XAVIER vs MARQUETTE

[MADXSTER]

1626 VS 1627

Xavier University Musketeers (15-9) (6-6) RPI 33 SOS 15
W Northern Arizona 93-60
W Long Beach State 97-74
W Stephen F Austin 81-63
W Murray State 89-62
W San Diego Toreros 82-71
L UTEP Miners 77-73
L Long Beach State 73-70
W Alabama 97-84
W IUPUI Jaquars 66-43
W Missouri Tigers 74-58
L Auburn Tigers 89-88 2OT
W Florida Gulf Coast 71-57
W Georgetown Hoyas 70-53
L DePaul Blue Demons 71-68
W Seton Hall Pirates 69-58
L Butler Bulldogs 88-76
L Villanova Wildcats 88-75
W Marquette Golden Eagles 62-58
L Providence Friars 69-66 OT
W DePaul Blue Demons 89-76
W Georgetown Hoyas 66-53
L Seton Hall Pirates 90-82
L Creighton Bluejays 79-72 OT
W Providence 78-69


vs Marquette Golden Eagles (11-12) (3-8) RPI 51 SOS 27
W Tennessee Martin H 79-63
L Ohio St. A 74-63
L Nebraska Omaha H 89-97
W NJIT H 62-57
W Georgia Tech N 70-72
L Michigan St. N 68-79
W Tennessee N 67-59
L Wisconsin H 38-49
W Arizona St. H 78-71
W Alabama A&M H 83-49
W North Dakota H 67-54
W Morgan St. H 81-53
L DePaul A 61-58
W Providence H 75-66
L Georgetown A 65-59
W Creighton H 53-52
L St John's 60-57
L Georgetown 85-95
L Seton Hall 70-80
L Butler 68-72
L Villanova 70-52
W Seton Hall 54-57


Tuesday Feb. 10, 2015 9:15 p.m. ET in Milwaukee
Television: Fox Sports 1
Radio: 550 WKRC

[paulxu]

We need this game. Maybe I shouldn't watch.

[BMoreX]

Black uniforms tonight.

[drudy23]

Just win a damn road game.

[muskieindent]

MU is reeling.We really need to win this game.Can't lose to a sub .500 team .

[Cheesehead]

Marquette is coming off a big road win at Seton Hall. I have watched 3 Marquette games so far and Wojo has this team playing hard. They have lost a lot of close games.They are not as bad as their record. I expect a close game but think X should be able to wear them down at the end. They have 7 scholarship players.

[profson]

MU is reeling.We really need to win this game.Can't lose to a sub .500 team .

Really? A 1.5 point spread tells us Vegas thinks this is a game we could very well lose. Kenpom agrees -- without revealing too much, of the teams he projects as a victory, Marquette is the one he thinks we have the greatest possibility of losing.
Now if by "can't" you mean "can't afford to" that is closer to reality.

[xavierj]

Yeah this game is going to be a battle and tough for Xavier to win the way they play on the road. Marquette has already beat providence by 9 at home and had Butler beat but lost by 4 in OT.

[kyxu]

Thanks to our yak job against Creighton six days ago, our margin for error is gone. Regardless of how dangerous Marquette is, this one is a must-win.

[XU 87]

Thanks to our yak job against Creighton six days ago, our margin for error is gone. Regardless of how dangerous Marquette is, this one is a must-win.

I wouldn't call it a "must win", but a loss probably puts us in or close to bubble land.

[bleedXblue]

X needs to get it done tonight. No excuses. Time to go on run !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[XUFan09]

As it stands, Xavier is a tournament team, but they could play themselves out of it. This game is a good example of that risk.

[Cheesehead]

Eagles taste like chicken, or something like that...

[Cheesehead]

FYI: Matt Carlino, the leading scorer for Marquette is likely out for second game due to concussion suffered at Villanova.

[D-West & PO-Z]

FYI: Matt Carlino, the leading scorer for Marquette is likely out for second game due to concussion suffered at Villanova.

I've been looking for info on that but couldnt find any. To bad for him, good for us.

[XUFan09]

If he's going to play, no one will know outside of him and Wojo until the game starts.

[kyxu]

FYI: Matt Carlino, the leading scorer for Marquette is likely out for second game due to concussion suffered at Villanova.

Yeah, right. No one is supposed to play against Xavier, until you see them warming up and then they go for 19 against us (see EDWIN, Fuquan; WHITEHEAD, Isaiah)

[boozehound]

Really? A 1.5 point spread tells us Vegas thinks this is a game we could very well lose. Kenpom agrees -- without revealing too much, of the teams he projects as a victory, Marquette is the one he thinks we have the greatest possibility of losing.
Now if by "can't" you mean "can't afford to" that is closer to reality.

I'm pretty sure that's what he meant...

[LadyMuskie]

So, we all learned after the win Saturday that none of us should watch the game tonight, right? Clearly the banning of someone the morning of a road game didn't work to appease the basketball gods, so we'll try this approach instead.

[Musketeer_15]

"Word from MU athletics is that Matt Carlino is improving but isn't ready to play tonight. He won't be in the building for #mubb vs Xavier."
@Matt_Velazquez (Marquette Beat Writer)

Praise the Lord, no Carlino!!! Now go out and f*&^ing win!!!!!!!

[KabeX]

We need this game. Maybe I shouldn't watch.

I'm with you Paul. Seems like every time I can't watch they do better. I'm in Miami tonight. I was also in Miami last Wednesday and had the local sports bar turn on FS1. We all know what happened. But my 10 year old and I were in attendance Saturday. We all know what happened. No way I can't watch tonight. If anyone is near MIA, I'll be at Champions at the Courtyard trying not to curse.

Let's get this done.

[xu82]

Really? A 1.5 point spread tells us Vegas thinks this is a game we could very well lose. Kenpom agrees -- without revealing too much, of the teams he projects as a victory, Marquette is the one he thinks we have the greatest possibility of losing.
Now if by "can't" you mean "can't afford to" that is closer to reality.
I am certain the intent was we cannot afford to lose. We all learned from a recent "beat down" thread that being cocky is ill advised. We shall avoid naming names, but bad karma is a bad way to go. Only deep regret and a sincere apology avoided neg repping ....at best. (You know who you are!)

[KabeX]

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/291465241.html

For what it's worth. I wouldn't be shocked at all to see Carlino launching 3's

[BMoreX]

Absolutely cannot lose this game if Carlino can't play

[bobbiemcgee]

MarquetteMBB ‏@MarquetteMBB 37m37 minutes ago

#mubb's Matt Carlino will miss his 2nd game tonight due to a concussion. He continues to improve, but hasn't been cleared.
Details

[RoseyMuskie]

In attendance. Crowd seems rather thin as of this moment. Compared to last year, would be huge. BMO can be a very loud venue.

[xu82]

MarquetteMBB ‏@MarquetteMBB 37m37 minutes ago

#mubb's Matt Carlino will miss his 2nd game tonight due to a concussion. He continues to improve, but hasn't been cleared.
Details

That was a nasty fall. I hope he's better right after the game tonight.

[bobbiemcgee]

That was a nasty fall. I hope he's better right after the game tonight.

He was nasty in the 'nati.

[xu82]

He was nasty in the 'nati.

A one man wrecking crew. I know he's not alone out there, but it seemed he would never miss!

[XMuskieFTW]

Starting with Bluiett at the 4. Interesting.

[danaandvictory]

Fischer owns Stainbrook.
Turnover.
Transition second chance basket.
Offensive foul.

Great start.

[xsteve1]

Marquette playing with lots of energy. Stainbrook's a mess.

[SixFig]

Myles going sleeveless

[bjf123]

Let's go guys. Terrible start.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[XU Cowbell Kid]

"Unspectacular but effective"?????????? I don't think they have watched Trevon play. He may not be insanely explosive, but he isn't boring!

[BMoreX]

Nope not good

[XMuskieFTW]

Just getting annihilated in the paint. What is up with that...

[xsteve1]

Mack could've really used a timeout. His team is getting abused.

[mistabeecee41]

I would hockey sub everybody besides jalen.

[danaandvictory]

Down 14-5 to this clown act, playing without Carlino. I don't know what to say any more.

[bjf123]

Keep this up and I'll be able to get to bed early.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Blue Blooded-05]

Reynolds with the Gervin-esque finger roll... Smooth

[xavierj]

Part of the problem is that xavier plays with zero emotion and energy on the road. That shows lack of leadership some from the coaches but more so from the seniors on the team.

[BMoreX]

Stainbrook has been...bad

[xsteve1]

Aaargh Stainbrook. Get him out.

[mistabeecee41]

He's hurt but we're just better without stain right now. Fact.

[X Factor]

Good defense by O'Mara

[chico]

The defensive effort has been nice the past 5 minutes or so. They've stepped it up.

[RoseyMuskie]

O'Mara and Jalen defending Fischer well in the post.

Hoping our depth can wear down Marquette, given their lack of viable options.

[XMuskieFTW]

JP coming to play for the second straight game.

[danaandvictory]

This is going to be a war. X has got to maintain the energy. No letdowns like at Seton Hall.

[BMoreX]

O'Mara playing really well

[Xavgrad08]

Omara and Macura are playing well. Need to capitalize on these opportunities to expand the lead.

[IM4X]

Myles should be pissed... That was not a charge... Defender was still moving

[XMuskieFTW]

Welcome to the building Matt Stainbrook!

[TUclutch]

Myles should be pissed... That was not a charge... Defender was still moving

The defender is allowed to be moving.

[mistabeecee41]

Myles should be pissed... That was not a charge... Defender was still moving

I love yelling at the refs but myles flew down the court with no control. That's a charge every time

[TUclutch]

I love yelling at the refs but myles flew down the court with no control. That's a charge every time

Idk if it was a charge, but it had nothing to do with the defender moving like IM4X said

[paulxu]

Wonder why Dee didn't slide over to the ball on that last shot.

[chico]

Marquette was not in the bonus. They should have fouled with about 6 seconds left.

[mistabeecee41]

Ugh dee. Go to the shooter when there are 3 seconds left not the wing.

[danaandvictory]

You just knew with 100% certainty they would find a way to give Marquette a wide open three.

[xsteve1]

Played well after the slow start but God it seems we give up buckets always right before half.

[IM4X]

Idk if it was a charge, but it had nothing to do with the defender moving like IM4X said

What am I missing... Are you saying it was or wasn't a charge and how is a defender moving sideways with Myles as the two colliding not a foul on the defender.

[XMuskieFTW]

That three hurt, but I will take where we are at after being down 16-5 any day. The zone is looking good and offense has perked up

[Blue Blooded-05]

Ugh dee. Go to the shooter when there are 3 seconds left not the wing.

Not Dee's fault. He was helping off his man on the wing. That was on Bluiett. He stayed in the paint when his man flashed to the top and hit the open 3. Left 3 defenders in the paint covering 2 guys.

[Masterofreality]

My.....GAWD!

They go to a zone that gives them the lead...then the staff hardheadedly defaults back to the hedging man to man for the last possession, Bluiett is trapped having to help down low, Stain can't get out and they give up a wide open 3 at the end of the half!

Damn..nation, Mack!!!! I can't stand it! STOP THE HEDGE!!!!!!!!!

[danaandvictory]

So this is what I don't get. X has murdered them in the zone, even with Stainbrook about as mobile as the Statute of Liberty.* And then Mack inexplicably goes back to man on the last possession, doesn't use the foul to give, and ends up with our two worst defenders stranded in a pick and roll and a wide open three that gives the momentum back. Why in the world would he do that?

* Excluding Ghostbusters II.

[X-Fan]

Like the fight in this team, to push back after being down early. Most of MUs makes have been BS. Keep up the D and X has a great chance to get the win.

Guys need to work for better shots. That said, it's nice to see them make a few.

[Xavier]

Maybe it wasn't but dee definitely headed to the shooter then went to wing. Should've kept going to shooter. Oh well, played well after slow start.---response to blueblooded, too slow obviously.

I think Mack is just trying to mix zone with man, have them guessing. I like the 1-3-1 right now though good wrinkle.

[IM4X]

My.....GAWD!

They go to a zone that gives them the lead...then the staff hardheadedly defaults back to the hedging man to man for the last possession, Bluiett is trapped having to help down low, Stain can't get out and they give up a wide open 3 at the end of the half!

Damn..nation, Mack!!!! I can't stand it! STOP THE HEDGE!!!!!!!!!

Amen.

[danaandvictory]

I think Mack is just trying to mix zone with man, have them guessing. I like the 1-3-1 right now though good wrinkle.

They killed Marquette with the 1-3-1 in Cincinnati and they killed them with it in the first half. Throwing an ineffective man look at that point was change for the sake of change. Ride what is working.

[TUclutch]

What am I missing... Are you saying it was or wasn't a charge and how is a defender moving sideways with Myles as the two colliding not a foul on the defender.

It was a charge. But you dont have to be set for it to be a charge. He was sliding with Myles. The defender has a right to the space as well.

[BMoreX]

Excellent start to the half!

[XMuskieFTW]

Talk about starting out a half well. Love this.

[Retire33]

Now we RIDE!!!!

[danaandvictory]

Wojo throwing a good old fashioned Brian Kelly purple face rage attack.

[Blue Blooded-05]

LOL... Anyone else see Myles Davis give imaginary high fives after shooting the technical free throws?

[XMuskieFTW]

Ughhhh stop hedgingggggggggggggggg

[TUclutch]

LOL... Anyone else see Myles Davis give imaginary high fives after shooting the technical free throws?

he's done it before. I laugh every time

[Emp]

It's out defense. We hedge. Live with it.

Reynolds getting an earful from Mack arguing calls and not getting back on D. Please grow up Jalen, we can go places if you just play.

[IM4X]

LOL... Anyone else see Myles Davis give imaginary high fives after shooting the technical free throws?

Missed it... Just went back to look at what you were talking about.. And sure enough... Too funny. Good catch.

[xsteve1]

Val put some makeup on.

[chico]

This game started 16-5. Since then Xavier's outscored Marquette 40-15.

[BandAid]

Missed it... Just went back to look at what you were talking about.. And sure enough... Too funny. Good catch.

Routine is important when it comes to those freebies

[Emp]

I'm astounded that oMeara is getting and giving big minutes. Stainbrooks back is still bothering him. We're shooting 40% and killing. Carlito missing means that zone is getting tighter and tighter.

[danaandvictory]

Macura has been outstanding in the second half. He just brings energy and edge, loves a pass, good athlete, and really excels at the top of that zone.

[BMoreX]

Macura has been outstanding in the second half. He just brings energy and edge, loves a pass, good athlete, and really excels at the top of that zone.

If he is shooting, he is such an asset.

[Backyard Champ]

If he is shooting, he is such an asset.

Well, if he is shooting well*

[xsteve1]

Love the emotion Mack is showing tonight.

[Retire33]

Love the emotion Mack is showing tonight.

He has brought it and his team has responded!

[xudash]

It was ugly, but we won that segment.

[Emp]

13 offensive rebound must be a season high.

[BandAid]

It was ugly, but we won that segment.

Segment? Don't you mean "war"? :P

[BMoreX]

Segment? Don't you mean "war"? :P

Actually he just means "the next few minutes."

[chico]

20 buckets, 14 assists. 58 points and 4 players in double figures. Nice, balanced, unselfish offense, even though they're shooting under 40%.

[Masterofreality]

Marquette is brutal without Carlino.

How did Seton Hall lose to them?

[xsteve1]

C'mon Jalen.

[DC Muskie]

That's a bitch move by Jalen. He needs to stop doing this shit.

[sgarcia]

Why weren't all walk ons in?

[Masterofreality]

When is Jalen Reynolds going to stop being a dummy?

[Backyard Champ]

That's a bitch move by Jalen. He needs to stop doing this shit.

Shouldn't have done it, but not nearly as bad as it first looked. Guy was off balance on his way down already.

[sgarcia]

When is Jalen Reynolds going to stop being a dummy?

Not anytime soon. It will keep happening until he does something dumb enough to get him tossed from a game.

[Emp]

That's a bitch move by Jalen. He needs to stop doing this shit.

Yes

[paulxu]

You guys owe me BIG TIME.
I decided to respect the streak and not watch this game.
Turned in on for the half time score, just in time to see us give up a wide open 3.
Went right back to not watching, and the streak continues.

You're welcome.

[DC Muskie]

Shouldn't have done it, but not nearly as bad as it first looked. Guy was off balance on his way down already.

Ha. Yeah, he's falling down from stuffing him twice. Jalen does this shit all the time. Kicking people after he dunks, etc. He does this next week and the world is going to implode. He doesn't need to do it.

[Masterofreality]

Ha. Yeah, he's falling down from stuffing him twice. Jalen does this shit all the time. Kicking people after he dunks, etc. He does this next week and the world is going to implode. He doesn't need to do it.

Correct. One punk move like that vs SucKS and ESPN and all the press will have a field day.

[xu82]

You guys owe me BIG TIME.
I decided to respect the streak and not watch this game.
Turned in on for the half time score, just in time to see us give up a wide open 3.
Went right back to not watching, and the streak continues.

You're welcome.

A giant THANK YOU! We'll gt back to you about when it's safe to watch again. (Do you have other hobbies?)

[BMoreX]

I wouldn't be surprised if he gets ejected against UC.

I know that's reactionary and all, but I mean, he gets a tech almost EVERY GAME. He has 10 technicals in his career, 5 in 13 Big East games.

[XU 87]

Good win, important victory on the road.

[spursy]

Aside from the dumb technical jalen was the mvp this game. I know his scoreline might not say it but he was what this team needed.

[Backyard Champ]

Ha. Yeah, he's falling down from stuffing him twice. Jalen does this shit all the time. Kicking people after he dunks, etc. He does this next week and the world is going to implode. He doesn't need to do it.

Must not have been watching. Even the broadcasters were saying he was off balance already, and it really wasn't that bad.

I'd prefer having a player like Jalen. Needs to tone it down just a bit, but nice to finally see someone play with attitude. Xavier has been missing that since the brawl.

[Masterofreality]

Back to the game...

Marquette is abjectly horrible without Carlino and we did what we had to do, but nothing pretty about it. Almost every time we hedged, even in the second half, though, they scored.

Ok, now another big home game Saturdsy. I and Musketette Grad Daughter will be there.

[gladdenguy]

Big time win regardless if Carlino didn't play.

Props to Coach Mack, Fr Graham, and of course Dez.

[XMuskieFTW]

That wasn't flashy, but that was a lot of fun to watch. I love what we showed on defense tonight after that 16-5 opening. Hopefully that carries over to Saturday.

[xu82]

Big time win regardless if Carlino didn't play.

Props to Coach Mack, Fr Graham, and of course Dez.

Yep, wouldn't have benn the same without Dez. Er, uh... definitely wouldn't have been the same with Dez.

[XU 87]

1-3-1 defense looks very good and hides the lack of foot speed. Of course it helps that Marquette has guys on the perimeter who can't shoot.

JP played very well at the top of the zone. Stainbrook has much less ground to cover.

[xu82]

1-3-1 defense looks very good and hides done if the lack of foot speed. Of course it helps that Marquette has guys on the perimeter who can't shoot.

Having some long guys helps in that 1-3-1. With Carlino it might have been less fun to watch, but I'm not complaining!

[Emp]

Re STOP THE HEDGING.........MOR, they pay the man to pick the defense. We hedge. all the time. Game in/out, season in/out.

Macks entire defense is based on making teams go to places they don't want to go. It doesn't work all the time, but it works on balance.

[xudash]

You guys owe me BIG TIME.
I decided to respect the streak and not watch this game.
Turned in on for the half time score, just in time to see us give up a wide open 3.
Went right back to not watching, and the streak continues.

You're welcome.

THANK YOU!

Now keep not watching. I believe it inverts for you once we're in the NCAA Tournament. You get to watch us go all the way to the F4.

[Masterofreality]

Re STOP THE HEDGING.........MOR, they pay the man to pick the defense. We hedge. all the time. Game in/out, season in/out.

Macks entire defense is based on making teams go to places they don't want to go. It doesn't work all the time, but it works on balance.

Marquette scored 14 points in the first 5 minutes against the hedging man. They scored 25 against primarily a zone the rest of the way, 30 total, taking out the 3 at the end of the half and a driving 2 when we went back to man with about 8 minutes to go.

Any further questions?

[X-Fan]

A road win by 20, I'll take it! Helps that MU is shorthanded and missing their best player.

Thought our passing and ball movement was really good. Matt played pretty bad for stretches, but also had a few big plays. Hope he can get it going again soon.

Love it that JP, Trevon, Jalen, and Myles are playing with more and more confidence. JP is going to be such a player. Dude is tenacious!

Let's keep it going fellas!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

........and the Line has us up by 3.

[XfansinKy]

We win this war we win the game!! Hell yea put me in coach!:homer::homer::jumpforjoy::jumpforjoy:

[IM4X]

1-3-1 defense looks very good and hides done if the lack of foot speed. Of course it helps that Marquette has guys on the perimeter who can't shoot.

JP played very well at the top of the zone. Stainbrook has much less ground to cover.

Uh...
Yes it does.
Yes it does.
Yes he did...
And yes he does.

All good things indeed.

[xdude]

We're starting to see the promise we had early on for this team. Solid play at every position, and any one of a bunch that can show up and kill you. If they can stay team and stay present, good things ahead...

[GoMuskies]

I guess that game was okay if you're into those sorts of things (and I am).

[D-West & PO-Z]

Solid win, i'm feeling good going into saturday.

[XUFan09]

Xavier's tournament odds just improved noticeably by avoiding this loss and by making their road record a little better.

[GoMuskies]

Marquette is brutal without Carlino.

How did Seton Hall lose to them?

Seton Hall is horrible. How did we lose to Seton Hall is the more pertinent question.

[XUFan09]

Seton Hall is horrible. How did we lose to Seton Hall is the more pertinent question.

Seton Hall "won" in a competition with Marquette in terms of who is worse at scoring.

We caught the one game where Whitehead played well since his return.

[LA Muskie]

I'm not getting too high about this game. First, Marquette -- particularly without Carlino -- is pretty damn bad. Second, and most importantly, every time I get excited and think the team has turned the corner, I get hit in the balls. And that don't feel good.

[XUFan09]

I'm not getting too high about this game. First, Marquette -- particularly without Carlino -- is pretty damn bad. Second, and most importantly, every time I get excited and think the team has turned the corner, I get hit in the balls. And that don't feel good.

At this point, I'm just happy we avoided the loss to a team outside the top 100 and put together a second straight good game. On to St. John's!

[kyxu]

I'm not getting too high about this game. First, Marquette -- particularly without Carlino -- is pretty damn bad. Second, and most importantly, every time I get excited and think the team has turned the corner, I get hit in the balls. And that don't feel good.

You think you're really cool, don't you?

[DC Muskie]

Must not have been watching. Even the broadcasters were saying he was off balance already, and it really wasn't that bad.

I'd prefer having a player like Jalen. Needs to tone it down just a bit, but nice to finally see someone play with attitude. Xavier has been missing that since the brawl.

No I watched it. Just like I watch every game where broadcasters constantly compliment what officials call. Seriously if that's your defense, then I'm not sure what to tell ya. He was assessed a flagrant foul, so I'm not sure what point you are trying to make...that Jalen was merely trying to help him down with that great attitude he had? As someone pointed out he five 5 techs in 13 games conference games...that has to lead the conference.

I like his tough play. He just needs to grow up and not do stupid things that cost the team. It's not a silly idea, one that is supported by a few people here. Heck you even agree with it. I guess you thought the play was okay because Bob Wetzel didn't think it was bad? Maybe Mack shouldn't have spent so much time talking to him.

Again, he doesn't need to do it. You can be tough without picking up silly, stupid, preventable fouls.

[Blue Blobs Bro]

O
No I watched it. Just like I watch every game where broadcasters constantly compliment what officials call. Seriously if that's your defense, then I'm not sure what to tell ya. He was assessed a flagrant foul, so I'm not sure what point you are trying to make...that Jalen was merely trying to help him down with that great attitude he had? As someone pointed out he five 5 techs in 13 games conference games...that has to lead the conference.

I like his tough play. He just needs to grow up and not do stupid things that cost the team. It's not a silly idea, one that is supported by a few people here. Heck you even agree with it. I guess you thought the play was okay because Bob Wetzel didn't think it was bad? Maybe Mack shouldn't have spent so much time talking to him.

Again, he doesn't need to do it. You can be tough without picking up silly, stupid, preventable fouls.
Not to be a smartass, but i think was given an after play technical, not a flagrant .

[DC Muskie]

O
Not to be a smartass, but i think was given an after play technical, not a flagrant .

I couldn't tell because the broadcasters were rambling.

Flagrant, tech, he was almost thrown out. In game where we were up handily. Even if we weren't it's a really stupid play.

Jalen is really becoming a very good player. His jumper is good, the way he attacks the rim and runs the floor is fantastic. When he came into the game, we started to turn things around.

There's no need to grab a guy and push him to the floor. There's no need to dunk the ball and make sure his foot is planted into the chest of a player like he did last Saturday. Bring the toughness and the never back down attitude, but please leave the extra stuff at home.

[bleedXblue]

Does anyone really think Jalen doesn't have an issue with his temper/composure?

I fear what he might do in the Crosstown.

Just play hard and play with passion and stop with the antics.

[Muskie]

I couldn't tell because the broadcasters were rambling.

Flagrant, tech, he was almost thrown out. In game where we were up handily. Even if we weren't it's a really stupid play.

Jalen is really becoming a very good player. His jumper is good, the way he attacks the rim and runs the floor is fantastic. When he came into the game, we started to turn things around.

There's no need to grab a guy and push him to the floor. There's no need to dunk the ball and make sure his foot is planted into the chest of a player like he did last Saturday. Bring the toughness and the never back down attitude, but please leave the extra stuff at home.

Totally agree. I thought the same thing last weekend at home. Even after his technical he would stare down his opponent after every bucket. I kpet thinking he was going to get a tech for taunting. That would/could have changed the game. This team does not have a huge margin for error, and his technical fouls could be very costly down the line.

[bleedXblue]

By the way, this is a totally different team when Macura is knocking down shots and we can go to O'Mara for some solid minutes.

The 1-3-1 has a pest at the top of the key and big athletic guy in the middle. I love it.

I'm not as excited about last nights win as much as I am about how this team is starting to come together. Defensively we have found something in the 1-3-1 and it looks like roles are being more defined and guys are understanding what they bring to the table.

[paulxu]

Just looking at the box score, one thing seems out of whack.
Dee only had 2 pts in 38 minutes (which is OK if everyone is hitting like last night) but 5 assists and 6 TO's is uncharacteristic.
If he's back on his regular game and everyone is hitting like last night, we might really have something.
Caveat: not seeing the game it's possible that his spacing and passes created assists for others.

[Joel]

Dee wasn't great last night, but having Jalen and Matt combine to shoot 6-20 suppressed his assist numbers a little bit. On a night when those guys are finishing, he might have had 10 or so dimes. I thought he looked really tired though; not sure why he ran 38 minutes in a game we won by 20.

[bleedXblue]

Dee wasn't great last night, but having Jalen and Matt combine to shoot 6-20 suppressed his assist numbers a little bit. On a night when those guys are finishing, he might have had 10 or so dimes. I thought he looked really tired though; not sure why he ran 38 minutes in a game we won by 20.

Agreed. Dee had a couple of very uncharacteristic TO's. I was hoping to see more of Randolph or Austin.

[Drew's Crew]

Yeah, I don't get why Dee was playing so much...I am interested as to why Randolph isn't playing more. I wonder what shortcomings he has shown in practice that have prevented him from being in even in mop up time.....that doesn't bode well for our future prospects at PG.

[XfansinKy]

I couldn't tell because the broadcasters were rambling.

Flagrant, tech, he was almost thrown out. In game where we were up handily. Even if we weren't it's a really stupid play.

Jalen is really becoming a very good player. His jumper is good, the way he attacks the rim and runs the floor is fantastic. When he came into the game, we started to turn things around.

There's no need to grab a guy and push him to the floor. There's no need to dunk the ball and make sure his foot is planted into the chest of a player like he did last Saturday. Bring the toughness and the never back down attitude, but please leave the extra stuff at home.
If he sticks around, improves a ton and actually gets an opportunity to be drafted, those immature plays at his age could really hinder his draft status too. Either he doesn't know that or can't control himself. One good thing, I've never known of him to be anything but a weight lifter and gym rat off the court so that's good.

[XU 87]

Yeah, I don't get why Dee was playing so much...I am interested as to why Randolph isn't playing more. I wonder what shortcomings he has shown in practice that have prevented him from being in even in mop up time.....that doesn't bode well for our future prospects at PG.

I don't think Randolph hasn't played well at point, offensively or defensively. Don't forget about Sumner.

[xeus]

Bring the toughness and the never back down attitude, but please leave the extra stuff at home.

Same goes for JP Macura.

[xu82]

There's no need to grab a guy and push him to the floor. There's no need to dunk the ball and make sure his foot is planted into the chest of a player like he did last Saturday. Bring the toughness and the never back down attitude, but please leave the extra stuff at home.

How about the head massage? Was there a need for that? It made me chuckle (but pissed me off). What is the guy thinking??? Mack was talking to him after the Tech. He'll get through to him. You want to keep the aggressiveness and drop the stupidity.

[GoMuskies]

I think Austin will be fine next year as well. Dee didn't play a major role his freshman year, either, but he was ready to go as a sophomore (with a few bumps in the road, of course).

[XU 87]

By the way, this is a totally different team when Macura is knocking down shots and we can go to O'Mara for some solid minutes.

The 1-3-1 has a pest at the top of the key and big athletic guy in the middle. I love it.

I'm not as excited about last nights win as much as I am about how this team is starting to come together. Defensively we have found something in the 1-3-1 and it looks like roles are being more defined and guys are understanding what they bring to the table.

The 1-3-1 seems to be working and certainly worked last night. I think they switched to 1-3-1 in the Providence game in the second half and that turned things around. That said, Marquette's best shooter was not playing and Derrick Wilson can't shoot. But I hope Mack keeps switching back and forth with man to 1-3-1.

During The Run, Matta, who doesn't like zone, started playing a lot of 2-3 zone, including the last 17 minutes or so of the second half against Louisville. It worked.

[bigdiggins]

Yeah, I don't get why Dee was playing so much...I am interested as to why Randolph isn't playing more. I wonder what shortcomings he has shown in practice that have prevented him from being in even in mop up time.....that doesn't bode well for our future prospects at PG.

Randolph doesn't hustle. Walking back on defense after a turnover is not a way to earn minutes

[XUFan09]

They played some more man in the second half, which worked well too (It was kinda rough in the first half before the switch to zone). Overall, they were just playing good defense, which was helped by the fact that Marquette can't shoot. When there aren't shooters, especially at point guard, the packline becomes much easier. I really like the 1-3-1, especially because it makes Stainbrook and Macura's job easier, and I've now seen two different teams get frustrated at it. I would like to see it thrown out there in the future, but I don't know how much utility it will have for extended periods. Providence started to figure it out (forcing the switch back to man), and they don't even have shooters. A good team with shooters might break it down even more quickly.

Now, St. John's also doesn't have good shooters (only three about average guys), and that doesn't exactly seem to be a high IQ team. I'd like to see some 1-3-1 against them.

[ammtd34]

They played some more man in the second half, which worked well too (It was kinda rough in the first half before the switch to zone). Overall, they were just playing good defense, which was helped by the fact that Marquette can't shoot. When there aren't shooters, especially at point guard, the packline becomes much easier. I really like the 1-3-1, especially because it makes Stainbrook and Macura's job easier, and I've now seen two different teams get frustrated at it. I would like to see it thrown out there in the future, but I don't know how much utility it will have for extended periods. Providence started to figure it out (forcing the switch back to man), and they don't even have shooters. A good team with shooters might break it down even more quickly.

Now, St. John's also doesn't have good shooters (only three about average guys), and that doesn't exactly seem to be a high IQ team. I'd like to see some 1-3-1 against them.

JP has to LOVE playing at the top of that zone. He could take some chances last night because 1. Marquette can't shoot, and 2. Jalen is behind him mirroring the ball. If you're going to play at the top of a zone, having Jalen right behind you would be pretty awesome.

[IM4X]

Randolph doesn't hustle. Walking back on defense after a turnover is not a way to earn minutes

Myles used to do the same thing earlier in the season. Not any more. It's like a switch turned on within him about 7 or so games ago and it's been nice to see him step up and play smarter and hard. He is so much more consistent and mature in his effort and decision making.

I hope Mack gives Randolph the chance to show he can flip the switch the same way. He has enough talent to play 15 minutes a game and be a net positive. Randolph hasn't taken many 3s this year, but he has made more than 50% of them.

Plus, Mack might want to be careful about running Dee too many minutes every game. Not only does it lead to greater fatigue and more turnovers (as we saw in last night's game) but it increases the chance of him cramping or even being injured... And we need a healthy Dee down the home stretch of this season.

[Cheesehead]

Myles used to do the same thing earlier in the season. Not any more. It's like a switch turned on within him about 7 or so games ago and it's been nice to see him step up and play smarter and hard. He is so much more consistent and mature in his effort and decision making.

I hope Mack gives Randolph the chance to show he can flip the switch the same way. He has enough talent to play 15 minutes a game and be a net positive. Randolph hasn't taken many 3s this year, but he has made more than 50% of them.

Plus, Mack might want to be careful about running Dee too many minutes every game. Not only does it lead to greater fatigue and more turnovers (as we saw in last night's game) but it increases the chance of him cramping or even being injured... And we need a healthy Dee down the home stretch of this season.

agreed. Dee looked a little rundown last night. It was not a very good performance. Way too many TO's. Just as O'Mara has stepped up, we need Randolph and/or Austin to step it up.

[blobfan]

Holy crap!!! We won? I has a work project and the game would have been too distracting to watch. I checked the score at some point early in the first and we were so far down I was too disheartened to check again. Guess I should have held tighter to my faith in this team because just when I'm ready to crawl back into a corner and weep they pull out an unexpected win.

[American X]

Val put some makeup on.

Will pay for pictures of her putting Fred Garvin on the back of her Harley.

[Emp]

Marquette scored 14 points in the first 5 minutes against the hedging man. They scored 25 against primarily a zone the rest of the way, 30 total, taking out the 3 at the end of the half and a driving 2 when we went back to man with about 8 minutes to go.

Any further questions?. Way to look at 5 minutes and make it an entire season. It's cold today, global warming must be a myth. Oh, sorry wrong thread.

On the merits of the first 5 minutes, It's not the hedging that lead to cutting and driving baskets from the wing, it's slow foot speed on D. Man defense is not just hedging. It's position, switching, sagging, backside help, court vision....

That 1-3-1 is gonna get shredded by a team with legit 3 point shooters. Every defense has trade offs.

[LadyMuskie]

The hedging has been an issue the entire season - not just last night. Even Joe and Byron have talked about it during several games this season on the radio.

[waggy]

Totally agree. I thought the same thing last weekend at home. Even after his technical he would stare down his opponent after every bucket. I kpet thinking he was going to get a tech for taunting. That would/could have changed the game. This team does not have a huge margin for error, and his technical fouls could be very costly down the line.


Didn't the Xavier program recently have some issues with players that couldn't keep their composure? I have vague recollections of this.

Mack really, really, really needs to get this under control.

[Masterofreality]

. Way to look at 5 minutes and make it an entire season. It's cold today, global warming must be a myth. Oh, sorry wrong thread.

On the merits of the first 5 minutes, It's not the hedging that lead to cutting and driving baskets from the wing, it's slow foot speed on D. Man defense is not just hedging. It's position, switching, sagging, backside help, court vision....

That 1-3-1 is gonna get shredded by a team with legit 3 point shooters. Every defense has trade offs.

We played some zone against Providence and they didn't "shred it".

By the way, what has been getting "shredded" as to 3 point shooting is the hedging man to man. 238th in 3 point percentage allowed tells you that. Why keep beating your head against a wall that won't change?

A zone full time is not the answer, but it has to be a damn site better than 238th all the time.

[mid major]

Val put some makeup on.

So I'm watching the game last night at Dana's and I come back from the pisser and I asked the guy next to me "Who is that?". He says "I don't know...I think Iggy Pop"

[Masterofreality]

So I'm watching the game last night at Dana's and I come back from the pisser and I asked the guy next to me "Who is that?". He says "I don't know...I think Iggy Pop"

Yeah, a little makeover and some styled hair would do wonders.

[Emp]

We played some zone against Providence and they didn't "shred it".

By the way, what has been getting "shredded" as to 3 point shooting is the hedging man to man. 238th in 3 point percentage allowed tells you that. Why keep beating your head against a wall that won't change?

A zone full time is not the answer, but it has to be a damn site better than 238th all the time.

Providence took 19 3s and made only 7. The zone was concededing the 3s, they didn't fall, we won. A team can't pack the lane 1-3-1 to stop the cuts and passes to the hoop AND cover the arc.

If St. John's hits threes against the 1-3-1 you'll be screaming "hedge!"

[XMuskieFTW]

Providence took 19 3s and made only 7. The zone was concededing the 3s, they didn't fall, we won. A team can't pack the lane 1-3-1 to stop the cuts and passes to the hoop AND cover the arc.

If St. John's hits threes against the 1-3-1 you'll be screaming "hedge!"

7 for 19(37%) is actually above Providence's average 3 point %(31%). I don't remember exactly when the threes were hit, but does anyone know what they shot from 3 vs. the zone that game compared to man-to-man?

[xufan2434]

Providence took 19 3s and made only 7. The zone was concededing the 3s, they didn't fall, we won. A team can't pack the lane 1-3-1 to stop the cuts and passes to the hoop AND cover the arc.

If St. John's hits threes against the 1-3-1 you'll be screaming "hedge!"

St John's is all about attacking the basket.. They will shoot three's, but I would let them. If X can keep them in front of them and draw charges, it'll be huge.

In terms of someone like Villanova, I think X has to hedge but do less of sagging off their man. I don't think Mack will do it because he's been trying to get guys to sit in the gaps all year, but it killed X against them the first time. Guys like Dee and Myles that were sagging off their guy for help when it wasn't needed gave wide open threes all night.

[xudash]

Seton Hall is horrible. How did we lose to Seton Hall is the more pertinent question.

They were still inspired as a team then. Seriously, we scratch our heads about our guys not always playing with passion and energy and intelligently for 40 minutes, but, at least for our Xavier young men, it hasn't been about them dealing with infighting and apathy.

Seton Hall apparently has become a dumpster fire, with Gibbs and Whitehead going after each other on occasion and the fan base sensing that Williard has, once again, lost his team late in a season.

If you watched what Georgetown did to them the other night, that whole chemistry meltdown thing seemed clear enough.

[XUFan09]

Actually, even Mack thought Dee and Myles were sagging off their men too much at Villanova. It was pretty bad and ran counter to the principles of the packline defense when defending shooters . You crowd the paint until the ball starts rotating back to your man (when you should move closer and closer with each pass), and you definitely don't double the post. They were doing some of this against Marquette, but then it is okay because those guys can't shoot.

[Masterofreality]

In reality, I think we should do some ball screen hedging against St. John's. Again, the biggest criticism I have on the staff is that they didn't adjust enough based upon the team that they were playing too many times this year. St. John's basically only attacks and unless you stop the guy off the ball screen, they can get to the rim. That being said, they can drawlots of fouls so no way we should hedge/man all game long vs the Johnnies.

No defense should ever be played 100% of the time. Mix it up based upon teams, personnel and matchups. This is totally consistent with what I've said all year Emp. You are creating an argument where there is none.

[JTG]

In reality, I think we should do some ball screen hedging against St. John's. Again, the biggest criticism I have on the staff is that they didn't adjust enough based upon the team that they were playing too many times this year. St. John's basically only attacks and unless you stop the guy off the ball screen, they can get to the rim. That being said, they can drawlots of fouls so no way we should hedge/man all game long vs the Johnnies.

No defense should ever be played 100% of the time. Mix it up based upon teams, personnel and matchups. This is totally consistent with what I've said all year Emp. You are creating an argument where there is none.

I have never been a fan of the "We do what we do" coaching philosophy. I believe you game plan your game according to your opponent and try to take away what the opponent relies on to score, if possible. If the zone works like a charm against certain teams use it, if not go man, but have a Plan B to go to. And don't wait until you are hopelessly behind to try Plan B.
The announcers last night mentioned that Reynolds length causes real problems for the opponent to find passing lanes.

[xuwin]

I have never been a fan of the "We do what we do" coaching philosophy. I believe you game plan your game according to your opponent and try to take away what the opponent relies on to score, if possible. If the zone works like a charm against certain teams use it, if not go man, but have a Plan B to go to. And don't wait until you are hopelessly behind to try Plan B.
The announcers last night mentioned that Reynolds length causes real problems for the opponent to find passing lanes.

I think Xavier concentrated on trying to teach all the young players to play one type of defense early and has blended in the zone gradually as they have developed the ability to handle it. The guys that haven't been able to adapt are seeing less and less playing time. I think the reduced playing time of Abel and Farr are a reflection of their inability to adapt to the defensive changes.

[XUFan09]

I think Xavier concentrated on trying to teach all the young players to play one type of defense early and has blended in the zone gradually as they have developed the ability to handle it. The guys that haven't been able to adapt are seeing less and less playing time. I think the reduced playing time of Abel and Farr are a reflection of their inability to adapt to the defensive changes.
Yup, though I wouldn't include Abell with Farr. His reduced minutes the last two games were probably more due to other players playing well, particularly J.P. Macura. In the previous three games, he averaged 38.33 minutes.

[markchal]

Yup, though I wouldn't include Abell with Farr. His reduced minutes the last two games were probably more due to other players playing well, particularly J.P. Macura. In the previous three games, he averaged 38.33 minutes.

I'm pretty sure Mack explicitly said Abell hasn't been as locked in to the team system lately and that's why his minutes have gone down. Don't think he's named Farr, but I think if anything Farr has seen a decrease more because we usually go small lately.

[waggy]

Creighton is a team Farr needs to play well against. And he didn't.

[XUFan09]

I'm pretty sure Mack explicitly said Abell hasn't been as locked in to the team system lately and that's why his minutes have gone down. Don't think he's named Farr, but I think if anything Farr has seen a decrease more because we usually go small lately.

Yup, I think that's a contributing factor. J.P. is finally getting the defense, making it easier to keep him on the court, and Abell isn't as good of a player as a lot of people on this board seem to think. He's a good player with flashes of brilliance, but he's not that good. Not always playing good system defense is part of that.