New Year's Eve - St John's at Xavier 12pm ET FS1

[admin]

It will be a historic day on December 31, 2013 when three new members begin conference play. I will create a special thread/poll for each contest so we can discuss them throughout the day.

[NJRedman]

Go Johnnies! Beat those Musketeers!

[anXUfan]

Proud that my school will play in the first ever game of the new Big East.

[xu1990]

Not sure I would pick against X at the Cintas Center this year, next year, last year or any other year. Overall winning percentage now approaching 90% at Cintas. Just a very difficult place to get a W

[PMThor]

X isn't little sisters of the poor. You have to EARN a win at Cintas. Johnies just can't come into Cincy and expect that the new team to the conference is going to roll over, just the opposite is going to happen. The Xavier team is going to be jacked up to make a statement to the new league. I mean, how else do you announce your presence with authority? GAME ON

[SJUREDMEN85]

The Redmen will be prepared to play there, believe that.
We`re gonna bring it hard

[Chalmers0]

St. Johns absolutely worries me. On paper they are obviously extremely talented and should match up pretty well with us overall. I think a key in this one is a combination of Semaj getting in the lane along with Stainbrook and getting Obepka into some early foul trouble. If Obekpa can settle in down low and be a force he will make life on Semaj (and our offense) difficult. St. Johns is a pretty poor 3 point shooting team though, which bodes well for X's packline defense. Could be a low scoring, grungy, defensive type game. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited to kick off the Big East season.

[redmen9194]

The Johnnies have played at the Carrier Dome, Cameroon, and in Lexington over the last three seasons. They have played in tough environments. Should be a good game and a great one to open the new era of Big East basketball. Go Johnnies!

[NJRedman]

The Johnnies have played at the Carrier Dome, Cameroon, and in Lexington over the last three seasons. They have played in tough environments. Should be a good game and a great one to open the new era of Big East basketball. Go Johnnies!

Don't forget at the Yum Center too.

[DudeAnon]

Typically I would favor X due to their home court advantage. But the game is at such a weird time, Tuesday at noon during Christmas Break, that the home court advantage might not be what it usually is. Not too mention the OBE members might want to welcome the newbies with a beat down. So, its a toss up.