By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Xavier University coach Thad Matta had the option to go with a small lineup Tuesday against Miami University when Xavier's big men were getting outplayed on the defensive end.

He made the move, and Xavier's guard speed opened up the game in the second half, leading to a Muskies (4-2) win.

It might be more difficult to use five guards on the court Saturday at Mississippi State. The Bulldogs (6-0) have established interior players, so Xavier needs to get quality minutes from its big men - Will Caudle, Anthony Myles and Brandon Cole.

Those three played sparingly in the second half Tuesday when Matta opted for the smaller lineup. Myles, a 6-foot-9 senior center who was a third-team Atlantic 10 Conference selection last season, is averaging 12 minutes in the last two games.

"It's more on me and Will right now than any other guys on this team," Myles said.

"From this point on, me and Will are the most important thing in this team's success."

Matta would like his big men to be a part of a win, too, but he has to be able to count on them to play defense, particularly against Mississippi State's Lawrence Roberts, who averages 11.3 rebounds and 15.2 points.

"The first thing is they have to finish a little better," Matta said. "And defensively, not giving up post position is important."

If not, the smaller lineup is still available, but it would be tricky applying it against the 6-9 Roberts or 7-foot Marcus Campbell.

"I don't think we'll have to go too much with the small lineup," Caudle said.

"We have to establish our presence inside and get the ball inside. If we get doubled, we'll pass it back out, but I still believe it starts inside."

E-mail ddow@enquirer.com