Xavier vs. Iowa (November 28, 2013)

[paulxu]

http://assets1.golfdiscount.com/products/43581/large/team-effort-iowa-hawkeyes-mascot-headcover.jpg?1302047838VS.http://cache.lego.com/upload/contentTemplating/MinifiguresBios/images/pic773F455B41A27FB44B60F2397BAA49D7.jpg


Iowa Hawkeyes #23 (5-0) vs. Xavier University Musketeers (5-0)
Thursday, November 28, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

Live Chat (http://www.chatzy.com/32573582761803)

Television: NBC Sports Network
Radio: TBA

[paulxu]

Blobfan...hit it!
The Pilgrims had Thanksgiving. We've got our own bird to stuff.

[Emp]

Early line Iowa -5.5

[GoMuskies]

Early line Iowa -5.5

Too high

[SixFig]

Are there Iowa fans out there. Or have they been able to remove themselves from Farmersdate.com long enough to care about basketball?

[rove02]

Early line Iowa -5.5

Really? ESPN shows X -5.5 which kinda shocked me. Maybe they made a mistake

[gladdenguy]

If they lose Thursday are the afternoon games on Friday and Saturday not on TV at all?
I know if they win and play at night all the games will be on NBC Sports Network. If they lose on Thursday I guess listening to Joe and Byron might be the only alternative.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1866362-battle-4-atlantis-2013-teams-schedule-live-stream-bracket-tv-info

[Masterofreality]

No, the lesser games are on AXS TV.

Check your provider.

By the way, NBC has an app for Smartphones and tablets. It's called NBC Sports Live Extra. It runs through many providers so, unlike the Fox Sports Go app, almost everyone should be able to view it.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

I don't get uptight at all about facing Big 10 teams.

Not a bit.

Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana.

Beat them all in the reasonably recent past.

Eye-Oh-Way -5.5 seems like Vegas is calling us out.

Go Muskies!

And Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[waggy]

This would be a really nice W to have on the resume.

[blueblob06]

To whet your appetite until blobfan's main course....

Let's run over the Hawkeyes!!!
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/XavierBasketball-com/iowa_zps4422b2b1.jpg

[GoMuskies]

I got X +6 and a VERY small play at +225 on the ML. I'm surprised the lines are so high.

[xubrew]

I don't think Iowa has played a team that would qualify for the div2 tournament yet. They appear to be good, but wow is their OOC schedule full of cream puffs.

[Muskie]

I don't think Iowa has played a team that would qualify for the div2 tournament yet. They appear to be good, but wow is their OOC schedule full of cream puffs.

They are getting by on the run they had to end last season. I remember the prognosticators covering one of the tourneys describing them as a contender for this years Big Ten Title.

[xubrew]

Iowa did the same thing a year ago and totally screwed themselves. If you beat up on cupcakes out of conference, then you better not leave it to chance in conference. I think they are good. I just think they should have played a few more teams with a pulse before January to demonstrate that. This tournament is big for them because other than Iowa State, it's their only chance at statment wins, and if they don't get any prior to conference play, then they're putting all kinds of pressure on themselves because 10-8 probobably won't cut it.

[Muskie]

Iowa did the same thing a year ago and totally screwed themselves. If you beat up on cupcakes out of conference, then you better not leave it to chance in conference. I think they are good. I just think they should have played a few more teams with a pulse before January to demonstrate that. This tournament is big for them because other than Iowa State, it's their only chance at statment wins, and if they don't get any prior to conference play, then they're putting all kinds of pressure on themselves because 10-8 probobably won't cut it.

Agree. I think this is a potential "down" year for the Big Ten. I don't see extra bids for the conference as in years past.

[XUFan09]

This game is huge for the SOS. First off, I'm making the assumption that the heavy favorites in the other three games will win. The winner of the Xavier-Iowa game will end up with the toughest schedule in the tournament, while the loser will probably end up with the weakest.

Second round:
Kenpom #40 Tennessee or #105 UTEP

Third round:
#3 Kansas/#22 Villanova or #97 Wake Forest/#130 USC

Based off Iowa's weak non-conference schedule in general, they definitely need it more than Xavier, but screw it, go Musketeers!

[xubrew]

This game is huge for the SOS. First off, I'm making the assumption that the heavy favorites in the other three games will win. The winner of the Xavier-Iowa game will end up with the toughest schedule in the tournament, while the loser will probably end up with the weakest.

Second round:
Kenpom #40 Tennessee or #105 UTEP

Third round:
#3 Kansas/#22 Villanova or #97 Wake Forest/#130 USC

Based off Iowa's weak non-conference schedule in general, they definitely need it more than Xavier, but screw it, go Musketeers!

Very good point. It's not just this game that's big. It's the opportunities that winning the game presents in the later rounds.

[xavierj]

Xavie only lost four games last year by more than 6 and one was by 7. Don't get today's spread. Semaj will be the best player on the floor so I pick Xavier outright.

[XUFan09]

Very good point. It's not just this game that's big. It's the opportunities that winning the game presents in the later rounds.

Yeah, I think someone on the board said it before: It would be better in the long run to win the first game and lose the next two than lose the first game and win the next two.

[XUFan09]

Yeah, I think someone on the board said it before: It would be better in the long run to win the first game and lose the next two than lose the first game and win the next two.

I'm using Kenpom numbers, as they are a better predictor of season-ending RPI than RPI at this point in the season. By the way, that 1-2 scenario would set up Xavier with this overall resume:

1-1 vs. top 25
2-2 vs. top 50
Distinctly higher SOS with one fewer win.

The 2-1 scenario would set up Xavier with this overall resume:

0-1 vs. top 25
1-1 vs. top 50
Distinctly lower SOS with one more win.

[xsteve1]

Early line Iowa -5.5

Line is up to X +6.5, I got X at +7.

[XUFan09]

I love the "Neither team has really been tested yet." Um, we played Tennessee, one of the teams you just said would be in the tournament. Home game or not, that's still being "tested."

Here we go.

[XUFan09]

Nice start.

[BMoreX]

That was an awesome oop

[XUFan09]

The lighting and camera angle makes for an unusual viewing experience.

Love the inside-outside pass from Stain for the Martin 3. Smoothly done. Philmore has looked good too.

[MADXSTER]

Not sure what Farr did to pick up that foul. Even after going back and watching again.

[brownlavender]

This game is going to be a BATTLE. Very pleased to play a big physical team like this. So far looks like if we keep up what were doing we should tough it out

[XUFan09]

Semaj's reverse layup there was ridiculous.

[XUFan09]

Martin is showing some of that game that we all knew he has, including some great passes.

[brownlavender]

Think this is the best passing team I can remember. The Jason love, drew lavender, Stan Burrell team was pretty unselfish as well

[XUFan09]

Think this is the best passing team I can remember. The Jason love, drew lavender, Stan Burrell team was pretty unselfish as well

They are definitely at least close to that level.

[Blue Blobs Bro]

how the hell do you make a call like that?!?!

[oddblob]

semaj.. my man.

[XUFan09]

Our FT defense continues to be excellent lol. Iowa is 3-8 so far, which helps with our 1-6 from the line in the first half.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

The FT% is killing me. I can see that's going to cost us some games for sure.

[Snipe]

This could be one of the best passing teams we have had with time, but I wouldn't put it there yet. They do play unselfishly, and I appreciate that. Deep too. They are having fun out there and sharing and life is good.

[Snipe]

Have to admit thought I thought that opp was sick

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Did Iowa get a "T" before the half?

[BMoreX]

Did Iowa get a "T" before the half?

Yeah their coach was arguing with the refs.

Two shots.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Great. Thanks. Hope we score.

[XUFan09]

Woodbury already with 3 fouls. Nice.

[XUFan09]

Love the announcer: "In the years that I've been out [of coaching], it's amazing how much better the refs have gotten."

[BandAid]

These ghost fouls are killing me...

[BMoreX]

Back to back threes from the two Daviss

[oddblob]

loving this

[XUFan09]

Except Semaj, our starting lineup has 3 fouls each, and so does Farr. Reynolds and Randolph also each have 2, which is "fine" at this point in the game but setting up for a problem if they get called again anytime soon.

[XUFan09]

On the positive side, we have a double-digit lead!

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Muskies don't let their coaches wear taupe.

[BMoreX]

Great time for Semaj to get cramps.

[xubrew]

We always have to make it exciting

[bjf123]

On the positive side, we have a double-digit lead!

Make that HAD a double digit lead. Very frustrating. Need Semaj to step up big time.


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[coasterville95]

Remember when we were pulling away - that WAS nice.

[gladdenguy]

And Dee Davis continues to be a turnover machine and why Mack has left Semaj out so long is beyond me

[XUFan09]

Make that HAD a double digit lead. Very frustrating. Need Semaj to step up big time.

Or anyone to step up.

[XUFan09]

And Dee Davis continues to be a turnover machine and why Mack has left Semaj out so long is beyond me

Pretty sure it's cramps.

[XUFan09]

And the Big Stain goes to work.

[paulxu]

Blobfan, where is that streak avatar?

[coasterville95]

Semaj on sideline with trailer is not reassuring.

[gladdenguy]

I just can't believe we are dealing with god damn cramps again.

[drudy23]

Looks like the cramps are back.....again.

[BMoreX]

I just can't believe we are dealing with god damn cramps again.

Weird that it's the first time this year and on the road.

[drudy23]

He's done.

[drudy23]

And he dribbles to the exact same stupid spot...yes, our point guard just did that.

[BMoreX]

Can't handle the press

[coasterville95]

37 seconds tie game.

[coasterville95]

Cussing has commenced.

[coasterville95]

Free basketball. That is depressing the way we were playing 12 game minutes ago.

[blueballs]

I want them to lose this game. They deserve it after that crap. But OT is a 2nd chance to restart

[Retire33]

How's the PG not have the sense of mind that ball hit rim and pull it back out to get final shot??

[GoMuskies]

We choked. Need to stop that in OT.

[mistabeecee41]

How's the PG not have the sense of mind that ball hit rim and pull it back out to get final shot??

it's dee davis were talking about. continually makes bonehead decisions such as attempting to go back up amongst trees as a 5'9 PG as opposed to pulling out for the last shot.

[MADXSTER]

The ball needs to go thru Stainbrook on every possession.

[RealDeal]

If I were an nba scout I wouldn't draft semaj in the first round. Can't stay on the floor.

[Retire33]

The series of 5th fouls begins

[oddblob]

this is terrible

[coasterville95]

So much for Matt. And this OT is not starting out well.

This is starting to suck. Wait, this has sucked for the last hour.

[gladdenguy]

Horrible loss Mack. Eat a god damn banana Semaj. Dee is disgusting.

[mohr5150]

Iowa needs to send a big thank you to this crew of stripes. we were up 15 when the foul parade started against X.

[Retire33]

Horrible loss Mack. Eat a god damn banana Semaj. Dee is disgusting.

The douchebag comments return

[coasterville95]

And gladdens negativity is back for another season

[coasterville95]

Foul ejections are going to make this interesting.

[GuyFawkes38]

How is Semaj going to play professionally with his cramp issues.

[Retire33]

what a horrible call on Zeke

[GoMuskies]

Man, this really sucks. Will be a really tough loss.

[gladdenguy]

Pathetic loss. Dee Davis is awful.

[GuyFawkes38]

Dee is frustrating. He is a backup pg.

[mohr5150]

This entire second half has been filled with horrible calls on X. This is one if those games where it makes me wonder about how prevalent gambling might be among refs.

[Xavier]

Different team with Semaj on the floor, he let them down.

[Backyard Champ]

Bad, very very bad. Not sure what Dee's problem was but he was pitiful. Still have to put a lot of this on Semaj. Is this going to be an issue again this year?

[coasterville95]

We need to up the budget for bottled water and Gatorade apparently

[BMoreX]

That sucked.

[GoMuskies]

Awful loss. Awful.

[oddblob]

argh

[gladdenguy]

How can you not be negative. That was putrid.

[mohr5150]

Three reasons for this loss:

Refs
Semaj Christon
Foul shooting

[bjf123]

Semaj doesn't cramp up and we win this game.


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[BandAid]

Well, that game was horseshit.

It's not a game that we'll lose later in the year. Chalk it up to foul trouble, inexperience, and cramps. Perfect storm.

[paulxu]

Break my heart.

[mistabeecee41]

This entire second half has been filled with horrible calls on X. This is one if those games where it makes me wonder about how prevalent gambling might be among refs.

yup, thats it. has nothing to do with us not knowing how to beat a press, missed FT's, no shooters, not rebounding and having absolutely nobody who can create anything when semaj was out.

[RealDeal]

Pathetic. How many 3's did we air? Take ownership of your body semaj.

[xumuskies08]

Semaj's cramping problem is just mind-boggling. Complete collapse. Stainbrook's bunny could've won the game. Free throw shooting was bad again.

I hate everything.

[Blue Blobs Bro]

and freaking dee davis turning it over over and over and over and not hitting anything at all.

[Backyard Champ]

Terrible. How do we blow a double digit lead in the second half, again? Just a huge choke job by Xavier. Semaj is so disappointing late in the game.. Because he isn't even in the game. Big time collapse, not sure who I blame the most. Semaj or Dee Davis. Dee HAS to be a better player for Xavier.

[mistabeecee41]

If Semaj's cramps persist, we could be 5-3 after the weekend.

[coasterville95]

So what time do we play tomorrow and what public access channel is it.

[Retire33]

How can you not be negative. That was putrid.

So is the tone of your comments.

[gladdenguy]

How the heck is Semaj gonna go to the NBA when he cramps like a little girl.

[GuyFawkes38]

Ugh. I'm frustrated. Medical professionals out there, is this something that is truly out of semajs control?

[BMoreX]

So what time do we play tomorrow and what public access channel is it.

1 and Axs TV, whatever the hell that is.

[xumuskies08]

Dee HAS to play better. Iowa's "press" that was barely a press caused him (and Randolph for that matter) endless problems. He went 1/5 from the field and had 5 turnovers. Not good.

I still hate everything.

[XU3232]

Yep Dee was definitely awful tonight.. It really sucks that Randolph is such a liability offensively. I know he's a freshman but he missed a lot of good looks. This loss really stings.

[X Factor]

Unbelievable.

Dee Davis was terrible. Martin was terrible. Semaj had cramps...again. Randolph can't make anything.

Up 15 in the second half and lose. Big time blown opportunity.

[XBR1]

That was terrible. Semaj went out and we went to panic mode.

[BMoreX]

@musketeerreport: Christon left the game with 12:25 to play. X was leading 52-40.

[xumuskies08]

@musketeerreport: Christon left the game with 12:25 to play. X was leading 52-40.

Ugh. All I can say is UGH.

[mohr5150]

Randolph and D.Davis: 1-10 with 6 points. ouch.

[markchal]

Complete and total choke job. Semaj absolutely let the team down. Simply inexcusable for this to be a problem again this year. And what can you say about Dee Davis? What a massive disappointment.

[The_Mack_Pack]

It's just stings because if Semaj plays, we win. Marble went out late too but he had done enough damage by then to where Iowa no longer needed him to win. It's disappointing how bad the team is without Semaj. Gotta regroup and come away with a couple of wins out of this thing.

[markchal]

I miss Tu and Crawford. This team desperately needs someone they can count on to close a game.

[danaandvictory]

Iowa could lose Marble and still play because they don't need him to bring the ball up the floor.

We cannot play without Semaj at this point. We're screwed. Cramps. It's a goddamned joke.

[bjf123]

We lost this game at the Iowa FT line and with turnovers. They made 5 more FTs and we turned it over 5 more times, both indicative of sloppy play.


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[xavierj]

Dee was not good tonight. He needs to take care of the ball. Mack should have had Myles in the game more in the last 10. He is the best shooter on the team. Props to Martin though. He played a good game and was our probably our best player tonight. Missed an opportunity.

[xumuskies08]

Dee was not good tonight. He needs to take care of the ball. Mack should have had Myles in the game more in the last 10. He is the best shooter on the team. Props to Martin though. He played a good game and was our probably our best player tonight. Missed an opportunity.

Yes. I'm often very critical of Martin (as are many) but he was solid tonight. 2nd game in a row he's played well.

[A10fan]

Man you guys are truly embarassing. 1st game against solid competition on the road and you turn on this team like they attacked your mothers. Yea mistakes were made. Bunnies and free throws missed at crucial times but relax. This is a learning process for these guys. l'm happy Randolph had the stones to try to step up and make something happen. 1 frickin' neutral court game against a very good team and you guys turn like a bunch of pu$$ies. Sack up and cheer em on.

[xumuskies08]

Man you guys are truly embarassing. 1st game against solid competition on the road and you turn on this team like they attacked your mothers. Yea mistakes were made. Bunnies and free throws missed at crucial times but relax. This is a learning process for these guys. l'm happy Randolph had the stones to try to step up and make something happen. 1 frickin' neutral court game against a very good team and you guys turn like a bunch of pu$$ies. Sack up and cheer em on.

Fans are allowed to be critical of their team after a bad game. In fact...I tend to encourage it.

I enjoy people complaining about people complaining.

[SemajParlor]

Holy crap, everybody relax. Yes this loss stings but it's called having a young and an inexperienced team. This game, like many other disappointing Thanksgiving tournament losses in recent years really means nothing in the long run. Gotta keep working to get better every day.

[SemajParlor]

Man you guys are truly embarassing. 1st game against solid competition on the road and you turn on this team like they attacked your mothers. Yea mistakes were made. Bunnies and free throws missed at crucial times but relax. This is a learning process for these guys. l'm happy Randolph had the stones to try to step up and make something happen. 1 frickin' neutral court game against a very good team and you guys turn like a bunch of pu$$ies. Sack up and cheer em on.

Right on.

[RoseyMuskie]

Did Darwin struggle tonight? Yep. But he's a backup PG. He is what he is. Against good teams, he's too small/too slow. He can eat up inferior opponents, but he's limited against the best. When Semaj went down, he was moved out of his element. It goes back to his cramps.

How many minutes did Semaj play? Like 20-25? He may be a pro prospect, but sure isn't conditioned like one.

[bigbluemuskie]

I don't think the loss had much to do with the teenagers and 20 somethings wearing blue. It was lost between the ears when we started playing not too lose. Fran from Iowa deserves the game ball. I'd much rather have Stainbrook foul out with 2 minutes left in regulation and maybe have a comfortable lead. By the time we woke up the lead was whittled down, the momentum was gone and it was anybody's game. Go for the jugular next time coaches.

[danaandvictory]

I don't know how you can lay this at the feet of the coaches or the other kids on the team.

We have an elite, NBA-level talent and a lot of nice complementary pieces. That's the identity of this team. Semaj runs the show, he facilitates, he makes the rest of the guys better. He's the best guard I've ever seen at X. But how can you game plan, how can you coach, when the lynchpin of the team may just disappear from the game at any moment with no warning?

[OTRMUSKIE]

I actually took a lot of good away from this game. We were dominating the 23rd ranked team in the country then our best player went out, it happens. 4 of our freshman got a lot of experience out of this game. We are clearly better than Iowa and by the end of the year we will be in the dance and the second weekend. These games happen just ask Dayton. Also when was the last time X played good in these tournaments? I'll take sucking in these tournaments and elite 8's over playing good in these things and winning the NIT like Dayton. Relax folks because after X wins the next two games people will back on the wagon.

[bjf123]

1 and Axs TV, whatever the hell that is.

I get AXS TV on my Cin Bell Fioptics. Too bad I have to work. Luckily, I'll be able to listen to Joe and Byron call the game.


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[LA Muskie]

Three reasons for this loss:

Refs
Semaj Christon
Foul shooting
Ah...the typical "the refs cost us the game" play...

[OTRMUSKIE]

Hey guys it could be worse, we could be Dayton and in the A-10.

[LA Muskie]

Semaj doesn't cramp up and we win this game.
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Well sure. Unless Marble also doesn't cramp up. Then it's a toss-up.

[LA Muskie]

It's just stings because if Semaj plays, we win. Marble went out late too but he had done enough damage by then to where Iowa no longer needed him to win. It's disappointing how bad the team is without Semaj. Gotta regroup and come away with a couple of wins out of this thing.
I agree that if Semaj finishes we win. As long as Marble still doesn't. But if Marble finished it would have been a hell of an ending.

[paulxu]

I want to blame Blobfan because I couldn't find a new avatar, and you should always respect the streak.
But I could never make one, so that would be childish at best.
Hurts to lose a game that would raise our prominence; but we can recover from this for sure.
Will be good to see what the team is made of and how they handle it.

[xavierj]

Well sure. Unless Marble also doesn't cramp up. Then it's a toss-up.

Marble cramped up with 2 minutes left. Semaj cramped with 15 left and xavier dominating the game. Xavier wins by 10 with semaj on the floor with or without Marble cramping late.

[LA Muskie]

Man you guys are truly embarassing. 1st game against solid competition on the road and you turn on this team like they attacked your mothers. Yea mistakes were made. Bunnies and free throws missed at crucial times but relax. This is a learning process for these guys. l'm happy Randolph had the stones to try to step up and make something happen. 1 frickin' neutral court game against a very good team and you guys turn like a bunch of pu$$ies. Sack up and cheer em on.
I don't know who you are, but I agree with you 100%.

[LA Muskie]

I actually took a lot of good away from this game. We were dominating the 23rd ranked team in the country then our best player went out, it happens. 4 of our freshman got a lot of experience out of this game. We are clearly better than Iowa and by the end of the year we will be in the dance and the second weekend. These games happen just ask Dayton. Also when was the last time X played good in these tournaments? I'll take sucking in these tournaments and elite 8's over playing good in these things and winning the NIT like Dayton. Relax folks because after X wins the next two games people will back on the wagon.
I'm certainly not as down as many about this game. But I'm not sure how you conclude that "we are clearly better than Iowa." I like the confidence but that's just not true. We are about as evenly matched as it gets.

[xavierj]

Who turned on the team? I think people are just pointing out that some or one person played like crap and xavier missed an opportunity and lost a game they should have won. Next time take care of the ball, rebound and finish the game.

[LA Muskie]

Marble cramped up with 2 minutes left. Semaj cramped with 15 left and xavier dominating the game. Xavier wins by 10 with semaj on the floor with or without Marble cramping late.
Marble was cramping up nearly the entire 2nd half. He was out FOR GOod with 2 minutes left. He played 4 total minutes more than Semaj. And I think it's a close game with both of them healthy regardless. Semaj would have helped with the press, but he was forcing it into the lane most of the night and wouldn't have been our solution to beating the zone. I agree we win with him on the floor, but it would have been a nailbiter. Especially with the ball in his hands (and his feet at the FT line). I love Semaj, but let's not pretend he's Tu Holloway in end game situations...

[OTRMUSKIE]

Well since we dominated them with Semaj and then didn't dominate them without Semaj I would say if Semaj would have stayed in the game we win. Hence being better than Iowa. This team is good I am telling you. I understand people are upset but we dominated this game right up until Semaj went out. How is GreenBay doing without their star quarterback? Everything will be fine around 3 pm tomorrow. If we should so happen to lose tomorrow then we can start to be a little more concern but my friends that's not happening.

[LA Muskie]

Who turned on the team? I think people are just pointing out that some or one person played like crap and xavier missed an opportunity and lost a game they should have won. Next time take care of the ball, rebound and finish the game.

I think it would be fair to say that some of the comments about Semaj (cramps) and Dee (rough game) are a bit extreme.

[LA Muskie]

Well since we dominated them with Semaj and then didn't dominate them without Semaj I would say if Semaj would have stayed in the game we win. Hence being better than Iowa. This team is good I am telling you. I understand people are upset but we dominated this game right up until Semaj went out. How is GreenBay doing without their star quarterback? Everything will be fine around 3 pm tomorrow. If we should so happen to lose tomorrow then we can start to be a little more concern but my friends that's not happening.
I agree with you that we are good. So is Iowa. That's why it was a good game. And I agree that we win with Semaj, but I think it still would have been close. We weren't winning that game by 15. I think with Semaj we win by 3-4. But we still could have lost if Marble didn't cramp up most of the 2nd half as well.

The point is that you can't pick just one thing and say "if that didn't happen we win." Because about a million things happen in a game.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Man I just don't think it would have been close. I think Iowa makes a little run but they never tie the game. We will never know. I think Iowa is a top 5 BIG this year and I hope they go on to win the tournament this week.

[danaandvictory]

I agree with you that we are good. So is Iowa. That's why it was a good game. And I agree that we win with Semaj, but I think it still would have been close. We weren't winning that game by 15. I think with Semaj we win by 3-4. But we still could have lost if Marble didn't cramp up most of the 2nd half as well.

The point is that you can't pick just one thing and say "if that didn't happen we win." Because about a million things happen in a game.

X was up a dozen points and had complete control of Iowa's press before Semaj went out. I would guess that X was an 80-85% favorite at the 12-minute mark (I'll look when Pom posts his WPA chart tomorrow). He left and it all went to shit.

The problem for X is that it's not a normal deal when Semaj becomes unavailable. He's not a role player. When he is out, it's not because of fouls or injury. It comes out of nowhere and you can't plan for it or prevent it. It's like Tom Brady having an allergy that leads him to withdraw from 3-4 games a year at a randomly chosen time. How do you deal with it?

[XUmuskies34]

I love Semaj as much as the next guy, but there is no way Holloway would have missed the end of that game.

[LA Muskie]

X was up a dozen points and had complete control of Iowa's press before Semaj went out. I would guess that X was an 80-85% favorite at the 12-minute mark (I'll look when Pom posts his WPA chart tomorrow). He left and it all went to shit.

The problem for X is that it's not a normal deal when Semaj becomes unavailable. He's not a role player. When he is out, it's not because of fouls or injury. It comes out of nowhere and you can't plan for it or prevent it. It's like Tom Brady having an allergy that leads him to withdraw from 3-4 games a year at a randomly chosen time. How do you deal with it?
I agree with all of this. I'm just saying that if Marble is healthy in the 2nd half, it's not a 12-pt victory. I think Iowa makes a run but we still win by 3-5 pts with both of them in the game. But it is what it is. Can't do nothing 'bout it now.

[LA Muskie]

I love Semaj as much as the next guy, but there is no way Holloway would have missed the end of that game.
Please. If Holloway has those cramps there's not way he plays either. Holloway probably doesn't cramp up but if he did he'd have been as useless as Semaj.

[danaandvictory]

I agree with all of this. I'm just saying that if Marble is healthy in the 2nd half, it's not a 12-pt victory. I think Iowa makes a run but we still win by 3-5 pts with both of them in the game. But it is what it is. Can't do nothing 'bout it now.

The difference is that Iowa can play without Marble (who reminds me of Posey) because they still have their guards and big men. Christon is very literally our quarterback. Everything depends on him.

[Lloyd Braun]

I do not believe Iowa is a top 25 team. We crapped the bed, the refs didn't help to boot. Some of those calls were ridiculous but I'm told that's a poor excuse. The guard play was killer down the stretch and hopefully it's a good learning experience. I'm most upset at the likely schedule changes with losing in the first round.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Their star player missed 5 minutes with cramps not 15, I believe that's what I heard. Those 10 minutes are the difference. It's over, time to move on. It's okay to be upset but this X team at the end of the year will be one of the best teams in the country, top 25 for sure. Have some things to work on but seeng our past history in these tournaments, not pretty, I say I like our chances to make another deep run in the Dance!

[LA Muskie]

Their star player missed 5 minutes with cramps not 15, I believe that's what I heard. Those 10 minutes are the difference. It's over, time to move on. It's okay to be upset but this X team at the end of the year will be one of the best teams in the country, top 25 for sure. Have some things to work on but seeng our past history in these tournaments, not pretty, I say I like our chances to make another deep run in the Dance!
I don't think that's accurate. He went out 3 times with cramps. He kept trying to come back but once the cramps started he was ineffective. We lost Semaj for a greater period of time regardless, but they were without Marble for more than 5 minutes and they were without an effective Marble for much longer.

[LA Muskie]

The difference is that Iowa can play without Marble (who reminds me of Posey) because they still have their guards and big men. Christon is very literally our quarterback. Everything depends on him.
That's probably true. But they were depending a hell of a lot on Marble tonight.

[LA Muskie]

I do not believe Iowa is a top 25 team. We crapped the bed, the refs didn't help to boot. Some of those calls were ridiculous but I'm told that's a poor excuse. The guard play was killer down the stretch and hopefully it's a good learning experience. I'm most upset at the likely schedule changes with losing in the first round.
I have no idea if Iowa is a Top 25 team or not. I don't know how anyone could know whether anyone other than perhaps 10 or so schools are Top 25 teams. There's just not enough of a baseline.

The refs were a bit of an enigma. They let them play in the 1st half and then all of a sudden started calling everything in the 2nd half. They made some tough calls but just about every foul call on XU was in fact a foul. They also made some bad calls but there are always questionable calls in a game. And I think most of the verifiable bad calls actually went in our favor.

We lost tonight because Semaj got cramps, we missed too many FT's, we turned the ball over too much, and we committed too many bad fouls. I won't say that the refs had no effect (they always have some effect), but they are far from the reason we lost.

[BMoreX]

From Shannon:

“It’s a humid environment when you’re down here. We try to pump our guys full of fluids, make sure they’re eating right. He’s taking all the precautions. But obviously what plagued him early on last year hit him again this year,” Mack said.

[vee4xu]

As a long time runner who trains hard and runs half marathons, I can tell you first hand that cramps are very debilitating. I drink electrolyte water, eat gels and stretch like crazy, but deal with some of the most painful cramps after running 13.1 miles. The after effect of cramps make it difficult to walk let alone run. Bottom line, some people are just pre-disposed to cramping no matter how much they try to avoid them. Don't know for sure about Semaj, but do know that if his experience is anything like mine, then I can understand how it was not possible to go back into that game tonight. This kind of situation may be something that X has to be prepared to live with during Semaj's career at XU. The key is to be ready to get it done when he isn't in the game. Tonight, they were not ready to pick up the slack. Hopefully, next time they will be.

[BleedBlueXU]

The young guys got some great mins against a good defensive team. Turnover gave Iowa life. Semaj cramping put more presurre on the young guys then usual and foul trouble kept the other two captains on the bench for long periods. Iowa then made its comeback. I give Iowa credit but fluke things gave them the win. Semaj or other two captains stay on floor we r fine. We lacked chemistry and it showed. Don't think we have to worry about giving up many more leads. This was a good growing pain to go thru early. Unlike last yr we r deep "full strength" just players not prepared for there new roles as semaj left. Dee is much better then how he played. Looks scared of contact and lead to many turnovers. He's got to get his mind right again. This team looked great with maj in there. He's the guy we can't lose. He makes everyone else better. Hopefully there aren't cramp problems again but if so, hopefully this game lose helps them be more prepared. Learning curve for everyone. Early growing pains where expected. They have just spoiled us first 5 games n a half!

[casualfan]

Looks like we're going to get a Tennessee team who should doubly pissed off having lost the previous day to UTEP and previously in the season to us.

IF UT does lose tomorrow will be an interesting game with a quick turnaround for both teams. It'll be interesting to see how UT responds playing less than 13 hours after their last game. It'll also be interesting to see how well Semaj can recover in a quick period of time.

[X-ROX]

Foul trouble was the major factor. If Stenger was there, we definitely would have prevailed.

[Muskie in dayton]

Foul trouble was the major factor. If Stenger was there, we definitely would have prevailed.Are you suggesting Stegner can cure Semaj's cramps?

[XUFan09]

Are you suggesting Stegner can cure Semaj's cramps?

I think he's suggesting that we would have been able to hold off Iowa just enough, even without Semaj, as we had already built the double-digit lead with him. Foul trouble was a major issue, especially among the forwards, even before Semaj left the game. We don't lose this game if Stainbrook can play more than 25 out of a possible 45 minutes. Or we might not lose if at the very least Farr can cover for him for more than 17 minutes. Then you have Philmore having a good game (8 and 6) but only getting to play 23 minutes. Justin Martin had the best game on the team and is also the only true small forward playing, but he was even limited a little bit, 35 out of a possible 45 minutes. Dee not being able to be as aggressive on defense to attempt to counter a bad offensive game was just the bitter cherry on top.

Other than Stainbrook's foul trouble, no individual player's foul trouble had a major impact on the game, but the cumulative effect definitely did. Having an extra big would have been a huge help.

[BleedBlueXU]

Foul trouble was the major factor. If Stenger was there, we definitely would have prevailed.
We defiantly miss his energy and exp. 2 wins against Tennessee will look good if we can get it done. Wake also a lot better then last yr. Possible 5th place matchup.

[LA Muskie]

I think he's suggesting that we would have been able to hold off Iowa just enough, even without Semaj, as wm.e had already built the double-digit lead with him. Foul trouble was a major issue, especially among the forwards, even before Semaj left the game. We don't lose this game is Stainbrook can play more than 25 out of a possible 45 minutes. Or we might not lose if at the very least Farr can cover for him for more than 17 minutes. Then you have Philmore having a good game (8 and 6) but only getting to play 23 minutes. Justin Martin had the best game on the team and is also the only true small forward playing, but he was even limited a little bit, 35 out of a possible 45 minutes. Dee not being able to be as aggressive on defense to attempt to counter a bad offensive game was just the bitter cherry on top.

Other than Stainbrook's foul trouble, no individual player's foul trouble had a major impact on the game, but the cumulative effect definitely did. Having an extra big would have been a huge help.
I agree with all of this.

[XUFan09]

I do not want to look at the Kenpom game graph tomorrow to see what our probability of winning throughout the second half. I just don't want to see it. Still, I probably will look at it, because I'm a masochist.

[X-ROX]

I think he's suggesting that we would have been able to hold off Iowa just enough, even without Semaj, as we had already built the double-digit lead with him. Foul trouble was a major issue, especially among the forwards, even before Semaj left the game. We don't lose this game if Stainbrook can play more than 25 out of a possible 45 minutes. Or we might not lose if at the very least Farr can cover for him for more than 17 minutes. Then you have Philmore having a good game (8 and 6) but only getting to play 23 minutes. Justin Martin had the best game on the team and is also the only true small forward playing, but he was even limited a little bit, 35 out of a possible 45 minutes. Dee not being able to be as aggressive on defense to attempt to counter a bad offensive game was just the bitter cherry on top.

Other than Stainbrook's foul trouble, no individual player's foul trouble had a major impact on the game, but the cumulative effect definitely did. Having an extra big would have been a huge help.

This. Thanks XU FAN for clarifying.

[coasterville95]

I was one of those working stiffs today. Read the first 80 posts. Stopped by Listerman's for Black Friday black beer before continuing.

[xavierj]

Iowa beating UTEP by 40. Last nights loss stings more. Would have been a quality win and most likely a matchup with Kansas.

[mistabeecee41]

Iowa beating UTEP by 40. Last nights loss stings more. Would have been a quality win and most likely a matchup with Kansas.

confidence is a funny thing. the upbeat team, coming off of a big comeback dominates their next game. on the flipside...we all know what happened

[vee4xu]

Iowa beating UTEP by 40. Last nights loss stings more. Would have been a quality win and most likely a matchup with Kansas.

So, from a different angle, what does this say about Tennessee?