XAVIER vs CREIGHTON

[MADXSTER]

1620 vs 1621

Xavier University Musketeers (14-8) (5-5) RPI 26 SOS 11

W Northern Arizona 93-60
W Long Beach State 97-74
W Stephen F Austin 81-63
W Murray State 89-62
W San Diego Toreros 82-71
L UTEP Miners 77-73
L Long Beach State 73-70
W Alabama 97-84
W IUPUI Jaquars 66-43
W Missouri Tigers 74-58
L Auburn Tigers 89-88 2OT
W Florida Gulf Coast 71-57
W Georgetown Hoyas 70-53
L DePaul Blue Demons 71-68
W Seton Hall Pirates 69-58
L Butler Bulldogs 88-76
L Villanova Wildcats 88-75
W Marquette Golden Eagles 62-58
L Providence Friars 69-66 OT
W DePaul Blue Demons 89-76
W Georgetown Hoyas 66-53
L Seton Hall Pirates 90-82

vs Creighton Bluejays (10-13) (1-9) RPI 143 SOS 50

Central Arkansas 104-77
W Chicago St. 84-66
W Oklahoma 65-63
W North Carolina Central 65-45
W Eastern Illinois 75-53
L Mississippi 75-68
L Middle Tennessee 57-47
L Tulsa 77-64
W Nebraska 55-65
W South Dakota 91-88
L Saint Mary's 67-71
W Texas Pan American 75-60
L North Texas 62-58
L Providence 65-53
L Georgetown 76-61
L DePaul 60-70
L Seton Hall 67-68
L Marquette 53-52
L Providence 65-74
L Butler 64-61
L Villanova 71-50
W St. John's 77-74
L Georgetown 40-67



Wednesday Feb. 4, 2015 9:00 p.m. ET at Cintas
Television: FS1
Radio: 700 WLW

[xufan2020]

We win this.

[LA Muskie]

We sure as hell better. Or I'ma gonna be PISSED!!!

[gladdenguy]

Guard the 3. That is the only way Creighton can win this game.

What are we thinking GO? 12 point favorites? 13?

[Masterofreality]

We sure as hell better. Or I'ma gonna be PISSED!!!

+1

[LadyMuskie]

Child, please.

We are going to dominate.

[Cheesehead]

Prediction: PAIN!

[GoMuskies]

Guard the 3. That is the only way Creighton can win this game.

What are we thinking GO? 12 point favorites? 13?

I'll go with 16. Sagarin would make us a 14 point favorite, but I think Xavier gives 2 more points at home compared to the average team.

[Jesuit4Life]

Nova game ends on time and still 15 minutes until tipoff.

Seriously?

[RoseyMuskie]

Nova game ends on time and still 15 minutes until tipoff.

Seriously?

I'll never complain about that, after missing so many minutes to pointless fouling by the Louisiana Tech's of the world due to closely grouped starting times.

[American X]

Titan just bit the head off of a live Blue Jay in Live Chat (http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=XavierHoops)



Nova game ends on time and still 15 minutes until tipoff.

I know. Too bad this game is past MOR's bedtime. Take good notes everyone.

[Xville]

I have never seen a team that loves to give up more wide open threes than this team. I'm perplexed as to how this continues to be a problem.

[XMuskieFTW]

This is dumb

[Masterofreality]

WHERE s Remy Abell?

GET MACURA OUTTA THERE

[Masterofreality]

When will this team make a shot?

[Masterofreality]

Obviously Creighton's strategy is to double the post and make Xavier make outside shots and we can't.

[XMuskieFTW]

Unreal. Same guy 3 times in a row

[powerofX]

Obviously Creighton's strategy is to double the post and make Xavier make outside shots and we can't.

Good strategy. 1 for last 24 from 3

[Xville]

This team is really starting to get frustrating to watch...the same mistakes over and over. Will we ever play a full 40 minutes against a team other than gtown?

[Masterofreality]

Stop passing around the perimeter and drive the freaking ball

[XMuskieFTW]

Can we please guard that guy? Ugh

[powerofX]

Can we please guard that guy? Ugh

Most threes in career. 16 mins in!

[SixFig]

True or false, Jalen Reynolds is our best player right now?

[Masterofreality]

This team is really starting to get frustrating to watch...the same mistakes over and over. Will we ever play a full 40 minutes against a team other than gtown?

We are so freaking passive. Drive the ball against these slow Neanderthals

[SixFig]

I'm so confused as to what a foul is anymore

[DC Muskie]

Ugh.

[Masterofreality]

When are they going to call a moving screen on Creighton?

[XMuskieFTW]

Such a pathetic half. Talk about playing down to the competition...

[SixFig]

Was that a three by a player with Xavier on his chest? I forgot what that looked like.

[Masterofreality]

Now 2 for the last 26 from 3.

[Masterofreality]

Enough of JP Macura for a while. PLEASE!

[paulxu]

Macura misses 2 FT's. WTF?

[XMuskieFTW]

Someone please explain Matt's play to me. He seems to be just standing around, not boxing out. Frustrating to watch

[sgarcia]

Is something wrong with Stainbrook? He looks sluggish, slow and just out of it so far.

[spursy]

What a joke. What have Farr or macura done to earn a minute of meaningful game time? Jesus mack.

[Xville]

That final defensive play just shows the kind of defense this team has...one little screen at the top of the key and they give up a wide open layup. Unbelievable...Mack must be so frustrated with this team.

[Masterofreality]

JEEEZUS CHRIPES'!!!!!

WHY the hell do you pick up a guy who cant shoot 40 feet from the basket, let him drive by you and score?

C'mon on people!!!!!

[Jesuit4Life]

A beatdown may have been wanted but a win is desperately needed.

[gladdenguy]

Creighton +14.5 was a lock tonight

[gladdenguy]

That final defensive play just shows the kind of defense this team has...one little screen at the top of the key and they give up a wide open layup. Unbelievable...Mack must be so frustrated with this team.

Stainbrook is awful tonight. Pitiful. Looks like he is going to sleep at 10:30 tonight.

[Masterofreality]

Stainbrook is awful tonight. Pitiful. Looks like he is going to sleep at 10:30 tonight.

Looks like his knees are bothering him bad tonight.

[xu82]

Young guys can struggle with confidence. Myles was there last year and he was handled in a way that's allowed him to come out of it in a nice way.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What a joke. What have Farr or macura done to earn a minute of meaningful game time? Jesus mack.

Macura I get. Farr is our best rebounder in my opinion. I think he should have played more last game, might have made a big difference.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Creighton +14.5 was a lock tonight

Eh, we'll see. I wouldnt count it out yet. I could see this going the way of the DePaul game at Cintas. We played like shit but I'm not worried yet.

[DC Muskie]

As poorly as we played, we are right there to turn this on in the second half.

[bjf123]

We only need 57 in the second half to reach my score prediction.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xsteve1]

Terrible first half. X cant afford a loss here or its big time bubble.

[spursy]

Macura I get. Farr is our best rebounder in my opinion. I think he should have played more last game, might have made a big difference.
Maybe, but today Farr has completely clogged our offense and defense. Intercepting passes intended for teammates and being slow to find the ball on defense. I don't think we'll see much more of him today.

[Xville]

We will probably win since we are at home, but this is why this team is pretty consistently bad on the road...on the road you can't play twenty minutes of bad basketball and win. At home you can get away with it moat times, but if they pull this crap against nova or butler it will be two losses

[Masterofreality]

If Kreklow is in James Farr should be in...

[D-West & PO-Z]

Remy breaking us out of our 3 point funk today.

[Xville]

Stain is either sick or hurting...he looks terrible and seems to be breathing really hard.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Remy!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

4 on Artino is big, he is their best big guy.

[SixFig]

Kick save and beauty

[paulxu]

If we can beat a top 25 team twice, surely we can beat the number 143rd team at home.

[SixFig]

We won that 4 minute war. Keep it up

[D-West & PO-Z]

If we can beat a top 25 team twice, surely we can beat the number 143rd team at home.

I really think we are going to break through here soon in this game. Doesnt excuse the first half but I think we win this by double digits.

[XUFan09]

I really think we are going to break through here soon in this game. Doesnt excuse the first half but I think we win this by double digits.

That's my thought too.

[bjf123]

A little traveling music for Myles? He carried that like a running back.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

They are getting into some foul trouble.

[SixFig]

Chris Mack knows out of bounds. Far better than his predecessor

[DC Muskie]

I have yet to hear TV announcers ever say, "This is not a great officiating crew."

[Masterofreality]

Trevon Bluiett is rushing every 3. Set your feet kid, and knock it down.

[Masterofreality]

I have yet to hear TV announcers ever say, "This is not a great officiating crew."

I continue to listen to Byron And Joe. Much preferable.

[DC Muskie]

Jesus refs.

[IM4X]

Why does Farr keep shooting from outside.

Does Mack think it's smart for him to do that.

[DC Muskie]

I continue to listen to Byron And Joe. Much preferable.

These guys aren't bad actually. Except when they say the refs don't have the luxury of replay.

They actually do Donny.

[XMuskieFTW]

This is horrible all around. Horrible performance, horrible refs, horrible announcers. Just horrible

[D-West & PO-Z]

These guys aren't bad actually. Except when they say the refs don't have the luxury of replay.

They actually do Donny.

Not on a charge/block call they dont.

[Masterofreality]

Can we please stop hedging?

[xsteve1]

You play like shit on road its going to follow you home eventually.

[Masterofreality]

Other than Remy Abell we refuse to make a 3.

[paulxu]

We shoot 25% from 3. They shoot 50%.
That will not help a team.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Thank God for Remy

[XU3232]

This is awful. If we lose this game we can basically kiss the season goodbye.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Can we please stop hedging?

And sometimes it is sooooooo unnecessary. Like we do it and dont need to at all then we are scrambling. Ugh

[D-West & PO-Z]

This is awful. If we lose this game we can basically kiss the season goodbye.

Deep breaths

[gladdenguy]

Lose to Creighton at home. Just unbelievable.

[XU3232]

Deep breaths

Just frustrating.. This Creighton team is awful.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Just frustrating.. This Creighton team is awful.

I agree. Very frustrating. If we declared the season done after every frustrating loss (or potential loss) we would have been done in November.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Finally someone else! Myles!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Stain having a really rough game.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ugh Jalen about 5 seconds too slow on that pass. Telegraphed the shit out of it too. Frustrating, not smart bball.

[Xville]

This is just an awful awful game...even the refs are having a bad game.

[Masterofreality]

Trevon cannot score, Dee Davis cannot score, Myles is questionable. It's amazing we're ahead.

The freshmen are giving us nothing in the lady 3 halves...and we need something.

[IM4X]

Got to love Dee's hustle.

Now if we can just stop some of our players chucking wild 3s like they are blindfolded.

[paulxu]

Win the last 4 minute war. Just do it.

[XMuskieFTW]

Really? Get a rebound...

[DC Muskie]

Seriously, how hard is it to ref a Big East game?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Lets go Jalen!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Horrible last offensive possession.

[DC Muskie]

Our guys were lost on that last defensive play.

[Xville]

This is sad

[D-West & PO-Z]

SHIT. Missing that free throw was horrible, shit. They will hold for last shot now, or at least should. Shit.

[XMuskieFTW]

You have to make that. Pathetic we are in this spot

[xavierj]

This is sad

That's an understatement.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah this is extremely frustrating, get a stop Muskies.

[X Factor]

Creighton will get.a good look

[IM4X]

Hate forcing a 3 when you are in the double bonus.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow, I thought we were done there. Great recovery by Jalen.

Need one more stop. If we leave someone wide open it will be disgusting make or miss. Play freaking defense.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Dont throw it out of bounds!

[D-West & PO-Z]

No WTF!! I knew Macura would do that. Fuck.

I literally knew it.

[XMuskieFTW]

Unreal.

[paulxu]

Free basketball. My kingdom for 1 FT.

[xavierj]

Throw the ball to half court. Wtf? That was just stupid.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The only thing that could have screwed us was throwing it out of bounds.

Cant believe Mack would put it in Macura's hands there. Bad call.

[Xville]

Can't believe I stayed up for this.

[X Factor]

No WTF!! I knew Macura would do that. Fuck.

I literally knew it.

Just have to shake your head

[Masterofreality]

No way should Macura be in there for that. No WAY!

Got away with it.

[paulxu]

We apparently don't perform well in overtime.

[paulxu]

Nor do we guard the 3...at all.

[SemajParlor]

This is the best Jalen has looked since St Johns at MSG last year. Love this kids game, special talent.

[paulxu]

Nor do we rebound.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I have no words right now. There are too many poor things/decisions happening on XU's side right now.

[XMuskieFTW]

Is it that hard to rebound?

[paulxu]

Get a damn stop

[Masterofreality]

Again, why is Trevon Blueitt in there and not James Farr?

Too many offensive rebounds.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Again, why is Trevon Blueitt in there and not James Farr?

Thought the same thing.

[SemajParlor]

Awful. At large is on life support.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Need rebounding.

[xavierj]

Just didn't deserve it. This is terrible. Just no excuse and a game they had to have.

[Xville]

It's amazing the piss poor decisions this team continues to make

[IM4X]

Why shoot that Dee? What are you like 1 for 47 from 3... Just not needed.

[powerofX]

Now we've gone butler with the clock

[XMuskieFTW]

Hard to have any hope with what we've seen tonight

[IM4X]

Again, why is Trevon Blueitt in there and not James Farr?

Too many offensive rebounds.

Because Farr would rather shoot and miss from outside leaving one less rebounder instead of playing smart down low.

[drudy23]

Win or lose...pathetic game.

[SemajParlor]

Swami - Samsonite? I was way off! Dumb and Dumber reference just made me smile.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow

[X Factor]

Just.awful.Matt!

[D-West & PO-Z]

I dont know why Matt does that terrible spin move way far from basket. NEVER WORKS!!!!!

[paulxu]

Crap Matt..that was our chance.

[xavierj]

Stainbrook is reLly not athletic at all. Awful.

[Xville]

Really stainbrook? Are u kidding me...what a joke.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What the hell!!!?? Foul!

[SemajParlor]

I'll take Matt Stainbrook regression for 400 Alex!

[XMuskieFTW]

That's on coaching. Asinine.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That's on coaching. Asinine.

Thats on Stain. Dumb play. And on whoever passed it to him that far out.

[spursy]

Fuck off Chris mack.

[Masterofreality]

C'mon Mack. YOU HAVE to FOUL Earlier there!

[xavierj]

I really don't know why I continue to watch this team. It's like pulling teeth year after year.

[XMuskieFTW]

Thats on Stain. Dumb play. And on whoever passed it to him that far out.

I meant on the taking 20 seconds to foul and let them dribble around us in circles

[D-West & PO-Z]

I could see that Stain move coming from a mile away. When he doesnt lose the ball on the spin he gets into a bad position and forces a shot.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I meant on the taking 20 seconds to foul and let them dribble around us in circles

Yeah got ya. True

[Xville]

Just unbelievable how bad this team has been tonight.

[drudy23]

Can we panic now?

[IM4X]

Lots of bad playing and coaching on our side.

Regressing. Boooo is right.

[SemajParlor]

Awful awful loss.

[XMuskieFTW]

Good night. Cannot believe this.

[BMoreX]

That was so shitty

[Xville]

This team is absolute garbage

[paulxu]

Losing to the last place team, at home, is not a good thing.

[Masterofreality]

That is the best you can do when they will not foul? Dee Davis on 7 footers?

[DC Muskie]

Well I'd say there is no discussion.

We are no longer in contention for anything.

Just a terrible, terrible, terrible, terrible, terrible, terrible, terrible, terrible, terrible, terrible loss.

[X Factor]

Damn, what a joke losing to Creighton. Great job guys.

[xumuskies08]

Awful, terrible, ugly, gross.

Did I miss anything?

[LadyMuskie]

They better bring it the rest of the season and at MSG if they want to dance. Stupid loss tonight.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Would have seen this coming at home in a million years.

Wow.

[X-Fan]

Un F**king Believeable

I've been keeping a positive attitude, but this is a back braking loss.

Man, just when we thought this team was turning the corner. Ugh.

[drudy23]

They hit 11 threes with ZERO post guys that can beat you...how does that happen?

[SixFig]

Bad coaching. Macura never should inbound a pass again.

[Porkopolis]

It is going to be very, very tough now unless we go on an absolute tear. Just a brutal loss.

[Xavier]

Mack needs to tell them to foul early. Just dumb. If not going to play foul game then why push it with 16 seconds left for a two. Geez make your mind up.

[XfansinKy]

We are now firmly entrenched in the Chris Mack era. Help us all.

[TheDanimal]

This is not a well coached basketball team.

[paulxu]

It only took 3 seconds for LiveRPI to drop us from 26 to 38.

[Backyard Champ]

Dee misses a free throw late, then the missed layup. Just not clutch. At all.

Looked like the players didn't really care either, at least on TV.

[xumuskies08]

All the way down to 38 in RPI. Fantastic.

Edit: Paul beat me to it.

[Masterofreality]

That is absolutely unacceptable.

We are now 1-7 in close games, 0-3 in OT games, and that is where coaching makes or breaks you.

I am starting to lose faith in this staff. No James Farr at all in the second half while Trevon Bluiett is in- and giving us nothing at all on either side of the ball- and we gave up 3 huge offensive rebounding plays where Farr would have helped.

I really don't know what to say except that. I'll be there Saturday.

[sgarcia]

They better bring it the rest of the season and at MSG if they want to dance. Stupid loss tonight.

I've seen no evidence to think that we can "bring it" for consecutive games this year.

[Xville]

This team does not deserve to go to the tournament. I don't give a crap what the numbers say...they aren't that good.

[drudy23]

James Farr is not the answer

[Xavier]

You know the coaching staff is in trouble when MOR is having doubts. Man Mack wtf.

[Backyard Champ]

Why they took so long to foul is a real head scratcher. That's on coaching. Maybe understandable if they were trying for a turnover or 10 seconds, after those don't happen the team doesn't foul?

[drudy23]

We are what our record says we are...and we have been since California. Average.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This is really hard to stomach. No matter how we respond the next couple games there will still be this unacceptable home loss to a bad team thats going to be dragging us down. Shit.

[LadyMuskie]

This team does not deserve to go to the tournament. I don't give a crap what the numbers say...they aren't that good.

I'm pretty much here at this point. Who wants to watch another massacre like last year in the play-in game for crying out loud?

[X-Fan]

Dee misses a free throw late, then the missed layup. Just not clutch. At all.

Looked like the players didn't really care either, at least on TV.
Ya, love Remy but yet again he fumbles the ball with the game on the line. Matt loses the ball with a chance to take the lead. Creighton just wanted it more. Think the guys thought the game would be handed to them.

I'll say this, Dee looked exhausted late 2nd half and OT. Wish someone could spell him in the game. Also, how do we not get Myles more open looks? Why is it that our opponents can get their shooters great looks and not X? I WISH X got the looks they give to other teams!

So disappointing. So frustrated.

[paulxu]

This lifetime of a season has been a lifetime of inexplicable loses.

I'm not giving up, but boy I sure would like to see the team back out there that beat Georgetown twice. I know they're in there.
I just want them to come out and play again.

[TheDanimal]

Why they took so long to foul is a real head scratcher. That's on coaching. Maybe understandable if they were trying for a turnover or 10 seconds, after those don't happen the team doesn't foul?

Lack of defensive adjustments, bad lineups, bad game plan, and poor end game offensive possessions are also "on coaching"...

[drudy23]

It's our defensive philosophy...100%

[THRILLHOUSE]

For what it's worth someone who sits near the X bench tweeted this to me - "I'm 40 feet from Mack. He told them to foul and they didn't."

[markchal]

That is absolutely unacceptable.

We are now 1-7 in close games, 0-3 in OT games, and that is where coaching makes or breaks you.

I am starting to lose faith in this staff. No James Farr at all in the second half while Trevon Bluiett is in- and giving us nothing at all on either side of the ball- and we gave up 3 huge offensive rebounding plays where Farr would have helped.

I really don't know what to say except that. I'll be there Saturday.


I think the 1-7 in close games is more on not having a go-to player. Great having a lot of options, but when there's no Crawford, no Tu, no Semaj, we have no one to get us points when things get tough. That's why we can't win close games. We get soft or stupid play from our seniors.

Now we have to win the Big East tournament. That's where I miss the A10.

[Xavier]

This lifetime of a season has been a lifetime of inexplicable loses.

I'm not giving up, but boy I sure would like to see the team back out there that beat Georgetown twice. I know they're in there.
I just want them to come out and play again.

I think we match up well with Gtown. Really only explanation- we haven't shown to be nearly the team that shows up against g-town in any other game this year.

[spursy]

No more excuses for mack. This loss is squarely on him, even with the incompetent reffing.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think the 1-7 in close games is more on not having a go-to player. Great having a lot of options, but when there's no Crawford, no Tu, no Semaj, we have no one to get us points when things get tough. That's why we can't win close games. We get soft or stupid play from our seniors.

Now we have to win the Big East tournament. That's where I miss the A10.

This is not true. But this loss was terrible.

[xu15]

This is an average team. And I have no idea how people think we will make the tourney. I'm not sold.

How the hell does Mack let 17 seconds go by without coaching to foul? That's unacceptable, grade-school stuff. Weak. This loss is on coaching (among many other things obviously).

And I'm convinced that the D looks bad because the system is absolutely incompatible with the roster. It's glaring.

[Masterofreality]

James Farr is not the answer

He is to rebound and defend when Trevon Bluiett is giving you neither.

[drudy23]

Farr is to defense as I am to optimistic

[Xville]

Right now it doesn't look like this team will finish above 500 in the league...don't think they beat butler or nova to home and no way they sweep the away games...at best 9-9 and that means no dance

[Cincyforlife6]

lol

[Xavier]

He is to rebound and defend when Trevon Bluiett is giving you neither.

exactly. Stain just can't play defense and its killing us. Have to go to four guard line up which gave them WAY too many offensive boards.

[D-West & PO-Z]

lol

No life

[LadyMuskie]

For what it's worth someone who sits near the X bench tweeted this to me - "I'm 40 feet from Mack. He told them to foul and they didn't."

That's still a coaching problem though. It's like parenting toddlers. If they don't do what you tell them to repeatedly, eventually you have to come to the realization that your style of parenting/coaching is a failure. If he's telling them to do something and they're flat out ignoring it, he's got one hell of an insubordination and motivation problem on his hands.

[spursy]

lol
Didn't you lose to eastern carolina?

[Masterofreality]

Farr is to defense as I am to optimistic

He's a better option than Bluiett.

[Strange Brew]

lol

X will deal with you soon enough.

[LadyMuskie]

This is not true. But this loss was terrible.

Not yet. But lose a couple more on the road and another at home and things are damn shaky. Especially if we lose to Creighton twice which is not outside the realm of possibility. Throw in some unexpected conference tourney winners, and we're all pretty sad on Selection Sunday.

[Backyard Champ]

It's so tough sitting here thinking about the loss. Depsite everything, we still should have won. Dee Davis has to make both those free throws.

[LadyMuskie]

lol

Obsess much?

[XfansinKy]

Next year will be better.

[boozehound]

I'm really starting to doubt this coaching staff. They don't seem to have an answer for anything. Frantic, late game play and losing close
games is becoming a trend. Can't get a stop. Can't get a rebound. Can't get a basket. Hard to see us making the dance this year.

[RoseyMuskie]

Had to catch up via DVR. Ticked I wasted my time. At least I didn't capture overtime and waste even more time.

I'm just utterly stunned that the thing/hack they call Groselle dominated. If we can't shut down him, we don't deserve to make the tournament. The kid first pumped after making two FTs in the first half!

[danaandvictory]

It's our defensive philosophy...100%

Yep.

[spursy]

Myles had a guy stuck on him every time he was in and they double teamed Stainbrook and Reynolds every time they had the ball down low. I thought mack was a better coach than McDermott (and that isn't saying much) but apparently I was wrong. Simple adjustments that were never made. I don't know what the staff was thinking.

[IM4X]

He's a better option than Bluiett.

Bluiett may have been even worse today than Farr, but not by much. Farr's bad playing and poor choices helped Creighton close the gap in what was a nice little lead we had. They both need to play a ton smarter.

[LA Muskie]

That's still a coaching problem though. It's like parenting toddlers. If they don't do what you tell them to repeatedly, eventually you have to come to the realization that your style of parenting/coaching is a failure. If he's telling them to do something and they're flat out ignoring it, he's got one hell of an insubordination and motivation problem on his hands.
That's not remotely an apt analogy. They weren't insubordinately refusing to foul. It was the heat of the moment, and they were confused/caught up in the moment. Now them not playing defense the way they've been coached over and over and over again -- now THAT is an apt analogy to parenthood.

[LA Muskie]

We sure as hell better. Or I'ma gonna be PISSED!!!

I'ma PISSED!!!

[GoMuskies]

Well, that was quite a horseshit performance.

[Strange Brew]

That's not remotely an apt analogy. They weren't insubordinately refusing to foul. It was the heat of the moment, and they were confused/caught up in the moment. Now them not playing defense the way they've been coached over and over and over again -- now THAT is an apt analogy to parenthood.

Absolute BS. If Mack told them to foul and they didn't for 17 secs then that is the definition of insubordination. If Mack didn't tell them to foul he should be fired tomorrow. You decide, either way Mack is an ineffective leader and X is at a point where it should have head coach who can lead.

[LadyMuskie]

That's not remotely an apt analogy. They weren't insubordinately refusing to foul. It was the heat of the moment, and they were confused/caught up in the moment. Now them not playing defense the way they've been coached over and over and over again -- now THAT is an apt analogy to parenthood.

No. That's a bullshit excuse. This is February. They're not deer in the headlights anymore all caught up in the excitement and confusion of the game. ( And if they are then that's another issue that needs to be dealt with altogether. )

5 players on the court being told to foul and none of them do it? That's a serious problem. And it's not confusion and and being overly excited to play a crappy team thats causing the problem.

[LA Muskie]

Dude have you ever been on a basketball court with 10,000 screaming fans and time running out? It's not exactly a calm situation.

[Strange Brew]

Dude have you ever been on a basketball court with 10,000 screaming fans and time running out? It's not exactly a calm situation.

No, but I've been on the field in a stadium filled with 12,000 people and was able execute my assignment. What other excuse do you have for Mack and this team?

[LadyMuskie]

You've got to be kidding, dude. That's one weak argument.

[GoMuskies]

I still think we're better than DePaul.

[xsteve1]

Next year will be better.

No Stainbrook, no established pg. I think next years going to be a difficult year.

[Cheesehead]

I am excited to see who we draw in the NIT!!!!

[LA Muskie]

No, but I've been on the field in a stadium filled with 12,000 people and was able execute my assignment. What other excuse do you have for Mack and this team?

I've got nada.

[LA Muskie]

You've got to be kidding, dude. That's one weak argument.

Alright there Lady. As usual I'm sure you'll tell me exactly what it is. So we'll just go with your "You want us to foul? Well f*ck you Coach!" insubordination theory. Because THAT is plausible...

[Xavier]

No Stainbrook, no established pg. I think next years going to be a difficult year.

Not concerned with Stainbrook. I love him but his defense really is killing this team. Had to have four guards out there which lead to many offensive rebounds.

[LadyMuskie]

Alright there Lady. As usual I'm sure you'll tell me exactly what it is. So we'll just go with your "You want us to foul? Well f*ck you Coach!" insubordination theory. Because THAT is plausible...

You're right. Your theory that a team that has played 18 games, not to mention exhibition games and practices, is SO mentally weak that it can't execute the coach's game plan in front of 10000 friendly fans is far better. I keep forgetting how you're the resident genius around here.

Let's take your theory a bit further, shall we? Since we can't count on this team - according to you- to be able to focus under pressure at home, in front of a crowd that isn't hostile, what can we expect at UC? At Creighton on Senior Night? What happens in New York City next month?

the idea that the team is so unfocused and mentally deficient is considerably more plausible and somehow better than the idea that the team is unmotivated and not following directions. Sure.

[LA Muskie]

Lady, you said "insubordinate." The notion is absurd. You are wrong. But in years on this board I've never once seen you admit you were wrong. Apparently you are all-knowing. Whatever...

Sometimes kids screw up. We probably (almost certainly) didn't lose the game because we let 18 seconds tick off the clock before fouling (although that obviously was a mistake). We lost because we played like crap, on both ends of the floor, all night long.

Blame the coach. Blame the staff. Blame the guys who played. Blame the guys who didn't because they haven't grasped things to the point they should be played (despite the apparently low bar). You won't hear any disagreement from me on any of that.

But the notion that the guys on the floor were INTENTIONALLY DISOBEYING MACK (the definition of "insubordination") by KNOWINGLY REFUSING YO FOUL WHEN HE WANTED THEM TO is absolutely, positively, utterly and completely absurd.

[muskieindent]

Not yet. But lose a couple more on the road and another at home and things are damn shaky. Especially if we lose to Creighton twice which is not outside the realm of possibility. Throw in some unexpected conference tourney winners, and we're all pretty sad on Selection Sunday.
We have to get to 20 wins which means going 6 and 2.I don't think this team can do that meaning we will have to do some damage in NYC.Not optimistic.

[Xville]

This team isn't going 6-2 the rest of the way. I was hopeful after georgetown that a light bulb finally went off...but last two games they have reverted back to the team I think they really are. I'm pretty tired of making excuses and sticking up for this team. The same problems have been there now for almost two years...I'm really frustrated.

[X-man]

I am at a point that I have been to only once before in my 30+ years of going to games, in Prosser's last season here...ain't going to use my tickets again until we get a coaching change. It's not a statement; I just don't care. And if we don't get a change before next season starts, I will not be renewing my seats. I have way better ways to spend two grand a year than watching such piss-poor performances game after game, season after season.

[LadyMuskie]

Lady, you said "insubordinate." The notion is absurd. You are wrong. But in years on this board I've never once seen you admit you were wrong. Apparently you are all-knowing. Whatever...

Sometimes kids screw up. We probably (almost certainly) didn't lose the game because we let 18 seconds tick off the clock before fouling (although that obviously was a mistake). We lost because we played like crap, on both ends of the floor, all night long.

Blame the coach. Blame the staff. Blame the guys who played. Blame the guys who didn't because they haven't grasped things to the point they should be played (despite the apparently low bar). You won't hear any disagreement from me on any of that.

But the notion that the guys on the floor were INTENTIONALLY DISOBEYING MACK (the definition of "insubordination") by KNOWINGLY REFUSING YO FOUL WHEN HE WANTED THEM TO is absolutely, positively, utterly and completely absurd.

Thanks for your tips on how to be a better poster, pot.

[LadyMuskie]

I am at a point that I have been to only once before in my 30+ years of going to games, in Prosser's last season here...ain't going to use my tickets again until we get a coaching change. It's not a statement; I just don't care. And if we don't get a change before next season starts, I will not be renewing my seats. I have way better ways to spend two grand a year than watching such piss-poor performances game after game, season after season.

First MOR, now this. Now I am really worried.

[fellahmuskie]

I am as hard core of an optimist as they come. I still believe we will make the tournament and I still think this team could go on a run in the tournament. But after yesterday's loss I am ready for Xavier and Chris Mack to part ways. At a certain point, you just can't justify the inconsistency any more. I don't know what it is exactly, because I think the coaches and players are working as hard as they can, but something just isn't clicking. We are not going to reach the next level with Chris Mack or even consistently contend for the second weekend in the tournament. For so many years, Xavier teams got better and better as the season went on. I don't see that happening with this team or any of Chris Mack's teams over the last 4 years. I don't think he's a bad coach, either, it just seems like he's missing something intangible...an inability to communicate clearly with the team, keep them focused, build an identity...I don't know.

That said, I will never give up as a fan. I'm excited for Providence and I really hope they finish strong. It's a great thing to be a Xavier fan and this team is still a lot of fun to watch, half of the time, anyways.

[kmcrawfo]

I am as hard core of an optimist as they come. I still believe we will make the tournament and I still think this team could go on a run in the tournament. But after yesterday's loss I am ready for Xavier and Chris Mack to part ways. At a certain point, you just can't justify the inconsistency any more. I don't know what it is exactly, because I think the coaches and players are working as hard as they can, but something just isn't clicking. We are not going to reach the next level with Chris Mack or even consistently contend for the second weekend in the tournament. For so many years, Xavier teams got better and better as the season went on. I don't see that happening with this team or any of Chris Mack's teams over the last 4 years. I don't think he's a bad coach, either, it just seems like he's missing something intangible...an inability to communicate clearly with the team, keep them focused, build an identity...I don't know.

That said, I will never give up as a fan. I'm excited for Providence and I really hope they finish strong. It's a great thing to be a Xavier fan and this team is still a lot of fun to watch, half of the time, anyways.

Xavier has been in worse spots than this is years past and still made the tournament and even the sweet-16 / elite-8.

People need to be careful what they wish for as we may indeed lose Chris Mack this off-season and that in no way would be a good thing for this program. For a variety of reasons, it would a net positive to keep a coach for 10 years, make another few s-16, and help remove the stigmata of being a quick stepping stone of a program.

[fellahmuskie]

Xavier has been in worse spots than this is years past and still made the tournament and even the sweet-16 / elite-8.

People need to be careful what they wish for as we may indeed lose Chris Mack this off-season and that in no way would be a good thing for this program. For a variety of reasons, it would a net positive to keep a coach for 10 years, make another few s-16, and help remove the stigmata of being a quick stepping stone of a program.

I agree with you. I am okay with Mack staying if there is no one better out there. But I have given up hope that we will progress as a program, which is what I really want deep down. When I say I'm an optimist, I mean it. I want Xavier to be the best program in the country (outside of Kentucky and Slimy Cal). I want us to be Duke and Mack to be our Coach K. I know it sounds ridiculous, but for a while I thought that was possible. I don't any more with Chris Mack.

[bleedXblue]

I'm not sure what's going on other than consistently being inconsistent. Everyone (including myself) wants to point fingers and zero in on the "problem". There are lots of issues with this team. Players and coaches included. Stain looks worn down. JP is giving us nothing right now. Blueitt cant hit a jumper to save his life. Mack's had 146 different lineup iterations. Since when don't we start our best players at X? Not fouling late in the OT. What is this we're watching?

[IVANHOE]

This team isn't going 6-2 the rest of the way. I was hopeful after georgetown that a light bulb finally went off...but last two games they have reverted back to the team I think they really are. I'm pretty tired of making excuses and sticking up for this team. The same problems have been there now for almost two years...I'm really frustrated.

6-2? Lol This team is 9-9 since losing to UTEP. No one should be thinking dance, I haven't for a while now. If anything this hurt our seed in NIT.

[IVANHOE]

Since when don't we start our best players at X?

debatable. Mack loves to mess with lineups. I think it really hurts trying to get the kids in a rhythm. He still believes it sends a "message", best is when he thought starting Austin was a good idea. That accomplished nothing.

[bleedXblue]

debatable. Mack loves to mess with lineups. I think it really hurts trying to get the kids in a rhythm. He still believes it sends a "message", best is when he thought starting Austin was a good idea. That accomplished nothing.

Yes. It isn't working is my point. The guy who's improved the most this year and gives the team consistent solid production doesn't start? It's confusing to many of us and imagine what its like for Myles and the rest of the team. I think Mack has them so f'd up right now they look the way they looked last night. Lost.

[sgarcia]

I am at a point that I have been to only once before in my 30+ years of going to games, in Prosser's last season here...ain't going to use my tickets again until we get a coaching change. It's not a statement; I just don't care. And if we don't get a change before next season starts, I will not be renewing my seats. I have way better ways to spend two grand a year than watching such piss-poor performances game after game, season after season.

Mack isn't getting fired in the offseason so I guess you'll have to hope he finds a new gig in order to renew your tix for next season.

[bleedXblue]

Mack isn't getting fired in the offseason so I guess you'll have to hope he finds a new gig in order to renew your tix for next season.

Yep. Mack's gets next year at least. Another year of this and he'll officially be on the hot seat.

[drudy23]

How many of us thought we'd be in this position after watching this team the first few games? I thought we had something this year. Mack sounded out of ideas at the post game presser. He sounded tired and worn out.

[Xavier_Musketeers]

Need to beat Nova and Butler handily if we want to make the tournament. Our RPI dropped from 26 to 38

[BMoreX]

Next year will be better.

Will it? I'm not sure. Everyone gets a year older which will help out but how will the defense improve? No one is coming through that door that will help on d.

[Classof1985]

Same old problems - poor defense and rebounding. Xavier allowed Creighton to shoot 48% from inside the arc and 42% from outside. And they were out-rebounded by nine. That is a recipe for losing basketball.

Let's face it - this is not a great, or even very good, defensive team. On a nights where they don't shoot well, this team is going to struggle to win.

[gladdenguy]

No Stainbrook, no established pg. I think next years going to be a difficult year.

No Stainbrook and Dee Davis. Thank gosh. Both can graduate.
Stainbrook looked fat, slow, and terrible.....especially on defense. Dee gave his inconsistent bull crap once again.
Those 2 didn't deserve an NCAA tourney game anyway.

[bleedXblue]

Will it? I'm not sure. Everyone gets a year older which will help out but how will the defense improve? No one is coming through that door that will help on d.

Well to be fair Makinde and Sumner will be longer and more athletic that what we have now.

[Muskeagle]

I stopped reading a couple of pages ago. It's horrendous coming here after a loss. I was tremendously disappointed last night. I've never been totally sure that Mack is the best option....but you guys who go on on on like you know what the hell you're talking about are ridiculous. For all of you saying, you KNEW Macura was a terrible choice for the long pass....you knew nothing. We don't know what they work on in practice. He has probably shown himself to be the most adept on the team at that particular pass. Did he blow it last night? Yep, but the result doesn't prove the coach made the wrong decision. Moreover, XU held Creighton to 65 points in regulation. That should be more than enough to win. The offensive game plan seemed to get X good shots...but once again, they didn't shoot the ball well....38.6 (31.6% from 3). THAT SUCKS!! If the kids make the shots, X wins the game handily and no one is bent out of shape. X didn't win and all the whiners come out. Yes, the team hasn't won as much as we'd hoped. But this scapegoat attitude ANYtime things don't go the way we want....silly. "Terrible move by Stain....bad coaching!" "They didn't foul....bad coaching!" "Well, he told them to foul, they didn't do it.....bad coaching...he didn't discipline them." How was he supposed to "discipline them in the 15 seconds when they didn't foul....run out and paddle them on the court? He should be more animated on the sidelines. Argue more. For all you time out mongers....well, he had 4 with 5 mins to play....and ended up needing them tonight. Didn't work out, but saving them until the end (like he usually tries to do) was helpful.

I don't agree with everything the man does, but holy hell...the way some of you react is like spoiled little kids who don't get every damn thing they ask for. This "scapegoat" attitude is childish and unbecoming. I know it's a message board and I think people SHOULD be able to question decisions. Maybe Farr should have played more. Maybe he should have been clearer about fouling. But to pretend you know all the inner workings of the team? To have knowledge the Macura was going to fail (even though you have NEVER seen a practice....nor have you ever seen anyone else on the team have to make that pass at that time?) Come on.

[sgarcia]

Well to be fair Makinde and Sumner will be longer and more athletic that what we have now.

They are both longer but our defensively strategy seems to be to let yourself get picked at the 3pt line so we can hedge and have chaos ensue from there as opposed to fighting through a screen so hedging doesn't always have to occur.

[sgarcia]

I stopped reading a couple of pages ago. It's horrendous coming here after a loss. I was tremendously disappointed last night. I've never been totally sure that Mack is the best option....but you guys who go on on on like you know what the hell you're talking about are ridiculous. For all of you saying, you KNEW Macura was a terrible choice for the long pass....you knew nothing. We don't know what they work on in practice. He has probably shown himself to be the most adept on the team at that particular pass. Did he blow it last night? Yep, but the result doesn't prove the coach made the wrong decision. Moreover, XU held Creighton to 65 points in regulation. That should be more than enough to win. The offensive game plan seemed to get X good shots...but once again, they didn't shoot the ball well....38.6 (31.6% from 3). THAT SUCKS!! If the kids make the shots, X wins the game handily and no one is bent out of shape. X didn't win and all the whiners come out. Yes, the team hasn't won as much as we'd hoped. But this scapegoat attitude ANYtime things don't go the way we want....silly. "Terrible move by Stain....bad coaching!" "They didn't foul....bad coaching!" "Well, he told them to foul, they didn't do it.....bad coaching...he didn't discipline them." How was he supposed to "discipline them in the 15 seconds when they didn't foul....run out and paddle them on the court? He should be more animated on the sidelines. Argue more. For all you time out mongers....well, he had 4 with 5 mins to play....and ended up needing them tonight. Didn't work out, but saving them until the end (like he usually tries to do) was helpful.

I don't agree with everything the man does, but holy hell...the way some of you react is like spoiled little kids who don't get every damn thing they ask for. This "scapegoat" attitude is childish and unbecoming. I know it's a message board and I think people SHOULD be able to question decisions. Maybe Farr should have played more. Maybe he should have been clearer about fouling. But to pretend you know all the inner workings of the team? To have knowledge the Macura was going to fail (even though you have NEVER seen a practice....nor have you ever seen anyone else on the team have to make that pass at that time?) Come on.

1) We've gone over the "Farr needs more minutes" thing after multiple games. That's on the coach for not playing him more.
2) A D1 basketball player shouldn't have to be told to foul someone when you're losing, the other team has a full shot clock and there's only 35.3 seconds left in the game. If you don't get a steal by half court you foul immediately. How do players not know this? If Mack was yelling to foul and they weren't that's even worse.
3) I have no issue with JP taking the inbounds pass. I do have an issue with him throwing a Nolan Ryan fastball down the court. Once again it seems like a D1 player doesn't understand the rules. Just lob the ball 60-70 feet. Worst case is Creighton throws up a 60-70 footer instead of a 25 foot 3 pointer that they got off.

It was a complete fail on multiple levels last night. Is it fixable? Yes, however, we've now played 23 games so why should we think that the light is suddenly going to go on for the rest of the season?

[xsteve1]

Yep. Mack's gets next year at least. Another year of this and he'll officially be on the hot seat.

I think if the season ends like it looks like it will Mack will definitely take a similar job that he's turned down over the last few years. He will be in play and he is well thought of throughout the country.

[bleedXblue]

I think if the season ends like it looks like it will Mack will definitely take a similar job that he's turned down over the last few years. He will be in play and he is well thought of throughout the country.

Maybe if he wants to coach at some mid tier Big team or ACC school. It will be interesting to see if Bobinski comes calling...if he doesn't.....that's very telling to me.

[boozehound]

Maybe if he wants to coach at some mid tier Big team or ACC school. It will be interesting to see if Bobinski comes calling...if he doesn't.....that's very telling to me.

That is an interesting point, and one that I haven't thought of.

I'm still in the undecided camp with respect to Mack. I wouldn't mind giving him another year, but I won't be crushed if he isn't back next season, provided that we go out and spend some money on a good coach who is something of a proven commodity.

It is frustrating watching teams with far less talent achieve far more than us. Butler is a great example of that. They have limited talent on their roster and their freaking coach went AWOL at the beginning of the season, yet they are finding ways to win games.

I'm also not super-thrilled about next year's incoming recruits, so it's not like last offseason when I wanted to keep Mack around so as not to jeopardize the recruiting class.

[BMoreX]

For all of you saying you want Mack gone, there's a good chance a few members of the team would transfer out with him. Then you're back to square one. Again.

Just saying.