Xavier/Rhode Island Game Thread

[paulxu]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5624854026_e4260e7b29.jpg..VS..http://www.wiselikeus.com/collegewise/images/2008/05/08/rhody_the_ram_rhode_island.jpg

Xavier Musketeers (14-10, 7-4 A-10) at Rhode Island Rams (8-16, 3-8 A-10)

Wed., Feb. 20, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. ET

Ryan Center (7,657) in Kingston, R.I.

Television: FOX Sports Ohio: Brad Johansen and analysis Steve Wolf (Xavier `83)

Radio: 700WLW-AM Joe Sunderman (`79). Analysis Byron Larkin (`88).

Notes and Stats (http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/021813aaa.html)

Live Chat (http://zippychat.com/room/yhwjv)

[paulxu]

All for one = more team ball, less street ball. Here's hoping we get into double digit assists to improve our chances to win.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Just peeking at Rohdy's roster, they aren't big at all. They go 8 deep but play their starters as much as we do. Their starting 5 is 5'11, 6'2, 6'6, 6'7, and 6'10. They look at lot like we do. The good news is that Dee won't have to guard an oversized guard and Taylor shouldn't have to defend a man too big either. Their 6'10 post is a freshman so maybe he is just as annoying inconsistent as Jeff.

The way can rebound I feel like we can win the boards. If we can keep our turnovers down and work the ball around there is no reason why they can't win this game.

[XUFan09]

For what it's worth...

http://fromstaaktomack.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/xavier-at-rhode-island/

[XUFan09]

And Banners' take:

http://www.bannersontheparkway.com/2013/2/20/4007252/xavier-v-rhode-island-preview

[xu 89]

the 6'10" frosh will have a career night versus us. Seems like someone often has a career night at our away games.

[Masterofreality]

I'm here in North Kingstown. Cold as seemingly it always is here, but no snow.

The perfect night for iced Ram. I'll be right behind the CU bench in my navy blue Lew Hirt Society garb!

[GoMuskies]

I'll be right behind the CU bench

Are you sure you're in the right place MOR? Too many Sam Adams?

[paulxu]

Hah!

Meanwhile, one of you tech wizards post a streaming link here.
They decided not to show the game in South Carolina.

[XUFan09]

Hah!

Meanwhile, one of you tech wizards post a streaming link here.
They decided not to show the game in South Carolina.

http://www.vipbox.tv/basketball/137773/1/xavier-vs-rhode-island--live-stream-online.html

Didn't see anything on First Row, not sure if this is going to work (Sometimes they end up failing, but you can't really check until the game starts. I'll leave you with that and hope it works. I won't be able to check because I'm actually heading to a bar to watch it.

[paulxu]

because I'm actually heading to a bar to watch it.

Nice. Thanks for the link.

[BMoreX]

Shannon Russell ‏@slrussell

Walk-on Landen Amos pulled a muscle yesterday and isn't expected to play tonight. Tough break defensively for #Xavier.

[bjf123]

Shannon Russell just tweeted that Amos pulled a muscle and won't be playing tonight. That will hurt defensively.


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[Jesuit4Life]

I didn't see any other streaming links - sorry, Paul and others. Hopefully the one XUFAN09 posted works out.

FSO channel info (http://www.foxsportsohio.com/02/19/13/Channel-info-for-Cavs--Musketeers-on-Wed/landing.html?blockID=866393&feedID=10442)

Wednesday, February 20
Xavier vs. Rhode Island - 7:00pm | Musketeers Live Pregame show at 6:30pm

· Cincinnati, Dayton, Louisville/Lexington, Charleston/Huntington, Bowling Green (KY), Evansville (IN), Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Fort Wayne
o Main FOX Sports Ohio cable channel
o DirecTV: FSCincinnati
o Dish: FSCincinnati
o AT&T: FSCincinnati

· Cleveland, Columbus, Youngstown/Erie, Wheeling/Steubenville, Toledo
o The game is being made available to providers to air on the alternate FOX Sports Ohio cable channels. Alternate channel information can be found here: http://www.foxsportsohio.com/pages/channelfinder
o DirecTV: FSCincinnati
o Dish: FSCincinnati
o AT&T: FSCincinnati

[BMoreX]

Early guess: the European kills us.

[ballyhoohoo]

Anyone else notice the kid in the jean jacket vest on rhodeisland bench?

[BMoreX]

I was getting worried the Rams wouldn't score...

The Cintas faithful would have been reeling had the Muskies gone 5 minutes without scoring. Too much standing.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I was getting worried the Rams wouldn't score...

The Cintas faithful would have been reeling had the Muskies gone 5 minutes without scoring. Too much standing.

URI chucks up a lot of 3s.

[paulxu]

Xavier has scored all the points so far.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Xavier has scored all the points so far.

Tie ball game now.

[RealDeal]

9-0 run, awesome.

[BMoreX]

We are not finishing.

[paulxu]

MOR better get cracking.
Did we forget how to play defense?

[bjf123]

How the heck does Semaj miss the layup?


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[Blue Blobs Bro]

Justin looked pumped to begin with 2 blocks.but anxious with the ball

[GoMuskies]

I turned on the radio at 7-3 Xavier. So this is all probably my fault.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

They have a couple with 2 fouls and just 10 minutes in.

[BMoreX]

Xavier is good. X leads 16-6.

[GoMuskies]

It is lonely in Live Chat.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Might want to put a man on Munford. Now at the line the rest of the half...that is not good for us.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier is almost in the bonus. Sounds like good strategy by Rhody.

[XUFan09]

The refs seem to be calling a lot on both sides...

[bjf123]

Maybe they read Cronin's thoughts in the Enquirer today.


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[Cheesehead]

Dee w/ old fashioned 3

[XUFan09]

Maybe they read Cronin's thoughts in the Enquirer today.


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Lol I was thinking that.

[mistabeecee41]

i'm listening and thankful i can't watch. this sounds like it is being horribly played on both ends.

[paulxu]

It is lonely in Live Chat.

No one there. I can't see the damn game anyway. Dependent on ESPN box score.

Why has Taylor only taken one shot? WTF.

[RealDeal]

Am I in a bad mood tonight or do we suck?

[BMoreX]

Missing so many within 3 feet.

[ballyhoohoo]

This game is as sloppy as two senior citizens having drunken sex

[Xville]

It is amazing just how bad this Xavier team is. A junior high team has better offensive execution than this bunch

[paulxu]

maybe it's good I can't see this.

[bjf123]

It is ugly.


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[bjf123]

How many layups can Semaj miss in one game?


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[mistabeecee41]

semaj is playing like he has absolutely no confidence in any of his teammates.

[XUFan09]

It is amazing just how bad this Xavier team is. A junior high team has better offensive execution than this bunch

This team has hardly looked smooth on offense, but they would probably look a lot better if they just made a reasonable number of their shots at the rim.

[Xville]

maybe it's good I can't see this.

It is...honestly I never thought I'd see a Xavier team this devoid of talent in my lifetime...it seems that Rhode Island might even have more talent than Xavier currently.

[paulxu]

It seems these guys are hell-bent on proving my pet theory.
We've got 3 assists, and 8 TO's.
We haven't won a single game where our assists are in the single digits.

Come on guys. Play some team ball. I'll take a Wisconsin-like win any day of the week.

[Xville]

semaj is playing like he has absolutely no confidence in any of his teammates.

If you were semaj, would you?

[Xville]

semaj is playing like he has absolutely no confidence in any of his teammates.

If you were semaj, would you?

[paulxu]

If I was Semaj, and TT and I were 1 for 10, and the rest of the team was shooting 50% together...I'd think about letting them shoot more instead of my 1 for 7.
Actually that's up to Mack to make happen.

[XUFan09]

I didn't see the Dayton game but his 44% usage rate (absurdly high) suggests that the issue started a little earlier.

[coasterville95]

On second Guinness. Only down 1 on the road, I guess I'll take it. This game is not reassuring me for the stretch ahead.

[GoMuskies]

This game is not reassuring me for the stretch ahead.

0-6 is not out of the question. 0-7, I guess, when you add Dayton.

[XUFan09]

It looks somewhat promising for the second half. Xavier is missing layups. Rhode Island is missing mid range floaters and jumpers. Xavier is much more likely to fix their issue than Rhode Island is to fix theirs.

[GoMuskies]

"Sounds" like both teams are playing better in the second half.

[BMoreX]

Both teams making everything now.

[BMoreX]

Phil had all ball.

[Xville]

I like the aggressiveness but if they are going to be that aggressive and aim to get fouled, you must make the free throws

[waggy]

That block by Martin was huge.

[waggy]

Very nice dime by Dee.

[BMoreX]

Semaj has 4 fouls, Dee 3

[XUFan09]

Semaj has 4 fouls, Dee 3

Uh oh.

[BMoreX]

Make your foul shots and you can win this.

[XUFan09]

Make your foul shots and you can win this.

So true for both teams.

[BMoreX]

Big 3 by Brad, big 2 by JMart in transition.

[paulxu]

Did Brad grab the rebound, dribble up court, and hit JMart for the shot?

[XUFan09]

Put. This. Game. Away.

Please.

[X-band '01]

The URI win at Saint Louis is become more and more inexplicable as this season progresses.

[BMoreX]

Put. This. Game. Away.

Please.

I'd put Semaj back in now.

[GoMuskies]

Had to step away for about half an hour. Did I hear that right? 49-38? Glad I didn't have to watch this one!

[Cheesehead]

3 straight wasted possessions by X. Should be up by about 16-20. RI sucks.

[paulxu]

Nobody scored a point for about 3 minutes.

[BMoreX]

16 rebounds for Taylor.

[paulxu]

2 misses and 3 TO in last 5 possessions.

[BMoreX]

Up 14 now.

[GoMuskies]

I like road wins. Even insanely ugly ones. Especially double digit ones.

[Cheesehead]

just win baby but this thing was uglier than Mick Cronin.

[BMoreX]

Rhode Island misses A LOT.

[Xville]

Love the road win but man this game was painful to watch

[XU 87]

Rhode Island misses A LOT.

That's true, but I thought they put up a lot of bad shots, usually tough threes.

[GoMuskies]

Danny Hurley is no Jim Baron.

[GoMuskies]

Also, one more win and this Xavier team guarantees no worse than a .500 record on the season. I was definitely worried about that coming into the year.

[BMoreX]

Hopefully this gives the team some confidence going into Saturday.

I don't see how they'll stop the full court press but we'll see.

[BMoreX]

Early guess: the European kills us.

The reverse jinx works! Malesevic held to 0 pts on 5 shots.

[GoMuskies]

Also, doesn't guaranteeing no worse than 8-8 in the league continue some sort of ridiculous like 35 year streak of not having a losing conference mark?

EDIT: Looks like muskiefan82 beat me to it already. 31 in a row. Impressive.

[Pajama Joe]

Semaj 8/8 at the line...hopefully that's a sign of things to come.

[XUFan09]

The reverse jinx works! Malesevic held to 0 pts on 5 shots.

When he started getting in foul trouble, my first thought was, "Thank God."

[XUFan09]

Semaj 8/8 at the line...hopefully that's a sign of things to come.

He's actually been pretty good in recent games. It's good to see.

[paulxu]

OK, first win of the season with less than 10 assists. Disproved the theory. I'll take it.

[Pajama Joe]

You can disprove loads of theories when your opponent shoots 24%.

[gladdenguy]

Random thoughts on the game (and where has 87's "few thoughts" threads gone)?

I've never seen a team miss more shots than Rhode Island.
Dee Davis makes me insane sometimes when he dribbles into defenders with nothing to do with the ball (never did I think I would see Mo Mcafee again in a Xavier uniform until tonight)
How many times did we travel tonight?
Trav Taylor playing like this last year would have been enormous (thank god he is the only senior playing Xavier basketball as a senior) FROM PMI
Mack continues to make great play calls out of timeouts (beginning of the half)
Couldn't hit bunnies tonight early.....frustrating
I was worried about Semaj after the 1st half.....he and Trav Taylor played great 2nd halves.
If Redford is not hitting 3s...frustrating
Justin Martin driving to the hoop....frustrating
Jeff Robinson doing anything but tipping in an offensive rebound....frustrating

That could be our last win until the A-10 tourney. I'm gonna enjoy it tonight even though it was ugly.

[Juice]

Random thoughts on the game (and where has 87's "few thoughts threads gone"?

I've never seen a team miss more shots than Rhode Island.
Dee Davis makes me insane sometimes when he dribbles into defenders with nothing to do with the ball (never did I think I would see Mo Mcafee again in a Xavier uniform until tonight)
How many times did we travel tonight?
Trav Taylor playing like this last year would have been enormous (thank god he is the only senior playing Xavier basketball as a senior) FROM PMI
Mack continues to make great play calls out of timeouts (beginning of the half)
Couldn't hit bunnies tonight early.....frustrating
I was worried about Semaj after the 1st half.....he and Trav Taylor played great 2nd halves.
If Redford is not hitting 3s...frustrating
Justin Martin driving to the hoop....frustrating
Jeff Robinson doing anything but tipping in an offensive rebound....frustrating

That could be our last win until the A-10 tourney. I'm gonna enjoy it tonight even though it was ugly.

I often think about this, especially after tonight's game, but then remember that he was the 5th option behind Tu, Cheekz, Kenny, and Dez. There was no way there were going to give him the touches he needed.

[GoMuskies]

Taylor got a lot of touches last year. He just wasn't capable of doing anything with the ball for whatever reason last year. He looks like a completely different player.

[XUFan09]

Taylor got a lot of touches last year. He just wasn't capable of doing anything with the ball for whatever reason last year. He looks like a completely different player.

Yep, 19.5% of possession, on the cusp between "role player" and "significant contributor" per Kenpom. He is a much more effective shooter from the field this year though, while playing more than twice the minutes.

[Masterofreality]

MOR better get cracking.
?

So how did I do?

Just another average night hanging out with Christi Mack and the girls.

[nuts4xu]

So how did I do?

Just another average night hanging out with Christi Mack and the girls.

Did the Rams fans treat the matriarch of Xavier basketball better than the pillow biters at dayton?

Christi Mack is a great lady, and should be treated like the queen of England.

[blueblood]

Taylor got a lot of touches last year. He just wasn't capable of doing anything with the ball for whatever reason last year. He looks like a completely different player.

I just assume he realized how much playing time was available on this team and busted his rear end during the offseason. After last season he was on his way to employment in the regular world -- now it would seem he's set for a six figure job playing European/foreign ball and maybe even giving himself an outside shot at the NBA. Without a doubt the most impressive season-to-season change I can remember out of XU player in the last 30 years. I mean Jason Love really came on, and Duncan figured it out in the tournament . . . but Travis looked so clueless and off last year and he is a MAN this year. I don't think you can understate what Semaj brings to the team but I also know without Travis' rebounding (and scoring touch) this year we would have a losing record.

[XUFan09]

I just assume he realized how much playing time was available on this team and busted his rear end during the offseason. After last season he was on his way to employment in the regular world -- now it would seem he's set for a six figure job playing European/foreign ball and maybe even giving himself an outside shot at the NBA. Without a doubt the most impressive season-to-season change I can remember out of XU player in the last 30 years. I mean Jason Love really came on, and Duncan figured it out in the tournament . . . but Travis looked so clueless and off last year and he is a MAN this year. I don't think you can understate what Semaj brings to the team but I also know without Travis' rebounding (and scoring touch) this year we would have a losing record.

Confidence probably plays a big part. Kenny had established himself as a good defender his senior year and he was just flat-out big to boot, so Taylor really had to work against that every day in practice. Alongside that, Tu and Cheeks, for all the good they did for the team, were not always the kindest and most patient teammates.

[Masterofreality]

Did the Rams fans treat the matriarch of Xavier basketball better than the pillow biters at dayton?

Christi Mack is a great lady, and should be treated like the queen of England.

Honestly, the Rhodee "fans" are so clueless that they probably didn't know who Christi was.

That being said, I've never had a problem with games at RI. Fans are gentlemanly.

[Masterofreality]

I just assume he realized how much playing time was available on this team and busted his rear end during the offseason. After last season he was on his way to employment in the regular world -- now it would seem he's set for a six figure job playing European/foreign ball and maybe even giving himself an outside shot at the NBA. Without a doubt the most impressive season-to-season change I can remember out of XU player in the last 30 years. I mean Jason Love really came on, and Duncan figured it out in the tournament . . . but Travis looked so clueless and off last year and he is a MAN this year. I don't think you can understate what Semaj brings to the team but I also know without Travis' rebounding (and scoring touch) this year we would have a losing record.

This. Totally agree.

Not only that, but last night during a time out when things weren't going that well, TTaylor was a vocal leader in the huddle before the coaches came in to instruct. He got on IPhillmore a bit, but was not over the top. At the same time he was pumping up Dee Davis. He had a tough first half last night, but just was not going to let HIS team lose. I think he knows that the time is getting short and he's going to leave it all out there.

I hope the same can be said for Jeff Robinson.

[Masterofreality]

I'll take full credit for this win.

After JMart missed two frees, I told Christi Mack that I was no longer going to look at our guys shooting free throws. The results were that we made 8 in a row and 14 of 17. One of the ones we missed we got the offensive board.

She was very impressed with my dedication. Hey, it ain't crazy if it works. To be continued Saturday at Cintas.

[Masterofreality]

I'll take full credit for this win.

After JMart missed two frees, I told Christi Mack that I was no longer going to look at our guys shooting free throws. The results were that we made 8 in a row and 14 of 17. One of the ones we missed we got the offensive board.

She was very impressed with my dedication. Hey, it ain't crazy if it works. To be continued Saturday at Cintas.

[paulxu]

I'll take full credit for this win.

Since you posted this twice, you must be feeling pretty good about yourself.
I will say nice job; you did OK. Of course you had to make up for that debacle you laid in Charlotte in front of mrspaul.
Maybe you should sit behind Christi every game? At least until we come up short.

Can you get that close at Cintas? If not, have some of these guys clear you a spot. We need one on Saturday.

[coasterville95]

That was really nice to see - our free throw shooting percentage go back up. That's how we used to close out games. We also got a roadkill, which shoot help some with the teams's confidence. A win Saturday over VCU would really do wonders for the teams (maybe even the fans) confidence level.

The best A-10 team only has 9 wins at this point in conference, we have 8, and due to some teams not having played their twelth game yet, this still puts us firmly at 5th in the A-10. It also means that a road to the top is still in view, and thanks to beating Rhody we have mathmatically eliminated ourselves from 3 of the 4 stay at home slots. That said, Dayton (currently in 13th) has only played 11 games thus far, so winning out could get them as high as 9, so the "avoid A10 humiliation" magic number is 2. (XU wins, ud losses). Of course, we know that dayton will probably do just enough work to get that 12 slot, so that we can find ourselves in the 5/12 game in the first round in Brooklyn.

That's kind of startling really, when you think of the schools that seem to be the leaders in the A10 this year, and realize that in actuallity, they only have 1 more win than us. and still 4 (5 for some) games left to play. For all the flaws we may have, that's not bad. The Flagship finds a way.

[X-Fan]

Travis on toughness and not letting the Wisdom Teeth surgery that he had on MONDAY prevent him from paying against URI (From the Enquirer (http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130220/SPT0102/302200154/Xavier-cruises-past-Rhode-Island)):

“Coach (Chris) Mack challenges us all the time, and one of the challenges of our program is toughness. Are you going to worry about what’s going on at hand or are you just going to take full responsibility as a grown man? As a senior on the team I had to step up,” Taylor said. “Either I’m going to worry about my teeth…or I’m going to worry about a game I could miss. It’s my senior year. I don’t have time for things like that.”

Ain't nobody got time for that!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFEoMO0pc7k

In all seriousness though. I LOVE his dedication and sense of urgency. I hope the rest of the guys are picking up on that. No time like the here and now.

[Masterofreality]

Since you posted this twice, you must be feeling pretty good about yourself.
I will say nice job; you did OK. Of course you had to make up for that debacle you laid in Charlotte in front of mrspaul.
Maybe you should sit behind Christi every game? At least until we come up short.

Can you get that close at Cintas? If not, have some of these guys clear you a spot. We need one on Saturday.

Upper level in Cintas on Saturday, but back in primo lower corner seats for UMess.

Was planning on getting back for the St. Louiee game, but I've been called for Jury Duty. Damn.

[GoMuskies]

There are a number of reasons Christi Mack probably prefers that I steer clear of her, but for our purposes here I think it's also clear I shouldn't sit near her at games: I sat about three rows behind her at the WOFFORD game.

[xuwin]

Upper level in Cintas on Saturday, but back in primo lower corner seats for UMess.

Was planning on getting back for the St. Louiee game, but I've been called for Jury Duty. Damn.

I feel sorry for the defendant's if you're having to miss a Xavier game for that.

[coasterville95]

Let's see - St. Louiee game is a 9pm tip - courts usually adjourn at what 4? That gives you 5 hours to drive in 6th gear from Mistake on the Lake to Cintas Center. Watch the game, then you should get back home in time to catch a 2 hour cat nap before the next days session.

[Masterofreality]

Let's see - St. Louiee game is a 9pm tip - courts usually adjourn at what 4? That gives you 5 hours to drive in 6th gear from Mistake on the Lake to Cintas Center. Watch the game, then you should get back home in time to catch a 2 hour cat nap before the next days session.

Coaster, I'm still not giving up on getting there, my friend.

[smileyy]

Honestly, the Rhodee "fans" are so clueless

Their team doesn't help with that. I mean, their players don't seem to be aware that basketball doesn't have a "crease", and that you *can* shoot the ball inside that 20' painted arc.

[PMI]

I hope the same can be said for Jeff Robinson.

We've been spoiled with the high percentage of seniors who step up, if not for their whole senior year, then towards the end of it. I hope like hell I'm wrong, but Robinson just doesn't seem to be capable of it. Even when people praise him for playing "well" he is still so...

Prove me wrong, Jeff.

[coasterville95]

If your jury duty experience is anything like mine was, although you usually can't ask days off (unless you get a cooperative jury manager), at least in Hamilton County you may be served a two seek service. Everybody has to attend day 1 where you spend the morning going to Juror School. After that they give you the phone number to a recorded hotline and a web URL. You check either one after 3 each day. In Hamilton County you look for your group number as ON or OFF the next day. Again Hamilton County schedules so you appear about every other day, with minimal jurors called in for Fridays since judges don't like starting new business on Friday.

Point is if you get called Wednesday and can avoid getting a trial, you may be out by 1 or 2, that was my expeirence, call the line at 3 to see if you are in at 9AM Thursday and make an educated descision. Again my experience was if you weren't paneled by 1, 2 at the latest you were usually let go for the day.

I was actually excitedly looking forward to Jury Duty (sick I know), I think I had to go downtown 3 days in my two week service, got named to one panel, and the case got settled while the jury was being escorted from the jury room to the courtroom. So I wasted three days that were cold and rainy, and didn't step foot in a courtroom.

From the Juror Training I sat, they did say that most cases do try to settle up and not put it in the hands of a panel of strangers.

[XUFan09]

My more in-depth postgame analysis is now up on the blog (http://fromstaaktomack.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/xavier-at-rhode-island/), for all to see, critique, and ridicule.

[X-band '01]

Upper level in Cintas on Saturday, but back in primo lower corner seats for UMess.

Was planning on getting back for the St. Louiee game, but I've been called for Jury Duty. Damn.

Congratulations on voting in the last election!