GAME NOTES: The 10th-seeded Xavier Musketeers are one step away from making their fourth Atlantic-10 Conference Tournament championship game appearance since 1998, but first they must get past the sixth-seeded Fordham Rams in the semifinal round tonight. The Musketeers came into the postseason with losses in three of their previous four games. However, the team has been sensational in the tournament thus far, posting victories over Massachusetts (75-66) and more recently, the second-seeded Charlotte 49ers (59-55). Since joining the A-10, the Musketeers have had tremendous success in the tournament, posting a 17-7 ledger, while collecting three titles. As for the Rams, they have won four consecutive matchups, including an opening-round victory over Richmond (45-37) and a quarterfinal-round upset of second-seed La Salle (64-62). Unlike Xavier, however, Fordham has been terrible in Atlantic-10 postseason play, recording a dreadful 3-10 mark. The Rams have also struggled against the Musketeers over the years, losing 13 of the 16 meetings between the two, including an 84-64 setback earlier this season.

The Musketeers come into this matchup averaging 71.8 ppg, but their success throughout the year can be attributed to the stingy defense they play, as foes are netting just 63.1 ppg. Xavier continued its strong defensive play in its quarterfinal victory over Charlotte, holding the 49ers to just 55 points behind a 31.1 percent shooting effort. Justin Doellman, who is averaging 11.1 ppg and 6.8 rpg for XU this season, led the way with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Justin Cage added 13 points. As for the team's leading scorer, Stanley Burrell (14.4 ppg), the standout guard struggled from the field, shooting just 3-of-11, which included a 1-of-6 showing from long range. Despite the poor display, Burrell still finished with 10 points.

During Fordham's four-game win streak, the team has been sensational at the defensive end, surrendering a meager 56.2 ppg, which is much better than the 67.3 ppg the team has allowed on the season. In their upset victory of La Salle in the quarterfinals, the Rams held the Explorers to a 42.1 percent shooting effort from the floor, which included a 5-of-15 effort from beyond the arc. Offensively, the team was led by Bryant Dunston, as the forward scored 19 points to go along with 10 rebounds. Sebastian Greene added 11 points off the bench, while Michael Binns and Marcus Stout both chipped in nine points. On the season, Dunston paces the squad with 16.1 ppg and 7.5 rpg, while Stout is producing 13.1 ppg.

Sure the Rams might be the higher-seed, but the Musketeers have significantly more postseason experience and have dominated Fordham over the years. So with that said, expect Xavier to reach the title game yet again.