MATCHUPS

Sporting News, The, Dec 20, 1999

CINCINNATI AT XAVIER, 9 P.M. ET SATURDAY, ESPN: Xavier has a bit of a new look, including more focus on its halfcourt defense, a new backcourt and just one senior in the rotation as it tries to claim its third Crosstown Shootout in the last four years.

Frontcourt: The only way freshman David West and sophomores Aaron Turner and Kevin Frey can stop Pete Mickeal and Kenyon Martin is to keep the ball out of their hands.

Backcourt: Point guard Maurice McAfee has led the way for Xavier, and Lloyd Price has stepped up while Darnell Williams has baffled a slow start. The trio must handle Cincy's trapping schemes, click offensively and harass a young but talented backcourt.

Prediction: On paper, Cincinnati should dominate Xavier, which is short on depth. But the Musketeers thrive at the Cincinnati Garden; two seasons ago they stomped the Bearcats.

DePAUL AT UCLA, 6 P.M. ET SATURDAY, FOX SPORTS: The names conjure memories of Wooden and Meyer, but the play won't. UCLA is fresh off an ugly loss to Gonzaga in which it had just eight players and no JaRon Rush. DePaul may have Lance Williams back in a game that should feature plenty of highlight-reel moves.