Georgetown @ Xavier (January 15, 2013) Game Thread

[paulxu]

http://sportsbusinessdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/bigeast-logo.jpg
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Xavier University Musketeers (13-4, 3-1) vs. Georgetown University Hoyas (11-4, 3-1)
Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Cintas Center, Cincinnati (10,250)

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

Notes (http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/011414aaa.html)

Television: CBS Sports Network, Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), Steve Lappas (analysis), sideline reporter Lauren Gardner

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

[Muskie]

It's good to see Steve Lappas can find work.

[bleedXblue]

Is Josh Smith playing?

[hoyahooligan]

Is Josh Smith playing?

No, nor is Jabril Trawick.

[nuts4xu]

I do not like Steve Ratface Lappas at all. He sucked as a coach and sucks even more on TV.

[Tardy Turtle]

Sideline reporter Lauren Gardner (https://www.google.com/search?q=Lauren+Gardner&rlz=1C1CHMO_enUS502US507&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=irLWUtX8AqO42gXww4CADQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=909#q=Lauren+Gardner&tbm=isch) is rather easy on the eyes.

[nuts4xu]

Sideline reporter Lauren Gardner (https://www.google.com/search?q=Lauren+Gardner&rlz=1C1CHMO_enUS502US507&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=irLWUtX8AqO42gXww4CADQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=909#q=Lauren+Gardner&tbm=isch) is rather easy on the eyes.

Is she still dating Sam LeCure? She is a smoking hot ginger.

[Titanxman04]

Sideline reporter Lauren Gardner (https://www.google.com/search?q=Lauren+Gardner&rlz=1C1CHMO_enUS502US507&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=irLWUtX8AqO42gXww4CADQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=909#q=Lauren+Gardner&tbm=isch) is rather easy on the eyes.

Dibs.

[GIMMFD]

It would be nice to knock down Georgetown here at home, hopefully Semaj keeps up his good play, he'll be the key tonight.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier -6.

[xsteve1]

Xavier -6.

X has covered like 6 straight. I like X -6 but X is due for a non cover game so I'm staying away. May look into some 1st or 2nd half lines on this game.

[bobbiemcgee]

Dee vs DSR should be good.

[Titanxman04]

Dee vs DSR should be good.

Wonder if we would be treated to a Semaj and DSR show going back and forth.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Wonder if we would be treated to a Semaj and DSR show going back and forth.

Honestly I hope not, I really hope Dee can limit DSR's production today and our bigs take it to them. G'Town is limited in the frontcourt and any foul trouble there should translate to an advantage on the boards.

I think this is a must win being a home game.

[blobfan]

I REALLY don't want to see X lose at home this year. I'm hoping the crowd gets into it and help the guys gain momentum. People should be more awake at 7 than they were last week at 9.

[X-ROX]

I REALLY don't want to see X lose at home this year. I'm hoping the crowd gets into it and help the guys gain momentum. People should be more awake at 7 than they were last week at 9.

They need to sell jaeger bombs at the game. That would get 'em fired up

[blobfan]

They need to sell jaeger bombs at the game. That would get 'em fired up

Or at least numb the pain.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

They need to sell jaeger bombs at the game. That would get 'em fired up

I gave up drinking that motor oil when I passed 30 and really earlier. I drink hard liquor but it's of a much better quality.

[Xtemporaneous]

Is she still dating Sam LeCure? She is a smoking hot ginger.

Yes she is and she is purr-rific...

[Titanxman04]

I gave up drinking that motor oil when I passed 30 and really earlier. I drink hard liquor but it's of a much better quality.

I got an 18 year old scotch. BYOScotch and I'll share.

[Backyard Champ]

For some reason, I've always disliked John Thompson III. Hope we destroy them.

[Masterofreality]

It's good to see Steve Lappas can find work.

Just don't trust his game analysis.

[American X]

It's good to see Steve Lappas can find work.


Steve Lappas offers substandard commentary.

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1825565308/lappas_tw_headshot.jpghttp://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120316061534/dragonball/images/1/14/Ratatouille_Movie,_Remy.jpg

[brownlavender]

steve lappas is certainly one of the most uniformed bobble heads out there

[Jesuit4Life]

Take your pick for streaming links:
Don't install any codecs or players (except for Flash (http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/) if you need it) and AdBlock (https://adblockplus.org/) is highly recommended.

http://nutjob.eu/njtvx40.html
http://firstrowus1.eu/watch/232983/1/watch-georgetown-vs-xavier.html
http://www.vipboxus.co/basketball/201422/1/georgetown-vs-xavier-live-stream-online.html
http://atdee.net/74436/watch-georgetown-vs-xavier

[Xavier]

cbssports? Why? The two of the biggest conference games of the year (Xavier vs. Creighton/tonights game) have been on cbssports. I understand why Crieghton wasn't, but I imagine the Fox sports 1 ratings would go up if they put the big time games on the channel..

[XUFan09]

cbssports? Why? The two of the biggest conference games of the year (Xavier vs. Creighton/tonights game) have been on cbssports. I understand why Crieghton wasn't, but I imagine the Fox sports 1 ratings would go up if they put the big time games on the channel..

UFC Fight Night. Ugh.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Randolph is leaving his man way to open.

[Muskie]

steve lappas is certainly one of the most uniformed bobble heads out there

I was mocking the selection of Steve Lappas. Just wanted to be clear.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Myles needs to hit those shots..

[xu82]

Uh, I thought Georgetown was down this year....

[XU3232]

Wow this is bad. DSR and Starks are doing whatever they want.

[paulxu]

It's a good thing I can't see this game. Hard to imagine a 10 pt deficit to a team who is missing half its starters.

[RealDeal]

Anyone the admin for chat? Trolls need kicking.

[xu82]

Is this Creighton again?

[X-band '01]

Forget 10, it's a 13-pt deficit now.

[coasterville95]

Where is that Jagerbomb?

[XU3232]

GTown can't miss. Unreal how teams shoot lights out against us. We can't do anything against their zone either.

[Charlesbt4]

Multiple guys have been knocked to the floor without a single foul being called.

[coasterville95]

And worse. For halftime. Viking magic basketball drill team.

[The_Mack_Pack]

How are we being outrebounded? Come on..

[paulxu]

They are shooting 55% overall, and 64% from 3 pt land. This can't go on, but I don't know if we can catch them.
I wish someone who is there would tell me whether we are contesting the 3 pt shot, or are they Creighton like crazy long.

[Jesuit4Life]

Well, hopefully that wakes X up like it has the crowd.

[XU3232]

They have 7 3's this half. 6 total 3's the last two games total. WOW

[X-band '01]

They are shooting 55% overall, and 64% from 3 pt land. This can't go on, but I don't know if we can catch them.
I wish someone who is there would tell me whether we are contesting the 3 pt shot, or are they Creighton like crazy long.

First 15 minutes Georgetown had a 3-5 point edge and then blew it open at the end of the half.

[The_Mack_Pack]

They are shooting 55% overall, and 64% from 3 pt land. This can't go on, but I don't know if we can catch them.
I wish someone who is there would tell me whether we are contesting the 3 pt shot, or are they Creighton like crazy long.

Half were contested and half were not I'd say. Some guy who shoots 21% for long range drilled one over top of Martin from way deep.. DSR and Starks will continue to make shots but it's strange how Xavier's defense has just absolutely disappeared lately.

[Jesuit4Life]

They are shooting 55% overall, and 64% from 3 pt land. This can't go on, but I don't know if we can catch them.
I wish someone who is there would tell me whether we are contesting the 3 pt shot, or are they Creighton like crazy long.

Not Creighton long, the gameplan was obviously to give up the 3 but we need to be contesting better.

I posted links above if you want to watch.

[X Factor]

This is a must win.

Gotta find a way to comeback.

[XU '11]

How are we being outrebounded? Come on..

How? We've missed more shots than them. Our offense and defensive rebounding percentages are both better than Georgetown's. It's just easier to get more rebounds when your opponent is missing shots.

[oddblob]

thats about as seething a mack halftime interview as ive seen

[The_Mack_Pack]

Wow

[oddblob]

these 3s cant continue

[XU3232]

Game Over

[Xavgrad08]

Some of these Georgetown threes have been wide open.

[paulxu]

70% from 3 pt land. Unfing believable.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Stainbrook has missed a ton of bunnies tonight.

[Muskie]

70% from 3 pt land. Unfing believable.

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take Paul.

[X Factor]

They've made 10 threes.

X has made 2.

[paulxu]

Hell, 3 of the 4 shots they took this half already are 3's. They made them all.

BTW, there are some real douchebag trolls in LiveChat tonight.

[oddblob]

this officiating is horrendous

[The_Mack_Pack]

Are these officials even watching something other than the ball carrier?

[The_Mack_Pack]

Stainbrook is really passing well but man he has to start hitting some shots.

[XU3232]

Has Stainbrook made a shot? Has Jalen stepped on the court at all?

[Muskie]

Has Stainbrook made a shot? Has Jalen stepped on the court at all?

He's got one bucket I believe.

[Xavgrad08]

Sam Lecure is dating Lauren Gardner who is the CBS sideline reporter for tonight's game.

[XUFan09]

Nice 3, Davis. Interesting that Mack is leaving him in.

And the Martin 3 too!

[oddblob]

archetypal big east game :bash:

[XUFan09]

They're responding with 2s on the other end. The Semaj steal helped though.

[XUFan09]

Philmore hitting the first, Farr getting the rebound on the second! Back to the line...hit these, Jimmy.

[xu82]

Do we still have time to foul out all the Hoyas?

[The_Mack_Pack]

Need to keep going at Lubick and Hopkins and get them fouled out.

[paulxu]

Gut check time for the Muskies.

[xu82]

Foul them out and play the last few minutes with a power play! Five on three and we're in business!

[XUFan09]

"Xavier got away with murder that time" (Cameron's wide-open three missed)

Sounds about right.

[paulxu]

Double bonus with 7 minutes left? Go inside every time you get the ball.

[xu82]

"Xavier got away with murder that time" (Cameron's wide-open three missed)

Sounds about right.

I guess you can't shoot 70% forever. :-)

[XUFan09]

Dee's and-1 was clutch.

[XUFan09]

Smith-Rivera can just get buckets, hand in his face or not.

[The_Mack_Pack]

DSR is a player.

[XUFan09]

Uh oh, Philmore...

[oddblob]

imagine philmore not getting blocked.

[The_Mack_Pack]

That didn't look good, really hope it's nothing serious.

[xu82]

Hate that..... Ugh

[oddblob]

Miiiiiiiiiiiles

[XUFan09]

Myles!

[XUFan09]

You can hear the crowd again...and the Big Stain finishes!

[paulxu]

Get this damn game! Go X

[oddblob]

gotta love jtiii's arrogance with respect to timeouts

[The_Mack_Pack]

Thank you Myles!!! Man this team never quits. Love it!

[XUFan09]

gotta love jtiii's arrogance with respect to timeouts

They were one deadball from a media timeout and it was clear at that point that this game would probably tight in the last minute. I don't blame him for saving the time out.

[XUFan09]

Philmore will be going back in. Good, he's had a good game.

[XU3232]

All of a sudden we can't rebound

[Xavgrad08]

God I am fired up about this comeback.

[oddblob]

They were one deadball from a media timeout and it was clear at that point that this game would probably tight in the last minute. I don't blame him for saving the time out.

there were two similar critical momentum possessions earlier in which most coaches would call.

[XUFan09]

Jalen hasn't been in. Interesting, he seemed to be getting it; the game was slowing down for him.

[oddblob]

loving this!

[oddblob]

this is a thing of beauty

GTFO our gym, hoyas :cool:

[XUFan09]

Last GT field goal at 6:14. Defense got them in this mess, and defense got them out of it.

[XU3232]

This team is special.

[oddblob]

AWESOME WIN

man oh man that felt good.

[The_Mack_Pack]

About as good a last 15 minutes as you can play.

[Xcited]

Never say die!!!!! This team is something special. They never quit. Great game.

[bjf123]

Holy $&#%! What a turnaround!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[The_Mack_Pack]

I was a huge critic earlier in the season but man has Dee made me take those words back. He's been playing GREAT in BE play so far. He just looks smooth and under control out there. I think he was trying to force it earlier in the season but he's seen that he has a lot of offensive weapons to pass to on this team.

[paulxu]

I'll bet all the guys from this board who were at that game are currently trying to pack inside Dana's.
Wish I was there.

[XUOHTX]

Game Over

Honestly I thought the same thing at that time. I started questioning how good we really were. And then... The run.

[Strange Brew]

I'll bet all the guys from this board who were at that game are currently trying to pack inside Dana's.
Wish I was there.

Me too Paul.

[xu82]

That was a 30 point swing. I'll have to take another look at that. I was looking forward to dumping it from the DVR not long ago...

[Porkopolis]

Others have said it, but I'm going to also because it is true: this team is special.

[XU3232]

Honestly I thought the same thing at that time. I started questioning how good we really were. And then... The run.

I'm happily eating my words right now. That was unbelievable. I won't underestimate them again that's for sure.

[SemajParlor]

Zeke Philmore for President.

[XUFan09]

I checked ESPN's play-by-play. Markel Starks made a layup with 15:00 left in the second half to bring their lead to 53-36. Xavier preceded to outscore them 44-14 for the remainder of the game. Xavier scored more points per minute in the final 15:00 than Creighton did in the first half against Butler. They also held Georgetown to fewer points per minutes in that last 15:00 than what Creighton held Butler to.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I thought we were going to lose this one, but boy oh boy, what a comeback. I did not watch the game, but from looking at the scores, we held GT to 25 points in the 2nd half while we scored 51, our D must be putting on a clinic. GT was missing EVERYTHING in the 2nd half. 13 pts down at the half and we beat them by 13! The fact that GT found themselves in foul trouble while we were shooting over 80% FT might be a big factor in the win. It is clear to all that this team just do not give up. Big big victory indeed. DSR probably wished he was playing for us.......ha-ha.

[X Factor]

WOW!!!!

Outscored G'Town by 26 in the second half!!

Awesome comeback and resilience by this team!!

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Didn't see it.

Listened to the final 7:00 on (clear channel!) The Big One 700 WLW.

Outstanding and justifying!

[blobfan]

Amazing! So proud of the guys for pulling it together and for a memorable comeback.

Props to Georgetown for giving us a good fight and for not dragging out the last minutes of the game playing tag-and-foul.

[KabeX]

I almost turned it off. Instead they turned it around. Thanks men. Never, ever give up. (guest I'll keep the TV on too).

[XUFan09]

I checked ESPN's play-by-play. Markel Starks made a layup with 15:00 left in the second half to bring their lead to 53-36. Xavier preceded to outscore them 44-14 for the remainder of the game. Xavier scored more points per minute in the final 15:00 than Creighton did in the first half against Butler. They also held Georgetown to fewer points per minutes in that last 15:00 than what Creighton held Butler to.

Counted possessions. They scored 1.63 points per possession (a mean of 1.14 against the average D1 team) and held Georgetown to 0.32 points per possession (a mean of 1.09). Yeah, that's pretty good.

[SemajParlor]

Don't mind me I'll just be playing this on loop and thinking about this team while I get goosebumps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P0igVhvSaM

[paulxu]

Well, one of 2 things happened:
-the ridiculous 3 pt % of the first half finally caught up to reality
-we decided to defend the way a Xavier team regularly defends (unlike the first half)

I'd like a re-do on that Creighton game.

[coasterville95]

I'm stunned. What an amazing comeback. This team has that special never say die quality. We are getting training n how to play tournament basketball.


Hey Big East, meet the Musketeers!

[xu82]

Well, one of 2 things happened:
-the ridiculous 3 pt % of the first half finally caught up to reality
-we decided to defend the way a Xavier team regularly defends (unlike the first half)

I'd like a re-do on that Creighton game.

Sorry, no "do-overs", but we can all mark our calendars for 3/1/14 on OUR floor! Let's hope we play that whole game the way we played the second half tonight and the law of averages catches up with them!

[drudy23]

Creighton and Villanova to close the season at home...those should be fun. Hopefully, we taken care of business in between for them to be really important.

[Kahns Krazy]

That 2nd half was fun.

[Backyard Champ]

Creighton and Villanova to close the season at home...those should be fun. Hopefully, we taken care of business in between for them to be really important.

Or on the other hand, hopefully we take care of business so much, that those games won't be really important, accept for seeding.

[xu82]

That 2nd half was fun.

Yeah, we should do that again - EVERY HALF!

[xukeith]

Jalen hasn't been in. Interesting, he seemed to be getting it; the game was slowing down for him.

I listened to the first 10 minutes on radio. Joe said Reynolds got 1st half time

[vee4xu]

I didn't drive down today. Stayed in C-bus to celebrate my mom's 87th birthday. Followed on my phone. At one point saw X losing 53-37 and figured it may get closer, but that X wouldn't win. However, I recalled Evansville and Bowling Green and figured maybe once more? This game reminds me of a game I did attend, that being Purdue a couple of years ago. As I checked my phone the game got closer and closer until I saw that X lead 72-67. Stunning! Seems like G-town went around the last 7 minutes without a score of any sort. Could that be right? Would have been a great game to watch in person, but glad I stayed back to be with my mom and family. Great win for the program. It will make some national talking heads turn, for sure.

[gladdenguy]

Jalen never saw the floor.

Dee Davis was HUGE in the 2nd half. His defense is incredible and he hit 2 enormous 3s and a huge and-1. Finished with 7 dimes and only 1 turnover.

If Semaj gained confidence in his teammates after the sUCks game.....he has to have unbelievable confidence in them after what they did when he was on the bench with 4 fouls.

The last possession where Semaj is dribbling out the clock and Cintas was rocking.....I had chills. And for this one not many people left.

I'm not gonna say the best game I've ever been to because my mind is still numb....but its up there. WOW

[nuts4xu]

Yes she is and she is purr-rific...

Saw Sam at the game tonight with Matt Latos and his wife. Sam's lady is a looker!

[LadyMuskie]

Tonight was my first Big East game, and it was incredible! I don't think I'll ever forget it. I can still feel the adrenaline!! Just totally awesome!

[xu82]

I didn't drive down today. Stayed in C-bus to celebrate my mom's 87th birthday. Followed on my phone. At one point saw X losing 53-37 and figured it may get closer, but that X wouldn't win. However, I recalled Evansville and Bowling Green and figured maybe once more? This game reminds me of a game I did attend, that being Purdue a couple of years ago. As I checked my phone the game got closer and closer until I saw that X lead 72-67. Stunning! Seems like G-town went around the last 7 minutes without a score of any sort. Could that be right? Would have been a great game to watch in person, but glad I stayed back to be with my mom and family. Great win for the program. It will make some national talking heads turn, for sure.
Happy birthday! I just came back from Florida where my parents are about the same age. This was an awesome game, but the games will continue. Hope you had a great time! But boy, it was stunning!

[wkrq59]

Observations: First half a hangover from the Sunday game. Very similar to the Butler game. Did Dee pickup Smith R after Semaj got the 4th foul? Xavier 17 assists on 28 made field goals, and 36 points in the paint to GT's 22. If GT doesn't shoot ll64% from 3s in the first half, it's an XU rout. They normally shoot in the low 30s or less from afar. One exciting game. Held GT to zero FG in last 6:14! Made only 7 TO. Semaj 3 steals and X has 6-2 edge in steals. Loved Chris high fiving with the blue painted students. Dee Davis turning out to be the man. Look at his line. 5-6 fg, 2-3 3s , 5-5 ft, 1 board, 3 pf, 17 pt, 7 A, 1 TO, Semaj 9-12 fg, 4 reb, 4 PF, 18 pt, 3 steals... Martin, 3-10 fg, 2-7 3s, 7 reb, 1 pf, 10 ptd 2-2 A-TO 1 blobk, 1 steal, and James Farr--the quietest line of the night...3-6 FG, 1-2 3s, 2-2 ft, 6 boards, 0 pf, 9 pts, 1 blk, 1 stl in 19 min!!! Stain & Philmore dominate the middle 21 pts, 9 of 11 ft, 12 reb, 6 a 3 to..in 33 & 28 min respct.
:spaz::lol::tonguewag::pulpfiction:

[XU-PA]

Had to be out of the house during the game, avoided all contact, just got done watching.
Oh My GOD!!!!!!!!
The most amazing game I've watched in a long long time.

Highlight I'll remember for a long time. When Philmore comes back in after getting his knee banged up, missed the shot fought for the board, fought for space and put it back in. That sequence is indicative of what this unbelievable group did tonight. Tip of my hat to a real basketball team!

[GoMuskies]

I know we are all guilty of bitching about the refs sometimes, and I don't normally want to bring over posts from an opponent's messageboard to that effect, but I have to share this gem only because the poster is absolutely perfectly named: daytonhoya.

"We stopped getting stops in large part because the officials started parading the home team to the line. Wasn't all our fault. Stuff that was being called against us on one end was legal for Xavier on the other. Refs took our ability to play defense from us"

To me, this poster seems more Dayton than Hoya.

[BlueGuy]

So I had to watch this game on DVR. I play in a Wednesday night curling league (figured curling was my best shot at someday becoming an Olympian). Got home from my game around 11pm, and avoided seeing the score. Watched the first half, and then about five minutes of the second half. At that point it was well after midnight, and I was tired. 15 mins to go in the game, and we were down 17 points. I really didn't want to stay up any longer. I checked my score center app to see the final score... 80-67 Xavier, huh? That had to be a mistake. I went to the fridge and popped open a beer. Boy oh boy! Did I enjoy watching those last 15 mins. This team has some serious fight. Awesome game!!! GO X!!!!

[BMoreX]

A few things:
- What a win. To be down by 17 and to start back like that was awesome to watch. One of my personal favorite moments being at a Xavier basketball game. Team went on a 44-14 run and finished with a 16-0 run. GTown didn't score in the last 6 minutes!
- Dee Davis had a great game. He has really stepped up since the catastrophe in the Bahamas. As has JMart.
- The officiating was....questionable today. They let the boys play (roughly) in the paint but then also called ticky-tack fouls off the ball too. That was on both bounds. Georgetown got away with several illegal screens.
- How about the team mounting that comeback with Semaj on the bench? Awesome stuff.
- James Farr yelling "that's a three!" when he nailed one. And Myles with the "game-winner" at which point the Hoyas would not come back.
- Georgetown nailed a lot of 3 pointers in the first half (and the first 5 mins of the second) due to a quick screen and a three point jumper. The defense needs to shore up in that regard, as they did in the second half.
- In the last 15 minutes, Cintas Center was electric. It's nice to have the students back, so kudos to everyone there.
- For me personally as a senior, that is a top 3 Xavier game. Perhaps that is due to my history with the Hoyas and really wanting to beat them, but man, that was awesome.

[GIMMFD]

Brilliant play, tonight was the tonight I know this team can do whatever the hell they want. To come back from 17 down is huge, to do it with Semaj in foul trouble? Even more incredible. Looks like Myles is getting his rhythm back, hit a huge three, James played very well, there were times were I was screaming at Stainbrook, because it seemed he was a little off, but even then he had good assists, and rebounded well, Philmore was HUGE from the line down the stretch.. I've only been more satisfied with a victory once, and that was two years ago coming back against Purdue. Huge game, huge confidence boost. Let's go get us some road kill.

[XUmuskies34]

Found this article after the game. Nice to see Semaj getting some publicity, but a the author made a very big mistake.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/92650/appreciating-the-underappreciated

"Xavier guard Semaj Christon scored a team-high 18 points in the Musketeers win over Georgetown, while shooting an efficient 9-of-12 from the field. Christon leads the team in scoring (16.2 points) and ranks third in the Atlantic 10 with 4.4 assists per game. But really, he just has a knack for making whatever play is needed at the time. Against the Hoyas, eight of his points and two of his three steals came during a run that brought the Musketeers back from a 17-point deficit to take the lead. "

[GoMuskies]

Also good to see that Juwan Staten is tearing it up now that he's not stuck at Dayton. Bonus: Bob Huggy Bear's West Virginia team still manages to suck despite Staten's brilliance.

[LA Muskie]

My two favorite teams erased a total 34 pt deficit in under 20 mins. I didn't think my Muskies could be outdone, but my Clippers came back from 17 down with less than 5 to play. I got to watch one on TV and the other live. It was a very, very good day.

[X Factor]

So I had to watch this game on DVR. I play in a Wednesday night curling league (figured curling was my best shot at someday becoming an Olympian). Got home from my game around 11pm, and avoided seeing the score. Watched the first half, and then about five minutes of the second half. At that point it was well after midnight, and I was tired. 15 mins to go in the game, and we were down 17 points. I really didn't want to stay up any longer. I checked my score center app to see the final score... 80-67 Xavier, huh? That had to be a mistake. I went to the fridge and popped open a beer. Boy oh boy! Did I enjoy watching those last 15 mins. This team has some serious fight. Awesome game!!! GO X!!!!

Great story! That had to be a wonderful feeling watching the rest of the game knowing X was going to comeback and win!

[Fireball]

And worse. For halftime. Viking magic basketball drill team.

I brought my daughter to a game when they performed at halftime. She was about 5 at the time, and was so amped up about it and I couldn't understand why. Then they come out and start to dribble and she was pissed. She was expecting to see a magic show because of the title "Viking Magic" I had taken her to a game with Quick Change before and I think she expected a magic show at every halftime.

So relevance to the game, but I laugh every time I think about that :)

[Muskie]

What a great game to attend. Atmosphere was good when the team needed it most. It was nice to have the students finally at a Big East Conference game that didn't coincide with a break. The "Big-Head's" were great. Off the top of my head I saw Pope Francis, Chris Mack, Waldo (of Where's Waldo), Gus Johnson, and Betty White. Also many students were dressed in costume... well done.

[Caveat]

As I was watching the game last night -- with the crowd going nuts after Myles hit his 3 ball -- I turned to my wife and said "This is why moving to the Big East was such a big deal."

[ammtd34]

I had the last indoor soccer game of the season last night. I left the house at halftime. By the time I got it on the radio, X ran out to a 7-0 at the beginning of the half. I thought the rest of the drive would be nice, then Georgetown continued go insane from 3. Interestingly, those were the last 3's they'd hit. I had to go into my game when Philmore went down. There are 3 other former X soccer players on my team, so we were huddled around my phone before our game started. Down 2, up 1, up 5, up 11. We were going crazy. What a game.

[LadyMuskie]

Last night, I got to sit in the hoity-toity seats (aka my parents seats in the first row by our bench). With our esteemed Q as my inspiration, here are some thoughts (nothing earth shattering, I realize):

- Mack looked nervous during the lineup announcements and anthem, but he was cool as a cucumber throughout the game. I've seen him drop F bombs at other games like it's part of breathing for him, and last night he was just the picture of calm once the horn sounded to begin the game. It was impressive. I also think Mack's in-game coaching has improved a lot over the past 5 years. Not just because we won last night, but just the fact that he stays calm, follows the game plan and doesn't panic or allow the guys to panic is, I think, the sign of a good coach.

- Farr is, IMO, no doubt going to be the leader of this team a la Stan Burrell and Lionel Chalmers. He absolutely refuses to lose and pumps the team up like no one else does. He plays with intensity and verbally tries to encourage his teammates. He never appears deflated, even when shots aren't falling. He'll make a great team leader! Christon meanwhile is quiet, but it was his aggressive play in the second half of the second half that spurred this team. He made a decision that if Georgetown was going to play physical and get away with it, Xavier needed to as well, and that helped to change the game in our favor. Philmore is a soldier, a gangsta! It obviously looked worse than it was in actuality, but still to come back and play with such aggression and desire to win was impressive.

- Many complain about Martin's lack of emotion, but when you're that close, you can see the determination in his eyes. Same goes for Dee Davis. They are both focused. It may not make them perfect, but they know what they're supposed to be doing and are going to try their best to do it.

- Stainbrook was at the top of Mack's s--t list last night. His play was less than stellar and Mack was not pleased with how weak he was going to the basket. Thank goodness others stepped up because that was, by far, the worst Stainbrook has looked. His line looks better than how he actually played. We need him to be a finisher and a presence.

- Thompson is an ass. When we were down 17, he came out of his huddle and one of his assistants pointed to our sub list and he started laughing. What's really funny is that he wasn't laughing so hard when the game was over.

- One of the refs thought the game was about him. He got into a verbal, nearly physical, tussle with two fans as he was leaving the court at halftime after his abysmal performance in the first half. Then, upon returning to the floor, he engaged the two old men who sit next to my dad during two different timeouts. Talk about lack of focus! No wonder he was so inconsistent in how he called the game.

- The amount of talking going on by the Hoyas was amusing - especially in the second half. Bowen, in particular, for Georgetown was losing his cool. I'm not surprised that the delicate flowers in Clifton were ready to be out of the Big East. They can't handle that kind of trash talking since it's such an affront to their delicate sensibilities.

- Smith-Rivera is no joke. There were several plays where we were practically in his arms and he still made the shot. If Cameron keeps developing, he'll be fantastic as well.

[gladdenguy]

I brought my daughter to a game when they performed at halftime. She was about 5 at the time, and was so amped up about it and I couldn't understand why. Then they come out and start to dribble and she was pissed. She was expecting to see a magic show because of the title "Viking Magic" I had taken her to a game with Quick Change before and I think she expected a magic show at every halftime.

So relevance to the game, but I laugh every time I think about that :)

I can't believe that was a halftime show last night. It was terrible. Xavier can do better than that.
Mike Sham probably organized that one.

And students quit chanting his damn name. And quit putting his ugly mug on the highlights. End rant.

[ammtd34]

And quit putting his ugly mug on the highlights. End rant.

His X flash on this on was weird. It looked like an involuntary spasm or something.

[Muskie]

I can't believe that was a halftime show last night. It was terrible. Xavier can do better than that.
Mike Sham probably organized that one.

And students quit chanting his damn name. And quit putting his ugly mug on the highlights. End rant.

Clearly you've not seen the Pacers half time show the other night. Just as bad.

[waggy]

Damn Lady, Nice Post.

[muskiefan82]

I was sick on Tuesday and Wednesday, but made it to the game because, like many others, I felt that THIS game was the true Big East opener. Something I just wasn't going to miss. Suffered through an abysmal first half, but somehow never felt like Xavier was out of it. This did remind of the 2004 Louisville game. This team never gives up. They have some serious heart and just keep pushing. I remember when this would have been such a huge game. A Big East team coming to X to play - like back in the 80's when Pitt and Providence came and an upset if X could pull it off. Now, it's expected that X wins these games at home and they do. There are no more upsets. X can play with anyone and beat anyone. They are one of the big time programs and are just getting better. It's so amazing to reflect back on my 32 seasons of Xavier basketball and realize what has been realized by this university. X is now in the Big East and can compete and win on a national level. X smoked Georgetown in the second half. They had no idea what hit them, yet I think most of us knew it could happen because of who this team is. This is not the same Xavier that would have lost by 20 15 years ago like those matchups with Duke seemed to go. This is Xavier 2000+. Since 2004 this team has been on a tear. The blip that was last year was just that. A blip. I am so happy to have been on this ride since 1982. It's been so amazing to see where X is now from that NCAA tournament appearance vs. Alcorn St. in Dayton in 1983 (ironically, a play-in game). Schmidt, The Gardens and now Cintas. Independent, Midwestern City, Midwestern Collegiate, Atlantic 10, and now the Big East. Happy to make the NIT and get a home game to making the second weekend regularly in the NCAA. Wanting, expecting, to make it to the 3rd weekend. LOVE THIS TEAM. They make being a fan easy the way they never quit.

[chico]

Found this article after the game. Nice to see Semaj getting some publicity, but a the author made a very big mistake.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/92650/appreciating-the-underappreciated

"Xavier guard Semaj Christon scored a team-high 18 points in the Musketeers win over Georgetown, while shooting an efficient 9-of-12 from the field. Christon leads the team in scoring (16.2 points) and ranks third in the Atlantic 10 with 4.4 assists per game. But really, he just has a knack for making whatever play is needed at the time. Against the Hoyas, eight of his points and two of his three steals came during a run that brought the Musketeers back from a 17-point deficit to take the lead. "

One of those steals happened right in front of the Georgetown bench near half court. Christon basically pushed the Georgetown player out of his way (this was just after a no call by the refs on a moving screen on Christon) took the ball, went down and scored. Thompson was livid, but I was loving it. Showed me our guys won't take crap from anyone.

It was a lot of fun being in that place last night. The place was dead for the first 25 minutes of that game, but the last 15 were awesome. Our guys never gave up, upped their defense and harassed their guards. Those guys had no legs left to shoot 3's, while our guys had a lot left in the tank.

Nice write up by the way, Lady. Pretty much spot on, and interesting to hear what's going on down there.

[XU 87]

- One of the refs thought the game was about him. He got into a verbal, nearly physical, tussle with two fans as he was leaving the court at halftime after his abysmal performance in the first half. Then, upon returning to the floor, he engaged the two old men who sit next to my dad during two different timeouts. Talk about lack of focus! No wonder he was so inconsistent in how he called the game.



That knd of reminds me of the ref who flipped me the bird during a XU/UC game about 20 years ago.

[xu82]

Watching the second half again - because I can. I saw it already, but about the 5 minute mark I still have the feeling that the comeback is going to Peter out. How often do you see a team stage a big comeback and use up all their physical and emotional energy just to get back in it then fade? They just kept their foot on the gas and won going away! (It may have helped that they were short handed, tired and had foul trouble, but who wants to be the wet blanket and mention that?) Awesome game!

[coasterville95]

Yes, the fans stepped up their game in the second half. Byron and Joe commented on the post game about how electric the crowd was and how in the final 12 minutes, most of the crowd was watching the game standing up!

[LadyMuskie]

One of those steals happened right in front of the Georgetown bench near half court. Christon basically pushed the Georgetown player out of his way (this was just after a no call by the refs on a moving screen on Christon) took the ball, went down and scored. Thompson was livid, but I was loving it. Showed me our guys won't take crap from anyone.

.

This was the play I was talking about! I think it really helped to turn the tide in our favor. Someone sitting in my seat may or may not have yelled something like "ZIP 'EM UP!" when Semaj shoved the Hoya out of the way!

[LadyMuskie]

That knd of reminds me of the ref who flipped me the bird during a XU/UC game about 20 years ago.

May have been the same classy ref since this guy was old enough to have been refereeing poorly for two decades.

[paulxu]

Someone sitting in my seat may or may not have yelled something like "ZIP 'EM UP!" when Semaj shoved the Hoya out of the way!

Hah!

[bjf123]

Yes, the fans stepped up their game in the second half. Byron and Joe commented on the post game about how electric the crowd was and how in the final 12 minutes, most of the crowd was watching the game standing up!

My seats are behind the X bench and we were standing for most of the the final 12 minutes. It seemed like most of the fans on the other side of the floor were sitting more than we were.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[smileyy]

This was the play I was talking about! I think it really helped to turn the tide in our favor. Someone sitting in my seat may or may not have yelled something like "ZIP 'EM UP!" when Semaj shoved the Hoya out of the way!

Reps

[PM Thor]

I was at the game, sitting in the best seats we have ever purchased for a game (because my wife says she can't see well from our regular spot, thank goodness for bad eyesight and her growing up hating Georgetown) and I will never forget it.

First, I have to give it up to the fans. It was incredible. I mean, at half when Xavier was down 13, you would think there would be this underlying vibe of doom and gloom. Not so, not where I was. I even twittered it, saying that the fans just had a certain level of confidence that I usually don't see in a team that is down so much at half. I truly can't explain it.

That ref yelling and stepping towards the fans as he left the court at half should really be looked at by the head of refs. It was wholly unprofessional and unnecessary.

For the final outcome, I still cannot believe that run. Two whole days later and it seems surreal. A 44-14 run? Really?

[BlueGuy]

For the final outcome, I still cannot believe that run. Two whole days later and it seems surreal. A 44-14 run? Really?

It is incredible. I mentioned it earlier, but I watched it on DVR. Checked the final score with about 15 mins left. I was ready to turn it off. When I checked the score on my score center app, I seriously thought it was a mistake. I actually set my phone down on the couch next to me, then picked it back up two more times to check and make sure I read it right. With 15 mins left, that outcome was just 99.99999% impossible. Especially after seeing the first 25 mins play out.