Xavier-Dayton (A-10 Championship Thread)

[X-band '01]

Game time: 5:00 PM
Channel: ESPN2
Online video stream: ESPN3.com
Online audio stream: GoXavier.com

What's at stake:

Very simple. A Xavier win solidifies a #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and, barring a Big 12 Championship for Texas A&M, puts them in the Dayton region where Tennessee is expected to be placed.

A loss gives Dayton the automatic bid and the possible seeding scenarios for Xavier:

PROBABLE:
-2 seed in either the Dallas region (with Baylor) or the Spokane region (with Stanford)

LONG SHOT:
-highest 3 seed in any region

Michigan State and Miami both lost in the semifinals in their respective conference tournaments - it is unlikely either team would leapfrog Xavier. DePaul, Notre Dame, UCLA and Texas A&M are also 2-seed candidates and have games still to play. It's reasonable to assume that the DePaul-Notre Dame loser gets seeded #3 in the Dayton region since the Big East is virtually guaranteed 3 teams as Top 3 seeds and must be placed in separate regions. Ohio State has been on fire and won the Big 10 Championship yesterday (including a 3-game sweep over Michigan State). OSU has a shot at a 4/5 seed in Dayton as well.

[XU-PA]

I'm there fellow musketeers fans. Who's with me!!!!!!!!!!!!

[X-band '01]

So far today:

Marist beat Loyola-MD to clinch the MAAC
Gonzaga is hammering St. Mary's (WCC Championship)

So far, it's been a good day for a couple of flagship programs. I wonder how the 4 games in 4 days is going to affect Dayton today, especially Justine Raterman for UD. I think she'll be able to play, but her knee has to be a concern.

Xavier won't be quite as tired, although much like the men they've gotten used to playing a short bench against teams like UD and Temple in conference play.

[XULucho27]

Game live on ESPN2! Let's go X! :logo:

[X-band '01]

Dayton didn't bother sending cheerleaders and a pep band? Fair weather fans!

[X-band '01]

Not a good start - Dayton's already up 9-2 at the 16-minute mark.

[ArchiePants]

Ud looks like they are playing all out...they will get tired soon. We also normally start out a little slow. GO X!

[X-band '01]

15-10 Flyers lead; Nance picks up her 2nd foul on a Special Jennings layup.

[XULucho27]

Special has some JETS. I have no doubt that chick is WAY faster than I am. She just blazed down that court in transition.

[X-band '01]

Am I the only one who shudders whenever Harris is contesting shots at the perimeter? Xavier can't afford to have her or Ta'Shia in foul trouble today.

[ArchiePants]

Youre right, Special is quick. Now we're down by 3 with ten minutes left in the half

[X-band '01]

Now 17-14 Flyers; not too many foul calls so far in this one.

[ArchiePants]

It doesnt help that a10 refs don't understand that being tall is not a foul...

[X-band '01]

22-20 UD; Askew becomes the first Muskie to log 2 fouls.

[ArchiePants]

Does anyone else get frustrated by the announcers not knowing their stats? Ex 1: "Dayton would likely get at at large bid if they win today" ...... (They get an auto bid if they win today) ex 2: Harris has scored 2200 points this season (T Boothe has the most at X with 2200, Harris has 2100, max)

[JAX 3758]

Shia is a BEAST...she is constantly in great post position. She has been more then impressive so far today.

(As I am typing she gets the rebound and put back)

[X-band '01]

31-26 Dayton; Raterman has limited mobility on defense but it hasn't affected her offensively today.

[X-band '01]

Does anyone else get frustrated by the announcers not knowing their stats? Ex 1: "Dayton would likely get at at large bid if they win today" ...... (They get an auto bid if they win today) ex 2: Harris has scored 2200 points this season (T Boothe has the most at X with 2200, Harris has 2100, max)

Now I know why Awful Announcing has Pam Ward on their Mt. Rushmore of bad announcers (along with Dick Vitale, Joe Morgan and Tim McCarver).

[X-band '01]

That was a slow count - no 5-second call on Dayton?

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Now I know why Awful Announcing has Pam Ward on their Mt. Rushmore of bad announcers (along with Dick Vitale, Joe Morgan and Tim McCarver).

"I think if Dayton wins, they should be in the NCAA tournament"

UD is getting layup after layup

[X-band '01]

35-30 Dayton at the half; Xavier's defense is going to have to improve if they're going to win this one.

Raterman and Phillips were trading baskets for the final 6 minutes of the half.

[X-band '01]

Here we go - the Pammies:

http://www.awfulannouncing.com/pammies/pam-ward-chronicles/

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1x1mvb2W23Q/SqKIZq80IBI/AAAAAAAAB_w/_-PQQhVdgQo/s400/pam.png

[ArchiePants]

Here we go - the Pammies:

http://www.awfulannouncing.com/pammies/pam-ward-chronicles/

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1x1mvb2W23Q/SqKIZq80IBI/AAAAAAAAB_w/_-PQQhVdgQo/s400/pam.png
Nice and accurate.

We could really use some more shot attempts from the guards to make up for the production lost from Amber.... I'm not saying we have to make them, but if wee get the ball up at the basket, Shia can muscle through a few extra shots...

[xuwin]

35-30 Dayton at the half; Xavier's defense is going to have to improve if they're going to win this one.

Raterman and Phillips were trading baskets for the final 6 minutes of the half.

Xavier doesn't have a shut down defender on the team.

[X-band '01]

Hate seeing Xavier start out cold again.

[ArchiePants]

I disagree, Moss is a quiet, but strong defender. Special is quick enough to cause a turnover in clutch plays.

[X-band '01]

41-36 UD; the basket exchange continues.

[X-band '01]

Phillips is unstoppable today, but now Harris gets her 2nd foul away from the ball. Sounds like the whistles are starting to get tighter.

[Blue Dog]

Phillips is unstoppable today, but now Harris gets her 2nd foul away from the ball. Sounds like the whistles are starting to get tighter.

She basically tackled Ratterman, kind of looked like they both collapsed from exhaustion. She needs to step it up, Flyers are hitting every open shot.

[ArchiePants]

I can only hope they call it both ways

[X-band '01]

We as fans have to be nervous as hell but neither team is showing any nerves at this point.

And now the dreaded FTs...

[Blue Dog]

Ratterman is a warrior. She's playing through serious pain.

[X-band '01]

I know Amber can hit 3s, but this ain't the day to be messing with those.

[Blue Dog]

There may not be 100 fans there, pretty sad.

X shot well outside yesterday but today they suck, it's Phillips or nothing.

[Blue Dog]

Tie game! 41-41, 13 to play.

[X-band '01]

Xavier finally at the hump - can they get over?

[X-band '01]

Ratterman is a warrior. She's playing through serious pain.

The announcers said that Raterman has a torn meniscus in her right knee; she was fitted for a brace today so she could play.

Brian Gregory and the UD men's team, take note. That is playing for heart and a big prize.

[Blue Dog]

I like our chances, we're dominating the paint and the Flyers have gone cold.

If Ratterman comes out and plays you gotta give her props, every time she tries to cut she's in agony.

[X-band '01]

First Xavier lead of the today on Special Jennings' FTs - 43-41 X.

[X-band '01]

But Dayton's hitting just enough 3s to hang around; Xavier won't mess around the perimeter when Phillips is unstoppable in the low post.

[Blue Dog]

Flyers not going away, Ratterman's back in and that gave them a big lift.

We need to get out on their shooters, I think we win an inside game.

[ArchiePants]

We're causing TOs at the right time, we just need to convert on those!

[X-band '01]

That was a huge possession. 48-46 X

[Blue Dog]

That was brutal.

[ArchiePants]

And we have to protect the ball when we aren't converting

[Blue Dog]

No shots should be taken more than 6 feet out.

[Blue Dog]

Ud 51, x 50 7:06

[X-band '01]

54-53 X; Harris starting to take control offensively.

[Blue Dog]

Yeah that's good to see, 2 nice drives for her.

[HomerCecil]

Stuck at work watching Gametracker. It'd be nice to get some offense from Amber or Moss.

[X-band '01]

What I'm liking at this point is Xavier is doing a better job on the boards than they did yesterday. It may well be the difference between a win and a loss.

[X-band '01]

And-1 for Amber coming up; could this be the backbreaker for the Flyers?

[X-band '01]

Their carriage is turning into a wa, uh, pumpkin as we speak.

[Blue Dog]

Amber's taking over the game, another beautiful drive and teardrop. She's getting every loose ball and board.

X up 3.

[X-band '01]

58-53 Xavier lead at the last media timeout.

[HomerCecil]

Three for Dayton. Let's not count our chickens before they're hatched.

[X-band '01]

Like I said, Dayton will hit just enough 3s to stay within striking distance.

[gladdenguy]

Terrible defense....layup after layup for Dayton.

[X-band '01]

And just like that, a 60-60 tie. Xavier ball following a TO.

[Blue Dog]

Well until she got schooled twice in a row by Ratterman. Come on Amber!

60-60 1:52

[X-band '01]

Phillips. Clockwork.

[ArchiePants]

We need to play lightsout defense for the last 1.5 minutes, it's all about preventing the lead now

[X-band '01]

1st FT by Amber - Good.
2nd FT by Amber - missed but X rebounds.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Lucky we didnt get called over the back there

[X-band '01]

2 FTs by Phillips - 65-60 X.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Huge FTs. 4-4

[ArchiePants]

I like!!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Maybe UD can win back to back NIT titles. Men them women. :D

[X-band '01]

67-60; Dayton's out of bullets.

[X-band '01]

That should all but sew up a 2 seed in Dayton.

[D-West & PO-Z]

flagship!!!!

[Blue Dog]

Congrats A10 Champion Muskies!

X now 5-0 against you know who in hoops this year.

[XULucho27]

Some of the Dayton players didn't shake hands. :rolleyes:

CONGRATS LADIES!

[ArchiePants]

Best of luck muskies!!!!! It wasn't pretty, but it got us what counts! Go X!!!

[THRILLHOUSE]

Some of the Dayton players didn't shake hands. :rolleyes:

CONGRATS LADIES!

Do we have a Swampy Meadows like correspondent there to tell a WNBA scout about this? :D

Good job ladies!!! Better get that 2 seed in the Dayton region.

[Newswired]

Anybody who passes up the opportunity to watch this team play in the NCAAs at Cintas is crazy. I know we plan to be there.
:sword:

[ArchiePants]

Anybody who passes up the opportunity to watch this team play in the NCAAs at Cintas is crazy. I know we plan to be there.
:sword:
I'll be working at the game, it's a great opportunity for X fans, come cheer on your team in 2 weeks!

[X-band '01]

About the only way Xavier gets passed over at this point is if Texas A&M wins the Big 12 Championship (possible; it will be difficult for Baylor to beat them a 3rd time) or if Notre Dame/DePaul can somehow beat UConn in the Big East title game tomorrow night (unlikely).

Congratulations to the ladies and the seniors who will leave with a 34-game winning streak against the A-10!

[Perma Fro]

Congrats to the players and the coaches for a great season. Can't wait for the 20th.

[STL_XUfan]

I like how nonchalant the team was after the buzzer sounded. They acted like it was just another game. This team has big goals, and I don't think any of them are going to be happy unless they meet those goals.

Also, I consulted the rule book, and it turns out that it is in the rules that in A-10 women's basketball the referee shall not call a foul against a player that is 6 or more inches shorter than the player she is fouling. Who knew?

[xubball1993]

Safe to assume that Ta'Shia was MVP?

[blobfan]

It doesnt help that a10 refs don't understand that being tall is not a foul...
Good point.

Their carriage is turning into a wa, uh, pumpkin as we speak.
I see what you did there! Nice catch. Don't want to start a poo-throwing context in addition to kicking their butts.

I like how nonchalant the team was after the buzzer sounded. They acted like it was just another game. This team has big goals, and I don't think any of them are going to be happy unless they meet those goals.

Also, I consulted the rule book, and it turns out that it is in the rules that in A-10 women's basketball the referee shall not call a foul against a player that is 6 or more inches shorter than the player she is fouling. Who knew?
Agreed. It was sort of a "yeah! ok, let's get on to the next opponent" type response. I'm not sure you read that rule correctly, though. I think that only applies to teams not wearing the home team jersey. Early on, didn't Special get called for a charging foul against a player with a good foot plus 70 pounds on her?

[blobfan]

Safe to assume that Ta'Shia was MVP?

Yes. They interviewed her after the game for several minutes while the poor girl was still dripping with sweat.

[X-band '01]

Phillips was named Most Outstanding Player; they haven't posted any All-Tournament teams on either GoXavier.com or the A-10 site yet.

[X-band '01]

Maybe they'll cheer after a pair of wins against UD next year instead; a 3-game sweep here reduces UD's lead in the series to 32-31.

But yes, just winning the A-10 alone wasn't going to be cause for celebration for the ladies. I don't think you'll see much of a jubilant reaction until they at least clinch a Sweet 16 spot.

[SixFig]

5-0 vs. UD for both men's and women's basketball

Bi-Winning!

Flyer Blood!

[paulxu]

Nice job ladies!!!!

[X-band '01]

Xavier doesn't have a shut down defender on the team.

They may not have a Romain Sato or Justin Cage-type lock-down defender, but the team's defense overall is superb. If you look at the recap below, one stat will stand out - Xavier is now #1 in the country in OVERALL scoring defense. They're only allowing 55.3 points a game.

ESPN.com Recap (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/recap?gameId=310662752)

[LadyMuskie]

That game was closer than I expected it to be. Congrats Muskies!! Looking forward to watching them play at Cintas soon in the tourney!!

[rhyno2110]

Congrats Ladies! What a great Championship game.

One comment. I hope Amber brings it for all 40 minutes or we won't make the final 4. You could see that she was unstopable in those last few minutes. Bring it Amber!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Tough game, great WIN. Congrat. to the lady Muskies.

[XU-PA]

Just got back to Maine. 3 hours each way, well worth the drive. I you like the game, it was fantastic. XU fought back, lead changed hangs a zillion times.
The refs really put the whistles in their pockets, both side. Xavier ended the game with only 4 fouls in the second half. I think it took the late fouls for Dayton to go over the bonus. A completely different crew could have called twice the fouls. But getting to see it up close, it was a fairly well called game, outside of Nance in the 1st half with 2 early no one was even close to foul trouble.

Phillips was a beast underneath, I can't remember her misses. 11-19 is one hell of a game! Well deserved MVP.
Amber and Special were named to the all tourney team.
Ta'Shia obviously did the bulk of the scoring, and Amber had a fine night (she looked very very tired, same as the semi final game, I wonder if she was sick) but I think Askew made her presence felt with 3 very timely blocks, and Special was on fire, her drives to the basket were amazing. She has the ability to drive the lane and go right to the rim even when guarded by 2 or 3 much taller defenders, It was really her night.

Ratterman was a real trooper for the flyers. I saw the game yesterday when she went out, she played a little late and was in obvious pain. To go back out and play 35 minutes on a torn ligament, wow, that's just plain insanity.

Thanks to the parents of Dayton's Elle Queen, she was the player guarding Amber, gave up about 8 inches, did a fine job. Her folks provided the live car for me in the parking lot after the game, sucks to leave your lights on and leave it for 2+ hours.

Bad part, the place was empty. The box score said 1000+, no way, had to be counting our band cheerleaders, maintenance crew, the 2 teams of girls who scrimmaged at halftime, the ticket takers, refreshment stand staff. Thank goodness for the players family members. Bad idea going to a neutral court.


Can't wait for the 20th, stop by section 109 row M and say hi!!!

[ServiceUnavailable]

Congrats X ladies!

[xuwin]

Congrats Ladies! What a great Championship game.

One comment. I hope Amber brings it for all 40 minutes or we won't make the final 4. You could see that she was unstopable in those last few minutes. Bring it Amber!

For the first 35 minutes of the game I thought Amber must either be sick or playing hurt. She had no energy at all. I think that is the danger of having to play the same team three times in a season. Xavier was bored and Dayton wanted payback. That's not a good combination.

[XU-PA]

Didn't really give Ta'Shia enough credit. I just watched the replay of the game, she absolutely shut Nance down, 0 points. The freshman #33 Sant who spelled Nance did score 8, but 6 of that came on 3 pointers away from the paint and Phillips' defense.

Awesome job, well deserving of the A-10 Defensive POY

[GoMuskies]

Bad part, the place was empty. The box score said 1000+, no way, had to be counting our band cheerleaders, maintenance crew, the 2 teams of girls who scrimmaged at halftime, the ticket takers, refreshment stand staff. Thank goodness for the players family members. Bad idea going to a neutral court.


I think they moved the Tournament to Lowell to reward you for being such a good fan. I can't think of any other reason anyone would have considered Lowell a good idea.