Providence @ Xavier (February 8, 2014) Game Thread

[paulxu]

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Xavier University Musketeers (15-7, 5-4) vs. Providence College Friars (16-7, 6-4)
Saturday February 8, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. ET
The Cintas Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (10,250)

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

Notes (http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/020614aac.html)

Television: FOX Sports 1 with Mike Gleason (play-by-play) and Donny Marshall (analysis).

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

[paulxu]

Let's do this thing.

[BMoreX]

Need this one.

[vee4xu]

For all those Todd fans out there around my age, here's a classic of his applicable for today's game. This is especially for Gladdenguy who is terminally nervous.

Without further adieu, Just One Victory!

GO X!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwuxBpUpPtQ

[mistabeecee41]

per Shannon, Reynolds warming up with the team. Really hope he gets show minutes, brings some energy and plays well.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Stenger getting the start instead of Philmore

[XU3232]

Stenger getting the start instead of Philmore

Looks like Mack is sending a message.

[BlueGuy]

Stenger getting the start instead of Philmore

Stenger is a liability on offense. I get Mack trying to send a message, but I'm not sure Stenger is the one to start. With that being said, I hope he proves me wrong.

[Charlesbt4]

I'm pleased to see that we have made a change, at least for this game, at the starting power forward position. I just wish it were a different player starting in Philmore's place.

[Muskie]

Many of you must be staying warm. This place is empty

[paulxu]

That sucks. No students?

[Muskie]

No the students are here. But there are plenty of empty seats.

[xu82]

Stenger getting the start instead of Philmore

Is this about getting a fast start and playing with energy early? That's what he brings

[paulxu]

We don't wear white at home?

[xu82]

We don't wear white at home?

Change starting lineup, uniforms, burn the last 3 game ties.... do whatever it takes!

[Charlesbt4]

Change starting lineup, uniforms, burn the last 3 game ties.... do whatever it takes!

And with Stenger and Stainbrook starting, I imagine the coaching staff thought there was already enough white on the court.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Solid defensive start. Would be nice if some open threes can fall.

[paulxu]

We are so much better when we play fast...and don't try a little too hard.
Just let it come on the breaks. Don't need to be cutesy.

[The_Mack_Pack]

3 WIDE open threes and none go down.. At least we're getting good looks.

[The_Mack_Pack]

And Myles finally drains one and it doesn't count.

[XU3232]

That foul they called on Jalen was a joke.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Three straight fouls on defensive rebound opportunities..

[Muskie]

Brad just nailed the half court again.

[Muskie]

It was the biggest reaction (again) from the crowd so far.

[xumuskies08]

Dee looks awful again. 2 points, 2 fouls, 1 turnover

[powerofX]

So Dee guards cotton in first game an cotton goes off. Now he's on fortune and fortune has above his average in the first half? Hhmmm

[The_Mack_Pack]

So Dee guards cotton in first game an cotton goes off. Now he's on fortune and fortune has above his average in the first half? Hhmmm

These guys are too big for him.

[xumuskies08]

So Dee guards cotton in first game an cotton goes off. Now he's on fortune and fortune has above his average in the first half? Hhmmm

Yep. Looks lost on both ends of the floor.

Unfortunately, Mack doesn't really have a choice but to leave him in. Randolph turned it over pretty much immediately after coming off the bench.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Yep. Looks lost on both ends of the floor.

Unfortunately, Mack doesn't really have a choice but to leave him in. Randolph turned it over pretty much immediately after coming off the bench.

Myles is playing solidly today. Might need to put Christon at the 1 and Myles at the 2.

[BandAid]

Providence is imposing their style again. Not good.

[xumuskies08]

Somebody just has to step up. It's become painfully obvious that Stainbrook/Criston need help. They can't do it all themselves. Dee/Myles/Martin/Philmore/Farr...somebody get out there and show me something.

[StanleyOwnsYou]

I thought we came out with a lot of energy and looked good on the glass early but Providence does a good job of playing at their pace and have dominated the boards since the 12 minute mark. X gave up 4 Offensive rebounds on one possession. We are sharing the ball well but I think it all comes down stopping Cotton in the second half.

[Lloyd Braun]

Would love to see some pressure D and uptempo offense. These half court sets are nauseating. No one cuts or moves.

[Burrcats]

1 point game at the half. You guys got this.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Looks like Jmart and Dee came to play this half!

[paulxu]

When we are up 6, why does Semaj feel the need to play one-on-five ball?

[StanleyOwnsYou]

It's frustrating that PC goes on these draughts and we can't make them pay.. Missing a lot of shots around the rim, but they are doing a good job on the glass so far.

[The_Mack_Pack]

It's frustrating that PC goes on these draughts and we can't make them pay.. Missing a lot of shots around the rim, but they are doing a good job on the glass so far.

I wish we could hit a layup.

[paulxu]

It occurs to me that we have no one, absolutely no one, on our team that can hit a 12-15 ft jump shot.
We hardly ever even try to take and make one.
How can you have an entire Div 1 college basketball team without having one player who has that skill?
Very interesting.

[The_Mack_Pack]

It occurs to me that we have no one, absolutely no one, on our team that can hit a 12-15 ft jump shot.
We hardly ever even try to take and make one.
How can you have an entire Div 1 college basketball team without having one player who has that skill?
Very interesting.

Jmart has been hitting them but most teams have big men who can drain those shots.

[StanleyOwnsYou]

Still wondering when Semaj and/or Cotton are going to get it going... Whoever does might be the difference.

[xu82]

It occurs to me that we have no one, absolutely no one, on our team that can hit a 12-15 ft jump shot.
We hardly ever even try to take and make one.
How can you have an entire Div 1 college basketball team without having one player who has that skill?
Very interesting.

And Brad has a better shooting percentage from half court than the current players on layups. Something is definitely wrong...

[HAAS_U]

I'm loving J Mart's effort

[xu82]

Keep attacking the big guys!!!

[The_Mack_Pack]

Would be awesome to get Batts and Harris fouled out

[BlueGuy]

Live chat has just been taken over by an asshole using my name.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Whichever ref took that foul away from Batts is an idiot..

[The_Mack_Pack]

Dee is forcing it wayyy too much. Not sure what he's trying to do out there.

[xudash]

Whichever ref took that foul away from Batts is an idiot..

Just wow. The replay was so clear it was on him.

[BandAid]

Whichever ref took that foul away from Batts is an idiot..

That along with overturning that one PC turnover have been terrible, terrible calls.

[xudash]

Dee is forcing it wayyy too much. Not sure what he's trying to do out there.

Dee with a floater air ball. Nice.

[XU3232]

That along with overturning that one PC turnover have been terrible, terrible calls.

Yea both of those calls were ridiculous. Terrible refs.

[xu82]

Whichever ref took that foul away from Batts is an idiot..

Maybe it was the same guy who said the ball was tipped when they chucked it into the stands? Or maybe they're all idiots...

[stophorseabuse]

Whichever ref took that foul away from Batts is an idiot..

Haven't posted in a long time, but just turned game on 5 minutes ago. They look hungry. It looks like a team that REALLY wants to get better. If you know basketball you know how important it is that they win this game. This looks like a turning point 6 minutes.

[xumuskies08]

Make your GD layups!!!

[HAAS_U]

We can't keep missing those layups...

[The_Mack_Pack]

What do we have to do to hit a layup? Geeze

[xu82]

Make the bunnies!!!

[Charlesbt4]

Stainbrook is really struggling to make lay-ups.

[xumuskies08]

More than 5 minutes without a point.

[StanleyOwnsYou]

Stain is gased.. Have to go to #0 from here on out IMO.

[The_Mack_Pack]

This is sickening. NEED to score here.

[xumuskies08]

X has missed 8 straight shots...all but 1 of them have been layups...jesus

[XU3232]

We are just dying offensively.

[xudash]

We jam up the middle on ourselves. Terrible spacing.

[paulxu]

We haven't scored in 7 minutes.

[The_Mack_Pack]

That was 100% a charge.

[BandAid]

That's a charge

[HAAS_U]

How was the that a block?! Stain looked set to me

[xu82]

Huge!!!

[The_Mack_Pack]

SEMAJ!! Hell of a steal.

[BandAid]

Thank you Cotton

[xumuskies08]

Semaj! Wow!

[HAAS_U]

Great dish

[The_Mack_Pack]

Semaj again! Stepping up big.

[BandAid]

Thank you again

[xumuskies08]

Semaj with a steal, assist, and a blocked pass that leads to a steal. Unbelievable.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Semaj guards Cotton this game and Cotton has a terrible game. Semaj can really defend.

[XU3232]

Only 1 turnover for X in the second half. Impressive.

[HAAS_U]

Glad to see the tough defensive play return in this game.

[BandAid]

Lunch pail win. I like it.

[xu82]

Back on track. Let's hope we can do it on the road!

[THRILLHOUSE]

Ugly offense but great effort on D and I'll take the win

[The_Mack_Pack]

Tough defense, limited turnovers, made free throws. I'll take it.

[paulxu]

I'm not sure my heart can take a full season of this stuff.
I may have to go back to waiting until after the game to check in on it.

[xu82]

Jalen looked good rebounding. Where was Farr? (I was in and out but didn't see him) Did Stenger play at all after the first 3-4 minutes? Whatever... it's a win!

[The_Mack_Pack]

Jalen looked good rebounding. Where was Farr? (I was in and out but didn't see him) Did Stenger play at all after the first 3-4 minutes? Whatever... it's a win!

Farr took a terrible three as soon as he was subbed in the first half. I never saw him again after he was removed. Jalen played very well though.

[BlueGuy]

Farr took a terrible three as soon as he was subbed in the first half. I never saw him again after he was removed. Jalen played very well though.

For the amount of quality production Farr has given this season, he seems to have an damn short leashe. I don't t get it.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

This game was very close, but you know, a win is a win. Just think what our position would be if we lost this one. What a relief. Hope this is the start of something good. Looks like its a fight for the 3rd place to the end.

[mistabeecee41]

For the amount of quality production Farr has given this season, he seems to have an damn short leashe. I don't t get it.

seems like Mack takes a "see which guy is hot" approached when it comes to Farr/Reynolds. As mentioned, Farr took a bad shot early and fouled a guy for an and-1. Jalen came in and played better and Mack went with him instead.

[The_Mack_Pack]

seems like Mack takes a "see which guy is hot" approached when it comes to Farr/Reynolds. As mentioned, Farr took a bad shot early and fouled a guy for an and-1. Jalen came in and played better and Mack went with him instead.

This seems to be what it is. Reynolds was rebounding really well and that's probably what Mack wanted out of those guys today.

[Michigan Muskie]

It does seem like Farr rode the pine after the misfire from behind the arc. Does anyone else get as frustrated as I do when Stainbrook and/or Philmore attempt elbow jumpers or 12-footers from the baseline? I feel like they are a combined 2 for 35 on the season from the outside. It would be one thing if these were shots taken inside of 10 seconds on the shot clock. But they aren't. Ever.

I'm very pleased with the win, but still befuddled by some of the decision making. Attempts like those are essentially turnovers.

[GoMuskies]

Not particularly impressive, but I'll take it.

[profson]

For the amount of quality production Farr has given this season, he seems to have an damn short leashe. I don't t get it.

My guess is the defense was solid and he had less confidence it would continue with Farr in.

[XUFan09]

It occurs to me that we have no one, absolutely no one, on our team that can hit a 12-15 ft jump shot.
We hardly ever even try to take and make one.
How can you have an entire Div 1 college basketball team without having one player who has that skill?
Very interesting.

Besides freakish athleticism, the one thing I really liked about Jeff Robinson was that he was money from that range. He had such a good stroke, and it just didn't extend regularly out to the perimeter.

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[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Onward!

[profson]

This was the kind of ugly game you need to win at home in this league. Lost rebounding war by 7, and only 1-9 from 3. Both teams missed bunnies. Won with D and very low TOs -- only 6. Our main ballhandlers -- Dee and Semaj - had 2 TOs in 72 minutes.
I watched Gtown-Butler earlier. Neither impressive.

[UCGRAD4X]

ugly win is always WAY better than a pretty loss….if there is such a thing

they will need to play better to win consistently on the road but it is good to hit the road with a win

don't overlook the b-dogs and get the road win

[UCGRAD4X]

the problem is, they still have not shaken their shooting slump, they were fortunate to play a team today that did not shoot much better

[Lloyd Braun]

ugly win is always WAY better than a pretty loss….if there is such a thing

My favorite X game ever was a pretty loss - KSU 2OT thriller. To your point though I would have rather had an ugly win.

[kyxu]

My favorite X game ever was a pretty loss - KSU 2OT thriller.

If that is your favorite Xavier game ever, and you are a Xavier fan, you should be punched in the crotch.

[XUFan09]

If that is your favorite Xavier game ever, and you are a Xavier fan, you should be punched in the crotch.

I doubt he's alone in picking that game. That was an amazing game, and as Crawford put it on Twitter, they "went out like G's."

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[GoMuskies]

That game probably ranks at the top of the losses and behind every single win I've witnessed.

[chico]

Your favorite Xavier game is a loss? Is your favorite girlfriend the one who dumped you then went out with your best friend? Is your favorite meal the one that tasted great but gave you food poisoning?

I'm sorry but that makes absolutely no sense to me. There are so many - I mean so very many - games that I'd pick over that one. So many great wins this program has had.

That sounds like something a Dayton fan would say.

[bobbiemcgee]

I was at the game and it was a great, great game until it wasn't.

[kyxu]

I doubt he's alone in picking that game. That was an amazing game, and as Crawford put it on Twitter, they "went out like G's."

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And he wouldn't be the only dumb Xavier fan. Trust me. There are lots of them.

[LadyMuskie]

I'm really glad we won, but there are still a lot of things we need to really improve upon. I'd like to see us put together a great defensive effort and offensive effort in the same game, for two halves.

[kyxu]

I'm really glad we won, but there are still a lot of things we need to really improve upon. I'd like to see us put together a great defensive effort and offensive effort in the same game, for two halves.

Seems like it's been awhile, hasn't it?

[xumuskies08]

The KSU 2OT game is far from my favorite Xavier game ever, but as a fan of the game of basketball it was one of the most exciting/best games I've ever watched. It's one of the few losses (probably the only NCAA tourney loss) I don't really feel bad about. That game was awesome.

That being said...you're pretty dumb if it's your favorite Xavier game ever.

[XUFan09]

Yeah, if I'm speaking as a college basketball fan in general, removing my Xavier fandom, that game might be the best one I've ever seen (except the end of 2OT was underwhelming).

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[xu82]

Yeah, if I'm speaking as a college basketball fan in general, removing my Xavier fandom, that game might be the best one I've ever seen (except the end of 2OT was underwhelming).

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Yep, from a purely objective standard that was one hell of a game. As an X fan, it hurts to this day. But life goes on...

[GoMuskies]

As a Xavier fan who was sitting in a Vegas casino holding a $25 parlay ticket for Butler ML/Xavier ML, it REALLY, REALLY hurt.

[Masterofreality]

Two highlights from yesterday:

-Semajic's All American play. He was sizing up Cotton all day and patiently waited for the perfect time to pick his pocket.
-Xeus buying me beers. Totally uncalled for but greatly appreciated, my friend! Thanks!

[Lloyd Braun]

Since I was blasted for previous statement I feel compelled to defend myself. I was in a Salt Lake for the game and it was unreal. It was the best game I have ever witnessed in person. As a fan of the game I enjoyed it more than any other game I could watch it over and over again even knowing they lose. On equal platform is the '08 sweet sixteen game against Huggins, but I was in Europe at the time and was 7 hours ahead in time (early AM) and by myself which is likely a far different experience than most of you. How could I say it was my favorite when I was not there or with anyone else who cared about the game? What about all the great shootout games? Every shootout I attended in person has been a loss. I have banned myself from shootouts. Until X gets to a FF or wins it all it will be tough to top that game for me. If that makes me a dumb fan in your opinion then so be it. I'm a Clevelander who is used to losing so I guess the losses don't upset me as much as some of you.

[bleedXblue]

Since I was blasted for previous statement I feel compelled to defend myself. I was in a Salt Lake for the game and it was unreal. It was the best game I have ever witnessed in person. As a fan of the game I enjoyed it more than any other game I could watch it over and over again even knowing they lose. On equal platform is the '08 sweet sixteen game against Huggins, but I was in Europe at the time and was 7 hours ahead in time (early AM) and by myself which is likely a far different experience than most of you. How could I say it was my favorite when I was not there or with anyone else who cared about the game? What about all the great shootout games? Every shootout I attended in person has been a loss. I have banned myself from shootouts. Until X gets to a FF or wins it all it will be tough to top that game for me. If that makes me a dumb fan in your opinion then so be it. I'm a Clevelander who is used to losing so I guess the losses don't upset me as much as some of you.

Don't fret. It was a great game. It was an exciting game. It was a memorable game. Sucks we lost, but it was a hell of a show.

[LA Muskie]

Yeah, if I'm speaking as a college basketball fan in general, removing my Xavier fandom, that game might be the best one I've ever seen (except the end of 2OT was underwhelming).

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If you remove all XU fandom I'd have to imagine the 1992 NCAA Championship Duke/UK game and the 2009 Syracuse/UConn 6 OT game would clock in somewhere ahead of that KSU game. But I agree it was among the epic games played, especially of the NCAA Tourney variety (of which the latter is not).

[XUFan09]

If you remove all XU fandom I'd have to imagine the 1992 NCAA Championship Duke/UK game and the 2009 Syracuse/UConn 6 OT game would clock in somewhere ahead of that KSU game. But I agree it was among the epic games played, especially of the NCAA Tourney variety (of which the latter is not).

Yeah, I actually thought about that Syracuse/UConn game, but the stakes just weren't as high because it wasn't in the tournament, like you mentioned. As for the '92 championship game, I'm quite simply too young to have remembered that lol.

[bjf123]

Game is being rebroadcast on FSO right now.


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[The_Mack_Pack]

Only 13 of 59 from three over the past four games. That's terrible. Hopefully the team can bust out of that and start draining some long balls.

[usfldan]

If you remove all XU fandom I'd have to imagine the 1992 NCAA Championship Duke/UK game and the 2009 Syracuse/UConn 6 OT game would clock in somewhere ahead of that KSU game. But I agree it was among the epic games played, especially of the NCAA Tourney variety (of which the latter is not).

1992 Duke-Kentucky was a regional final, not a Championship game. Not that it matters much, but I can understand why you'd want to block out that Final Four, however.

[LA Muskie]

1992 Duke-Kentucky was a regional final, not a Championship game. Not that it matters much, but I can understand why you'd want to block out that Final Four, however.

Ha! You're right. Such a big moment that I guess my mind made it even bigger. Great game though, nevertheless.

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[ammtd34]

I remember that Syracuse vs. Uconn game as being a game that no one would win. In my opinion, KSU vs. XU was better because they were just matching haymakers with haymakers. Cuse and Uconn were just tied for a long time.

[profson]

Does anyone have an idea why Cooley did not throw the zone at us? It worked well at Providence, and we sure did not handle it well subsequently.

[xuwin]

Does anyone have an idea why Cooley did not throw the zone at us? It worked well at Providence, and we sure did not handle it well subsequently.

Their defense didn't lose this game for them. They lost because of their inability to score against Xavier's defense. Their goal to beat Xavier was to win the battle of the boards which they did. If they play a zone Xavier kills them on the boards.