XAVIER vs VILLANOVA

[MADXSTER]

1595 vs 1596

Xavier University Musketeers (11-5) (2-2)
W Northern Arizona 93-60 Preseason pick was 3rd in Big Sky
W Long Beach State 97-74 Preseason pick was 3rd in Big West
W Stephen F Austin 81-63 Preseason pick was 1st in Southland
W Murray State 89-62 Preseason pick was 1st in OVC
W San Diego Toreros 82-71 Preseason pick was 5th in WCC
L UTEP Miners 77-73 Preseason pick was 2nd in CUSA
L Long Beach State 73-70 Preseason pick was 3rd in Big West
W Alabama 97-84 Preseason pick was 10th in the SEC
W IUPUI Jaquars 66-43
W Missouri Tigers 74-58 Preseason pick was 7th in the SEC
L Auburn Tigers 89-88 2OT
W Florida Gulf Coast 71-57 Preseason pick was 1st
W Georgetown Hoyas 70-53
L DePaul Blue Demons 71-68
W Seton Hall Pirates 69-58
L Butler Bulldogs 88-76

vs Villanova Wildcats (15-1) (3-1)
W Lehigh N 66-77
W Maryland Eastern Shore H 81-44
W Bucknell H 72-65
W VCU N 53-77 W
W Michigan N 55-60
W Delaware H 78-47
W La Salle A 70-84
W Saint Joseph's H 74-46
W Illinois N 59-73
W Temple H 85-62
W Syracuse H 82-77
W NJIT H 92-67
W Butler H 67-55
L Seton Hall A 66-61
W St. John's A 72-90
W DePaul H 81-64


Wednesday Jan. 14, 2014 9:00 p.m. ET in Philadelphia
Television: Fox Sports 1
Radio: 700 WLW

[drudy23]

They're good.

[kyxu]

In the middle of the night last night, I woke up in a cold sweat thinking of what Pinkston and company are going to do to this defense.

[Xville]

All I want this game is to see great defensive effort. If we can't bring effort and intensity to this game, I don't see it coming this year. Anyone who doesn't bring it defensively this game, should be benched the next game.

[casualfan]

I don't know how, but our guys need to find some toughness before Wednesday night or this one could get out of hand.

Farr, Reynolds, Stain and co need to sack up and come to play or Ochefu and Pinkston are going to eat us alive in the post.

[GoMuskies]

It probably won't be enough, because Villanova is very good, but I really expect a huge effort from our guys. I mean, for the first time all year the pressure is completely off of them, because NO ONE expects Xavier to win Wednesday night. With really nothing to lose, I think this group could (will) turn in a big performance. Hot shooting from behind the arc would certainly help.

[casualfan]

It probably won't be enough, because Villanova is very good, but I really expect a huge effort from our guys. I mean, for the first time all year the pressure is completely off of them, because NO ONE expects Xavier to win Wednesday night. With really nothing to lose, I think this group could (will) turn in a big performance. Hot shooting from behind the arc would certainly help.

I'd love to agree with you, but I just don't see it.

We don't have the players to defend a team like Nova. Unless 'Nova comes out and has a really cold shooting night I just don't see it.

[GoMuskies]

That's why it probably still won't be enough. But I think we'll score a lot and make Nova nervous for a long time.

[Masterofreality]

That's why it probably still won't be enough. But I think we'll score a lot and make Nova nervous for a long time.

Well, there will be me, EastcoastXman and 3 other Lew Hirt Society Brothers in the Pavilion Wednesday night plus potentially others.

We're going to have a nice steak first, a couple of pops then go see a basketball game with NO expectations of anything.

Hey, upsets occur right?

[crolfes12]

What's up with Randolph? Why didn't he play vs Butler? IMO he hasn't played too bad this year

[xufan2434]

What's up with Randolph? Why didn't he play vs Butler? IMO he hasn't played too bad this year

Just another one of Mack's random doghouse routines I would be guessing..

[Xavier]

I think Xavier will really challenge Nova. I really think the game won't be decided heading into the under 4 TV time out in the second half.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think Xavier will really challenge Nova. I really think the game won't be decided heading into the under 4 TV time out in the second half.

Agree. I picked Nova in the pick the score but I had it close. I think XU can win, then I ask why I think that and I realize I have no evidence to think that and the only reason I think they can win is because I am a fan. But I picked it close and I think it will be close most of the game. I just want us to have a chance to steal it at the end.

[LA Muskie]

Agree. I picked Nova in the pick the score but I had it close. I think XU can win, then I ask why I think that and I realize I have no evidence to think that and the only reason I think they can win is because I am a fan. But I picked it close and I think it will be close most of the game. I just want us to have a chance to steal it at the end.
I think we have a tendency to play to our talent level, particularly (although not exclusively) on the road. For that reason, I also expect a very close game tomorrow.

[DC Muskie]

Anyone else think they are going to press our guards or at least trap them mid court? Nova is really good at that.

I hate this game.

[XU 87]

Just another one of Mack's random doghouse routines I would be guessing..

There is nothing random about it. The staff was VERY upset with Randolph's defense in the first half against Seton Hall. He was taken out and didn't play in the second half.

[LA Muskie]

Anyone else think they are going to press our guards or at least trap them mid court? Nova is really good at that.

I hate this game.
After watching us struggle in the half-court, particularly on the road, I wouldn't be inclined to speed up the game and risk giving up easy buckets if I were them.

[XUFan09]

There is nothing random about it. The staff was VERY upset with Randolph's defense in the first half against Seton Hall. He was taken out and didn't play in the second half.
Not to mention that the offense has often sputtered with him at the helm.

[DC Muskie]

After watching us struggle in the half-court, particularly on the road, I wouldn't be inclined to speed up the game and risk giving up easy buckets if I were them.

I don't think the half court trap speeds people up for easy baskets. I think it speeds people up to make mistakes. Just extending the pressure.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not to mention that the office has often sputtered with him at the helm.

He's never been a good office manager. Damn shame.

[LA Muskie]

I don't think the half court trap speeds people up for easy baskets. I think it speeds people up to make mistakes. Just extending the pressure.
A press speeds up the game. A half-court press may not, but it certainly opens up the floor. For the most part, our guard play is our strong suit -- at least in terms of ball-handling and court vision. I wouldn't play into our strength. Instead, especially given Stain's recent struggles and the fact that it's their home court, I'd pack it in, not let Stain breath, and force our guys to make contested jumpers.

[DC Muskie]

A press speeds up the game. A half-court press may not, but it certainly opens up the floor. For the most part, our guard play is our strong suit -- at least in terms of ball-handling and court vision. I wouldn't play into our strength. Instead, especially given Stain's recent struggles and the fact that it's their home court, I'd pack it in, not let Stain breath, and force our guys to make contested jumpers.

Okay. I hope you are right. More importantly, I hope Stain picks it up.

[LA Muskie]

Okay. I hope you are right. More importantly, I hope Stain picks it up.
I just hope we fight. If we get after 50/50 balls, rebound, and defend I'll be happy win or lose. Though I'd much prefer the W.

[DC Muskie]

I just hope we fight. If we get after 50/50 balls, rebound, and defend I'll be happy win or lose. Though I'd much prefer the W.

They have to be off big time on the offensive end.

[xsteve1]

I just hope we fight. If we get after 50/50 balls, rebound, and defend I'll be happy win or lose. Though I'd much prefer the W.

Agree. If we play like we did last year at Nova it will be very discouraging.

[xdude]

Outside some clutch offense at the end of the OT Auburn loss, we've not shot well in those road losses. Ball in hole...

[vee4xu]

Paper shows X 10.5 point Dogs. Who knows??

[vee4xu]

Victory tonight looks something like this to me:

Keep Villanova under 50 pts in second half (assuming that X does so in first half) and the final score within 5-7 points. Just bein' real.

[sgarcia]

Work that shot clock every time we have the ball. I think that's our best chance tonight. I'll be praying starting the second I walk into the Pavilion tonight. Just hoping to keep it close and respectable.

[BandAid]

There is nothing random about it. The staff was VERY upset with Randolph's defense in the first half against Seton Hall. He was taken out and didn't play in the second half.

I hope Randolph can come into his own quickly. He may be incredibly important to this team next year. He won't be the tallest of the pgs, but he has the most muscle on him which is almost a necessity for a point guard in the Big East.

[vee4xu]

Work that shot clock every time we have the ball. I think that's our best chance tonight. I'll be praying starting the second I walk into the Pavilion tonight. Just hoping to keep it close and respectable.

You may want to start now. At your request I'll drop a prayer or two, hoping God cares! I'll be praying for mercy. Thx for braving those elements tonight on X's behalf.

[LA Muskie]

Work that shot clock every time we have the ball. I think that's our best chance tonight. I'll be praying starting the second I walk into the Pavilion tonight. Just hoping to keep it close and respectable.
In theory I understand this strategy. But have you seen our offense when we are up against a clock? We look like deer in headlights and take bad shots.

Our strength is our transition offense; we aren't nearly as good in the half court. I think we need to play to our strength. Even if it also plays to theirs. I think we need to play our game on offense, and bring it on defense and on the boards to win. (I also think we need 'Nova to have an off night...)

But that's just my opinion. I'm sure reasonable minds could differ.

[GoMuskies]

I think slowing the game down would be a disaster for us.

[sgarcia]

In theory I understand this strategy. But have you seen our offense when we are up against a clock? We look like deer in headlights and take bad shots.

Our strength is our transition offense; we aren't nearly as good in the half court. I think we need to play to our strength. Even if it also plays to theirs. I think we need to play our game on offense, and bring it on defense and on the boards to win. (I also think we need 'Nova to have an off night...)

But that's just my opinion. I'm sure reasonable minds could differ.

LA, I value your point on this. Lack of movement in the half court frustrates me to know end. I've seen enough side pick and rolls with a big man to last me a lifetime. I just worry that if we try to run we'll get throttled so I was going with the possible lesser of 2 evils choice.

[xufan2434]

http://espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=400504556

Things that jumped out to me from last year @ Nova that have to be better:

- 16 turnovers to Nova's 7... Every starter for X had at least 2 on their own.

- Dee was 1-7 (0-3 from 3).. We need him to score better than that or at least be more efficient with the offense.

- Rebounding numbers weren't as bad as I expected, but Nova shot 28 3's.. and if even if they aren't hitting them, it leads to long rebounds. Guards have to box out tonight on those and limit to one possession.

[DC Muskie]

I was at that game last year. The only good thing about it were the cheesesteaks I had before hand and the bourbon I had after.

[crolfes12]

Expect to see lineup changes (including starters)

[DC Muskie]

Expect to see lineup changes (including starters)

Who would you guess would start tonight? Do we go small?

[crolfes12]

Who would you guess would start tonight? Do we go small?


Toughness first. Would not be surprised to see O'mara start or be the first big off the bench. I also think Trevon will come off the bench. Mack was pissed at him during the Butler game for allowing Jones to dominate

[chico]

In theory I understand this strategy. But have you seen our offense when we are up against a clock? We look like deer in headlights and take bad shots.

Our strength is our transition offense; we aren't nearly as good in the half court. I think we need to play to our strength. Even if it also plays to theirs. I think we need to play our game on offense, and bring it on defense and on the boards to win. (I also think we need 'Nova to have an off night...)

But that's just my opinion. I'm sure reasonable minds could differ.

I tend to agree with this. If we get out and run with some measure of success it may put some pressure on Nova to speed it up on their end. Everyone's heard the saying that sometime the best offense is a good defense, but the opposite can also be true, especially for a team like ours that can be defensively challenged at times.

If we do speed it up the guards have to really make an effort to get back on defense, though.

[xukeith]

I doubt we see any starters change. Maybe that was talk. Mack will change the substitution pattern. Less Macura, more Austin probably.
I imagine X will have to play amazing D and make at least 11 3's to come close.

[drudy23]

I would hope all of that hard ass talk doesn't just result in more Austin and less Macura. That would be weak.

[xufan2434]

What other changes do people want to see?

I know it's easy to point at Bluiett not starting. But I really don't think Myles is the answer on that one with the size of Nova and his defensive abilities. I do think Bluiett needs to play less minutes. You can tell he's already starting to wear down. There aren't really a whole lot of changes that you can make on the road against the 5th best team in the country.

[drudy23]

Way more Jalen, way less Farr.

Less D Davis, more of the other point guards.

At least thats my thought.

I like Macura's toughness, but apparently he cant guard anyone at all.

[ammtd34]

I doubt we see any starters change. Maybe that was talk. Mack will change the substitution pattern. Less Macura, more Austin probably.
I imagine X will have to play amazing D and make at least 11 3's to come close.

I don't.

[xufan2434]

Way more Jalen, way less Farr.

Less D Davis, more of the other point guards.

At least thats my thought.

I like Macura's toughness, but apparently he cant guard anyone at all.

Do agree with Jalen.. It would be awesome if he could pull out a Madison Square Garden performance tonight while staying out of foul trouble

[Xavier_Musketeers]

We haven't had a road win against a ranked team since 2011 against Vanderbilt, it's time to get one tonight

[DC Muskie]

We haven't had a road win against a ranked team since 2011 against Vanderbilt, it's time to get one tonight

Out of how many chances?

[BandAid]

I'm excited to see what changes Mack makes to the lineup/rotation. Byron alluded to it being kind of a big deal when he was on with Mo Egger. It will give us some insight into who in particular Mack thinks needs to step up the intensity. I'm guessing we could see more Myles, Macura, Austin, and maybe even some O'Mara. Macura may have trouble guarding people, but he is nothing but energy when he's in the game. And other teams hate him, so that's a plus.

Or I could be completely wrong about those guesses.

[vee4xu]

I sense that there are more people straddling the line on how they feel about this team's current state, this team's future state, this team's coach, this team's competitiveness, etc. This could be a watershed game tonight as relates to galvanizing opinions in way or the other. Many are standing on the ledge looking down and how this game finishes will determine how they feel about team and coach. A blowout where X loses will be very, very interesting in seeing where folks standing pat go. We shall see.

[kyxu]

I sense that there are more people straddling the line on how they feel about this team's current state, this team's future state, this team's coach, this team's competitiveness, etc. This could be a watershed game tonight as relates to galvanizing opinions in way or the other. Many are standing on the ledge looking down and how this game finishes will determine how they feel about team and coach. A blowout where X loses will be very, very interesting in seeing where folks standing pat go. We shall see.

No matter how good Xavier was going to be this year, tonight's game was going to be difficult to win, so nothing has changed. If Xavier plays well and fights through a close loss, I think many of us can accept that without much trepidation. A performance like last year's at Villanova, however, will be very troubling and will rightfully confirm some of the questions about this team.

[MADXSTER]

Less Stain, more Jalen and James
Less Tre, More JP
More Myles

[DC Muskie]

All I want to see is fight. I do not expect us to win. Didn't at the beginning of the season, especially not now.

This is the game that defines the idea that winning on the road is tough. And tough is not a word I would attach to this team.

[bleedXblue]

I sense that there are more people straddling the line on how they feel about this team's current state, this team's future state, this team's coach, this team's competitiveness, etc. This could be a watershed game tonight as relates to galvanizing opinions in way or the other. Many are standing on the ledge looking down and how this game finishes will determine how they feel about team and coach. A blowout where X loses will be very, very interesting in seeing where folks standing pat go. We shall see.

I'm almost the complete opposite. I expect a loss. I don't expect to see these guys magically turn into great defenders. I'm more looking for a change of attitude and consistent balls to the wall effort for a prolonged stretch of games. I want to see guys that care. Guys emerge as floor leaders. All the stuff this team has been lacking for the last 2 plus years.

[bleedXblue]

Less Stain, more Jalen and James
Less Tre, More JP
More Myles

Jalen has been his own limiting factor for the most part. If he would pull his head out of his....and actually use his brain on the court instead of making the same old stupid fouls that are completely head scratching most of the time.....he would play more and contribute more.

Macura has been dreadful the last two games. He cant guard at all. I love his effort and energy though.

Time for some guys to turn the corner and make a difference.

Yes DC, I want to see a pissed off .....we're tired of this shit team tonight.

[DC Muskie]

We haven't had a road win against a ranked team since 2011 against Vanderbilt, it's time to get one tonight

Also we haven't scored a road victory of a team with an RPI lower than 50 since this game as well.

That's 3 1/2 years.

Dee Davis could go his entire career and never experience that.

[IM4X]

Also we haven't scored a road victory of a team with an RPI lower than 50 since this game as well.

That's 3 1/2 years.

Dee Davis could go his entire career and never experience that.

Didn't know that- not a promising stat. Actually, it's making me a little nauseous just thinking about it.

Come on X- do us proud. Kick some Nova butt!

[DC Muskie]

Didn't know that- not a promising stat. Actually, it's making me a little nauseous just thinking about it.

Come on X- do us proud. Kick some Nova butt!

Mack is 3-13 in road games against RPI 50 or below opponents. Those three wins took place in his first two years.

Granted I don't how that stacks up against others, but ten games under and being currently 0-7 is not great.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Also we haven't scored a road victory of a team with an RPI lower than 50 since this game as well.

That's 3 1/2 years.

Dee Davis could go his entire career and never experience that.

Dee Davis was on the 2011-12 team that won at Vandy. Granted he didn't play much, but he was a freshman on that team.

[DC Muskie]

Dee Davis was on the 2011-12 team that won at Vandy. Granted he didn't play much, but he was a freshman on that team.

Sorry, thanks for that. I didn't look up the box score and went back and forth about whether he was on the team.

[xsteve1]

Mack is 3-13 in road games against RPI 50 or below opponents. Those three wins took place in his first two years.

Granted I don't how that stacks up against others, but ten games under and being currently 0-7 is not great.

The question you have to ask is it a motivation issue. At Cintas X has the crowd to give them energy. At US Bank last year against UC the X crowd was great. Mack needs to find a way to motivate these guys. I just saw Ed Cooley really get into his guys on the sidelines during a timeout something I don't think I've ever seen Mack do.

[DC Muskie]

The question you have to ask is it a motivation issue. At Cintas X has the crowd to give them energy. At US Bank last year against UC the X crowd was great. Mack needs to find a way to motivate these guys. I just saw Ed Cooley really get into his guys on the sidelines during a timeout something I don't think I've ever seen Mack do.

One of my favorite memories of Sean Miller was when we were up at UMass. I had seats right behind the bench and watched Sean pull Josh Duncan from the game, sit him on the bench, waited then turned and screamed at him, "JOSH DO SOMETHING!" and Josh went out and did something.

[bleedXblue]

The question you have to ask is it a motivation issue. At Cintas X has the crowd to give them energy. At US Bank last year against UC the X crowd was great. Mack needs to find a way to motivate these guys. I just saw Ed Cooley really get into his guys on the sidelines during a timeout something I don't think I've ever seen Mack do.

Ladies and gentleman we have a winner !!!!

[xubball1993]

Killing time before tip-off by watching Hoosiers (again, never gets old).

"I've seen you guys can shoot but there's more to the game than shooting. There's fundamentals and defense."

[X-band '01]

Providence is having one of their "everything goes wrong" kind of games, but I thought they already used that up when they lost at home to Brown back in December.

[BMoreX]

@slrussell: I don't have the starting lineups yet but I hear J.P. Macura and Larry Austin Jr. are starting. Stay tuned. #Xavier

[casualfan]

@slrussell: I don't have the starting lineups yet but I hear J.P. Macura and Larry Austin Jr. are starting. Stay tuned. #Xavier


I'm all for a shake up and don't mind the macura move, but larry austin? On the road? Against a top 5 team?

Should be interesting.

[XMuskieFTW]

Ummmmm wow.

[Musketeer_15]

God I hope this new lineup works

[fellahmuskie]

Can't wait for this game. I am on the fence about this team and coach, but I know they are more than capable of winning. Pull the upset here, go on a run and no one ever remembers the early January anxiety and doubt. It's an awesome opportunity. This is why we joined the big east. Let's get it done!! Go X!!

[Muskie]

I'm all for a shake up and don't mind the macura move, but larry austin? On the road? Against a top 5 team?

Should be interesting.

Why don't you mind the Macura move? I haven't seen anything out of him recently.

[drudy23]

Nice - JP don't prove me wrong.

JP has stones, and my guess is that Mack is proving this point even with JPs defensive troubles.

[casualfan]

Why don't you mind the Macura move? I haven't seen anything out of him recently.

At least we've seen something from him at some point this year.

Austin hasn't even played in a lot of games.

[RoseyMuskie]

Don't understand why Remy isn't starting. We have defensive issues, and he's our best defender...

[bleedXblue]

This is where a coach can look like a genius or a complete idiot. We shall see.

I still say Dee plays 30 minutes and Trevon gets at least 20.

[bleedXblue]

Don't understand why Remy isn't starting. We have defensive issues, and he's our best defender...

No one said he isn't?

[RoseyMuskie]

No one said he isn't?

Shannon Russell did, and the Xavier basketball Twitter account indicated JP and Larry are starting.

[blobfan]

I really don't want to stay up late on a work night to watch our guys lose. I'm hoping this is the game where they pull it all together.

[bleedXblue]

Just saw Shannon tweet....JP, Dee, Trevon, Austin and Stain starting.

[bleedXblue]

[QUOTE=RoseyMuskie;478038]Shannon Russell did, and the Xavier basketball Twitter account indicated JP and Larry are starting.[/QUOT

Agree about Remy unless Mack said those that's practice the hardest this week get the start

[Nocalmuskie]

Anyone else having problems with the 700 WLW stream?

[X-Fan]

Remy being out has to be some sort of motivational bit. Otherwise I don't get it.

[XUFan09]

As I had this game penciled in as a loss before the season started, I expect we won't see how effective these roster shakeups are until subsequent games. Or, we somehow amazingly win.

[xu82]

I'm hearing we have "issues".

[paulxu]

I see we have the A team announcers.

As to the lineup, Mack must have done that to satisfy all you on the board who keep saying he should shake things up.

[gladdenguy]

Just what we need. Another Mack team with issues.
I will tell you the issues.
Lack toughness
Can't play defense
Have a point guard who is good one game and terrible for the next 3 games.
That is just a start.

[paulxu]

I want to see more movement in our half court offense.

[Muskie]

I would seriously like to know what the team shooting percentage is inside of 4 ft.

[BMoreX]

Over before it started.

[mistabeecee41]

Joke of a gameplan.

[gladdenguy]

Let's start JP Macura since he plays such great defense.

[xu82]

I suspect they will miss a three. In their next game maybe, but eventually.

[DC Muskie]

Well they are trapping us, which is actually slowing us down, which we aren't very good at, and killing us on threes like they did last year.

[XMuskieFTW]

Hmm I thought starting worse players would work! -__-

[waggy]

Well if you're looking to get dismantled, Nova is as good place as any.

How's that for a silver lining.

[XU 87]

I'm all for a shake up and don't mind the macura move, but larry austin? On the road? Against a top 5 team?


Should be interesting.

I don't get Austin starting at all. How do you go from not playing to starting? And we're down 11-2 with no defense again.

[BMoreX]

Good night

[drudy23]

I suspect this may turn out to be the "hit rock bottom game".

[Blue Blobs Bro]

Stop bitching, it most definitely is not over before it started

[xu82]

Was the starting lineup about getting better ball handlers against the press?

[Xville]

Great start....same crap different game....don't bother defending the three

[RoseyMuskie]

Lolz!

[drudy23]

So what are these "issues"?

[Emp]

4 guard starting lineup blows up.

[Xville]

I'm pretty convinced now that Mack has no clue how to coach this team away from cintas.

[xu82]

Got 'em where we want 'em now.... over confident!

[X Factor]

If you're going to start Macura, let him at least try and get something going on offense. You know he's not going to lock anyone down on defense. What's the purpose of starting him if you yank him after one minute?

[xsteve1]

I hope X can keep it within 40. Christ. Same old.

[BMoreX]

In all seriousness I wasn't expecting anything from this game.

[xsteve1]

Mack looks beat already.

[drudy23]

If you're going to start Macura, let him at least try and get something going on offense. You know he's not going to lock anyone down on defense. What's the purpose of starting him if you yank him after one minute?

Exactly. Doesn't really mean much if we go back to the same lineup 1 minute into the game.

[Kahns Krazy]

We are in a really good spot to sneak up on Nova from.

[casualfan]

I don't get Austin starting at all. How do you go from not playing to starting? And we're down 11-2 with no defense again.


We are 100% on the same page. Is BrandoN Randolph still alive?

[waggy]

Gift. But God knows they needed it.

[XU 87]

I'm listening on the radio. Are these three pointer nova is making contested?

[DC Muskie]

Watching Hart and Jenkins play against us hurts my feelings.

[Xville]

I wonder how many open threes nova will shoot before Mack actually gets in someone's face

[drudy23]

I'm listening on the radio. Are these three pointer nova is making contested?

Not wide open, but certainly not super tough shots either.

[bleedXblue]

If you're going to start Macura, let him at least try and get something going on offense. You know he's not going to lock anyone down on defense. What's the purpose of starting him if you yank him after one minute?

You do these things when your desperate and searching. Abel not starting? What f'in genius decided that one? A team struggling on D and you don't start your best defender..........holy crap Batman.

[xu82]

I'm listening on the radio. Are these three pointer nova is making contested?

We slept through an uncontested layup.

[drudy23]

this is fucking ridiculous

[BMoreX]

Our three point defense is horrendous

[Emp]

MancurA undercut

[DC Muskie]

6-9 from three. Jeez.

[bjf123]

Let's keep swapping 2s for 3s.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[waggy]

Nova on pace for 1,000.

[XU 87]

Nova 5-7 from three. Awful.

Or is it 6 of 9?

[drudy23]

JP can't guard his shadow...he better score 25

[chico]

Macura has no conscience. That kid will shoot from anywhere at any time. I like the attitude but we need results.

[Xville]

Our three point defense is horrendous

We play defense?

[DC Muskie]

I've always loved Nova's approach to defense.

[Emp]

Dee got clobbered, but going to sleep in the half court is on Blueitt

[DC Muskie]

Macura has no conscience. That kid will shoot from anywhere at any time. I like the attitude but we need results.

He has fight.

[Retire33]

So you all want them to close out un controllably? Four of the six threes are with hands in the face on close out...



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[xu82]

Nova on pace for 1,000.

They'll cool off. I doubt they get over 600.

[SkyWalker]

Villanova has not made a three in the last minute. I think a timeout may be our best defense.

[drudy23]

So you all want them to close out un controllably? Four of the six threes are with hands in the face on close out...



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Why are they that open to need a close out on EVERY three? They shoot 3's...well...gotta be better.

[bjf123]

Nova 5-7 from three. Awful.

Or is it 6 of 9?

6 of 9. They're averaging 7.5 threes a game.


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[drudy23]

And coach Mack just backed me up in the timeout...they're too open from the dribble drive.

[drudy23]

THAT'S why JP needs to play more...been saying it for weeks.

[xu82]

Getting crushed but down only 6

[waggy]

Nova over the back on Stain. Not called.

[drudy23]

JP has best basketball IQ and best basketball savvy on this team. Didn't say he was best player, but you need players like that on the floor.

[X Factor]

Hillard travelled. Missed call.

[xu82]

And travel before the kick out to the shooter. That's baskeball for you

[Xville]

What the f is Abel doing defending that low in the post...I swear the basketball iq on this team is zero

[X Factor]

Comedy of errors

[RoseyMuskie]

Poor officiating. Travel on Hilliard..push on Stain, undercut JP. Wouldn't change outcome though.

Trevon appears to be rushing his shot. Not following through. Flicking the ball.

[xu82]

Comedy of errors

I don't find that I am amused.

[SkyWalker]

Did Rafferty just say the cab driver is never in a hurry?

[NY44]

Love to see Stain working with his back to the basket.

[xsteve1]

Embarrassing.

[drudy23]

Out of our league.

[DC Muskie]

Getting carved up by two former Xavier recruits. Shooting us out of the gym. Again.

[bjf123]

This is fucking embarrassing.


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[BMoreX]

Just shoot threes for the rest of the game.

[Kahns Krazy]

Does Stain drive for Uber? I hadn't heard this.

[waggy]

Maybe they shouldn't have redshirted #4. Whatever his name is.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

woof

Over and out.

[X Factor]

Nova is going butt rape Xavier for the 3rd consecutive game.

[Blue Blobs Bro]

Out of our league.

But I thought Villanova was in the big east, isn't that what league we're in?

[Retire33]

I love people who expected a blowout are pissed they are getting blown out

[drudy23]

For those of you that say "we'll never be _________", take a look at Villanova. They're just like us...and damn, they have much better players.

[drudy23]

Did Bluiett get his girlfriend pregnant or something? What the hell happened to him?

[X Factor]

That was really smooth Bluiett.

[casualfan]

I feel bad for larry austin.

He's getting abused but it isn't his fault.

He has no business being out there. Not playing significant minutes for the first tme in awhile.

[Xville]

Blueitt just made three boneheaded plays in about fifteen seconds...didn't think that was possible

[XU 87]

At least Raferty knows what's wrong with the defense. Maybe we can hire him as an assistant, because I'm starting to think the staff doesn't know what's wrong. This can't just be a personnel issue.

[mistabeecee41]

That was really smooth Bluiett.

But man did he look cool using 1 hand to try to grab that board instead of 2.

[X Factor]

I say put Sumner and London in. What the heck.

[NY44]

Now seeing how this lineup has worked it looks a lot more like a 'might as well try this' move.

[RoseyMuskie]

Remind me again why we play the pack line? The fact that EVERY team goes off on us from the three point line is not a coincidence..

[bleedXblue]

Has Mack officially lost this team?

[xsteve1]

Bluiett was good in November. I thought guys were supposed to get better.

[XUFan09]

Now seeing how this lineup has worked it looks a lot more like a 'might as well try this' move.
I suspect it was based off who was working hardest in practice.

[drudy23]

Wait....whoa whoa whoa...this is just a blip on the radar. We're good...just wait and see.

[Emp]

8-14.... Can they keep that up

[waggy]

Reynolds looks good tonight.

[drudy23]

I have no problem with shaking up the line to send a message...problem is, those new guys are supposed to provide a spark. Not so much.

[danaandvictory]

Remind me again why we play the pack line? The fact that EVERY team goes off on us from the three point line is not a coincidence..

This is like the McDowell's version of the Pack Line. Pretty sure if Dick Bennett saw X play the "pack line" he'd sue us for defamation.

[drudy23]

8-14.... Can they keep that up

Likely

[SlimKibbles]

Has Mack officially lost this team?

NO

[BandAid]

I feel bad for larry austin.

He's getting abused but it isn't his fault.

He has no business being out there. Not playing significant minutes for the first tme in awhile.

All things considered I think he's doing alright. The charge called on him on the first possession was weak, and he's been tentative on the offensive side ever since.

He certainly hasn't been put into a situation to succeed - first significant minutes coming on the road at Villanova

[NY44]

I suspect it was based off who was working hardest in practice.

We used to do that in CYO. They had to know Austin was gonna fall on his face.

[drudy23]

Same out of bounds play lead to wide open 3 two times in a row.

[xsteve1]

nova just wide open on 3's.

[X Factor]

I've never seen guys just lose total sight of their guy on defense. Absolutely no awareness.

[XUFan09]

We used to do that in CYO. They had to know Austin was gonna fall on his face.
You're overstating Austin's struggles. In general, though, this was always a low-probability game to win, so a good time to send a message about effort.

[DC Muskie]

Former Xavier recruits 17
Xavier players 22

Ouch.

[xsteve1]

f#ckin get a rebound.

[xu82]

8-14.... Can they keep that up

Doubt it, they'll probably heat back up>

[drudy23]

fuckin get a rebound.

Especially when we have 4 guys around the rim to their 1

[Xville]

Here's a thought Mack...someone gives up an open 3 whether nova makes it or not...pull that player..maybe that will send a message that that is not ok....oh and dee stop fucking shooting

[NY44]

You're overstating Austin's struggles. In general, though, this was always a low-probability game to win, so a good time to send a message about effort.

You're probably 100% right, especially about Austin's play, but I hate that attitude. I really hope Mack wasn't thinking that way.

[drudy23]

Doubt it, they'll probably heat back up>

Ha...good one.

[X Factor]

Tire fire.

[Emp]

Is there some way we can send smelling salt to MOR courtside?

[danaandvictory]

To be this bad at defending the three-point arc in 2015, especially as a program that relies heavily on advanced metrics, is absolutely unbelievable.

[xsteve1]

Just hope this doesn't kill X's spirit and lose at home on Saturday. That would be a death blow to lose to Maerquette.

[X Factor]

Nova will 90 points. Easily.

[DC Muskie]

Just fight guys. FIGHT.

[XUFan09]

You're probably 100% right, especially about Austin's play, but I hate that attitude. I really hope Mack wasn't thinking that way.
Coaches are way too competitive to think purely that way, but there was also a lot of urgency to resolving the road effort issues. The need to fix that is more important than one game; it's like when coaches tinker with lineups at the risk of losing early games.

[xsteve1]

Does Chris Holtmann have a brother.

[XMuskieFTW]

Why do we keep playing Larry?

[DC Muskie]

Uber chant is an insult?

None of those Nova dorks have jobs.

[NY44]

Alright well at least we know our student section is better than Novas. Sick "Uber" chant, probably really shook him.

[xsteve1]

Is Mack trying to run Randolph off?

[Xaveriana]

Has Mack officially lost this team?

Question is did he ever have it? Name a player that has gotten better over his college career under Mack.
- Consistent Official Mack Hater

[Xville]

Can we keep this within thirty?

[mistabeecee41]

So butler was demolishing us inside and mack doesn't play zone but tries it against a team that can't miss from outside.

[chico]

If we can just cut it do single digits by halftime we may…ah, who am I kidding?

[danaandvictory]

I am not calling it the pack line any more. Virginia and Arizona play the pack line.

Xavier's defensive scheme is hereby rechristened "the shitburger"

[XU 87]

Coaches are way too competitive to think purely that way, but there was also a lot of urgency to resolving the road effort issues. The need to fix that is more important than one game; it's like when coaches tinker with lineups at the risk of losing early games.
To me this looks like a panic move.

But X just looks so overmatched.

[Xville]

Question is did he ever have it? Name a player that has gotten better over his college career under Mack.
- Consistent Official Mack Hater

Travis taylor??

[DC Muskie]

I am not calling it the pack line any more. Virginia and Arizona play the pack line.

Xavier's defensive scheme is hereby rechristened "the shitburger"

It's really just the Mackline defense. Which is terrible.

[bleedXblue]

So butler was demolishing us inside and mack doesn't play zone but tries it against a team that can't miss from outside.

That's our boy!!!

[XfansinKy]

Paging coach Posey.

[BandAid]

Bluiett is playing like donkey balls

[X Factor]

Bluiett is so slow

[NY44]

Question is did he ever have it? Name a player that has gotten better over his college career under Mack.
- Consistent Official Mack Hater

Travis Taylor

[chico]

Hands Across America was better organized than our defense.

[xsteve1]

The way Bluiett is playing I'd rather have JMart.

[mistabeecee41]

Tre seems to be immune the the mack doghouse.

[bjf123]

At this point, we need to shoot nothing but threes.


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[X Factor]

20 more minutes? Really?

[Xavier]

Paging coach Posey.

Lol. How many beers deep are you?

[xsteve1]

10th place is not out of the question for this bunch.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This. Is. Terrible.

In all honesty they are just wayyyy better than us. (Mr obvious I know).

Bluiett is giving us nothing. He is really struggling. Myles nothing.

How do we average 79 points a game???

Nova can really shoot. Ugh.

[xu82]

At this point, we need to shoot nothing but threes.


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We might need a briefing on which basket to shoot at. Not that it would matter...

[BandAid]

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

[mohr5150]

99 points total in the last two halves. Unreal.

[xsteve1]

Tre seems to be immune the the mack doghouse.

That was probably part of Mack's selling point to land him.

[coasterville95]

Good News - Nova won't score any more points for the next 15 minutes!

[bleedXblue]

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.

[XfansinKy]

Name one single player he has recruited out of high school n made him an NBA player.

[Xville]

Can't believe I'm staying up to watch this second half...I must love torturing myself

[D-West & PO-Z]

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.

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????

[bleedXblue]

10th place is not out of the question for this bunch.

I was thinking about the same thing.

Mack has no idea and his players are a direct reflection of that.

[DC Muskie]

Sean Miller was 7-7 vs below RPI 50 road games.

Mack is 20 minutes away from 3-14.

[Xaveriana]

I'm sure we will make halftime adjustments that will ensure a victory. In Mack we trust! WTF

[NY44]

Name one single player he has recruited out of high school n made him an NBA player.

Haha shut up.

[crolfes12]

Semaj Christon

TBD:
Makinde London
Jalen Reynolds
Trevon Bluiett

[X Factor]

I still can't bring myself to believe Mack is this bad of a coach. He's had success. I almost think it's the players who just aren't that good. They have zero awareness on defense, and are pretty slow. Our best lineup is Dee, Remy, Macura, Jalen, and Stain. Stick with those guys.

[DC Muskie]

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.

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

[XUFan09]

To me this looks like a panic move.

But X just looks so overmatched.
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).

[Xville]

Sean Miller was 7-7 vs below RPI 50 road games.

Mack is 20 minutes away from 3-14.

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

[NY44]

Semaj Christon

TBD:
Makinde London
Jalen Reynolds
Trevon Bluiett

Add Justin Martin to that TBD list. Hey, you never know.

[XUOWNSUC]

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.

Unbelievable. Mack sucks.

[danaandvictory]

Add Justin Martin to that TBD list. Hey, you never know.

I hear Yerevan is nice this time of year.

[Retire33]

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