Physicality Will Win Out on Wednesday Night

When Providence and Xavier met in February Ed Cooley kept it pretty simple when discussing the keys to the game. Cooley said the game would be decided when the ball was in the air.

Regarded as the two most physical teams in the Big East, PC and Xavier battled to a virtual standstill on the glass, with Xavier holding a 34-33 advantage. The Musketeers pulled out a 64-58 victory over the Friars on Feb. 8 by holding Providence to three made field goals over the game’s final nine minutes.

The referees put their whistles away, as Nate Watson and Xavier’s rebounding force Tyrique Jones excelled when allowed to play their brand of rough and tumble basketball. Jones ripped down 18 rebounds that night…