BYU / Ole Miss

[waggy]

Who do you want? Strengths? Weaknesses?

[xunorm]

BYU can be an offensive juggernaut. I'd rather see Ole Miss since they haven't shot as well all year.

[sirthought]

Definitely Ole Miss. UC carbon copy, so they know how to play them.

And....haven't we played BYU frequently in the NCAA? That gets boring unless its a final four match.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Definitely Ole Miss. UC carbon copy, so they know how to play them.

And....haven't we played BYU frequently in the NCAA? That gets boring unless its a final four match.

Have only played byu once in the tourney (2007)

[sirthought]

Have only played byu once in the tourney (2007)

thanks

[Porkopolis]

BYU can light up the scoreboard. I'm fine with either team but we probably match up better with Ole Miss.

[waggy]

Took a look at season stats for each.

BYU shoots the 3 better, and they get to the foul line more frequently.

Ole Miss lost 4 of 5 to end season. They did take Kentucky to OT at Kentucky.

[BMoreX]

Ole Miss common opponents with Xavier this season:
Defeated Creighton 75-68
Defeated Cincinnati 66-54
Defeated Mizzou 67-47
Defeated Auburn 86-79
Defeated Alabama 82-74

BYU common opponents with Xavier this season:
Defeated LBSU 95-90
Lost to San Diego 77-74
Defeated San Diego 75-62

[Musketeer_15]

BYU does light it up offensively but they are 315th in points per game allowed. Whatever team we get will have less than a couple days rest and little scouting on us.

[sirthought]

Ole Miss is a tough matchup for sure. I just want to stay away from the 3 point shooting teams and I think XU matches up stronger against Ole Miss.

[ballyhoohoo]

Ole miss will win the tail gate

[xudash]

Ole miss will win the tail gate

Ha! Chandeliers in tents in the VD parking lots. The Vitalis-laden sweater vests will be dumbfounded by the elegance.

[Titanxman04]

I think it won't be a cake walk either way, but I feel like BYU will win this one and be a tough match up for us. X wins the first game and then struggle against Baylor. Baylor is a match up problem for us.

[waggy]

Pomeroy & Sagarin had BYU at 31 & 34 respectively, so about an 8 or 9 seed using their numbers.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This article has Ole Miss as one of the 10 coldest teams entering the tourney.

http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12490543/kentucky-wildcats-10-hottest-teams-ncaa-tournament-college-basketball

2. Ole Miss Rebels
Stop me if you've heard this before, but, well, there's a reason Andy Kennedy may have been worried that his team might miss the tournament entirely. The Rebels have lost five of their last eight games, and the three wins came against Mississippi State, Tennessee and Alabama. Over the last four games of the SEC regular season, Ole Miss allowed opponents to score 1.13 points per possession. Stefan Moody had an excellent season as Kennedy's 5-foot-10 shooting guard, but this Rebel defense is highly suspect.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12482305/a-first-look-every-team-2015-ncaa-tournament-basketball-field

BYU Cougars (31): Thanks to some ill-timed injuries and a penchant for close losses, the Cougars were on their way to being the best team to miss out on the NCAA tournament ... until Feb. 28's road win at Gonzaga. That win made the Zags viable, which is good news for all of us. It gave us the chance to see school all-time leading scorer Tyler Haws (who passed Jimmer Fredette this season) and single-season triple-double record-holder Kyle Collinsworth (who broke the previous record of four with six this season) lead one of the nation's fastest offenses in the NCAA tournament.


Ole Miss Rebels (45): On Jan. 6, the Rebels came closer than anyone else to knocking off No. 1 Kentucky, and in Rupp Arena to boot. The guards who nearly pulled it off -- Stefan Moody and Jarvis Summers -- remain productive threats, but the Rebels' awful defense turned a 10-4 start to SEC play to an 11-7 finish, a first-round SEC tourney loss to South Carolina, and a near-scrape with the NIT. The trend line is not promising.

[gladdenguy]

4:15 Thursday....lets go

[brownlavender]

I'm guessing the first game will run a little late and the start time will be a little after 4:20

[GoMuskies]

If it's BYU pretty much my entire legal group will be against me. Then again, my boss will have a hard time complaining about me watching a basketball game at 3:30 on a Thursday if it's BYU. So I'm torn.

[D-West & PO-Z]

BYU is one of the most underseeded teams according to the BPI for whatever that is worth.

[bjf123]

Give em hell, Go!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xu82]

If it's BYU pretty much my entire legal group will be against me. Then again, my boss will have a hard time complaining about me watching a basketball game at 3:30 on a Thursday if it's BYU. So I'm torn.

How would they feel about rolling in a cooler and popping brewski's at noon for pre-game? That might be legendary! And I'm sure they'd miss you.

[SemajParlor]

I think it won't be a cake walk either way, but I feel like BYU will win this one and be a tough match up for us. X wins the first game and then struggle against Baylor. Baylor is a match up problem for us.

Here's hoping that the trio of Ryan Harrow, Kevin Ware, and RJ Hunter can pull off the upset for Georgia St!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Here's hoping that the trio of Ryan Harrow, Kevin Ware, and RJ Hunter can pull off the upset for Georgia St!

Yeah, heard one of those guys was limited with a hamstring. Think it was Harrow. Heal up buddy!

[xu82]

Yeah, heard one of those guys was limited with a hamstring. Think it was Harrow. Heal up buddy!

Georgia State kids are tough! All of them.

(They have to be.)

[GoMuskies]

Georgia State poured in 38 on Georgia Southern today. They're raring to go!

[xu82]

Georgia State poured in 38 on Georgia Southern today. They're raring to go!

And yet they held their opponent to less. First to 40 wins! Georgia Southern scored 36 - and almost won... imagine that!

[SemajParlor]

Georgia State poured in 38 on Georgia Southern today. They're raring to go!

Ehh, they put up over 80 in the semis. Ryan Harrow is arguably their best player and he didn't play due to injury. Him and Ware are a solid backcourt- and more importantly have played in big games. Their coaches son RJ Hunter is a probable NBA first round pick. I have them winning *fingers crossed*

[X-band '01]

Took a look at season stats for each.

BYU shoots the 3 better, and they get to the foul line more frequently.

Ole Miss lost 4 of 5 to end season. They did take Kentucky to OT at Kentucky.

That was back in January. Ole Miss is one of the few teams that plays much better basketball away from home. They had some inexplicable home losses to TCU, Charleston Southern and Western Kentucky earlier in the season.

If we do draw Ole Miss, anyone want to guess the over/under on screenshots of Marshall Henderson?

[D-West & PO-Z]

If the game starts exactly on time and ends exactly on time for BYU/Ole Miss they have 41 hours until our tip Thurs. Probably will end up closer to 40 hours. I hope it is very long and hard fought, maybe a couple OTs. \

Here is hoping for Ole Miss to pull it out in the 3rd OT.

[D-West & PO-Z]

And I know fatigue shouldnt be too much trouble but they also have to travel as well. Can't hurt at least.

[Kritical Mass]

ESPN's Seth Greenberg is predicting BYU to beat Xavier in the first round. Really?? Seems he was not aware that BYU was on everyone's bubble list and many of them the first four out. Here is a side-by-side comparison:

Xavier BYU
RPI and rank: 30th 36th
Conference RPI: 2nd Big East 9th West Coast
Strength-of-schedule 8th 74th
versus 1-50 RPI teams 8-7 1-4

The Cougars have only one win against other tournament teams — against Gonzaga. If UConn had one the AAC tournament then BYU was predicted to fall out of the tournament. Xavier is 8-7.

[mistabeecee41]

BYU over X seems to be a popular pick right now. Haws is good, but Remy has shown he can shut down better. Just don't let the other guys beat us and we're good.

[waggy]

I haven't seen a lot of BYU but I remember Collinsworth being a pretty good player too.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I haven't seen a lot of BYU but I remember Collinsworth being a pretty good player too.

Yes, I believe he had about 6 triple doubles this year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

ESPN's Seth Greenberg is predicting BYU to beat Xavier in the first round. Really?? Seems he was not aware that BYU was on everyone's bubble list and many of them the first four out. Here is a side-by-side comparison:

Xavier BYU
RPI and rank: 30th 36th
Conference RPI: 2nd Big East 9th West Coast
Strength-of-schedule 8th 74th
versus 1-50 RPI teams 8-7 1-4

The Cougars have only one win against other tournament teams — against Gonzaga. If UConn had one the AAC tournament then BYU was predicted to fall out of the tournament. Xavier is 8-7.

Actually UD would have dropped out had UCONN won.

[xavierj]

Xavier will play Ole Miss so this is kind of pointless. BYU should not be in. They got in because they beat Gonzaga at end of year. Other than that, they beat Umass and Stanford. Pretty weak resume.

[drudy23]

There have been zero ESPN analysts that have said anything positive about any Big East team. It doesn't matter what they think anyway. They're not playing.

[D-West & PO-Z]

There are a couple who have Nova in the final 4. Bilas had them in his Elite 8 and had Georgetown in the Sweet 16 but yeah most are getting picked to lose pretty early. Most have XU and Butler losing first round, havent seen a lot of talk of St. Johns, Georgetown is an easy target for a lot with their early round exits.

I love the knock of Nova because "they did most their damage in the Big East". Yeah the same Big East that was #2 in the RPI and got the second most teams in the tourney?

[xu82]

Scott Van Pelt just went on a rant about "this years BIg East" and how we are seeded. Georgetown seems high, if I'm really honest. The rest looks good to me, now we have to prove it!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Scott Van Pelt just went on a rant about "this years BIg East" and how we are seeded. Georgetown seems high, if I'm really honest. The rest looks good to me, now we have to prove it!

Yeah i think Georgetown is a little high but other than that there isnt any real beef. It is all made up perception. XU had 8 wins vs top 50! 8!

I have always hated SVP's radio show. Him and rusillo with all the "dude" and "bro" and shit, soooo annoying.

[LadyMuskie]

Yeah i think Georgetown is a little high but other than that there isnt any real beef. It is all made up perception. XU had 8 wins vs top 50! 8!

I have always hated SVP's radio show. Him and rusillo with all the "dude" and "bro" and shit, soooo annoying.

It's probably easier to listen to him on the radio than it is when he's on television and everyone is distracted by the studio lights bouncing off his shiny melon.

[xavierj]

They do have to prove it. That is how it works. As for Georgetown they are good. They struggle with xavier but it was no fluke they gave Wisconsin fits. They will be a tough out. And no one wants to mention Butler beating North Carolina. The Big East played and beat teams and that is why they are highly ranked and now they have to beat teams when it counts.

[markchal]

Yeah i think Georgetown is a little high but other than that there isnt any real beef. It is all made up perception. XU had 8 wins vs top 50! 8!

I have always hated SVP's radio show. Him and rusillo with all the "dude" and "bro" and shit, soooo annoying.

Let's be honest, the BE did a great job playing the RPI game. I think GT and X are over seeded but it's really imperative we all have good showings. That will go a long way into how much respect this conference gets next year at this time.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Let's be honest, the BE did a great job playing the RPI game. I think GT and X are over seeded but it's really imperative we all have good showings. That will go a long way into how much respect this conference gets next year at this time.

It is abundantly clear the committee favored seeding teams who had a lot of good wins against good teams. Who would you have put ahead of XU? I really dont think XU was overseeded. I think they put a lot of stock into top 50 wins.

[xavierj]

Let's be honest, the BE did a great job playing the RPI game. I think GT and X are over seeded but it's really imperative we all have good showings. That will go a long way into how much respect this conference gets next year at this time.

How did they play the RPI game? By playing teams and beating them? What else should they have done? Explain why GT is overseeded compared to others.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Xavier had quadruple the top25 wins that Mich St had and double the top 50 wins. They were right below us.

We had double the top 25 wins of Wichita St and quadruple the top 50 wins. They were a 7 seed.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How did they play the RPI game? By playing teams and beating them? What else should they have done?

Yeah seriously?

[GoMuskies]

We had double the top 25 wins of Wichita St and quadruple the top 50 wins. They were a 7 seed.

WSU is 28-4. So Just comparing top 25 and 50 wins isn't exactly a full picture. Especially when Xavier's top 25 wins came over teams #23 and #25.

WSU also has infinitely more top 15 wins than Xavier. True, but ultimately not that useful.

[D-West & PO-Z]

WSU is 28-4. So Just comparing top 25 and 50 wins isn't exactly a full picture. Especially when Xavier's top 25 wins came over teams #23 and #25.

WSU also has infinitely more top 15 wins than Xavier. True, but ultimately not that useful.

I think it shows the picture the committee was looking at. The committee clearly rewarded teams with tough schedules and teams who had a lot of top 50 wins.

Wichita didnt have either, I think they are right where they belong. SOS #120. 2 top 50 wins, the committee clearly wasnt very impressed.

[Xavier]

Meh, said all year I don't think the Big East is that great-filled with a lot of average teams. Luckily, college basketball is average this season.I Am hoping for 3 sweet 16 teams-which would exceed my expectations throughout the season. The time to prove the Big East is in the tournament, last year was underwhelming-thought nova and Blue Jays had a shot at final four, both out before sweet 16 (I think?)

[GoMuskies]

I think it shows the picture the committee was looking at. The committee clearly rewarded teams with tough schedules and teams who had a lot of top 50 wins.

Wichita didnt have either, I think they are right where they belong. SOS #120. 2 top 50 wins, the committee clearly wasnt very impressed.

That might be the way the Committee looked at things. It's just a little bizarre/random.

Worked out well for Xavier, though.

[Xavier]

Go- I don't know much about this years Wichita team. How many impact players graduated from last season?

[Juice]

1672

[GoMuskies]

Go- I don't know much about this years Wichita team. How many impact players graduated from last season?

1. Cleanthony Early, and he was fantastic. The three guards (Baker/VanVleet/Cotton) are fabulous. The rest of the team: okay to subpar.

[GoMuskies]

How did they play the RPI game?

I'll tell you how Xavier did it: they avoided playing atrocious teams. Xavier had a #44 non-conference SOS according to ESPN's RPI rankings. This despite playing only 2 top 50 and 5 top 100 opponents. And zero opponents better than #35 SFA. Does that really sound like a difficult schedule? It doesn't to me. But there were only two 200+ opponents. Was it brilliant scheduling? Absolutely (and I remember saying as much, particularly when the Murray State and SFA games were scheduled). Was it ACTUALLY a challenging non-conference slate? Really shouldn't have been.

[X-band '01]

That's also why Buffalo had an RPI in the 30s - they won a lot of games away from home and had Wisconsin and Kentucky on their schedule to offset the annual MAC garbage dump.

EDIT: Half of the MAC, anyway. Lots of teams in the MAC East (Kent State, Akron, Bowling Green) and a couple of West teams (Toledo, Central Michigan) actually had decent overall records.

[xavierj]

I
I'll tell you have Xavier did it: they avoided playing atrocious teams. Xavier had a #44 non-conference SOS according to ESPN's RPI rankings. This despite playing only 2 top 50 and 5 top 100 opponents. And zero opponents better than #35 SFA. Does that really sound like a difficult schedule? It doesn't to me. But there were only two 200+ opponents. Was it brilliant scheduling? Absolutely (and I remember saying as much, particularly when the Murray State and SFA games were scheduled). Was it ACTUALLY a challenging non-conference slate? Really shouldn't have been.

They do that every year. It's smart. Everyone on here blasted the fact that they were playing in a piss poor holiday tourney and I thought it would be better than expected, which it was. Then you have UC which is always decent on top of Mediocre SEC teams and then a strong conference you get what you get. It's not rocket science.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah the Big East has to show up in this tourney. Too many haters already. I think getting 3 to the Sweet 16 would be big. I think Nova has to get to at least Elite 8.

[fellahmuskie]

Yeah the Big East has to show up in this tourney. Too many haters already. I think getting 3 to the Sweet 16 would be big. I think Nova has to get to at least Elite 8.

I think Nova has to make it to the Final 4, especially as the #2 1 seed, and I think they will.

[GoMuskies]

I
It's not rocket science.

It's apparently pretty tough for some others to figure out. If THAT non-conference schedule was the 44th toughest, it sounds like a LOT of teams cannot figure it out.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I think Nova has to make it to the Final 4, especially as the #2 1 seed, and I think they will.

Agreed. People also overlook how good Nova's defense is. Yeah, they could be in trouble if they have an off shooting night, but who wouldn't be? People might be scared off because of Jay Wright's recent troubles in the tourney, I get that. But I think they can get to the Final 4 this year.

[markchal]

I'll tell you how Xavier did it: they avoided playing atrocious teams. Xavier had a #44 non-conference SOS according to ESPN's RPI rankings. This despite playing only 2 top 50 and 5 top 100 opponents. And zero opponents better than #35 SFA. Does that really sound like a difficult schedule? It doesn't to me. But there were only two 200+ opponents. Was it brilliant scheduling? Absolutely (and I remember saying as much, particularly when the Murray State and SFA games were scheduled). Was it ACTUALLY a challenging non-conference slate? Really shouldn't have been.

This. And it is really smart, you just avoid the truly garbage teams. A lot of the conference follows the same formula so once conference play starts, no one is a truly awful team to torpedo your RPI and it makes everyone look better. I agree with the poster who earlier said he thought the BE wasn't that great this year. It's Nova and the a bunch of solid, but not spectacular, teams. And I think Butler, GT and Xavier are all capable of producing better teams, yet we all got pretty good seeds.

We played the game the smart way, but if we don't deliver in the tournament then I'd expect the committee to remember that next year.

[xavierj]

Agreed. People also overlook how good Nova's defense is. Yeah, they could be in trouble if they have an off shooting night, but who wouldn't be? People might be scared off because of Jay Wright's recent troubles in the tourney, I get that. But I think they can get to the Final 4 this year.

This is very true.

[GoMuskies]

Nova's defense was awesome Saturday. No doubt.

[OTRMUSKIE]

As long as Nova shoots the ball well from deep they are going to the final 4. They do lack size but my goodness that team is solid at every position.

[BandAid]

This will be the first "First Four" game I've ever watched. (I didn't watch the X game last year (thanks be to God).) Let's go Rebels! It's a trap!

[markchal]

I'm not sure who to pull for in this game. Everyone raves about BYU, but they did get swept by Pepperdine. They are an 11-seed for a reason. Even if you believe we were overseeded, we should still be favored to win. Of course, we've shown that we are just as capable of losing to anyone, but I don't quite understand the certainty of all these pundits picking BYU.

[GoMuskies]

Everyone raves about BYU

Yes, but no one is raving about how good they are, just how fun they are to watch. Nothing wrong with that, but it doesn't necessarily make them a team to be feared.

Granted, they may be a tough matchup for a defensively challenged team like Xavier, but it would have the makings of a helluva shootout.

[bleedXblue]

Yes, but no one is raving about how good they are, just how fun they are to watch. Nothing wrong with that, but it doesn't necessarily make them a team to be feared.

Granted, they may be a tough matchup for a defensively challenged team like Xavier, but it would have the makings of a helluva shootout.


I think the 1-3-1 would be very interesting to throw at them. I sure hope JP is ready to go.

[OTRMUSKIE]

X isn't as defensively challenge as they were earlier. However 3 point defense is still awful and that's why BYU scares me. A lot of people are also picking Ga St to upset Baylor. I think X best way to the sweet 16 has to be ole miss. Either way it's going to be hard since all the teams are good at this point. I just don't trust teams with magic under garments. I say Ole Miss. Should be fun to watch tonight.

[LA Muskie]

ESPN's Seth Greenberg is predicting BYU to beat Xavier in the first round. Really?? Seems he was not aware that BYU was on everyone's bubble list and many of them the first four out. Here is a side-by-side comparison:

Xavier BYU
RPI and rank: 30th 36th
Conference RPI: 2nd Big East 9th West Coast
Strength-of-schedule 8th 74th
versus 1-50 RPI teams 8-7 1-4

The Cougars have only one win against other tournament teams — against Gonzaga. If UConn had one the AAC tournament then BYU was predicted to fall out of the tournament. Xavier is 8-7.

If UCONN won Dayton would have been out per the Committee.

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2015/3/15/8220261/ncaa-tournament-2015-full-seed-list-dayton

[markchal]

I think the 1-3-1 would be very interesting to throw at them. I sure hope JP is ready to go.

If they are a team of shooters, wouldn't they shred this?

[drudy23]

Just throw the ball up already.

[markchal]

Just throw the ball up already.

I feel the same way. I'm just glad we get to have people overlooking us as a 6-seed. If you had offered this to me two weeks ago, I would've thought you were insane.

[waggy]

Just throw the ball up already.

Had serious withdrawls yesterday. Glad there are games today.

[XUPhilly04]

If they are a team of shooters, wouldn't they shred this?

Agreed, Nova did by getting open looks in the corners. Part of it might have been Larry Austin's failure to get back, but still, Nova figured out that zone and took advantage of it.

[xnatic03]

If they are a team of shooters, wouldn't they shred this?

I agree that a 1-3-1 is not good against BYU. However, playing our normal man defense actually wouldn't kill us against BYU because they do not have an athletic big that can make us pay down low. We did well against St. Johns when Obekpa was not in the game. Basically they had a bunch of athletic shooters out there and we ate them up in the post. BYU has some great shooters, but none of them have the quickness that Villanova or St. Johns have. They have exactly 1 win versus the top 50. I just find if funny that so many of the talking heads were even reluctant to put them in the field, and now many of them making a run to the sweet 16. BYU is a team that has notoriously been a 1 and done in the tournament, especially under Rose. They made one run to the sweet 16 with Jimmer but couldn't get beyond that. They play terrible defense. I think Remy, Myles, and Trevon would have a field day against them.

[bleedXblue]

If they are a team of shooters, wouldn't they shred this?

1. Making some assumptions that they likely haven't seen a 1-3-1 this year.
2. We have proven we have a hard time defending this year playing man to man.
3 Assuming mixing it up a bit might help some.
4. They don't shoot a lot of 3's.

[kyxu]

ESPN's Seth Greenberg is predicting BYU to beat Xavier in the first round. Really?? Seems he was not aware that BYU was on everyone's bubble list and many of them the first four out.

Essentially every tourney picker I have read is predicting BYU over Xavier. It's a trendy upset pick in the first round.

[Muskied]

1. Making some assumptions that they likely haven't seen a 1-3-1 this year.
2. We have proven we have a hard time defending this year playing man to man.
3 Assuming mixing it up a bit might help some.
4. They don't shoot a lot of 3's.

Just at a 1000 view, here's what I capture from BYU
- They shoot a fair amount of 3's...100 more than we did this year.
- Their 4 leading scorers are 6'6 and shorter- 3 guards and Collinsworth who is an athletic wing. The 3 guards shoot the majority of their 3's. Haws shoots a majority of their shots for that matter.
- I don't know if zone or M-M would be better...I do know it may be challenging to guard Collinsworth and Haws 1:1..but after that we would be fine.

I do find if funny that BYU is all of a sudden Nova pt. 2. Keep in mind, we play in a league with some HUGE and athletic guards. No sure BYU is really bringing that to the table. I feel good about our first game either way, and know we will be prepared.

[XUFan09]

Just at a 1000 view, here's what I capture from BYU
- They shoot a fair amount of 3's...100 more than we did this year.
- Their 4 leading scorers are 6'6 and shorter- 3 guards and Collinsworth who is an athletic wing. The 3 guards shoot the majority of their 3's. Haws shoots a majority of their shots for that matter.
- I don't know if zone or M-M would be better...I do know it may be challenging to guard Collinsworth and Haws 1:1..but after that we would be fine.

I do find if funny that BYU is all of a sudden Nova pt. 2. Keep in mind, we play in a league with some HUGE and athletic guards. No sure BYU is really bringing that to the table. I feel good about our first game either way, and know we will be prepared.

BYU ranks 121st in 3PA/FGA ratio. They've shot about a 100 more than Xavier, because X realy doesn't shoot many threes (214th) and BYU plays a blistering pace.

[GoMuskies]

I do find if funny that BYU is all of a sudden Nova pt. 2.

Kind of Nova Lite. But only on one end of the floor.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Screw BYU and Ole Miss. Let XU play both of them in back to back games and beat em both!

[LadyMuskie]

I just hope the staff is showing all of this nonsense to the team. #nofear

[X-band '01]

This will be the first "First Four" game I've ever watched. (I didn't watch the X game last year (thanks be to God).) Let's go Rebels! It's a trap!

I hope you got a tetanus shot before going up there for that game.

[DC Muskie]

Jay Williams is so excited that someone told him how good BYU is, that he made them his sleeper pick...

Along with every knobber in the country.

Go ride a bike Jay.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I did not know, until I heard him on Mike and Mike, that he has foot drop on one of his legs from that injury. I did not know he had a permanent injury from that crash. I knew it his knee messed up but he tore his peroneal nerve too resulting in the foot drop.

[xavierj]

Essentially every tourney picker I have read is predicting BYU over Xavier. It's a trendy upset pick in the first round.

I think it will be hilarious when Ole Miss wins tonight. The athletic guards from Ole Miss will go wild and won't let BYU guards get going.

[Juice]

I did not know, until I heard him on Mike and Mike, that he has foot drop on one of his legs from that injury. I did not know he had a permanent injury from that crash. I knew it his knee messed up but he tore his peroneal nerve too resulting in the foot drop.

Yeah, his life was kind of a mess for awhile

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/sports/basketball/a-leg-rebuilt-a-life-renewed-for-jay-williams.html?_r=0

[SemajParlor]

Jay Williams is so excited that someone told him how good BYU is, that he made them his sleeper pick...

Along with every knobber in the country.

Go ride a bike Jay.


Good lord that's harsh.

[SemajParlor]

Yeah, his life was kind of a mess for awhile

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/sports/basketball/a-leg-rebuilt-a-life-renewed-for-jay-williams.html?_r=0

I remember reading this., very very good. I actually like Jay Williams, he seems like a good guy. I know it was a long time ago but he was one of the best college players I've ever seen. Absolutely incredible. Man, I miss the era where kids stayed for more than a year at school.

[DC Muskie]

It's not harsh. I'm glad he's okay. I also think he's a total dork on the worse show on television.

He was a fun player to watch and made a terrible mistake and he paid for it. But as a commentator he tries to be something that he is not, the Lee Corso of college basketball.

[BandAid]

I hope you got a tetanus shot before going up there for that game.

Oh no, I meant from home in front of my tv. I've never seen a first four game at all.

[XU Cowbell Kid]

It's apparently pretty tough for some others to figure out. If THAT non-conference schedule was the 44th toughest, it sounds like a LOT of teams cannot figure it out.

It really shouldn't be. The winning percentage of your opponents is a huge part of RPI. That is why, if you are going to schedule teams from some of the lesser conferences, you play teams that are going to clean up. To give you an idea, Stephen F Austin and Murray St. were the teams (other than ourselves) that contributed 4th and 5th most to our RPI. They ended up contributing more to our RPI than St. Johns, who we played twice (so 2x the impact).

[XUMIOH12]

BYU showing why I would rather face Ole Miss...we better hope BYU cools off if we face them

[Masterofreality]

BYU showing why I would rather face Ole Miss...we better hope BYU cools off if we face them

Xavier is ranked 218 in 3 point percentage defense in Division 1. BYU is shooting 67% from 3 tonight so far. They are also 27th best in 3 point shooting percentage in D1 at 38.8% for the entire season.

Um......

[GoMuskies]

I'm sure we'll figure that three point defense out now. Right? Right?

[Xavier]

These guys won't stay this hot. I love remy shutting down one of there big scorers. Time to introduce these guys to Big East bball.

[nuts4xu]

Holy white people! We will have a tough time with all those Honkeys on the court shooting lights out.

White people suck!

[ballyhoohoo]

Holy white people! We will have a tough time with all those Honkeys on the court shooting lights out.

White people suck!

Are you saying white guys couldn't win the A10

[GoMuskies]

That BYU cheerleader didn't seem comfortable with a big, black Ole Miss player falling next to her.

[X Factor]

That BYU cheerleader didn't seem comfortable with a big, black Ole Miss player falling next to her.

Hahaha...I wasn't going to say it.

[Masterofreality]

BYU's starting to miss now.

Will be interesting to see what the next 15 minutes brings.

[XUFan09]

I didn't get to see much of the first half. How was BYU's offense in the halfcourt?

[BandAid]

I didn't get to see much of the first half. How was BYU's offense in the halfcourt?

They had very few half court possessions. Crisp passing though.

[Masterofreality]

I didn't get to see much of the first half. How was BYU's offense in the halfcourt?

67% from 3 and many of them way out. They shot lights out and they do whip the ball around.

[Backyard Champ]

I didn't get to see much of the first half. How was BYU's offense in the halfcourt?

Strange. For some reason it felt like the zone actually slowed them down and would take time off the shot clock, until they sunk an incredibly deep 3. They hit a ton of 3's, but I didn't feel like they ran a great offense. Then you see the score..

[GoMuskies]

I didn't get to see much of the first half. How was BYU's offense in the halfcourt?

Their offense was good in every kind of court in the first half.

[GoMuskies]

Man, Ole Miss is horrible. It would be nice if they could come back and win.

[XUFan09]

I saw a couple of the really deep threes. I wonder if that's normally an efficient shot or if they just made a couple heat checks.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That BYU cheerleader didn't seem comfortable with a big, black Ole Miss player falling next to her.

Ha, I thought the same. I think his ass was in her face. Does that break the code? Will she be allowed back to school?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Making a game of it.

[Masterofreality]

White boys getting tired?

[paulxu]

The center and 2 forwards for BYU have taken exactly zero shots so far.
Maybe we should go with a 5 guard lineup.

[Masterofreality]

Ha, I thought the same. I think his ass was in her face. Does that break the code? Will she be allowed back to school?

Did she invade his personal space?

[Masterofreality]

The center and 2 forwards for BYU have taken exactly zero shots so far.
Maybe we should go with a 5 guard lineup.

Or, 4 guards and Jalen.

[GoMuskies]

The center and 2 forwards for BYU have taken exactly zero shots so far.
Maybe we should go with a 5 guard lineup.

You think MOR ' s head will explode if Stain is hedging on ball screens 30 feet from the basket against this bunch?

[paulxu]

Or, 4 guards and Jalen.

That could work! Ole Miss not done yet.

[paulxu]

You think MOR ' s head will explode if Stain is hedging on ball screens 30 feet from the basket against this bunch?

What is this hedging of which you speak.

[mid major]

I thought Mark Schmidt coached St Bona?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow Ole Miss has 13 offensive rebounds.

[BandAid]

Wow Ole Miss has 13 offensive rebounds.

and byu just got their first

[GoMuskies]

Wow Ole Miss has 13 offensive rebounds.

Jimmy Farr could clean up on the boards against the Cougars. So long as he promises not to shoot!

[XUFan09]

Jimmy Farr could clean up on the boards against the Cougars. So long as he promises not to shoot!
He'd probably be a double-digit scorer off tip-ins alone.

[GoMuskies]

Poor Gatto and Murphy!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jimmy Farr could clean up on the boards against the Cougars. So long as he promises not to shoot!

Yes this.

[XUFan09]

Wow.

[GoMuskies]

I think Collinsworth's knee is fine.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Poor Gatto and Murphy!

Dude, why are they there, thats awesome!

[nasdadjr]

Nooooo we should never go 5 guards. Bigs win in the end if byu wins xavier needs to play big and slow. Byu will get frustrated if x takes 28 seconds a possession they will try to force threes and x will carve them up. If x goes small byu will destroy them

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think Collinsworth's knee is fine.

Ha, yeah.

[Masterofreality]

I hope these teams play 5 over times.

[GoMuskies]

BYU'S defense is not good.

[Xavier]

Biggest reason I'd rather play ole miss is because I think I saw BYU is the best ft shooting team in the country.

[GoMuskies]

Ole Miss is running a layup drill and decides to take consecutive threes. Idiots.

[Masterofreality]

BYU'S defense is not good.

Neither is Ole Miss's, really.

[XUFan09]

Good offensive foul call. The guy was out of control with the ball.

[BandAid]

Ole Miss just needs to keep going to the hole

[BMoreX]

Stainbrook and/or Farr and/or Reynolds should touch the ball every possession.

I know we say that a lot around here, but it's absolutely crucial for this game on Thursday f BYU holds on.

[GoMuskies]

Hey look, two more layups! Time to call for a few threes Kennedy!

[Masterofreality]

We can kill BYU down low.

[BandAid]

wow

[XUFan09]

We can kill BYU down low.
Yup.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow! What a strong and 1.

[GoMuskies]

We should kill Ole Miss everywhere.

[Masterofreality]

White boys have been sped up and uncomfortable.

[GoMuskies]

Another three by Ole Miss! Brilliant!

[D-West & PO-Z]

What a dumb foul! And 1

[Backyard Champ]

We can kill BYU down low.

True, the only thing that worries me about them is no lead seems safe, and we seem to let teams go on runs.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Comeback is complete!

[LA Muskie]

This could turn ugly for BYU quickly. Sort of has already, just to get to this point.

[GoMuskies]

This could turn ugly for BYU quickly. Sort of has already, just to get to this point.

Ole Miss will fire some more perimeter jumpers to keep them in it.

[letskeepitreal]

People saying Ole Miss is horrible are insane. This team is showing a lot of heart and their coming back by playing good D and slowing down BYU's offense

[XUFan09]

BYU scored 51 points in the first 20 minutes. They have scored 17 in the last 12.

[Masterofreality]

This could turn ugly for BYU quickly. Sort of has already, just to get to this point.

Being outscored by 21 points in 13 minutes I believe qualifies as " turning ugly".

[letskeepitreal]

All I can say is we'd better be ready to play. These guys are ballin.

[Backyard Champ]

People saying Ole Miss is horrible are insane. This team is showing a lot of heart and their coming back by playing good D and slowing down BYU's offense

Not sure I've seen many saying they are horrible.

[Xavier]

People saying Ole Miss is horrible are insane. This team is showing a lot of heart and their coming back by playing good D and slowing down BYU's offense

Thanks for keeping it real.

[GoMuskies]

People saying Ole Miss is horrible are insane.

No, Ole Miss is bad. We'll kill them if they win.

[X Factor]

People saying Ole Miss is horrible are insane. This team is showing a lot of heart and their coming back by playing good D and slowing down BYU's offense

Horrible? No, but they've lost 4 of 5 and BYU plays terrible defense. They are 139th defensively. In other words, they don't play any.

[Masterofreality]

People saying Ole Miss is horrible are insane. This team is showing a lot of heart and their coming back by playing good D and slowing down BYU's offense

Nobody "slowed" anybody down. If anything BYU got sped up and started throwing the ball to white uniforms.

[bobbiemcgee]

Ol miss with easy dunks over and over. Ain't happening against Jalen, Farr and Stain.

[Masterofreality]

Ole Miss driving into the lane at will.

[xsteve1]

Live by the 3 die by the 3. BYU has went ice cold this half.

[bobbiemcgee]

Collinsworth's Knee definitely bothering him.

[GoMuskies]

Haws has some big shots left in him tonight.

[D-West & PO-Z]

that was an and 1

[letskeepitreal]

Whatever the case, it's kind of a great game to watch. Let's go to two OT's

[BandAid]

entertaining game for sure

[xsteve1]

Let's see if that T/O after the made bucket hurts Ole Miss' momentum.

[D-West & PO-Z]

BYU is so "fun" to watch, they should just move them to the Sweet 16!

[XUFan09]

From this game, there is one winner for sure: Xavier. These teams have really had to fight.

[GoMuskies]

BYU is so "fun" to watch, they should just move them to the Sweet 16!

Nothing wrong with being fun. And they are.

[nasdadjr]

I'm sorry but I'd rather play byu and not Ole miss

[GoMuskies]

Overtime! Overtime!

[LA Muskie]

I'm fine playing either. For each of them, their weaknesses outweigh their strengths.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Nothing wrong with being fun. And they are.

I know, that is why I think they should just jump to Sweet 16

[Masterofreality]

I'd rather play teams that can't shoot.

[Backyard Champ]

Honestly tough to make that call. Seems like if we play our game we should beat both. Again BYU scares me because they can go on massive runs. Ole miss CAN be good, but they CAN be very bad too.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm fine playing either. For each of them, their weaknesses outweigh their strengths.

Same. I would probably lean a little toward Ole Miss but I have no strong preference. Would prefer a couple OTs tonight.

[Backyard Champ]

I think our 1-3-1 would destroy ole miss

[GoMuskies]

I'd rather play teams that can't shoot.

+1. Give me Ole Miss all day.

[letskeepitreal]

I actually think that our 3 pt D is not that good (to be generous) and don't think that Ole Miss can hang with us inside so I think I'd rather play the Rebs

[Masterofreality]

If this is the "new" Tru TV, WTF was the old one?

Hardcore Pawn marathons?

[BandAid]

I think our 1-3-1 would destroy ole miss

Thursday would be the first time Ole Miss has played against an actual defense this week.

[BandAid]

Put Remy on Mooney - 75% of Ole Miss's perimeter offense is toast

[XUFan09]

I'm sorry but I'd rather play byu and not Ole miss
That's my instinct too but Ole Miss isn't normally good at forcing turnovers. BYU is just rushing and making foolish mistakes. The offensive rebounding is normal though, but Xavier is a good defensive rebounding team.

[LA Muskie]

They may not shoot well overall but Moody has hit some HUGE shots this half.

[letskeepitreal]

Holy smokes, what a game. OT, OT!

[D-West & PO-Z]

These announcers are horrible, really oblivious to things that are going on, fouls, out of bounds calls, etc. Terribel.

[XUFan09]

Thursday would be the first time Ole Miss has played against an actual defense this week.
I got a chuckle out of that.

[Backyard Champ]

Holy smokes, what a game. OT, OT!

Why stop at 2? Make it 6 OT's

[Masterofreality]

They may not shoot well overall but Moody has hit some HUGE shots this half.

One guy is controllable. 4 guys bombing is not.

[nasdadjr]

Does this game not remind you a little of x k state

[BandAid]

You get an overtime! You get an overtime! Everybody gets an overtime!!!

[XUFan09]

I think our 1-3-1 would destroy ole miss
True dat.

[XUFan09]

You get an overtime! You get an overtime! Everybody gets an overtime!!!
Yes!

[BandAid]

But... but... BYU is going to the sweet sixteen...

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow Haws missed a big one wide open.

[xsteve1]

Ole Miss it is.

[LA Muskie]

Wow. Thought Haws would hit that.

[GoMuskies]

Haws misses the big shot. I'm surprised.

[XUFan09]

BYU player just shoved a guy near the beginning of that possession but it ended up not mattering.

[D-West & PO-Z]

But... but... BYU is going to the sweet sixteen...

Because they are so fun. Once you factor in the fun points they will beat Ole Miss by 10 no matter what the scoreboard says.

[Masterofreality]

Remember vdump beat Ole Miss.

[XUFan09]

But... but... BYU is going to the sweet sixteen...
Ha beat me to the snarky comment.

[LA Muskie]

Yeah Moody took a shot on a screen. Any other point in the game and that's called. Should a been called there too.

[LA Muskie]

Of course he hits one...

[GoMuskies]

Let's go Georgia State!

[Masterofreality]

No. I don't want to play a team that makes 3's.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Let's go Georgia State!

Word.

And XU!

[BandAid]

Down side, we will be playing Ole Miss in an SEC state. Hopefully they don't care enough to travel

[D-West & PO-Z]

Game

[xavierj]

BYU made the playin because of one win. They can shoot and that's it. More like an NIT team. But oh well.

[D-West & PO-Z]

There goes Jay Williams bracket.

[Masterofreality]

Down side, we will be playing Ole Miss in an SEC state. Hopefully they don't care enough to travel

They won't. They barely know what a basketball is.

[xsteve1]

BYU gave up 62 in the half, Wow. This game won't be easy if Ole Miss plays like that.

[GoMuskies]

Down side, we will be playing Ole Miss in an SEC state. Hopefully they don't care enough to travel
I'd assume spring practice has started, so probably not.

[BandAid]

BYU gave up 62 in the half, Wow. This game won't be easy if Ole Miss plays like that.

This game won't be easy if we play defense like BYU

[D-West & PO-Z]

Cant wait to hear all day tomorrow how Ole Miss is going to the Sweet 16!

[xavierj]

Down side, we will be playing Ole Miss in an SEC state. Hopefully they don't care enough to travel

It's basketball. They wouldn't show up in Oxford.

[XUFan09]

Perfect outcome IMO. Ole Miss really had to fight to get back in the game and then BYU kept them working until the very end. Now Xavier faces a team against whom they can put out the 1-3-1. Hopefully Macura is fine and not potentially out for the season.

[GoMuskies]

Andy Kennedy can go fuck himself, too.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Andy Kennedy can go fuck himself, too.

Ha, yes

[Masterofreality]

BYU gave up 62 in the half, Wow. This game won't be easy if Ole Miss plays like that.

BYU played right in their hands. Ole Miss scored tons of points off of turnovers. The pack line will work just fine against them.

[D-West & PO-Z]

BYU played right in their hands. Ole Miss scored tons of points off of turnovers. The pack line will work just fine against them.

Yeah Ole Miss doesnt get back in this game without some steals and fast break layups and dunks. We need to take care of the ball.

[Masterofreality]

This game won't be easy if we play defense like BYU

BYU gave them over 25 points off turnovers. We'll play better defense too.

[XUFan09]

Limit turnovers against a team who doesn't normally force them, make them play offense in the half court (they're not as fast as BYU but still pretty fast), and take it to them in the post.

[letskeepitreal]

Man, they took 22 more shots than BYU. BYU shot >50% from 3 and almost 50% from the field and still lost!

[xavierj]

Man, they took 22 more shots than BYU. BYU shot >50% from 3 and almost 50% from the field and still lost!

Maybe play some defense?

[bobbiemcgee]

Cant wait to hear all day tomorrow how Ole Miss is going to the Sweet 16!

of course, all the pundits lost their BYU "sleeper" pick, so tmrw they'll say they really meant to say Ole Miss.

[Masterofreality]

Ole Miss shot 30.4% from 3. Our Achilles heel, and they can't hurt it.

[Masterofreality]

Limit turnovers against a team who doesn't normally force them, make them play offense in the half court (they're not as fast as BYU but still pretty fast), and take it to them in the post.

This.

[XUFan09]

of course, all the pundits lost their BYU "sleeper" pick, so tmrw they'll say they really meant to say Ole Miss.
Literally first thing they said on Fox Sports Countdown was "They could make the Sweet 16.". Not as enthusiastic as people were about BYU though, kind of a "Eh, I guess they can beat Xavier."

[GoMuskies]

To be fair, any team coming out of these playins could win again. It wouldn't be a big upset for either Xavier or Providence to lose.

But I'm pretty comfy with our match up.

[Masterofreality]

Moody of Ole Miss is 5:10. Perfect for Dee. Our bigs matchup well. I'm comfortable here.

[XUFan09]

To be fair, any team coming out of these playins could win again. It wouldn't be a big upset for either Xavier or Providence to lose.

But I'm pretty comfy with our match up.
Yeah. And after that game, obviously the first thing they have to ask is whether the winner can beat the team that's been waiting for them in the next round.

[xavierj]

I like the fact that Moody is on the small side. Big guards hurt Dee. He should be in good shape this game.

[xavierj]

Moody of Ole Miss is 5:10. Perfect for Dee. Our bigs matchup well. I'm comfortable here.

Beat me to it.

[XUFan09]

Moody of Ole Miss is 5:10. Perfect for Dee. Our bigs matchup well. I'm comfortable here.
Yeah, they have some solid athleticism that could cause us trouble but in general it's a good matchup, especially since the 1-3-1 is a good option.

[BMoreX]

Wow I went to bed at half. I'm stunned

[BMoreX]

Perfect outcome IMO. Ole Miss really had to fight to get back in the game and then BYU kept them working until the very end. Now Xavier faces a team against whom they can put out the 1-3-1. Hopefully Macura is fine and not potentially out for the season.

I heard that JP was shooting around on Monday without a boot at practice.

[Caveat]

Maybe play some defense?

If BYU had played with any defensive competence whatsoever, they win last night easily.

Even with Xavier's lapses, they should easily play better defense than what BYU managed.

[Smails]

Andy Kennedy hates cab drivers

[Xville]

I heard that JP was shooting around on Monday without a boot at practice.

if he can go tomorrow, that would be huge. Without him, our bench is pretty light. I know that at this point, most teams are only going to play a 7-8 man rotation, but without JP, our bench scoring is pretty minimal. Plus, it would be nice for him to get some tourney experience when they are back next year and the year after that :)

[Masterofreality]

I guess that Lance Goss's bracket is busted already...since he had BYU beating Xavier and all.......

[boozehound]

Glad to see Ole Miss pull it out. We just don't match up all that well with teams that play fast and score in transition, mostly because we need to have Stainbrook or Farr on the floor at pretty much any given time. We also have struggled to hit bunnies in transition. I like the Ole Miss matchup better than BYU, even though BYU doens't play defense.

[Masterofreality]

if he can go tomorrow, that would be huge. Without him, our bench is pretty light. I know that at this point, most teams are only going to play a 7-8 man rotation, but without JP, our bench scoring is pretty minimal. Plus, it would be nice for him to get some tourney experience when they are back next year and the year after that :)

We need him for offense and because he is a presence at the top of the 1-1-3, 1-3-1, amoeba, or whatever the hell we play. The "depth" issue doesn't come into play so much in the NCAA's because the time outs are soooooooooooo long. The games are obviously intense, but the breaks are often and lengthy.

[Masterofreality]

Glad to see Ole Miss pull it out. We just don't match up all that well with teams that play fast and score in transition, mostly because we need to have Stainbrook or Farr on the floor at pretty much any given time. We also have struggled to hit bunnies in transition. I like the Ole Miss matchup better than BYU, even though BYU doens't play defense.

Here is why I am ecstatic that we're playing Ole Miss. BYU f-ed that game up by throwing the ball to the other team and Ole Miss got a lot of steals. Ole Miss scored 25 points off turnovers last night. Our defense is not designed to create a lot of those so if we fell behind a hot shooting BYU team, we'd have a hard time coming back. BYU can really shoot.

Ole Miss only shoots 33.7% from three and shot 30.4% last night. They will not get into the paint like they did against the Matadors of BYU last night and our bigs matchup well. Dee will not be overmatched against a big guard.

I like our chances so much better than against the white boys.