to share some info on Drew Lavender for tonight's game @ URI. Here is an excerpt from the Xavier beat writer which was posted on his blog at 2:00 p.m.
"Lavender didn't do a whole lot during today's XU shootaround and iced the ankle during part of it. I asked him before the shootaround about playing tonight, and he said he'd try to run some tonight before the game and see how he felt.
If Lavender isn't feeling real good, I think Miller may be inclined to rest him, rather than risk further injury. I'll try to get an update before the game as well. It's worth noting, however, that his left thumb is taped up pretty good."
Doesn't sound too good for Lavender tonight. Even if he goes, he won't be near 100% and his quickness is his greatest asset. Xavier has a home game against Duquesne Thursday night and they play @ Dayton on Sunday. Wouldn't surprise me to see Drew sit tonight to get healty for the other two games this week.
URI is undefeated at home and on the bubble right now. A win against X would give them a solid "W" for their tourney resume...so this is a BIG one for URI tonight.
On the other hand....if Drew sits, I would expect to see Stanley Burrell play a lot at the point tonight, along with true frosh Dante Jackson. Jackson's inexperience is scary...but I have faith that Burrell can handle the point, if need be. URI isn't known for their stellar defensive pressure. A starting lineup with Burrell, BJ Raymond, Derrick Brown, CJ Anderson and Jason Love, with Duncan coming off the bench can certainly pull out a "W" tonight....but it will be very, very difficult for the Musketeers. The offense just doesn't run the same without Lavender in there....but it should be noted that X was able to pull out a win @ Charlotte last week with Lavender and Burrell spending a majority of the time on the bench with injuries, sickness and foul trouble.
Good luck whatever you do!
"Lavender didn't do a whole lot during today's XU shootaround and iced the ankle during part of it. I asked him before the shootaround about playing tonight, and he said he'd try to run some tonight before the game and see how he felt.
If Lavender isn't feeling real good, I think Miller may be inclined to rest him, rather than risk further injury. I'll try to get an update before the game as well. It's worth noting, however, that his left thumb is taped up pretty good."
Doesn't sound too good for Lavender tonight. Even if he goes, he won't be near 100% and his quickness is his greatest asset. Xavier has a home game against Duquesne Thursday night and they play @ Dayton on Sunday. Wouldn't surprise me to see Drew sit tonight to get healty for the other two games this week.
URI is undefeated at home and on the bubble right now. A win against X would give them a solid "W" for their tourney resume...so this is a BIG one for URI tonight.
On the other hand....if Drew sits, I would expect to see Stanley Burrell play a lot at the point tonight, along with true frosh Dante Jackson. Jackson's inexperience is scary...but I have faith that Burrell can handle the point, if need be. URI isn't known for their stellar defensive pressure. A starting lineup with Burrell, BJ Raymond, Derrick Brown, CJ Anderson and Jason Love, with Duncan coming off the bench can certainly pull out a "W" tonight....but it will be very, very difficult for the Musketeers. The offense just doesn't run the same without Lavender in there....but it should be noted that X was able to pull out a win @ Charlotte last week with Lavender and Burrell spending a majority of the time on the bench with injuries, sickness and foul trouble.
Good luck whatever you do!
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