Bubble Watch

[D-West & PO-Z]

Bubble Watch is back on ESPN.com.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bubblewatch

Here is their blurb on XU which they have in the "work left to do category" along with every other Big East team except Nova who they have as a lock:


Xavier [14-8 (5-5), RPI: 25, SOS: 13] Like Georgetown and Providence, the Musketeers are enjoying the benefits of a slightly inflated RPI. Much like the Friars, Xavier's unwillingness to gobble up cupcakes has paid dividends, to the tune of a top-15 strength of schedule. That said, Xavier's situation is more tenuous: Not only did the Musketeers fail to grab a marquee nonconference win, they have four sub-top-50 losses (to UTEP and Long Beach State on a neutral court and DePaul and Auburn on the road). The good news is there are only three games against sub-top-50 opponents left on the regular-season schedule: one versus Marquette and two against Creighton. There's also a big Feb. 28 home chance against Villanova lurking on the horizon. In other words, there is little formula-related damage that Xavier can do to its resume at this point. A totally attainable 6-3 regular-season finish might guarantee it a bid.

[paulxu]

Dance Card now has 7 BE teams in. I would like to get inside the 25 mark for comfort.

http://www.unf.edu/~jcoleman/dance.htm

[LadyMuskie]

I love ESPN's passive aggressive take on our RPI because it's a Big East team. We are enjoying our "slightly inflated RPI", ESPN. Thanks for noticing!

[xubrew]

I think Long Beach could finish the season in the RPI top forty. Although, I'm less certain than I was before conference play started because they've had some close calls against so-so teams. And by that, I mean so-so teams by Big West standards. Still, their winning percentage will increase a ton if they roll through that conference.

[LA Muskie]

I love ESPN's passive aggressive take on our RPI because it's a Big East team. We are enjoying our "slightly inflated RPI", ESPN. Thanks for noticing!
I can't blame them for calling our RPI "slightly inflated". I'm somewhat shocked at how good our numbers are as well, given our record and our struggles on the road.

[SM#24]

Our RPI is neither inflated or understated; it's exactly what it should be since it's a prescribed formula. There's a better way of saying what the writer is thinking, such as "I don't think they're as good as their RPI ranking"
I've said this before, looking at just our schedule and results, I don't see a top 25 team, but I've haven't looked at everyone else.

Funny thing is, the RPI is our worst ranking, our KenPom and Sagarin rank is better.

[kmcrawfo]

He only has 20 teams as locks/should be in. One way or another 45 other teams will make the tournament. Compare our resume to the next 20 teams in the RPI. Xavier is in very good shape....

[bleedXblue]

Just keep winning and the rest takes care of itself.

[LA Muskie]

Our RPI is neither inflated or understated; it's exactly what it should be since it's a prescribed formula. There's a better way of saying what the writer is thinking, such as "I don't think they're as good as their RPI ranking"
I've said this before, looking at just our schedule and results, I don't see a top 25 team, but I've haven't looked at everyone else.

Funny thing is, the RPI is our worst ranking, our KenPom and Sagarin rank is better.

You're right. And I bought into it too. OUr RPI, KenPom and Sagarin rankings aren't inflated. I'm just surprised they're as good as they are, considering this hasn't exactly been a knock-it-out-of-the-park season for us so far.

[Xu Red Dogg]

Bubble Watch is back on ESPN.com.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bubblewatch

Much like the Friars, Xavier's unwillingness to gobble up cupcakes has paid dividends, to the tune of a top-15 strength of schedule.

Wasn't the sky falling about our schedule at some point? I thought that it was going to keep us out of the NCAA Tournament?

[Always Learning]

Where are the folks who trashed our OOC schedule as "weak?"
UTEP is one game back of second place in the C-USA (two games from being in first place (tied).
SFAU is the best in the Southland Conference.
And as ESPN noted, Long Beach State is not a cupcake.
Compare that to the Mighty team in C-Bus who were able to schedule Immaculate Heart, High Point, Campbell, have losses to Louisville, Indiana, North Carolina, and twice to Iowa (that's five losses to "comparable" programs.)
But, back to us.
I think when all factors are considered, we are having a very good year.
We are 5-5 in arguably the second best conference in the country, but certainly not any lower than 4th best.
We have played Seton Hall, Georgetown, Providence, and Butler, the best thus far in the BE,
on the road and have St John, Creighton, and Marquette (6th, 7th, and 8th place) left away.
At home we'll catch Butler, Providence, and Villanova (wins vs them are RPI booster shots) St John's and Creighton.
So, the remainder of the schedule certainly puts a lot of sunlight on our way to Selection Sunday.
Granted, we have to take care of business, but that goes for some 50 other teams in the country also. And I have no doubts we will.
No, I didn't forget about the Pussycats. We will win that game, no doubt in my mind.
So, as I said earlier, I think we have had a very good year to date, and on Selection Sunday we will not be "sweating."
I think Mecura, Bluitt, Randolph, Reynolds, and Remy have progressed well. Some ups and downs, but overall they are better players than they were in November, and that is what you want with young players, progress.
It is scary just how good they can be next years.
So, we're fine. It'll be fun the next few weeks.
My hat is off to Cris and his staff, and to the players.
Go Xavier!

[PMI]

Wasn't the sky falling about our schedule at some point? I thought that it was going to keep us out of the NCAA Tournament?

I don't think it was ever too overdone. I think most people realized that the league was going to be good (albeit maybe not this good) and that we didn't need the same kind of OOC we had in the A10 years. I personally never liked the decision to play in the Thanksgiving tournament, but aside from that, I think our schedule was extremely well-built and has turned out to be a very impressive one on paper.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Our RPI is neither inflated or understated; it's exactly what it should be since it's a prescribed formula. There's a better way of saying what the writer is thinking, such as "I don't think they're as good as their RPI ranking"
I've said this before, looking at just our schedule and results, I don't see a top 25 team, but I've haven't looked at everyone else.

Funny thing is, the RPI is our worst ranking, our KenPom and Sagarin rank is better.

Good point and very true. RPI is what it is, can't be inflated.

[Milhouse]

How pretty would X be sitting right now if they hadn't laid an egg in the second half vs Auburn and beat Depaul on the Road? And if they went just 2-1 in California?

Murray State & Stephen F Austin both are on 15+ game win streaks which is helping. LBSU has won 7/8 since hitting conference play. If we can get LBSU, Bama, or Murray State to finish very strong we will add another existing top 50 win.

[Xville]

i cant speak for everyone who didn't like the schedule... but I was one of the ones who did not like the OOC schedule and it wasn't because I didn't think it would be good numbers wise (i thought that it would). It is because I am selfish and I wanted to see us play some name teams in person that were good, not SFA or Murray State. I understood exactly what Mario and the rest of the staff was doing, and I thought they did an outstanding job considering there were so many new guys to the rotation. I just didn't like it for completely selfish reasons.

[LA Muskie]

i cant speak for everyone who didn't like the schedule... but I was one of the ones who did not like the OOC schedule and it wasn't because I didn't think it would be good numbers wise (i thought that it would). It is because I am selfish and I wanted to see us play some name teams in person that were good, not SFA or Murray State. I understood exactly what Mario and the rest of the staff was doing, and I thought they did an outstanding job considering there were so many new guys to the rotation. I just didn't like it for completely selfish reasons.

I think this is one of the less obvious -- but HUGE -- benefits of the BE in general, and the round robin format in particular. Mario doesn't need to recruit "name" schools to come to our house (or, worse, sites like US Bank). Like the other major conferences he can play the RPI game with our scheduling knowing that our home schedule will include the likes of Villanova, Georgetown, St. John's, Marquette and Butler every year -- and UC every other.

[xufan2434]

I think this is one of the less obvious -- but HUGE -- benefits of the BE in general, and the round robin format in particular. Mario doesn't need to recruit "name" schools to come to our house (or, worse, sites like US Bank). Like the other major conferences he can play the RPI game with our scheduling knowing that our home schedule will include the likes of Villanova, Georgetown, St. John's, Marquette and Butler every year -- and UC every other.

Agreed.. Makes life a lot easier. Especially because all of those teams are top in their respected conference. Would love to see however one other BIG game added to the schedule. One that could be on CBS on a Saturday once college football is done. Similar to the game X played against Duke back in 09/10? But hopefully with a better result obviously.

[Masterofreality]

I love ESPN's passive aggressive take on our RPI because it's a Big East team. We are enjoying our "slightly inflated RPI", ESPN. Thanks for noticing!

All ESPN cares about is their coveted BPI, that NOBODY follows.

[XUFan09]

i cant speak for everyone who didn't like the schedule... but I was one of the ones who did not like the OOC schedule and it wasn't because I didn't think it would be good numbers wise (i thought that it would). It is because I am selfish and I wanted to see us play some name teams in person that were good, not SFA or Murray State. I understood exactly what Mario and the rest of the staff was doing, and I thought they did an outstanding job considering there were so many new guys to the rotation. I just didn't like it for completely selfish reasons.
I totally get this sentiment. Next year's team will be more experienced and outside two redshirt freshmen and one true freshman (and maybe a fifth-year transfer), they will have all played together. That's the kind of team that I feel confident would have a reasonable chance of success against tough opponents and hopefully we schedule one or two marquee games.

That being said, Stephen F. Austin IS good. They are ranked 36th in Kenpom; that would put them as the best or second-best home game on the non-conference schedule in any year that Kenpom has covered, from 2002 to now.

[XfansinKy]

Where are the folks who trashed our OOC schedule as "weak?"
UTEP is one game back of second place in the C-USA (two games from being in first place (tied).
SFAU is the best in the Southland Conference.
And as ESPN noted, Long Beach State is not a cupcake.
Compare that to the Mighty team in C-Bus who were able to schedule Immaculate Heart, High Point, Campbell, have losses to Louisville, Indiana, North Carolina, and twice to Iowa (that's five losses to "comparable" programs.)
But, back to us.
I think when all factors are considered, we are having a very good year.
We are 5-5 in arguably the second best conference in the country, but certainly not any lower than 4th best.
We have played Seton Hall, Georgetown, Providence, and Butler, the best thus far in the BE,
on the road and have St John, Creighton, and Marquette (6th, 7th, and 8th place) left away.
At home we'll catch Butler, Providence, and Villanova (wins vs them are RPI booster shots) St John's and Creighton.
So, the remainder of the schedule certainly puts a lot of sunlight on our way to Selection Sunday.
Granted, we have to take care of business, but that goes for some 50 other teams in the country also. And I have no doubts we will.
No, I didn't forget about the Pussycats. We will win that game, no doubt in my mind.
So, as I said earlier, I think we have had a very good year to date, and on Selection Sunday we will not be "sweating."
I think Mecura, Bluitt, Randolph, Reynolds, and Remy have progressed well. Some ups and downs, but overall they are better players than they were in November, and that is what you want with young players, progress.
It is scary just how good they can be next years.
So, we're fine. It'll be fun the next few weeks.
My hat is off to Cris and his staff, and to the players.
Go Xavier!
You spelled the freshman's name about as well as I do math. I got 2 words for ya...
Learn to spell.

[SM#24]

All ESPN cares about is their coveted BPI, that NOBODY follows.

And we're 22 in BPI.
I like that all these computer rankings have us in a consistent range, can they ALL be wrong ?
So every unbiased metric has us between a 5-7 seed; yet all the bracketologists have us in the 10-11 range.

[DC Muskie]

I like how Oklahoma should be in with a 24 RPI and 18 SOS, that includes a loss to Creighton. But Butler is "let's pump the brakes, it's early."

Gotta love this stuff. Is there a memo in Bristol that says the BE cannot have more than one team in by the beginning of February?

[XfansinKy]

I wish we weren't having this bubble discussion year after year. (I been on this board barely over a year) :rolleyes:

[waggy]

I wish we weren't having this bubble discussion year after year. (I been on this board barely over a year) :rolleyes:


That article lists a total of 13 teams that "should be in". All others listed "still have work to do". So essentially the bubble consists of, well, everyone.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That article lists a total of 13 teams that "should be in". All others listed "still have work to do". So essentially the bubble consists of, well, everyone.

Yeah unless you are a 3 seed or better currently, everybody is "on the bubble" at this time for the purposes Bubble Watch. They only put teams in the lock category who could literally almost lose all the rest of their games and get in.

[paulxu]

I'm not sure where we'll end up, but in terms of the SOS, this is worth repeating:



Here are XU's Pomeroy Strength of Schedule (SOS)) rankings in order from strongest to weakest:
#7 - Chris Mack (2015, to date)
#24 - Chris Mack (2010)
#29 - Chris Mack (2012)
#32 - Thad Matta (2004)
#49 - Chris Mack (2014)
#54 - Sean Miller (2008)
#56 - Sean Miller (2009)
#71 - Chris Mack (2011)
#73 - Chris Mack (2013)
#83 - Thad Matta (2002)
#83 - Thad Matta (2003)
#98 - Sean Miller (2007)
#132 - Sean Miller (2006)
#144 - Sean Miller (2005)

So Coach Mack has the Top 3 SOS rankings in XU history (note: XU was in the A-10 during 2 of those seasons), 4 of the Top 5, and 6 of the Top 9.

As to the concern and desire for a high profile OOC game, beginning next year and for 6 out of the next 8 years, Xavier will be matched up against a B10 team in the BE/B10 challenge. Maybe we'll get to play OlieO State.

[Masterofreality]

:biggrin:
You spelled the freshman's name about as well as I do math. I got 2 words for ya...
Learn to spell.

See, that's why my old SID calls himself "Always Learning".:biggrin:

[vee4xu]

I'm not sure where we'll end up, but in terms of the SOS, this is worth repeating:



As to the concern and desire for a high profile OOC game, beginning next year and for 6 out of the next 8 years, Xavier will be matched up against a B10 team in the BE/B10 challenge. Maybe we'll get to play OlieO State.

One can only hope, but Beak won't ever let that happen so long as he's at tOSU. If it ever does happen, I'd love for the game to be at the corner of Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road.

[paulxu]

Maybe ESPN will be driving the bus and he won't have any choice.

[waggy]

Games will be on FOX, right? Not an ESPN property.

[paulxu]

I understood there would be 8 games a year, 4 on ESPN (probably games at B10 homes) and 4 on Fox.
Could be wrong about it though.

[waggy]

I understood there would be 8 games a year, 4 on ESPN (probably games at B10 homes) and 4 on Fox.
Could be wrong about it though.


I had no idea. Obviously.

[XUOHTX]

Games will be on FOX, right? Not an ESPN property.

"FOX Sports1 will televise the Big East home games; ESPN or the Big Ten Network will carry the home Big Ten contests."

Source (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10882667/big-east-big-ten-hold-challenge-series)

[xufan2434]

I'm not sure where we'll end up, but in terms of the SOS, this is worth repeating:



As to the concern and desire for a high profile OOC game, beginning next year and for 6 out of the next 8 years, Xavier will be matched up against a B10 team in the BE/B10 challenge. Maybe we'll get to play OlieO State.

Forgot all about this... BE woulda had a really good chance to win it this year. Should be just as strong next year too. Marquette and Seton Hall will be better. Nova will always be solid. GTown will be really good. And I would think Butler will be solid.

[XMuskieFTW]

Forgot all about this... BE woulda had a really good chance to win it this year. Should be just as strong next year too. Marquette and Seton Hall will be better. Nova will always be solid. GTown will be really good. And I would think Butler will be solid.

Next year is going to be a very strong conference. I could even see Depaul competing for a tourney bid with all they will be returning.

[Xville]

Next year is going to be a very strong conference. I could even see Depaul competing for a tourney bid with all they will be returning.

if Whitehead stays, Seton Hall should be a top 25 team next year...their freshmen are impressive.

[D-West & PO-Z]

if Whitehead stays, Seton Hall should be a top 25 team next year...their freshmen are impressive.

Where would he go?

[XU 87]

One can only hope, but Beak won't ever let that happen so long as he's at tOSU. If it ever does happen, I'd love for the game to be at the corner of Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road.

Since this series is tv driven, I would think tv would have full control over the match ups. But that is a guess on my part. I'm also not gong to lose sleep over playing OSU. Would I like to play them rather than Rutgers? Sure.

[paulxu]

Another note, just at this particular moment, of forecasted teams in the tournament.
The ACC with 15, and the B10 and SEC with 14 teams, are each showing 6 teams in at this point by CBS.
The Big 12 and Big East, with 10 teams each, are showing 7 teams in.

I know that will change, probably big time by selection Sunday, but it's a nice stat for people who do not want expansion of our league.
Should be a fun month ahead.

[LA Muskie]

Where would he go?

Preseason he was considered a potential one-and-done candidate. Between his "slow" start and his injury I have a hard time seeing that now. But since so much of the draft is about potential, especially for underclassmen, there's probably still that possibility. After watching him last weekend I have little doubt he'll eventually play in the league. It's just a question of when.

[PMI]

Preseason he was considered a potential one-and-done candidate. Between his "slow" start and his injury I have a hard time seeing that now. But since so much of the draft is about potential, especially for underclassmen, there's probably still that possibility. After watching him last weekend I have little doubt he'll eventually play in the league. It's just a question of when.

I thought he looked like a future pro for stretches of the game, but once I saw that flop at mid-court, I immediately knew, this guy's definitely going to be in the NBA some day.

[xu82]

I thought he looked like a future pro for stretches of the game, but once I saw that flop at mid-court, I immediately knew, this guy's definitely going to be in the NBA some day.

And when it comes to flopping, he'll be an All Star!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Preseason he was considered a potential one-and-done candidate. Between his "slow" start and his injury I have a hard time seeing that now. But since so much of the draft is about potential, especially for underclassmen, there's probably still that possibility. After watching him last weekend I have little doubt he'll eventually play in the league. It's just a question of when.

Yeah he is good, but I didnt think going pro after this year good, especially given injury etc. I checked a couple mock drafts the other day for NBA (want to see who my terrible Knicks might get if not #1 pick) and I didnt se Whitehead anywhere on any of them in either round. But maybe those sites are just not expecting him to declare?

[Juice]

Yeah he is good, but I didnt think going pro after this year good, especially given injury etc. I checked a couple mock drafts the other day for NBA (want to see who my terrible Knicks might get if not #1 pick) and I didnt se Whitehead anywhere on any of them in either round. But maybe those sites are just not expecting him to declare?

I think they've got him listed in the 2016 mock drafts though but as a 2nd rounder. That seems low to me but what do I know?

[blobfan]

I can't blame them for calling our RPI "slightly inflated". I'm somewhat shocked at how good our numbers are as well, given our record and our struggles on the road.

The novel part is that ESPN is acknowledging that but when they had the deal with the Big East they didn't. It's not surprising just so obviously self-serving.

[xudash]

Another note, just at this particular moment, of forecasted teams in the tournament.
The ACC with 15, and the B10 and SEC with 14 teams, are each showing 6 teams in at this point by CBS.
The Big 12 and Big East, with 10 teams each, are showing 7 teams in.

I know that will change, probably big time by selection Sunday, but it's a nice stat for people who do not want expansion of our league.
Should be a fun month ahead.

It is a HUGE point to make, and you made it well.

I remember last year, during the A10's happy anomaly trip, how some of the A10 fans were blubbering on about a conference having to have 10-plus teams in order to establish the overall "math" to maximize its number of bids.

Nope! Sorry!! Put together a strong conference with 10 teams having great potential, do well in the collective OOC schedules and watch the magic sauce simmer to perfection.

And I'm loving every minute of this year - well, not being around here during the nights we lose - knowing that this conference - this brand - will only get better as we move forward.

I'll state it again, because I don't believe we collectively consider this enough at a strategic level: Xavier basketball, through all its hard work, rightfully found itself in the absolute right place at the absolute right time when it came to the C7 and Fox and all that has transpired since.

There are no worthy expansion candidates at this point, when considered from the viewpoint of the Presidents. It will take something dramatic in football realignment to change that, and even then it isn't a given that they would act upon it. Football realignment at this point? Probably settling down for a while, unless the Big XII does something this summer as a result of their tied champion crapfest this past season.

[Xville]

I think they've got him listed in the 2016 mock drafts though but as a 2nd rounder. That seems low to me but what do I know?

Seems low to me as well. The kid can play and I thought with his length that he would be a 1st rounder. If he is coming back though Seton Hall is going to be extremely good next year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Updated today:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bubblewatch

Xavier [15-9 (6-6), RPI: 34, SOS: 18] It remains unclear how a team, in the span of three days, can go from losing to Creighton at home to beating Providence in the same building. But that's how the Musketeers spent their past week, and the overall effect was one of nullification. Sure, the win over the Friars was nice, but it was cancelled out by a home loss to a team with a 125-ish RPI. Or vice versa. The Musketeers have a sweep over Georgetown and the Big East's second-most efficient offense; they also have a late chance at a nice nonconference victory Feb. 18 at Cincinnati. In the meantime, a trip to Marquette beckons Tuesday.

[drudy23]

We are skating on thin ice boys.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah, really cant afford a loss to Marquette tonight. I will actually be feeling pretty good about things if we get a W tonight.

[Xavier]

I know that will change, probably big time by selection Sunday, but it's a nice stat for people who do not want expansion of our league.
Should be a fun month ahead.

I actually love the format its in now- home and home with every team. I think it's great.

[Titanxman04]

I actually love the format its in now- home and home with every team. I think it's great.

I think you'd be hard pressed to find someone in this league who doesn't like that format. It's nice not having your only chance at Nova in a given year on the road. Having that return makes a nice balance. There's no argument byt he end of the regular season as who is the best team typically, seeing as how the schedule is formatted.

[Three Point Pete]

We are skating on thin ice boys.

And it is 4th of July weekend!

I remember those dreadful days of the 70's when Marquette always scheduled us so we continue our program. This was during the time of Al Maguire and his son Ali. The games were usually big losses, but we saw some great hoops.

Here's looking forward to watching Dee, Jalen and Myles to keep it rolling. Maybe TB, JP and Sean will continue the freshman impact.

The TEAM has an opportunity not only to win a crucial game, but to do so convincingly. Aren't paybacks great! GO X!

[paulxu]

This would be interesting. Travel all the way to Portland to get Beak Nose in the first game, and the Raccoon in the second game.
What a weekend that would be.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology

[paulxu]

I know all these polls and things mean absolutely crap until Selection Sunday. And a million things will change before then,
But this is fascinating. Somehow we are still on the right side of Dance Card's cut line, and St Johns vaulted all the way up to 27th.
Our positioning seems to have a lot to do with beating Georgetown and Providence.
If we could have eeked out the win @ Providence, and gotten the game yesterday, we wouldn't have any worries.
Still time, but the window is closing.

http://www.unf.edu/~jcoleman/dance.htm

[GoMuskies]

Actually, it wouldn't have taken anything so difficult as winning those Providence and St. John's games. X would be close to a mortal lock if they had simply taken care of Creighton and DePaul.

[paulxu]

Good point.

[D-West & PO-Z]

9 seed in Lunardi's latest bracket.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology

[drudy23]

I don't get it...there's no way we deserve to be in at this point. I really don't get it.

[Cheesehead]

A-10 only getting 2 schools in and yet XU still in (for now) and Big East w/ 6 bids. Thank you, Big East!

[kyxu]

I don't get it...there's no way we deserve to be in at this point. I really don't get it.

Look at the other teams on the "bubble" or in similar positions to Xavier and you'll get it.

Having said that, there are five games left, giving Xavier ample opportunity to improve their seeding or completely play themselves out of a meaningful postseason.

[D-West & PO-Z]

A-10 only getting 2 schools in and yet XU still in (for now) and Big East w/ 6 bids. Thank you, Big East!

Yes indeed. That and we have 3 top 25 RPI wins which are really helping us. I dont have enough time or patience to look up the other teams on the bubble but there probably arent a whole lot who have 3 top 25 RPI wins.

There probably arent a whole lot of times XU has had 3 top 25 RPI wins at the end of the year.

[kyxu]

Yes indeed. That and we have 3 top 25 RPI wins which are really helping us. I dont have enough time or patience to look up the other teams on the bubble but there probably arent a whole lot who have 3 top 25 RPI wins.

There probably arent a whole lot of times XU has had 3 top 25 RPI wins at the end of the year.

Top 25 RPI wins notwithstanding, it will be tough for Xavier to make the tournament with 13 losses. Plain and simple, they need to stop losing games.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Top 25 RPI wins notwithstanding, it will be tough for Xavier to make the tournament with 13 losses. Plain and simple, they need to stop losing games.

Yeah I agree. Although I think we could afford 13 lossess if we won two in BE tourney. But that may be difficult.

[Xavier_Musketeers]

Jerry Palm tweeted after the St. John's game and said we are allowed two more losses before the BE tournament. I'm guessing that means anyone besides Creighton

[Titanxman04]

Jerry Palm tweeted after the St. John's game and said we are allowed two more losses before the BE tournament. I'm guessing that means anyone besides Creighton

Creighton game is the absolute cannot lose. Getting swept by them will mean we'll have to reach Big East finals at minimum. Unless we win the other four remaining games int he regular season.

[GoMuskies]

This Xavier team is another great example of how stupid an idea it would be to expand the NCAA Tournament.

[XMuskieFTW]

Thank goodness for the Big East. I honestly think we could get in finishing the season at either 3-3 or possibly even 3-4. If you count the first round of the BE tourney(assuming we have a first day bye), 5 of our next 6 games are against teams ranked 41 or better in the RPI. Finish the season 3-2 and lose in the first round tourney leaves us at 19-13 and I think gets us in. If we were to finish 2-3 I still think we would only need to win one in the BE tourney to get at least get a play in game. We would be 19-14, and although that 14 looks ugly, the bubble is as soft as ever. Obviously it would be nice if we could just finish 3-2 and not have to worry about what we do in New York, but it is nice to know that with everything bad that has happened this season, we still somehow have some wiggle room.

[muethibp]

This Xavier team is another great example of how stupid an idea it would be to expand the NCAA Tournament.

Teams 65-68 that were added a few years ago already diluted the tournament.

[X-band '01]

Teams 65-68 that were added a few years ago already diluted the tournament.

VCU really diluted the tournament.

[Xavier]

VCU really diluted the tournament.

So you're in favor of adding to the tournament, I assume? If one of the play-in teams makes a run who is to say the 69th team couldn't?

[LA Muskie]

Creighton game is the absolute cannot lose. Getting swept by them will mean we'll have to reach Big East finals at minimum. Unless we win the other four remaining games int he regular season.
I don't think there's an "absolute cannot lose" in Palm's scenario because if we go 3-2 those wins necessarily would outweigh even a Creighton loss. Now, that said, the ODDS of going 3-2 with Creighton not being one of the 3 wins are pretty damn low.

[XU 87]

This Xavier team is another great example of how stupid an idea it would be to expand the NCAA Tournament.

Or as I would argue, what a great idea it is to expand the tournament by 4 teams.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Bubble Watch updated today:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bubblewatch

Xavier [16-10 (7-7), RPI: 42, SOS: 31] There is plenty to like about the Musketeers. Their star center, Matt Stainbrook, drives an Uber car in his free time. Their starting guard, Remy Abell, has found a second home after losing his spot at Indiana. They have a dude named Myles Davis on the team. (If your last name is Davis, and you name your kid Myles, you have some serious confidence in your offspring's future coolness. This Myles shoots nearly 40 percent from 3-point range for a Division I basketball team. Vindication.) On the floor, however, it's just tough to get a read on this team. Xavier swept Georgetown and beat Providence; it also lost to Long Beach State, Auburn, DePaul and Creighton. On Saturday, after back-to-back wins, it fell on its own floor to St. John's, a team that appeared to be floating aimlessly until it landed in Cincinnati. Who knows? The relevant point here is that XU remains just above the uglier sections of the bubble fray. Their next four games come at Cincinnati, versus Butler, at St. John's, and home against Villanova. That's either a brutal stretch or a chance to rack up some top wins. Or both? Seriously: Who knows?


Not sure what he means about Remy finding a second home after losing his spot at IU. Didnt Remy just decide to transfer? Makes it seem like he was kicked off or something.

[DoubleD86]

For some other input:
Bracket Matrix has Xavier as the second 10 seed
Dance Card has Xavier at 35, the 13th team above the bubble burst line

[Fireball]

So, it seems that right now, we're on the right side of the bubble. Plenty of opportunity to lock in our spot, and plenty of opportunity to play ourselves out.

The nice thing is that because of our conference, we have 5 games left, and 4 are against top 50 RPI teams. I think that 3 wins (one of those being against Creighton) locks us in. We'll see. I prefer to be in a better position, but I love this time of year.

[drudy23]

I know I've said this 9 million times, but I just don't get it...we're like a cat with 9 lives. Guess Big East teams never get the death nail.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I know I've said this 9 million times, but I just don't get it...we're like a cat with 9 lives. Guess Big East teams never get the death nail.

I looked up some of the teams on the bubble. In Lunardi's bracket these are the last four in:

UCLA: Only 1 Top 50 win, Total of 6 top 100 wins, 1 sup 100 loss, 10 total losses (7 wins 150+ RPI)
Illinois: 3 top 50 wins, Total of 6 top 100 wins, 1 sub 100 loss, 9 total losses (7 wins 150+ RPI)
NC St: 4 top 50wins, total of 6 top 100 wins, 1 sub 100 loss, total of 11 losses (5 wins 150+ RPI)
Tulsa: 1 top 50 win, total of 3 top 100 wins, 1 sub 150 loss, 6 total losses (11 wins 150+ RPI)

First four out:
Boise St: 2 top 50 wins, total of 4 top 100 wins, 1 sub 100 los, 2 sub 150 losses, 7 total losses (11 wins of 150+ RPI)
Purdue: 3 top 50 wins, total of 8 top 100 wins, 1 sub 100 loss, 2 sub 150 losses, 9 total losses (6 wins of 150+ RPI)
Oregon: 2 top 50 wins, total of 7 top 100 wins, 1 sub 100 loss, 8 total losses (7 wins of 150+ RPI)
Miami FL: 3 top 50 wins, total of 7 top 100 wins, 3 sub 100 losses, 1 sub 150 loss, 9 total losses (7 wins of 150+ RPI)

By comparison:
Xavier: 3 top 50 wins, total of 7 top 100 wins, 4 sub 100 losses, 10 total losses (4 wins of 150+ RPI)

I think our numbers of top 50 wins and top 100 wins are similar to a lot of the teams above. 4 of those 8 teams above have a Sub 150 loss which we do not have. I think the glaring difference is that only 4 of our wins came against teams with an RPI of 150 or worse, so less wins against the "cupcake" teams. 6 of the 8 teams above have at least 7 of their wins against "cupcakes". The closest team in comparison to us I think is NC St but they have have 1 less win and 1 more loss than us.

We also have the luxury of being able to add several more good wins which some of these teams do not. But we also have the curse of having tough teams remaining if we dont get the wins.

It will be an interesting finish.

[GoMuskies]

5 tries to get 2 more wins. I'm greedy, though, and will take 7 wins prior to Selection Sunday.

[XUMIOH12]

Xavier is in good shape in all of those categories, except for the 4 losses against 100+

[MuskieFN]

Maybe someone can clarify this, but Long Beach was #97 as of Wednesday in the daily RPI. That still leaves Auburn, DePaul, and Creighton as sub-100 losses. The Beach plays their conference leader at home Thursday. A win would have to move them closer to 90, it stands to reason. So the impact of that loss could be lessened in the next few weeks.

It's nitpicking, but it appears that's what happens on the bubble.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Maybe someone can clarify this, but Long Beach was #97 as of Wednesday in the daily RPI. That still leaves Auburn, DePaul, and Creighton as sub-100 losses. The Beach plays their conference leader at home Thursday. A win would have to move them closer to 90, it stands to reason. So the impact of that loss could be lessened in the next few weeks.

It's nitpicking, but it appears that's what happens on the bubble.

Yeah, the RPI numbers I used two days ago were from ESPN and I think LBS was 101 or something so that could very easily be gone soon.

[gladdenguy]

Dance Card updated through last night's games

4 games to go.

http://www.unf.edu/~jcoleman/dance.htm

[Titanxman04]

Dance Card updated through last night's games

4 games to go.

http://www.unf.edu/~jcoleman/dance.htm

So much opportunity left for X to make a huge difference in where they are at. Win against Butler and at St. John's, and there's top more top 50 RPI wins right there. Wouldn't hate it.

[nuts4xu]

Every win we get now will only help our seed. Losing to anyone not named Nova could put us back on the bubble.

Get ready for some Teeter Totter ride to the end of the season.

[BandAid]

I feel like Dance Card has us a little high. Right now we'd be slotted for a 7 seed. Don't get me wrong, I'll take it. All the other "bracketologists" seem to have us on the 8-9 line. It just seems high.

You gotta love being in a conference that gives you so many opportunities. The downside is that even the mouth breathers (this year Marquette, Creighton, DePaul, and now I'd say Seton Hall) can win on any given night despite horrendous computer numbers or records.

[GoMuskies]

http://www.unf.edu/~jcoleman/dance.htm

Funny to see Xavier and Wichita State back to back in those standings. Those are two teams I wouldn't put together, but the Valley is just so awful outside of WSU and UNI this year, and WSU is 0-1 so far against UNI. Xavier certainly gets the benefit of having many more chances to play teams that can move the needle.

[BandAid]

Every win we get now will only help our seed. Losing to anyone not named Nova could put us back on the bubble.

Get ready for some Teeter Totter ride to the end of the season.

I don't think losing to Butler or at St. John's would be too damaging, but losing both could be damning.

[kyxu]

I don't think losing to Butler or at St. John's would be too damaging, but losing both could be damning.

Agreed. I think we need two more wins out of our last 4, and we can't take an L to Creighton again.

Fuggit. Win 'em all.

[bleedXblue]

Just get to 20 wins. If we don't we will be closer to the bubble than we want to be. 3 more wins out of the next 5 games.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I looked up some of the teams on the bubble. In Lunardi's bracket these are the last four in:

UCLA: Only 1 Top 50 win, Total of 6 top 100 wins, 1 sup 100 loss, 10 total losses (7 wins 150+ RPI)
Illinois: 3 top 50 wins, Total of 6 top 100 wins, 1 sub 100 loss, 9 total losses (7 wins 150+ RPI)
NC St: 4 top 50wins, total of 6 top 100 wins, 1 sub 100 loss, total of 11 losses (5 wins 150+ RPI)
Tulsa: 1 top 50 win, total of 3 top 100 wins, 1 sub 150 loss, 6 total losses (11 wins 150+ RPI)

First four out:
Boise St: 2 top 50 wins, total of 4 top 100 wins, 1 sub 100 los, 2 sub 150 losses, 7 total losses (11 wins of 150+ RPI)
Purdue: 3 top 50 wins, total of 8 top 100 wins, 1 sub 100 loss, 2 sub 150 losses, 9 total losses (6 wins of 150+ RPI)
Oregon: 2 top 50 wins, total of 7 top 100 wins, 1 sub 100 loss, 8 total losses (7 wins of 150+ RPI)
Miami FL: 3 top 50 wins, total of 7 top 100 wins, 3 sub 100 losses, 1 sub 150 loss, 9 total losses (7 wins of 150+ RPI)

By comparison:
Xavier: 3 top 50 wins, total of 7 top 100 wins, 4 sub 100 losses, 10 total losses (4 wins of 150+ RPI)

I think our numbers of top 50 wins and top 100 wins are similar to a lot of the teams above. 4 of those 8 teams above have a Sub 150 loss which we do not have. I think the glaring difference is that only 4 of our wins came against teams with an RPI of 150 or worse, so less wins against the "cupcake" teams. 6 of the 8 teams above have at least 7 of their wins against "cupcakes". The closest team in comparison to us I think is NC St but they have have 1 less win and 1 more loss than us.

We also have the luxury of being able to add several more good wins which some of these teams do not. But we also have the curse of having tough teams remaining if we dont get the wins.

It will be an interesting finish.

RPI is so fluid but after last night XU now has:

4 top 50 wins
9 total top 100 wins (adding UC and LBSU is up to #100)
3 sub 100 losses (LBSU up to #100)

That looks so much better now than just a few days ago, but a lot can still change (negatively and positively)

[waggy]

There's some headscratchers on Dance Card. Really haven't been keeping up with it, but doesn't Temple have an RPI of like 75?

I think the American gets just 2. SMU, and whoever wins their tourney.

[THRILLHOUSE]

X still on the 9 seed line in Lunardi's latest. Would not want any part of this draw - http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology

[GoMuskies]

If we're an 8 or 9 seed, I want to be opposite Virginia. Sure, they're very good, but for this particular Xavier squad I prefer a matchup against a defensive grinder to a matchup with an offensive juggernaut.

[THRILLHOUSE]

If we're an 8 or 9 seed, I want to be opposite Virginia. Sure, they're very good, but for this particular Xavier squad I prefer a matchup against a defensive grinder to a matchup with an offensive juggernaut.

Likewise. I don't think we'd beat Virginia, they are very good, but at least we are familiar with the pack line defense (although they are much much better at it than we are).

An even though it hasn't been a great year for Michigan State so far, I rather not have to face an Izzo coached team in the first round.

[markchal]

Honestly, any scenario where we win a first-round tournament game is fine by me. I'd gladly face Kentucky in the second round because it means getting to the second round.

[GoMuskies]

When I saw Lunardi has 6 SEC teams in the Tournament, I lost any lingering guilty feelings about Xavier being on the right side of the Bubble. Yikes.

[D-West & PO-Z]

When I saw Lunardi has 6 SEC teams in the Tournament, I lost any lingering guilty feelings about Xavier being on the right side of the Bubble. Yikes.

Yeah thats questionable.

I wouldnt mind facing Mich St but we would have ZERO chance against UK. But like others said winning a first round game would be a nice start.

[Xavier]

If we're an 8 or 9 seed, I want to be opposite Virginia. Sure, they're very good, but for this particular Xavier squad I prefer a matchup against a defensive grinder to a matchup with an offensive juggernaut.

I'd be thrilled as an 8/9 with Gonzaga as 1.

[GoMuskies]

I'd be thrilled as an 8/9 with Gonzaga as 1.

Much prefer UVA to Gonzaga. Gonzaga is an offensive machine and would likely dismantle us.

[Tardy Turtle]

The bubble is weapons-grade garbage this year.

And GoMuskies molests collies.

[GoMuskies]

And GoMuskies molests collies.

You do something ONE time, and you get a reputation. One time!

[mid major]

Much prefer UVA to Gonzaga. Gonzaga is an offensive machine and would likely dismantle us.

Like Pete Gillen use to say " we know they are better than us...we just need to be better for 40 minutes".

[GoMuskies]

Like Pete Gillen use to say " we know they are better than us...we just need to be better for 40 minutes".

Yes, and I think we'd stand a better chance of that against UVA.

[xu82]

You do something ONE time, and you get a reputation. One time!

You should have known Lassie would talk.

[X-man]

Jerry Palm, CBS bracketologist, has Xavier as a 10 seed following the win against UC. Oddly enough, UC is an 8-seed in Palm's bracket despite (1) losing at home to Xavier, (2) having a lower RPI, and (3) having lower Sagarin and Pomeroy rankings. Sure makes sense to me. Why in God's name do we pay any attention to what any of these guys have to say?

[Xville]

Jerry Palm, CBS bracketologist, has Xavier as a 10 seed following the win against UC. Oddly enough, UC is an 8-seed in Palm's bracket despite (1) losing at home to Xavier, (2) having a lower RPI, and (3) having lower Sagarin and Pomeroy rankings. Sure makes sense to me. Why in God's name do we pay any attention to what any of these guys have to say?

This is just my opinion and my perception not actual fact, but it seems to me that these "bracketologists" do a pretty darn good job of predicting who is going to be in and who isn't by the end of the year. However, it seems that they do an awful job of seeding teams as it relates to where teams actually end up once brackets are announced outside of the 1 and 2 seeds. That is probably just my perception more than actual fact, but i can't remember the last time one of these guys got Xavier's seed correct.

[X-man]

This is just my opinion and my perception not actual fact, but it seems to me that these "bracketologists" do a pretty darn good job of predicting who is going to be in and who isn't by the end of the year. However, it seems that they do an awful job of seeding teams as it relates to where teams actually end up once brackets are announced outside of the 1 and 2 seeds. That is probably just my perception more than actual fact, but i can't remember the last time one of these guys got Xavier's seed correct.

I agree with you on all counts.

[markchal]

Also, I think it's deceptively easy to predict which teams are going to make it in. They brag about getting 90-something percent of the field right, but when they turn in their final brackets, any casual fan could do pretty well. The field is pretty set by championship week with the exception of those last 4-5 bubble teams, so you could flip a coin and do pretty well.

But yeah, their seedings are always wildly off.

[RealDeal]

You do something ONE time, and you get a reputation. One time!

I'm sure he/she was asking for it.

[Chalmers0]

Jerry Palm, CBS bracketologist, has Xavier as a 10 seed following the win against UC. Oddly enough, UC is an 8-seed in Palm's bracket despite (1) losing at home to Xavier, (2) having a lower RPI, and (3) having lower Sagarin and Pomeroy rankings. Sure makes sense to me. Why in God's name do we pay any attention to what any of these guys have to say?

I could be wrong, and I'd have to dig to find the article where I found it, but Jerry Palm year in and year out is one of the worst "bracketologists" out there. I pretty much take what he has with a grain of salt.

[X-man]

You do something ONE time, and you get a reputation. One time!

I know. I have always lived a moral and conscientious life....except for that one night with a goat.

[crolfes12]

I could be wrong, and I'd have to dig to find the article where I found it, but Jerry Palm year in and year out is one of the worst "bracketologists" out there. I pretty much take what he has with a grain of salt.

http://bracketmatrix.com/rankings.html

[D-West & PO-Z]

RPI is so fluid but after last night XU now has:

4 top 50 wins
9 total top 100 wins (adding UC and LBSU is up to #100)
3 sub 100 losses (LBSU up to #100)

That looks so much better now than just a few days ago, but a lot can still change (negatively and positively)

UC dropped out of the top 50 and LBSU dropped out of top 100. So:

3 top 50 wins
8 total top 100 wins
4 sub 100 losses

[IVANHOE]

I feel like some of these games are play in games for us. Beating UC was the first and that will set them back. Beating St Johns will give us some cushion and bury St Johns for any post season unless the make a BE tourney run.

[LadyMuskie]

UC dropped out of the top 50 and LBSU dropped out of top 100. So:

3 top 50 wins
8 total top 100 wins
4 sub 100 losses

Does it count when you play them, or where they stand on Selection Sunday?

[LadyMuskie]

The bubble is weapons-grade garbage this year.

And GoMuskies molests collies.

Nice avatar. Are you a brony?

[muskiefan82]

Nice avatar. Are you a brony?

Oh boy. Please say no. Please say no.

[XUFan09]

Does it count when you play them, or where they stand on Selection Sunday?
I'm pretty sure it's based on their final RPI, but every Committee member has a primary and secondary conference to keep track of and they watch A LOT of games. For example, the two members covering the Big East will probably remember that Xavier lost at Seton Hall just before they imploded, when they were still good, and will tell everyone else about that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Does it count when you play them, or where they stand on Selection Sunday?

Where they stand on Selection Sunday.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm pretty sure it's based on their final RPI, but every Committee member has a primary and secondary conference to keep track of and they watch A LOT of games. For example, the two members covering the Big East will probably remember that Xavier lost at Seton Hall just before they imploded, when they were still good, and will tell everyone else about that.

Yeah good point.

[LadyMuskie]

I'm pretty sure it's based on their final RPI, but every Committee member has a primary and secondary conference to keep track of and they watch A LOT of games. For example, the two members covering the Big East will probably remember that Xavier lost at Seton Hall just before they imploded, when they were still good, and will tell everyone else about that.

That makes sense. It does seem like a team should get credit for beating a team that was "hot" at the time they played them even if they imploded, like you said, afterward. Thanks!

[MADXSTER]

UC dropped out of the top 50 and LBSU dropped out of top 100. So:

3 top 50 wins
8 total top 100 wins
4 sub 100 losses

UC can get some more wins and get back into the top 50

[Tardy Turtle]

Nice avatar. Are you a brony?


Oh boy. Please say no. Please say no.

My Little Pony is in the top tier of girly kid shows.

That is all I will cop to.

[LadyMuskie]

My Little Pony is in the top tier of girly kid shows.

That is all I will cop to.

I would just like to point out - in case anyone missed it - that Tardy Turtle has tiers for girly kids shows.

[LA Muskie]

Tardy, are you serious??? I get enough of that shit at home. I don't want it infiltrating my Xavier fandom. Don't make me ignore you...

[Xavier_Musketeers]

If we can either beat Butler or Nova, then we will have 4 wins against top 25 RPI. Thats's gotta be enough for us to secure a spot in the tournament

[X-band '01]

I would just like to point out - in case anyone missed it - that Tardy Turtle has tiers for girly kids shows.

That is cold. Awesome, but still cold.

[X-band '01]

Here is another bracket projection with guest commentator Warren Nolan (of WarrenNolan.com real-time RPI fame):

Go to the approximately 30-minute mark to hear Xavier and the beginning of the bubble (http://hoopshd.com/2015/02/20/bracket-rundown-february-20th/)

[LadyMuskie]

That is cold. Awesome, but still cold.

Just trying to help out, you know, in case someone has questions about where She-Ra or Monster High fall in the grand scheme of things.

[Tardy Turtle]

I would just like to point out - in case anyone missed it - that Tardy Turtle has tiers for girly kids shows.

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/e9/e90d78d2cda33349833b34df23819671ea87c5835a2b08ffb1 65573d444fbaf9.jpg


Tardy, are you serious??? I get enough of that shit at home. I don't want it infiltrating my Xavier fandom. Don't make me ignore you...

http://www.watchcartoononline.com/thumbs/My-Little-Pony-Friendship-Is-Magic-Season-2-Episode-9-Sweet-and-Elite.jpg

[newtsac]

Tardy, are you serious??? I get enough of that shit at home. I don't want it infiltrating my Xavier fandom. Don't make me ignore you...

Haters gonna hate.

[LadyMuskie]

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/e9/e90d78d2cda33349833b34df23819671ea87c5835a2b08ffb1 65573d444fbaf9.jpg





You do you, man. You do you.

[Tardy Turtle]

http://media.giphy.com/media/4i2Rf9ce82CSA/giphy.gif

[D-West & PO-Z]

I guess Bubble Watch is updating twice a week now, Friday and Tuesday. Here is Fridays that I missed:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bubblewatch


Xavier [17-10 (7-7), RPI: 33, SOS: 28] Within minutes of the buzzer sounding in Xavier's 59-57 Crosstown Shootout win at Cincinnati Wednesday, we received a Twitter reply that contained the following message: "Xavier -- easy to predict just like you said ..." Yep! The Musketeers' road rivalry win came thanks to two free throws made by typically reliable scorer Trevon Bluiett with 11.5 seconds to play; they were Bluiett's only points of the game. Why not, right? You never quite know what you're going to get with XU. Xavier was already in decent shape bubble-wise. After Wednesday night, with a top-20 efficiency offense and home games against Butler and Villanova still to come, you have to like the Musketeers' chances. For now.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Bubble Watch updated today and they seem to not even think we are really a bubble team at this point, that its about or seeding now. They have us in the teams that should be in section:

http://espn.go.com/ncb/bubblewatch

Xavier [18-11 (8-8), RPI: 31, SOS: 23] All of our "Xavier is so wacky!" jokes tend to fall flat (as if they didn't already) when the Musketeers are playing one-possession games, such as Monday night's 58-57 loss at St. John's or last week's 59-57 win at Cincinnati, because, duh, right? One-possession games tend to produce coin-flip results. We preferred the wackier days of late January, when the Musketeers followed up a road win at Georgetown with back-to-back losses to Seton Hall and Creighton. These days, Chris Mack's team looks much more solid, both on the court and with respect to its NCAA tournament seed. And yes, we said "seed." This is no longer a real bubble team, at least for the moment.

[drudy23]

Continue to be flabbergasted by the ease of our inclusion this year. Who is doing favors over there on Victory parkway?

[Xavier]

Of course it isn't a bubble team at the moment. Throw in three more losses, one being to a sub 100 RPI team and Xavier isn't dancing.

[Milhouse]

3 Losses with 1 win still gets us in.

[muskiefan82]

Here is my question - just how good is the Big East? The prognosticators seem to indicate X is in while many of us aren't sold yet. I have to wonder what this team would look like against a team from another conference right now. (I can't use UC as a reference because there are too many variables).

Is the Big East so balanced and solid that X would dismantle many teams from the Big 5? Are we disgruntled because of the losses and not seeing that the competition in the Big East really is just that good? Or is X just a slightly better than average team that plays well (most of the time) at Cintas?

I am hoping that it's that the Big East is just that good and we will see what X is when they go up against some other team from some other conference.

Perhaps X should schedule a late non-con game against somebody other than UC to gauge where they are. I see other games and have to think that the teams I'm watching look pretty bad, but have decent records. Maybe X is better than we seem to think, but appears worse because the league is that much better.

[X-band '01]

Continue to be flabbergasted by the ease of our inclusion this year. Who is doing favors over there on Victory parkway?

Look at teams like St. John's, Dayton, Davidson, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Michigan State, Illinois, Purdue, Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M, Texas, NC State, Miami, Colorado State, Boise State, Wyoming, UCLA, and Oregon. Everyone has bad losses to some extent. Not everyone has the quality wins that Xavier has this year.

I will copy and paste this as needed.

[Xville]

3 Losses with 1 win still gets us in.

You are comfortable with a 19-14 record and us getting in? Sorry but I don't see it. Regardless of how great our conference is, that record is awful and quite frankly I don't think we deserve to get in if that is our record on Selection sunday

[X-band '01]

Perhaps X should schedule a late non-con game against somebody other than UC to gauge where they are. I see other games and have to think that the teams I'm watching look pretty bad, but have decent records. Maybe X is better than we seem to think, but appears worse because the league is that much better.

That's very difficult to do given the Big East and other major conference schedules.

[D-West & PO-Z]

You are comfortable with a 19-14 record and us getting in? Sorry but I don't see it. Regardless of how great our conference is, that record is awful and quite frankly I don't think we deserve to get in if that is our record on Selection sunday

I agree with Milhouse. Win 1 more game and we are dancing.

[paulxu]

I can't figure out all these permutations.
But last night's game left me upset. I didn't see the type of game we have played at other times.
No fast breaks, sometimes slow movement without the ball, no apparent efforts to set up screens to break someone open for a good look 2 or 3.
It's possible all that was there, and I missed it. But it didn't feel like we were playing like a team (on offense) that I've seen before.

I like that we have a nice rest before Nova, and a full week before Creighton. We should be able to game plan well for both games.
Would be great to close out the regular season with 2 W's. That would answer all bubble questions.

[Milhouse]

You are comfortable with a 19-14 record and us getting in? Sorry but I don't see it. Regardless of how great our conference is, that record is awful and quite frankly I don't think we deserve to get in if that is our record on Selection sunday

Oh for SURE. Especially if our only win comes at Creighton. As long as we avoid a bad loss in the BE tournamnet I feel good about being in.

[Xville]

Oh for SURE. Especially if our only win comes at Creighton. As long as we avoid a bad loss in the BE tournamnet I feel good about being in.

I hope that it doesn't come to that, but if it does, I hope you are right.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Oh for SURE. Especially if our only win comes at Creighton. As long as we avoid a bad loss in the BE tournamnet I feel good about being in.

And if our 1 remaining win comes in the regular season then its impossible for us to get to 14 losses unless we dont get a bye in the BE tourney somehow and then win our first and lose our second in which we will then have picked up two more wins if one of them comes in the regular season.

Only way we get to 14 losses is by losing the next two then winning our first BE game (potentially a very good win).

[GoMuskies]

I guarantee that if we lose our next two we will either (i) lose 14 games; or (ii) be in the NCAA Tournament. :smile:

[GoMuskies]

Bubble Watch updated today and they seem to not even think we are really a bubble team at this point, that its about or seeding now. They have us in the teams that should be in section:

http://espn.go.com/ncb/bubblewatch

Xavier [18-11 (8-8), RPI: 31, SOS: 23] All of our "Xavier is so wacky!" jokes tend to fall flat (as if they didn't already) when the Musketeers are playing one-possession games, such as Monday night's 58-57 loss at St. John's or last week's 59-57 win at Cincinnati, because, duh, right? One-possession games tend to produce coin-flip results. We preferred the wackier days of late January, when the Musketeers followed up a road win at Georgetown with back-to-back losses to Seton Hall and Creighton. These days, Chris Mack's team looks much more solid, both on the court and with respect to its NCAA tournament seed. And yes, we said "seed." This is no longer a real bubble team, at least for the moment.

Given that St. John's swept Xavier, I don't think having Xavier in the should be in category while St. John's is in the work to do group makes any sense. If it's close (as it is right now), I don't think there's any doubt that St. John's would get the nod over Xavier.

[Xavier]

Here is my question - just how good is the Big East? The prognosticators seem to indicate X is in while many of us aren't sold yet.

Is the Big East so balanced and solid that X would dismantle many teams from the Big 5? Are we disgruntled because of the losses and not seeing that the competition in the Big East really is just that good? Or is X just a slightly better than average team that plays well (most of the time) at Cintas?

I am hoping that it's that the Big East is just that good and we will see what X is when they go up against some other team from some other conference.

.

I have been saying for awhile now that I don't think the Big East is as good as others do. Villanova is great. Butler is above average to good and everyone else is average. I won't be surprised one bit if Nova is the only team left in the NCAA tournament after the first weekend.

Still, I think no matter the Big 5 conference, Xavier would be about where they are right now. .500 in Conference play.

[X-band '01]

One of the knocks on St. John's is likely their noncon schedule. Their notable wins were at Syracuse and a home win against St. Mary's.

Aside from a pair of close losses at home against Duke and Gonzaga, nobody else is a country mile from at-large consideration. They still have a home game against Georgetown and roadies at Marquette and Villanova.

[xubrew]

Old Dominion has work left to do. That's kind of funny.

Yes, they have work left to do. Like, winning the conference tournament.

[GoMuskies]

Sure, but UC is the only team on Xavier's OOC schedule in the at-large conversation.

[xubrew]

Saint John's, at least by the current consensus, seems to be inside the bubble. Those are the types of road wins that are great to have.

Creighton appears to be a sub NIT caliber team. If you're an NCAA Tournament caliber team, the kinds of road wins you simply cannot fail to come up with are those against sub NIT teams. That one's big. Winning at Saint John's was big because beating the Johnnies on the road would have really helped. Creighton is big because not winning at Creighton would really hurt.

[kyxu]

Saint John's, at least by the current consensus, seems to be inside the bubble. Those are the types of road wins that are great to have.

Creighton appears to be a sub NIT caliber team. If you're an NCAA Tournament caliber team, the kinds of road wins you simply cannot fail to come up with are those against sub NIT teams. That one's big. Winning at Saint John's was big because beating the Johnnies on the road would have really helped. Creighton is big because not winning at Creighton would really hurt.

I'm really not concerned with us winning at Creighton, because if we don't, we have no business playing in the NCAA Tournament.

If we drop our contest to Nova on Saturday, which I'm all but assuming we will, I think this team will be locked in for a must-win game in Omaha.

[throwbackmuskie]

Sure, but UC is the only team on Xavier's OOC schedule in the at-large conversation.

I would think SFA would be in as an at large if they don't win thier conference, esp after last year.

[GoMuskies]

SFA has no shot at an at-large. Nor Murray State

[throwbackmuskie]

SFA is 24-4 I can see them getting in

[GoMuskies]

So is Murray State. But it's not happening. Their SOS ratings are atrocious, and neither team has beaten an NCAA Tournament team (other than perhaps an auto-bid team).

[throwbackmuskie]

We shall see. After last years win over VCU, the committe may like them a lot still.

[GoMuskies]

Probably not, since they both will likely win their conference tournaments. If they don't, they will incur a devastating loss to a sub-100 RPI opponent, which will definitely not help their respective cases.

[throwbackmuskie]

IF they lose it will be to Sam Houston St. SFA also has a decent win over Memphis. But it doesn't matter. Beat Creighton and X is in.

[X-band '01]

I would think SFA would be in as an at large if they don't win thier conference, esp after last year.


SFA has no shot at an at-large. Nor Murray State


SFA is 24-4 I can see them getting in

There are 2 reasons why SFA cannot get an at-large:

1) Memphis is down this year

2) A loss at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

They are guaranteed at least an NIT bid if they win out in the regular season.

[GoMuskies]

How bad is SFA's schedule? They have 5 wins against teams rated better than #200 in the RPI. Five. Yikes.

[throwbackmuskie]

If we add another team to this category in the coming weeks, it might have to be Stephen F. Austin, which is now 23-4 with three losses to UNI, Xavier and Baylor (fine), one loss to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (not fine) and a top-25 efficiency offense just utterly overwhelming the Southland Conference. With just two top-100 wins, it's hard to get on board the SFA bandwagon, but it's just as hard to forget what a similar Lumberjacks team did to VCU this past March. This is a really good team. Hopefully, it wins the Southland tournament title because it deserves that league's NCAA bid, and its at-large hopes are speculative at best.

ESPN Bubblewatch

It maybe a long shot, but it could happen. Not sure the field is really deep and strong this year. Again beat Creighton, and no worries.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Only real small conference bid stealer out there would be if Gonzaga loses in the WCC tourney. Just don't see SFA or Murray having enough quality wins to get in if they stumble in their conference tourneys.

[xubrew]

Last year's win against VCU doesn't mean anything.

SFA has been 26-4 before. I believe it was 2008 and they beat two teams on the road that made the field, and were still left out. The message was simple. Beef up the schedule and stop playing div2 teams.

SFA played four games against nondiv1 teams. FOUR!! If they were 20-8 with losses in buy games to teams like Texas or Kansas I think their profile would actually be slightly more appealing to the committee. They gave themselves so few chances, and missed on the chances they did give themselves. When you play in a weak conference like that, you need to do something out of conference, and they really didn't.

Same with Murray State, who is probably actually a better team on the court than SFA.

[GoMuskies]

Only real small conference bid stealer out there would be if Gonzaga loses in the WCC tourney.

The Valley if someone other than Wichita or UNI wins it. Seems unlikely, though.

[X-band '01]

The Valley if someone other than Wichita or UNI wins it. Seems unlikely, though.


It would probably be Evansville.

[THRILLHOUSE]

The Valley if someone other than Wichita or UNI wins it. Seems unlikely, though.

Ah yes, that's true as well. But would be shocking if someone other than Wichita or UNI wins the MVC tourney.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Sure, but UC is the only team on Xavier's OOC schedule in the at-large conversation.

One of the biggest things Xavier has going for them with regards to their schedule is that only 4 of their wins are against "cupcakes" 150+ RPI teams. St. Johns has 6 and as I noted in this thread earlier (or another cant remember) a lot of the bubble teams have 7-10 wins against 150+ teams. While we may not have a ton of "good" OOC wins the wins we did get werent against horrible cupcakes.

[XUFan09]

Given that St. John's swept Xavier, I don't think having Xavier in the should be in category while St. John's is in the work to do group makes any sense. If it's close (as it is right now), I don't think there's any doubt that St. John's would get the nod over Xavier.

Head-to-head doesn't matter because people understand how big an impact matchups can have. Xavier beat up on Georgetown twice, but that doesn't take too much away from Georgetown.

[LA Muskie]

Head-to-head doesn't matter because people understand how big an impact matchups can have. Xavier beat up on Georgetown twice, but that doesn't take too much away from Georgetown.

I have a hard time believing it wouldn't matter in a seeding discussion or if the committee were debating the last few in/out.

[drudy23]

It would matter in discussions of teams vying for the final few spots.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Team A:
18-11
RPI: 31
SOS: 23
Top 25: 4-3
Top 50: 5-5
Top 100: 9-7
Sub 100 losses: 4
150+ RPI wins: 4

Team B
18-9
RPI: 34
SOS: 37
Top 25: 2-6
Top 50: 4-6
Top 100: 8-7
Sub 100 losses: 2
150+ RPI wins: 6

We all know who is who but imagine completely objectively being a committee member and looking at these two resumes (both of which I this point would be in anyway) and think who you would give the edge to. I'd say Team A. (Yes I know I am not objective :) still think Team A would take it)

[LA Muskie]

I think you are leaving out a stat the committee likely would consider: Head-to-Head results. I'm not saying it would be determinative, but I think it would make an otherwise pretty easy call a lot tougher. (I also think those extra 2 Sub-100 losses would sting more than you think they would.)

[GoMuskies]

It would matter in discussions of teams vying for the final few spots.

Big time. We're not in the same discussion as Georgetown, so our sweep of them is irrelevant for those purposes. For St. John's it may become very, very relevant.

[drudy23]

Big time. We're not in the same discussion as Georgetown, so our sweep of them is irrelevant for those purposes. For St. John's it may become very, very relevant.

Very much indeed...and also likely the last 1-2 members of our conference to get bids. I know number of teams per conference "isn't considered", but....

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think you are leaving out a stat the committee likely would consider: Head-to-Head results. I'm not saying it would be determinative, but I think it would make an otherwise pretty easy call a lot tougher. (I also think those extra 2 Sub-100 losses would sting more than you think they would.)

Yeah those two extra losses to sub 100 teams do hurt us, but one of them is very close to being a top 100 team and I think our 2 extra top 25 team wins help at least as much, if not more, as the two extra sub 100 losses hurt.

I cant remember where I saw this or who said it but I thought I read somewhere the other day where someone was quoting a committee member (or maybe they were just guessing their mind frame) saying something along the lines of I am more interested in who you can beat than who can beat you. Essentially putting a lot more stock into good wins than bad losses.

I also dont think we will be competing with St. Johns for a final spot. I think there are at least 5-8 teams well below both of us. If we were I gues head to head would come in to play since it is close. Probably more so since we lost twice than just once. But I also think the committee is savy enough to understand matchup issues for certain teams as would look more at overall body of work. That is just guessing however.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We also have 1 win against a team 200 or worse in the RPI which I think (I dont know for sure) is helping our RPI a lot. St. Johns has 4 wins against teams 231 or worse in the RPI.

[xubrew]

Team A:
18-11
RPI: 31
SOS: 23
Top 25: 4-3
Top 50: 5-5
Top 100: 9-7
Sub 100 losses: 4
150+ RPI wins: 4

Team B
18-9
RPI: 34
SOS: 37
Top 25: 2-6
Top 50: 4-6
Top 100: 8-7
Sub 100 losses: 2
150+ RPI wins: 6

We all know who is who but imagine completely objectively being a committee member and looking at these two resumes (both of which I this point would be in anyway) and think who you would give the edge to. I'd say Team A. (Yes I know I am not objective :) still think Team A would take it)

This really isn't how the committee looks at teams.

I'm not picking on you, but just using this as an example. People in the media look at teams this way, and I think a lot of bracketologists do as well, but the actual committee doesn't just count up the number of top 50 wins, top 100 wins, and sub 100 losses and pick teams based on that.

Each committee member has three (or four) conferences that they're in charge of monitoring, and that they report on a weekly basis. This starts the first week of the season. So, you have to keep in mind that every week when they're presenting their conferences, and then answering questions about their conferences, that they're talking about a whole hell of a lot more than just top 50 and top 100 wins. For instance, Oregon State is barely in the RPI top 100, and could very well finish outside of it. But, they only have one home loss all year. The person who is in charge of the Pac Twelve will make sure everyone knows that. Utah won there, and they are going to get A LOT of credit for that win, even though Oregon State is nowhere close to the top fifty and may not even end up in the top 100. So, that's an example of a quality win in the eyes of the committee that most bracketologists probably won't even notice. That's why a lot of selections and seedings don't match what is being projected. The committee doesn't look at the same things in the same way that the media does. In reality the committee is looking at it far more closely.

On the flip side, Oregon is a top fifty team, but they're a lousy road team, so teams that beat them at home probably won't get much credit at all, even thought it's technically a top fifty win.

They do talk a lot about head to head. In fact I think that drives the discussions as much as anything. It isn't so much that Team A beat Team B so Team A must be better, but they do talk a ton about which teams have beaten which other teams.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Beat Nova and we dance. I actually like our chances against Nove than Creighton. We are home, the place will be rocking, it's a perfect time (2) to be day drunk. X can and will do it! BRING ON NOVA!

[mid major]

Beat Nova and we dance. I actually like our chances against Nove than Creighton. We are home, the place will be rocking, it's a perfect time (2) to be day drunk. X can and will do it! BRING ON NOVA!

Students are off this week. I see the ticket office trying to sell more seats closer to the action. Go X!

[DC Muskie]

Students are off this week. I see the ticket office trying to sell more seats closer to the action. Go X!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

It is senior night/day. Hopefully that will help.

[BandAid]

Why are the students off? Is it spring break already?

[BMoreX]

Why are the students off? Is it spring break already?

It's next week, technically starting this weekend.

I would assume most of the students would hold off on their plans until after the game Saturday considering it's such a high profile game.

[danaandvictory]

It seems like the Big East schedule these two years has been designed specifically to ensure Xavier's students are on break for as many home games as possible.

[xukeith]

It's next week, technically starting this weekend.

I would assume most of the students would hold off on their plans until after the game Saturday considering it's such a high profile game.

Most 20 somethings at X care more about spring break and alcohol, then X bball

[LA Muskie]

Most 20 somethings at X care more about spring break and alcohol, then X bball
I loved spring break and drinking as much (probably much more) than just about anyone. But I always stuck around for the Saturday game if there was one. I expect a big, boisterous crowd.

[crolfes12]

http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/ncaa-tournament-march-madness-bracket-ohio-state-buckeyes-texas-longhorns-022415

Fox Sports bracket

X is surprisingly a 7 seed

[XU '11]

Only real small conference bid stealer out there would be if Gonzaga loses in the WCC tourney. Just don't see SFA or Murray having enough quality wins to get in if they stumble in their conference tourneys.

Not that it's a small conference, but with VCU's injuries I wouldn't at all be surprised if an A10 team steals a bid.

[X-band '01]

So that's what a bracket biased towards Fox teams would look like.

I don't understand how this guy projects teams like Baylor and Utah as protected (top 4) seeds. For all of Xavier's road woes, they actually have more quality road wins away from home than either Baylor (a win at West Virginia) or Utah (a win at sub-50 BYU).

They don't have putrid losses like Xavier has, however. The author projected Xavier as a 7, but that would have been more worthy had the Muskies knocked off St. John's last night.

[gladdenguy]

Dez Wells.......have yourself a night in College Park.

Top 4 seed for Maryland. Xavier will be lucky to be in the tourney. Sigh.

[DC Muskie]

As a terp fan, happy for them.

Don't lose sleep for Dez. He made his choices. Don't miss him at all.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Dez Wells.......have yourself a night in College Park.

Top 4 seed for Maryland. Xavier will be lucky to be in the tourney. Sigh.

No, if Xavier wins 1 of the next two games they will be in the tourney and it will be because they earned it.

Keep up with the negative/dramatic, woe is me attitude though.

[DC Muskie]

No, if Xavier wins 1 of the next two games they will be in the tourney and it will be because they earned it.

Keep up with the negative/dramatic, woe is me attitude though.

Seriously. Dez is going back to the tournament for the first time in three years. I remember when everyone thought when he left he would be a first round draft pick. He'll have a nice career in Europe. Good for him.

[Xville]

As a terp fan, happy for them.

Don't lose sleep for Dez. He made his choices. Don't miss him at all.
Yeah I mean why would you miss a guy who would be the best player on our team and a great senior leader (something this team sorely lacks by the way) that would be crazy.

[DC Muskie]

Yeah I mean why would you miss a guy who would be the best player on our team that would be crazy

Yeah I mean you can cry about a guy who hasn't been on the team for three years. That seems totally normal. I miss Obi Harris.

[gladdenguy]

Yeah I mean you can cry about a guy who hasn't been on the team for three years. That seems totally normal. I miss Obi Harris.

Pretty good comparison.
A player who sucks vs a great player still playing college basketball.
Great work.

[Xville]

Yeah I mean you can cry about a guy who hasn't been on the team for three years. That seems totally normal. I miss Obi Harris.

Maybe because how he got bent over by the crappy administration is one of the reasons why the teams record is what it is over the last few years. because of years of incompetent leadership that led to a federal probe he wasn't made a scapegoat and it pisses me off.

I'm so happy to see dez do well even if it's not for xavier. I hope he has a long pro career whether it's Europe or somewhere else.

[DC Muskie]

Maybe because how he got bent over by the crappy administration is one of the reasons why the teams record is what it is over the last few years.

Well all I can I say is don't bend over a crazy chick and maybe our record would be better.

Although I'll say this. Maryland record wasn't all that great until this year. And it wasn't because Dez Wells was on the team.

He's a great senior to have, but he never was, nor ever will be, the defining player people like you want to believe. We've been to the tournament more times then Dez. And Dez went to a program in the middle of the best talent in the country, and having won a national title since 2000. So please spare me the the idea that having Dez would mean we'd be winning the BE.

[DC Muskie]

I'm so happy to see dez do well even if it's not for xavier. I hope he has a long pro career whether it's Europe or somewhere else.

I have no doubts that Dez would do very well in China.

[MuskiePimp23]

Well all I can I say is don't bend over a crazy chick and maybe our record would be better.

Although I'll say this. Maryland record wasn't all that great until this year. And it wasn't because Dez Wells was on the team.

He's a great senior to have, but he never was, nor ever will be, the defining player people like you want to believe. We've been to the tournament more times then Dez. And Dez went to a program in the middle of the best talent in the country, and having won a national title since 2000. So please spare me the the idea that having Dez would mean we'd be winning the BE.

There is a difference with being asked to carry the team like Dez basically was the last 2 years, versus being surrounded by a lot more talent like he is this year. Xavier was a much better team than Maryland 2 and 3 years ago and if you added Dez to either of those teams, would have improved immensely. Can you imagine what Dez would mean from a leadership, scoring, all around game this current Xavier team? We would be ranked at the very least and playing for seeding now, not just to get in the tourney. I don't know if we could challenge Villanova, but I think we would certainly be Top 3 in this conference with Dez. Also, I would put the Big East up against the ACC or the Big Ten everyday all day. The Big East is hands down better than the Big Ten is this year. As far as the ACC, I think they are both very good conferences, overall I think the Big East is better, but the ACC has more teams, which leads to overall more quality teams, but the schedule is unbalanced. The Big East is a darn good league though as evidenced by its #2 RPI.

[Xavier]

Agree with DC Muskie. I remember when people were worried he would leave early. ^^^ I don't think Dez would make this team ranked this year. Or do you think he could overcome the coaching staffs shortcomings on the road despite no one else on the team being able to?

[Xville]

Well all I can I say is don't bend over a crazy chick and maybe our record would be better.

Although I'll say this. Maryland record wasn't all that great until this year. And it wasn't because Dez Wells was on the team.

He's a great senior to have, but he never was, nor ever will be, the defining player people like you want to believe. We've been to the tournament more times then Dez. And Dez went to a program in the middle of the best talent in the country, and having won a national title since 2000. So please spare me the the idea that having Dez would mean we'd be winning the BE.

Explain to me where I said he was a defining player whatever the hell that's supposed to mean. He would be the best player on our team...and a senior leader at that. And where did I say that we'd be winning the big east? I tell ya what I do know....we have little senior leadership on this team...dez would provide that. I also know that we would have more wins with him than what we have now. It's pretty obvious that you have some weird dislike for Dez.

[LadyMuskie]

Yeah I mean you can cry about a guy who hasn't been on the team for three years. That seems totally normal. I miss Obi Harris.

This entire post made me literally laugh out loud. Obi Harris. Classic.

[LadyMuskie]

It's pretty obvious that you have some weird dislike for Dez.

I don't think it's that at all. It's that pining after the guy after 3 years is pathetic. Sad. Pathetic. Abnormal. Take your pick. Dez is not the second coming to basketball by any stretch. He's going to the tournament for the first time since he wore an X uniform, and if you listen to ANY analyst, they'll tell you that Maryland is, to use Clark Kellogg's word, pedestrian. . You can say he'd be a senior leader, but there's no way to actually know that. You're assuming. He could be just as good of a senior leader as Dee. Who the hell knows? Either way, it doesn't matter because he's gone and it's time to let it go. Channel Elsa. Let. It. Go.

[Xville]

Agree with DC Muskie. I remember when people were worried he would leave early. ^^^ I don't think Dez would make this team ranked this year. Or do you think he could overcome the coaching staffs shortcomings on the road despite no one else on the team being able to?

I think he would have helped in a couple of areas where we have struggled this year...

1.) Vocal senior leadership especially on the road
2.) Having a go to guy at those close end of the game situations

[DC Muskie]

Explain to me where I said he was a defining player whatever the hell that's supposed to mean. He would be the best player on our team...and a senior leader at that. And where did I say that we'd be winning the big east? I tell ya what I do know....we have little senior leadership on this team...dez would provide that. I also know that we would have more wins with him than what we have now. It's pretty obvious that you have some weird dislike for Dez.

Seriously, I didn't read all of this. Sorry. If you want to pick a fight, have it with yourself. I see that Gladenguy chimed in. I've had him on ignore since 2011 I think. You want to cry and whine and wish what could have been have at it brother.

Dez Wells played one season at Xavier. He went to Maryland and in his last year is finally getting them back to the tournament. Maryland. In PG County. PG County which fills every roster at Chapel Hill and Durham. And Maryland won a title.

Dez was a apart of Xavier basketball as long as Obi Harris. He made his choices. The administration made their choice. Now if you choose to play "what if" there's a web site for that. There's also a web site where guys nail chicks you would never get to talk to, let alone meet them without their panties on. So maybe you would feel more comfortable there, then trying to pick a fight with me, which you along with anyone that I have a disagreement with, will turn into that somehow I ALWAYS argue EVERYTHING. Frankly I'm tired of it. And concerning Dez, I only have two more months.

Dez was a Musketeeer for one year. He was around during an extremely highly volatile environment. He was handed a decision. Screwed or not, that's life. And if you want to rail and cry about what happened to Dez, then nothing bad has ever happened to you, and therefore who gives a shit.

Dez landed fine. Xavier landed fine. In a year from now, no one will give a shit about Dez, expect Gladden and maybe you. So have a beer and move on. Ten years from now people will look at you weird.

[DC Muskie]

There is a difference with being asked to carry the team like Dez basically was the last 2 years, versus being surrounded by a lot more talent like he is this year. Xavier was a much better team than Maryland 2 and 3 years ago and if you added Dez to either of those teams, would have improved immensely. Can you imagine what Dez would mean from a leadership, scoring, all around game this current Xavier team? We would be ranked at the very least and playing for seeding now, not just to get in the tourney. I don't know if we could challenge Villanova, but I think we would certainly be Top 3 in this conference with Dez. Also, I would put the Big East up against the ACC or the Big Ten everyday all day. The Big East is hands down better than the Big Ten is this year. As far as the ACC, I think they are both very good conferences, overall I think the Big East is better, but the ACC has more teams, which leads to overall more quality teams, but the schedule is unbalanced. The Big East is a darn good league though as evidenced by its #2 RPI.

Everything looks better in the "what if" mind set.

My life would have better if I married half the chicks I nailed in college. Argue otherwise.

It's the Perter King of arguments, and really I'm getting to the point of my life where I have no desire to argue. I'd rather focus on the present on the future.

[Xville]

Seriously, I didn't read all of this. Sorry. If you want to pick a fight, have it with yourself. I see that Gladenguy chimed in. I've had him on ignore since 2011 I think. You want to cry and whine and wish what could have been have at it brother.

Dez Wells played one season at Xavier. He went to Maryland and in his last year is finally getting them back to the tournament. Maryland. In PG County. PG County which fills every roster at Chapel Hill and Durham. And Maryland won a title.

Dez was a apart of Xavier basketball as long as Obi Harris. He made his choices. The administration made their choice. Now if you choose to play "what if" there's a web site for that. There's also a web site where guys nail chicks you would never get to talk to, let alone meet them without their panties on. So maybe you would feel more comfortable there, then trying to pick a fight with me, which you along with anyone that I have a disagreement with, will turn into that somehow I ALWAYS argue EVERYTHING. Frankly I'm tired of it. And concerning Dez, I only have two more months.

Dez was a Musketeeer for one year. He was around during an extremely highly volatile environment. He was handed a decision. Screwed or not, that's life. And if you want to rail and cry about what happened to Dez, then nothing bad has ever happened to you, and therefore who gives a shit.

Dez landed fine. Xavier landed fine. In a year from now, no one will give a shit about Dez, expect Gladden and maybe you. So have a beer and move on. Ten years from now people will look at you weird.

your first sentence is I didn't read all of this and then you write a novel.

[xu82]

Everything looks better in the "what if" mind set.

My life would have better if I married half the chicks I nailed in college. Argue otherwise.

It's the Perter King of arguments, and really I'm getting to the point of my life where I have no desire to argue. I'd rather focus on the present on the future.

If we can consider the concept of alimony, I could argue this. (Unless you were unlucky in the seminary.)

[DC Muskie]

your first sentence is I didn't read all of this and then you write a novel.

PMI am I not.

[chico]

My life would have better if I married half the chicks I nailed in college. Argue otherwise.


So how would life be better married to half a woman? Sorry couldn't resist, and this thread is already off the rails.

[DC Muskie]

So how would life be better married to half a woman? Sorry couldn't resist, and this thread is already off the rails.

I'd take 3/4 of woman at this point frankly.

[Xville]

So back to the bubble...that nova team is pretty decent, I'm ready for us to best them on saturday so we can move to the lock line and we can start discussing seed.

[DC Muskie]

We ain't beating Nova at home. The last game of the season will determine whether we are are 9th or 12th seed.

[xu82]

I'd take 3/4 of woman at this point frankly.

That kind of thing is probably available in any big city, and on line you could have almost any fraction you'd like...

[Xville]

We ain't beating Nova at home. The last game of the season will determine whether we are are 9th or 12th seed.

Yeah we are beating them. I'm getting that crazy feeling again I got right before we won at georgetown...plus the wsy this season has gone, it would make perfect sense for this team to beat nova and then lose to creighton.

[DC Muskie]

Yeah we are beating them.

I hope you are right man. Seriously, I have bad Nova envy. Hopefully on Saturday I'm not updating everyone on what the former Xavier recruits are doing to us.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That is a huge "if" winning one of the next two.
And Dez just scored 26 pts with 7 boards against a top 5 team and his team will be a 4 seed at least.

Kid deserves the world for getting bent over and accused of something a dumb whore said he did.....which in the end amounted to of course....no wrong doing.

Dez made his choices????? To be a good kid and get screwed. Nope.

Glad for him. Definitely worked out for him and just so happens to be the 3 worst years Xavier has had in a long time. Coincidence?
DWest.......eat a bag of dicks.

Way to quote me and address a completely different topic. Classic. Did I say a single thing about Dez Wells in my post? No.

Woe is gladdenguy

[danaandvictory]

DePaul's impending loss to Creighton pretty well ensures X avoids the Wednesday night games in NYC, which is good.

Creighton is looking disconcertingly competent, however.

X still has some work to do.

[GoMuskies]

So we're better than DePaul? Whew, glad that's been confirmed.

[danaandvictory]

So we're better than DePaul? Whew, glad that's been confirmed.

Better 364 days out of the year, unfortunately that last one left quite a skid mark.

[X-band '01]

Better 364 days out of the year, unfortunately that last one left quite a skid mark.

Both DePaul and Creighton left skiddies.

I don't know whether to be relieved or worried that Xavier has a week to prepare for the Bluejays in Omaha.

[Masterofreality]

DePaul's impending loss to Creighton pretty well ensures X avoids the Wednesday night games in NYC, which is good.

Creighton is looking disconcertingly competent, however.

X still has some work to do.

.....Or DePaul has returned to DePuke....

Not sure which it is.

[THRILLHOUSE]

X still an 8 seed per Lunardi (with a re-match vs NC State). So at least in his eyes, the St John's loss didn't do much damage. So really, as repeated ad nauseam, just win one of the last 2 and X is safely in the field.

http://espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

[markchal]

I'd love to believe it could happen, but I see no earthly way we beat Nova. They shoot too well and after the absolute beatdown they put on Providence, I just don't see how we can hang with them. Creighton will be tough since its their senior night and they have nothing to lose, but it will be a much better chance for us to punch our ticket.

[X-Fan]

I'd love to believe it could happen, but I see no earthly way we beat Nova. They shoot too well and after the absolute beatdown they put on Providence, I just don't see how we can hang with them. Creighton will be tough since its their senior night and they have nothing to lose, but it will be a much better chance for us to punch our ticket.
We're going to need some of that Cintas Magic. Also, X managed to hang with them at their place. Hopefully the 1-3-1 will do just enough for X to outscore Nova by 1. It certainly will not be easy.

[drudy23]

We beat GTown twice...GTown beat Nova by 20...we can beat Nova. Will take a great game, but we can beat Nova.

[XUFan09]

We're going to need some of that Cintas Magic. Also, X managed to hang with them at their place. Hopefully the 1-3-1 will do just enough for X to outscore Nova by 1. It certainly will not be easy.
Villanova has too many shooters to regularly employ the 1-3-1. They would murder us.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Villanova has too many shooters to regularly employ the 1-3-1. They would murder us.

Pretty much. Probably will depend on the lineup that's on the court. When JP and Tre are both on the court together, they pretty much have to go 1-3-1 since both are so poor at man defense. Otherwise, I'd expect Mack to stick with pack line.

X will need to play it's best 40 minutes of the year and hopefully Nova will have an off shooting day.

[BMoreX]

We're going to need Trevon, JP, Remy, etc. To light it up from 3 point land.

[MHettel]

I ALWAYS argue EVERYTHING.

Nothign like making our point for us.

[Milhouse]

Pretty much. Probably will depend on the lineup that's on the court. When JP and Tre are both on the court together, they pretty much have to go 1-3-1 since both are so poor at man defense. Otherwise, I'd expect Mack to stick with pack line.

X will need to play it's best 40 minutes of the year and hopefully Nova will have an off shooting day.

Yep. It's very possible X plays its best game of the year and still comes up short. This is a final four team we're playing.

[xudash]

We beat GTown twice...GTown beat Nova by 20...we can beat Nova. Will take a great game, but we can beat Nova.

I'm going with this. It's college basketball - stuff happens. Nova had its senior night. I understand they're playing for seeding, but it's our turn now.

[Xville]

Yep. It's very possible X plays its best game of the year and still comes up short. This is a final four team we're playing.

Villanova is very good but don't think they are final four caliber..I feel like they rely too much on outside shooting and if they have a poor shooting night they are donzo. Good team for sure, but unless they get a good draw, I don't think final four...just my opinion.

[Backyard Champ]

Did I see that the students will be on break for the game? Hope that's not the case for senior night.

[XUMIOH12]

Saturday is the first day of their break

[XUMIOH12]

lets hope we get hot shooting and Nova is cold

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hopefully with it being senior night, against a top 10 opponent, the tas will be rocking and Matt and Dee will play their best games. I like our chances.

[Bearcat_Bounce]

Hopefully with it being senior night, against a top 10 opponent, the tas will be rocking and Matt and Dee will play their best games. I like our chances.

Xavier will have a good shooting game. Villanova will not be able to match it. Xavier will be victorious on Senior day. It will be necessary for the Musketeers to win if they want to get out of the dreaded 8/9 game. Xavier will accomplish this goal. All for now.

[kyxu]

Xavier will have a good shooting game. Villanova will not be able to match it. Xavier will be victorious on Senior day. It will be necessary for the Musketeers to win if they want to get out of the dreaded 8/9 game. Xavier will accomplish this goal. All for now.

Wow. Best UC fan ever.

[paulxu]

We beat GTown twice...GTown beat Nova by 20...we can beat Nova. Will take a great game, but we can beat Nova.


I'm going with this. It's college basketball - stuff happens. Nova had its senior night. I understand they're playing for seeding, but it's our turn now.

I'm going with it too...because, well, I can't believe Drudy said it.

[drudy23]

drudy turning over a new leaf...eternal optimism...at least until our next loss.

[LadyMuskie]

drudy turning over a new leaf...eternal optimism...at least until our next loss.

This new leaf also turned over Drudy's hidden desire to refer to himself in the third person.

[waggy]

3rd person isn't too bad. 4th & 5th is when you really start to worry.

[IM4X]

Yep. It's very possible X plays its best game of the year and still comes up short. This is a final four team we're playing.

If a team X beat up on easily beat them by 20, X should not come up short with their best game. I get your point that they are a very good team, but why are we all acting like there is almost no chance unless our guys get lucky?

If our players go into the game with confidence and play hard with lock down defense and play smart on offense (no stupid passes or shots) for 40 minutes, there is no reason our boys can't run them out of the gym like they did with Butler.

Come on boys... Time to step up p, kick some butt and make a statement.

[Xavier]

Love the enthusiasm, IM4X, but I can never get the "We beat a team that beat them" theory. Everyone on the board knows G-Town is just a great matchup for Xavier. Remember, we were down 18 at half last time we played Villanova.

I think if Xavier plays the way you suggest (confident, lock down defense and smart offense) we can win. Run them out of the gym? I don't know about that.