Xavier @ Creighton (January 12, 2013) Game Thread

[paulxu]

http://sportsbusinessdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/bigeast-logo.jpg
http://images.efollett.com/spirit/v4/157/ASTANDCL-MSCT1.jpgVShttp://cache.lego.com/upload/contentTemplating/MinifiguresBios/images/pic773F455B41A27FB44B60F2397BAA49D7.jpg

Xavier University Musketeers (13-3, 3-0) vs. Creighton University Blue Jays (13-2, 3-0)
Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. ET
CenturyLink Center, Omaha (17,390)

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

Notes (http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/011014aaa.html)

Television: CBS Sports Network with Tom McCarthy (play-by-play) and Alaa Abdelnaby (analysis).

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

[paulxu]

R. T. S.

[blueblob06]

Let's Go Muskies!!!
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o712/XavierBasketball-com/killabluejay_zps10d5687c.jpg (http://s1339.photobucket.com/user/XavierBasketball-com/media/killabluejay_zps10d5687c.jpg.html)

[GoMuskies]

Heading to the arena now. Huge game. HUGE!

[blueblob06]

Heading to the arena now. Huge game. HUGE!
I know this is a lot to ask, but try to be as loud as the 18,000 Creighton fans!

[paulxu]

Go Go, go.

[GoMuskies]

This place is enormous, and there is a wall behind me, so you know I've got great seats.

[blobfan]

This place is enormous, and there is a wall behind me, so you know I've got great seats.

Thanks for representing!

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

God Speed Go.

Welcoming your running commentary here.

[X-Fan]

Anyone have a link to stream the game?

[Jesuit4Life]

Anyone have a link to stream the game?
Check the "Viewing today" thread or click here - http://firstrowus1.eu/watch/232488/1/watch-xavier-vs-creighton.html

[American X]

Beers are flowing in Live Chat (http://us14.chatzy.com/32573582761803)

[Musketeer_15]

Here is the link for Byron and Joe
http://www.iheart.com/live/1709/?autoplay=true

[GoMuskies]

Man, this is big time basketball like Xavier has NEVER seen in conference member. Welcome to the road in the Big East!

Oh, and they sell beer. Plus 1 for Creighton.

[X-band '01]

Tip has been moved to 3:10.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

I must say I DO like the CBS tourney tune.

[XUFan09]

I must say I DO like the CBS tourney tune.

It's iconic. I love it.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Creighton is doubling and tripling Stainbrook leaving Martin and Dee WIDE open for threes. Hopefully that continues.

[Emp]

Beers are flowing in Live Chat (http://us14.chatzy.com/32573582761803)

I'm a supporting member on this site but have to pay to chat?

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Use 15 fouls on McD.

[XU3232]

Use 15 fouls on McD.

Very hard fouls preferably.

[xumuskies08]

I have LITERALLY never seen the running out of bounds call they called on Dee. I know the rule exists but I have never seen it called. BS.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Way too many turnovers so far.

[Mad_Ewok]

The girl that they show every time they go on a run has been there forever. She never ages either... There is some sorcery afoot at CenturyLink!

[BMoreX]

Welp.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Creighton doesn't miss.

[XUBob]

Omaha- not only is Creighton really good but they will get every call and some that don't exist.

[Masterofreality]

Somebody tell me why Jalen Reynolds and Eric Stenger have been in this game while James Farr has not been.

[paulxu]

Come on Go! Work some on-site magic!

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Just showed the rafters. Didn't see you Go.

[mistabeecee41]

Somebody tell me why Jalen Reynolds and Eric Stenger have been in this game while James Farr has not been.

i have no idea why streng even sees the court with our frontcourt depth.

[paulxu]

Both teams shooting 50%. Anybody playing defense? I wish I could see this game.

[paulxu]

So all I've got is ESPN's score sheet. McD is 6 of 12? Somebody should guard him a little closer.

[BMoreX]

So all I've got is ESPN's score sheet. McD is 6 of 12? Somebody should guard him a little closer.

He just makes everything.

[The_Mack_Pack]

So all I've got is ESPN's score sheet. McD is 6 of 12? Somebody should guard him a little closer.

The thing is, he is being guarded well. He's just a hell of a player.

[Jesuit4Life]

Both teams shooting 50%. Anybody playing defense? I wish I could see this game.

None of the streams working for you?

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

That last 3 by McD was in the air so long I blinked twice.

[XU-PA]

So all I've got is ESPN's score sheet. McD is 6 of 12? Somebody should guard him a little closer.

The 3's are coming from 2 steps beyond the arc. Scary.
Stain defending most possessions.

[GoMuskies]

McDermott is fantastic, but the rest of their team is pretty damned good too.

[oddblob]

chatman appears to be bent on bailing us out. lets hope he gets a lot of minutes in the second half.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Can't keep missing free throws.. Especially 1 and 1's.

[XUBob]

Hanging tough, we can play better but we are keeping them in striking distance, keep it close win the second half.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Semaj.

WOW!

[paulxu]

Hot dog! Got a feed. Hope I don't jinx us.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Wragge can really shoot the ball. I think Mack said he's basically a 6'7'' Redford and I can understand why.

[paulxu]

They're still shooting 50%. Hope they cool off.

[bjf123]

Hot dog! Got a feed. Hope I don't jinx us.

That's why I stopped listening to Joe & Byron. We were up big and then they caught up when I started listening. Just following the game here and with Shannon's tweets.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[mistabeecee41]

despite j-mart being sent to the bench with 2 phantom fouls, doug making everything and our 2 best FT shooters both missing front ends, we're down 4. i'll take it.

would also love to see semaj take the open 3 theyre giving him instead of these wild, off the dribble contested fadeaway 15 footers he's taking.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Escaped ANOTHER last second end of the half basket.

By two inches.

I'll take the half as played.

Onward!

[xumuskies08]

Aside from the first 4 minutes I don't think X played that well. 2-6 from the line, bunch of missed layups, several defensive lapses. All-in-all I feel pretty good only being down 4.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Aside from the first 4 minutes I don't think X played that well. 2-6 from the line, bunch of missed layups, several defensive lapses. All-in-all I feel pretty good only being down 4.

Agreed. Just got to hang around and hope a couple of shots fall down the stretch. Creighton is just really hard to guard, basically everyone can score from way beyond the three line it seems.

[SemajParlor]

It's probably because it's a brand new team, but this has the feeling of a tournament game.

[BandAid]

Live by the three, die by the three. Creighton is damn good, but they're offense leaves them vulnerable in the tournament - one bad performance and you're toast.

It'll be interesting seeing Creighton next year: Wragge, Gibbs, and McDermott are all gone.

Iowa took down Ohio State - what a missed opportunity that was.

[GoMuskies]

Hope I'm wrong, but my best guess is Creighton runs us out of the gym in the second half.

[bjf123]

Hope I'm wrong, but my best guess is Creighton runs us out of the gym in the second half.

Dislike, though I don't disagree.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[BMoreX]

Game

[xumuskies08]

Unbelievable

[oddblob]

wragge is killing us. philmore isnt helping.

[paulxu]

Christ, I've never seen such 3 ball shooting.

[mistabeecee41]

WOW. granted those were tough, deep 3's - but philmore and stain were absolutely, positively DOMINATED on both sides of the ball during the first 4 minutes. go j-mart at the 4 and farr/reynolds at the 5.

[xumuskies08]

Tough to beat a team who's draining pull up 30 footers.

[XU3232]

Unreal. Screw creighton.

[The_Mack_Pack]

I don't think I've ever seen one guy make three straight deep threes like that before. You just can't guard that.

[Charlesbt4]

Philmore and Stainbrook should be out. Farr and Martin need to be defending their big men.

[MADXSTER]

Credit Creighton for their run

[XUBob]

Those are bad shots for most people but a layup for Creighton, keep playing hard and see what happens.

[X-Fan]

I don't think I've ever seen one guy make three straight deep threes like that before. You just can't guard that.
I'm not going to say do something dirty, but someone needs to knock that guy to the ground. Do something to disrupt his mojo! Come on!

Go X!!!!

[oddblob]

Credit Creighton for their run

^

[blueblob06]

I assume Amos is too small to guard McDermott? Or, is he still not 100% healthy? Stain & Philmore on these big men who can drill 3's just isn't working.

[paulxu]

Nice elbow fouls (or not fouls)

[mistabeecee41]

goodnight to this one. back to back bad passes from semaj.

[paulxu]

I'm crazy, so I never give up.
But I would have bet we wouldn't allow them to shoot at a 55% rate...and I would have been wrong.

[Porkopolis]

Creighton is really impressive. Our guys are getting a taste of March basketball. Learn from this and be ready when they visit Cintas.

[xumuskies08]

Stainbrook and Philmore need to sit the rest of the way. They just can't matchup. Farr and Reynolds are much better options on defense.

[fellahmuskie]

We may lose this game, but I love the way our team battles and the bench is never out of it, cheering for every basket. If not for missing almost all our free throws, we could be a lot closer here. Great performance so far in my book, given Creighton's shooting and terrific crowd.

[xu82]

Lots of time...they need to come back to earth and we need.... A mini-miracle?

[XU-PA]

That basket by jmart. more specifically the assist from stain, amazing. Stain had the ball in the post absolutely blanket by 2 defenders and was able to get a picture perfect pass to Martin streaming in the lane. Real college basketball players never cease to amaze me.

[sirthought]

Creighton is probably the best shooting team XU has faced this season for sure. Pretty good defenders too.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Creighton is probably the best shooting team XU has faced this season for sure. Pretty good defenders too.

This is the best overall team Xavier has played all season. They can defend, rebound and score better than any team I've seen X play in a long time. If Creighton gets hot in the NCAA tourney watch out.

[xu82]

And they get to the basket as well. Well coached. (And I'd like to think a little lucky today - the three pointer can be fickle)

[fellahmuskie]

Hell yeah, Stainbrook!! Let's get back in this!

[The_Mack_Pack]

McDermott is an incredible player.

[XU3232]

Free throws definitely hurt us.

[xumuskies08]

Free throws definitely hurt us.

8-15 with 3 missed front ends. Horrible.

[Cincypunk.org]

Make a run now! Maybe Semaj can take over.

Also, Creighton is damn good. McDermott unreal.

[Cincypunk.org]

Fuck

[The_Mack_Pack]

Every time we're about to make a run McDermott hits a shot. Still think X can get this to a one possession game, just need some missed shots by Creighton.

[xu82]

Make some FT's, get a few stops.... Stops are critical and shouldn't we be due?

[xumuskies08]

You have to *try* to make somebody other than McDermott beat you. Leaving him wide open for three isn't the best way to do it.

[Charlesbt4]

That's because Stainbrook is still in the game. He is not capable of defending against Creighton's big men.

[xumuskies08]

Un. Believable.

[sirthought]

Are you kidding me? These 3s are unbelievable.

[XU3232]

Creighton will not shoot like this at Cintas. This is rediculous.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Every freaking time.. Still, if Xavier make their free throws today it's a different game.

[xu82]

They are third in the NCAA in 3 point percentage, crushing heir average coming in. Not due to lack of D usually as they're well past the arc.

[MADXSTER]

There is one website that says, Freethrows are over-rated

[SemajParlor]

Threes have been killer. That one with the clock running down was a major kick in the stomach.

[XU-PA]

Creighton will not shoot like this at Cintas. This is rediculous.

Not done yet. Lots of fight left in those roads unis.

Also like seeing Landen getting worthwhile time.

[xu82]

There is one website that says, Freethrows are over-rated

Yeah, so is winning. Give everyone a trophy. ��

[xu82]

Threes have been killer. That one with the clock running down was a major kick in the stomach.

It felt lower than the stomach.

[Pluto]

nice flop by D there

[sirthought]

Hello! There is still a chance.

[xu82]

Could they miss one?

[sirthought]

Who would have guessed that one of Xavier's highest scoring outputs would not be close to enough to secure a win?

If XU scores in the 80s I expect a good result.

This game was so fast and on their heels, I feel like it might as well have been 50 or 60 points.

[Porkopolis]

Hell of an effort today. I'm not one for moral victories but this team battled hard and I feel good going forward.

[xumuskies08]

Love the fight the guys showed. Creighton is really good. We'll get revenge in the 'Tas.

[XU3232]

Hell of an effort today. I'm not one for moral victories but this team battled hard and I feel good going forward.

I agree. I'm happy with the way they fought. We need to win when they come to cintas though.

[XU-PA]

Hell of an effort today. I'm not one for moral victories but this team battled hard and I feel good going forward.
8

Ditto. Helluva game.

[fellahmuskie]

Yep, great game, well played by both teams. Defense could have been better, but mostly Creighton just made their shots. Impressed by our offense, apart from the free-throw shooting.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Just came a few buckets short against a very good Creighton team in Omaha, can't wait for them to visit the Cintas. I really can't imagine Creighton losing a home game this season, their crowd is very energizing.

[X-Fan]

I agree, good effort. Glad they battled to the end. If Creighton misses a few 3's and X hits a few more FT's they could have snuck out with a win.

[sirthought]

It's not like I'm completely down on our team, but I feel like they got schooled a bit today. They made so many plays doing the right thing except finishing strong at the basket. I don't know how that improves until they get a little more determination that they need to dominate.

[coasterville95]

For Creighton - on the road - first REAL road game - first big east road game - I'm proud of them, They didn't wilt like Muskie teams od, and they gave what is arguably the tpp of the conference all it could handle, in their own gym.

[The_Mack_Pack]

That was an encouraging loss if there is such a thing. This team has really grown tough and will only continue to get better. I do wish Myles could get his stroke back though.

[xudash]

Hell of an effort today. I'm not one for moral victories but this team battled hard and I feel good going forward.

This.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

No shame for the loss. We fought hard to the end. Proud of our boys. I expected a high-scoring game, but not this high. We'll be fine. This game shows that we can beat any team on any given day.

[xumuskies08]

Additional silver lining: we're not 0-4 and in last place like that one school we know.

[BMoreX]

That was a fun game to watch.

[XUFan09]

That was an encouraging loss if there is such a thing. This team has really grown tough and will only continue to get better. I do wish Myles could get his stroke back though.

I love that three that Myles hit while getting fouled (not called), just after the deep, contested three he barely missed. Gives me a lot of confidence that his slump might be over.

[PM Thor]

In the Debbie Downer category...

X averaged giving up 66 a game to opponents, gave up over 90 today. I know Creighton shot the lights out from 3, but that was NOT the Xavier defense I have been used to.

Otherwise, I loved the effort and the fact hey never quit.

[XU '11]

In the Debbie Downer category...

X averaged giving up 66 a game to opponents, gave up over 90 today. I know Creighton shot the lights out from 3, but that was NOT the Xavier defense I have been used to.

Otherwise, I loved the effort and the fact hey never quit.

Creighton is the #1 team in the nation in offensive efficiency. We didn't have our best defensive game, but Creighton is darn good. Plus, I would have to think that Mack was making a calculated decision to leave a defensive liability in on defense (Stainbrook) for the good of the offense (where he was 7-11 shooting with 3 OReb and 4 Ast). And we had a great offensive game. Would you have felt better if had lost 70-60?

[ammtd34]

It's not like I'm completely down on our team, but I feel like they got schooled a bit today. They made so many plays doing the right thing except finishing strong at the basket. I don't know how that improves until they get a little more determination that they need to dominate.

Not sure anyone is going to dominate at Creighton.

[sirthought]

Not sure anyone is going to dominate at Creighton.

Our players have all the skills to do that. No reason for Stainbrook, Philmore and Davis to miss shots right at the hoop like they did. Yes, the defense was strong overall, but not on certain plays when they just didn't get it done.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Great game! X played really good but Creighton was just the better team today. It's hard to believe we hit 12 threes to their 14. Evenly match game IMHO. Make your throws and you probably win. Won't be easy at the TAS but I don't think X has an easy game on the schedule. How awesome is it that all our games are against good to great opponents instead of Mid Majors like Fordham, Duquesne, Bonnie's and dare I say it? Dayton! Love the New Big East. Will be rooting for Creighton the rest of the way accept against X of course.

[NY44]

Creighton scored a crap ton of points today, even though I think we had a pretty good day defensively. We really just don't have anyone to guard McDermott. I can't think of any adjustments to slow down that shooting attack on the defensive side.

I think our best chance to slow down McDermott is to attack him offensively and get him tired or in foul trouble. We were definitely heavy on that strategy in the first and got away from it in the second. They couldn't stop the Stain train, hence the double teams. He did a fantastic job of passing out of double teams, but I would like to see him force through more and draw some contact and fouls. Especially with how tic-tac those refs were today.

[sirthought]

Creighton shot 54% from the field. And attempted 10 fewer shots than Xavier, but they attempted 30 free throws, making 70% of those.

I know they were on fire, but you have to question the defensive plan on this one. Maybe playing more zone earlier in the game? I know that doesn't seem great for a 3 pt shooting team but so many of the threes came from drive and dish, that if we could clog up the lane more, that might have made them work harder.

[xudash]

Creighton shot 54% from the field. And attempted 10 fewer shots than Xavier, but they attempted 30 free throws, making 70% of those.

I know they were on fire, but you have to question the defensive plan on this one. Maybe playing more zone earlier in the game? I know that doesn't seem great for a 3 pt shooting team but so many of the threes came from drive and dish, that if we could clog up the lane more, that might have made them work harder.

How do you know at the time to make that call? I'm not trying to be snide, but hindsight is a little easy. A few more made FT's and this or that and we would have walked out of there with a win. An overall excellent effort against a tough team at their place.

Let's learn and return the favor at the Cintas Center.

[PM Thor]

Creighton is the #1 team in the nation in offensive efficiency. We didn't have our best defensive game, but Creighton is darn good. Plus, I would have to think that Mack was making a calculated decision to leave a defensive liability in on defense (Stainbrook) for the good of the offense (where he was 7-11 shooting with 3 OReb and 4 Ast). And we had a great offensive game. Would you have felt better if had lost 70-60?

I would have preferred if X had hit more than just 13 of 22 (59%) from the line and stopped maybe just one more 3 pointer from Creighton. Hell, if X got 3 more free throws...well who knows? I know Creighton is a very, very efficient team offensively, but X is better defensively than what they showed me tonight.

[drudy23]

I have no issues with the loss...Creighton is a damn good team, and even better at home. Look, ALL Big East road games are going to be tough. Creighton is a Top 25 team, no doubt. It was a good, entertaining game and we played hard. Should be a whale of a game at Cintas, but this is exactly what we were looking for with this new conference.

On another note...McDermott is a STUD...no weaknesses, and an excellent shooter, mover without the ball, and positioning expert. He's damn good.

[kyxu]

I actually cringed when we took a 12-0 lead to start the game, because I knew there was little chance we would hold the lead. Creighton is that good of a team that can score in bunches that quickly and is as talented of a team we will face all year.

Was hoping with Gibbs out we could steal one in Omaha, but we were playing with house money today. We fought til the better end, but maybe when we play them again in Cintas, we shoot better from the line and maybe don't give up 95 points.

[paulxu]

OK, the streak has taken a brief intermission.
Thank you Blobfan for all your efforts to keep it going.
(Somebody needed to discover a way to hold McDermott to his season average this game)

We'll start all over again. It's a great year!

[Masterofreality]

Creighton is incredibly tough to defend when they are making their threes, and after missing the first three 3's of the game they made 14 of 25 in the last 38 minutes-- or 56%. Some of those were unguardable and circus like. Wagge shot from the concession stand, Chatman made one from the corner that bounced straight up off the back rim and dropped through and Brooks made one late with the shot clock running down that was well guarded but credit him with a great shot and Wragge for being an incredible shooter, which he is.

When they're making lots of shots, they spread you out and then go back door. Very tough to stop. I'm not pulling the YTG card by saying that they "made shots they don't normally make" but I'm saying that Xavier's defense was tested today like it will not be again all year long.

I don't know what Creighton does when they don't shoot well, but I guess their game against GW shows it. But, they are a very good team and deserve to be ranked.

Creighton won this great game today, Xavier didn't lose it through anything they did, other than missing free throws and blowng potential 1 and 1's.

[RoseyMuskie]

As it has already noted throughout the thread, my only critiques of the game consist of the missed front ends and Farr's drop turned "and 1."

McDermott is a matchup nightmare for this team. Too quick for Stain and IP. Too big for Justin. Ideally, Farr could guard him as he matches up size-wise. He is still just a bit away from being a reliable defender. He will get there if his progress from season to season reveals anything.

Other than that, not too disappointed with the loss. Nice to see Myles finally drain one. As XU09 commented, hopefully that will get him rolling again. Semaj continues to shine. Martin had his routine head scratchers but played another solid game.

[drudy23]

[QUOTE=RoseyMuskie;422578

McDermott is a matchup nightmare for this team..[/QUOTE]

McDermott is a matchup nightmare for any team.

[sirthought]

Xavier vs Creighton: Recap Notes

Doug McDermott has led the team in scoring in 14 out of 16 games this season.
Austin Chatman had a career high with a 100 percent three-point percentage.
This marks the 69th 20-point game of Doug McDermott's career.
Doug McDermott has nine straight double-digit point games.

Xavier Game Notes:

Semaj Christon recorded a team season high in field goals attempted with 17.
Justin Martin tallied a team season high in three pointers attempted with 10.
Semaj Christon accounted for 30.3 percent of the team's points.
Matt Stainbrook accounted for 31.4 percent of the team's rebounds.
Semaj Christon has led the team in scoring 10 times in 17 games this season.
Matt Stainbrook has led the team in rebounding 12 times in 17 games this season.
This marks the 11th 20-point game of Semaj Christon's career.
Semaj Christon has three straight 20+ point games.
Semaj Christon set a career high with 10 field goals made.
Dee Davis has three straight double-digit point games.
Matt Stainbrook recorded the 20th double-digit rebound game of his career.
Matt Stainbrook recorded a double-double. It was his fourth this season and 14th of his career.
This marks the first 20-point game of Justin Martin's career.
Justin Martin has four straight double-digit point games.
Justin Martin set career highs with 21 points, seven field goals made, and five three-pointers.
This was the third foul out of the season for Isaiah Philmore.

[Masterofreality]

Anybody maybe think, and I hope it's true, that the bigger the game, the better JMart plays?

-Iowa
-UC
-Marquette.....

[Titanxman04]

Anybody maybe think, and I hope it's true, that the bigger the game, the better JMart plays?

-Iowa
-UC
-Marquette.....

Justin Martin is stepping up in a way that I wouldn't ever expect him to fromt he past three seasons. I was banging the drum for him to transfer, but if this continues, whywouldn't you want a kid with his size and athleticism on the floor, especially with his shooting ability? Hope this continues.

Incredibly tough game, and no team int he country can defend a team shooting it THAT well from THAT far out. Creighton brought it today, andI was proud of how X didn't give up, and kept hammering away at that lead untilt he very end. Thefact that we scored as much as we did, played as hard, and battled as well, I can't really complain outside of missed free throws.

Looking forward to seeing them come to Cintas.

[KabeX]

Best thing (other than a W of course), was the way they kept battling back. Down 11 mid 2nd, they were on the verge of getting blown out. No way they were going to let that happen. That's the mark of a tough team. They will need that the rest of the way - starting Wednesday against a "down" Georgetown team.

[ForTUitous]

I don't write too much on this board BUT even though it was a loss. I came away more impressed with this team than before the game. The way this team battles and keeps fighting shows how tough and well coached this team is as a whole. On the road in front of 17k the opposing team making circus threes and X just kept punching. At the end there was a shot of McDermott and his look was telling. The look of "Man these guys just won't stop." Obviously not the final result we want and I don't want to make moral victories acceptable, but I am awfully proud of the fight in this team.

[Xcited]

Amen to that! This team has the desire and will to win. They are playing great team basketball and the coaches are doing a great job of keeping them focused. It would have been very easy to get rattled when the were down 14 and start throwing up poor shots. They stuck to the game plan and played each posession. While the final outcome was disappointing you have to like the effort. Really looking forward to the rest of the season. Proud to be a Muskie fan.

[LA Muskie]

As far as I'm concerned, that's about as good as a loss can get. Creighton may not be the best team we see all year (although they very well may be) but add in the atmosphere and I can't imagine we will play a tougher game the rest of the season.

As for the Blue Jays, I came away impressed with the team and its fans. Having not seen them play yet this season, I assumed they were a one trick pony. But notwithstanding McDermott's 35, they seemed to have the perfect complement of role players to suit their star. Without them, we take that game.

And that crowd? First class.

I never enjoy losing, but that was as close to enjoyable as one gets.

[LA Muskie]

Justin Martin is stepping up in a way that I wouldn't ever expect him to fromt he past three seasons. I was banging the drum for him to transfer, but if this continues, whywouldn't you want a kid with his size and athleticism on the floor, especially with his shooting ability? Hope this continues.

Incredibly tough game, and no team int he country can defend a team shooting it THAT well from THAT far out. Creighton brought it today, andI was proud of how X didn't give up, and kept hammering away at that lead untilt he very end. Thefact that we scored as much as we did, played as hard, and battled as well, I can't really complain outside of missed free throws.

Looking forward to seeing them come to Cintas.
Justin Martin is making NBA plays. That step-back, off-balance jumper at the start of the 2nd half was just plain sick. I have never -- EVER -- seen confidence make such a difference for a player in my life (and I watch a lot of sports). I hope he keeps that head up, because if he does he has a HUGE future.

[XUFan09]

Justin Martin is making NBA plays. That step-back, off-balance jumper at the start of the 2nd half was just plain sick. I have never -- EVER -- seen confidence make such a difference for a player in my life (and I watch a lot of sports). I hope he keeps that head up, because if he does he has a HUGE future.

Agreed, confidence and focus (which seem to go hand in hand for him) have just changed his game completely. Lol I was mocked by a couple of people on Musketeer Madness for saying that I want him back next year if he could stay focused and confident enough to turn his talent into production, because apparently he didn't have talent. Apparently he does, and he's been putting it to good use.

[LA Muskie]

Agreed, confidence and focus (which seem to go hand in hand for him) have just changed his game completely. Lol I was mocked by a couple of people on Musketeer Madness for saying that I want him back next year if he could stay focused and confident enough to turn his talent into production, because apparently he didn't have talent. Apparently he does, and he's been putting it to good use.
Goes to show how much "psychology" plays into coaching. I'm very glad Mack stuck with Justin through his struggles (and ignored the peanut galllery). It may well have single-handedly saved our season. And Justin's career.

[GoMuskies]

From my seat way up at the top of the arena, I felt like our guys gave Creighton their best shot but that Creighton is just better. On the one hand, I felt good about the fact that Xavier was able to go into that environment (and it was very impressive) and play that well. On the other hand, it's a bit of a downer to know that Creighton is just flat out a better basketball team and that there's not much we can do about it this year (not that we don't still have a good shot of beating them at home with a big effort).

Overall, no complaints from me (other than the missed FTs and the long drive through the middle of nowhere (KS and NE). Just a bit deflating to lose and feel like there's not really anything our guys could have done to prevent it.

[Milhouse]

Was Creighton flat out the better team?

6 points on their home floor....

Neutral floor would be interesting.