By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

RICHMOND, Va. - A little more than two weeks have passed since these teams last met, Xavier University and the University of Richmond.

And when they play at 7:30 tonight in Richmond's Robins Center, the storylines will be much the same. Richmond (13-9, 5-4 A-10) will be trying to join the higher ranks of the Atlantic 10 West Division. At 3-5 in the conference and 12-9 overall, Xavier will attempt to stay out of last place in the division.

Richmond won the Jan. 25 game at Cintas Center by forcing Xavier's post players to produce, which they were unable to do. Xavier's big men combined to shoot 1 of 14 from the field, including a 1 of 9 performance from starting center Anthony Myles.

Richmond will likely employ the same strategy tonight, a revenge game of sorts that has become common between these two teams.

"We want to go inside, make no mistake about it, and those guys have to do a good job of scoring," Xavier coach Thad Matta said. "We had some tremendous looks (the first game against Richmond). But we have to get those guys to finish. You hope that allows more things to open up."

Myles might be the most important player for Xavier to get going inside. His individual production as the team's go-to player down low has a significant impact on whether the Musketeers win or lose in the Atlantic 10.

In Xavier's three A-10 wins, Myles has averaged 11.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and attempted 10.3 shots. In five conference losses, Myles has averaged 7.0 points and 5.8 rebounds, and took 6.8 shots.

"Our main focus is to come in with high energy and basically knock down shots," Myles said, addressing the need to correct miscues from the first Richmond game. "That was one of my worst games. We didn't do too much in that game, but I think we'll have an inside presence this game. It will make a big difference."

Xavier's guards weren't much better than the big men in that first matchup, but Richmond was willing to give up shots inside, figuring that perimeter defensive pressure would be more effective than focusing on Xavier's big men.

"We know their guards are pretty much their strength," said Richmond's Mike Skrocki. "They lost (David) West, their big inside guy, so we figure we make their inside guys make plays, because they probably aren't used to it. They're probably used to watching West do everything. Pressure their guards and make their inside guys beat us."

Even though Xavier is tied for last place in the West, Richmond still recognizes the Musketeers as the two-time defending division champions, which only adds to the rivalry-like nature of this game. That, and the fact that the road team seems to have the advantage.

Xavier leads the series 4-2, but Richmond has won the last two game at Cintas Center, while Xavier has won two in a row at Robins Center. It has been so competitive that players still bring up a post-game fight that occurred two years ago at Robins Center after a Xavier win.

"Richmond is one of the top ones that we like to play," XU senior Lionel Chalmers said. "They beat us at home, a couple years ago we had the scuffle. Richmond is definitely a team we like to play."

Xavier at Richmond

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. today, Robins Center (9,071).

Records: Xavier 12-9 (3-5 A-10); Richmond 13-9 (5-4).

Radio: WLW-AM (700).

TV: Fox Sports Net Ohio.

Series: Xavier leads 4-2.

Line: Richmond by 4 1/2.

XAVIER

Player	Yr.	Ht.	PPG
Anthony Myles	Sr.	6-9	9.6
Justin Doellman	Fr.	6-9	6.2
Lionel Chalmers	Sr.	6-0	15.1
Romain Sato	Sr.	6-5	16.2
Justin Cage	Fr.	6-6	4.5

Coach: Thad Matta (64-21, third year; 88-29 overall).

RICHMOND

Player	Yr.	Ht.	PPG
Mike Skrocki	Sr.	6-6	16.2
Patrick O'Malley	Jr.	6-8	4.4
Kevin Steenberge	So.	6-11	4.0
Tony Dobbins	Sr.	6-4	11.6
Jamaal Scott	Jr.	6-5	4.2

Coach: Jerry Wainwright (29-22, second year; 165-125 overall).

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E-mail ddow@enquirer.com