Holy Cross (22-8) defeated Dixie (19-10) back on February 9th at Dixie 67-58.

 

Who wins this one and why?

Holy Cross, I guess, but nothing would really surprise me. I take that back, if the margin is 10+ in either direction, that would surprise me.

Dixie has played at NKU twice this season, hss experience playing there. I think that experience will keep them in the game, but I think Holy Cross will pull away once they get used to the floor in the 2nd half.

HC by 4

It does concern me a little that HC has not played on this floor, but I think they still do enough to get the W. Fun fact: last time HC was in the Regional tournament (2004) they lost to Dixie 33-32

last time HC was in the Regional tournament (2004) they lost to Dixie 33-32

 

Things that make you go hmm.... :bunny:

Going with Dixie by 5.

Who does the larger floor benefit. Dixie's athletes or HC shooters? This will be a really good game.

HC by 7 if they:

-Control Bradfield's "separation shot" in the paint...his go to move in the last meeting.

-Create inside game with Barnes and Bezold to open the 3pt looks.

-Win the boards battle.

Given that Bezold has probably played/shot there hundreds of times, I'd expect an above average performance from him. If the Dixie team that destroyed Scott on that floor shows up, could be a great matchup.

Given that Bezold has probably played/shot there hundreds of times, I'd expect an above average performance from him. If the Dixie team that destroyed Scott on that floor shows up, could be a great matchup.

 

Dixie's AJ Plitzuweit is the current NKU women's coach's son, so I believe he's pretty familiar with the arena as well. I'll go out on a limb and predict a close and exciting game.

Holy Cross needs to regain the midseason swagger it had after defeating fully loaded Cooper, Newport Catholic and CovCath. If they get Eric Jakubowski and Nolan Schrand shooting the ball well, with strong production from Bezold, Leighton Schrand and Barnes that they got earlier in the season, they could make things interesting.... Opening round against Dixie will show a lot about whether they can get back to where they were when they were ranked first in the region ....

Looking forward to a great game. Love watching HC play, and hoping they pull out a victory so I can see them again!!

Missed a point blank shot at the horn.

Missed a point blank shot at the horn.

Yes, I remember it vividly