XAVIER vs VILLANOVA

[BandAid]

Silver lining: Our defense hasn't gotten any worse since the second half against Butler

[NY44]

That really depends on how it's being carried out, and we don't know behind the scenes. On the court, at least, it's not like changing the starting lineup is drastically altering minutes on the team (especially if you just treat Austin as replacing Randolph).

Except that it is a drastic change in minutes when Larry Austin has played 3 minutes in the last 5 games.

[bleedXblue]

Well he was probably saying that bc it's a dumb question. I don't know the context but why would he answer questions about a recruits defense in the middle of a season????

Please enlighten me as to why its a dumb question? He was asked multiple questions about Kaiser and one of them was how well he plays D. I think it's a completely fair question when his team and recruits are the struggling immensely on the defensive end.

[crolfes12]

Honest to god when Mack was asked on Monday night about Kaiser Gates ability to play D, he responded by saying he had no idea.

So false. "Kaiser moves his feet extremely well and once he gets stronger he will be able to defend the three and the four at a high level" - Chris Mack 1/12/15

[DC Muskie]

Soon to be 5-19 away from cintas over the last two seasons

Which is almost the same record Sean has vs below RPI 50 teams on the road at Zona. He's 6-15.

But he also wins in November and March, and I'll bet he'll improve that number this season.

[xsteve1]

Well at least Randolph was the main contributor in our lone road win this year

And Mack won't even play him. Guarantee Randolph is gone next year.

[chico]

This is encouraging. Villanova is only favored by 1 1/2 points in the second half.

Vegas must be drunk.

[DC Muskie]

Please enlighten me as to why its a dumb question? He was asked multiple questions about Kaiser and one of them was how well he plays D. I think it's a completely fair question when his team and recruits are the struggling immensely on the defensive end.

He dominates high school kids. Hopefully I can coach him up when he gets to college.

How's that for an answer.

[KFX]

Well trying to be optimistic. Dont think V will shoot 50 at the 3 allngame long but wow we dont close out shooters and are sluggish. I like Stain but think he is an all MAC center. Hes not a Big East Center. Trevon with a couple boneheaded plays and Dee made a few mistakes but he is handling the ball half the time. I like Mack. He is thoughtful and a student of the game but I wonder about him and his leadership sometimes.

Cmon X

[X Factor]

I would play a 3-2 zone in the second half. I know Nova is scorching us from three but I would still do it.

I would play a 1-1-1-1-1 zone too just for the hell of it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Please enlighten me as to why its a dumb question? He was asked multiple questions about Kaiser and one of them was how well he plays D. I think it's a completely fair question when his team and recruits are the struggling immensely on the defensive end.

Like I said I don't know the context. Seems weird someone is asking about a high school recruit on a call in show during the middle of the season. And as DC said being good or bad at defense in high school means nothing.

[XUFan09]

Except that it is a drastic change in Minutes when Larry Austin has played 3 minutes in the last 5 games.
Clearly you didn't pay attention to the parenthetical part, where I mentioned Austin replacing Randolph (and consequently his minutes). For various reasons, Randolph is not playing, and Mack has also mentioned Austin getting better each week.

[bleedXblue]

Come on, how's he supposed to know that. Are we talking about high school kids? Kinda a stupid question if you ask me.

Didn't he recruit him? Didn't he watch him play? Isn't it part of their evaluation and recruiting process?

I wasn't expecting a super detailed answer....but saying he had no idea?

How about saying his offensive game is ahead of his defensive game...... or vice versa.

[BandAid]

We should schedule some creampuff road games for the non-con next year. You gotta learn how to win on the road somehow

[Emp]

Looks like Austin will be our starting pg next season. The dude might as well get some minutes now. That assist was nice

Austin has 2 TOs and one assist. He gotta come a long way to be a BE point. Sumner has the size, I rather be giving him time.

[X Factor]

Damn it. I just realized I used my 2,000 post on something worthless.

[XUOWNSUC]

Dez Wells halftime highlights are just rubbing it in.

[SkyWalker]

Damn it. I just realized I used my 2,000 post on something worthless.

Your 2001st too.

[DC Muskie]

Didn't he recruit him? Didn't he watch him play? Isn't it part of their evaluation and recruiting process?

I wasn't expecting a super detailed answer....but saying he had no idea?

How about saying his offensive game is ahead of his defensive game...... or vice versa.

Well in the end it didn't happen anyway, he answered the question. He moves his feet. Great. I have no idea how that will translate over.

[xsteve1]

This is encouraging. Villanova is only favored by 1 1/2 points in the second half.

Vegas must be drunk.

I took the over 75 1/2. Maybe Wright calls off the dogs.

[xu82]

This is encouraging. Villanova is only favored by 1 1/2 points in the second half.

Vegas must be drunk.

I'm glad it's not just me!

[NY44]

Clearly you didn't pay attention to the parenthetical part, where I mentioned Austin replacing Randolph (and consequently his minutes). For various reasons, Randolph is not playing, and Mack has also mentioned Austin getting better each week.

I honestly stopped reading at the parenthesis. But still, when you put a guy at PG with that little experience, it's drastic.

[xu82]

I took the over 75 1/2. Maybe Wright calls off the dogs.

No, I think Nove alone can cover that in the second half. Unless they get bored.

[chico]

I took the over 75 1/2. Maybe Wright calls off the dogs.

Good call. I bet the over for the game - 143. Couldn't bring myself to bet against X.

[waggy]

I think we should run the option.

Then the flea flicker.

[X Factor]

Your 2001st too.

True

[BandAid]

Austin has 2 TOs and one assist. He gotta come a long way to be a BE point. Sumner has the size, I rather be giving him time.
I'll bet on Austin at the beginning of the year. Sumner has a much higher ceiling and may very well have a better college career, but it'll take some time for him to get up to game speed. Plus, Austin seems like a more pure pg, which it seems Mack seems to prefer.

[NY44]

What's Pat Kelsey up to?

[bleedXblue]

Like I said I don't know the context. Seems weird someone is asking about a high school recruit on a call in show during the middle of the season. And as DC said being good or bad at defense in high school means nothing.

Ok so just like being good or bad at offense in high school?

[XUFan09]

I honestly stopped reading at the parenthesis. But still, when you put a guy at PG with that little experience, it's drastic.
Except it was already starting to happen. Randolph's minutes were dwindling and then eventually Austin got the few remaining.

Edit: If I'm not being clear, I view Austin as a separate development with hints before this game.

[Emp]

6 Cats have attempted 3s, all have made at a least one. Xavier plays a help defense because no one but Abell can guard straight uP 1on1. I'm not sure there is a defense for six guys shooting a collective 9-18 plus Pinckney in the paint. Just a better team having a great night.

[Xville]

For f sake guard the fing three point line

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ok so just like being good or bad at offense in high school?

Turns out you were mistaken anyway. He did answer the question per another poster.

We good?

[waggy]

For f sake guard the fing three point line

They should run a suicide squeeze. Huh?

[Xaveriana]

Only thing good about this game so far are the "hotties" on the FarmersOnly.com commercial.

[drudy23]

Goddamn...what pisses me off is I don't think this team realizes it can be good.

[xu82]

I think we should run the option.

Then the flea flicker.

I DO love the Statue of Liberty!

But maybe we should punt on third down...

[waggy]

They're knocking on the door at 14. Raft trying..

[DC Muskie]

Career winning percentage:

Matta - .7682 (17th all time)
Miller - .7306 (38th)
Mack -.6694 (114th)

Prosser - .6659 (120th)

[RoseyMuskie]

Trevon- follow through!

[drudy23]

They don't even need Pinkston

[X Factor]

What is Stain doing?

[xu82]

Play hard, young men.

[Xville]

Hahaha stain brook that was hysterical.....and really sad

[D-West & PO-Z]

Why give it to stainbrook that far out? Ugh.

If he gets pushed out that far he needs to re-establish lower.

[DC Muskie]

Ok so just like being good or bad at offense in high school?

You can teach defense. If a kid isn't athletic and can't shoot, that's a bigger problem. I've seen kids who hadn't grown into his body and couldn't move that well on defense, but figured it out.

Trying to figure out if a High school kid can stop Josh Hart right now is kinda silly to me.

[X Factor]

Macura showed up. Yeah he'll get beat on defense but he has guts and plays hard.

[xsteve1]

Stain posting up 15 feet from the basket?

[bleedXblue]

You can teach defense. If a kid isn't athletic and can't shoot, that's a bigger problem. I've seen kids who hadn't grown into his body and couldn't move that well on defense, but figured it out.

Trying to figure out if a High school kid can stop Josh Hart right now is kinda silly to me.

Please let Coach Mack know that you can teach defense then.

[X Factor]

That Nova commercial was terrrible.

[X-band '01]

This is like the McDowell's version of the Pack Line.

The royal penis is clean, Your Highness.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Please let Coach Mack know that you can teach defense then.

Will you address the claim by another poster that you were wrong about this whole thing anyway. Another poster quoted what Mack said to answer the question. Will you acknowledge that?????

[Xville]

Macura showed up. Yeah he'll get beat on defense but he has guts and plays hard.

He's probably given up way more than the 11 points he has....heck he gave up 5 in the first thirty seconds. I like his offensive game but he's terrible on d...really really terrible

[X Factor]

It helps to jump when rebounding, Jalen.

[drudy23]

Remy must really be in the doghouse.

[GoMuskies]

We're not good.

[xsteve1]

Still getting outhustled.

[gladdenguy]

After the fight this program is mediocre at best. Real sad.
There should be a book written about it. Two teams who went two different directions. And the worst part was the sUCks players were the thugs who took it to a whole nother level.

[D-West & PO-Z]

A guy on the ground just got an offensive rebound. Wow.

[XUOWNSUC]

Nice rebounding.

[X Factor]

Yep it's the players.

[XUFan09]

Austin recovers very quickly on defensive rotations. Pretty impressive for a freshman.

[DC Muskie]

We're not good.

And they are.

[waggy]

That Villanova possession was 4 hours.

[BandAid]

We're not good.

But I can't say I've been terribly disappointed with the effort, which is nice.

[Xville]

These guys have no clue how to properly rebound...none of them box out....what are they actually doing at practice?

[DC Muskie]

Please let Coach Mack know that you can teach defense then.

I just sent him an email explaining as much.

[xsteve1]

Pay the Man. Give Mack a raise.

[DC Muskie]

But I can't say I've been terribly disappointed with the effort, which is nice.

Yes even with better effort we are still down 21.

[X Factor]

Wide open brick

[BMoreX]

They have a wide open man every time down the court

[X Factor]

This is where we start the comeback.

[BandAid]

Yes even with better effort we are still down 21.

Baby steps?

[KFX]

Mack said on his show that scoring wasnt a problem. Looks like one. This is a very poor poor showing. Embarassing.

[XUOWNSUC]

These guys have no clue how to properly rebound...none of them box out....what are they actually doing at practice?

According to our genius coach Mack, they are doing more drills.

[Xville]

This is where we start the comeback.

Nope Mack stops the rally with a timeout...don't want to get on a run here.

[BandAid]

I feel like Reynolds has played a lot closer to the floor this year. Has anyone else picked up on that? Maybe it's because he practices against Farr so much and Farr isn't a terribly high-flyer.

[xu82]

I doubt this is a shock to anyone. We beat Georgetown by about this much at home. It's just hard to watch and not know how to fix it. We knew Nove was damn good. They're proving it. Do we learn and improve? That's the question.

[bleedXblue]

Remy must really be in the doghouse.

How can that be?

When times get tough, you have to stick with guys who've consistently delivered. And Remy has done that this year.

Makes zero sense to me. Zero.

[Xavier]

I know xavier isn't playing well. But it's still getting hard to read the board. Too many posters who I feel like the pain of losing and being right about Mack instead of wanting wins.

[xsteve1]

The program has officially become mediocre.

[waggy]

Good defense that time. Jenkins is the guy you would prefer to shoot I think.

[Xavier]

How can that be?

When times get tough, you have to stick with guys who've consistently delivered. And Remy has done that this year.

Makes zero sense to me. Zero.

I don't think He has been consistently delivering. But I do think Mack gives some guys way more leeway than others

[drudy23]

I know xavier isn't playing well. But it's still getting hard to read the board. Too many posters who I feel like the pain of losing and being right about Mack instead of wanting wins.

um...huh?

[GoMuskies]

7-0 run. Best stretch of the night.

[bleedXblue]

I know xavier isn't playing well. But it's still getting hard to read the board. Too many posters who I feel like the pain of losing and being right about Mack instead of wanting wins.

I for one would love to be wrong about Mack.........

[Xavier]

um...huh?

I think some enjoy complaining over winning. Just look at the regular posters when winning and then see who comes when losing.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How can that be?

When times get tough, you have to stick with guys who've consistently delivered. And Remy has done that this year.

Makes zero sense to me. Zero.

Still avoiding addressing that you either made up that Mack said he didnt know about Gates' defense or you just flat out missed the answer?

[Xville]

good response last couple minutes...much better d on the three ball....

[X Factor]

I wish Mack would scrap the packline and just.have guys deny the ball all over be court. I don't care if someone's man is 25 feet from the basket, deny the ball.

[BandAid]

So are we playing better or is Nova letting up a bit?

[xu82]

7-0 run. Best stretch of the night.

I want to make it respectable and for this to be something they can learn from and build on. I had no delusions of winning. (As far as you know.)

[bleedXblue]

Still avoiding addressing that you either made up that Mack said he didnt know about Gates' defense or you just flat out missed the answer?

Did you listen to the show ?

[Blue Blobs Bro]

The program has officially become mediocre.

Who would've though that our second year out of the a10 and into the BIG EAST would be when we became mediocre?oh wait, no one wouldve thought that because it is stupid. Losing at #5 villanova does not make you mediocre.

[DC Muskie]

So are we playing better or is Nova letting up a bit?

I think it's a combination. I do like the overall effort.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Did you listen to the show ?

No, apparently you didnt either.

Unless the other poster is just making up for no reason a quote from Mack.

[waggy]

Even Wyoming is kicking our ass.

They break horses tho.

[xu82]

Didn't realize VD was 14-2 and 4-0 in A 10. Ugh

[drudy23]

We've given ourselves a chance.

[xsteve1]

Much better. X showing me something now.

[GoMuskies]

11-0

[X Factor]

Myles!!!!!!! Why????

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ugh why double there and allow the wide open 3??????

[XUFan09]

I like the fight they're showing.

[drudy23]

We are we doubling the post with a guard when they've hit 95 threes? Just plain fucking stupid. No excuse.

[X Factor]

That was stupid

[Xville]

Great freaking effort last couple of minutes....impressed now keep it up these last 9 minutes win or lose

[XMuskieFTW]

I think I understand Myles diminishing minutes now

[XUFan09]

There's helping and then there's leaving your guy wide-open.

[waggy]

Friendly fire.

[X-band '01]

Can you get a flagrant-1 against your own teammate?

[X Factor]

And Mack leaves him in

[drudy23]

And there it is again...wtf???????????

[X Factor]

Worst defensive awareness I've ever seen by a team

[bleedXblue]

No, apparently you didnt either.

Unless the other poster is just making up for no reason a quote from Mack.

So you accuse me of making stuff up and you didn't even listen to the show.

That's solid.

[D-West & PO-Z]

3 guys including Dee near Ochefu there. Terrible.

[GoMuskies]

Farr just shot a 2 footer 8 feet.

[xsteve1]

Wonder what Abell did?

[BandAid]

I know someone's mentioned it already, but that Uber chant is just devastating! Man, someone tell those Nova kids to keep it civil

[chico]

It is good to see the effort. They're not giving up.

[drudy23]

I know someone's mentioned it already, but that Uber chant is just devastating! Man, someone tell those Nova kids to keep it civil

They're bored

[waggy]

So you accuse me of making stuff up and you didn't even listen to the show.

That's solid.


Did you bring it from Madness?

That'll teach you.

[Xville]

Geezus Christ dee u are 5'7 what the heck are u doing doubling down low..

[Xavier]

And there it is again...wtf???????????

Unreal. Great effort coming back and two horrible lapses.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So you accuse me of making stuff up and you didn't even listen to the show.

That's solid.

Another poster called you out and quoted Mack's response and you completely ignored it and kept going. I asked you to address that. Any chance you missed the response? Or is that poster making up his own quote???

[RoseyMuskie]

Exactly why the pack line stinks for this team. Three guys on a center, open guard for three. When Stain is guarding a center, only one other player should help, at most.

[xu82]

We move the ball, but are still defended. They move the ball, and guys get lonely.

[BMoreX]

Haha what a cheap charge call

[BandAid]

That wasn't a charge, but I'll take it

[GoMuskies]

Unreal. Great effort coming back and two horrible lapses.

Only two Nova buckets while Xavier scored 17 points.

[drudy23]

Every time the ball goes to the post, our guards dip down...every fucking time.

And every time that throw it back to a wide open shooter. It happens so much that they have to be coached that way....either that, or they're just stupid and haven't been paying attention for the last 2 hours.

[XUFan09]

3 guys including Dee near Ochefu there. Terrible.
They didn't have good defensive position on Ochefu so Dee went to help, unaware that Stain was coming in too. It sucked. Should Stain have rotated to the perimeter or should Dee have known trusted Stain to cone back? Not sure, but V definitely created a scramble.

[Xville]

Outside of two brain farts...great job last 5 or so minutes....impressed they kept fighting

[BandAid]

They're bored

They could try getting a part-time job...maybe they too could be uber drivers

[X Factor]

We are.out.of.position so much on defense. Stupid packline. Just play flat out ball denial, no matter where your man is on the court. This sagging if your man is outside the three point line without the ball is horseshit.

[xsteve1]

Straight man would be better keep Stain under the hoop.

[GoMuskies]

Let's nail some threes and scare the piss out of these guys.

[drudy23]

This sagging if your man is outside the three point line without the ball is horseshit.

This has to be how they are coached...every single one of them does it.

I think we've learned why we can't defend the 3.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ugh

[D-West & PO-Z]

Rebound austin!!!!!!!

[GoMuskies]

Austin can't drop that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That was a killer missed rebound.

[BandAid]

I love Macura

[waggy]

Austin can't drop that.

I'll give you 50-1 odds he can.

[GoMuskies]

Macura is great. Lol

[D-West & PO-Z]

I love Macura

He does have that "what, what happend, did I do something?" look when he clearly does something. I like it.

[X Factor]

Great job Stain

[Xville]

Win or lose the team showed me something tonight and that is all I wanted. A little effort, and showing they had some balls on the road. Hopefully next road game, they can get the result.

[waggy]

Mack trying to compete with me for pottymouth champ.

Sit down Mack!

[BandAid]

He does have that "what, what happend, did I do something?" look when he clearly does something. I like it.

Other teams will hate him for years

[chico]

One guy calls block, the other calls charge. Wonderful.

[XUFan09]

Win or lose the team showed me something tonight and that is all I wanted. A little effort, and showing they had some balls on the road. Hopefully next road game, they can get the result.
Agreed.

[mistabeecee41]

Dropped rebound turns into a foul on a missed 1 and 1.

[X Factor]

This ain't high school Trevon. Play under control.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Double foul lol? Cause they called different things???

[BMoreX]

Fucking love JP

[xu82]

Mack trying to compete with me for pottymouth champ.

Sit down Mack!

Afraid you can't compete?

[waggy]

Hahaha Macura!

[drudy23]

I told y'all it's time to let Macura loose. Only upside.

[Xavier]

Should've been a four point play, love the attitude Macura brings.

[X Factor]

Love Macura's game

[drudy23]

Myles Davis should never play another minute...all he does is jack bad shots.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Well that sucks.

[GoMuskies]

Well, fun while it lasted.

[BMoreX]

Dee did not touch him.

[BandAid]

That foul on Dee was horseshit

[X Factor]

Myles...deflation

[GoMuskies]

Love Macura's game

Other than not being able to guard me.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Anyone know what Myles is from 3 last couple games? Hes going through another slump. We are so much better when he is on.

[Xville]

How was that a foul on dee? Wow that was an awful call...wow

[xu82]

No foul

[drudy23]

Release the reigns on Macura, Jalen, and Trevon...just let them use their talents to beat people.

[chico]

You know I'm beginning to think this Villanova team is kind of good.

[BandAid]

Close out strong guys!

[GoMuskies]

You know I'm beginning to think this Villanova team is kind of good.

They don't suck.

[X Factor]

Stupid sagging defense allows another three

[xsteve1]

You know I'm beginning to think this Villanova team is kind of good.

Hope they don't flameout in the NCAA's like last year.

[BandAid]

Hope they don't flameout like last year.

But that's kinda what they do...

[drudy23]

Anyone know what Myles is from 3 last couple games? Hes going through another slump. We are so much better when he is on.

Once he gets hot, he thinks he can make anything...and then he starts to shoot stupid shots. Ond then once he keeps missing stupid shots, he continues to shoot stupid shots. Same thing happened last year. He needs to be more selective with his shooting...like when he's actually open and not 27 feet away.

[X Factor]

Why was Dee in the lane in the first place? He should have been denying Hart.the ball.

[xudash]

Here's what I saw, because I've not been able to watch much of it. Villanova came out and was simply unconscious, shooting from behind the arc. And I didn't necessarily chalk it up to bad defense on our part.

I got home with about 10 minutes to go when we were down like 20. I saw a lot of fight and the team that got it back to about 10 down with enough time for a comeback. And then I saw Villanova start raining key threes again.

I don't like losing. I don't like losing by a lot. We weren't expected to win there. I'll have to go back to this thread to see why the lead was out to 20. But I saw a lot of fight on our end and a hell of a lot of made threes on their end. And again, not all of that was about bad defense.

[Xavier]

Release the reigns on Macura, Jalen, and Trevon...just let them use their talents to beat people.

I like this idea. I like this lineup a lot with dee and stain.

[drudy23]

Stupid sagging defense allows another three

It's amazing how it continues to happen and they continue to do it.

[xsteve1]

It was kind of encouraging for a few minutes but Nova really can turn the light on whenever they need to.

[XUFan09]

Hope they don't flameout in the NCAA's like last year.
They did lose to the national champion last year but agreed about this year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Glad we showed some heart and fight. Too bad Nova game on road was right after @Butler loss. Villanova is just flat out better than us (and most teams) so its hard to see how we really responded after that Butler loss. Nova will beat us at Cintas too unless we play unreal.

[Xville]

Nova is extremely impressive...problem with them though is they are way too reliant on the three....not a good formula for a final four run...they are still a great team though.

[GoMuskies]

There was a lot of bad defense.

[danaandvictory]

We have given up FIFTEEN goddamned threes in this game. On thirty-two attempts, most of which were either wide open or involved a late contest.

Either the scheme sucks, or the effort sucks, or both, but please for the love of God stop giving up wide open threes.

[xu82]

Release the reigns on Macura, Jalen, and Trevon...just let them use their talents to beat people.

The last brawl was a slight distraction.

Oh, just scoring a billion might be OK...
(A little D might be nice, too.)

[GoMuskies]

Macura drew that one

[BandAid]

Weak tech. Oh well, I'm not upset about it

[drudy23]

Release the reigns on Macura, Jalen, and Trevon...just let them use their talents to beat people.

The last brawl was a slight distraction.

Oh, just scoring a billion might be OK...
(A little D might be nice, too.)

They have to develop a defensive game...but they're by far our best representation of Big East caliber players. Trevon and Jalen need to play more free spirited like JP does. JP just looks like he's having fun out there...jus playing ball. Everyone else is just thinking too much.

LET EM LOOSE

[Xville]

We have given up FIFTEEN goddamned threes in this game. On thirty-two attempts, most of which were either wide open or involved a late contest.

Either the scheme sucks, or the effort sucks, or both, but please for the love of God stop giving up wide open threes.

I'm pretty convinced it is scheme...thing that pisses me off is Mack refuses to change it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Real weak tech. Refs are not the best.

[chico]

If this team can't play defense I think we go Paul Westhead era Loyola Marymount and just try to outscore people.

[crolfes12]

Still have no clue why Abell hasn't touched the floor in the second half. He is probably the best perimeter defender on this team

[drudy23]

If this team can't play defense I think we go Paul Westhead era Loyola Marymount and just try to outscore people.

Stain would have a heart attack.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Anyone have any insight on what Remy did?

Was it just poor practice? Play in this game? Off court?

[BMoreX]

If this team can't play defense I think we go Paul Westhead era Loyola Marymount and just try to outscore people.

I'm for it

[supernintendo]

If this team can't play defense I think we go Paul Westhead era Loyola Marymount and just try to outscore people.

That seems to be what they're trying to do. They just can't.

[xsteve1]

Hope Bluiett can somehow find his shot again. He's shooting about 15% from 3 in the last month

[GoMuskies]

We don't have a Hank Gathers

[X Factor]

I'm pretty convinced it is scheme...thing that pisses me off is Mack refuses to change it.

It definitely is. I have watched our guards keep one foot in the lane all night when their man is beyond.the three point line without the ball.
This allows for.open threes and hardly contested threes all the time. I would have them denying the ball all over the court regardless of where they are on the court.

[drudy23]

Or a Bo Kimble.

[drudy23]

It definitely is. I have watched our guards keep one foot in the lane all night when their man is beyond.the three point line without the ball.
This allows for.open threes and hardly contested threes all the time. I would have them denying the ball all over the court regardless of where they are on the court.

Without a doubt.

[Xavier]

[QUOTE=xu82;478405]

They have to develop a defensive game...but they're by far our best representation of Big East caliber players. Trevon and Jalen need to play more free spirited like JP does. JP just looks like he's having fun out there...jus playing ball. Everyone else is just thinking too much.

LET EM LOOSE

Great point, definitely looks like they are thinking too much. Not enjoying it

[GoMuskies]

Or a Bo Kimble.
We've got some Per Stumer candidates though.

[drudy23]

It definitely is. I have watched our guards keep one foot in the lane all night when their man is beyond.the three point line without the ball.
This allows for.open threes and hardly contested threes all the time. I would have them denying the ball all over the court regardless of where they are on the court.

My guess is that Mack has so little confidence in our guards guarding off the dribble that he always wants those guys hugging the lane for help defense. But it's killing us.

[xsteve1]

Randolph must of told Mack he wants to go back to California, have no clue about Abell.

[danaandvictory]

I just remember last year Marquette had that useless white guard and Dee Davis sloughed off him every time the ball went to the opposite side, leading to this bozo hitting like eight threes.

Having an ironclad defensive setup that you never come out of is fine when your name is Buddy Ryan and you are coaching the 1985 Chicago Bears. Unfortunately these guys can't play zone, they get their doors blown off when they try to press, and their screen defense is so integral to their philosophy that they can't really change anything.

[X Factor]

My guess is that Mack has so little confidence in our guards guarding off the dribble that he always wants those guys hugging the lane for help defense. But it's killing us.

Could be but at least they would be getting two's instead of threes

[drudy23]

Change in defensive philosophy is definitely needed.

Can't be too stubborn to change things that aren't working.

[Xville]

Our guys played a great second half for the most part....I'll take it. Nova is tough...x plays like this half on the road the rest of the year they will win some games away from cintas

[waggy]

Reynolds could've got a tech there.

[chico]

We've got some Per Stumer candidates though.

And Jeff Fryer.

That game against X was still one of the greatest games I've witnessed, and one of the most fun.

[drudy23]

Could be but at least they would be getting two's instead of threes

No, I hear ya...the achilles heel of these teams the past 2-3 years has been defensing the 3...and I'm pretty sure we know why.

[X Factor]

Myles thinks he has to.shoot everytime

[BandAid]

Our guys played a great second half for the most part....I'll take it. Nova is tough...x plays like this half on the road the rest of the year they will win some games away from cintas

Yup, which is good news

[Xaveriana]

Stainback!!!

[drudy23]

Somebody listen to Mack's postgame and provide an update...I can't bring myself to listen.

[X Factor]

No, I hear ya...the achilles heel of these teams the past 2-3 years has been defensing the 3...and I'm pretty sure we know why.

Totally agree. I just want to see Mack try playing man to man ball denial defense and allow guys to.extend beyond the three.point line when their.man doesn't have the ball. It might actually challenge them to play better defense instead of believing if they do get beat, a teammate will be there to help.

[MuskiePimp23]

This season is very quickly getting away from us. We were thoroughly dominated by Villanova from the opening tip and we made a nice little run, but we are past moral victories on the road. Jalen finally played like dominate Jalen can play, but where the hell is the 3 pt defense. Back to that again, getting absolutely shredded from 3. I see no end in site since we play a lot of tough road games coming up. We either learn how to toughen up or we can pack it in. I hope Remy not starting or playing much was simply to send a message that he needs to be a leader, because he is by far our best defender and him not playing makes no sense to me. He actually seems like he cares and gets after it on D. Some of you will say Dee played a good game, but we can't have him taking 12 shots and only making 4 of them as of now tonight. Has to be better leadership from a Sr PG. Remy needs to play more mins.

[RoseyMuskie]

Also believe it's scheme. Don't have the length with guards on close outs, don't have the foot speed with bigs on hedges.

Better effort in second half. JP is so much like AJ Pierzynski.

[xsteve1]

I remember when UD fans said they were passing us as a program. With Archie and the way they're playing not so far fetched any longer.

[chico]

Damn, I thought this was going to be a critique of the John Feinstein book. Was I ever wrong. Are you proposing Chris Mack walk around practice with a fishing rod and keep casting and reeling it back in while walking around the court talking to his players?

It is a great book, though.

[GetUp5]

I remember when UD fans said they were passing us as a program. With Archie and the way they're playing not so far fetched any longer.

Put the keyboard down. Go to bed.




Seriously.

[vee4xu]

Mrs. Vee and I were downtown. Had tickets to show, Newsies. Very good, by the way. Go see it if you have a chance.

Got home in time to see final score online. Looked at box score: Randloph - DNP, Abel - 9 mins, no points, two fouls, Farr 12 minutes. Something definitely doesn't smell right here folks. Not sure what it is, but whatever it is doesn't smell good. Any insights from anyone on the topic?

[Strange Brew]

Mrs. Vee and I were downtown. Had tickets to show, Newsies. Very good, by the way. Go see it if you have a chance.

Got home in time to see final score online. Looked at box score: Randloph - DNP, Abel - 9 mins, no points, two fouls, Farr 12 minutes. Something definitely doesn't smell right here folks. Not sure what it is, but whatever it is doesn't smell good. Any insights from anyone on the topic?

A coach with cranium infection of the rectum.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This season is very quickly getting away from us. We were thoroughly dominated by Villanova from the opening tip and we made a nice little run, but we are past moral victories on the road. Jalen finally played like dominate Jalen can play, but where the hell is the 3 pt defense. Back to that again, getting absolutely shredded from 3. I see no end in site since we play a lot of tough road games coming up. We either learn how to toughen up or we can pack it in. I hope Remy not starting or playing much was simply to send a message that he needs to be a leader, because he is by far our best defender and him not playing makes no sense to me. He actually seems like he cares and gets after it on D. Some of you will say Dee played a good game, but we can't have him taking 12 shots and only making 4 of them as of now tonight. Has to be better leadership from a Sr PG. Remy needs to play more mins.

I dont think in any way shape or form we are beyond moral victories on the road. Not sure if this was one completely but glad we showed fight. We definitely need to step forward now and get a real road victory.

[BandAid]

Who I was pleased with tonight:
Jalen
Macura - overmatched defensively, but he does so many other things
Austin - got fed to the wolves, improved throughout the game
Dee - shots weren't falling, good intensity throughout

Who I wasn't pleased with:
Myles - forcing it
Bluiett - forcing it
Farr - didn't do anything positive, didn't realize he played more than 10 minutes, appears to be in the doghouse
Abell - pretty much the same as Farr, except he really appears to be in the doghouse (not as bad as Randolph though)

[MuskiePimp23]

I dont think in any way shape or form we are beyond moral victories on the road. Not sure if this was one completely but glad we showed fight. We definitely need to step forward now and get a real road victory.

Do you mean that Xavier University is NOT past moral victories on the road? Come on. We need to win games, not play well for a half or 25 mins.

[XU3232]

The fact that Randolph didn't play at all for the second game is very concerning. Two weeks ago Mack said he earned the spot of back up point guard.

[MuskiePimp23]

Who I was pleased with tonight:
Jalen
Macura - overmatched defensively, but he does so many other things
Austin - got fed to the wolves, improved throughout the game
Dee - shots weren't falling, good intensity throughout

Who I wasn't pleased with:
Myles - forcing it
Bluiett - forcing it
Farr - didn't do anything positive, didn't realize he played more than 10 minutes, appears to be in the doghouse
Abell - pretty much the same as Farr, except he really appears to be in the doghouse (not as bad as Randolph though)

With our 3 pt defense as bad as it is, why was our best defender (Abell) on the bench most of the night? Mack needs to get this ship together and fast because we are about to sink and this season is slipping away.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Do you mean that Xavier University is NOT past moral victories on the road? Come on. We need to win games, not play well for a half or 25 mins.

I dont think this team was past a moral victory on the road tonight. Not at all. Not sure we got even that though. We did get some moral victory from not giving up though.

That is the only game though, Nova is a legit top 5 team, we need to start beating some of the other teams in conference on the road though.

[Bmuskie]

Do you mean that Xavier University is NOT past moral victories on the road? Come on. We need to win games, not play well for a half or 25 mins.

Agreed!!! There is no such thing as a Moral Victory at Xavier. NO ONE should accept a loss, especially Coach Mack! This team once again on the road played a good part of the game with no intensity and no desire to win. When that happens you find yourself down by 24. UNACCEPTABLE!
On another note this is the 3rd road game out of the last 4 in which X gave up 88 points. That is a compete lack of intensity on the defensive end. This team time and time again shows no intensity or want to win on the road.

[Juice]

Agreed!!! There is no such thing as a Moral Victory at Xavier. NO ONE should accept a loss, especially Coach Mack! This team once again on the road played a good part of the game with no intensity and no desire to win. When that happens you find yourself down by 24. UNACCEPTABLE!
On another note this is the 3rd road game out of the last 4 in which X gave up 88 points. That is a compete lack of intensity on the defensive end. This team time and time again shows no intensity or want to win on the road.

Did you watch the second half? X outscored them and looked a lot better. I'm not saying that that should be celebrated but after playing a really bad first half, there is no way you can say that they lacked intensity or didn't want to win.

[drudy23]

The ONLY positive from this game is if they give the effort they did in the second half CONSISTENTLY for the rest of the year on the road. Perhaps a light goes on...Villanova is a significantly better team than us. That was obvious.

[X Factor]

Our best lineup is Dee, Abel, Macura, Jalen, and Stain.

[LadyMuskie]

I got stuck in meetings tonight. Didn't get home until 11:30, and I had no access to the internet. I was so bummed to miss this game. Now, I'm kinda glad. (sigh)

[Titanxman04]

Someone in the live chat mentioned how "defeated" Mack looked last night in the second half. To that, I say this:

Sometimes, teams just hit shots and are "feeling it". There's nothing you can do at that point. You weather the storm, hope that the well goes dry for them, and pray that when that happens, there's enough time and you've done enough to keep it competitive. I think that happened in the second half with the run that X went on, but Nova is a nasty, good team.

Those who say there are no such things as moral victories are just plain wrong. We have over half the Big East schedule to play. We came back and gave the best team in our conference a lot to handle, especially int he second half. The team didn't quit. I don't know if there were a lot of people out there who reasonably expected us to win this game. I don't think you COULD reasonably expect Xavier to win this game.

It could have been a lot worse. It could have been an effortless shit-show like at DePaul and Butler. It wasn't. There's something to actually build on. Some of you folks just enjoy complaining. Some of you actually look at something and can find what to work with. I prefer to be grouped in with the latter.

[ForTUitous]

This is what I hope regarding Remy. I thought this was Mack's way of trying to push Remy to the next level. We know what you're getting out of stain and Dee. Trevon and JP are freshman. Jalen you can't trust to keep his head and James is just limited in many aspects. This leaves Remy. Who can do everything at least pretty well. I'm hoping this is ploy and Remy responds thus helping his teammates collectively take the next step. If that is what Mack was trying to do I applaud him for it bc Remy is the best candidate to pull a "Lionel Chalmer or Stanley Burrell" both took huge steps in different forms that became the glue to their respective elite 8 teams.
If this was Mack truly believing this would make a difference on defense last night it's by far the dumbest thing he's ever done. You sit a guy that shut down Dunham the previous game?if you're going defense to start the game how about dee, Larry,Remy, james, and jalen? There's your best chance on defense. Again I just hope this was a way to try and push Remy or I'm officially worries about what Mack is trying to accomplish. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now.

[nasdadjr]

I said I wouldn't watch one minute and I didnt. Mack is a train wreck right now and it is my personal opinion that players don't want to play for him. I say this with absolutely zero inside knowledge and I know that going in so blast away, but with a guy like Randolph and how he played against Missouri he seemed to go to irrelevent very quickly. Other guys notice that kind of thing and don't be surprised if because they see that they won't give mack their all especially on the defensive end. If their thought is if I mess up once I'm done then they won't play hard won't take chances and play conservative which always leads to disaster in any sport. I seriously question macks ability to coach and more importantly connect with this team which I think is leading to the defensive travesty we have to watch.

[casualfan]

Someone in the live chat mentioned how "defeated" Mack looked last night in the second half. To that, I say this:

Sometimes, teams just hit shots and are "feeling it". There's nothing you can do at that point. You weather the storm, hope that the well goes dry for them, and pray that when that happens, there's enough time and you've done enough to keep it competitive. I think that happened in the second half with the run that X went on, but Nova is a nasty, good team.

Those who say there are no such things as moral victories are just plain wrong. We have over half the Big East schedule to play. We came back and gave the best team in our conference a lot to handle, especially int he second half. The team didn't quit. I don't know if there were a lot of people out there who reasonably expected us to win this game. I don't think you COULD reasonably expect Xavier to win this game.

It could have been a lot worse. It could have been an effortless shit-show like at DePaul and Butler. It wasn't. There's something to actually build on. Some of you folks just enjoy complaining. Some of you actually look at something and can find what to work with. I prefer to be grouped in with the latter.

I don't think we ever got it to single digits. I wouldn't exactly call that a lot to handle.

I think sometimes people's compass on that stuff gets thrown off when there is a huge lead one way or the other. When you are down by 22 or 24 and shave 8-10 points off the lead you are still down by 12-14 points. Now 12 or 14 is a lot less than 22 or 24, but it's still a huge lead in college basketball.

[Juice]

I said I wouldn't watch one minute and I didnt. Mack is a train wreck right now and it is my personal opinion that players don't want to play for him. I say this with absolutely zero inside knowledge and I know that going in so blast away, but with a guy like Randolph and how he played against Missouri he seemed to go to irrelevent very quickly. Other guys notice that kind of thing and don't be surprised if because they see that they won't give mack their all especially on the defensive end. If their thought is if I mess up once I'm done then they won't play hard won't take chances and play conservative which always leads to disaster in any sport. I seriously question macks ability to coach and more importantly connect with this team which I think is leading to the defensive travesty we have to watch.

So they'll play on the offensive end for him but not the defensive?

[casualfan]

The ONLY positive from this game is if they give the effort they did in the second half CONSISTENTLY for the rest of the year on the road. Perhaps a light goes on...Villanova is a significantly better team than us. That was obvious.

I hear what people are saying on this, but you have to take into account that Nova was up by 20-plus a few minutes into the second half.

Our guys definitely played better in the second than the first, but I also think 'Nova being up that much helped. It's human nature to take your foot off the gas just a bit when you are up like that.

I'm still really confused about what Mack did with Austin last night. He didn't royally screw anything up, but he didn't do a whole lot positive either. 20 minutes, 0-2 from the floor, 0 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers. Given his PT to this point in the season I just don't think he was put in a position to succeed.

He played 20 minutes on the road last night against the number 5 team in the nation. Prior to yesterday's game he had played 36 minutes all season, 12 of which came in a blowout against Northern Arizona. In the 12 games prior to last night he had played 16 minutes combined.

I'm all for a shakeup and getting some young guys minutes, but why was last night the tipping point? Just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

[kyxu]

I don't think we ever got it to single digits. I wouldn't exactly call that a lot to handle.

I think sometimes people's compass on that stuff gets thrown off when there is a huge lead one way or the other. When you are down by 22 or 24 and shave 8-10 points off the lead you are still down by 12-14 points. Now 12 or 14 is a lot less than 22 or 24, but it's still a huge lead in college basketball.

I would have to agree. We were dominated last night, the late 2nd half run notwithstanding. From about 5 minutes into the game until the final buzzer, we trailed by double digits. When things got "close" (i.e., 10 points), Nova knew just what to do to quickly push it to 15-17. Offensively, Villanova had their way with us.

I guess we can be glad that the team didn't give up, but wow has this program fallen if we can take much, if any, satisfaction or reassurance from a double-digit loss.

[Xville]

If this happened against any other Big East team, I would be royally pissed. However, against Villanova, on their home floor, this isn't terrible. Yes they beat us, and pretty handily but that was the best effort I have seen from this team on the road this year. That is something I believe that they can build upon. Now, if nothing comes of this in regards to wins on the road the next couple of games, then I believe it is time to push the panic button. We have to get some results, but as crazy as it sounds, I think last night was a step in the right direction.

[Art Vandelay]

Fucking love JP

Adam Morrison 2.0

[Masterofreality]

Was at the game with 4 other Lew Hirt Society Brothers and EastCoastXMan. Our seats wee up high behind the basket so we had a great angle to see the court.

I don't have time to recap everything or go through 493 posts in this thread, but these things-

A) Any thoughts of improving the defense on this team that does nit include Remy Abel on the floor is ridiculous- and that includes you Chris Mack.
B) Wanna start Larry Austin? Fine, but don't have him out there with no Remy Abel. Either JP Macura or Trebin should have been on the bench to start.
C) No Remy Abel on the floor to start? Result: 3 threes and an 11-2 deficit in the first 3 minutes. Ball game effectively over.
D) Why oh why did Xavier's guards continually shuffle down to help on Ochefu? Why? Matt Stainbrook and Jalen could handle him just fine. On at least 3 occasions our guards went to help. Ball kicks back out for an open 3 that they made- one time when we were only down 10 in the second half. WHY?
E) ENOUGH with the CENTER HEDGING! It throws everyone else into a scarmble mode. Stay the F home.

Look, Villanova is good and winning at their cozy place last night was not going to happen. Remy Abel only played 9 minutes last night and we got torched for 88 points. I don't think him not playing was the answer to the defensive problems coach. Maybe you might think about changing up YOUR schemes to better suit the team you are playing?

I get that you say "Do what we do". Well, other teams do what they do...and right now they are doing it a helluva lot better against your standard "do". How about actually looking at a scouting report and adjusting?

On to Marquette. '94Grad, have some beers ready Saturday morning.