New AP Rankings - Xavier Ranked!

[Sunshine]

http://collegebasketball.ap.org/poll

[birdman71]

At
#23

[Muncie]

X 23 uc 24

[xavierdude]

Screw ESPN. UC 24. Xavier unranked. Huh?

[gladdenguy]

I knew sUCks would be ranked soon or later but after playing 4 piss poor teams they are already ranked. Can't wait to beat their a$$ once again.

[xavierdude]

I knew sUCks would be ranked soon or later but after playing 4 piss poor teams they are already ranked. Can't wait to beat their a$$ once again.

Screw ESPN. UC 24. Xavier unranked. Huh?

[THRILLHOUSE]

Screw ESPN. UC 24. Xavier unranked. Huh?

ESPN doesn't create the rankings for the Coaches poll, so your anger is a bit misplaced. Should be directed at the Coaches (or whatever assistants the Coaches delegate the ranking duties to)

[xavierdude]

ESPN doesn't create the rankings for the Coaches poll, so your anger is a bit misplaced. Should be directed at the Coaches (or whatever assistants the Coaches delegate the ranking duties to)

Facts suck. Screw ESPN!

Side note...they do, however, use the Coaches poll when they put the little Rankings number by a team in their scroll bar on TV, correct? If so. Still screw 'em!

[BandAid]

That's cool. But how are we going to sneak up on people now?

[muskiefan82]

There is no need to be sneaky. Simply walk up, look the other team in the eye, and stomp the $^%& out of them. Stealth is unnecessary when you are superior.

[bearcatalyst]

I knew sUCks would be ranked soon or later but after playing 4 piss poor teams they are already ranked. Can't wait to beat their a$$ once again.

X's big win was over a team that finished 16-16 last year...

Really, though, both teams are deserving of the ranking. Xavier destroyed what should be a fine Michigan team and UC has dismantled its opposition. Given the scares and many losses ranked teams have received thus far, you would think some credit would be allowed to UC. Kenpom likes both for what it's worth. I'd expect both squads to rather steadily hang in the teens all season long.

[birdman71]

Facts suck. Screw ESPN!


Side note...they do, however, use the Coaches poll when they put the little Rankings number by a team in their scroll bar on TV, correct? If so. Still screw 'em!

Facts... don't get me started! Every time I try to make an argument some body comes along with some stupid facts!

[X-Fan]

I knew sUCks would be ranked soon or later but after playing 4 piss poor teams they are already ranked. Can't wait to beat their a$$ once again.

What a joke. I don't get the respect the AAC schools continually get (both in bball and football). UC has played absolute garbage and jumps into the rankings. They won't play a respectable team until playing Butler a few days before they play X. To their credit they finish off the Non-Conference with a few tough tests, namely #7 ISU at home. I guess at least for once they will have to prove their ranking before conference play.

[xufan2434]

X's big win was over a team that finished 16-16 last year...

Really, though, both teams are deserving of the ranking. Xavier destroyed what should be a fine Michigan team and UC has dismantled its opposition. Given the scares and many losses ranked teams have received thus far, you would think some credit would be allowed to UC. Kenpom likes both for what it's worth. I'd expect both squads to rather steadily hang in the teens all season long.

Do actually agree with this. UC schedule hasn't been great by any means but there's still something to blowing every one of them out. Eye test says they should be ranked plus there were a decent amount of upsets this week. 2 weeks in.. it'll all work out. They have Butler coming up. And honestly it's better for X if UC is ranked so not sure why anyone would be mad about it. Shootout is gonna be fun

[THRILLHOUSE]

Facts suck. Screw ESPN!

Side note...they do, however, use the Coaches poll when they put the little Rankings number by a team in their scroll bar on TV, correct? If so. Still screw 'em!

False again. They use the AP poll:

http://i.imgur.com/sI5S5Cd.jpg

[xavierdude]

False again. They use the AP poll:

http://i.imgur.com/sI5S5Cd.jpg

I stand corrected. I'm pretty sure it used to be that they used the ESPN/Coaches Poll (as it used to be called).

[D-West & PO-Z]

I stand corrected. I'm pretty sure it used to be that they used the ESPN/Coaches Poll (as it used to be called).

I believe you are right.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I stand corrected. I'm pretty sure it used to be that they used the ESPN/Coaches Poll (as it used to be called).

Yeah they used to, but ESPN doesn't sponsor the Coaches poll anymore, it's back to just being the USA Today poll. So ESPN went back to using the AP for the bottom line graphics.

[X-Fan]

X's big win was over a team that finished 16-16 last year...

A few details you left out in your "expert analysis"...that win was over the 24th ranked team...and at their place.

Way to beat BGSU though.

[Milhouse]

X's big win was over a team that finished 16-16 last year...

Really, though, both teams are deserving of the ranking. Xavier destroyed what should be a fine Michigan team and UC has dismantled its opposition. Given the scares and many losses ranked teams have received thus far, you would think some credit would be allowed to UC. Kenpom likes both for what it's worth. I'd expect both squads to rather steadily hang in the teens all season long.

Right but that was with a LOT of injuries. THey've got everyone back...including a lottery pick.

UC dismantled its competition. And they should have. Perhaps in years past they would beat those teams by 20 instead of 40, but we're still talking 200+ teams.

X plays a total of 1 200+ kenpom team and that's a local team in NKU.

UC plays a total of 7 in OOC (so scheduled buy games) and then another 5 in conference (out of their control).

UC did a good job of getting some headline grabbing home and homes, but my god Mick hasn't changed his tune that much...including 3 300+ teams.

I think UC should be good this year, but no one really knows what to expect, they returned a ton of players are are beating up on teams that would lose to most Prep schools...

[XU 87]

X got ranked in the top 25 in the regular season for the first time, I think, in several years. So why am I reading so many posts about UC being ranked? Let's worry about X, not UC.

We're going to kick UC's ass in a few weeks anyway.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I think UC should be good this year, but no one really knows what to expect, they returned a ton of players are are beating up on teams that would lose to most Prep schools...

Yeah, we'll get a better idea of how good UC really is after they play Nebraska, Butler, X, VCU and Iowa State.

[Milhouse]

Yeah, we'll get a better idea of how good UC really is after they play Nebraska, Butler, X, VCU and Iowa State.

agreed. although Nebraska shouldn't be too difficult at all really

[GoMuskies]

X got ranked in the top 25 in the regular season for the first time, I think, in several years.

First time since the week after "The Fight".

[Lamont Sanford]

X got ranked in the top 25 in the regular season for the first time, I think, in several years. So why am I reading so many posts about UC being ranked? Let's worry about X, not UC.

We're going to kick UC's ass in a few weeks anyway.

Hell yeah 87!

[paulxu]

All this blather reminds me of something that happened in the Michigan game which I am (for the time) taking great heart in seeing.

In the last few years, we have often been up on teams (good team and bad teams) and just haven't had a killer instinct to absolutely put them away.
Resulting in close nail-biting finishes...wins and loses.

Half way through the second half, they closed to within 2. At the 8 minute mark it was only a 4 pt lead.

Then Trevon nails a 3, and 2 FT's. Sumner makes a layup and a 3. Suddenly it's 15.

I like when we step on them and don't let up at the end of the game. Sort of like Zip 'em Up.

[xufan2434]

All this blather reminds me of something that happened in the Michigan game which I am (for the time) taking great heart in seeing.

In the last few years, we have often been up on teams (good team and bad teams) and just haven't had a killer instinct to absolutely put them away.
Resulting in close nail-biting finishes...wins and loses.

Half way through the second half, they closed to within 2. At the 8 minute mark it was only a 4 pt lead.

Then Trevon nails a 3, and 2 FT's. Sumner makes a layup and a 3. Suddenly it's 15.

I like when we step on them and don't let up at the end of the game. Sort of like Zip 'em Up.

That's what happens when Mack gets fearless competitors back in the program. Took a hit in that category after the fight. Love the attitude and confidence of the guys on this team, especially the younger ones.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

UC has been crushing 250+ Kenpom teams. They have looked good early though. Ellis and Clark are both doing well. Their Freshman PG Jennifer is contributing each game.

[X-band '01]

Blame the coaches/their lackeys who submitted the polls. ESPN would love to have 3 ranked teams for one of their signature Thanksgiving tournaments.

[X-band '01]

First time since the week after "The Fight".

It was also the first time since that season when Xavier beat a Top 25 team on the road - they knocked off a Festus Ezili-led Vandy team that season.

[birdman71]

All this blather reminds me of something that happened in the Michigan game which I am (for the time) taking great heart in seeing.

In the last few years, we have often been up on teams (good team and bad teams) and just haven't had a killer instinct to absolutely put them away.
Resulting in close nail-biting finishes...wins and loses.

Half way through the second half, they closed to within 2. At the 8 minute mark it was only a 4 pt lead.

Then Trevon nails a 3, and 2 FT's. Sumner makes a layup and a 3. Suddenly it's 15.

I like when we step on them and don't let up at the end of the game. Sort of like Zip 'em Up.

Or Byron's saying about putting your hands around their necks and not letting go......or something like that.

I gree Paul, this team seems to have a killer instinct, but better than zip em up days when the ball would stay in the hands of one or two self-appointed finishers.

[Milhouse]

This team just has so many ways to kill you. Sumner not having to be the go to scorer ala Maj is going to do wonders for him and our team. He will likely never draw the top defender and thus he can exploit that matchup.

Pretty sure Spike Albrecht is still twitching in his sleep from Sumner blowing by him.

[Porkopolis]

Screw ESPN. UC 24. Xavier unranked. Huh?

ESPN uses the AP Poll this year. They are no longer a sponsor of the Coaches Poll.

[smileyy]

Sumner is really damn good.

[muskiefan82]

First time since the week after "The Fight".


It was also the first time since that season when Xavier beat a Top 25 team on the road - they knocked off a Festus Ezili-led Vandy team that season.

I am enjoying reflecting on both of these victories.

[Muskied]

It was also the first time since that season when Xavier beat a Top 25 team on the road - they knocked off a Festus Ezili-led Vandy team that season.

Not to nitpick...but they weren't Ezili-led. He didn't play...was out with a bad knee.

[X-band '01]

He didn't even lead any cheers/coach from the bench? Mea culpa.

[xukeith]

That's cool. But how are we going to sneak up on people now?

That is for small schools who don't do anything in March. Pete Gillen and Skip are long gone.

[gladdenguy]

X's big win was over a team that finished 16-16 last year...

Really, though, both teams are deserving of the ranking. Xavier destroyed what should be a fine Michigan team and UC has dismantled its opposition. Given the scares and many losses ranked teams have received thus far, you would think some credit would be allowed to UC. Kenpom likes both for what it's worth. I'd expect both squads to rather steadily hang in the teens all season long.

And who have the borekittens beat? Your best win is over???

[bobbiemcgee]

That is for small schools who don't do anything in March. Pete Gillen and Skip are long gone.

Yeah, I think the "sneakin up" days are long gone. Everybody knows we intend to bust down the front door now.

[MADXSTER]

Xavier will need to win 4 games between now and the next time the polls come out to stay in the top 25.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Xavier will need to win 4 games between now and the next time the polls come out to stay in the top 25.

I think 3 wins and a close lose to Notre Dame would keep X ranked. But screw it, lets win all 4.

[bearcatalyst]

I'm more than a little baffled by the stream of negativity I received for my rather innocuous post. Well, not so much from gladden guy, but on the whole, I truly am. I frequent this forum nearly every day because it's a wonderful source of information, breaking news and it's truly one of the best free fan forums for any team I've visited. That said, I'm repeatedly saddened by the treatment of anyone who isn't a die hard X fan. If I were in trolling, I guess I'd get the anger I seem to have inspired...but all I really said is that X and UC will both likely be ranked all year long. The horror.

My larger point is that this early in the season we don't know what beating a ranked team means. Michigan went 16-16 last year and has beaten kenpom ranked #229 Elon. Yes, they returned a star player, and like most around here, expect it to be a quality win for XU by seasons end. But, to this point, the remark that X beat a ranked team on the road doesn't mean much to me other than they beat a team on the road. This early, the only way I (and, of course, this is only my opinion) believe that you can judge a team is by how they've looked. X struggled to pull away from a couple of poor teams and then smashed Michigan. Like I said previously, I expect X to hang around the teens in the rankings pretty much all season long.

Someone else claimed that X has justified their ranking because they only play 1 200+ kenpom team all year long? Are you serious? I LOVE the way X has scheduled. But now they get credit for games they haven't played yet? That benefits you come tournament time via the RPI but in no way would I put X above anyone else for who they will play soon. Kenpom actually having UC in the top 15 all season is meaningless but because X will play teams not in the bottom 200 they are worthy of top 25? I just don't follow it. Again, I really like X's schedule.

To this point I think UC has looked great. Any of you that take the time to watch UC would probably also come away (begrudgingly) impressed. Will they continue to score 90+ a game? Hellllll no. But there is undeniably better ball movement, more shooting threats and depth for days. All that to go with the smothering defense that has been enough to win them a boatload of ball games over the last 5 seasons all by itself. UC will get PLENTY of tests to earn a ranking this non conference season in Nebraska, GW, Butler, Iowa State, VCU and X. But in the meantime, they look like a top 25 team to me. I bet Georgetown, Wisconsin, Virginia and Wichita State wish they had posted UCs (and Xs) results thus far.

I'll go a step further and say I think this is the best X and UC have EVER been in the same season. Now maybe one or both squads will completely fall apart or prove to be decidedly average. However, I'm willing to bet that both will flirt with a top 10 ranking at some point during the season and remain ranked nearly the entire season. I'm not trying to discredit what X has done. We will know a lot more about both teams in the coming weeks (thank God) but I think both are completely justified in their early rankings.

[xufan2020]

I'm more than a little baffled by the stream of negativity I received for my rather innocuous post. Well, not so much from gladden guy, but on the whole, I truly am. I frequent this forum nearly every day because it's a wonderful source of information, breaking news and it's truly one of the best free fan forums for any team I've visited. That said, I'm repeatedly saddened by the treatment of anyone who isn't a die hard X fan. If I were in trolling, I guess I'd get the anger I seem to have inspired...but all I really said is that X and UC will both likely be ranked all year long. The horror.

My larger point is that this early in the season we don't know what beating a ranked team means. Michigan went 16-16 last year and has beaten kenpom ranked #229 Elon. Yes, they returned a star player, and like most around here, expect it to be a quality win for XU by seasons end. But, to this point, the remark that X beat a ranked team on the road doesn't mean much to me other than they beat a team on the road. This early, the only way I (and, of course, this is only my opinion) believe that you can judge a team is by how they've looked. X struggled to pull away from a couple of poor teams and then smashed Michigan. Like I said previously, I expect X to hang around the teens in the rankings pretty much all season long.

Someone else claimed that X has justified their ranking because they only play 1 200+ kenpom team all year long? Are you serious? I LOVE the way X has scheduled. But now they get credit for games they haven't played yet? That benefits you come tournament time via the RPI but in no way would I put X above anyone else for who they will play soon. Kenpom actually having UC in the top 15 all season is meaningless but because X will play teams not in the bottom 200 they are worthy of top 25? I just don't follow it. Again, I really like X's schedule.

To this point I think UC has looked great. Any of you that take the time to watch UC would probably also come away (begrudgingly) impressed. Will they continue to score 90+ a game? Hellllll no. But there is undeniably better ball movement, more shooting threats and depth for days. All that to go with the smothering defense that has been enough to win them a boatload of ball games over the last 5 seasons all by itself. UC will get PLENTY of tests to earn a ranking this non conference season in Nebraska, GW, Butler, Iowa State, VCU and X. But in the meantime, they look like a top 25 team to me. I bet Georgetown, Wisconsin, Virginia and Wichita State wish they had posted UCs (and Xs) results thus far.

I'll go a step further and say I think this is the best X and UC have EVER been in the same season. Now maybe one or both squads will completely fall apart or prove to be decidedly average. However, I'm willing to bet that both will flirt with a top 10 ranking at some point during the season and remain ranked nearly the entire season. I'm not trying to discredit what X has done. We will know a lot more about both teams in the coming weeks (thank God) but I think both are completely justified in their early rankings.
I wouldn't be too baffled if I were you. I mean, it is basketball season, and the shootout's in a few weeks. Emotions tend to run high. Reasoning with some of us on the forum isn't the best move at this point. I see your point though, UC definitely has a good team.

[gladdenguy]

I bet Georgetown, Wisconsin, Virginia and Wichita State wish they had posted UCs (and Xs) results thus far.

I bet Georgetown, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Wichita St. wish they played Western Carolina, Robert Morris, Bowling Green, and Arkansas Pine-Bluff.

They would be guaranteed to be 4-0. You should be real excited you put up over 90 on those power house programs.

[drudy23]

I'm more than a little baffled by the stream of negativity I received for my rather innocuous post. Well, not so much from gladden guy, but on the whole, I truly am. I frequent this forum nearly every day because it's a wonderful source of information, breaking news and it's truly one of the best free fan forums for any team I've visited. That said, I'm repeatedly saddened by the treatment of anyone who isn't a die hard X fan. If I were in trolling, I guess I'd get the anger I seem to have inspired...but all I really said is that X and UC will both likely be ranked all year long. The horror.

My larger point is that this early in the season we don't know what beating a ranked team means. Michigan went 16-16 last year and has beaten kenpom ranked #229 Elon. Yes, they returned a star player, and like most around here, expect it to be a quality win for XU by seasons end. But, to this point, the remark that X beat a ranked team on the road doesn't mean much to me other than they beat a team on the road. This early, the only way I (and, of course, this is only my opinion) believe that you can judge a team is by how they've looked. X struggled to pull away from a couple of poor teams and then smashed Michigan. Like I said previously, I expect X to hang around the teens in the rankings pretty much all season long.

Someone else claimed that X has justified their ranking because they only play 1 200+ kenpom team all year long? Are you serious? I LOVE the way X has scheduled. But now they get credit for games they haven't played yet? That benefits you come tournament time via the RPI but in no way would I put X above anyone else for who they will play soon. Kenpom actually having UC in the top 15 all season is meaningless but because X will play teams not in the bottom 200 they are worthy of top 25? I just don't follow it. Again, I really like X's schedule.

To this point I think UC has looked great. Any of you that take the time to watch UC would probably also come away (begrudgingly) impressed. Will they continue to score 90+ a game? Hellllll no. But there is undeniably better ball movement, more shooting threats and depth for days. All that to go with the smothering defense that has been enough to win them a boatload of ball games over the last 5 seasons all by itself. UC will get PLENTY of tests to earn a ranking this non conference season in Nebraska, GW, Butler, Iowa State, VCU and X. But in the meantime, they look like a top 25 team to me. I bet Georgetown, Wisconsin, Virginia and Wichita State wish they had posted UCs (and Xs) results thus far.

I'll go a step further and say I think this is the best X and UC have EVER been in the same season. Now maybe one or both squads will completely fall apart or prove to be decidedly average. However, I'm willing to bet that both will flirt with a top 10 ranking at some point during the season and remain ranked nearly the entire season. I'm not trying to discredit what X has done. We will know a lot more about both teams in the coming weeks (thank God) but I think both are completely justified in their early rankings.

Xavier won't flirt with top 10...UC might because they play no one and will have a ton of wins.

[Cheesehead]

I bet Georgetown, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Wichita St. wish they played Western Carolina, Robert Morris, Bowling Green, and Arkansas Pine-Bluff.

They would be guaranteed to be 4-0. You should be real excited you put up over 90 on those power house programs.

Gladden beat me to it. I do think UC is good this year but I don't see any hyphenated schools on X's schedule.

[maketewahXalum]

I'm more than a little baffled by the stream of negativity I received for my rather innocuous post. Well, not so much from gladden guy, but on the whole, I truly am. I frequent this forum nearly every day because it's a wonderful source of information, breaking news and it's truly one of the best free fan forums for any team I've visited. That said, I'm repeatedly saddened by the treatment of anyone who isn't a die hard X fan. If I were in trolling, I guess I'd get the anger I seem to have inspired...but all I really said is that X and UC will both likely be ranked all year long. The horror.

My larger point is that this early in the season we don't know what beating a ranked team means. Michigan went 16-16 last year and has beaten kenpom ranked #229 Elon. Yes, they returned a star player, and like most around here, expect it to be a quality win for XU by seasons end. But, to this point, the remark that X beat a ranked team on the road doesn't mean much to me other than they beat a team on the road. This early, the only way I (and, of course, this is only my opinion) believe that you can judge a team is by how they've looked. X struggled to pull away from a couple of poor teams and then smashed Michigan. Like I said previously, I expect X to hang around the teens in the rankings pretty much all season long.

Someone else claimed that X has justified their ranking because they only play 1 200+ kenpom team all year long? Are you serious? I LOVE the way X has scheduled. But now they get credit for games they haven't played yet? That benefits you come tournament time via the RPI but in no way would I put X above anyone else for who they will play soon. Kenpom actually having UC in the top 15 all season is meaningless but because X will play teams not in the bottom 200 they are worthy of top 25? I just don't follow it. Again, I really like X's schedule.

To this point I think UC has looked great. Any of you that take the time to watch UC would probably also come away (begrudgingly) impressed. Will they continue to score 90+ a game? Hellllll no. But there is undeniably better ball movement, more shooting threats and depth for days. All that to go with the smothering defense that has been enough to win them a boatload of ball games over the last 5 seasons all by itself. UC will get PLENTY of tests to earn a ranking this non conference season in Nebraska, GW, Butler, Iowa State, VCU and X. But in the meantime, they look like a top 25 team to me. I bet Georgetown, Wisconsin, Virginia and Wichita State wish they had posted UCs (and Xs) results thus far.

I'll go a step further and say I think this is the best X and UC have EVER been in the same season. Now maybe one or both squads will completely fall apart or prove to be decidedly average. However, I'm willing to bet that both will flirt with a top 10 ranking at some point during the season and remain ranked nearly the entire season. I'm not trying to discredit what X has done. We will know a lot more about both teams in the coming weeks (thank God) but I think both are completely justified in their early rankings.

You seem to be a pretty reasonable poster. Kudos to you for keeping your response civil and not on the attack. I agree with most everything you have posted. It is so early, you can't really determine what are good/bad wins. Michigan might pull it together and end up being the Top 25 team they were awarded in the preseason. In that case, they will be considered a major win by Xavier, and one on the road. They also might not pull it together, fail to establish any inside game and be a team that finishes in the 51-100 RPI range, and squarely on the bubble come NCAA Selection Time. In this case, the win may not end up being as GREAT as everyone is making it out to be right now.

The point is nobody knows how things are going to shake out --- we are literally 11 days into the college basketball season, so the sample size that is used to determine Top 25 teams, at this point, is extremely small. It is greater than the sample size used to compile preseason rankings, but not A TON greater...

The bottom line is that as of NOW, Xavier has played a more difficult schedule and has won each game, though they beat Miami (OH) and NKU by an average margin of victory of 10.5 points per contest. UC, while playing a significantly easier schedule, as of NOW, has absolutely crushed their opponents with an average margin of victory of nearly 40 points per contest. While the teams they have played don't appear to be great, there actually appears to be an offense present that I don't think Mick Cronin has had in any of his ten years as the head coach of UC (which is 100% his fault). This 4-game success may end up being due to extremely lackluster competition, and perhaps the offense will come back down to what they have averaged under Cronin (roughly 66-67 ppg). However, until that happens, UC looks like a Top 25 team. As does Xavier. We will find out much more about both teams in the coming weeks. Arguing over rankings 3-5 games into the season is simply meaningless. I am a lifelong, huge supporter of Xavier basketball (and lifelong, huge hater of UC basketball), but to say UC does not look like a ranked team right now, but Xavier does, or deserves to be ranked higher, is just pointless. Let the season play out a few more weeks and then these conversations/arguments will begin to take on a little bit more meaning.

With that being said, here is to the Musketeers avenging the Holiday preseason tournament curse and bringing home a 1st place trophy this weekend. I will be out of town on business travel during the Crosstown Shootout weekend, but I am hoping both teams are in the Top 15 for that game and Mack continues his dominance over Mick Cronin and wins his 5th Crosstown Shootout in 7 attempts (has won 4 of 6 since he took over as head coach of the X-Men).

Cheers.

[maketewahXalum]

I was just looking at the box score of the UC/Arkansas-Pine Bluff game and have to mention two items that really stuck out to me:

(1) Although UC destroyed that team, the Bearcats only managed to outrebound AK-PB 3 (45 - 42). That has to be somewhat alarming when you consider that AK-PB only averages 31 rebounds per game. Any insight, bearcatalyst, as to what caused this margin to be this close? I was shocked when I saw that, as UC is a physical team, is typically a good rebounding team, and more than likely had a height advantage.

(2) Free Throws: UC shot 41-59 from the charity stripe....they shot 59 free throws????? In the three games prior to AK-PB, they shot a combined total of 70 free throws. They almost matched that 3-game total in the AK-PB game alone...how is that even possible? Is that a new NCAA record for most free throws attempted by a single team in one game? That just seems ridiculous, especially when you consider AK-PB had a total of 11 free throw attempts. Any insight here would be much appreciated; the [1] number of free throw attempts by UC and [2] free throw attempt discrepancy between the two teams just seems absurd.

[Masterofreality]

Yeah, we'll get a better idea of how good UC really is after they play Nebraska, Butler, X, VCU and Iowa State.

Well, maybe not VCU. :rolleyes:

[Masterofreality]

I bet Georgetown, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Wichita St. wish they played Western Carolina, Robert Morris, Bowling Green, and Arkansas Pine-Bluff.

They would be guaranteed to be 4-0. You should be real excited you put up over 90 on those power house programs.

Public reps, J, because the Daesh of the Interweb has me in a sandy prison cell.

[Masterofreality]

Xavier is 21 in today's RPI. SucKS is 81.

Who should be ranked.....and who shouldn't?

[Milhouse]

UC has a much better chance of a top 10 ranking this year.

If X is in the top 10 towards the end of the year we're a two seed. UC could end up a 4 seed with a top 10 ranking based on American seeding past.

[bearcatalyst]

I was just looking at the box score of the UC/Arkansas-Pine Bluff game and have to mention two items that really stuck out to me:

(1) Although UC destroyed that team, the Bearcats only managed to outrebound AK-PB 3 (45 - 42). That has to be somewhat alarming when you consider that AK-PB only averages 31 rebounds per game. Any insight, bearcatalyst, as to what caused this margin to be this close? I was shocked when I saw that, as UC is a physical team, is typically a good rebounding team, and more than likely had a height advantage.

(2) Free Throws: UC shot 41-59 from the charity stripe....they shot 59 free throws????? In the three games prior to AK-PB, they shot a combined total of 70 free throws. They almost matched that 3-game total in the AK-PB game alone...how is that even possible? Is that a new NCAA record for most free throws attempted by a single team in one game? That just seems ridiculous, especially when you consider AK-PB had a total of 11 free throw attempts. Any insight here would be much appreciated; the [1] number of free throw attempts by UC and [2] free throw attempt discrepancy between the two teams just seems absurd.

No doubt about it. Thus far, rebounding has been down for the bearcats. I think part of it can be chalked up to they aren't missing as many shots. In years past, they could (and would) throw up clunkers and chase down the rebound via hustle and sheer athleticisim. As they are currently banking nearly 51% from the field, there just aren't as many opportunities to bully their opponents. However, I do think it's an area they will need to work on. I don't think it's a stretch to believe that rebounding will be down as more guards are looking to break down the other way on the break rather than crashing the boards. With Cronin, though, I'd expect them to at least be reasonable by the time it matters on the boards. They have capable interior players in Clark and Ellis who should see increased playing time when the games are tighter.

AK-PB went full on hack-a-shaq. It was bizarre. If a bearcat got a step on any player, boom, they were tagged. This happened pretty much from the first tip. Why they never really went away from it was beyond me but it certainly made for a snoozer. I think we were in the double bonus 6 minutes into the second half. As for AK-PB only getting 11 attempts, that's not particularly surprsing. UC really doesn't foul too often. Especially for a team that plays a smothering defense more often than not.

[Lamont Sanford]

UC really doesn't foul too often. Especially for a team that plays a smothering defense more often than not.

With the new handcheck rules in place this year, I find it nearly impossible to believe that UC players aren't fouling out left and right. They are without a doubt one of the most physical defensive teams in the country. No way in hell they do that without touching their defender. Not possible. Breathing on guys is getting called this season.

[muskiefan82]

My guess is that AK-PB shot a LOT of jumpers which do not lend themselves well to getting fouled.

[D-West & PO-Z]

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

#21 in ESPNs power rankings. Right behind the bad guys across town.

[XMuskieFTW]

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

#21 in ESPNs power rankings. Right behind the bad guys across town.

Goodman has us at 12. Good man.

[Wheelhouse]

Goodman has always had a soft spot for us, or at least for Chris Mack.

[paulxu]

So far all the ranked teams (or higher ranked) have lost today except X.

[xu82]

Nice to see Nova with a comfortable lead.