Bring on Arizona

[chico]

Start up the Buick - time to head west!

This should be fun.

[xufan2020]

Make Desert Raccoon pay!

[LadyMuskie]

The wheels are about to fall off the ol' Lexus!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Love this, really nothing to lose!!!

[X Factor]

Gonna take a monumental effort to beat Zona.

I have faith!! Let's go X!

[BandAid]

Start up the Buick - time to head west!

This should be fun.
Too funny! Reps.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Get Ready Mack Family.

You Are The Story.

[doug204]

Back to back Elite 8s here we come!

[Perma Fro]

Countdown to the A hole wildcat fans jump on the board...

3...2...1...

[LadyMuskie]

Back to back Elite 8s here we come!

What exactly are the Elite 8s? You can go there. X will be busy in the Elite Eight.

[Xavier_Musketeers]

Elite 8 time! Get some rest and play as hard as you guys can nothing to lose. Great season so far!

[X Factor]

Back to back Elite 8s here we come!

Miller STILL looking for that 1st Final Four with all that NBA talent in the desert.

[XU '11]

Line opens at Arizona -10

[jhelmes37]

I'd take that for a grand. Easy.

[bobbiemcgee]

LA Baby! Crash on LA Muskies lawn.

[azgreg]

Nice win today guys. Looking forward to the game Thursday.

[ZONACAT]

Hi guys, congrats on your S16

[XUFan09]

Hmm the last time we had AZ fans on the board was when Miller left.

Edit: Not snarky, I actually enjoyed the posts from one of the guys in particular.

[powerofX]

Line opens at Arizona -10

Vegas Tuesday and wed. At game Thursday. Might have to go big!

[bleedXblue]

Vegas Tuesday and wed. At game Thursday. Might have to go big!

It will end up around -8

[XMuskieFTW]

Anyone got a good scouting report on them? Who will be our most effective players against them and what positions do we need to worry about. All I've noticed is they start a massive lineup and bring 3 point shooting guards off the bench

[xsteve1]

X opens as a 10 point dog. I may double up on my on my winnings on X from today.

Edit: Didn't read the first page where the line was already posted. This should be a good game. A little worried about matching with Johnson, Ashley and Hollis-Jefferson. I think Dee can contain the kid from Duquesne which is really the key to their offense.

[X-Fan]

Anyone got a good scouting report on them? Who will be our most effective players against them and what positions do we need to worry about. All I've noticed is they start a massive lineup and bring 3 point shooting guards off the bench
I half watched their game against OSU today, and they seem like a classic Miller team to me. Good balance, solid PG, very athletic Forwards, like to run when they can, drive and kick offense, Pack Line D. Also, Sean is a PRO at stepping on an opponents throat, so don't expect C to hang around if they aren't playing well. This shouldn be a very interesting game to say the least. I can't imagine many coaches know Miller better than Mackdoes. Let's Go Muskies!!!!

[X-Fan]

Also, I LOVE that Sean has to talk about Xavier for the entire week! Love it!

Somebody remind Sean that he showed off his dribbling skills on Johnny Carson as a kid! Somebody PLEASE ask Sean about his Buick/Lexus comment!

Let's Do This!!!!

[GoMuskies]

Good news: king knobber Seth Davis just said we have no shot in this one. I'd be worried if he liked our chances.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Anyone got a good scouting report on them? Who will be our most effective players against them and what positions do we need to worry about. All I've noticed is they start a massive lineup and bring 3 point shooting guards off the bench

Thad said in his post game press conference when talking about Miller that: "I think this is probably without a doubt maybe his best team."

Ha that is hilarious! I think, probably, without a doubt, maybe his best team. LOL Which is it????

[Strange Brew]

Thad said in his post game press conference when talking about Miller that: "I think this is probably without a doubt maybe his best team."

Ha that is hilarious! I think, probably, without a doubt, maybe his best team. LOL Which is it????

Give him some slack. He graduated from Butler.

[The Coz]

I pove Sean Miller.

[The Coz]

And i love Sean Miller.

[SemajParlor]

Put up or shut up Sean.

[DC Muskie]

Good news: king knobber Seth Davis just said we have no shot in this one. I'd be worried if he liked our chances.

I was ecstatic when I saw that Seth picked Georgia State.

He is the king dipshit of college basketball commentators who as his side job, peddles his mom's terrible all natural medicines that promotes the idea that they cure cancer.

The Knobber is the simply the worst.

[spursy]

I was ecstatic when I saw that Seth picked Georgia State.

He is the king dipshit of college basketball commentators who as his side job, peddles his mom's terrible all natural medicines that promotes the idea that they cure cancer.

The Knobber is the simply the worst.
I think you're forgetting about Gottlieb.

[BlueGuy]

I found a little love for Gotleib over the past two UD games. Watching those games, it seems he is NOT a fan of that team. His calling of those two games has got to be really pissing off that fan base.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[waggy]

I think Gottlieb is more of an opinion guy, and belongs in studio. Right or wrong though, he'll call it as he see's it.

[Masterofreality]

I think Gottlieb is more of an opinion guy, and belongs in studio. Right or wrong though, he'll call it as he see's it.

Gottlieb is as terrible on the sidelines as Steve "Rat Face" Lappas. Come to think about it, they are both rat faces.

I guess they need somebody to fill those chairs. BTW. I miss Gus Johnson on NCAA play by play.

[xu82]

Anyone got a good scouting report on them? Who will be our most effective players against them and what positions do we need to worry about. All I've noticed is they start a massive lineup and bring 3 point shooting guards off the bench

I know the coach has a nasty cough. Probably want to keep your distance there...

[waggy]

Well my initial take on this match up is that X is going to have to have a great defensive effort. The 1-3-1 might be the better defense. Keeps players out of foul trouble, reduces athletic deficiences, makes the game possession to possession, hopefully.

On the offensive end is the big worry. They'll play Stain straight up. Without the mismatches that come from the double team, X might struggle mightly. There is one shot on offense I think we can consistently get, but hasn't been employed a whole lot. I'd save it for the 2nd half.

[Backyard Champ]

I was ecstatic when I saw that Seth picked Georgia State.

He is the king dipshit of college basketball commentators who as his side job, peddles his mom's terrible all natural medicines that promotes the idea that they cure cancer.


The Knobber is the simply the worst.


While all that may be true, I can't get angry over his thoughts on this matchup. Xavier has been improving a ton, but it would take the best game of the season to beat Arizona.

[markchal]

I wish we were playing a different 2. Sean was the best coach we ever had and did a tremendous job of taking us to the next level. I've always pulled for him and will feel bummed for him after we send them home.

[Snipe]

Bring On ZONA!

I feel great about this matchup. This team is going to punch them in the face.

We are coming together at just the right time. We got shooters. We put the ball in the basket. They are lucky they have the home field.

I can't wait. This is going to be epic.

This is the road to the Final Four. I think we have everything we need to make the promised land.

Sean Miller has never made a Final Four. I want Chris Mack to get there first, this year. And when he does I fully expect him to make the drive from Cincinnati to Indianapolis in a Buick!

Sean Miller was a great Xavier coach. I am proud to have had him and it is past time to start the home and home series. That would sell some season tickets! But the Desert Raccoon left us at the alter and then called us a Buick. For that he must pay, and pay dearly.

Coach Prosser used to quote old Bill Shakes "Revenge is a dish best served cold"

We need to show Sean Miller that payback is a bitch.

If we win this game, I think we win again on Saturday. And I think we win this game.

No stopping this team now. We got Myles Davis and Maninmal Jalen off of the bench for Christ sakes. We got shooters, we score points and we win basketball games.

Zona will become just one more stone we stepped on along the way.

[coasterville95]

In the post game, Mack said he'd rather play Sean in the tournament than in regular season, which translated means "WE aren't going to play each other unless somebody forces us"

So, who has the Buick to loan Chris when we make it to Indy?

[paulxu]

Stain. He can Uber him up there.

[Xville]

It's going to take a monumental effort and Arizona is going to have to go cold (which they do at times) in order for x to pull off the upset. They have a ton of length, and are one of the maybe 3 teams that have a chance to beat Kentucky. Their starting five stand 7 feet, 6'9, 6'7, 6'7, 6'1 and is one of the reasons people think they can beat Kentucky, besides the fact they play great defense and are extremely athletic. If we lose, it was still a great season and is a great launching pad for the years to come.

If Arizona moves on, I'll be rooting for them to cut down the nets. I don't understand why people hate on miller. The guy wasn't a snake like Thad that told the fanbase he wasn't leaving while he had interviews with Ohio state. Miller was upfront and decided to go to a top ten basketball program and get paid a lot of money to do it. How anyone can fault him for that is being ridiculous in my opinion. So he called this program a Buick...who cares. I guess none of the ones who feel butt hurt over miller would ever take a ceo job of a top 10 company and get paid a bunch of money to do it if offered either.

[markchal]

If Arizona moves on, I'll be rooting for them to cut down the nets. I don't understand why people hate on miller. The guy wasn't a snake like Thad that told the fanbase he wasn't leaving while he had interviews with Ohio state. Miller was upfront and decided to go to a top ten basketball program and get paid a lot of money to do it. How anyone can fault him for that is being ridiculous in my opinion.

Totally agree with this. Nothing but class, did great things for us, and has been very complimentary after leaving. He left us in a great position (Holloway, Crawford, etc.) and with a great replacement in Mack. He was a terrific coach and a great part of our history. It also makes us look a lot better when a coach leaves and goes to an elite program and gets them playing at a high level. I always root for Sean, until Thursday of course.

[Wheelhouse]

Great posts Xville & Markchal. I'm in total agreement. I always root for Sean and believe he'll cut the nets down one day. I hope we absolutely destroy them on Thursday, but if not, I'll be rooting for Zona win it all.

[nasdadjr]

One thing that kinda worries me is that xavier has a trend of poor performances vs pac schools. We own the sec but have seem like we can't beat west coast schools very easily. This year we did beat San Diego but I think that obviously an apples to oranges comparison. Good think is x is playing with house money and should be loose. Let's go x

[chico]

Totally agree with this. Nothing but class, did great things for us, and has been very complimentary after leaving. He left us in a great position (Holloway, Crawford, etc.) and with a great replacement in Mack. He was a terrific coach and a great part of our history. It also makes us look a lot better when a coach leaves and goes to an elite program and gets them playing at a high level. I always root for Sean, until Thursday of course.

Not to drag up the past - which I'm doing, anyway - but I think what rubbed people the wrong way was what he said at his press conference at Xavier after deciding to leave. Comparing us to a Buick, saying he didn't think he could get to a Final 4 here - those things didn't sit too well. I have no animosity towards him and hope he does well - except for Thursday, of course - but I can understand how some people aren't too fond of him.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2015/3/21/8271039/sweet-sixteen-2015-first-look-at-the-xavier-musketeers

[XUFan09]

Not to drag up the past - which I'm doing, anyway - but I think what rubbed people the wrong way was what he said at his press conference at Xavier after deciding to leave. Comparing us to a Buick, saying he didn't think he could get to a Final 4 here - those things didn't sit too well. I have no animosity towards him and hope he does well - except for Thursday, of course - but I can understand how some people aren't too fond of him.
The Buick comparison wasn't at the press conference. It was said in private to a recruit and trickled back to the fanbase. And honestly, it's an accurate description of the respective programs and one made in the world of recruiting, where there isn't room for niceties.

At the actual press conference, he also didn't say that Xavier couldn't win a championship but emphasized that it would be easier to win one at AZ. Also true. Really, the mistake was having the press conference in the first place, because he was honest and said nothing untrue, yet still rankled Xavier fans. The "little ole Xavier" line didn't help either. It was a no-win situation.

[Steve A]

Some of you guys are famous.

http://allsportstucson.com/2015/03/21/arizona-wildcats-hoops-social-media-reactions-of-sean-millers-ties-with-xavier/

[D-West & PO-Z]

Some of you guys are famous.

http://allsportstucson.com/2015/03/21/arizona-wildcats-hoops-social-media-reactions-of-sean-millers-ties-with-xavier/

Ha, hilarious!

[chico]

Some of you guys are famous.

http://allsportstucson.com/2015/03/21/arizona-wildcats-hoops-social-media-reactions-of-sean-millers-ties-with-xavier/

This is the kind of spontaneous publicity - your name in print - that makes people. I'm in print! Things are going to start happening to me now.

[paulxu]

Are you one of the Kardashians?

[chico]

Are you one of the Kardashians?

Oh, don't I wish...

[brownlavender]

i've got jeff gillooly and tonya harding on the phone they want to know what day to work next week

[xukeith]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylufpG6u0to


Loved this guy! Awesome coach but GO X!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DC Muskie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylufpG6u0to


Loved this guy! Awesome coach but GO X!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the worst moments in our history.

Thursday we have an opportunity to make it Sean's worst moment of his life.

[LadyMuskie]

Things are going to start happening to me now.

I'm betting 99% of them aren't going to be good. Haven't you watched Behind the Music? But, congrats on your fame!

[OTRMUSKIE]

So miller said that to Parrom to get him to go to Arizona?

[OTRMUSKIE]

Btw 10:17 tip off Thursday

[RealDeal]

This is the kind of spontaneous publicity - your name in print - that makes people. I'm in print! Things are going to start happening to me now.

It's these cans! He hates these cans!

[LadyMuskie]

So it was Kevin Parrom that made the famous Buick quote not miller?

Miller said it to Parrom. Parrom repeated it to the media. We heard about it, and simultaneously, heads across Xavier Nation exploded.

[DC Muskie]

Book actually said it to Parrom.

[chico]

From watching all this basketball I've come to learn on important thing - Buicks now have wifi. Which Lexuses - or Lexii depending on your preference - apparently do not. So we have that going for us. Which is nice.

[BMoreX]

10:17 tbs

[LadyMuskie]

From watching all this basketball I've come to learn on important thing - Buicks now have wifi. Which Lexuses - or Lexii depending on your preference - apparently do not. So we have that going for us. Which is nice.

Also, Buicks don't look like Buicks. So you could say they, you know . . . wait for it. . . sneak up on people.

[stjamesxu08]

FYI...if the pursuit of perfection is what you seek, this may change your course. The new class of world class!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U50UbFOK5s

This commercial was released soon after Dessert Raccoon left and made that comment to Parrom...the timing was perfect then and now!

I think it is funny to revisit it!

[chico]

Also, Buicks don't look like Buicks. So you could say they, you know . . . wait for it. . . sneak up on people.

Exactly. I like how you think, Lady.

[paulxu]

You're watching to much TV.

[XMuskieFTW]

10:17 tbs

Also that 10:17 is following a 7:47 game, so we're probably closer to 10:30. I have to listen to Reggie Miller until 1 AM? Bleh

[BMoreX]

@EiserXUSports: Dan Bonner, @Kevinharlan, @ReggieMillerTNT & @Rachel__Nichols comprise TBS team for West Regional @STAPLESCenter. #Sweet16 #XMarchesOn

[LadyMuskie]

You're watching to much TV.

I would be outraged at this accusation, if it weren't completely true.

[LadyMuskie]

10:17 tbs

Now is this start time before or after BYU's tip?

[OTRMUSKIE]

The Buick is fired up and Big Stain is driving it to L.A. To beat up on Desert Raccoon
https://twitter.com/kevinotrjohnson/status/579826012474765312

[xu82]

Now is this start time before or after BYU's tip?

After their last tip this year, but before the first tip next year. In related news, Georgia State has scheduled yet another press conference for 10:17pm Thursday. Maybe.

[LadyMuskie]

After their last tip this year, but before the first tip next year. In related news, Georgia State has scheduled yet another press conference for 10:17pm Thursday. Maybe.

Thank goodness! I'm starting to have withdrawals because I haven't seen the Hunter family in hours. Will there be live coverage of Ron Hunter wheeling himself down the aisle for RJ's sister's wedding? What color will his final cast be? Who taped up the stool? So many questions!!

[MADXSTER]

This is the kind of spontaneous publicity - your name in print - that makes people. I'm in print! Things are going to start happening to me now.

The new phone books are here! The new phone books are here! Do you know what this means? I'm a somebody.

[bjf123]

From watching all this basketball I've come to learn on important thing - Buicks now have wifi. Which Lexuses - or Lexii depending on your preference - apparently do not. So we have that going for us. Which is nice.

Public reps for the gratuitous Caddyshack reference.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Caveat]

The Buick is fired up and Big Stain is driving it to L.A. To beat up on Desert Raccoon
https://twitter.com/kevinotrjohnson/status/579826012474765312

Stainbrook actually Ubers in a Buick.

[XMuskieFTW]

Stainbrook actually Ubers in a Buick.

That is perfect.

[Masterofreality]

Great. We get to sneak up on people again starting at 10:17pm Thursday night.

No one will give us a snowball's chance in Southern California.

[SemajParlor]

Great. We get to sneak up on people again starting at 10:17pm Thursday night.

No one will give us a snowball's chance in Southern California.

Could be a lot of wait -really's? At the office Friday morning. Can't wait.

[MADXSTER]

STATS

While looking at some Arizona losses....

Arizona lost 3 games this season

ALL happen to be away games
All three happened to be close games

UNLV 71-67 RPI 114 SOS 81 Arizona was favored by 12, Arizona led at the half by 5, UNLV had a reb advantage 46-33
Oregon St 58-56 RPI 133 SOS 105 Arizona was favored by 9.5, Arizona led at the half by 1, Oregon St had a reb advantage 32-26
Arizona St 87-78 RPI 102 SOS 64 Arizona was favored by 8.5, ASU led at the half by 7, Arizona had a reb advantage 37-34

One game in the 80's, low 70's, high 50's

For the year.....

Arizona rebounds at an average of 37 rpg
Xavier rebounds at an average of 35 rpg
Xavier holds their opponents to an average of 30 rpg This needs to continue

Three point shooting
The bad news is Xavier's defense ranks 273 against the three pointer
The GOOD news is that Arizona ranks 335 on offense at shooting three pointers

This means the game is probably going to be determined on the inside and I like Xavier's SIZE, Stainbrook, Farr, Reynolds

[Sonoran Desert Muskie]

Living out here in Phoenix, I've seen a lot of UA basketball games and know and work many of their alumni and fans. As far as the team, the Wildcats are very, very good. Long, athletic, good inside and outside game, have a great PG, etc. They have no weaknesses and the X Men will have to play a great game to win. As far as their fans, I can't be all that complimentary. They tend to be very elitist and believe UA is a superior academic school, which it certainly is not.

[xsteve1]

If X can match Zona on glass or keep it close and limit turnovers they have a very good chance. Just can't give up 2nd and third chances. Farr, Reynolds and Stainbrook need to bust their asses.

[Ledgewood]

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m387/jmLedgewood/unnamed1%202.jpg (http://s333.photobucket.com/user/jmLedgewood/media/unnamed1%202.jpg.html)

[Ledgewood]

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m387/jmLedgewood/unnamed3_1.jpg (http://s333.photobucket.com/user/jmLedgewood/media/unnamed3_1.jpg.html)

[Ledgewood]

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m387/jmLedgewood/unnamed2_1.jpg (http://s333.photobucket.com/user/jmLedgewood/media/unnamed2_1.jpg.html)

[Ledgewood]

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m387/jmLedgewood/unnamed1_1.jpg (http://s333.photobucket.com/user/jmLedgewood/media/unnamed1_1.jpg.html)

[GoMuskies]

Well, many of our fans aren't too impressed with Gonzaga, so we should take a lot of comfort in knowing that Gonzaga is better than Arizona on a neutral floor. They were better than Arizona in Tucson for 38 and a half minutes back in December.

[Masterofreality]

Ledgewood returns and is on a roll.

Must not be much action in the medical insurance business this week!

Xavier is the Big Boys in this game.

Let's DO THIS!!!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Well, many of our fans aren't too impressed with Gonzaga, so we should take a lot of comfort in knowing that Gonzaga is better than Arizona on a neutral floor. They were better than Arizona in Tucson for 38 and a half minutes back in December.

I dont know many arent impressed with them this year, most of the comments have just been about their program overall and being overrated throughout the last decade. Perception of their program vs reality.

[markchal]

I dont know many arent impressed with them this year, most of the comments have just been about their program overall and being overrated throughout the last decade. Perception of their program vs reality.

I think this might be in reference to some of the Gonzaga chatter before Selection Sunday. I know plenty of Xavier fans who wanted to face Gonzaga or UVA as a 2-seed (back when we were assuming a 7-seed for us).

[SemajParlor]

Well, many of our fans aren't too impressed with Gonzaga, so we should take a lot of comfort in knowing that Gonzaga is better than Arizona on a neutral floor. They were better than Arizona in Tucson for 38 and a half minutes back in December.

I personally think this is the best Zaga team since Morrison.

[Xville]

Unlike in past years, it seems to me that Gonzaga has earned the mentions they have gotten on the national scene. They are a different team this year with senior guards, a great 3/4 man in Wiltjer and they have some beef up front with Sabonis and others. They have the talent to make the final four this year for sure.

However, in most years, they are a complete paper champion and I don't understand what they have done to earn such high praise. They dominate a terrible league and then flame out in the tournament almost every single year...I don't get it most years, however this year I do.

[XUFan09]

If X can match Zona on glass or keep it close and limit turnovers they have a very good chance. Just can't give up 2nd and third chances. Farr, Reynolds and Stainbrook need to bust their asses.

I think it helps that Xavier can probably stay big most of the time. They have two of the best and one of the better rebounders in the conference, but when they have to play Trevon at the 4 (when he does a good job rebounding at the 3), that edge is mostly nullified.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How much does Zona get out and run. I was reading one of their boards where they were talking about that being a possibility to get Stainbrook out of the game due to his slow speed and possibly being a defensive liability?

Sean Miller's teams are usually more halfcourt teams if I am remembering correctly.

[Masterofreality]

Unlike in past years, it seems to me that Gonzaga has earned the mentions they have gotten on the national scene. They are a different team this year with senior guards, a great 3/4 man in Wiltjer and they have some beef up front with Sabonis and others. They have the talent to make the final four this year for sure.

However, in most years, they are a complete paper champion and I don't understand what they have done to earn such high praise. They dominate a terrible league and then flame out in the tournament almost every single year...I don't get it most years, however this year I do.

Yeah, I agree. They are more for real this year than most. Pangos is for real...he's what Aaron Craft wanted to be in his dreams, and they have legit bigs. They caught a huge break when Iowa State got knocked out, though. Talk about us being lucky. The Zags have basically 3 walk overs to Duke. They won't beat them though...and if they somehow lose to UCLA, the disdain will become palpable.

[XUFan09]

How much does Zona get out and run. I was reading one of their boards where they were talking about that being a possibility to get Stainbrook out of the game due to his slow speed and possibly being a defensive liability?

Sean Miller's teams are usually more halfcourt teams if I am remembering correctly.

92nd in tempo to Xavier's 150th. That doesn't tell the full story, though. They are 35th in offensive possession length and 279th in defensive possession length. That's a team that works to score fairly quickly before (to a degree) forcing an opponent to grind out a possesion. Xavier, on the other hand, is ranked in the mid-100s in both categories, a little faster on offense than on defense.

[azgreg]

How much does Zona get out and run. I was reading one of their boards where they were talking about that being a possibility to get Stainbrook out of the game due to his slow speed and possibly being a defensive liability?

Sean Miller's teams are usually more halfcourt teams if I am remembering correctly.

Not often. However, if the opportunity is there McConnell will take it.

[Xville]

There are three things that we need to do to beat Arizona....

1.) Outrebound them which is going to be a monumental task but we do have the size to accomplish this

2.) Find a way to at least slow down if not stop Stanley Johnson. I am guessing that Remy is going to pull this assignment and he is going to be giving up about 3-4 inches and probably 30 pounds or so. Remy will have to have the best defensive performance of his life

3.) Don't let Gabe York get hot. He is probably going to be coming off the bench, as he has since the middle of the season. We can not let him be that sparkplug.

Do these three things, and we should march on. All three are pretty difficult to do, but that's why they play the games.

[Xavier]

Yeah, I agree. They are more for real this year than most. Pangos is for real...he's what Aaron Craft wanted to be in his dreams, and they have legit bigs. They caught a huge break when Iowa State got knocked out, though. Talk about us being lucky. The Zags have basically 3 walk overs to Duke. They won't beat them though...and if they somehow lose to UCLA, the disdain will become palpable.

Even if it's 3 walk overs to Duke, you can't have it both ways. That's just a way to diminish an elite 8 just as many UC fans diminish our current sweet 16.

[Masterofreality]

Even if it's 3 walk overs to Duke, you can't have it both ways. That's just a way to diminish an elite 8 just as many UC fans diminish our current sweet 16.

I'm not having it both ways but anyone care to argue that Gonzaga has had the easiest path to the 8 this year? It is just how the Tournament plays out. Their E8 counts as much as anyone else's though.

[GoMuskies]

I'm not having it both ways but anyone care to argue that Gonzaga has had the easiest path to the 8 this year? It is just how the Tournament plays out. Their E8 counts as much as anyone else's though.

Louisville. Without a doubt.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Louisville. Without a doubt.

No I would disagree. I think UNI and NC State are better than UCLA and Iowa.

[ZONACAT]

How much does Zona get out and run. I was reading one of their boards where they were talking about that being a possibility to get Stainbrook out of the game due to his slow speed and possibly being a defensive liability?

Sean Miller's teams are usually more halfcourt teams if I am remembering correctly.

Arizona doesn't leak out, the guards rebound. TJM had a season high 9 rebounds against Irvine and 6 against Ohio State. Gabe York had a season high 6 rebounds three times. Impressive considering how Stanley and Rondae board from the wings. If Xavier throws guys on the offensive glass, Arizona will run you. Most teams choose to concede and get back to set up the zone which is what I imagine Xavier will do. Both Tarc and Ashley run the floor, and will catch Stainbrook out if he isn't careful. The negative is that Tarc's hands usually cancels the advantage.

Arizona runs quick offense, our tempo stats are down because teams tend to use the whole shot clock trying to get a good look on the Arizona defense. As you know from running it, the pack line isn't a gamble defense and that tends to decrease run out opportunities, although TJ, Stanley and Rondae have upped that this season.

This is Arizona's best team since 2003, by KenPom standards it is our best team since he starting keeping tempo adjusted statistics. There will be no excuses, Arizona is bringing a fully loaded Lexus. :lol:

But as I wrote on here when the hire was made, I was positive Chris Mack was going to be the right hire and continue to move Xavier in the right direction. It has worked out for both programs and both coaches, and Mack being an alum has been vital, as I'm sure you know he has turned down many jobs already. It is a shame that we are meeting, but at least it is a game of significance, and not a second round game. (which is what I figured would happen on Selection Sunday).

Personally I believe this is a great match-up for Arizona, but I understand why ya'll think Xavier can pull the upset, wouldn't be fun to be a fan otherwise.

[Xville]

Arizona doesn't leak out, the guards rebound. TJM had a season high 9 rebounds against Irvine and 6 against Ohio State. Gabe York had a season high 6 rebounds three times. Impressive considering how Stanley and Rondae board from the wings. If Xavier throws guys on the offensive glass, Arizona will run you. Most teams choose to concede and get back to set up the zone which is what I imagine Xavier will do. Both Tarc and Ashley run the floor, and will catch Stainbrook out if he isn't careful. The negative is that Tarc's hands usually cancels the advantage.

Arizona runs quick offense, our tempo stats are down because teams tend to use the whole shot clock trying to get a good look on the Arizona defense. As you know from running it, the pack line isn't a gamble defense and that tends to decrease run out opportunities, although TJ, Stanley and Rondae have upped that this season.

This is Arizona's best team since 2003, by KenPom standards it is our best team since he starting keeping tempo adjusted statistics. There will be no excuses, Arizona is bringing a fully loaded Lexus. :lol:

But as I wrote on here when the hire was made, I was positive Chris Mack was going to be the right hire and continue to move Xavier in the right direction. It has worked out for both programs and both coaches, and Mack being an alum has been vital, as I'm sure you know he has turned down many jobs already. It is a shame that we are meeting, but at least it is a game of significance, and not a second round game. (which is what I figured would happen on Selection Sunday).

Personally I believe this is a great match-up for Arizona, but I understand why ya'll think Xavier can pull the upset, wouldn't be fun to be a fan otherwise.

Thank you for a little insight into your team. I hope that we can beat you guys tomorrow night but if not, just promise to please beat Kentucky.

[XUFan09]

Zonacat, this is easily the best matchup for Xavier among the 1 and 2 seeds. Our bigs can match up with your bigs and it would not surprise me if they came out on top. Our point guard matches up with your point guard, and I figure we'll see a stalemate there. Our 1-3-1 alternative defense can work well against Arizona's weak three-point shooting. The real edge Arizona has is on the wing, where they are scary, but our wings have done well against driving wings before. Frankly, I'm much more worried about our wings getting shut down on the other end, which could prove the difference.

No doubt Arizona is still a distinctly better team than Xavier, but I'd rather face Arizona than, say, Wisconsin, against whom we probably wouldn't even stand a chance.

[ZONACAT]

Zonacat, this is easily the best matchup for Xavier among the 1 and 2 seeds. Our bigs can match up with your bigs and it would not surprise me if they came out on top. Our point guard matches up with your point guard, and I figure we'll see a stalemate there. Our 1-3-1 alternative defense can work well against Arizona's weak three-point shooting. The real edge Arizona has is on the wing, where they are scary, but our wings have done well against driving wings before. Frankly, I'm much more worried about our wings getting shut down on the other end, which could prove the difference.

No doubt Arizona is still a distinctly better team than Xavier, but I'd rather face Arizona than, say, Wisconsin, against whom we probably wouldn't even stand a chance.

The narrative is Arizona is a weak three point shooting team, the truth is Arizona shoots a greater percentage than Wisconsin, Kentucky, Wichita State, Xavier, NC State, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. Arizona doesn't shoot a lot of them though, because a bigger strength is going inside and getting to the line. I prefer aggression over jacking 3's myself. Arizona has seen the match-up zone, 2-3, 3-2, 1-3-1 multiple times this year and while certainly there are stretches where Arizona doesn't score, the Wildcats have usually gotten in the groove and over come a poor shooting start.

I'm not sure why TJ doesn't get respect nationally, but he is outrageously good. The game he had against Ohio State doesn't happen that often and a quick peek at KP shows he has the statistical advantage over Dee. Plus TJ has been first team all-conference defense every where he has played included Duquesne.

It's true the Arizona bigs come and go, and while Ashley has improved lately, depending on production from them every game hasn't happened. Tarc really enjoys playing against bigs like Stainbrook though, it is probably psychological, it was Kaminsky that he couldn't handle.

Just my take.

[XUFan09]

I went to grad school at Duquesne when T.J. was there and have followed him since. I know how good he is, and I also know how good Dee is. You can play the same national respect card for Dee.

I'm not saying that the 1-3-1 is going to be really tough for Arizona, but it benefits that Xavier can use it, when against other opponents they can't. Their defense and their rebounding is better in that system than in the packline with this personnel. Also, what matters for Xavier is that you don't have multiple guys at the 3, 4, and 5 who can shoot the three. That's what makes a team like Wisconsin a nightmare for Xavier.

[MADXSTER]

Living out here in Phoenix, I've seen a lot of UA basketball games and know and work many of their alumni and fans. As far as the team, the Wildcats are very, very good. Long, athletic, good inside and outside game, have a great PG, etc. They have no weaknesses and the X Men will have to play a great game to win. As far as their fans, I can't be all that complimentary. They tend to be very elitist and believe UA is a superior academic school, which it certainly is not.

Interesting that you say this as I went over to one of their boards to start up some bb discussion but could tell by their posts that it would not end up well. Elitest is what I came away with and left without commenting.

[GoMuskies]

Our Controller is a UA grad. He doesn't even know that UA has a basketball team, so our back and forth has been pretty limited (beyond me telling him today that we were sworn enemies and him shrugging).

What does this have to do with UA being elitist? Nothing.

[LadyMuskie]

Our Controller is a UA grad. He doesn't even know that UA has a basketball team, so our back and forth has been pretty limited (beyond me telling him today that we were sworn enemies and him shrugging).

What does this have to do with UA being elitist? Nothing.

He sounds like a super fun co-worker. Definitely spend all your time with him at company parties.

[MADXSTER]

On the UA thread posters were talking about how UCLA should have gotten in the tourney and Xavier should have been left out since Xavier didn't play anyone out of conference.

.............Xavier UCLA
RPI ........30.........48
SOS ........8..........29
OOC RPI....27........110
OOC SOS...37.........49

RECORD VS TOP

RPI 1-25.......4-4.......1-7
RPI 26-50......4-3.......1-1
RPI 51-100.....3-2........3-2
RPI 100-200...8-4........8-3
RPI 200+........2-0.......7-0

NOTE* Playing a lot of 200+ teams on your schedule does not sit well with the committee

Facts would not have worked with the UA fan base.

[xu82]

On the UA thread posters were talking about how UCLA should have gotten in the tourney and Xavier should have been left out since Xavier didn't play anyone out of conference.

.............Xavier UCLA
RPI ........30 48
SOS ........8 29
OOC RPI 27 110
OOC SOS 37 49

RECORD VS TOP

RPI 1-25 4-4 1-7
RPI 26-50 4-3 1-1
RPI 51-100 3-2 3-2
RPI 100-200 8-4 8-3
RPI 200+ 2-0 7-0

NOTE* Playing a lot of 200+ teams on your schedule does not sit well with the committee

Facts would not have worked with the UA fan base.

You should feel free to share with them and enjoy collecting little red dots or wildcat turds or whatever they give out when the truth hurts.

[GoMuskies]

On the UA thread posters were talking about how UCLA should have gotten in the tourney and Xavier should have been left out since Xavier didn't play anyone out of conference.

.............Xavier UCLA
RPI ........30 48
SOS ........8 29
OOC RPI 27 110
OOC SOS 37 49

RECORD VS TOP

RPI 1-25 4-4 1-7
RPI 26-50 4-3 1-1
RPI 51-100 3-2 3-2
RPI 100-200 8-4 8-3
RPI 200+ 2-0 7-0

NOTE* Playing a lot of 200+ teams on your schedule does not sit well with the committee

Facts would not have worked with the UA fan base.

Talk about lies, damn lies and statistics. Xavier's OOC SOS was better than UCLA's? UCLA played Gonzaga, Kentucky, Oklahoma and UNC. So...yeah, no matter what the computers say, it is decidedly false to say that Xavier's OOC schedule was more difficult.

[X Factor]

Talk about lies, damn lies and statistics. Xavier's OOC SOS was better than UCLA's? UCLA played Gonzaga, Kentucky, Oklahoma and UNC. So...yeah, no matter what the computers say, it is decidedly false to say that Xavier's OOC schedule was more difficult.

And they lost those games by 13, 39, 10, and 22 points. Looks like they were a buy game for a lot of non-conference opponents.

They also lost by 32 points to Utah and 18 points to Oregon.

[GoMuskies]

I'm certainly not saying that UCLA is good or should get much credit for getting their asses handed to them by good teams. But any metric that ranks our OOC schedule as more difficult than theirs is wacky.

[xufan2434]

Talk about lies, damn lies and statistics. Xavier's OOC SOS was better than UCLA's? UCLA played Gonzaga, Kentucky, Oklahoma and UNC. So...yeah, no matter what the computers say, it is decidedly false to say that Xavier's OOC schedule was more difficult.

Yeah the computer is lying that X played harder teams than UCLA.. But the computer is lying because UCLA got waxed in every single one of those games. I was at the UK/UCLA game in Chicago, and yes it is Kentucky and yes UCLA is young this year... But they had less that 12 points in the first half! They lost by 30 @ Utah. If you want to give credit to teams playing a tough OOC schedule, fine I'm all for that. But you shouldn't get rewarded for simply showing up even if the game is over by halftime

[xufan2434]

I'm certainly not saying that UCLA is good or should get much credit for getting their asses handed to them by good teams. But any metric that ranks our OOC schedule as more difficult than theirs is wacky.

This I do agree

[muskiefan82]

I would imagine playing seven teams with over 200 RPI skews the numbers a great deal. If you play all 1-200 rpi teams your number will be higher than someone who play 10 under 100 teams and a bunch of 200+ teams.

Hence, UCLA's crappy RPI.

[RealDeal]

Our Controller is a UA grad. He doesn't even know that UA has a basketball team, so our back and forth has been pretty limited (beyond me telling him today that we were sworn enemies and him shrugging).

What does this have to do with UA being elitist? Nothing.

That's a Zima drinker right there.

[doug204]

Miller STILL looking for that 1st Final Four with all that NBA talent in the desert.

Just know Xavier will NEVER see a Final Four. Enjoy the off season :pointandlaugh:

[DC Muskie]

Just know Xavier will NEVER see a Final Four. Enjoy the off season :pointandlaugh:

Just know that posting on an opponents messageboard at 3 in the morning means you will NEVER see a vagina.

Enjoy Call of Duty.