XAVIER vs STEPHEN F AUSTIN

[MADXSTER]

1535 VS 1536

Xavier University Musketeers (2-0)
W Northern Arizona 93-60
W Long beach State 97-74

vs. Stephen F Austin (0-1)
L Northern Iowa 77-79 OT

Friday Nov. 21, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. ET at Cintas
Television: FOX Sports 2
Radio: 700 WLW-AM (http://www.iheart.com/live/700WLW-1713/?autoplay=true&pname=1209&campid=play_bar&cid=main.html)

GameTracker (http://www.goxavier.com/gametracker/launch/gt_mbaskbl.html?event=1365899&school=xavi&sport=mbaskbl&camefrom=&startschool=&)

Live Chat (http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=XavierHoops)

[xu82]

Hoping to make it up for this one! Just need a couple little things to come together.

[MADXSTER]

Will be in attendance. Can't wait.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Hoping to make it up for this one! Just need a couple little things to come together.

'82: Send roll call and body count.

Have a ball!

Go X!

[xu82]

'82: Send roll call and body count.

Have a ball!

Go X!

In town and ready to roll. Far too rare for me, but looking forward to it. I'll drive back Sunday since I won't be missing my Bills game.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Did SFA lose a bunch of players from last year's team? I've looked high and low for a line on this game and can't find one. Strange. If there is no line on this game, then Vegas is totally confused by X or SFA is bad and they think X wins by 30+. How is there a line for No Az and not a team that made the tourney last year? Weird.

[powerofX]

Did SFA lose a bunch of players from last year's team? I've looked high and low for a line on this game and can't find one. Strange. If there is no line on this game, then Vegas is totally confused by X or SFA is bad and they think X wins by 30+. How is there a line for No Az and not a team that made the tourney last year? Weird.
Return three starters. Might still be confused on x

[X-band '01]

Did SFA lose a bunch of players from last year's team? I've looked high and low for a line on this game and can't find one. Strange. If there is no line on this game, then Vegas is totally confused by X or SFA is bad and they think X wins by 30+. How is there a line for No Az and not a team that made the tourney last year? Weird.

Didn't just make the tournament; they also took down VCU in the 1st round.

[GuyFawkes38]

Looks like a solid team. At the very least, they will be entertaining. Not a lot of inside presence, but play uptempo to compensate. Nice guard play. I'm impressed by Thomas Walkup's stats. Very efficient for the large number of touches he receives. Jacob Parker also looks solid.

This should be a good test for our guards. Like the game plan for most of our games, we need to pound it inside.

[Masterofreality]

Did SFA lose a bunch of players from last year's team? I've looked high and low for a line on this game and can't find one. Strange. If there is no line on this game, then Vegas is totally confused by X or SFA is bad and they think X wins by 30+. How is there a line for No Az and not a team that made the tourney last year? Weird.

I'm in Nevada playing golf and I can confirm that the game is not on the board. The wise guys must not have enough info on SFA.

[Chalmers0]

Did SFA lose a bunch of players from last year's team? I've looked high and low for a line on this game and can't find one. Strange. If there is no line on this game, then Vegas is totally confused by X or SFA is bad and they think X wins by 30+. How is there a line for No Az and not a team that made the tourney last year? Weird.

Southland is one of the conferences that games aren't lined for whatever reason (as well as SWAC and ASun) unless the game is on national TV (ESPN) or part of a tourney.

[PMI]

When was the last time Xavier had a game with no spread? It does seem like a very difficult tilt to handicap, but that is what they do after all.

[Chalmers0]

When was the last time Xavier had a game with no spread? It does seem like a very difficult tilt to handicap, but that is what they do after all.

Without actually looking, Gardner-Webb last year since the Big South is also not lined.

Edit: Possibly Abilene Christian as well but I don't remember for sure

[PMI]

Without actually looking, Gardner-Webb last year since the Big South is also not lined.

Edit: Possibly Abilene Christian as well but I don't remember for sure

I think the actual conference games aren't capped like you say, but I know the UNI/SFA game the other day was (SFA was -2.5.) I feel like when one of those conferences' teams play a major opponent, the game is handicapped far more often than not.

[Chalmers0]

I think the actual conference games aren't capped like you say, but I know the UNI/SFA game the other day was (SFA was -2.5.) I feel like when one of those conferences' teams play a major opponent, the game is handicapped far more often than not.

A majority of the time it is based on TV (this is my working theory, I've never seen anything concrete).

Example: Northern Kentucky was +28.5 @ Wisconsin on Big Ten Network and then played at Nebraska, only available on BTN plus, and it wasn't lined.

I think FS1 may count as big enough to cause a game like this to be lined (I can't currently find any examples though) but FS2 is not.

[Olsingledigit]

I'm in Nevada playing golf and I can confirm that the game is not on the board. The wise guys must not have enough info on SFA.

I was in Vegas last year during the early season and can confirm that the casinos do not cover all D-1 teams and conferences. If they do not cover a team or conference they will not list the game. It is a bit odd that they would cover our previous two opponents, but not SFA?

[Juice]

When was the last time Xavier had a game with no spread? It does seem like a very difficult tilt to handicap, but that is what they do after all.

Broering is predicting a 3 point win for X.

[PMI]

Broering is predicting a 3 point win for X.

I saw that. I think Vegas would've capped it at around -6, and I think we cover that. SFA is solid but I love the way we're playing (albeit through two games.)

[xu82]

I saw that. I think Vegas would've capped it at around -6, and I think we cover that. SFA is solid but I love the way we're playing (albeit through two games.)

I agree, I love what I've seen so far (though limited). I only know what I've read here, but it sounds like it might be a big night for Stainbrook. That's based on what some stranger said on the internet, so you can pretty much bank on it!

[Jesuit4Life]

Stream:

http://cricfree.sx/fox-sports-2-usa-live-stream.php

Don't install any codecs or plug-ins, and Ad Block (https://adblockplus.org/) is recommended.

[atljar]

THANK YOU for the stream link. And *(@#&(^ to Fioptics

[xukeith]

I forgot how good SFA is. Tonight could be Very interesting. NCAA experience and LOTS of winning(3 losses last year) could test the more talented X team. I hope X wins by 25 but bet it will be a 7-11 point game.

[XUFan09]

Stream:

http://cricfree.sx/fox-sports-2-usa-live-stream.php

Don't install any codecs or plug-ins, and Ad Block (https://adblockplus.org/) is recommended.

God bless you, good sir.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I hope X wins by 25 but bet it will be a 7-11 point game.

Well, you can't...because there isn't a damn line on the game. I'm seriously shocked that Vegas wouldn't throw down a line on a D1 basketball game where the matchup is close enough that the line would be anywhere between 6-15 points. I'm well aware that X has had some non-lined games...but against a team that lost 3 games last year? Annoyed I can't get a little action on this one...but I can bet on American v. Presbyterian or Montana State v. SUNY Buffalo. I'm starting to think Vegas just didn't know what to do with the game, so they passed.

[coasterville95]

Thinking about Fioptics to replace time warner cable. What did they do to screw up tonight. It's Fox Sports 2.

And Breaking News: The food at Cintas Center royally sucks. Can't believe I just paid $30 for two meals that make a grade school cafeteria look like mortons.

[paulxu]

I can't see the game. But can only watch the stats on ESPN.
I see Remy is 3-3.

[NY44]

Still waiting to see what Macura can't do.

[coasterville95]

Well they already did the Ball Toss and apparently a fan threw a mini ball back into the court during play. The audience assessed a warning.

X up 27-23 7:56 1st.

[paulxu]

Seton Hall won. We need to get this game.

[paulxu]

Hah! WLW is about 35 seconds behind the ESPN score page.
Never seen anything like that. I see the score and wait for Joe and Byron to catch up all that time later.

[boozehound]

Fuck Fioptics. Those pieces of shit. I'm calling Monday to demand FS2. If they can't add it fast I guess I'll have to switch to TW.

[xukeith]

How do you watch streaming video without all the ads and requests for downloads?

[gladdenguy]

How do you watch streaming video without all the ads and requests for downloads?

I can hear the sound and see the bottom left corner of the game but I have 3 pop ups covering the majority of the screen.
Everytime I click the X it brings up another tab.

[Jesuit4Life]

Install Ad Block (link above) and it all goes away.

[coasterville95]

If Fioptics does not carry Fox Sports 2 that's a show stopper for me.

[paulxu]

Looks like Stain and S'melo brought this one home.

Edit: Dee has a LOT of assists.

[waggy]

Dee needs to play better. All those little boneheaded decisions will beat you against good teams. He needs to make the right play every single time.

[Titanxman04]

SFA is a very good, balanced team. They caused issues with their "bigs" hanging around the arc and hitting their shots. Touch for guys like Stain to close out on his man in those situation. SFA will probably win their conference and could make some noise throughout their OOC.

Love watching Myles and Bluiett play. Our team is just fun to watch when things are clicking. It's still early on and still a lot of moving parts, but Lord help anyone who gets in their way when they are playing like they can.

Good win. Great win.

[waggy]

They're a nice team. Which we should've beat by 50.

[Titanxman04]

They're a nice team. Which we should've beat by 50.

3rd game of the season with 6 new players? Good team that'll make the tournament? I'll take a double-digit win any day.

Would have loved to win by 50. But 15 is good enough.

[sirthought]

57% Xavier
37% SFA

Rebounds
36 Xavier
40 SFA

I'm surprised at that difference, really. SFA ran a nice offensive flow.

Stainbrook just was the key for it all. His play, along with Dee Davis' assists, helped us get over some bad shots from the younger guys. (Dee had some stinkers too.)

Kind of surprised we didn't see Sean O'Mara at all. He couldn't have played any worse that Reynolds did tonight.

Myles Davis was total man tonight. Working hard and getting it done.

[sirthought]

Xavier only had 9 turnovers. (22 assists)

There were some crazy plays with people flying a few times. I'm impressed that the team has learned to control the ball better this season.

[Nigel Tufnel]

They're a nice team. Which we should've beat by 50.

Man....I couldn't disagree more about winning by 50. I was super impressed with their coach and their motion offense. I've never seen anything like that before. That must have been hard to prepare for defensively. If SFA could hit a shot inside 10 feet in the first half, it would have been tied or X would have been down at half. No wonder that team only lost 3 times last year. SFA better appreciate the time they have with their coach...because I think that guy has a really bright future. Not sure I could be more impressed by a team that just lost by 18 points. (Actually more impressed with their coach)

[Emp]

Dee needs to play better. All those little boneheaded decisions will beat you against good teams. He needs to make the right play every single time.

EVERY TIME, you idiot. Can't you hear the man? Zero tolerance, fuck your 12 assists.

[xuwin]

They're a nice team. Which we should've beat by 50.

Mack could have put that team away at any point in the game, but, he chose instead to use his bench which will pay big dividends down the road. All he had to do to control the game was play Matt and Remy more minutes. SFA had no answer for either of them.

[bobbiemcgee]

SFA is a good tough team. Will win their conference and be a hand full in NCAA's. Nice win.

[waggy]

EVERY TIME, you idiot. Can't you hear the man? Zero tolerance, fuck your 12 assists.

I didn't call him an idiot. At least not here on the board. What I say is basically just the simple truth though. You either get situation awareness, and cut down on bad plays, or good teams beat you. Doesn't necessarily make you an idiot. But eventually, a loser.

[X Factor]

EVERY TIME, you idiot. Can't you hear the man? Zero tolerance, fuck your 12 assists.


Hahahahahahah...exactly.

[X Factor]

Man....I couldn't disagree more about winning by 50. I was super impressed with their coach and their motion offense. I've never seen anything like that before. That must have been hard to prepare for defensively. If SFA could hit a shot inside 10 feet in the first half, it would have been tied or X would have been down at half. No wonder that team only lost 3 times last year. SFA better appreciate the time they have with their coach...because I think that guy has a really bright future. Not sure I could be more impressed by a team that just lost by 18 points. (Actually more impressed with their coach)

Yeah, I was very impressed with their half court offense. I couldn't even keep up with where guys were cutting, did they hand off on the rub/screen, etc. I thought X did a good job in their half court defense, besides letting that floppy-haired, string for a headband wearing forward who got free for a few threes. That was a tough assignment for Stain.

How about Blueitt hitting a corner three and a step back jumper when we needed to stop their momentum? So impressed with Trevon.

[bobbiemcgee]

Dee Davis is Kroger's Star of the Game.

[sirthought]

It's always a mixed bag with Dee. We should know that by now.

Bottom line is he usually does more good than bad. Tonight that was enough.

[waggy]

So, ESPN hired Jeff Goodman.

Shit happens.

[gladdenguy]

If the Kroger star of the game wasn't given to Stain then it doesn't need to be awarded again.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Yeah, I was very impressed with their half court offense. I couldn't even keep up with where guys were cutting, did they hand off on the rub/screen, etc. I thought X did a good job in their half court defense.

Completely agree. I was watching on my big screen and had no idea where the hell the ball was going. Couldn't imagine trying to play defense against that....that's why I think their coach has greener pastures ahead. Can you imagine what that guy could do with 3 or 4 star recruits? I'm good friends with our local high school's varsity girl's basketball coach. I already texted him that he needs to google SFA's motion offense. If getting an open look is the goal, that offense succeeds.

Bluiett was a stud again tonight. The corner three was awesome. The left handed off balance layup and step back jumper were even better. One thing I didn't like tonight was so much dribbling....but I think SFA was over playing the denial, so I guess it's understandable.

[BandAid]

The thing with Dee is that when he makes bad plays he makes them gloriously bad.

For example when he tried to run a one-man break with two SFA players already in the key in the second half.

Do I even need to finish this story?

(And only because I know some smart ass will say yes: he threw up a floater that clanked hard off the iron, not even close)

You don't need to be Miss Cleo to see some of Dee's poor choices coming.

He's a darn good player who will make 3-5 glaringly bad plays in the course of a game.

[xubrew]

SFA had a lot of experience, and although the Southland doesn't provide strong competition, the guys on that team had played against a smattering of good teams in their careers. So, they were experienced. And, with that experience, they missed a lot of easy shots.

The one thing Xavier did not do well in the first half, and for a good portion of the second half, was defend. They had a lot of easy uncontested shots that they just missed. They normally make those. We shot the ball very well, and they shot it poorly despite being poorly defended, yet it was still close all throughout the first 30 mins of the game. Not sure how that happens.

At the end of the day, though, it was a decisive win against a good team, which in itself is impressive considering how many young players we have. I feel better about this year's team right now than I have about our team at any point during the last two years. The fact that we defended poorly and seemed to be playing a leave them open and hope they miss defense...is okay. It'll show up in the film, we'll see it, and... we still won!! Now it's time to see if we can win away from home. Without having any evidence to back it up, I have a hunch that we can.

I like this team!

GO X!!!!

[SemajParlor]

Knee jerk reaction:

Good win. SFA is a fun team to watch. Will keep an eye on them - wouldn't surprise me to see them make some cinderella noise come March.

Blueitt is the real deal.

Stainbrook is great, what a great get for the program. He makes challenging plays for big men look very easy.

I love our depth - it's exciting to see these new guys come in and make differences. Hope the improved play/ confidence of Myles and especially Randolph don't go unnoticed either.

Remy is super athletic. Like his game - dangerous when he slashes.

This is not a knock on any players from last year, but just from the eye test, this seems like more of a team. Have been great to watch.

Some other things:

Jalen might be my favorite player on this team - he still looks a little lost from time to time though. I want him to finally break through badly. Him and Farr play hard, and you have to love that.

Speaking of Farr- interesting to see Mack leave him on Parker. We may have trouble guarding that flex 3-4. Justin Martin was our guy for that last year…

Our Defense as a whole has been a little shaky so far, but that's to be expected.

Really looking forward to seeing this team progress- we have at least 8 to 9 players that can step in and help the team win at any time.

[sirthought]

I guess the big question is at what point should we expect them to begin defending better?

This schedule isn't the hardest in the world, but it actually only gets tougher here on out.

[Masterofreality]

How's this for something? My hotel in Mesquite Nevada has FS2... But not FS1. Must be the only hotel on the face of the earth with that, plus CBS Sports Network. NO other hotel has that.

The unsung player right now is Myles Davis. He is doing EVERYthing right. Big 3 pointer, great assist to Abell, fine leadership, good defense.

This is the Myles we signed up for. Good win vs a quality team.

[xu82]

How's this for something? My hotel in Mesquite Nevada has FS2... But not FS1. Must be the only hotel on the face of the earth with that, plus CBS Sports Network. NO other hotel has that.

The unsung player right now is Myles Davis. He is doing EVERYthing right. Big 3 pointer, great assist to Abell, fine leadership, good defense.

This is the Myles we signed up for. Good win vs a quality team.
He's played great in all phases - including some aggressive rebounds. Loved seeing it in person tonight! A lot of guys I'm excited about.

[Xavier_Musketeers]

I'm already in love with Trevon. He is very talented and can play many positions which will help us out later on in games if we need to give someone a rest. He is a great shooter and that is what this team has needed. If we had him last year I think we definitely would have gone pretty far in the tournament. Him and Semaj would've been a great duo together.

[Nigel Tufnel]

This is the Myles we signed up for.

I'm dating myself here....but with his play of late, Myles is making me think he may be the "Mini-Microwave." Similar build, same number and same receding hairline. Anyone?

[KabeX]

I'm going to miss Trevon. Hopefully after next year but I don't see him here after that. Good problem to have.

[XUOHTX]

I'm going to miss Trevon. Hopefully after next year but I don't see him here after that. Good problem to have.

3 games

[KabeX]

Agree. And he will have his freshman moments. But so did SC. So did JC (albeit a year older). Real freakin deal IMO.


3 games

[Nahler]

EVERY TIME, you idiot. Can't you hear the man? Zero tolerance, fuck your 12 assists.

Somehow Dee was Byron's Kroger "Star of the Game". Maybe I was watching a different game.

To quote Larkin in the post game show, "Dee made the right play every time."

Now, I don't claim to be a basketball expert, and I'm certainly not the most astute fan. But you could see very easily that Dee was forcing it today. His poor shots were only outnumbered by his terrible passes, and it started right after tip off. That 1-on-4 drive into the trees toward the end of the game was beyond selfish.

How he was only credited with 5 turnovers is beyond me. I counted 3 or 4 in the first 5 minutes.

Can somebody please tell us what is up with Sumner? We've got to have more options than Randolph at the point.

Oh, and the lineup of Dee Davis, Myles Davis, Randolph, Blueitt and Reynolds was cute while it lasted. May we never see it again.

[LA Muskie]

Dee was far from making the right play every time. But if what you took away from tonight's game is that "his poor shout were only outnumbered by his terrible passes" then you chose to concentrate only on the negative. Which, given that he was a net positive for 90% of his time on the court, is pathetic.

[XUGRAD80]

I think the thing about Dee that drives so many fans crazy is that he does make the great steal or pass, but then many times will turn around and commit an unforced turnover on the next play. It's not the turnovers per se, but it's that they are turnovers that occur not because of the other team playing strong defense, as much as they are Dee trying to do to much at the wrong time. If he was still a freshman and was still learning the game and adjusting to college D-1 ball, it would be easier to take. But he's a senior leader now, and this type of play is not expected any longer.

However...he is what he is and at this point he probably isn't going to change. He gives X a lot of good. If he would ever learn to eliminate the bad......

[MADXSTER]

Visited Dana's after the game and my head hurts this morning. What gives??

[STL_XUfan]

Visited Dana's after the game and my head hurts this morning. What gives??

It is because of something that is in the water there. I'm not a scientist but I believe the substance is called alcohol. I'm sure BJ is handling the problem as we speak.

[American X]

I like Remy Abell's game. We are going to face some matchups where he just shreds the opponents defense. He is going to win some games for us.

Jesus Shuttlesworth, er Trevon Bluiett, continues to impress. He makes the game look easy.

Suddenly, Xavier has a plethora of guys who can hit it from outside and take it to the rim, Bluiett, Macura, Myles, Abell... Sorely lacking last couple years.

For all the comments about defensive lapses, Xavier only gave up 63 points and held SFA to 38% shooting.

My excitement for this season is building.

[Milhouse]

This thread seperates the college basketball fans from the strictly xavier fans.

SFA could very well be the best team we play in OOC this year.

[waggy]

Maybe that says more about the schedule than how great they are.

[Juice]

I'm going to miss Trevon. Hopefully after next year but I don't see him here after that. Good problem to have.

How in the hell do you think he goes pro in two years? What position does he play? Do you honestly think he is capable of guarding any NBA shooting guard? Love the kid but Christ.

[xu82]

Suddenly, Xavier has a plethora of guys who can hit it from outside and take it to the rim, Bluiett, Macura, Myles, Abell... Sorely lacking last couple years.

My excitement for this season is building.

Yep, we've come a long way from "Semaj had better have a huge game tonight!...or else!".

[DC Muskie]

How in the hell do you think he goes pro in two years? What position does he play? Do you honestly think he is capable of guarding any NBA shooting guard? Love the kid but Christ.

I shake my head when I read that. How's Dez Wells doing? He's not on any draft board. A few years ago he was on his way to being an NBA All Star.

[bleedXblue]

Blueitt has really impressed. You can't say either way if he'll ever step foot on an NBA floor. He can get better.........he's just a frosh 3 games in. Projecting him to the NBA in two years at this point is foolish.

[Juice]

Blueitt has really impressed. You can't say either way if he'll ever step foot on an NBA floor. He can get better.........he's just a frosh 3 games in. Projecting him to the NBA in two years at this point is foolish.

Overall you're correct but he lacks the athleticism at 6'5" to hang with any NBA shooting guard that's my point. Again, even right now he's a really good player and will improve but certain traits cannot be improved.

[LA Muskie]

You know who else isn't particularly athletic? Carmelo Anthony. (Sorry...couldn't resist...)

[XUFan09]

How he was only credited with 5 turnovers is beyond me. I counted 3 or 4 in the first 5 minutes.


Simple. He did have three turnovers before the first TV timeout, but then he only had two more the rest of the game.

[Xavier]

How in the hell do you think he goes pro in two years? What position does he play? Do you honestly think he is capable of guarding any NBA shooting guard? Love the kid but Christ.

+1. He will be playing for Xavier for awhile and that's great.

[Xavier]

Maybe that says more about the schedule than how great they are.

While I agree the schedule isn't very good- I do think this SFA is a solid team. They will easily make the tournament (by winning their conference) and could win a game also, just like last year. 32-2 Last year, returned three starters and had a first round win in the tournament over VCU. That offense is good, always found open man. That's a quality win, IMO.

[Xavier]

Simple. He did have three turnovers before the first TV timeout, but then he only had two more the rest of the game.

Yeah, not that hard. I actually think he has played fine this year. He has hit some solid threes and good buckets. I'd be fine if he played this way here on out.

[xukeith]

I shake my head when I read that. How's Dez Wells doing? He's not on any draft board. A few years ago he was on his way to being an NBA All Star.
Same with Justin Doellman and Kenny Frease.
The great white hopes.

[X Factor]

Same with Justin Doellman and Kenny Frease.
The great white hopes.


I don't remember anyone talking about Justin Doellman and the NBA. He wasn't a very highly ranked kid coming out of high school. He developed into a very good college player though. I have no doubt he could play in the NBA now after honing his skills in Europe.

[bobbiemcgee]

Matt Stainbrook has missed 3 shots this year out of 22. Wasn't good enough to make anybody's top 100.

[waggy]

Stain just isn't sexy.

[ballyhoohoo]

You know who else isn't particularly athletic? Carmelo Anthony. (Sorry...couldn't resist...)

Could
You imagine how could melo would be if he could jump off one foot

[Masterofreality]

While I agree the schedule isn't very good- I do think this SFA is a solid team. They will easily make the tournament (by winning their conference) and could win a game also, just like last year. 32-2 Last year, returned three starters and had a first round win in the tournament over VCU. That offense is good, always found open man. That's a quality win, IMO.

Uh, Long Beach State beat Kansas St. last night on the road. What was that about the schedule?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I like Remy Abell's game. We are going to face some matchups where he just shreds the opponents defense. He is going to win some games for us.

Jesus Shuttlesworth, er Trevon Bluiett, continues to impress. He makes the game look easy.

Suddenly, Xavier has a plethora of guys who can hit it from outside and take it to the rim, Bluiett, Macura, Myles, Abell... Sorely lacking last couple years.

For all the comments about defensive lapses, Xavier only gave up 63 points and held SFA to 38% shooting.

My excitement for this season is building.

Yes, but if SFA could have hit a shot from 2 feet away they probably shoot 8-10% better and have another 10 points. They misses a lot of bunnies.

I dont think the defense is horrible and SFA seemed to run a pretty good offense, but defense is definitely the concern right now if you have to pick one.

[Xville]

Some of you can justify to yourselves that this OOC schedule is good. The fact is its not...how many top 25 teams are we playing? Yeah that's what I thought. Now lbsu and sfa at the end of the day are going to be OK to good teams..nothing all that special. Yes sfa will probably win their crappy league but in the end if that is the best team we are playing in the ooc how is that getting the team prepared for the big east? However I am fine with this schedule this year because this is not the norm for xavier and this is a young team...only thing I worry about is if this becomes the norm.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Stainbrook is #4 in the country in FG% right now and of the top 5 he is the only one to have played 3 games and has taken 9 more shots than the next closest guy in the top 5.

[Caveat]

Stainbrook could have gone for 30+ if they would have committed to feeding him the ball. He was unguardable by their bigs once the entry pass came in.

Also, SFA had some heinously bad haircuts in their lineup -- someone in their program needs to invest in a baber and/or a mirror.

[XUFan09]

Yes, but if SFA could have hit a shot from 2 feet away they probably shoot 8-10% better and have another 10 points. They misses a lot of bunnies.

I dont think the defense is horrible and SFA seemed to run a pretty good offense, but defense is definitely the concern right now if you have to pick one.

Agreed it's not awful but definitely a concern. Kenpom rankings early on: Offense is 28th in the nation and defense is 82nd. That's a big drop-off right now from one end of the court to the other.

[Xavier]

Uh, Long Beach State beat Kansas St. last night on the road. What was that about the schedule?

I think the OOC schedule has a couple of teams that are good enough to look like solid wins but not great. (Maybe close to top 50 RPI). Certainly no top 25 teams. How would you describe the schedule? Something you would be happy with year in year out? I think it's ok. Overall The only team I'm confident will be top 25 is Nova. I don't know, maybe if things bounce right Xavier will have 4 top 25 games all year... Nova twice and then...maybe Georgetown?

[LA Muskie]

It's not a great schedule from a fan perspective. But it's probably solid from an RPI perspective. Which is probably the right play for a team with 6 new faces.

[Juice]

Some of you can justify to yourselves that this OOC schedule is good. The fact is its not...how many top 25 teams are we playing? Yeah that's what I thought. Now lbsu and sfa at the end of the day are going to be OK to good teams..nothing all that special. Yes sfa will probably win their crappy league but in the end if that is the best team we are playing in the ooc how is that getting the team prepared for the big east? However I am fine with this schedule this year because this is not the norm for xavier and this is a young team...only thing I worry about is if this becomes the norm.

They won their crappy league last year and beat VCU in the tourney

[TUclutch]

Some of you can justify to yourselves that this OOC schedule is good. The fact is its not...how many top 25 teams are we playing? Yeah that's what I thought. Now lbsu and sfa at the end of the day are going to be OK to good teams..nothing all that special. Yes sfa will probably win their crappy league but in the end if that is the best team we are playing in the ooc how is that getting the team prepared for the big east? However I am fine with this schedule this year because this is not the norm for xavier and this is a young team...only thing I worry about is if this becomes the norm.

Anyone who thinks the OOC is going to look like it did when Xavier was in the A10 is freakin crazy. Will it be as bad as UCs sometimes is? No not nearly that bad. With that said, there are not going to be 3-4 games of top 30 teams. I think Mario and the staff know what theyre doing a little more than stat geeks and armchair coaches.

[SemajParlor]

Told ya so! "In November, Bluiett, who has drawn favorable comparisons to NBA stars Paul Pierce and Carmelo Anthony, signed with Xavier."

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/preps/indiana/2014/03/20/clarksvilles-semistate-task-slow-top-scorer-bluiett/6680647/

[Xville]

Anyone who thinks the OOC is going to look like it did when Xavier was in the A10 is freakin crazy. Will it be as bad as UCs sometimes is? No not nearly that bad. With that said, there are not going to be 3-4 games of top 30 teams. I think Mario and the staff know what theyre doing a little more than stat geeks and armchair coaches.

Why not? I didn't realize that because we play in a slightly better conference we need to avoid that kind of schedule..

Georgetown plays florida, Kansas

Villanova plays syracuse, vcu

Providence plays Kentucky

I guess those teams don't know what they are doing

[Masterofreality]

It's not a great schedule from a fan perspective. But it's probably solid from an RPI perspective. Which is probably the right play for a team with 6 new faces.

This. Geez!

[paulxu]

S'melo is the man. He should turn pro after this year.

[Xavier]

Anyone who thinks the OOC is going to look like it did when Xavier was in the A10 is freakin crazy. Will it be as bad as UCs sometimes is? No not nearly that bad. With that said, there are not going to be 3-4 games of top 30 teams. I think Mario and the staff know what theyre doing a little more than stat geeks and armchair coaches.

Meh...I don't think it's that crazy. Sure, a drop off. But a small one. Looking back at the schedules, the last three years X was in the A-10 they played 4 ranked teams combined OOC. (can't say for sure at the time they played them, but four teams that finished season top 25). Two of which were UC. It's not like xavier regularly played 4 top 30 teams OOC while in the A-10.

[XUFan09]

Anyone who thinks the OOC is going to look like it did when Xavier was in the A10 is freakin crazy. Will it be as bad as UCs sometimes is? No not nearly that bad. With that said, there are not going to be 3-4 games of top 30 teams. I think Mario and the staff know what theyre doing a little more than stat geeks and armchair coaches.

Actually, speaking as a stat geek, a stat geek should appreciate this schedule from an RPI and resume perspective, as LA Muskie already alluded to. Consider that most of the games are very winnable.

Decent opponent SOS + High winning percentage = Good RPI

It's the TV pundit and the average fan that won't like it. If Xavier does well, the Selection Committee will appreciate their non-conference resume, even if a lot of people are arguing about Xavier's seeding come March. A stronger non-conference SOS could actually backfire this year with all the new pieces (and the work-in-progress defense), as the winning percentage stands a good chance of dropping more than the SOS rises. The result would be a lower RPI and with that possibly a lower seed or even an ommission from the tournmanet. What Mario and the staff have going is a way to maximize RPI with the group they have, also knowing that the conference schedule will help them out in ways that it couldn't before.

Next year, though, I bet we see a stronger slate. It still won't be an amazing non-conference schedule, but that team will be prepared to produce on both ends much more quickly than this one, so a good winning percentage can still be maintained with a stronger SOS.

[waggy]

Next year, though,

We might be enjoying the better year right now. Stainbrook is a high production post player.

Lots for the team to work on an improve, but really excited for this year.

[XUFan09]

We might be enjoying the better year right now. Stainbrook is a high production post player.

Lots for the team to work on an improve, but really excited for this year.
We're already enjoying the offense this team brings, led by Stainbrook and Bluiett, but I'm glad the defense won't be tested against a strong offense for awhile.

Edit: A strong that also has a good defense. SFA had a good offense.

[MADXSTER]

FWIW

Stephen F Austin was the preseason pick to win the Southland Conference this year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How far in advance is the OOC schedule completed for any given year? Was xavier actually aware of how many new faces we would have this year when the schedule was completed? If it was completed before midway through last year I wouldn't imagine so as I would think they were counting on having Jmart and Semaj (two upper classmen) on the team. Is next years OOC schedule not mostly already completed at this time, just not public? Maybe exact dates and times still to be worked out?

[MADXSTER]

I don't think teams start working on OOC schedules until after the NCAA's are completed. Except for return games but even then the dates are still not known. The date of the UC game isn't typically known until around Mid-July to the first of August.

[SemajParlor]

Call me crazy. But maybe, just maybe, Mack and coaching thought that having 7 new faces including 6 freshmen might have had an impact on OOC scheduling. Add this to the lack of success in some of the early tournaments under his time here, he might be on to something.

[paulxu]

ESPN is showing the San Diego game as being at Cintas.
I assume it's in California?

I'm glad the first 4 games were at home for the new team members. Give them a chance to gel in front of a friendly and supportive crowd.
Added benefit to start the season off with wins.

[LA Muskie]

ESPN is showing the San Diego game as being at Cintas.
I assume it's in California?

I'm glad the first 4 games were at home for the new team members. Give them a chance to gel in front of a friendly and supportive crowd.
Added benefit to start the season off with wins.

It better be in Cali. Or else I massively underestimated the time and expense of going to that game.

[coasterville95]

At this game I noted something new on the scoreboard at the end of the game. It no longer goes to 0.0 on the clock.

1545

How long has it been this way, or have I been super unobservant.