Marquette @ Xavier (January 9, 2014) Game Thread

[paulxu]

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Xavier University Musketeers (12-3, 2-0) vs. Marquette Golden Eagles (9-6, 1-1)
Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 9:00 p.m. ET
The Cintas Center (10,250), Cincinnati, Ohio

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

Notes (http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/010714aaa.html)

Television: FOX Sports 1: Thom Brennaman (play-by-play) and Donny Marshal (analysis).

Radio: 700 WLW-AM (and iHeartRadio), play-by-play from Joe Sunderman (`79). Analysis by Byron Larkin (`88).

[Emp]

"The Jerry", late of DePaul and points south, will be there. Buzz scooped him up in seconds flat just to get a scouting report on The Cintas. Jery is a greaseball from way back, but the kind of greaseball I can appreciate, if not stomach.

I'm still smarting from that mess in Cleveland a few years back.

I'm making the trip, I so like watching this group play. Go Muskies, we're eager to see you play, thrive.

[RoseyMuskie]

Very excited to see how Stainbrook matches up against Gardner. If he can guard him and play well, there's no doubt in my mind that X wins.

[xukeith]

Tough task. As a frosh, Garner had a not so tough time with junior Kenny Frease.

[XU '11]

Early line has X favored by 4.5

[blobfan]

If I'm dragging my butt out for a late game on a weeknight in what may end up being a slushy mess then the team better win, busted water pipes be damned!!!

[paulxu]

I will miss the first half at least.
It's in your most capable hands.

Respect. The. Streak.

[GoMuskies]

Early line has X favored by 4.5

I expected it to be a few points higher than that, but I checked the Sagarin Predictor, and that has it at 5. So it's probably about right, but I cannot help but think Xavier is the play here.

[XUFan09]

My take (http://fromstaaktomack.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/the-golden-eagles-come-to-town/) on the game. I think because Xavier's offense isn't quite that good (still vulnerable to droughts, though it has been looking good lately), Marquette's excellent defense will keep this one close. If Xavier can deny Marquette the ugly defensive game that I predicted and that I think the Golden Eagles want, then they can win this going away. If X starts scoring at a decent rate, Marquette just can't keep up.

[waggy]

I'd stay away, but if I had to bet I'd take the points.

[drudy23]

Apparently there was a water main break in the apartments that many of the players live in and they've been up since 2am dealing with it...hope they get a nap before the game tonight.

[ammtd34]

Apparently there was a water main break in the apartments that many of the players live in and they've been up since 2am dealing with it...hope they get a nap before the game tonight.

I think that was Tuesday night.

[BMoreX]

I think that was Tuesday night.

Correct.

[anXUfan]

I think this will be a tough one. Just a gut feeling. Hope I'm wrong.

[gladdenguy]

This will be a tough one. I expect Marquette to play their best basketball of the year tonight.

The last 2 losses to Marquette in the tourney and Crawfords year sucked. We owe them tonight.

[ammtd34]

Looks like we might be on another channel to start. The first half of DePaul vs. Butler took an hour.

[X-band '01]

It's more likely they'll push the opening tip back a few minutes as well (even if it means a 9:10 tip time).

[xumuskies08]

Yep. The pregame clock still has 34+ minutes on it (plus anthem and lineups). Tip will be close to 9:10.

[BlueGuy]

Will it start on FS2? (DTV ch 618)

[Jesuit4Life]

Overtime...

[SemajParlor]

As if I needed another reason to say eff Butler. Have to watch them play another 5 minutes on FS1...

[Caveat]

Will it start on FS2? (DTV ch 618)

Time Warner will gladly let me watch FS2 for an additional $10 per month. Effing thieves.

[The_Mack_Pack]

This is the longest overtime of all time.

[SemajParlor]

This is the longest overtime of all time.

Yeah... this sucks.

[The_Mack_Pack]

You've got to be f-ing kidding me...

[mistabeecee41]

youve gotta be effing kidding me.

[Jesuit4Life]

Oh come the fuck on.

[Lloyd Braun]

This is the longest overtime of all time.

Ok...NOW it is.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Double OT. Can you believe this?

[Caveat]

I'm going to miss the entire first half. This is ridiculous.

Bitch all you want about ESPN, but at least they make sure your cable providers offer all their channels on basic tier.

[BMoreX]

I'm at Cintas but fuck butler.

They don't deserve capitalization.

[GoMuskies]

You guys missed an epic Jimmy Farr put back dunk. Otherwise not great so far.

[crazydave]

Is Fox Sports Go not showing the X game for anyone else? It keeps moving the available time back from 7:15/7:45/8.

[Lloyd Braun]

You guys missed an epic Jimmy Farr put back dunk. Otherwise not great so far.

It was actually on the split screen at the time. Sick!

[XMuskieFTW]

I swear if this goes to triple OT....at least let me see the last 4 minutes of the half...

[GoMuskies]

Marquette finally playing offense like...Marquette.

[Caveat]

This TV snafu is renewing my appreciation for Byron and Joe, however.

[GoMuskies]

Buzz is very demonstrative. Spends a little to much time actually on the court for my taste.

[GoMuskies]

Nice work Butler. 0-3.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Why is Matt on the bench?

[The_Mack_Pack]

Why is Matt on the bench?

Two fouls I think.

[GoMuskies]

We've found our rival.

[blobfan]

Matt picked up 2 quick fouls. Team has been doing ok without him.

[GoMuskies]

Myles has been shooting like shit of late. Hope he doesn't keep that up.

[XU3232]

Myles Davis is on a serious cold streak. His shots are way off.

[The_Mack_Pack]

We've found our rival.

Agreed. I've only seen like 3 minutes of game time and I already don't like Gardner

[blobfan]

We've found our rival.

I say we put Landon in just so he can bash #54 in the face then get ejected. How can he hold Semaj's arm back behind his head and not get called for a foul?

[GoMuskies]

Most of you missed the slap fight between Jalen and one of their guys that led to a double T.

[GoMuskies]

Excellent last 8 minutes of the first half. The first 12 were kind of shaaky. Oh, and fuck Buzz Williams and Marquette.

[sirthought]

Christon is playing well.
5 of 6 FG
6 of 6 FT

[OH.X.MI]

We've found our rival.

Buzz dancing around after that scrum for the ball by their bench about halfway through the half... really don't like that melon headed goon already.

[Caveat]

Buzz is very demonstrative. Spends a little to much time actually on the court for my taste.

He looks like a giant fetus in a suit.

[waggy]

I switched over to FS2 so I didn't know some of you guys were suffering with butler for 2 ot's. Sorry.


What's with Gardner trying to get jiggy with Semaj? No homo big boy. No homo.

[GoMuskies]

Christon is playing well.
5 of 6 FG
6 of 6 FT

Right now he's playing better than Jordan Crawford ever did for Xavier (other than in the NCAA Tournament).

[xumuskies08]

Calling Buzz "demonstrative" is the understatement of century. I don't really mind it though. If it gets his team going then he's just doing his job.

What does bug me is the officiating. Holy hell has it sucked tonight.

[XU3232]

I agree Semaj is playing on another level tonight. We can't have him disappear in the second half though. I hope Stainbrook doesn't pick up a quick foul.

[sirthought]

Right now he's playing better than Jordan Crawford ever did for Xavier (other than in the NCAA Tournament).

Really? Maybe that's why I didn't see Crawford really going pro until after the tourney.

[sirthought]

Dee Davis helping the team with 5 assists and zero turnovers.

How do we have so many front court guys with 2 fouls and Gardner has none?

[sirthought]

With all the foul trouble Reynolds has really held it together. Good for him.

I somehow doubt Stenger is back to full strength.

[blobfan]

He looks like a giant fetus in a suit.

That matches the dude in the green sweater and pink hat about 4 rows behind their bench that looks like a gangrenous boob.

[sirthought]

Philmore surprising me with a reverse layup.

[GoMuskies]

Clinic.

[GoMuskies]

That guy just walked AND double dribbled. Curious.

[sirthought]

That guy just walked AND double dribbled. Curious.

Yup

[waggy]

That Burton guy sucks, and the refs never call him for anything.

[xumuskies08]

Marquette has gotten away with about 5 walks tonight. Ridiculous.

[Caveat]

That guy just walked AND double dribbled. Curious.

The CYO special. He also almost lost the ball.

And it somehow went uncalled.

[blobfan]

Even I've seen the walks and I never know why the fouls are called. My single week playing basketball in Freshman PE class taught me that one.

[The_Mack_Pack]

I seriously hate Jim Burr.

[GoMuskies]

Marquette throwss some serious rocks.

[GoMuskies]

Worst 4 on 1 break I've ever seen.

[XMuskieFTW]

Find it interesting to see Reynolds out there so much more than Farr tonight

I guess part of it is foul trouble but still surprising

[Woodburn]

Fox production sucks. No replays in a timely fashion

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

[BandAid]

This officiating is curious.

[waggy]

That charge by Martin was a bit of a swing.

[MaurerHigh]

This officiating is curious.

Calling it "curious" is very generous of you...

[GoMuskies]

Missed our chance to bury them. Now we've got a ballgame.

[blobfan]

This officiating is curious.

That's kind. Marquette coach seems to have the full attention if the ref closest to him.

[GoMuskies]

Martin is getting careless with the ball.

[Woodburn]

Every time I feel like throwing some praise at Martin he changes my mind for me

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

[coasterville95]

Wait. Butler lost to DePaul. Tell me the game was at DePaul.

[mistabeecee41]

just because a team doesn't shoot well doesnt mean we should just leave them wide open.

[blobfan]

Ok. Someone please tell #54 that in spite of the music and the flashing lights this is not a pick-up joint and he should keep his hands off our players.

[GoMuskies]

Second half defense has been bad bad. Let's mix in a few stops!

[GoMuskies]

Timely threes, because we cannot stop them.

[XU3232]

Gardner is automatic.

[GoMuskies]

Damn, that Wilson shot was the most wide open one of the half. Thank God it didn't go down!

[The_Mack_Pack]

They're getting wide open threes every time down the court..

[blobfan]

Gardner is automatic.

I think he draws his power from trying to stick his hands down our guys pants.

[OH.X.MI]

Not sure how Buzz hasn't picked up a T with all his antics on the floor. Never seen a coach act like this before.

[GoMuskies]

Big FTs coming for Big Jimmy.

[GoMuskies]

Sounds like our friends in California are about to get screwed out of their game coverage.

[GoMuskies]

If Semaj is gonna hit 3s, he cannot be guarded.

[waggy]

That Burton kid pisses me off.

[waggy]

oh my goodness.. semaj.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Holy WOW!!! Semaj is the man. Period.

[GoMuskies]

Holy fuck Semaj!

[waggy]

Probably best game to date in an X uni.

[GoMuskies]

Probably best game to date in an X uni.

Best game by a Xavier player since West went for 47/21?

[smileyy]

Seems like maybe NBADraft.net needs a new Big East beat writer...#3 in Top 5 disappointments of the season:


Semaj Christon – Entering this year as a projected first round draft selection, Christon has yet to live up to the billing as one of the conference’s, yet alone nation’s, top players. Christon has seen his scoring, assist, and shooting numbers decrease in his sophomore year, while many saw him as one of the Big East’s premier points guards, evident by his preseason all-conference selection.

A season is a lifetime.


http://nbadraft.net/big-east-breakout-soph

[Xavgrad08]

Christon's game is so smooth. Buzz Williams antics on the sideline are driving me crazy.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Marquette's best shooting game of the year so far probably. Need to get a stop here and continue to hit the freebies.

[blobfan]

This is killing me. Crowd keeps going to sleep at incomprehensible moments. One moment we are all making noise then suddenly I'm clapping alone. I know it's late but this is a hell of a game!!!!

[sirthought]

Marquette's best shooting game of the year so far probably. Need to get a stop here and continue to hit the freebies.

Really? Best of the year? (I haven't researched or anything.)

[GoMuskies]

Good D by Semaj on that Mayo 3.

Martin's gonna get fucked here.

[sirthought]

XU FT Attempts 35
MU FT Attempts 11

[Ledgewood]

The size of Semaj's nuts is far too large for this post. What shots. Big time player. Big time shots. Big time game.

[sirthought]

*this has been a fun game*

[GoMuskies]

Nice, hard fought win. Fuck Marquette.

[blobfan]

Marquette players appear to be learning how to be whiney little beeatches from their coach. Complaining about every call.

[coasterville95]

I was going to post that long officials review was so they could figure out how to best screw us over.

[blobfan]

Really? Best of the year? (I haven't researched or anything.)

Best 3-shooting game of the year. They are in fire from the three.

[RealDeal]

Nice, hard fought win. Fuck Marquette.

I second that.

[apoclater]

Nice, hard fought win. Fuck Marquette.

Good game. X played well today and hit 3 or 4 contested threes in the last 5 minutes.

Oh, and stay classy, X fans.

[blobfan]

I've watched X get screwed too many times in the last few seconds to leave my seat. These refs are capable of doing it to us.

[xubrew]

Marquette should call timeout.

[blobfan]

Marquette should call timeout.

They just might. Lower bowl is almost empty.

[GoMuskies]

Spread was 4. Vegas drama on that last heave.

[X Factor]

Good game. X played well today and hit 3 or 4 contested threes in the last 5 minutes.

Oh, and stay classy, X fans.

His name is Semaj Christon and that's why he could be a lottery pick in the NBA draft.

[paulxu]

Thanks for handling this one tonight. Just getting home to see last minute of game.
Sounds like I missed some strange stuff.

Keep on....Respecting The Streak!

[BlueGuy]

So... We might be pretty good.

[BandAid]

If we let Creighton get open looks from 3 we'll be toast. Need to tighten up that defense.

[GoMuskies]

So... We might be pretty good.

Maybe. Let's revisit this Sunday afternoon, though.

[ChicagoX]

Marquette fans who complain about the free throw differential should recognize that they shot 27 three-pointers compared to Xavier's 13 and fouled at the end of the game. That formula will make for a pretty big difference in fouls. Overall, a solid win for X to start 3-0 in the Big East.

Two weeks ago, I didn't think Semaj had a prayer to be a 1st round draft pick. Now it looks probable.

[Masterofreality]

Well, I've been a doubter that Semaj would be NBA ready after this year.....no more.

It isn't the fact that he had his career high tonight. It is that he is consistently now doing Everything well. Defense, handles, trusting his teammates, scoring in all modes, including a damn good looking jump shot, and making free throws.

Enjoy our man while you can, because, he's first round bound, baby. And I don't say that lightly.

[apoclater]

Marquette fans who complain about the free throw differential should recognize that they shot 27 three-pointers compared to Xavier's 13 and fouled at the end of the game. That formula will make for a pretty big difference in fouls. Overall, a solid win for X to start 3-0 in the Big East.

Two weeks ago, I didn't think Semaj had a prayer to be a 1st round draft pick. Now it looks probable.

Who is complaining? Xavier got the ball into the paint and drew fouls while Marquette was content to live outside the arc. I think most of us recognize that will make the foul differential tilt Xavier's way.

[XUFan09]

Who is complaining? Xavier got the ball into the paint and drew fouls while Marquette was content to live outside the arc. I think most of us recognize that will make the foul differential tilt Xavier's way.

You know there are fans (of any team) that just see the foul differential and assume they got screwed. They're usually the ones that see all the bad calls/no-calls which favored their opponents but none of the bad calls/no-calls that favored them, and they're just looking for further validation.

[waggy]

Who is complaining? Xavier got the ball into the paint and drew fouls while Marquette was content to live outside the arc. I think most of us recognize that will make the foul differential tilt Xavier's way.

Would you say Marquette played better tonight than they have been, or was their play typical?

[SemajParlor]

Well, I've been a doubter that Semaj would be NBA ready after this year.....no more.

It isn't the fact that he had his career high tonight. It is that he is consistently now doing Everything well. Defense, handles, trusting his teammates, scoring in all modes, including a damn good looking jump shot, and making free throws.

Enjoy our man while you can, because, he's first round bound, baby. And I don't say that lightly.

Looked like a lottery player out there tonight.

[apoclater]

You know there are fans (of any team) that just see the foul differential and assume they got screwed. They're usually the ones that see all the bad calls/no-calls which favored their opponents but none of the bad calls/no-calls that favored them, and they're just looking for further validation.

I can understand that for the casual fan, but in the past three years MU has lived at the line. Our FT differentials were regularly +10 to +15 in our favor. In 2011-12 we averaged ~23 FTs per game. I think I speak for most MU fans when I say we are used to hearing it the other way so it's hard to complain when teams beat you at your own game.

No one's complaining on our end.

[sirthought]

Look who was enjoying the game!

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/q71/s720x720/1535423_10153709519810444_1134763364_n.jpg

[danaandvictory]

Marquette hit a ridiculous percentage from three, got the favorable whistle, and lost by three possessions.

I'm content.

Sunday is house money.

Pretty good for a 125 RPI team, huh?

[apoclater]

Would you say Marquette played better tonight than they have been, or was their play typical?

I think our offense ran slightly better than it normally does, and we hit more shots from outside the arc than normal. I thought we played our above-average D as well.

That being said, as every announcer will tell you we don't have a PG worth a damn. We have a non-scorer who plays conservatively (De. Wilson), a freshman who can shoot but doesn't know how to run the offense (Dawson), and our freshman savior who unfortunately redshirted with an injury (the other Du.Wilson). Our go-to guy (Jamil Wilson) never got into the game and fouled out early.

I didn't expect the game to be this close to be honest. We have the pieces but we're missing a facilitator and we end up playing 4 v 5 since teams sag off De Wilson. You guys have a complete team, and your PG is a hell of a player. See you at the Bradley Center.

[paulxu]

Brad...you old smooth talker. Be careful.

[apoclater]

Marquette hit a ridiculous percentage from three, got the favorable whistle, and lost by three possessions.

I'm content.

Sunday is house money.

Pretty good for a 125 RPI team, huh?

We usually hit 3s at about a 30% clip, so we hit about 10 percentage points above our average. 3-point pct hovers around 34% on average across college b-ball. That's higher, but hardly ridiculous.

I'm not sure where you get "the favorable whistle" from. The elbow at the end of the game was a toss-up as the game was really over already.

[BlueGuy]

Look who was enjoying the game!

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/q71/s720x720/1535423_10153709519810444_1134763364_n.jpg

Get it

[Masterofreality]

I think our offense ran slightly better than it normally does, and we hit more shots from outside the arc than normal. I thought we played our above-average D as well.

That being said, as every announcer will tell you we don't have a PG worth a damn. We have a non-scorer who plays conservatively (De. Wilson), a freshman who can shoot but doesn't know how to run the offense (Dawson), and our freshman savior who unfortunately redshirted with an injury (the other Du.Wilson). Our go-to guy (Jamil Wilson) never got into the game and fouled out early.

I didn't expect the game to be this close to be honest. We have the pieces but we're missing a facilitator and we end up playing 4 v 5 since teams sag off De Wilson. You guys have a complete team, and your PG is a hell of a player. See you at the Bradley Center.

Good, clear eyed analysis. Welcome to the board and good luck.

[blobfan]

It's been a long time since I about lost my mind 2 games in a row. My section has gotten too quiet but this game and last I'm so danged fired up I can't stand myself!

I love this team. I REALLY love this team.

[SemajParlor]

Few random but important things that I took away:

-Semaj is realer than real deal Holyfield
-Knock on wood but it seems like we've solved our free throw shooting issues, at least temporarily.
-Another very good performance for Justin Martin as he continues his great stretch of games. Give me 15 and 8 all day.
-"D" Davis - eye test > box score. His perimeter defense is phenomenal and also hit a huuuge three late.
-Don't sleep on Zeke Philmore! I like how he's playing and his stability allows Jimmy to come in and showcase that spark we need.

--Hardly any Randolph tonight..
-He played hard and I love his game but I'm hoping that Stainbrook can make some adjustments on how he matches up with the more physical big men in the conference.
-Myles is in a pretty tough shooting slump. Would love to see him bounce back and be another weapon for us. We're gonna need him in some big moments later in the season.

All in all a good win against a solid and tough team. Let's keep it moving!

[Masterofreality]

We usually hit 3s at about a 30% clip, so we hit about 10 percentage points above our average. 3-point pct hovers around 34% on average across college b-ball. That's higher, but hardly ridiculous.

I'm not sure where you get "the favorable whistle" from. The elbow at the end of the game was a toss-up as the game was really over already.

He may have been referring to the two travels and one double dribble that weren't called. Other than that, I didn't see much to complain about.

[XU '11]

If we let Creighton get open looks from 3 we'll be toast. Need to tighten up that defense.

Marquette entered the game ranked 288th in 3P% and 321st in 3PA/FGA. There's a reason they were open.

Safe to say the defensive game plan will be different for Creighton. I'm not concerned.

[Masterofreality]

Marquette entered the game ranked 288th in 3P% and 321st in 3PA/FGA. There's a reason they were open.

Safe to say the defensive game plan will be different for Creighton. I'm not concerned.

As CMack said after the game, if XU had let the Warriors (yeah I said it) inside game go crazy to better defend the 3, Xavier loses. You have to give up something so you pick the poison less likely to kill you.

[XUFan09]

Marquette entered the game ranked 288th in 3P% and 321st in 3PA/FGA. There's a reason they were open.

Safe to say the defensive game plan will be different for Creighton. I'm not concerned.

Pretty much that.

[coasterville95]

And a cup of spoiled Bud light left over from last season to the people that booed Brad Redford on that missed half court shot.

I like that he had the assertiveness to call them out the next time he had the microphone. Tell, you what - after the game you come down here, you put on a pair of loafers and a crew neck sweater - and well see how well you do on the shot!


In other news. So proud of my Muskies. So happy we are starting off 3-0 in Big East play. I agree, Sunday we play on house money!

[TUclutch]

Not sure how Buzz hasn't picked up a T with all his antics on the floor. Never seen a coach act like this before.

If you think Buzz is bad, go watch a Moeller high school game. Their coach doesn't ever sit down. At least 3-5 feet on the court at all times.

[TUclutch]

Haha I think he was kidding. It was all in fun seeing as he's probably never been booed before at least in the last 5 years

[chico]

Gardner's a good player, but he maybe set 3 legal picks tonight. The hip check seems to be his favorite move. Plus he shuffles his feet.

It's really hard to watch a game when Buzz Williams is in your line of sight. I've never seen a guy run, jump, yell, point, and drink water all in the same motion before. But if he ever does quit coaching, he has a wonderful second career waiting for him.

1331

[xuwin]

I thought Jalen Reynolds had his best game last night. He made a positive contribution both defensively and on the boards in the first half when it was sorely needed. He played very good defense without fouling.

[danaandvictory]

He may have been referring to the two travels and one double dribble that weren't called. Other than that, I didn't see much to complain about.

Exactly. That's three possessions, plus the chickenshit flagrant call (which is becoming my least favorite aspect of the game).

And get Buzz's ass off the floor while the ball is in play please.

With regard to MU's 3-point percentage, they started 5-7 and were (I think) 7-10 at one point. They hit 10 threes in the game. They won't do that often.

[X-Fan]

I thought Jalen Reynolds had his best game last night. He made a positive contribution both defensively and on the boards in the first half when it was sorely needed. He played very good defense without fouling.
Totally agree. For the first time I can remember this season he seemed comfortable out there. He battled pretty well, and as Matt was getting abused down low I remember hoping they'd put Jalen back in there. His length and quickness seemed to disrupt Gardner quite a bit. Man, as soon as it "clicks" for Jalen, WATCH OUT BEast.

[Muskeagle]

Gardner's a good player, but he maybe set 3 legal picks tonight. The hip check seems to be his favorite move. Plus he shuffles his feet.


1331

Someone, somewhere, before the game tried to compare Buzz to Phil Martelli. In this respect, at least, I agree: I felt the Marquette bigs routinely set questionable, moving pics. The way the moving pic is called (or really...not called) is one of my biggest pet peaves in college basketball anyway. Drives me crazy how much movement they allow the screener to get away with. I have railed on it for years. As a high school ref, I know for a fact, that they are fairly easy to see and it would be easy to clean up. CALL it a couple of times and it will be fixed. ESPECIALLY NOW, with the rules changes, making perimeter defense harder, the moving pic drives me up a wall. Numerous times this season, I've seen a defender trying to fight around a screen, the screener BUMPS him into the dribbler, and the defender gets called. NUTS!!

Anyway, I always felt that Martelli pushed his team to the limit in this way. They rarely get called and his bigs seemed to move more than most. Marquette struck me the same way.

[smileyy]

Buzz Williams seems like one of those guys you just hate-hate-hate when he coaches the other team, but you'd love if he coached your team.

And let's be honest, Xavier in many years under current and previous coaches pushed the limits of how physical a team can be, especially around picks. I mean, a good portion of Tu Holloway's junior year was being able to hip-check the help-defender coming off of a screen and draw a foul. Have a narrow lead late in the game, and want a good shot at two points? Run a high-ball screen for Tu, and see if he can draw the whistle.

[blobfan]

Totally agree. For the first time I can remember this season he seemed comfortable out there. He battled pretty well, and as Matt was getting abused down low I remember hoping they'd put Jalen back in there. His length and quickness seemed to disrupt Gardner quite a bit. Man, as soon as it "clicks" for Jalen, WATCH OUT BEast.

The team definitely held it together better than I did! My voice is still rough from all the screaming last night.

I did not enjoy Buzz. I got sick of watching him prattle off to everyone that didn't have the choice to leave his area then his manager is doing sprints from the end of the bench to grab the warmups as the players dumped them on the ground while checking in. I'm sure I've seen Mack and his ass't managers grab the occasional shirt. I admire people that are never above doing certain work. Buzz couldn't do anything other than pace and rant and it was ... unattractive. He made me think of a heavier Cronin on crank. Something about the way he hunched while pacing and the tilt of his head as he ranted on.

[MD Muskie]

Totally agree. For the first time I can remember this season he seemed comfortable out there. He battled pretty well, and as Matt was getting abused down low I remember hoping they'd put Jalen back in there. His length and quickness seemed to disrupt Gardner quite a bit. Man, as soon as it "clicks" for Jalen, WATCH OUT BEast.

I don't remember who exactly tweeted it, it was a beat writer, but one of my favorite parts of last nights game was when Reynolds drew a foul trying to get a rebound and was thrown to the floor. The Marquette player looked at the ref and said "do you really think I could toss him to the ground?" He is such a physically freak of nature that you're right, when it does click watch out everyone.

[sirthought]

ESPN commentary this morning from Myron Medcalf (http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/92368/marquette-continues-to-disappoint)

Very little credit given to Xavier's play. It's all about how Marquette is not playing to their potential. Excerpt:


Marquette continues to disappoint

That achievement seems ancient now, with Buzz Williams’ squad owning a modest 9-7 record after it failed to finish against the Musketeers.

It’s important to note that three of those seven losses came against squads currently in the top 15 (San Diego State, Wisconsin and Ohio State). And losses to New Mexico in Las Vegas and defeats on the road against Xavier and Creighton were not inconceivable, either. The loss at Arizona State, Marquette’s worst of the season, wasn’t horrible.

Many non-elite teams would incur similar damage if they’d faced that slate.

Marquette should be elite, though. Thursday was another opportunity for the Golden Eagles to shake their funk and compete against a program that has gone from Big East sleeper to legit contender.

Now, it seems, the Golden Eagles are a second-tier team in the Big East. Only a sliver of potential remains. They don’t have any signature wins. And their RPI proves as much.

If they’re going to turn the corner, it has to happen soon.

But that won’t happen if they continue to approach late-game deficits with poor shot selection or if they give up 86 points again or if they can’t find playmakers when they need them.

[GoMuskies]

That article is about Marquette and calls Xavier a legit Big East contender. No complaints here.

[paulxu]

The later the game, the clearer the night sky is for radio broadcasting.
So in a lot of deja vu, not being able to head for home until the game was almost over, I turn on the 50,000 watt clear-channel voice of the Xavier Musketeers in my car...and just like that...way down here in Dixie I've got Joe and Byron keeping me in the game as it heads into the home stretch.

Like the Reds when I was a kid and Waite Hoyt was on the air. I know you guys would have been streaming the game on your Ipads or something like that in the car, but I was in my element. And Joe does a great job with the play-by-play. He took me all the way home with his call until I could get to the TV.

[X-band '01]

Marquette survives (and I do mean survive) against Seton Hall at home. They've already played both the Pirates and DePaul at home and won both games (albeit in a shaky manner).

The way things are shaping up right now, only Villanova, Creighton and Xavier have distinguished themselves so far. Georgetown and Marquette have work to do and St. John's is starting to run out of lifelines themselves.

[XUFan09]

I'd say Georgetown is an alright position. The loss to Providence didn't help but they are still solidly one of the lower at-large teams. That's not a safe place to be though, as that can quickly turn into the wrong side of the bubble.