Big East is getting hosed in the rankings!!

[beatuc]

UC at 15th and 16th is a joke to begin with, but Creighton not ranked in the AP??? They are 11th in the RPI now with only 3 losses. They have also played the 21st toughest schedule. Xavier is also getting screwed. Xavier has the 20th toughest schedule with only four losses, 21st in the RPI, and they are getting 4 points in the AP and 1 in the coaches poll. How are teams such as Baylor(40th in the RPI, four losses) ranked 24th and 23rd, and Memphis(37th in the RPI, four losses)ranked 23rd and 22nd still ranked in the polls. Kansas State has four losses and two of them are really bad, but they are ranked in both polls.

I could go on and on, but I think the Big East is getting the cold shoulder when it comes to rankings. Xavier is behind GW(72nd ranked schedule, 3 losses), Toledo(156th ranked schedule 2 losses), and Southern Miss(135th ranked schedule, 3 losses) in the coaches poll. They have as many points as Stephen F Austin(334th ranked schedule, 2 losses) and Harvard(146th ranked schedule, 2 losses). Is this how people view this year's Xavier team, being equal to Harvard and Stephen F Austin, and worse than Toledo, GW, and Southern Miss? Creighton getting no respect at all??

[Porkopolis]

This is simply how the polls work. Very few voters fill out a list of the actual best 25 teams. They simply bump up and down on a weekly basis using that week's results. Even then, don't expect a team like Creighton to get the bump they should for running Nova out of the gym. Perceptions are set early in the year and are hard to shake. We are unranked because of Atlantis pure and simple.

[X-band '01]

And as it is, Xavier is barely getting votes even after the tough loss at Creighton and comeback win vs. Georgetown. They're going to have to win at Providence (which is looking more and more like a tall chore) just to continue to rack up votes at this rate.

Had PC been able to finish off UMass on the road, they'd be playing for a Top 25 spot as well this weekend.

[Masterofreality]

Perceptions are set early in the year and are hard to shake. We are unranked because of Atlantis pure and simple.

And yet SucKS is not penalized for playing a pastry cart, then losing 2 in a row to quality teams...one of which boat raced them on a neutral court?

It's all about "The Memphis Effect". The voters love that charlatan program and their cutey curly haired boy "coach". Anyone who beats them must be gargantuan.

[STL_XUfan]

Creighton is number 2 in KenPom ratings and unranked. Clearly something is not right there.

[BandAid]

shhhhh! We're trying to sneak up on people ;)

[Milhouse]

NCAA doesn't look at ranking when it comes to seeding so that's all you need to concern yourself with.

[bleedXblue]

NCAA doesn't look at ranking when it comes to seeding so that's all you need to concern yourself with.

While I generally agree to this theory, the addtional pub and exposure you get is important. Highlights on Fox and ESPN for example. Polls published nationally in USA Today and local rags. Etc etc.

[xubrew]

And yet SucKS is not penalized for playing a pastry cart, then losing 2 in a row to quality teams...one of which boat raced them on a neutral court?

It's all about "The Memphis Effect". The voters love that charlatan program and their cutey curly haired boy "coach". Anyone who beats them must be gargantuan.

When it comes to the rankings, teams are actually rewarded for playing the pastry cart. Generally, the only thing the voters look at is when your most recent loss was. That's it. I think Wichita State is really good, but I don't think they're a top five team. Yet, there they are. Same with Baylor. They moved up through the rankings by beating mediocre teams as everyone ranked ahead of them lost to good teams. That's how the polls work. That's how they've always worked.

Kansas got out there and played a killer schedule. They went over a month without a home game. They lost at Colorado (who had Dinwiddie) at the buzzer, and at Florida in a game where they fell behind and came back. Florida and a full strength Colorado team may not have lost a home game all year. Kansas was right in there, and they got knocked down into the 20s. Look at Kansas now. They're certainly better than their ranking. But, their ranking is what it is because of their losses. A team that plays pastry carts and wins will move up the rankings ahead of a team that plays a killer schedule and loses on a half court shot at the buzzer.


While I generally agree to this theory, the addtional pub and exposure you get is important. Highlights on Fox and ESPN for example. Polls published nationally in USA Today and local rags. Etc etc.

If you're talking about the selection committee, I don't think it matters at all. Most of them aren't from major conferences, and most of them are as familiar with the Patriot League as they are the ACC. Keep in mind that they each have three conferences where they're supposed to watch all the games, and report on all the teams throughout the season. From the first day of the season, they're pretty much watching everything and gathering their own data. They couldn't care less about what the media thinks.

[beatuc]

This is simply how the polls work. Very few voters fill out a list of the actual best 25 teams. They simply bump up and down on a weekly basis using that week's results. Even then, don't expect a team like Creighton to get the bump they should for running Nova out of the gym. Perceptions are set early in the year and are hard to shake. We are unranked because of Atlantis pure and simple.

I understand that to a point. UC was in nobody's radar and somehow they haven't played squat except a mediocre Memphis and Pitt team since the shootout and have moved up to 15. That is after they got jacked by X on a neutral court. Xavier has one loss since the shootout with that loss coming at Creighton. It seems to me that the Big East in general is getting looked over. It may come into question if certain media types, or coaches and AD's are pissed about how the Catholic 7 broke off from the football schools in the Big East. It's not hard to see that there it a huge discrepancy this year in the rankings. Xavier got way more love with a lesser schedule in the A10.

[xubrew]

I understand that to a point. UC was in nobody's radar and somehow they haven't played squat except a mediocre Memphis and Pitt team since the shootout and have moved up to 15. That is after they got jacked by X on a neutral court. Xavier has one loss since the shootout with that loss coming at Creighton. It seems to me that the Big East in general is getting looked over. It may come into question if certain media types, or coaches and AD's are pissed about how the Catholic 7 broke off from the football schools in the Big East. It's not hard to see that there it a huge discrepancy this year in the rankings. Xavier got way more love with a lesser schedule in the A10.

I don't think it's a conspiracy because that would demonstrate that they are capable of conspiring, and I don't think they're capable of collectively doing anything.

I just don't think they watch the games. Coaches don't. They watch their own team and the teams on their schedule, and most of them make the DOBO's vote and they just sign the sheets.

The press just watches whoever it is they're covering. I don't think they devote a whole lot of time to it. If they're assigned to cover a game on Saturday, they have to fly or drive to it, be there early, and leave late. How many games are they really getting to see??

Think about it. The coaches poll consists of one coach from every conference. How many of them are really pissed that the Big East broke away from the football schools?? Most of them don't give a shit. They're just not watching the games. They never have. You can't expect them to, really. I don't know who the America East, Patriot League, MAAC, Horizon League, WAC and MAC voters are, but whoever it is I wouldn't expect them to devote any time at all to analyzing how good the teams in the Big East are.

[xubrew]

I used to get really pissed about the rankings. I understand how everyone feels. I just don't care nearly as much anymore. I still like the polls in the sense that I think they're interesting, but I put almost no stock in them.

I believe that it is the ultimate example of groupthink from a group of people who don't think. I mean, really. There were some voters that were voting UC really high, and others who weren't voting for them at all. The more UC won, the higher some voters would vote them until they appeared in the top 25. Once they were in the top 25, every one else who was voting thought "Gee, they must be good," and the vote for them.

I've just noticed that when teams first break into the poll, they tend to move up quickly if they win all their games that following week no matter who it's against (IE, UC this year). I think it's because the other voters notice them. Look how quickly UMass and SLU shot up. It's not just UC. Had Creighton not lost at Providence, they would probably be ranked in the teens right now.

So, I don't think it's a conspiracy. I just think that it's a bad system.

[beatuc]

Well here are the three voters who voted for Xavier in the AP poll:

http://www.pollspeak.com/component/option,com_psreport/Itemid,3/lang,en/p,56/r,T/s,26/t1,126/v,/w,12/

You can also vote for bad and good voter of the week. My bad voter was the dbag from Tampa that had UC at 10.

[Juice]

Creighton is number 2 in KenPom ratings and unranked. Clearly something is not right there.

Well they shot up the KenPom rankings after last night's win over Nova when the rankings were already out. I would assume some correction after this week as long as they don't lose again.

[GoMuskies]

Well they shot up the KenPom rankings after last night's win over Nova when the rankings were already out. I would assume some correction after this week as long as they don't lose again.

They get Georgetown at home. That would be a really embarrassing loss for them at this point. The Hoyas are REELING and should get blown the hell out the next three.

[Patrick Bateman]

And yet SucKS is not penalized for playing a pastry cart, then losing 2 in a row to quality teams...one of which boat raced them on a neutral court?

It's all about "The Memphis Effect". The voters love that charlatan program and their cutey curly haired boy "coach". Anyone who beats them must be gargantuan.

It is the same reason that TOSU loses 3 games in a row and is still ranked, same with Iowa State and Oregon. It all stems from the pre-season poll, just like football. Once you are on that poll it is hard to drop out of the rankings.

The Big East is generally gets little to no attention because they are not part of ESPN. Same reason Bilas left X off his bracket a few weeks ago.

X not getting votes for losing to Creighton and win over Georgetown because GT is simply not that good and doesn't have 2 starters and Creighton away is a game X is slated to lose anyway. Granted when Creighton plays and hits shots, they may be one of the toughest teams in the country to beat.

Cincy has played NC State, Nebraska, X, NM and Pitt all non-con. NCState and Nebraska had big wins last night. Also beat Pitt who was undefeated at time on neutral court. In conference they won at Houston (which beat UConn) and at SMU, who is a decent team.

[beatuc]

It is the same reason that TOSU loses 3 games in a row and is still ranked, same with Iowa State and Oregon. It all stems from the pre-season poll, just like football. Once you are on that poll it is hard to drop out of the rankings.

The Big East is generally gets little to no attention because they are not part of ESPN. Same reason Bilas left X off his bracket a few weeks ago.

X not getting votes for losing to Creighton and win over Georgetown because GT is simply not that good and doesn't have 2 starters and Creighton away is a game X is slated to lose anyway. Granted when Creighton plays and hits shots, they may be one of the toughest teams in the country to beat.

Cincy has played NC State, Nebraska, X, NM and Pitt all non-con. NCState and Nebraska had big wins last night. Also beat Pitt who was undefeated at time on neutral court. In conference they won at Houston (which beat UConn) and at SMU, who is a decent team.

And who has UC played still? Using your theory Xavier should be ranked right near UC if not ahead of them considering the absolute beatdown in the shootout. Xavier's overall SOS schedule kills UC's so I don't want to hear how UC got votes because they beat SMU, Pitt, NC State and Nebraska. It was because of Memphis who shouldn't be ranked anyways. The same Memphis team that came to the Cintas ranked last year and got beat by 8 scholarship players who were below average at best.

[GoMuskies]

That USC loss is still killing us. My God they're putrid.

We very well could have lost to Bowling Green and Evansville for a five game losing streak, too. The season was almost lost.

[Burrcats]

You guys are having a great season, but still obsessed with where UC is ranked...

If Creighton didn't get blown out by Providence (maybe even if they lost by just 3-5 points), they would be around 17 (or 24-25 with a loss) this week. With this win over Nova they would probably be close to 12-13.

[Xavier]

I don't really care about rankings right now. The higher UC is the better, they don't have a great schedule (low 90s, compared to 20s for X) but they have solid wins and no bad losses. Its a team with a good defense and no offense, can give teams fits but scream one-and-done in March. As for Xavier, lets face it- three losses in a row (one to USC..) followed by an OT win against BG and a 3 pt win over Evansville, I can understand why X sort of fell off the radar. After those five games, I'm just pumped X has put themselves in a position to win the Big East. Incredible.

[GoMuskies]

obsessed

Just think about this a little bit

[xavierj]

[QUOTE=Burrcats;424629]You guys are having a great season, but still obsessed with where UC is ranked...

SAYS THE GUY WHO SPENDS LARGE PARTS OF HIS DAY ON A XAVIER BASKETBALL SITE....

[dnnrobert]

[QUOTE=Burrcats;424629]You guys are having a great season, but still obsessed with where UC is ranked...

SAYS THE GUY WHO SPENDS LARGE PARTS OF HIS DAY ON A XAVIER BASKETBALL SITE....

Sorry guys, but it's true.

I am a Cincinnati fan who lurks here occasionally. I also lurk on the message boards of our conference rivals and occasionally upcoming out-of-conference opponents. Why? It's fun to see things from other another fanbase's perception, and I am pretty obsessed with college hoops.

You guys worry about what the Bearcats are doing way too much. I don't know why Xavier still has such a huge chip on its shoulder. You have had a lot of success the past 20 years and are respected nationally. The polls are pretty silly/subjective, and those 3 neutral court losses in a row probably knocked Xavier off the radar. Win that Iowa game, and it's probably a different story. But that kind of stuff happens, and regardless of that rough 5-game stretch, you guys are having a great season.

The truth is, outside of Cincinnati, Xavier hasn't beaten anybody that is likely to make the NCAA tournament. What does that mean? Nothing, really. Xavier has still beaten a lot of quality teams, but nothing eye-popping that gets the voters' attention. In fact, if you look objectively at the 4-loss teams that are ranked right now, all of them have multiple quality wins except maybe for Baylor. That's why they are ranked and Xavier is not. Not because of some perceived disrespect towards Xavier.

You guys have Crosstown bragging rights this year. Enjoy them, because the team earned them with a great game. And enjoy the team's success, because Chris Mack is proving he can bounce back from a bad season, which is great news for Xavier fans. I understand it must be frustrating to see Cincinnati get more media coverage locally, but I'm sure it's true of any city with a big state school and a smaller private school both fielding competitive basketball programs.

[ammtd34]

You guys worry about what the Bearcats are doing way too much.


I've never been to BearcatTalk until 5 minutes ago. A quick search for "Xavier" revealed 18 threads that have been updated within the last two weeks.

[Patrick Bateman]

And who has UC played still? Using your theory Xavier should be ranked right near UC if not ahead of them considering the absolute beatdown in the shootout. Xavier's overall SOS schedule kills UC's so I don't want to hear how UC got votes because they beat SMU, Pitt, NC State and Nebraska. It was because of Memphis who shouldn't be ranked anyways. The same Memphis team that came to the Cintas ranked last year and got beat by 8 scholarship players who were below average at best.

Cincy beat Memphis at Memphis, this year, X beat Memphis last year at home, totally different scenario. Cincy beat them in a building they are 118-20 in ten years, home court makes a huge difference. X does not have a good road win, their best win is a neutral court, although I think it is counted as a home court game, at USB. UC also beat Pitt, who is second in the ACC at a neutral site.

The only decent teams that Xavier has played on the road or neutral they have lost other than UC. Tennessee is pretty good and a fringe NCAA team, but again, win at home, lose at neutral site.

[ammtd34]

Bearcattalk is where the moron UC fans unite. I guess this is the same for Xavier fans? Is there a better board anywhere else?

Yes.

[bleedXblue]

Bearcattalk is where the moron UC fans unite. I guess this is the same for Xavier fans? Is there a better board anywhere else?

Hence the reason why your hanging out here. You would rather troll with Xavier fans that interact with your own idiot fans. Makes sense to me. I would be doing to same thing if I was a UC fan.

[blobfan]

Bearcattalk is where the moron UC fans unite. I guess this is the same for Xavier fans? Is there a better board anywhere else?

Yes and please go there.

[beatuc]

I give up. If beating an overrated Memphis team every year is what it takes to get ranked then so be it. The UC/Pitt game was maybe one of the worst college basketball games played in 30 years. Penn State/Illinois a few years back maybe takes the cake. If Bateman would look objectively, UC hasn't been impressive at all except for the Memphis game. Xavier has a better schedule, better win, and better team if you do the eyeball test. He or she should go back to the UC boards because they think their making objective statements, but come off as Mick Cronin's delusional dad. Is the AAC still the 9th ranked conference or did they move up to 8th?

[dnnrobert]

How am I trolling? I gave praise to the Xavier basketball program, said absolutely NOTHING derogatory or inflammatory, and stated my honest opinions. Yet, you guys reply with "idiot fans" and call me a troll. Very mature.

Would anyone like to have rational discussion without ad hominem attacks?

[dnnrobert]

I give up. If beating an overrated Memphis team every year is what it takes to get ranked then so be it. The UC/Pitt game was maybe one of the worst college basketball games played in 30 years. Penn State/Illinois a few years back maybe takes the cake. If Bateman would look objectively, UC hasn't been impressive at all except for the Memphis game. Xavier has a better schedule, better win, and better team if you do the eyeball test. He or she should go back to the UC boards because they think their making objective statements, but come off as Mick Cronin's delusional dad. Is the AAC still the 9th ranked conference or did they move up to 8th?

This doesn't even make any sense. If the tournament started today, the AAC would likely have 5 teams in. The Big East would at most have 4. The bottom half of the Big East is better than the bottom half of the AAC, but neither conference is significantly better than the other.

[dnnrobert]

Literally the only negative things I said is that Xavier worries too much about Cincinnati and has a chip on its shoulder. I would never sink so low as to call its fans idiots and I have the utmost respect for Xavier basketball. Do I like Xavier? No, obviously. We are rivals. But I can have an objective conversation about Xavier without name-calling.

[xubrew]

[QUOTE=xavierj;424640]

Sorry guys, but it's true.

I am a Cincinnati fan who lurks here occasionally. I also lurk on the message boards of our conference rivals and occasionally upcoming out-of-conference opponents. Why? It's fun to see things from other another fanbase's perception, and I am pretty obsessed with college hoops.

As someone who is obsessed with college hoops, do you think the human polls are accurate power rankings, or is it a grossly flawed system??

UC is the beneficiary of how the polls typically behave. As is Memphis. As was Utah State for years (talk about a team that never should have been within a mile of the polls). As is UMass. As is SLU (although I do think they are legit). As is Pitt. As is Gonzaga. I mean....really. On what planet does anyone think Gonzaga is a top 25 team?? Truth be told, if they don't go 16-2 in their league (and they already have one loss), I think they'll need to win the conference tournament just to make the NCAA Tournament, yet there they are in the top 25.

It does not surprise me that Xavier isn't ranked. I know how the polls work. It does not surprise me that Pitt IS ranked despite the fact that they have more wins against teams outside the top 250 than they have against teams in the top 250, and that they haven't beaten anyone who is likely to make the field. That's just how the polls work.

UC is a team that is benefiting from how the polls work. If you're a college hoops fan, you know that. UC is also a rival. UC is also the only team on that list that Xavier beat. So, yeah, it's understandable why people would use them as an example.

I think UC is good, and I think they should be in the rankings. I don't think UC is as good as some of the teams behind them, but I'm not going to say they don't belong in there. There are other, probably better examples of teams being ranked way higher than what they should be. But, UC has kind of moved up by default.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Recent bracketology has XU 3-2 against tourney teams. If I counted right it's the same for UC at 3-2. Play the numbers all you want but XU is at 15-4 and playing very well. UC is also playing well, beat the paper tiger, but still has to face UConn and UL twice each. Those are two pretty decent teams.

I guess UC has beaten just Memphis who is "likely" to play in the tournament. The rest they have lost.

[BandAid]

Bearcattalk is where the moron UC fans unite. I guess this is the same for Xavier fans? Is there a better board anywhere else?

I like my moronic message board just the way it is. Thank you.




I think I shall now call you a bigoted taint monger who likes to bob for apples in the toilet and licks children's scabs.

Oh, and here's a picture (http://data1.whicdn.com/images/8367860/No-Sense-2_large.jpg)

[BandAid]

I like my moronic message board just the way it is. Thank you.

I think I shall now call you a bigoted taint monger who likes to bob for apples in the toilet and licks children's scabs.

Oh, and here's a picture (http://data1.whicdn.com/images/8367860/No-Sense-2_large.jpg)

if you don't ask yourself "What the hell?" and laugh - then this isn't the board for you.

[xumuskies08]

How am I trolling? I gave praise to the Xavier basketball program, said absolutely NOTHING derogatory or inflammatory, and stated my honest opinions. Yet, you guys reply with "idiot fans" and call me a troll. Very mature.

Would anyone like to have rational discussion without ad hominem attacks?

Well, nobody called you a troll. Don't get your panties in a bunch.

[dnnrobert]

Polls are very subjective. I make absolutely nothing of Cincinnati being ranked higher than Xavier. It is what it is. If Xavier was 17-2, they would be ranked as well. But 17-2 looks better than 15-4, and Xavier hasn't beaten anyone of note lately. Cincinnati shot up the polls on the strength of the Memphis victory. If Xavier beats Villanova or Creighton, I am sure they will get a bump by the voters as well.

Xavier has played a tough schedule, but they have been unlucky in the fact that a lot of the teams they beat have underachieved. I guess what I'm saying, is that it's not hard to figure out why Cincinnati is ranked and Xavier is not, and it's not because Cincinnati is a better team. So I don't see any reason to be worried about it.

[dnnrobert]

Well, nobody called you a troll. Don't get your panties in a bunch.

BLEEDXBLUE: "Hence the reason why your hanging out here. You would rather troll with Xavier fans that interact with your own idiot fans. Makes sense to me. I would be doing to same thing if I was a UC fan."

[xumuskies08]

BLEEDXBLUE: "Hence the reason why your hanging out here. You would rather troll with Xavier fans that interact with your own idiot fans. Makes sense to me. I would be doing to same thing if I was a UC fan."

He was not quoting you. Context, my man.

[Kahns Krazy]

I really don't get how a fan of another team can post on a xavier board about how we are to obsessed with the other team. There are a couple posters here that have a higher than average frequency of UC references. They are an in town rival, and the Big East switch makes this year an even more interesting time to discuss the comparisons between an up and coming program and a program in a dying conference. It is a relevant conversation. Please don't act like UC boards don't have Xavier comments.

These discussions also die out much quicker when there aren't UC fans posting to fan the flames.

As far as the original subject, who gives a shit? Who was in the top 25 last year the week of 1/21? Who knows. Who cares. Do you get any credit for rankings in anything? At one time, rankings were important because it guaranteed that your highlights would be on ESPN, and it had some recruiting value. I question if that is even relevant anymore. Win in March, and the rest of the season doesn't matter. Use every game to get better, and play your best ball in March.

Also, it gives us a great chance to sneak up on people.

[dnnrobert]

He was not quoting you. Context, my man.

My bad... misread that one.

[dnnrobert]

I really don't get how a fan of another team can post on a xavier board about how we are to obsessed with the other team. There are a couple posters here that have a higher than average frequency of UC references. They are an in town rival, and the Big East switch makes this year an even more interesting time to discuss the comparisons between an up and coming program and a program in a dying conference. It is a relevant conversation. Please don't act like UC boards don't have Xavier comments.

These discussions also die out much quicker when there aren't UC fans posting to fan the flames.

As far as the original subject, who gives a shit? Who was in the top 25 last year the week of 1/21? Who knows. Who cares. Do you get any credit for rankings in anything? At one time, rankings were important because it guaranteed that your highlights would be on ESPN, and it had some recruiting value. I question if that is even relevant anymore. Win in March, and the rest of the season doesn't matter. Use every game to get better, and play your best ball in March.

Also, it gives us a great chance to sneak up on people.

Look, I can't deny that I'm probably biased. Yeah, we talk about Xavier a lot. And I would expect Xavier fans to talk about Cincinnati a lot. But the difference I notice is that Xavier fans compare their program to Cincinnati a lot more. Cincinnati fans don't do this nearly as much. My point is that Xavier is no longer the little brother, but a lot of fans still have a chip on their shoulder like they are. Maybe some folks just aren't used to it yet, or maybe that chip will help keep Xavier great and is a good thing. I don't know... I've just noticed a difference in language and attitude on this board towards Cincinnati compared to the language and attitude towards Xavier on Cincinnati boards.

[Kahns Krazy]

BLEEDXBLUE: "Hence the reason why your hanging out here. You would rather troll with Xavier fans that interact with your own idiot fans. Makes sense to me. I would be doing to same thing if I was a UC fan."

Seriously, if you are going to get all butthurt about being called a troll, it would help your case if you were actually the one being called a troll. The comment was in response to Burrcats (unless you are posting under two names). Nobody called you a troll. In my opinion, saying that you dislike Xavier on a Xavier message board is pretty trollish behavior though, so if someone called you that, I'm not sure they would be wrong.

[dnnrobert]

Seriously, if you are going to get all butthurt about being called a troll, it would help your case if you were actually the one being called a troll. The comment was in response to Burrcats (unless you are posting under two names). Nobody called you a troll.

My apologies. I misread and overreacted.

[Kahns Krazy]

Fair enough.

Since we are all playing nice, I didn't disagree with any of your explanation of why the rankings are what they are. Some posters are more worried about it than others.

[nuts4xu]

If you visit a rivals board, I would expect to see some threads on different teams. If I were to go to UDPride or a Butler board, or a UC board, I would be a little surprised if there weren't some mention of Xavier. I could be wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me. DNNRobert has a point, there is a chip on our shoulder and it will take a while for a lot of Xavier fans to get used to playing major college basketball.

We aren't the Xavier (OH) from the MCC anymore, we are a power program, in a power conference that is only in its infancy. Give us a few years to get our feet wet in this league, and I am confident we will become the flagship program of this piss ant group of chumps. The polls are a bunch of bullshit and I understand why we aren't yet ranked. I also know all we have to do to change that -- win.

Just fu**king WIN. Win games and the polls, recognition, respect, ESPN highlights, and everything our fans complain we don't have - will take care of itself. We continue to win, and people take note and remember what a bad ass mother trucker this team can be come March. Just fu**ing WIN!!!

[Burrcats]

If you visit a rivals board, I would expect to see some threads on different teams. If I were to go to UDPride or a Butler board, or a UC board, I would be a little surprised if there weren't some mention of Xavier. I could be wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me. DNNRobert has a point, there is a chip on our shoulder and it will take a while for a lot of Xavier fans to get used to playing major college basketball.

We aren't the Xavier (OH) from the MCC anymore, we are a power program, in a power conference that is only in its infancy. Give us a few years to get our feet wet in this league, and I am confident we will become the flagship program of this piss ant group of chumps. The polls are a bunch of bullshit and I understand why we aren't yet ranked. I also know all we have to do to change that -- win.

Just fu**king WIN. Win games and the polls, recognition, respect, ESPN highlights, and everything our fans complain we don't have - will take care of itself. We continue to win, and people take note and remember what a bad ass mother trucker this team can be come March. Just fu**ing WIN!!!

Well said. Never underestimate the power of winning!!! The number to the left of the team's name means nothing, it is all about that number next to the W's!!!

[Kahns Krazy]

I've just noticed a difference in language and attitude on this board towards Cincinnati compared to the language and attitude towards Xavier on Cincinnati boards.

I've noticed a difference in language and attitute in how your coach refers to our program compared to the language and attitude from our coach. Maybe it's related.

[xubrew]

I really don't get how a fan of another team can post on a xavier board about how we are to obsessed with the other team. There are a couple posters here that have a higher than average frequency of UC references. They are an in town rival, and the Big East switch makes this year an even more interesting time to discuss the comparisons between an up and coming program and a program in a dying conference. It is a relevant conversation. Please don't act like UC boards don't have Xavier comments.

These discussions also die out much quicker when there aren't UC fans posting to fan the flames.

As far as the original subject, who gives a shit? Who was in the top 25 last year the week of 1/21? Who knows. Who cares. Do you get any credit for rankings in anything? At one time, rankings were important because it guaranteed that your highlights would be on ESPN, and it had some recruiting value. I question if that is even relevant anymore. Win in March, and the rest of the season doesn't matter. Use every game to get better, and play your best ball in March.

Also, it gives us a great chance to sneak up on people.

This NEVER gets old!!

[Patrick Bateman]

I give up. If beating an overrated Memphis team every year is what it takes to get ranked then so be it. The UC/Pitt game was maybe one of the worst college basketball games played in 30 years. Penn State/Illinois a few years back maybe takes the cake. If Bateman would look objectively, UC hasn't been impressive at all except for the Memphis game. Xavier has a better schedule, better win, and better team if you do the eyeball test. He or she should go back to the UC boards because they think their making objective statements, but come off as Mick Cronin's delusional dad. Is the AAC still the 9th ranked conference or did they move up to 8th?

Memphis beat UL at the YUM center. UC V. Pitt, yes was low scoring, in the end it doesn't matter if UC won 101-100 or 45-44 in the selection committee's eyes, a win is a win on a neutral court.

Cincy is 2-0 vs top 25 teams both not at home.

X's best wins are neutral vs. UC and at home vs. Tenn.

To date, X's schedule may be better, both teams have chances to prove their worth from here on out.

Home court means a lot, look at TOSU, beat Nebraska at home by 31, loses on road by 8.

[Xavier]

To date, X's schedule may be better, both teams have chances to prove their worth .

To date? There is no chance UCs schedule will get better than Xs by year end.

[Patrick Bateman]

To date? There is no chance UCs schedule will get better than Xs by year end.

UC's schedule is backloaded. They will have their chances. Now next year, another story with no Louisville

[Kahns Krazy]

This NEVER gets old!!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHQWXemGMbA/Uh5VM7Ul-bI/AAAAAAAADV8/VXI2Z2nXUdI/s1600/sneaky.jpg

[dnnrobert]

To date? There is no chance UCs schedule will get better than Xs by year end.

Louisville twice, UConn twice, Memphis at home and SMU on the road. The meat of UC's conference schedule starts January 30. While I think we have a very good team this season, I won't be convinced we can make a deep tournament run until after February 8 at SMU, at which point we will have played Louisville, UConn, and SMU in a span of 10 days.

It's kind of hard to compare the schedules of Xavier and Cincy though. Xavier will have a ton more games against teams 51-100 in the RPI, but Cincinnati will have more games against 1-50. Both will have played tough enough schedules going into the post-season for us to make an educated assessment of how good they are, and that's what matters.

[Xavier]

UC's schedule is backloaded. They will have their chances. Now next year, another story with no Louisville

Regardless, it wont end up being a togher SOS than Xavier. Too many bad teams in the AAC for that to happen.

[BandAid]

We still have road games at Georgetown, Providence, and Villanova. Still get Villanova, Providence, and Creighton at home. Half of our remaining games are against teams still in the at-large conversation (although Georgetown is trying to fix that). It's not like we're waltzing to the finish line either.

[dnnrobert]

Regardless, it wont end up being a togher SOS than Xavier. Too many bad teams in the AAC for that to happen.

For sure. I'm really disappointed with the bottom half of the AAC... doesn't look much better next season with ECU, Tulsa, and Tulane replacing Louisville and Rutgers. There has been a lot of effort to upgrade the out-of-conference schedules in the future though.

Personally, I wish we could have invited ECU, Tulsa, and Tulane as football-only members and get some schools like St. Louis and VCU to join in other sports. I also would have preferred UMass over Tulsa or Tulane as a full member.

[dnnrobert]

They just had a debate on whether Creighton or Villanova would be more dangerous in the tournament on Pardon the Interruption and Wilbon actually went with Villanova. I disagree 100%. I would NOT want to play Creighton in the tournament.

[XUmuskies34]

For sure. I'm really disappointed with the bottom half of the AAC... doesn't look much better next season with ECU, Tulsa, and Tulane replacing Louisville and Rutgers. There has been a lot of effort to upgrade the out-of-conference schedules in the future though.

Personally, I wish we could have invited ECU, Tulsa, and Tulane as football-only members and get some schools like St. Louis and VCU to join in other sports. I also would have preferred UMass over Tulsa or Tulane as a full member.

Sounds like UC should just go and join the A10.

[vee4xu]

I didn't read all of the posts here, but we all realized that the Creighton vs. Villanova game, along with probably all the other played yesterday were played after the polls were released. Probably the reason why Creighton isn't ranked.

[XUFan09]

I didn't read all of the posts here, but we all realized that the Creighton vs. Villanova game, along with probably all the other played yesterday were played after the polls were released. Probably the reason why Creighton isn't ranked.

Creighton should have been ranked well before that game though. They were for a week, but then they lost to Providence and promptly dropped out. Their Kenpom ranking prior to the Villanova game was fluctuating between 6th and 14th and they couldn't even get ranked (also while playing a top 25 schedule and losing only three times).

[XUFan09]

Now, what will be interesting is how they are ranked next Monday, assuming they beat Georgetown this Saturday at home.

[Patrick Bateman]

We still have road games at Georgetown, Providence, and Villanova. Still get Villanova, Providence, and Creighton at home. Half of our remaining games are against teams still in the at-large conversation (although Georgetown is trying to fix that). It's not like we're waltzing to the finish line either.

I just see Providence, Villanova and Creighton as NCAA teams. GTown-Fringe at large team. Seton Hall, St.J and Marquette look like they are on the outside looking in at this point.

[vee4xu]

Creighton should have been ranked well before that game though. They were for a week, but then they lost to Providence and promptly dropped out. Their Kenpom ranking prior to the Villanova game was fluctuating between 6th and 14th and they couldn't even get ranked (also while playing a top 25 schedule and losing only three times).

Thanks for clarifying. I should have read the opening post more carefully. I thought since the thread started today that the uproar was about not being ranked after beating Villanova, in addition to the other issues. After having gone back and re-reading the post, I understand the issue. Should not have relied my Evelyn Wood skills on the post.

[GoMuskies]

ESPN has Creighton #16 in the power rankings today. Xavier has 4 points with a 23rd place vote from one guy and a #25 vote from Katz.

[XUPhilly04]

I just see Providence, Villanova and Creighton as NCAA teams. GTown-Fringe at large team. Seton Hall, St.J and Marquette look like they are on the outside looking in at this point.

I agree that in the end it will be Xavier, Providence, Nova, and Creighton. Gtown has a chance to get back in the discussion as they have Creighton, Nova, and Michigan State coming up. However, if they walk away from those games with 3 losses, then the ship has sunk for them. The rest are going a hell of a run in MSG. Unfortunately, I think the league is going to fall short of the 5 bids they were hoping for. Hopefully, 5 years from now, we will be viewing this as a down year for the league.

[Burrcats]

I agree that in the end it will be Xavier, Providence, Nova, and Creighton. Gtown has a chance to get back in the discussion as they have Creighton, Nova, and Michigan State coming up. However, if they walk away from those games with 3 losses, then the ship has sunk for them. The rest are going a hell of a run in MSG. Unfortunately, I think the league is going to fall short of the 5 bids they were hoping for. Hopefully, 5 years from now, we will be viewing this as a down year for the league.

Wow, nice to see Providence in the mix. They lost Vincent Council, Ricky Ledo (went to NBA w/out playing at Prov) and Kris Dunn. Ed Cooley is a wale of coach. Happy to see him doing well.

[beatuc]

Look, I can't deny that I'm probably biased. Yeah, we talk about Xavier a lot. And I would expect Xavier fans to talk about Cincinnati a lot. But the difference I notice is that Xavier fans compare their program to Cincinnati a lot more. Cincinnati fans don't do this nearly as much. My point is that Xavier is no longer the little brother, but a lot of fans still have a chip on their shoulder like they are. Maybe some folks just aren't used to it yet, or maybe that chip will help keep Xavier great and is a good thing. I don't know... I've just noticed a difference in language and attitude on this board towards Cincinnati compared to the language and attitude towards Xavier on Cincinnati boards.

I don't care about UC boards, but Xavier fans don't have a chip on their shoulder due to some label UC fans put on them. UC was an example from the beginning of this thread because Xavier beat them down on a neutral court, and somehow they are vaulting up the polls which in some people mind is ludacris. UC fans can say what they want, but if you're going to preach how there is a different attitude between X and UC fans then that's plain ignorant. Are you saying UC fans didn't get jealous or angered when Xavier's reputation vaulted from 2004 to present? If you don't believe that then you're living in a false reality. I'm glad you're civil in your posts, but don't spew nonsense and act holier than thou like your head basketball coach.

[XUPhilly04]

Wow, nice to see Providence in the mix. They lost Vincent Council, Ricky Ledo (went to NBA w/out playing at Prov) and Kris Dunn. Ed Cooley is a wale of coach. Happy to see him doing well.

Cooley has another good class coming next year as well, but he needs to start getting his teams into March. He has a 7'1 center coming next year named Paschal Chukwu (#56 on espn) that I am looking forward to seeing.

[XUFan09]

Cooley has another good class coming next year as well, but he needs to start getting his teams into March. He has a 7'1 center coming next year named Paschal Chukwu (#56 on espn) that I am looking forward to seeing.

Looks to be a good player, was one of Xavier's priority targets at center (along with Sean O'Mara and Chinuau Onuaku).

[xubrew]

Cooley has another good class coming next year as well, but he needs to start getting his teams into March. He has a 7'1 center coming next year named Paschal Chukwu (#56 on espn) that I am looking forward to seeing.

Cooley always has a good class coming in, and Welsh did before him. He needs to get his good class eligible and keep them on the floor. That's been the biggest issue for Providence. They lead the nation in good players that aren't able to play over the past decade.

[XUPhilly04]

I don't care about UC boards, but Xavier fans don't have a chip on their shoulder due to some label UC fans put on them. UC was an example from the beginning of this thread because Xavier beat them down on a neutral court, and somehow they are vaulting up the polls which in some people mind is ludacris. UC fans can say what they want, but if you're going to preach how there is a different attitude between X and UC fans then that's plain ignorant. Are you saying UC fans didn't get jealous or angered when Xavier's reputation vaulted from 2004 to present? If you don't believe that then you're living in a false reality. I'm glad you're civil in your posts, but don't spew nonsense and act holier than thou like your head basketball coach.

I respect both opinions of you and dnnrobert, but having your id be "beatuc" isnt helping your case, even if you joined XH 5 years ago.

[beatuc]

I respect both opinions of you and dnnrobert, but having your id be "beatuc" isnt helping your case, even if you joined XH 5 years ago.

What does my id have to do with anything? I'm sorry I didn't think of XUCINCY99.

[Kahns Krazy]

I don't care about UC boards, but Xavier fans don't have a chip on their shoulder due to some label UC fans put on them. UC was an example from the beginning of this thread because Xavier beat them down on a neutral court, and somehow they are vaulting up the polls which in some people mind is ludacris. UC fans can say what they want, but if you're going to preach how there is a different attitude between X and UC fans then that's plain ignorant. Are you saying UC fans didn't get jealous or angered when Xavier's reputation vaulted from 2004 to present? If you don't believe that then you're living in a false reality. I'm glad you're civil in your posts, but don't spew nonsense and act holier than thou like your head basketball coach.

?

http://ionetheurbandaily.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/ludacris.jpg

[beatuc]

Haha, exactly. Spell check somehow changed from ridiculous, but Ludacris would agree with me.

[XUPhilly04]

Cooley always has a good class coming in, and Welsh did before him. He needs to get his good class eligible and keep them on the floor. That's been the biggest issue for Providence. They lead the nation in good players that aren't able to play over the past decade.

Yea, but if Chukwu pans out, Coolet will have something that rest of the league doesnt seem to have, a solid traditional big man. Stainbrook is only guy I can think of right now as a traditional center, not counting Josh Smith since he isnt playing. The rest are really power forwards, including McDermott (still would take him over a traditional center).

[Burrcats]

Cooley always has a good class coming in, and Welsh did before him. He needs to get his good class eligible and keep them on the floor. That's been the biggest issue for Providence. They lead the nation in good players that aren't able to play over the past decade.

You forgot about the dude from Drake (edit: Keno Davis) they hired in between Welsh and Cooley. They were always a good offensive team but they were getting worn down with no depth in the 16 team Big East. Council and Cotton lead the conference in minutes almost every year. Cooley is only in his third year, he will have that program as an NCAA caliber squad year in and year out.

[Cheesehead]

I just want to go on the record to say I don't give a shit about UC or their sorry-ass YTG coach. I don't go UC message boards because well,....I don't give a shit about UC of their program. They are #(Ahem) 15. Well, good for them. Polls don't mean anything.

We will see whow about the long-term prognossis for the AAC. I will take our chances w/ the Big East.

[xufan2434]

Regardless of how each fans are talking about each other, I think its mutually agreed that the city is more fun when college basketball is back to being the center focus at this point in the year.

Unfortunately it feels like it's not. I don't understand why there's still more focus on the Reds (who aren't doing anything) and the Bengals (who just piss everyone off) than two very good teams in this city. I know UC's facility sucks and there's not much they can do about it right now, but there should be more people in those seats for the #15 team in the land (regardless if they're deserving of it or not). The X fans have been great at home, especially during the Big East games. I would just like the city to change it's focus back to when it was the early 2000's.

[UCGRAD4X]

I just want to go on the record to say I don't give a shit about UC or their sorry-ass YTG coach. I don't go UC message boards because well,....I don't give a shit about UC of their program. They are #(Ahem) 15. Well, good for them. Polls don't mean anything.

We will see whow about the long-term prognossis for the AAC. I will take our chances w/ the Big East.

Unfortunately polls do mean something. Maybe not to you, but it means more exposure for the school and bragging rights, if nothing else.

Other than that…your points are well taken.

[sirthought]

I just want to go on the record to say I don't give a shit about UC or their sorry-ass YTG coach. I don't go UC message boards because well,....I don't give a shit about UC of their program. They are #(Ahem) 15. Well, good for them. Polls don't mean anything.

We will see whow about the long-term prognossis for the AAC. I will take our chances w/ the Big East.

What is YTG? I have no clue and can't find anything on Google.

I can't criticize UC. Whatever they're doing is working for them on the exposure front. Like you say, good for them. XU beat them when they had to. That's all they can control. Talk positive about your team and maybe others will take notice and XU gets the recognition they deserve.

The Big East does seem to be getting overlooked this season. Maybe it's karma for all the years they dominated the conversation far too much.

[nuts4xu]

What is YTG? I have no clue and can't find anything on Google.

Y= Yellow
T= Tooth
G= Gnome

http://wegraphics.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/troll-img-8.jpg

[fellahmuskie]

Only positive I take from this thread is that there hasn't been this much smack talk between UC and X fans on this board in January in a long time. To be honest, I'm really happy about UC in the AAC and X in the Big East because I think it's helping to get this rivalry back on track.

Now if we could just get back to playing on campus. Thanks, YTG, for trying to ruin one of America's great college basketball games.

[PM Thor]

Xavier fans aren't complaining about UC being in the top 25. We are complaining about OSU, UC, Kansas State..etc being overbloated. Ohio State lost 4 straight and stayed in the top 25? I mean seriously, look at KState, they have a Kenpom #38, an RPI of #33, and SOS of #28...yet they are #22 in the AP, and #26 in the coaches poll. That basically means AT LEAST 5 teams should be ranked ahead of them. At least. I swear coaches don't put in any time into the poll at all.

UC fans should be happy, they have learned how to beat the system. Eat a bunch of cupcakes, work the system, and get ranked. The rankings are a joke. Meanwhile, people who actually follow college basketball see that horrible SOS...

[Cheesehead]

Xavier fans aren't complaining about UC being in the top 25. We are complaining about OSU, UC, Kansas State..etc being overbloated. Ohio State lost 4 straight and stayed in the top 25? I mean seriously, look at KState, they have a Kenpom #38, an RPI of #33, and SOS of #28...yet they are #22 in the AP, and #26 in the coaches poll. That basically means AT LEAST 5 teams should be ranked ahead of them. At least. I swear coaches don't put in any time into the poll at all.

UC fans should be happy, they have learned how to beat the system. Eat a bunch of cupcakes, work the system, and get ranked. The rankings are a joke. Meanwhile, people who actually follow college basketball see that horrible SOS...



Yep. This is really my point and I still don't give a shit about UC.

Also, YTG has been a long established acronym for the Mickster.

[UCGRAD4X]

I'm glad UC is ranked - it makes Xavier's win look better - otherwise I would just as soon they crap out. So, as long as we are playing them, we need them to succeed. They (TYG specifically) just need to quit whining and keep winning.

In the end, the committee will see that game as a positive for the Muskies…provided the kittens don't tank down the stretch.

[xu82]

I'm glad UC is ranked - it makes Xavier's win look better - otherwise I would just as soon they crap out. So, as long as we are playing them, we need them to succeed. They (TYG specifically) just need to quit whining and keep winning.

In the end, the committee will see that game as a positive for the Muskies…provided the kittens don't tank down the stretch.

Exactly! Regardless of who I like or don't like, Xavier is my priority so I'll root for UC, or even Dayton for that matter, if it helps X in any way. I try not to get sucked in by their idiot trolls and just focus on our program.

[Burrcats]

LOL! Give it a rest guys!! Move on from December!!

Andy Glockner ‏@AndyGlockner 23m
But man are my Xavier tweeps getting salty at these tweets. Yes, we know you handled them. You also lost to Providence and USC, so chill.

Referencing this:
Andy Glockner ‏@AndyGlockner 29m
Blah blah weak nonconf schedule blah blah blah THEY'RE 19-2 WITH SEAN KILPATRICK AND A BUNCH OF GUYS. Seriously, this is nuts.

Andy Glockner ‏@AndyGlockner 33m
The Bearcats seem to be the totally ignored crazy-good story of the season right now.

[OH.X.MI]

lol! Give it a rest guys!! Move on from december!!



lol!
64-47
lol!
Lol!
Lol!

you guys.

[OTRMUSKIE]

UC fans should be happy, they have learned how to beat the system. Eat a bunch of cupcakes, work the system, and get ranked. The rankings are a joke. Meanwhile, people who actually follow college basketball see that horrible SOS...



Man we sound bitter! What do you want them to do to UC? They have won 12 straight, beat a ranked Memphis team at Memphis and just keep winning, even on the road. UC might not be 15th but they are doing everything they are supposed to do. I bet we wouldn't be saying the rankings are a joke if Xavier was ranked. We are starting to sound like UC fans all those years when X was in the A-10.

[LA Muskie]

Man we sound bitter! What do you want them to do to UC? They have won 12 straight, beat a ranked Memphis team at Memphis and just keep winning, even on the road. UC might not be 15th but they are doing everything they are supposed to do. I bet we wouldn't be saying the rankings are a joke if Xavier was ranked. We are starting to sound like UC fans all those years when X was in the A-10.
The Xavier fan rules:

1. We have been slighted. Always. ALWAYS.
2. Everyone -- EVERYONE -- else is over-rated.

Two rules. That's it.

[bleedXblue]

The Xavier fan rules:

1. We have been slighted. Always. ALWAYS.
2. Everyone -- EVERYONE -- else is over-rated.

Two rules. That's it.

Actually, I think the premise of the thread was more around the BiG East rankings and not Xavier. More so, were Creighton was ranked considering their record and RPI.

Memphis and UC being over rated, yes I still believe that they are. They (UC) have a nice record.......but that record is shamlessly padded by at least 5 wins over 250+ RPI teams. I think they have two nice wins......Pitt and Memphis. Thats it.

It is what it is though. X missed a chance to probably get ranked with a W over Providence.

Now they have to rattle off probably 3 wins in a row to get in that position again. With the shaky D they are playing, I dont see it happening.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

Now they have to rattle off probably 3 wins in a row to get in that position again. With the shaky D they are playing, I dont see it happening.

Yeah, with an AT Villanova in the middle of these next 3, shaky D or not, that isn't happening. However, If they can win 3 of their next 4 they'll be 8-3 in a good spot with a road tilt at Marquette looming.

[casualfan]

Actually, I think the premise of the thread was more around the BiG East rankings and not Xavier. More so, were Creighton was ranked considering their record and RPI.

Memphis and UC being over rated, yes I still believe that they are. They (UC) have a nice record.......but that record is shamlessly padded by at least 5 wins over 250+ RPI teams. I think they have two nice wins......Pitt and Memphis. Thats it.

It is what it is though. X missed a chance to probably get ranked with a W over Providence.

Now they have to rattle off probably 3 wins in a row to get in that position again. With the shaky D they are playing, I dont see it happening.

UC's number is actually four. We has one (Gardner Webb).

[GoMuskies]

Yeah, with an AT Villanova in the middle of these next 3, shaky D or not, that isn't happening. However, If they can win 3 of their next 4 they'll be 8-3 in a good spot with a road tilt at Marquette looming.

I wouldn't toss that Nova game into the loss category just yet. There's no reason X can't win in Philly.

[Burrcats]

UC's number is actually four. We has one (Gardner Webb).

Yep, you guys played in the Battle 4 Atlantis which was 3 games. Cincinnati needs to play in those types of tournaments to eliminate these bad RPI games.

[xubrew]

LOL! Give it a rest guys!! Move on from December!!

Andy Glockner ‏@AndyGlockner 23m
But man are my Xavier tweeps getting salty at these tweets. Yes, we know you handled them. You also lost to Providence and USC, so chill.

Referencing this:
Andy Glockner ‏@AndyGlockner 29m
Blah blah weak nonconf schedule blah blah blah THEY'RE 19-2 WITH SEAN KILPATRICK AND A BUNCH OF GUYS. Seriously, this is nuts.

Andy Glockner ‏@AndyGlockner 33m
The Bearcats seem to be the totally ignored crazy-good story of the season right now.

I actually strongly agree with that last tweet, and can't really disagree with the others. I started an entire thread about how UC had no fans. They are good, and they are ignored. It does look like some people are finally starting to show up, though.

I'm not saying they're flawless. They did go to sleep against Temple and almost blow that game, but they are a lot better than what most give them credit for, including their own fans (or lack thereof).

[xubrew]

This is how the selection committee would evaluate UC.

-They have two losses, both away from home, and both to teams that appear to be in the field.
-They have two wins (Pitt and Memphis) away from home against teams that are likely to make the field.
-They have avoided bad losses.

That's a pretty good body of work.

Our profile isn't as good as that. We did beat them handily on a neutral floor, but we also have multiple losses to teams that aren't solidly in the field (or in the case of USC, anywhere close to it), and we don't have any solid wins away from home.

The selection committee would value UC more than Xavier. I don't like the rankings....at all....but I also can't disagree with anyone who ranks UC ahead of Xavier.

[casualfan]

I actually strongly agree with that last tweet, and can't really disagree with the others. I started an entire thread about how UC had no fans. They are good, and they are ignored. It does look like some people are finally starting to show up, though.

I'm not saying they're flawless. They did go to sleep against Temple and almost blow that game, but they are a lot better than what most give them credit for, including their own fans (or lack thereof).

Since I'm a degenerate XU fan I watch just about every UC game.

You are correct that they almost blew the Temple game, but there were a few factors working against them. Number one, they lost the most important player on their team minutes into the game. Since they are also missing his backup right now it totally threw off their defensive game plan and they were forced to play a ton of zone which they never do.

Secondly, Dalton Pepper caught fire in the second half. He shot 7-8 from 3 in the second half and most if not all of them were contested threes a few feet behind the line.

As for the attendance they are averaging over 10k-plus in conference play. I know it's fun to knock their attendance, but it really hasn't been an issue outside of their early schedule which as mentioned above included some real lemons.

[xsteve1]

I wouldn't toss that Nova game into the loss category just yet. There's no reason X can't win in Philly.

Agree, but X has proven they are a very mediocre road team.

[xu2002]

Villanova drops from 5 to 9 in coaches poll while Creighton moves from 24 to 20. Neither Xavier or Providence is receiving any votes.

I would have expected a bigger jump for Creighton, but without other teams losing I guess you can't expect much. They should have been way higher than 24 prior to this week though.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/ncaab/polls/

[paulxu]

They have avoided bad losses.

That's a pretty good body of work.

I don't know where anyone should be ranked.
I do know it's a lot easier to "avoid bad losses" and create a "pretty good (??)" body of work if 2/3rds of your games (14 of 21) are against teams with RPI's over 100; 6 of them over 200.

Maybe X should try that to get ranked. We've only played 2 teams with RPI's over 200.

[LA Muskie]

I don't know where anyone should be ranked.
I do know it's a lot easier to "avoid bad losses" and create a "pretty good (??)" body of work if 2/3rds of your games (14 of 21) are against teams with RPI's over 100; 6 of them over 200.

Maybe X should try that to get ranked. We've only played 2 teams with RPI's over 200.
The committee cares more about the computer metrics than rankings. So yes it might get us ranked, but I'm not sure it would get you much else. It also leaves a team with very -- VERY -- little margin for error.

I'm fine with how we do things. And I honestly don't give a crap if UC is good or (God forbid) "ranked" higher. That's probably because I don't live in or near Cincinnati and don't give a crap about UC period.

[dnnrobert]

I don't know where anyone should be ranked.
I do know it's a lot easier to "avoid bad losses" and create a "pretty good (??)" body of work if 2/3rds of your games (14 of 21) are against teams with RPI's over 100; 6 of them over 200.

Maybe X should try that to get ranked. We've only played 2 teams with RPI's over 200.

5 problems with this year's schedule for Cincinnati:

1 - Preseason tournaments. Cincinnati would jump at the opportunity to play a tournament like Atlantis, but they never got invited while playing in the old Big East because of the depth of the conference. These tournaments can only accept one team from each conference, and Cincinnati simply was not one of the most attractive choices in the conference. This situation should improve in the future since Cincinnati should now be more attractive than every team in the AAC save for UConn and Memphis.

2 - This year's schedule was mostly set before the Big East split up. Does it excuse Cincinnati from scheduling cupcakes? Not necessarily, but when you're playing in arguably the toughest conference in the country, you can't scheduled a murderer's row in the non conference as well.

3 - The bottom half of the AAC sucks. Plain and simple. The 5 teams at the bottom of the conference are awful and are messing up the upper tier teams' SOS.

4 - I don't think this one gets a lot of consideration -- the athletic department simply doesn't have the kind of money to bring in good buy games. Cincinnati can't offer the kind of money that some other programs in the area can, so they have to take the scraps from the MEAC and Atlantic Sun.

5 - We were supposed to play San Diego State this season, but they backed out because of the conference realignment debacle.

I agree with you guys that Cincinnati's schedule stinks. The things I have listed may be perceived as excuses, and I get that. With the change in conference affiliation, Mick and the brass at UC know they need to beef up the non-conference schedule. We've got a home-and-home coming up with Michigan, and hopefully we will have the make-up date with SDSU soon. Also playing at NC State and Nebraska next season, and got a preseason tournament in which we will play either Creighton or Ole Miss. Something with Indiana was in the works, and I expect more games with Pitt, as well as an agreement with Louisville (not until after next year though).

I give a lot of credit to Xavier for playing a strong out-of-conference schedule and can only hope that the bottom half of the AAC catches up to the bottom of the Big East.

[dnnrobert]

I also agree that Creighton is underrated/ranked. I think it's because their wins in the non conference didn't wow at the time, although some of them look a lot better now.

[Burrcats]

Since I'm a degenerate XU fan I watch just about every UC game.

You are correct that they almost blew the Temple game, but there were a few factors working against them. Number one, they lost the most important player on their team minutes into the game. Since they are also missing his backup right now it totally threw off their defensive game plan and they were forced to play a ton of zone which they never do.

Secondly, Dalton Pepper caught fire in the second half. He shot 7-8 from 3 in the second half and most if not all of them were contested threes a few feet behind the line.

As for the attendance they are averaging over 10k-plus in conference play. I know it's fun to knock their attendance, but it really hasn't been an issue outside of their early schedule which as mentioned above included some real lemons.

Cincinnati still has 3 really good home games to come against Louisville, Memphis and Connecticut. The best home opponent thus far has been NC State at 5pm on a weekday. For UC getting 10.8k for a 8 win Rutgers team along with 9.8k for a bad Temple team and 10.2k for a horrible UCF team is pretty solid especially since the latter two were at 9pm on weekdays. Baby steps...

[xubrew]

I don't know where anyone should be ranked.
I do know it's a lot easier to "avoid bad losses" and create a "pretty good (??)" body of work if 2/3rds of your games (14 of 21) are against teams with RPI's over 100; 6 of them over 200.

Maybe X should try that to get ranked. We've only played 2 teams with RPI's over 200.

The easiest way to avoid bad losses is to not schedule bad teams. There really is nothing to gain from doing that. If you play twenty games against weak teams and win them all, then you're essentially 0-0 in games that matter. A team like Stephen F Austin isn't going anywhere. They may win 27 games this year, but one of them better be that last one in the Southland Tournament or they're not going to the NCAAs.

But, UC did beat all of the weak teams they've played. Xavier didn't. So, they look better (or not as bad) in that regard.

They also have more wins of value than Xavier, especially when it comes to wins away from home.

I think UC's profile is good despite their schedule, not because of it. Had they not played so many shitty teams, they'd probably have an even better profile.

As far as the top 25 goes, I could care less, but I couldn't care whole lot less.

[X-band '01]

5 problems with this year's schedule for Cincinnati:

1 - Preseason tournaments. Cincinnati would jump at the opportunity to play a tournament like Atlantis, but they never got invited while playing in the old Big East because of the depth of the conference. These tournaments can only accept one team from each conference, and Cincinnati simply was not one of the most attractive choices in the conference. This situation should improve in the future since Cincinnati should now be more attractive than every team in the AAC save for UConn and Memphis.


True, but it may take a little more time for some of the dust to settle since some of these exempt tournaments are booked years in advance. Technically, UC DID play in an exempt tournament this year with NC State, NC Central and 2 other schools that are escaping me at the moment.

[Burrcats]

True, but it may take a little more time for some of the dust to settle since some of these exempt tournaments are booked years in advance. Technically, UC DID play in an exempt tournament this year with NC State, NC Central and 2 other schools that are escaping me at the moment.

It was Appy State and Kenesaw (sp) State. Cincinnati has already re-uped with NC Central for next year in a tournament in Florida where they will be play Middle Tennessee State and Creighton/Mississippi. Not the greatest tournament but better than nothing...

[xubrew]

It was Appy State and Kenesaw (sp) State. Cincinnati has already re-uped with NC Central for next year in a tournament in Florida where they will be play Middle Tennessee State and Creighton/Mississippi. Not the greatest tournament but better than nothing...

Not the best, but not the worst either. Middle Tennessee should be decent if they retain everyone. I think NCCU will have most of their team back as well. Creighton....well....I think they're LOSING more than any team in the nation.

[dnnrobert]

Not the best, but not the worst either. Middle Tennessee should be decent if they retain everyone. I think NCCU will have most of their team back as well. Creighton....well....I think they're LOSING more than any team in the nation.

Yeah, Creighton might be in bad shape next year... wasn't thinking about that.

I think the Big East will belong to Xavier and Villanova next season, with Georgetown returning to form. I like St. John's as a dark horse.

[Milhouse]

St. Johns will likely always be a dark horse with Lavin at the helm....

[casualfan]

I'm starting to wonder if Lavin gets the ax after this year.

I mean that roster is loaded and they are AWFUL. He's made one tourney appearance since he has been there and that was with a team that had something ridiculous like 9 seniors (none of whom he recruited).

[Patrick Bateman]

St. Johns will likely always be a dark horse with Lavin at the helm....

???????????

The best he has finished has been 5th in the past 4 years. 17-16 Last year. 13-19 in 2011.

[Patrick Bateman]

Yeah, Creighton might be in bad shape next year... wasn't thinking about that.

I think the Big East will belong to Xavier and Villanova next season, with Georgetown returning to form. I like St. John's as a dark horse.

If Creighton does well. Good chance McDermott leaves. I could see him moving on to another school and a raise after a run this year. Why would he stick around?

[XUFan09]

???????????

The best he has finished has been 5th in the past 4 years. 17-16 Last year. 13-19 in 2011.

I think it was a little tongue in cheek. Lavin has brought in the talent to be named a "dark horse," but the collected talent never leads to a good team because he isn't a good coach.

[GoMuskies]

If Creighton does well. Good chance McDermott leaves. I could see him moving on to another school and a raise after a run this year. Why would he stick around?

You really think McDermott is going to get a better offer after this season? The failed former Iowa State head coach whose son just happens to be national player of the year and is out of eligibility?

[waggy]

I would think Creighton is a pretty good job.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Some teams just love failed former coaches. Take St. John's for example. Or take a look at who coaches NC State. Wait a second, maybe if McDermott quits Creighton and works as an ESPN color analyst for a couple of years he'll get a huge pay raise from some mid-level BCS school!! Genius!!

[Patrick Bateman]

You really think McDermott is going to get a better offer after this season? The failed former Iowa State head coach whose son just happens to be national player of the year and is out of eligibility?

I am sure that if he wins a couple tourney games and has a deep run he will get many looks. It would be a good time for him to cut ties with Creighton after this season if he decides to.

[casualfan]

I am sure that if he wins a couple tourney games and has a deep run he will get many looks. It would be a good time for him to cut ties with Creighton after this season if he decides to.

Would be a bad look for the league if two of three schools they got to join lost their head coach within two years of joining.

[GoMuskies]

Would be a bad look for the league if two of three schools they got to join lost their head coach within two years of joining.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Losing Stevens was bad. Losing McDermott would not really be a bad thing unless he has another teenage son.

[casualfan]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Losing Stevens was bad. Losing McDermott would not really be a bad thing unless he has another teenage son.

I said bad look, as in it would look bad for the league. I wasn't implying that they'd be losing a great coach. More that it isn't really ideal to have two of the new schools you brought in to help beef up the league lose their coach.It's a perception thing.

[danaandvictory]

I said bad look, as in it would look bad for the league. I wasn't implying that they'd be losing a great coach. More that it isn't really ideal to have two of the new schools you brought in to help beef up the league lose their coach.It's a perception thing.

Literally no one would even notice.

[GoMuskies]

Literally no one would even notice.

That was my thought.

[Burrcats]

Providence has a rising star in coach Cooley and Seton Hall has an excellent recruiting class coming in. Teams will just change pecking order in the Big East.

[casualfan]

That was my thought.

A lot would depend on where he was moving on to. If it was a job good enough to get him to leave Creighton I'm willing to bet a lot of people would notice.

[GoMuskies]

A lot would depend on where he was moving on to. If it was a job good enough to get him to leave Creighton I'm willing to bet a lot of people would notice.

That's true. A lot of people probably would point and laugh at his new school.

[DoubleD86]

A lot would depend on where he was moving on to. If it was a job good enough to get him to leave Creighton I'm willing to bet a lot of people would notice.

But if that is the case, it wouldn't look bad for the conference at all. No matter what conference you are in, there are always better jobs out there (save like 5 schools). If it is a good job that makes people take notice, it is probably a good enough job to not "look bad" for the conference. It doesn't look bad for other Major Conferences when teams lose their coaches to bigger or better programs.

[xubrew]

If this holds up, UC will have completely won me over. I thought they were good, but I also felt they were overrated. If they win this, I will no longer feel that way. I'm impressed.

[xubrew]

....and almost on cue, UC goes into COMPLETE meltdown mode.

[BandAid]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Losing Stevens was bad. Losing McDermott would not really be a bad thing unless he has another teenage son.

McDermott has been at a big school before. He did very well at N Iowa, jumped to Iowa St, and then got out of dodge just before they canned him. He's decent, but not the cream of the coaching crop.

[BandAid]

....and almost on cue, UC goes into COMPLETE meltdown mode.

Pretty entertaining game.

Off topic: I must've misheard the announcer at one point, because I swear she said Cincinnati doesn't have a player under the age of 21?! That can't be right...

[GoMuskies]

UC has completely lost their composure.

[bleedXblue]

Pretty entertaining game.

Off topic: I must've misheard the announcer at one point, because I swear she said Cincinnati doesn't have a player under the age of 21?! That can't be right...

Not in their starting lineup is what I think I heard

[bleedXblue]

And Louisville cant foul the freshman.....wow

[GoMuskies]

Cronin actually employed an intelligent strategy. Shocking.

[BandAid]

Not in their starting lineup is what I think I heard

That makes a lot more sense

[GoMuskies]

At the end of the day, that result is good for us.

[xubrew]

"That's why we're undefeated." Mick Cronin.

Huh??

I mean.....

I want to acknowledge what a good job he's done this year, and how good the team is, but.....

They don't make many like UC. They are a legit top fifteen team, but they have no fans, and their coach does not live on Planet Earth.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Defense wins a lot of games and UC has an elite defense. Xavier's neutral court beat-down of them could go down as one of the better wins in college bball this season.

[danaandvictory]

Cronin is literally the least likeable human being on earth.

UC has a tremendous team.

[GoMuskies]

UC's defense was terrible most of the second half.

[bleedXblue]

The UC fans will start to show up in droves. You watch...its classic Cincinnati. Jump on the bandwagon.

I like their team, although I still dont think they have enough scorers to go deep in the tourney.

Cant stand the coach. Never liked him and I never will. D-Bag .

[The_Mack_Pack]

UC's defense was terrible most of the second half.

It was terrible for about 15 minutes in the second half mostly due to turnovers. Not having a solid PG will haunt them in the tournament.

[Burrcats]

"That's why we're undefeated." Mick Cronin.

Huh??

I mean.....

I want to acknowledge what a good job he's done this year, and how good the team is, but.....

They don't make many like UC. They are a legit top fifteen team, but they have no fans, and their coach does not live on Planet Earth.

Cincinnati is undefeated in league play. At this point in the year, the league record is what is important. Are Xavier fans really that nit picky?

This is one of my favorite UC teams ever simply because they aren't as talented as the Kenyon Martin squad that had 3 or 4 first round picks. Just a bunch of gritty guys that gut out tough wins.

[xubrew]

Cincinnati is undefeated in league play. At this point in the year, the league record is what is important. Are Xavier fans really that nit picky?

This is one of my favorite UC teams ever simply because they aren't as talented as the Kenyon Martin squad that had 3 or 4 first round picks. Just a bunch of gritty guys that gut out tough wins.

Yeah, I do find it kind of strange when a coach says they're undefeated when they're not. In fact, I'm having a hard time recalling ever hearing someone say that before. I have not heard John Beilein proclaim Michigan to be undefeated, or Bill Self saying Kansas is undefeated. Since, yunno, they're not.

[GoMuskies]

Mick also used the word "funnest", which, you know, isn't a word.

[Burrcats]

I am done here. Xavier fans are in full retard mode.

[casualfan]

"That's why we're undefeated." Mick Cronin.

Huh??

I mean.....

I want to acknowledge what a good job he's done this year, and how good the team is, but.....

They don't make many like UC. They are a legit top fifteen team, but they have no fans, and their coach does not live on Planet Earth.

He was talking about in conference since they were talking about the conference standing implications. It sounded weird to me too, then it clicked.

EDIT: Should kept reading before responding haha.

[sirthought]

I thought it was pretty obvious the context was in regards to league play in this instance. Keep snarking away on him, though. It's worth it.

That Louisville press was brutal. UC guys need to learn to relax and position themselves for the pass.
The rematch in Clifton is already sold out. I'm expecting a loud event.

[xu82]

Mick also used the word "funnest", which, you know, isn't a word.

Maybe not in the English you learned at Xavier, but this may have been in the more generic speak of "American" taught at UC. Honestly, I'm happy for their good win because it reflects well on us. And his "funnest" comment may help their recruiting as his targets probably relate....

[xu82]

I am done here. Xavier fans are in full retard mode.

Sadly, I don't believe you are done here....

[BMoreX]

Keep winning, UC, I don't care at all.

Just makes the Beatdown in December better on the resume.

[GoMuskies]

Please refrain from quoting that idiot. TIA!

[xu82]

Please refrain from quoting that idiot. TIA!

Agreed, my bad. I am usually wishing people would just let it go, but this was brief and it amused me (I am easily amused). I was surprised to see he/she/it back. But I really am very happy for their win and I hope they keep rolling. We need signature wins and this was a beat down.

[Patrick Bateman]

UC's defense was terrible most of the second half.

Louisville scored 2 points against UC in last 5 minutes. Those 2 points were foul shots when UC decided to foul up 3 less than a minute left.

[Patrick Bateman]

Defense wins a lot of games and UC has an elite defense. Xavier's neutral court beat-down of them could go down as one of the better wins in college bball this season.

Even though it is neutral, X was the home team.

Xavier 64

(8-3, 7-0 home)


http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400496912

[xubrew]

He's leaving because he thinks we're in "retard mode" for finding it strange that Cronin said they were undefeated. Well, that's good news for most people, I guess.

I don't care that he said it. I just think it's strange that he did. I've never heard a coach say that when his or her team wasn't actually undefeated. Even if he was talking about league play, it still sounded bizarre.

[sirthought]

Louisville scored 2 points against UC in last 5 minutes. Those 2 points were foul shots when UC decided to foul up 3 less than a minute left.

Yep, and that was a pretty smart call IMO, considering how tired his team was and he didn't want the Cards to score a field goal. They struggled against the press, but the defense was not that bad. Especially considering Louisville only went to the line 12 times and shot worse than UC in every category.

[Patrick Bateman]

Yep, and that was a pretty smart call IMO, considering how tired his team was and he didn't want the Cards to score a field goal. They struggled against the press, but the defense was not that bad. Especially considering Louisville only went to the line 12 times and shot worse than UC in every category.

Eamonn Brennan ‏@eamonnbrennan 35m
Per @ESPNStatsInfo, Louisville scored 26 points off 20 Cincinnati turnovers. But it scored just six points in transition. Cincy D = GOOD

[Nigel Tufnel]

Great win for UC. Ranked teams, hostile environment....good stuff. UC is a tough team....I don't have any issues with the players...but man, Cronin is just so unlikeable. The "undefeated" comment didn't bother me because I knew he was talking about conference play. The first answer though....geez. Goodman asked him something along the lines of "how big of a win is this for your program?" Instead of saying it was a hard fought road conference win against a great team and coach....Cronin goes defensive mode...."We have a history. We've won championships and have gone to final fours." Seriously? Give credit to your opponent, praise your kids and state that any road victories against a great ranked team with a coach like Pitino is a huge win.

Just can't comprehend after such a huge win, one would want to act so defensively. I don't get it.

[GoMuskies]

Mick sucks at life, yes.

[XUFan09]

Even though it is neutral, X was the home team.

Xavier 64

(8-3, 7-0 home)


http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400496912

ESPN isn't a very good source for that sort of thing. The Selection Committee will consider it a neutral game.

[GoMuskies]

ESPN was a fine source. That was our only win away from home at the time. That win made us 7-0 at home and 1-3 away from home.

[dnnrobert]

Great win for UC. Ranked teams, hostile environment....good stuff. UC is a tough team....I don't have any issues with the players...but man, Cronin is just so unlikeable. The "undefeated" comment didn't bother me because I knew he was talking about conference play. The first answer though....geez. Goodman asked him something along the lines of "how big of a win is this for your program?" Instead of saying it was a hard fought road conference win against a great team and coach....Cronin goes defensive mode...."We have a history. We've won championships and have gone to final fours." Seriously? Give credit to your opponent, praise your kids and state that any road victories against a great ranked team with a coach like Pitino is a huge win.

Just can't comprehend after such a huge win, one would want to act so defensively. I don't get it.

Before I respond, I will preface by admitting that I accused Xavier fans of having a chip on their shoulders. Which, by the way, isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Mick and this particular team DEFINITELY have a chip on their shoulders. So I think that's where a lot of that defensiveness comes from. It's working so far, so I don't mind it.

I think the new conference has a lot to do with it. After being in the Big East for 8 years, I think Mick is fearful that the media will try to paint Cincinnati as some kind of mid-major darling. And, the truth is, despite what you think of the AAC, Cincinnati long ago earned their way out of mid-major status (just as Xavier has).

From a UC fan's perspective, I thought the question was a little odd. If the reporter had asked, "how big of a win is this for your team?" then I would agree that Mick had no right to be defensive. But he asked "how big of a win is this for your program?" That one word makes a big difference. Cincinnati isn't a bottom-dwelling team in conference, or a mid-major Cinderella. We are historically a very relevant program and have had a lot of success the past 25 years. So why would one regular-season victory be huge for our entire PROGRAM?

Just my two cents from the other point of view.

[XUFan09]

The team vs. program distinction is appropriate. If the question had concerned this team, then yes, it is a really big win, but yeah, it wasn't earth-shattering for the program.

[X-band '01]

UC is clearly in the driver's seat for their conference; they've now got a 2.5 game lead on both Louisville and Memphis with road wins securely in hand.

There is no disputing that they're playing better ball right now than Xavier is, but did they go to the whip a little early in the season?

[bleedXblue]

UC will maybe lose 2-3 games the rest of the way. They're in a good spot with a 2,3,4 seed probable.

They may have peaked too early though. Who knows, we'll see.

A deep NCAA run? I dont see it with the lack of multiple scoring threats.

[chico]

Before I respond, I will preface by admitting that I accused Xavier fans of having a chip on their shoulders. Which, by the way, isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Mick and this particular team DEFINITELY have a chip on their shoulders. So I think that's where a lot of that defensiveness comes from. It's working so far, so I don't mind it.

I think the new conference has a lot to do with it. After being in the Big East for 8 years, I think Mick is fearful that the media will try to paint Cincinnati as some kind of mid-major darling. And, the truth is, despite what you think of the AAC, Cincinnati long ago earned their way out of mid-major status (just as Xavier has).

From a UC fan's perspective, I thought the question was a little odd. If the reporter had asked, "how big of a win is this for your team?" then I would agree that Mick had no right to be defensive. But he asked "how big of a win is this for your program?" That one word makes a big difference. Cincinnati isn't a bottom-dwelling team in conference, or a mid-major Cinderella. We are historically a very relevant program and have had a lot of success the past 25 years. So why would one regular-season victory be huge for our entire PROGRAM?

Just my two cents from the other point of view.

I think it's nitpicking to think a sideline reporter asking questions right after a game meant a distinction between "team" and "program." After all, Louisville - though depleted - is the defending national champ.

As for Cronin, maybe this explains things.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/01/29/newser-short-man-sydrome/5023193/

[xubrew]

Cronin has done a great job at UC. It took awhile, but they were a complete tire fire when he took over, and they've had a very solid program for the past three seasons, and it continues to get better. They've improved a ton, and they've done it steadily, and it seems to be continuing.

I don't dislike him. In fact, there is more that I respect about him than I dislike about him. He's done a great job after taking over a complete mess. I think he sucks at talking to the media. If anyone needs a PR man, it's him. The examples are endless. I don't hate him for it. I really don't care about it. But, I have certainly noticed it. To be completely fair, I think the media sometimes plays him by leading him into saying things that sound nuts. The problem is, it usually seems to work.

....and I don't think UC gets anywhere near the support it deserves, and doesn't get anywhere near the support that virtually any of the other 351 div1 programs would get if they were in UC's situation. They're a legit top 15 team. People should be excited. Maybe they finally are, but they're still a little late to the party.

[DoubleD86]

UC will maybe lose 2-3 games the rest of the way. They're in a good spot with a 2,3,4 seed probable.

They may have peaked too early though. Who knows, we'll see.

A deep NCAA run? I dont see it with the lack of multiple scoring threats.

I'm probably in the upper tier of posters here in terms of credit given to UC and lack of hate for them. I think they are absolutely a good team this year and deserve the accolades they are/will receive from this win. However, I think the bolded part above is true. Defensive teams are great throughout the year, but I can't remember a team making a deep run without a good offense*. Their defense is elite but their offense is still rated only 90th on KenPom and against Top 200 KenPom teams have only broken 70 3 times out of 15 games. They have only broken 65 in 8 of those 15 games. They will have to be able to score if they are going to make a run in the tournament.

* Possible I am missing someone or just incorrect, if someone wants to do the analysis I would love to read it.

[ThrowDownDBrown]

I will greatly enjoy watching all the overrated AAC teams go out in the first weekend of the tourney

[xubrew]

I'm probably in the upper tier of posters here in terms of credit given to UC and lack of hate for them. I think they are absolutely a good team this year and deserve the accolades they are/will receive from this win. However, I think the bolded part above is true. Defensive teams are great throughout the year, but I can't remember a team making a deep run without a good offense*. Their defense is elite but their offense is still rated only 90th on KenPom and against Top 200 KenPom teams have only broken 70 3 times out of 15 games. They have only broken 65 in 8 of those 15 games. They will have to be able to score if they are going to make a run in the tournament.

* Possible I am missing someone or just incorrect, if someone wants to do the analysis I would love to read it.

How far does a team go before it's considered a deep run??

In 2011 San Diego State made the Sweet Sixteen and came closer to beating UConn than anyone else in the tournament did that year.

Southern Illinois made the Sweet Sixteen in 07 and nearly took down Kansas.

Those are the only two I can think of. But, at the same, you don't see too many teams running deep in the NCAAs that aren't good defensively and only rely on high powered offense. It works both ways.

[dnnrobert]

I will greatly enjoy watching all the overrated AAC teams go out in the first weekend of the tourney

I really don't see how the AAC is overrated. Louisville probably is, but the defending national champion always gets more respect in the polls. Memphis split games with Oklahoma State, narrowly lost to Florida, and beat Louisville on the road. I believe they deserve to be ranked. And it's not like they're in the top ten. And Cincinnati was 19-2 coming into the Louisville games with a couple of nice wins and no bad losses, but they were only ranked 13th. I think the AAC as a whole is neither over- or underrated.

And about the Cincinnati offense, I agree that it hasn't always been pretty. We were awful earlier in the season, especially in the trio of games against New Mexico, Xavier, and Pitt. But the offense has been flowing a lot better as of late. And our FG% has been very solid the past 3 games. Shaq Thomas is emerging as a possible 3rd option, so that certainly helps.

[Masterofreality]

I think it's nitpicking to think a sideline reporter asking questions right after a game meant a distinction between "team" and "program." After all, Louisville - though depleted - is the defending national champ.

As for Cronin, maybe this explains things.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/01/29/newser-short-man-sydrome/5023193/

Archie Miller is midgetlike too, but he is not aggravating like YTG. Come to think about it Brian Gregory wasn't either.

The Jaundiced Leprechaun is just an ass, no matter his height. Period.

[Juice]

I really don't see how the AAC is overrated. Louisville probably is, but the defending national champion always gets more respect in the polls. Memphis split games with Oklahoma State, narrowly lost to Florida, and beat Louisville on the road. I believe they deserve to be ranked. And it's not like they're in the top ten. And Cincinnati was 19-2 coming into the Louisville games with a couple of nice wins and no bad losses, but they were only ranked 13th. I think the AAC as a whole is neither over- or underrated.

And about the Cincinnati offense, I agree that it hasn't always been pretty. We were awful earlier in the season, especially in the trio of games against New Mexico, Xavier, and Pitt. But the offense has been flowing a lot better as of late. And our FG% has been very solid the past 3 games. Shaq Thomas is emerging as a possible 3rd option, so that certainly helps.

The AAC is the 8th best conference looking at the numbers. And citing Memphis is not a good idea. They beat Oklahoma St. after Ok St. thrashed them earlier. And they only won because Marcus Smart was barfing on the sidelines. Florida began the season with about half the team either injured or suspended. And Louisville is horribly overrated this year. Their best win is UConn I guess. And they have lost to absolutely average UK and UNC teams.

[XU '11]

How far does a team go before it's considered a deep run??

In 2011 San Diego State made the Sweet Sixteen and came closer to beating UConn than anyone else in the tournament did that year.

Southern Illinois made the Sweet Sixteen in 07 and nearly took down Kansas.

Those are the only two I can think of. But, at the same, you don't see too many teams running deep in the NCAAs that aren't good defensively and only rely on high powered offense. It works both ways.

Louisville in 2012 was ranked 116th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. They made the Final Four.

That San Diego State team had a 31st-ranked offense. They just played at an extremely slow tempo. The Southern Illinois comparison is a pretty good one. Top 5 defense, 85th in offense.

[Milhouse]

You can call louisville overrated/underrated or whatever but honestly that was an impressive win in a hostile environment. When they blew that 17 point lead I thought there was no way they'd win but I was wrong.

Next year should be very interesting for UC though with SK, Jackson and Rubles all leaving.

[XU '11]

The AAC is the 8th best conference looking at the numbers. And citing Memphis is not a good idea. They beat Oklahoma St. after Ok St. thrashed them earlier. And they only won because Marcus Smart was barfing on the sidelines. Florida began the season with about half the team either injured or suspended. And Louisville is horribly overrated this year. Their best win is UConn I guess. And they have lost to absolutely average UK and UNC teams.

I've come to agree with this. I'm now a believer that UC is for real. I'm not a believer in anybody else in that conference.

[Burrcats]

Louisville in 2012 was ranked 116th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. They made the Final Four.

That San Diego State team had a 31st-ranked offense. They just played at an extremely slow tempo. The Southern Illinois comparison is a pretty good one. Top 5 defense, 85th in offense.

It is also important to note that on January 17th Cincinnati was #149 in adjusted offense. They have jumped 58 spots in two weeks and I see it continuing to improve. If they can get into the top 50, they'll be a very tough out in March.

[Patrick Bateman]

ESPN isn't a very good source for that sort of thing. The Selection Committee will consider it a neutral game.

Incorrect, they didn't last year for UC

From goxavier:

HOME TEAM: Xavier 8-3

[Patrick Bateman]

Louisville in 2012 was ranked 116th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. They made the Final Four.

That San Diego State team had a 31st-ranked offense. They just played at an extremely slow tempo. The Southern Illinois comparison is a pretty good one. Top 5 defense, 85th in offense.

2 Weeks ago UC's Kenpom adj O was 132, now it is at 90.

[Patrick Bateman]

You can call louisville overrated/underrated or whatever but honestly that was an impressive win in a hostile environment. When they blew that 17 point lead I thought there was no way they'd win but I was wrong.

Next year should be very interesting for UC though with SK, Jackson and Rubles all leaving.

That is what everyone said last year with Cash and Parker leaving. Keep in mind they are also winning without Jermaine Lawrence, Deshaun Mormon and Jamarre Strickland. They also add some quality big men next year.

[Juice]

That is what everyone said last year with Cash and Parker leaving. Keep in mind they are also winning without Jermaine Lawrence, Deshaun Mormon and Jamarre Strickland. They also add some quality big men next year.

Who steps up next year and produces like SK and Jackson? I don't see it. And Lawrence will be a good player but he wasn't producing all that much prior to this.

[Burrcats]

Who steps up next year and produces like SK and Jackson? I don't see it. And Lawrence will be a good player but he wasn't producing all that much prior to this.

Next years team will be a bit down. They will probably start 3 sophomores, a junior (Shaq Thomas) and a JUCO/Freshman at the 5. However with everyone back but Guyn and Sanders the next year that team can be special.

[casualfan]

Who steps up next year and produces like SK and Jackson? I don't see it. And Lawrence will be a good player but he wasn't producing all that much prior to this.

No one saw Justin Jackson doing what he is doing this year either. You never know when the light will go on for certain guys.

[sirthought]

I think Shaq Thomas will improve, as will as Caupain. But the big unknown is the front line.

[UCGRAD4X]

No one saw Justin Jackson doing what he is doing this year either. You never know when the light will go on for certain guys.

I agree. One of the interesting thing about this game from year to year is who steps up, takes their opportunity and runs with it.

I hope somebody does step up and make UC a contender. That only makes X look better when they KICK THEIR ASS!!!