Conference play: the games WILL be close

[Cincypunk.org]

So, what has the first week of conference play taught us?

A fact that we probably all know, but tend to forget each year. Games will be close and a W is all that really matters in the end. In coneference the teams, players, and coaches are familiar with each other. There is sometimes bad blood, sometimes a lack of energy (seriously, who gets pumped playing in fron of Fordham and their fans), and other factors that can play into a college game.

A lot of people were upset with X's win over La Salle, but a conference road win is priceless (and the home team has a distinct advantage). Enjoy the W's. Still criticize and spur discussion on what we think can make the team better, but to those certain posters riding the Debbie Downer train. Cheer up, crack a cold one, and enjoy the fun moments X basketball brings to your life.

Scores supporting the theory:


1/6
GW - 77
@St Bonnies - 71

Fordham - 76
@UMASS -78

1/7
X - 68
@LaSalle - 62

1/9
@Charlotte - 57
St Bonnies - 54

@St Louis - 63
Richmond - 58

@Dayton 78
Duquesne 72
OT

[PattyMac1021]

The win didn't feel so great when it happened, but seeing that six points is the most anyone won by in the first few days of conference play makes me feel better. I'll only feel better if we can pull off the win at GW tomorrow morning.

[Snipe]

If we get out of GW with a 1-point win I will be happy. They are 12-3 or something like that and they are playing at home. And, oh yeah, they freaking hate us and want to kill our children.

Just win baby. Please beat GW.

[AdamtheFlyer]

Duquesne is a heck of a team, and would likely have won a couple more games had Bolding been healthy all year. Dayton was far from their best, but the Dukes really took it to them at times. The schedule was not kind to them early, 0-2 with losses to Richmond and UD, but that team will win 9 or more A10 games IMO.

[Snipe]

The Dukes should have had the Flyers. They had three free throws down 1 point with three seconds left. The Flyers escaped. I think that should be a lesson to us all. Even at home we are going to have some tough battles. The other point to learn is that Dayton smells bad.

[xsteve1]

UD's brutal Adam.

[kyxu]

Duquesne is a heck of a team, and would likely have won a couple more games had Bolding been healthy all year. Dayton was far from their best, but the Dukes really took it to them at times. The schedule was not kind to them early, 0-2 with losses to Richmond and UD, but that team will win 9 or more A10 games IMO.

Yes, Duquesne is just an outstanding team.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Cody Ellis has finally arrived for SLU. Scores 10 points in his first game for SLU. SLU is going to do some damage this year in the A10. At least at home. Road games will be tough for the young team.

[Fireball]

If we can gets past GW and start 2-0 in the conference, I will be REALLY pleased. Assuming that we then sweep our home schedule, as we should, that would put us as worst 11-5 in conference if we drop all of our road games in conference. I think 12-4, with our strength of schedule, gets us in.

[X-band '01]

Interesting that GW and Xavier have the only road wins to date - IIRC GW has not beaten Xavier at home since their 20-point win back in 2004.

[danaandvictory]

Yes, Duquesne is just an outstanding team.

Adam was touting George Mason and Boston University as quality opponents before the season started. He clearly grades on a curve.

[Masterofreality]

I know that I always call LaSalle, LaSuck or Lossalle, but a win at their garage will turn out to be a good one. They will beat some people at home. Giannini is a lousy coach, but they have talent. We've been there and done that deal with a w.

Like Snipe said: Just win, baby.

[golfitup]

Interesting that GW and Xavier have the only road wins to date - IIRC GW has not beaten Xavier at home since their 20-point win back in 2004.

Knock on wood damnitt.

[waggy]

Rhody and Temple going to OT. No announcing, but here is a link to a stream...

mms://a1399.l3841955398.c38419.g.lm.akamaistream.net/D/1399/38419/v0001/reflector:55398

[SixFig]

From now on, I am not counting on any road conference game to exceed a -5 spread...except Fordham.

[XUOWNSUC]

Rhody and Temple going to OT. No announcing, but here is a link to a stream...

mms://a1399.l3841955398.c38419.g.lm.akamaistream.net/D/1399/38419/v0001/reflector:55398

Thanks for the link. What's up with the defense thingy that comes on the screen?

[XUOWNSUC]

URI got fouled a couple of times on that last possession - the one after Temple hit a three to go up by 1.

[waggy]

Thanks for the link. What's up with the defense thingy that comes on the screen?

I think basically it's the feed that is shown on the jumbotron in the arena.

[BiggieXU]

Also Butler needed OT to win @ Detroit today.