Welcome to the latest edition of “Inside The Enemy Ship” featuring the Xavier Musketeers! In this edition, we have had the pleasure of speaking to Shannon Russell of The Cincinnati Enquirer! Check out below for her amazing insight for the upcoming game!

BBA: When the season started, where did you see the Musketeers going? What were your highest expectations for the season?
RUSSELL: Entering the season it was clear that Xavier had a lot of talent, but the big question was how it would all fit together. The team largely played last year through skilled senior center Matt Stainbrook, who was as adept at passing out of post traps as scoring inside and drawing fouls. Xavier also lost four-year point guard Dee Davis, whose poise under pressure and ability to run the team was another asset. The team this year was picked fourth in the preseason conference poll, which seemed a little low, and quickly showed it was a force to reckon with.

BBA: What do you think of Xavier’s (as of time of writing) 16-2 record? Does it accurately reflect the talent on the team?
RUSSELL: Xavier gained attention with its early-season win at Michigan and deserved the praise it garnered in its program-record 12-0 start. The loss at Villanova is tricky in that the team lost Edmond Sumner early to a concussion and never found its stride (and subsequently was blown out). That outcome is hard to weigh because the conditions were so unusual. But Georgetown played an immensely strong game to beat Xavier earlier this week. So yes, 16-2 is a good reflection.

BBA: During the Villanova loss, Edmond Sumner was injured early in the game. Do you think Xavier would have ultimately won if he had played the entire game?
RUSSELL: Hard to say. Villanova, led by Ryan Arcidiacono, was shooting lights out and the Wildcats were playing very well together on both ends of the court. Had Sumner not been injured, the game likely would have been closer, but it just seemed to be Villanova’s day. We’ll have a better idea when XU/Nova play again Feb. 24.

BBA: Speaking of Edmond Sumner, do you he has a shot at Big East POTY?
RUSSELL: Absolutely. As a point guard, distributor, play-maker, driver and shooter, he is an integral part in what makes Xavier tick. The Musketeers struggled with turnovers in his absence. Sumner’s length and footspeed make him difficult to defend, and he has delivered some explosive dunks that have energized his team. He’s not a perfect player (his defense is a work in progress) but he’s certainly a rare talent deserving of the honor.

BBA: Do you think the Big East is a good fit for Xavier?
RUSSELL: Definitely. Every game is a grind and with the caliber of teams in the mix, Xavier only stands to improve as it continues through the season. Four of the 10 teams in the AP Top 25 hail from the Big East. That alone speaks to the strength of the league. Xavier also lines up tough non-conference opponents, which enhances its strength of schedule.

BBA: Who would you consider Xavier’s biggest Big East Rival?
RUSSELL: Probably Butler. The Bulldogs are just two hours away and several players from both teams know each other from AAU ball. Prior to the Big East realignment, the teams were briefly conference-mates in the Atlantic 10. And before that they were longtime non-conference opponents. There have been some memorable games in the series, like the 2009 game in which the clock stopped down the stretch. Officials determined that time had elapsed after a Gordon Hayward putback and the Bulldogs won by one point. Fans from both schools bring great atmospheres to Butler/Xavier games, too, making them fun to attend.

BBA: Best guess, what seed with Xavier be in the NCAA tournament?
RUSSELL: Too early to say.

BBA: Which players should Seton Hall be most worried about meeting on the court?
RUSSELL: Trevon Bluiett has scored in double figures in 17 of the team’s 18 games, with a 19.5-point average in the last four outings alone. The sophomore is by nature a guard but starts at power forward, where he creates a mismatch with his skilled play. He’s also one of the Musketeers’ top rebounders. James Farr has been a monster on the glass this season and continues to make rebounding his No. 1 priority.

BBA: Final Score Prediction?
RUSSELL: Xavier by 10

Once again, we’d like to thank Shannon Russell for taking the time to share her wisdom and insight! Tipoff is today at 2 in Cincinnati. Coming off a “hart-breaking” loss to Villanova, the Pirates look to face their third ranked opponent in as many games. As always, Hazard Zet Forward, and stay safe during the snow storm.

Welcome to our latest edition of “Inside the Enemy Ship”, once again featuring the Villanova Wildcats. We will once again be talking to Larry Flynn, a junior English major at Villanova University, as well as an alumni of Villanova (who happens to be a personal friend of mine), Stephen Fortino! Since the formation of the “new” Big East, #4 Villanova is the highest ranked opponent to come to the Prudential Center, and the excitement can be felt all around the campus. Now, we will turn to our Villanovan friends to see what they think!

BBA: Now that we are well into Big East Conference play, how do you see the rest of the regular season playing out for Villanova? Any games on the schedule that are particularly worrisome to you?\
FLYNN: I envision another two losses for Villanova during conference play, finishing the regular season with four losses. The toughest games left on the schedule are probably against Providence and a rematch with Xavier at Cintas Center, but tonight’s matchup against Seton Hall certainly has potential to be a trap game. I’m most worried about this Saturday should be a tough matchup against the feisty, super-talented Providence Friars. Their overall quickness, athleticism, and talent are a bad matchup for any team in America, including Villanova.
FORTINO: You never know in the Big East. On any given day any team can beat their Big East rival. I tend to worry more about Providence this year.

BBA: Do you think Nova will end up as The Big East Tournament Champions?
FLYNN: As I’ve said, I think the Big East is Villanova’s to lose. Unless they experience a maddening heartbreak (like the loss to Seton Hall two years ago), the Wildcats should win the tournament for the second year in a row. It will definitely be tougher this year, however; with a deeper conference, more teams need to make a run in the Big East Tournament to have a shot at the NCAA Tournament (consider teams like Georgetown of Seton Hall).
FORTINO: Yes I do, Providence is the team I worry about. There are several really good teams and as you know, in the Big East, teams just beat on each other. It may be the most physical conference in the country.

BBA: Best guess, what seed will Nova be in the NCAA tournament?
FLYNN: 2, but I might be selling this team short.
FORTINO: I think they will end up a 2 seed.

BBA: Do you consider Seton Hall any sort of rival to Villanova, especially after their important games over the past few seasons?
FLYNN: Most don’t consider Seton Hall a rival, although the geographic connection occasionally makes for an overlap of fans. Any Big East game, however, has added incentive.
FORTINO: Actually Seton Hall has been one of the teams that has been a thorn in Villanova’s side. I know last year SH had just cracked the top 20 and then Villanova crushed them and the slide started for Seton Hall. Seton Hall has a well coached team and you never know.

BBA: In this match-up, do you think the environment of the Prudential Center could prove problematic?
FLYNN: Absolutely. Any road games in the Big East are up for grabs. Don’t forget, Villanova’s only losses last season came on the road, to Georgetown and none other than Seton Hall. The Pirates must use this history as motivation, while the Wildcats will try to forget the past and improve to 7-0 in the conference.
FORTINO: I don’t think so. I think a smaller venue might be more problematic. You might see as many Nova fans in that big building as you would Seton Hall Fans.*

BBA: Which player(s) should Seton Hall be most worried about meeting on the court? Why?
FLYNN: Josh Hart has been the leader of this Villanova team. With an expanded offensive game, Hart has led the team in scoring on most games thus far this season. He will be a load for the Pirates to handle, no doubt about it.
FORTINO: Jalen Brunson is a terrific freshmen, Daniel Ochefu is a force on the inside and if Ryan Archidiacano heats it up look out.

BBA: Final Score Prediction?
FLYNN: 66-59, Villanova wins
FORTINO: 80-68 Nova Win

We would like to thank both Mr. Flynn and Fortino for taking their time to talk with us this week; we literally couldn’t do this segment without you! Tip-off is at 9 PM tonight at the Prudential Center, and can be watched on the CBS Sports Network or online. As always, Hazard Zet Forward.

*EDITOR’S NOTE: Very harsh, but hard to argue based on the past. Pirates, let’s prove him wrong today!

Welcome to another issue of “Inside The Enemy Ship”! Later today, the Seton Hall Pirates host the Creighton Bluejays, and who better to talk to about the game than someone who writes for their student newspaper The Creightonian (which suprisingly has a solid 73 years on our beloved Setonian)? We had the pleasure of interviewing Anthony Robinson about his thoughts on the upcoming Big East Conference game!

BBA: When Creighton’s season started, where did you see the team going?
ROBINSON: The men’s basketball media guide listed Creighton with only one returning starter (sophomore Toby Hegner), but others such as Isaiah Zierden, James Milliken and Geoffrey Groselle each played meaningful minutes for the Bluejays last season and transfers Maurice Watson Jr. and Cole Huff also played significant roles at their previous schools. Quite a few people didn’t know how well Watson would handle the offense after three years with Austin Chatman at the controls, but after an interview with Watson at media day in late October, I quickly realized that this Creighton team was going to go as far as Watson was willing to take it.

BBA: What do you think of Creighton’s (as of time of writing) 11-5 record?
ROBINSON: Creighton had opportunities against Arizona State and Loyola to pick up two more victories than they have, but overall I think their record is right about where I would expect it to be based on the way the Bluejays have played. Offensively they have so many different weapons and Watson does a great job of distributing the ball and also knows when to take more shots to help his team to a victory. Defense has definitely been the weak spot of Creighton’s game. Although the Jays rank near the top of the Division I rankings in scoring offense, they are at the bottom of the Big East in scoring defense. Creighton’s last game against Georgetown was one of the first times I’ve seen the Bluejays get stops when they needed to.

BBA: Do you expect the Bluejays to make the NCAA Tournament?
ROBINSON: As much as I want to say yes, I still think Creighton is one year away from the NCAA Tournament. After finishing 9-4 in the nonconference schedule without a true signature win I believe the Jays would need to finish the Big East slate at least 12-6 and win one or two at MSG to even get a chance at an at-large bid. I’m not saying that’s impossible or that they couldn’t pull out a Big East Tournament title for the automatic bid, but I don’t expect them to qualify for March Madness. Creighton has only two seniors on its roster (Milliken and Groselle) and adds Kansas State-transfer Marcus Foster to its offensive attack next season, so I think the Bluejays have more of a legit shot at making the dance in 2017.

BBA: Do you think the Big East is a good fit for Creighton?
ROBINSON: Creighton’s first year in the Big East with Doug McDermott, Ethan Wragge, Grant Gibbs and Jahenns Manigat was a great season to start its journey in the conference, but I think last season’s struggles proved that things are a little tougher in the Big East compared to the Missouri Valley. I think that with the CenturyLink Center, the Championship Center, D.J. Sokol Arena and TD Ameritrade Park, Creighton facilities are some of the best in the country and I believe that has and will give us an advantage when attracting recruits to come to Omaha. While the travel to the east coast isn’t as easy as taking a bus to Des Moines or Wichita, I think the move was very appropriate and definitely helps put Creighton on the map.

BBA: What do you think of Creighton’s 2013 team makeover, such as the new logo and jerseys?
ROBINSON: With the move to the Big East it was much needed. The new logo and jerseys just showed that Creighton was willing to go all-in. The newness and freshness has definitely worn off and there was a lot of hype about the changes immediately after they happened, but now they have just become a part of the Creighton culture.

BBA: What do you think of HC Greg McDermott? What has been his biggest contribution to the program?
ROBINSON: I think Greg McDermott does a great job as head coach. He knows how to make adjustments and work with the personal he has. McDermott is also aware of how much Creighton basketball means not only to Bluejay fans but also to the Omaha community.

BBA: What player should Seton Hall be most worried about meeting on the court?
ROBINSON: You probably want me to say Maurice Watson Jr.. He did go off for a career-high 27 against Georgetown and has embraced his role as a leader in his first season in a Bluejay uniform. But I’m going to say Isaiah Zierden. He leads the Big East with 39 3-pointers made and has the third-most steals. There have been a couple of games where he struggled to shoot it from beyond the arc, but he’s still one of the first people Watson looks for on the perimeter. On defense, coach McDermott consistently praises him for his ability to be in the right spot at the right time. He may not be the most athletic or wow you with his pure skills, but he’s a smart player on both offense and defense.

BBA: Final Score Prediction?
ROBINSON: 83-78 Creighton

Once again a huge thank you to Anthony Robinson for taking the time to talk to us. Robinson can be found online at The Creightonian (@sports_cu) and at his personal Twitter account at @ARobinson_. Tip-off is 2 PM at The Rock, but until then, Hazard Zet Forward!