Villanova @ Xavier (March 6, 2014) Game Thread

[paulxu]

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#6 Villanova Wildcats (26-3, 14-2) vs Xavier University Musketeers (20-10, 10-7)
Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. ET
The Cintas Center (10,250 + SRO) Cincinnati, OH

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

Notes (http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030514aaa.html)

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

Radio: 55KRC-AM (and iHeartRadio), play-by-play from Joe Sunderman (`79). Analysis by Byron Larkin (`88).

[XUOHTX]

It's been awhile since I wanted X to win a game this badly. I hate being in this position and I truly believe we won't be here again for awhile, but for right now, this is where we are. We do not miss the NCAA two years in a row. This is when players step up, this is when coaches lead. We must win tonight.

[XMuskieFTW]

Quick foul on Jalen isn't good

[XMuskieFTW]

2 quick fouls on Bell :D

[xumuskies08]

I hope they revise that rule during the offseason. I mean, I'm glad X got a couple free points, but that's a terrible rule.

[sirthought]

They seem to be competing well overall so far.

[sirthought]

Maybe spoke too soon?

[XMuskieFTW]

Uhhh we should probably guard the 3 point line...

[XU3232]

Opponents shooting over 50% from 3 pt range is really getting old.

[Xavgrad08]

We need Myles Davis to hit a three. It would also be nice if we didn't give Villanova open 3's.

[whiteyxu]

When was the last time Myles Davis made a 3? Probably sooner than it seems, but I sure as hell can't remember.

[XMuskieFTW]

The curse is broken

[whiteyxu]

When was the last time Myles Davis made a 3? Probably sooner than it seems, but I sure as hell can't remember.

Ok now I can remember haha. Nice shot MD

[XMuskieFTW]

I'm going to stick with the reverse psychology attack:

When was the last time James Farr hit a three?

[sirthought]

Stenger can't stay with anyone.

[XU3232]

Turnovers are killing us.

[sirthought]

Comon Jmart. Show some fight.

[xumuskies08]

Nova's getting away with all kinds of stuff in their press.

[Lloyd Braun]

Nova's getting away with all kinds of stuff in their press.

If they aren't calling it tight then we should play the same way. I wish they'd show more toughness.

[BandAid]

Nova's getting away with all kinds of stuff in their press.

yup

[mistabeecee41]

If they aren't calling it tight then we should play the same way. I wish they'd show more toughness.

toughness is something this team doesn't possess. one thing goes wrong and they crumble. disappointing.

[BandAid]

on the line much?

[xumuskies08]

That's a TERRIBLE call on Semaj. Holy shit.

[XU3232]

That foul call was bullshit.

[XMuskieFTW]

Atrocious call. Semaj moved probably 2 inches towards him and was straight up

[BandAid]

Villanova is really good this year. I hate them for that.

[BandAid]

Also, these refs are leaving much to be desired

[mistabeecee41]

the zebras have been god awful since the opening tip when Archidiacono checked J-Mart while going after the tip.

our defense has been awful, we can't take care of the ball but we're down 5.

[xumuskies08]

It could be going worse. Down 5 is doable.

[xudash]

I'm sorry, but after that call on SC commenting about the refs is fair game

With that noted, two more lazy passes lead to turnovers.

[THRILLHOUSE]

terrible officiating and Nova can't miss, but only down 5. Bad refs or not, gotta handle that half court trap better.

[sirthought]

I'm surprised they aren't working to get Reynolds more attempts. You have to at least focus on getting to the inside a bit.

Philmore's shots have all come off rebounds and garbage play.

[XU3232]

Need to tighten up on defense in the second half... No open 3's. And protect the ball on offense.

[mistabeecee41]

Need to tighten up on defense in the second half... No open 3's. And protect the ball on offense.

exactly. the reason their press worked so well was they were making 67% of their shots, allowing them to set it up. when they were off and we ran, we were winning 7-0. get stops, were right back in it.

[mistabeecee41]

no adjustments made. unexplainable. ATTACK THEM after we break the press.

[XU3232]

no adjustments made. unexplainable. ATTACK THEM after we break the press.

Yea we are in trouble now. Need to stop the bleeding.

[sgarcia]

Is it too much to ask to stick Reynolds at the top of the 3 pt line and lob the ball to him to beat the trap? He jumps higher than anyone on the court.

[sirthought]

Is it too much to ask to stick Reynolds at the top of the 3 pt line and lob the ball to him to beat the trap? He jumps higher than anyone on the court.

I'd like to see this.

[mistabeecee41]

where are all of the dee davis defenders at?

oh yeah, you can no longer justify his 1 awesome game balancing out the 4 god awful ones that follow.

[xumuskies08]

Had it down to 5...give up a 3 point play...Dee jacks up a 3...give up a wide open layup...Semaj turns it over.

This team plays so stupid sometimes.

[Xavgrad08]

We stink at breaking the press. We are down 10 and can't get stops. Not exactly the position we want to be in.

[Xville]

I am so sick of dee Davis as our point guard and I'm sick of mack putting stenger in for any amount of minutes...he gives us nothing

[mistabeecee41]

mack comes out of a timeout with a frontcourt of myles davis, erik stenger and james farr. 2 offensive rebounds and a foul on farr.

[BandAid]

We need someone to get the "eye of the Jew"

reps to anyone who gets the reference

[StanleyOwnsYou]

You have to get stops in the half court against this nova team and we're not doing that for the most part. They want it up and down in the 80s. We're not taking care of it or hitting the glass. Bad recipe against the #6 team in the country.

[BMoreX]

we need someone to get the "eye of the jew"

reps to anyone who gets the reference

das booooooot!!!!!!

[sgarcia]

Let's be realistic. Nova is way better than any team in this conference. I don't even care that creighton beat them twice. If they win out and win the BE tourney they should be a 1 seed.

[blobfan]

Refs against us, lid on the basket, legs wearing out... And there's a kid wearing a UC jersey. Might have to give up on this one early.

[BMoreX]

Refs against us, lid on the basket, legs wearing out... And there's a kid wearing a UC jersey. Might have to give up on this one early.

Aren't they playing today?

[xumuskies08]

"@XUStatman: #Xavier is 6-for-34 3PTR's last two games combined"

Mercy.

[blobfan]

Aren't they playing today?

Not at the Cintas Center.

[mistabeecee41]

Seriously. Feel like against SHU, we keep getting it to 5 and couldn't get any closer.

Tonight, that number is 6. We need better shots than Semaj and Dee 25 footers with 20+ seconds left on the shot clock.

[xumuskies08]

C'mon let's go! Take good shots and play good defense!

[fellahmuskie]

Oh god, I can't take this.

[BMoreX]

Not at the Cintas Center.

Yeah. Sounds like a real UC fan...

[sgarcia]

"@XUStatman: #Xavier is 6-for-34 3PTR's last two games combined"

Mercy.

I think I can make 6 for 34 blindfolded.

[Xavgrad08]

We are only down 6. Villanova is letting us hang around. Hopefully, we can take advantage.

[coasterville95]

I thought Band Aid was referring to the Beer Fest on the concourse at the XH meet up.

[Woodburn]

you can't
I think I can make 6 for 34 blindfolded.

[blobfan]

Yeah. Sounds like a real UC fan...

The kids too young to know better his Dad should be strung up by his toes and forced to watch Mick Cronin interviews for 24 hours. Brings bad juju into the arena.

[xumuskies08]

3 straight possessions down 6 and X takes 3 threes. TAKE GOOD SHOTS!

[XMuskieFTW]

Uhhh is it me or were like 3 people out of bounds on that play?

[Woodburn]

Justin Martin makes something out of nothing. Just when I thought we needed a TO

[BandAid]

These refs are awful - luckily they were just awful in our favor...

[xumuskies08]

Philmore was definitely out of bounds there. Refs continue to be terrible.

[BandAid]

And now they're awful against our favor...

[Woodburn]

Would kill for a shooter. Sure hope JP Macura is that guy. Thought Myles Davis was.

[American X]

Dee Davis completely blocked a guy all ball and it was called a foul.

[mistabeecee41]

The Cryers went on the road and spoiled SLU's senior night and locked up a bid.
The Bearkittens defended their home court against a top 25 team on their senior night.

Put up or shutup time.

[sgarcia]

When you can't make 3's, can't defend the 3 and can't shoot free throws you won't be a good team.

[xumuskies08]

Semaj missing that front end was killer.

[XU3232]

That's the ball game barring a miracle.

[Xavgrad08]

Our shot selection has been horrible tonight. The first round of the Big East Tournament is now a must win.

[xudash]

Why does Davis drive on like that? Unreal.

[BandAid]

When was the last time we made a fg?

[KabeX]

Folding like a house of wet cards

[sgarcia]

Our shot selection has been horrible tonight. The first round of the Big East Tournament is now a must win.

Not a chance we win a game at MSG with or without stainbrook.

[vee4xu]

X outscored 27-9 from the three point line. This has happened way, way, way too many times this year. Also, X shooting 18% from three line.

[BandAid]

We made our allotment of 3s against Creighton. We're out for the year...

[xumuskies08]

Not a chance we win a game at MSG with or without stainbrook.

Uhh...they already have won a game at MSG this year.

[Lloyd Braun]

Semaj missing that front end was killer.

Then the foul on Reynolds was a 4 pt swing. Killed all momentum.

[vee4xu]

Don't hate on me, but X does would not go anywhere in the NCAA tournament. That said, they may make it, but they cannot play on the road and there are no NCAA home games. Unless, of course your ud and play in a play-in game.

[sgarcia]

Uhh...they already have won a game at MSG this year.

Do you really think we'll play that well again and St. John's will play that bad again? Me thinks not.

[BlueGuy]

3-19 from 3. Ouch

[vee4xu]

21 points in the second half

[blobfan]

Drinking away your sorrows Vee?

[vee4xu]

3-19 from 3. Ouch

Yep and an scorching 11% at Seton Hall.

[vee4xu]

No, I don't drink much at all, much less during he week.

[mistabeecee41]

there ya go dee. stepping up when we need you to.

[xumuskies08]

Nova figured out at halftime that all they had to do was pack it in on defense. X just didn't have anything inside. This game looks completely different with Stainbrook.

[X-Fan]

Gotta give a lot of credit to Nova. This is JV vs Varsity.

That said, I'm really disappointed with X's lack of game plan & adjustments. COUNTLESS wasted offensive possessions that had no purpose.

[XMuskieFTW]

Not a chance we win a game at MSG with or without stainbrook.

oh calm down

[vee4xu]

Not sure Stain would have made too much of a difference tonight. I say that because X lost once again by not defending the three and not making the three. Matt would have had nothing to do with either.

[xumuskies08]

Gotta give a lot of credit to Nova. This is JV vs Varsity.

That said, I'm really disappointed with X's lack of game plan & adjustments. COUNTLESS wasted offensive possessions that had no purpose.

It's a 6 point game dude. Hardly JV vs Varsity.

[BandAid]

If Mack would've worried about coaching instead of tweeting the fans, we would've won this game...

(tongue in cheek)

[X-Fan]

It's a 6 point game dude. Hardly JV vs Varsity.
Because of some prayer 3's. I'm more referencing how Green our young guys look/play, and how their experience guys take advantage every time.

[mistabeecee41]

Rec league champ!

[XMuskieFTW]

Myles not shooting there shows his current confidence level

[X-Fan]

Myles Davis will do fantastic once he gets out of his own head. Man.

[xudash]

So much for IP stepping up with a key shot. Why didn't MD take the 3.

[vee4xu]

So where are we, too little to late, thanks for nothing or nice to see them fight to the finish?

[BMoreX]

They're trolling hard now.

[xubball1993]

All three.

I'm thinking we really need to win 2 BE tourney games to ensure a Dance Card. What do you all think?

[mistabeecee41]

yep. if macura and bluiett can shoot as well as we think, might be hard for myles to find minutes.

[BMoreX]

All three.

I'm thinking we really need to win 2 BE tourney games to ensure a Dance Card. What do you all think?

No, just one.

[xumuskies08]

Too little too late. It's nice to hit some shots though.

Love the fight.

[X-Fan]

Air Ball? Huh? I feel bad for him. He has lost almost all confidence. Come on Myles.

[KabeX]

yep. if macura and bluiett can shoot as well as we think, might be hard for myles to find minutes.
Don't forget about Abel.

[blobfan]

UC shirt leaves; we almost make a comeback. Too late. *sigh*

[vee4xu]

yep. if macura and bluiett can shoot as well as we think, might be hard for myles to find minutes.

Heck, everyone thought Myles could shoot. Not. We thought Redford could shoot. Not, except for promotional half court shots. Who knows what these kids end up actually doing when they play someone as good, or better than them every night, not some 5'10" kid going to MIT for engineering.

[BandAid]

So much for IP stepping up with a key shot. Why didn't MD take the 3.
What the hell is this? IP? Internet Provider? MD? McDonald's?

[vee4xu]

What the hell is this? IP? Internet Provider? MD? McDonald's?

Isaiah Philimore, I believe.

[beatuc]

Xavier will drop to last four in now which is scary if Stainbrook can't come back. Committee won't give Xavier the benefit of the doubt.

[vee4xu]

Well, I am trying to keep an objective view, but from my perch all is see is deep shit and X is in it.

[BandAid]

At least this Butler/DePaul game is good...

[American X]

What the hell is this? IP? Internet Provider? MD? McDonald's?


Isaiah Philimore, I believe.

Isaiah Philmore's initials are RLC.

[vee4xu]

Isaiah Philmore's initials are RLC.

I actually won a 3-on-3 RLC my senior year of high school. So, there's that.

[BMoreX]

Not a bad loss but it would have helped.

Just need to go into MSG and get one.

[vee4xu]

Not a bad loss but it would have helped.

Just need to go into MSG and get one.

Agree, but therein lies the problem.

[mistabeecee41]

Semaj went 1-8 down the stretch after missing a FT one a potential 3 point play with 9:39 left.

[vee4xu]

Yea, 1-8 is not good, but he literally kept X from getting run out of the gym against Seton Hall. The kid does a great job almost always and when he doesn't someone else needs to pick him up, but there isn't any someone else to do so.

[vee4xu]

Oh well, that's enough for tonight. Do some Lenten reflections before hitting the hay tonight. Preferably something other than what are X's chances to make the NCAA tournament. :smile:

Peace all.

[XU3232]

Besides JMart no one else can shoot well consistently and it is really starting to hurt. We need guys who can knock down an open shot.

[XUGRAD80]

Hmmmm.......they had virtually no inside post up game, shot 3 pointers at a rate that most HS teams can beat, and still scored 70 points on the #6 team in the country....without their best interior player playing....losing by 7 and getting out rebounded by 8

They competed hard and never gave up......X wins if they play them that hard again and have Stainbrook in the lineup

[X Factor]

Myles gets a set 3 point play called for him at the end and he throws up an air ball.

He's got to be the most overrated shooter I've ever seen.

[xu82]

Myles Davis will do fantastic once he gets out of his own head. Man.

He's a freshman. Like JMart, you need some confidence to be successful. I think his stroke is fine and I look forward to what he will bring to the table in coming years! I took notice when Mack said all of next years freshman can shoot the ball. We need more scoring options and he seemed to acknowledge that with his comments.

[sgarcia]

He's a freshman. Like JMart, you need some confidence to be successful. I think his stroke is fine and I look forward to what he will bring to the table in coming years! I took notice when Mack said all of next years freshman can shoot the ball. We need more scoring options and he seemed to acknowledge that with his comments.

Why should we think any incoming freshman will be capable of hitting open shots when we've watched our freshman sharpshooter Myles Davis look like Sammy Davis shooting a basketball this year?

[xu82]

Why should we think any incoming freshman will be capable of hitting open shots when we've watched our freshman sharpshooter Myles Davis look like Sammy Davis shooting a basketball this year?

Which is why I've been saying they are not the immediate answer, but they are the future. Patience will continue to be needed. It's rare to find a freshman who can come in and not be phased by the size, speed and setting. But I'm hopeful for a bright future. If we shot halfway decent from 3 lately these games look a lot different, and it's got to get better.

[sgarcia]

Which is why I've been saying they are not the immediate answer, but they are the future. Patience will continue to be needed. It's rare to find a freshman who can come in and not be phased by the size, speed and setting. But I'm hopeful for a bright future. If we shot halfway decent from 3 lately these games look a lot different, and it's got to get better.

I agree with what you're saying but how much more patience will this fanbase have if we miss out on the tourney this year and Semaj leaves for the NBA? I know I'm speaking hypothetically but there's also a chance that both of these happen.

[Backyard Champ]

Not that it was the deciding factor, but that was a horrendous shot by philmore late in the game. What was he thinking?

[xu82]

I agree with what you're saying but how much more patience will this fanbase have if we miss out on the tourney this year and Semaj leaves for the NBA? I know I'm speaking hypothetically but there's also a chance that both of these happen.

The thought of missing the tourney two years in a row kills me. Fortunately, while that seems to hurt your reputation, Mack's strength is recruiting so hopefully he can overcome it. We hit a bad patch and lost some players prematurely who would have gotten us in last year, then went to the new conference. It's a case of be careful what you wish for. We were within 3 with 19 seconds left to the #6 team in the country. It's the Seton Hall games that kill me...

[xu82]

I won't get greedy about wins in the tourney. I just want to be there. (Until we're in it of course.)

[GoMuskies]

Not that it was the deciding factor, but that was a horrendous shot by philmore late in the game. What was he thinking?

Yeah. I cringe when he actually hits an outside shot, because it just leads him to take MORE outside shots with results like that.

[GoMuskies]

Mack's strength is recruiting

Maybe, but as a head coach he's yet to recruit players that formed a single good team. I am as excited about next year's class as anyone else, but this is year 5, and it's one of the least talented Xavier teams of the last decade (last year's team was probably the LEAST talented team of the decade in year 4).

I don't think Mack is anywhere close to on the hot seat, but I'd like to see him recruit a team of players that form a good team before I talk about his strength as a recruiter.

[XUFan09]

Maybe, but as a head coach he's yet to recruit players that formed a single good team. I am as excited about next year's class as anyone else, but this is year 5, and it's one of the least talented Xavier teams of the last decade (last year's team was probably the LEAST talented team of the decade in year 4).

I don't think Mack is anywhere close to on the hot seat, but I'd like to see him recruit a team of players that form a good team before I talk about his strength as a recruiter.

Dez Wells would have been a complement to the other players on this team.

[Cheesehead]

Dez Wells would have been a complement to the other players on this team.

Exactly. Kid got hosed.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier will drop to last four in now which is scary if Stainbrook can't come back. Committee won't give Xavier the benefit of the doubt.

I don't think Stainbrook is a prominent enough player that the Committee will even consider the fact that he's hurt. I think Semaj is the only player on the team that would sway the Committee if he was hurt.

[GoMuskies]

Dez Wells would have been a complement to the other players on this team.

Yes, but he's not here (great bar in Chapel Hill by the way).

[Cheesehead]

By the way I was very disappointed with the crowd tonight. I thought it was weak at best and embarrassing considering X was hosting the sixth rated team in the country. I was also disappointed that so many fans left so early.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Maybe, but as a head coach he's yet to recruit players that formed a single good team. I am as excited about next year's class as anyone else, but this is year 5, and it's one of the least talented Xavier teams of the last decade (last year's team was probably the LEAST talented team of the decade in year 4).

I don't think Mack is anywhere close to on the hot seat, but I'd like to see him recruit a team of players that form a good team before I talk about his strength as a recruiter.

Last seasons team also had to endure the loss of it's two most talented players before the season even started.. Take the best two players off of most teams and you'll have a really mediocre squad. I thought Mack did a terrific job with last seasons team given the circumstances and I think he'll start fielding some really good teams here soon.

[LadyMuskie]

Well, I have no voice left. I stood the entire game, only using my seat during timeouts and at the half. I did my part. Little LM and Mr. LM did their parts too. I haven't read even one post in this thread having just sat down.

The thing that really hit home tonight is that we shoot ourselves in the foot - which at times is the only thing we manage to hit while shooting - and many of our losses have been winnable if not for questionable play calling and poor decision making by so many different members of the team. But we did battle until the end. True, had we not made so many mistakes early on, we might not have had to battle so hard at the end, but it is what it is.

I don't expect much, if anything, from this team going forward into the tournament portion of the season. A win next Thursday will be a welcome surprise. A win next Friday would be shocking. But anything is possible. We did ourselves zero favors tonight when it comes to selection Sunday.

What is with Jay Wright? He is quite possibly the biggest whining baby in the history of anything. He bitches after every single possession and after every single call. Good God. If he was our coach that would drive me nuts. Villanova tonight really reminded me of UC under Huggins. Big. Physical. And fouling hard on almost every play.

Oh and who booed Brad when he missed the half court shot? Even in jest that was poor taste. Seriously. Sometimes I don't understand us.

[XUFan09]

Yes, but he's not here (great bar in Chapel Hill by the way).

But Mack's recruiting was centered around Dez being here, and Xavier struck out on multiple 2013 wings in good part because of that fiasco. It was also too late for the transfer market, which is why Xavier doesn't have a wing player of that type eligible right now (Abell being able to play next year). It was only a one-year hit in recruiting, though, as shown by this 2014 class (and I think Randolph will be good long-term).

Next year will be the first year Xavier is fully recovered from that mess.

[GoMuskies]

I think he'll start fielding some really good teams here soon.

I do too. But until he actually DOES that, he's still got something to prove IMO. I'm not going to be worried about it, though, unless we're in the same place in two years.

[xu82]

Exactly. Kid got hosed.

Exactly, kid got hosed... as did the coach. That was a mess. And it's still hurting us. I'm not an expert on the matter, but I don't like what little I have heard and read. That's enough talent to have skipped this tourney drought. (Without even mentioning the Lyons deal, which I accept more easily.)

[LadyMuskie]

By the way I was very disappointed with the crowd tonight. I thought it was weak at best and embarrassing considering X was hosting the sixth rated team in the country. I was also disappointed that so many fans left so early.

The leaving early bothered me too. Because it was very early when the mass exodus began - more than a minute left. Although it made traffic nice for those of us who stayed until the bitter, bitter end.

And the crowd at Cintas is definitely majority over age 55. We need to figure out a way to get some young people in that place.

[The_Mack_Pack]

I do too. But until he actually DOES that, he's still got something to prove IMO. I'm not going to be worried about it, though, unless we're in the same place in two years.

If we're in the same place in two years, unless more Dez Wells situations occur or crazy injuries happen, then I'll be concerned too.

[paulxu]

Exactly, kid got hosed... as did the coach. That was a mess. And it's still hurting us. I'm not an expert on the matter, but I don't like what little I have heard and read. That's enough talent to have skipped this tourney drought. (Without even mentioning the Lyons deal, which I accept more easily.)

That's OK. Everybody else on the board IS an expert on the matter.

[GoMuskies]

Everybody else on the board IS an expert on the matter.

We've gone over it enough that anyone who regularly reads the board and ISN'T an expert on it is probably a little mentally challenged.

[LadyMuskie]

I long for the day when we don't have to relive CondomGate/RA Gate/Wells Gate in every single thread. We all need to move on.

[casualfan]

It's going to be real interesting to see how people react to Mack's postgame comments that are coming out.

[bjf123]

The leaving early bothered me too. Because it was very early when the mass exodus began - more than a minute left. Although it made traffic nice for those of us who stayed until the bitter, bitter end.

And the crowd at Cintas is definitely majority over age 55. We need to figure out a way to get some young people in that place.

Wait a minute. My wife and I are 56 and we never leave early. There were a number of people younger than us leaving early tonight.


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[LadyMuskie]

Wait a minute. My wife and I are 56 and we never leave early. There were a number of people younger than us leaving early tonight.


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I didn't mean that the older folks were the only ones leaving. I just mean that the majority of people in the stands are my parents age (mid 50s and up). I think that's why the crowd doesn't get as rowdy as it could.

[LadyMuskie]

It's going to be real interesting to see how people react to Mack's postgame comments that are coming out.

Which comments? The comments during the radio show?

[XUFan09]

I long for the day when we don't have to relive CondomGate/RA Gate/Wells Gate in every single thread. We all need to move on.

I'm not of the opinion that he got hosed, and I don't often think about him anymore. When people discuss how Mack recruited this team, though, it has to be mentioned that one of his star recruits was gone after his freshman year, and that was not in the plans at all. Hell, Jay Canty would have probably still been on this team, providing senior experience and a decent amount of skill, if Dez had never been part of the plans. So we would have been worse off in 2012 and better off in 2013 and 2014.

[LadyMuskie]

Meh. I don't think it does have to be mentioned every.single.time. I just don't. We all know it. We all know what happened. He's not here. Whether you agree or not with why he's not here is moot because he's not. Shit happens. That situation, regardless of which side you fall on, was shit. Learn from it and move on.

[LA Muskie]

I don't think Stainbrook is a prominent enough player that the Committee will even consider the fact that he's hurt. I think Semaj is the only player on the team that would sway the Committee if he was hurt.

You're kidding right?

[xu82]

We've gone over it enough that anyone who regularly reads the board and ISN'T an expert on it is probably a little mentally challenged.

Checking out the board only makes me an expert on rumors regarding the situation. Loving a team that shoots 13% from three makes me mentally challenged.

[LA Muskie]

It's going to be real interesting to see how people react to Mack's postgame comments that are coming out.

The quotes about how Georgetown would be top 2 or 3 in the A-10? I don't like it. Sounds way too much like YTG for my taste.

[bjf123]

I didn't mean that the older folks were the only ones leaving. I just mean that the majority of people in the stands are my parents age (mid 50s and up). I think that's why the crowd doesn't get as rowdy as it could.

You've clearly never met my wife. She'd put most college students to shame with her enthusiasm and cheering.

As to Mack's comments, some of Shannon's tweets from the post game press conference make it sound like Chris pulled a Mick, saying ""And I’m telling you right now, Georgetown would be a Top 2 or 3 team in the Atlantic 10. And it’s not even close," Mack said."

C'mon Chris. Don't go there.


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[xu82]

I long for the day when we don't have to relive CondomGate/RA Gate/Wells Gate in every single thread. We all need to move on.

I agree, we need to move on. But when people question the coach, I think it's only fair to consider all the facts. Multiple people got screwed in that deal!

[profson]

We thought Redford could shoot. Not

Get your facts straight. Redford shot .411 lifetime from 3. Only three BE players (Wragge, McDermott, and Oliver) have a higher percentage for this single season. Even more impressively, his averages were .446 (only Wragge is better this year), .341 (the year he was hampered when he came back from a serious knee injury after the loss of a year) and .425. He was not a good shooter, he was a superior shooter. (His limitations were elsewhere.)

[MuskieFN]

It's going to be real interesting to see how people react to Mack's postgame comments that are coming out.

I'm glad he defended the guys. They've got to be reeling after losing Matt & then this game after a great effort. I imagine it would be good for the players to hear some confidence from their coach. And those comments qualify.

I wonder if this "big east might only get two teams" would be happening if ESPN still had the contract.

[Backyard Champ]

I wonder if this "big east might only get two teams" would be happening if ESPN still had the contract.

Not a chance.

[GoMuskies]

If Mack said that, it's embarrassing.

[GoMuskies]

You're kidding right?

It wouldn't be a very funny joke, so no.

[XUFan09]

Meh. I don't think it does have to be mentioned every.single.time. I just don't. We all know it. We all know what happened. He's not here. Whether you agree or not with why he's not here is moot because he's not. Shit happens. That situation, regardless of which side you fall on, was shit. Learn from it and move on.

I understand your position, but it's only something that comes up when people question Mack's recruiting. How can one talk about his recruiting without acknowledging, "Okay, he was building around Dez Wells, and there's no way he could have predicted that the kid would have got in that situation"? It's pretty disingenuous criticism that neglects that.

If we are just talking about this team, though, I don't like to engage in the "What ifs." This team is what it is, and I'm fine with that.

[Musketeer_15]

I have a few comments to those that booed the team at the end. Seriously, it was senior night and you guys send the team off like that??? Not even Dayton fans would pull that crap. This team could have easily given up at the end but instead they kept fighting and made the game interesting at the end. That absolutely disgusted me and I hope I never hear that crap again!

[LadyMuskie]

As to Mack's comments, some of Shannon's tweets from the post game press conference make it sound like Chris pulled a Mick, saying ""And I’m telling you right now, Georgetown would be a Top 2 or 3 team in the Atlantic 10. And it’s not even close," Mack said."

C'mon Chris. Don't go there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oh for God's sake. Please tell me he didn't say that. That's just embarrassing. We're better than that crap.

[LA Muskie]

It wouldn't be a very funny joke, so no.

Hey I tell a ton of bad jokes. They make my average jokes seem funny.

Seriously though I think Stain's absence will make a big difference to the committee. He is essentially our hub. On the offensive side of the floor we have succeeded with rebounding and ball movement. He's central to both. Semaj is a bigger talent but the argument could be made that Stain is more important. At a minimum they are 1A and 1B in my eyes. Frankly with a few exceptions we have looked pretty bad whenever either has been out for long stretches.

[Strange Brew]

I have a few comments to those that booed the team at the end. Seriously, it was senior night and you guys send the team off like that??? Not even Dayton fans would pull that crap. This team could have easily given up at the end but instead they kept fighting and made the game interesting at the end. That absolutely disgusted me and I hope I never hear that crap again!

I felt the boos were directed at the stripes but I was watching on TV so I could be wrong.

[GoMuskies]

He is essentially our hub.

All the guys on the Committee are going to see is a guy averaging 10 and 7. Good numbers, but nothing to sway their process. They're not going to be familiar enough with Xavier to know if Stain is our hub. How many non-Xavier teams can you identify the hub of?

[GoMuskies]

I felt the boos were directed at the stripes but I was watching on TV so I could be wrong.

That's what I thought, too.

[Musketeer_15]

I felt the boos were directed at the stripes but I was watching on TV so I could be wrong.
Even if they were directed at the stripes it wasn't necessary. We should be applauding the guys that hopefully played their last game in Cintas, not booing at three guys about something that won't be fixed.

Also a side note question, has Kamall been on the bench the previous few games. I haven't been paying the closest attention but I haven't seen him on the bench for idk how long. He could be there and I could be completely missing him...

[The_Mack_Pack]

All the guys on the Committee are going to see is a guy averaging 10 and 7. Good numbers, but nothing to sway their process. They're not going to be familiar enough with Xavier to know if Stain is our hub. How many non-Xavier teams can you identify the hub of?

The committee members aren't your run of the mill regular basketball viewers. Those guys know their sh*t and watch basketball religiously throughout the season. They know Stainbrook is a huge factor on X.

[GoMuskies]

The committee members aren't your run of the mill regular basketball viewers.

I think you're probably giving them far more credit than they deserve. The head of this elite group hired Bzdelik.

[Retire33]

I have a few comments to those that booed the team at the end. Seriously, it was senior night and you guys send the team off like that??? Not even Dayton fans would pull that crap. This team could have easily given up at the end but instead they kept fighting and made the game interesting at the end. That absolutely disgusted me and I hope I never hear that crap again!

Agreed. I found it in very poor taste. I also was disappointed in nearly 75% of the sell out crowd "beat the traffic" with about 4 mins left. This fan base has really changed in the last 8-10 years and I don't particularly like it or feel good about it. Very elitist and sarcastic. Pretty much a damn shame adults (young or old) would result to this.

[LA Muskie]

All the guys on the Committee are going to see is a guy averaging 10 and 7. Good numbers, but nothing to sway their process. They're not going to be familiar enough with Xavier to know if Stain is our hub. How many non-Xavier teams can you identify the hub of?
Not many. But then again it's not my job to know. These guys watch a ton of games. They know how big a loss Stain being out is.

[TUclutch]

I was also disappointed with some of the crowd tonight as well. There was a massive amount of fans who left with about 4 minutes to go. That was bad. Weren't overly loud for most of the game. I also agree with a poster who noted fans booing Brad Redford after his shot during the penn station promotion. Its a promotion and is supposed to be fun and he had hit 3 in a row which is crazy but fans chose to boo? Not what Xavier fans should be doing.

Frustrating game, but it is Villanova. I think we sweat if we dont win a BE tourney game but would still have a chance. Win one BE tourney game and we're for sure in though.

[Backyard Champ]

Weren't overly loud for most of the game. I also agree with a poster who noted fans booing Brad Redford after his shot during the penn station promotion. Its a promotion and is supposed to be fun and he had hit 3 in a row which is crazy but fans chose to boo? Not what Xavier fans should be

Agree about the fans leaving early, that makes me mad. Also makes me mad when I have to sit down because people behind me refuse to stand. Still, I credit Villanova for keeping the crowd out of the game. Seemed like whenever it was getting loud, they drained a 3.

As for the Brad Redford comment, please. It IS fun and games, and they ARE having fun with it. The boos were all in jest. Thought that was obvious.

[XUFan09]

I think you're probably giving them far more credit than they deserve. The head of this elite group hired Bzdelik.

It's simply their job. XUBrew was just explaining this earlier today or yesterday. Each member of the committee has conferences on which he is the expert. There is someone on the committee who has made the Big East one of his primary focuses, and there are a couple more guys that have made it a secondary focus. Stainbrook has been close to an all-conference caliber player this season, and the Big East expert is going to tell the rest of the committee exactly that.

[Retire33]

That Big East expert is Creighton's AD