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GAME NOTES: Two teams competing for the Atlantic 10 title hook up at the Cintas Center today, as the 23rd-ranked Richmond Spiders battle the Xavier Musketeers.

Coming into the day, Richmond and Xavier, along with Temple, are all tied for first place in the A-10 standings at 11-2. With the season winding down, this is obviously a crucial game for both squads.

The Spiders are the hottest team in the conference, as they have won eight straight and 10 of their last 11 bouts. Richmond, which has been ranked in consecutive weeks for the first time since the 1957-58 season, has had plenty of time to prepare for this game, last participating in a 74-70 triumph of George Washington on February 20th. Now at 22-6 overall, the Spiders are out for their first nine-game winning streak since the 1990-91 season.

As for the Musketeers, the are streaking as well, notching four straight victories and eight in their past nine contests. Xavier edged Saint Louis, 73-71, on Wednesday, giving the program its fifth straight 20-win season. The Musketeers now return back home, where they have won 30 consecutive games in A-10 play.

Xavier leads the head-to-head series with Richmond, 10-3, but the Spiders knocked off the 17th-ranked Musketeers, 80-75, in last season's meeting.

The Spiders have been tough on defense this season, holding opponents to just 38.7 percent shooting from the floor while forcing 15.5 turnovers per game. Kevin Anderson has gotten the job done at both ends for Richmond, as he tops the roster in scoring (17.5 ppg) as well as steals (55). David Gonzalvez follows with 13.6 ppg and 49 steals, while Justin Harper chips in with 10.4 ppg. In the team's prior outing, Anderson tallied 24 points and seven assists to lift the Spiders past George Washington. Gonzalvez and Harper both had 10 points for Richmond, which went 20-of-29 at the foul line and forced 16 turnovers.

Xavier shot 47.6 percent from the floor and dominated the boards, 42-28, as it escaped Saint Louis with a 73-71 win on Wednesday. Jordan Crawford led the charge with 26 points and five boards, while Jason Love had 21 points and nine rebounds. On the season, Crawford averages a healthy 20.0 ppg to pace the Musketeers and he also turns in 4.7 rpg and 3.0 apg. Love adds 11.8 ppg and a team-high 8.4 rpg to the mix, while Terrell Holloway contributes 10.9 ppg and a team-best 4.0 apg. Overall, the Musketeers are tallying a hardy 79.4 ppg and converting on 47.1 percent of their attempts from the field and 38.2 percent from downtown.

This is clearly a huge game in the A-10. Expect the Musketeers to continue their run at home behind a big performance from Crawford and company.