XAVIER vs VILLANOVA

[MADXSTER]

1877 vs 1878

#6 Xavier University Musketeers (12-0) RPI 1, SOS 1, KENPOM 8
W Miami(OH) 81-72
W Missouri 78-66
W Michigan 86-70
W NKU 78-66
W Alabama 64-45
W USC 87-77
W _ayton 90-61
W Western Kentucky 95-64
W Wright State 90-55
W Cincinnati 65-55
W Auburn 85-61
W Wake Forest 78-70

vs #17 Villanova Wildcats (9-2) RPI 5, SOS 4, KENPOM 7
W Fairleigh Dickinson 91-54
W Nebraska 87-63
W East Tennessee St 86-51
W Akron 75-56
W Stanford 59-45
W Georgia Tech 69-52
W Saint Joseph's 86-72
L Oklahoma 78-55
W LaSalle 76-47
L Virginia 86-75
W Delaware 78-48
?? Penn 12/28


Location: Villanova
Friday Dec. 31, 2015 at noon ET
Television: FS1
Radio: 700WLW-AM with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer and former Musketeer standout Joe Sunderman ('79). Analysis will be provided by Xavier Hall of Famer and XU all-time leading scorer Byron Larkin ('88).

[MADXSTER]

#6 Xavier University Musketeers (12-0) RPI 1, SOS 1, KENPOM 8

#17 Villanova Wildcats (9-2) RPI 5, SOS 4, KENPOM 7

This is shaping up to be one HELLOFAGAME!

[GoMuskies]

Biggest regular season game in Xavier history? A record that will last three days.

[xukeith]

I hope fans break attendance record first againgst Creighton, then this year with UC. There SHOULD be 10800 people crammed in there. Students better stay home (All those who live in Cincy) and root like crazy!

[BMoreX]

I hope fans break attendance record first againgst Creighton, then this year with UC. There SHOULD be 10800 people crammed in there. Students better stay home (All those who live in Cincy) and root like crazy!

This game is at Villanova.

[xu82]

This game is at Villanova.

...and we already beat UC, so I'm confused. (That happens a lot.)

[spazzrico]

...and we already beat UC, so I'm confused. (That happens a lot.)

You're right. We do be UC a lot.

[UCGRAD4X]

It seems odd that Xavier is higher in RPI and SOS, has a better record but a lower KENPOM.

[XU '11]

Biggest regular season game in Xavier history? A record that will last three days.

Well, Xavier has only ever played one game in program history with both teams ranked in the top 10. I'd say that game was bigger, but it went horribly for us.

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=283552752

[XUGRAD80]

This will be the best team that X has played this year.......duh! Right?


But on the other hand, this will be the best team that NOVA has played yet this year. The only other team that can claim that is Virginia, and nova LOST to them by 11. Still, I think that this is going to be a very very hard game for X to win. I'm not convinced that nova is a more talented team, but I think that mentally they have an edge over X right now, and that mental edge, that confidence they will have playing on their home floor and with something to prove, should propel nova to a very close win. I can see this being a last possession type game, even OT wouldn't surprise me.

[xukeith]

This will be the best team that X has played this year.......duh! Right?


But on the other hand, this will be the best team that NOVA has played yet this year. The only other team that can claim that is Virginia, and nova LOST to them by 11. Still, I think that this is going to be a very very hard game for X to win. I'm not convinced that nova is a more talented team, but I think that mentally they have an edge over X right now, and that mental edge, that confidence they will have playing on their home floor and with something to prove, should propel nova to a very close win. I can see this being a last possession type game, even OT wouldn't surprise me.

I hope you are wrong but suspect you have valid points. VU has no embarrassing losses (both to high ranked teams away or on neutral courts) they will be pumped for a major "upset" Dec. 31 (more than WF).

[Muncie]

I disagree I think we are a match-up disaster for Nova, and that our 1 3 1 will give them fits. (My caveat is if they start dropping 3 ' s through the hoop, it could be a difficult game for X...but I wouldn't count on that if I were a Nova fan lol)

[XUGRAD80]

I hope you are wrong but suspect you have valid points. VU has no embarrassing losses (both to high ranked teams away or on neutral courts) they will be pumped for a major "upset" Dec. 31 (more than WF).

I hope I'm wrong to. But I can just hear all the friends and families of the X players telling them during this break just how great they are, and also hear all the friends and families of the Nova players just how good X is. At the same time I hear the Nova coaches reminding the players how they have handled X in the past and explaining what they need to do to do it again. What do the X players have to look at? Tape after tape of how they have lost to Nova in the past.
I think that X does have a group of players that will develop the mental toughness they need to beat Nova in the future, but I'm not sure they have it yet. Even though they certainly have the talent. I see a close loss here, but I see it giving them the confidence and toughness needed to beat them the next time they meet, and if they happen to meet during the conf. tourney.

I also need to revise my original comment about X being the best team nova will have faced. They played Oklahoma, which is ranked 3rd, and lost by 23 points. So they have lost to #3 by 23 and #5 by 11, and now play #6. Hmmmm.....maybe I need to revise my prediction? Going to have to think about this one some more.

Aw heck.....Merry Christmas everyone! GO X!

[UCGRAD4X]

I disagree I think we are a match-up disaster for Nova, and that our 1 3 1 will give them fits. (My caveat is if they start dropping 3 ' s through the hoop, it could be a difficult game for X...but I wouldn't count on that if I were a Nova fan lol)

That would do it.


I hope I'm wrong to. But I can just hear all the friends and families of the X players telling them during this break just how great they are, and also hear all the friends and families of the Nova players just how good X is. At the same time I hear the Nova coaches reminding the players how they have handled X in the past and explaining what they need to do to do it again. What do the X players have to look at? Tape after tape of how they have lost to Nova in the past.

Hope the first half at Wake settled this.

I have not seen Nova play but a few I have spoken to who have did not come away impressed.

[paulxu]

They played Oklahoma, which is ranked 3rd, and lost by 23 points. So they have lost to #3 by 23 and #5 by 11, and now play #6.

These may be the tapes they'll be studying.

[Xville]

This will be the best team that X has played this year.......duh! Right?


But on the other hand, this will be the best team that NOVA has played yet this year. The only other team that can claim that is Virginia, and nova LOST to them by 11. Still, I think that this is going to be a very very hard game for X to win. I'm not convinced that nova is a more talented team, but I think that mentally they have an edge over X right now, and that mental edge, that confidence they will have playing on their home floor and with something to prove, should propel nova to a very close win. I can see this being a last possession type game, even OT wouldn't surprise me.

that remains to be seen. they have played virginia as you mentioned and also have played Oklahoma. Xavier has played a good schedule up to this point, but Nova has faced even better competition. This game should be interesting. If it were at Cintas, I think we come away with a win, but nova seems to shoot extremely well at home.

sorry just saw you mentioned Oklahoma in a later post before i posted this one....

anyways, hope we destroy nova but im not counting on it because they are at home. I am starting to really dislike Nova both for their system that I am not much of a fan of, and the fact we keep losing to them and the games haven't really been all that close. Its time to avenge our losses.

[MADXSTER]

#6 Xavier University Musketeers (12-0) RPI 1, SOS 1, KENPOM 8

When Xavier beats Villanova I can see 111.......RPI 1, SOS 1, KENPOM 1

[nasdadjr]

This will be the best team that X has played this year.......duh! Right?


But on the other hand, this will be the best team that NOVA has played yet this year. The only other team that can claim that is Virginia, and nova LOST to them by 11. Still, I think that this is going to be a very very hard game for X to win. I'm not convinced that nova is a more talented team, but I think that mentally they have an edge over X right now, and that mental edge, that confidence they will have playing on their home floor and with something to prove, should propel nova to a very close win. I can see this being a last possession type game, even OT wouldn't surprise me.

I've watched a lot of hoops this year and Virginia while tough is a lot like other uc teams. They just don't have the scoring talent to make a legitimate run at the championship and will be on the watch for an early round upset again. If they have to play Oakland watch out!!! I'd say the best team they have played is Oklahoma and it isn't even close. I think Oklahoma takes the 11 year run Kansas has had in the big 12 and stomps it in the ground this year. Oklahoma is very similar to X and I think is a top 2 team this year

[nasdadjr]

I do agree with another post though I think for the first time Xavier is a matchup nightmare for nova. Our length on the perimeter will disrupt their three point game and they can't match us inside. I think we go almost exclusively man and don't run 131 a whole lot because that is suseptible to the 3 which plays into their strengths. We are the better team this year lets just hope they go out and prove it.

[MADXSTER]

I do agree with another post though I think for the first time Xavier is a matchup nightmare for nova. Our length on the perimeter will disrupt their three point game and they can't match us inside. I think we go almost exclusively man and don't run 131 a whole lot because that is suseptible to the 3 which plays into their strengths. We are the better team this year lets just hope they go out and prove it.

Agree. Also, Villanova is not the 3 pt shooting juggernaut that they've been in the past.

[xu82]

I do agree with another post though I think for the first time Xavier is a matchup nightmare for nova. Our length on the perimeter will disrupt their three point game and they can't match us inside. I think we go almost exclusively man and don't run 131 a whole lot because that is suseptible to the 3 which plays into their strengths. We are the better team this year lets just hope they go out and prove it.

I also agree, but I wouldn't be surprised to mix it up with a bit of 1-3-1, especially if we need to "hide" some bigs with foul trouble. Again.

[paulxu]

There are a lot of teams in the BE who will not be letting us come back from a 15 pt half time deficit.
Keep that from happening...and the sky's the limit.

[XUFan09]

Agree. Also, Villanova is not the 3 pt shooting juggernaut that they've been in the past.
I don't think that trend is going to persist through the whole season, considering their personnel's historic accuracy and also considering this analysis:

http://kenpom.com/blog/index.php/weblog/entry/villanovas_deceptive_3_point_percentage

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[XU '11]

I've watched a lot of hoops this year and Virginia while tough is a lot like other uc teams. They just don't have the scoring talent to make a legitimate run at the championship and will be on the watch for an early round upset again. If they have to play Oakland watch out!!!

Virginia ranks 2nd nationally in Offensive Efficiency. I'd say that's a fair amount of scoring talent...

[XU '11]

I don't think that trend is going to persist through the whole season, considering their personnel's historic accuracy and also considering this analysis:

http://kenpom.com/blog/index.php/weblog/entry/villanovas_deceptive_3_point_percentage

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This.

Nova's overall 3-point percentage has been wrecked by a 4-32 performance in Hawaii against Oklahoma. Only The Citadel shoots more 3s than the Wildcats. They are an extremely good 3-point shooting team that got off to a slow start. They're over 40% in their last three games (since the Oklahoma debacle). I'm afraid they'll shoot the lights out against the 1-3-1.

[Straightshooter]

X seems confused on half court offense. Bigs lacking confidence down there. Reynolds arm hook on his moves needs fixed immediately. Farr is versatile in his options, but is unsure in what option to take. The three ball is the common option in the half court offense which, I believe, is our Achilles heal at the moment.
'

[bobbiemcgee]

You seem confused. Reynolds/Farr position is averaging 20/15.

[XUFan09]

X seems confused on half court offense. Bigs lacking confidence down there. Reynolds arm hook on his moves needs fixed immediately. Farr is versatile in his options, but is unsure in what option to take. The three ball is the common option in the half court offense which, I believe, is our Achilles heal at the moment.
'
None of this is true.

The bigs hardly lack confidence. That's laughable. They constantly demand the ball.

Reynolds' arm hook happened twice recently but it's hardly a regular occurrence, so it doesn't qualify as something needing to be fixed. Habits need to be fixed, not a bad move that happened twice.

Farr has some options but he's definitely not versatile in his options. That's a bit much.

Xavier ranks 217th in the nation in the ratio of three-point attempts to total field goal attempts. But yeah, it's a common option to put up a three.

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[xu82]

X seems confused on half court offense. Bigs lacking confidence down there. Reynolds arm hook on his moves needs fixed immediately. Farr is versatile in his options, but is unsure in what option to take. The three ball is the common option in the half court offense which, I believe, is our Achilles heal at the moment.
'

The difference between this year and many past years is we have guys who can slash to the basket when the 3 ball isn't dropping, but there are times we seem too dependent upon the long ball. It's why the Wake game was so frustrating....we kept driving and couldn't get to the line in the first half! I have to wonder how many lay ups Brad Redford attempted in all his years at X. That is not a big number. Jalen gets by more on athleticism than refined moves (though he's made progress there) and he's picked up at least a few fouls hooking the defender.

[XUFan09]

I can remember maybe five hooking fouls on Reynolds between the latter part of last season and the entirety of this season so far. Now, offensive fouls in general are a little more common, maybe on average one per game. The most common one seems to be when he tries to muscle through the post defender, who chose that moment to stand straight up, thus drawing a charge.

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[xu82]

Every foul for Jalen seems to be critical, at least partly because he seems to get some phantom calls. I mean, a few of those (especially that...moving screen?) were just plain bad calls.

And I do feel like Farr is a little more refined in terms of go to move(s) than Jalen, but Jalen is just so physically talented!

[Straightshooter]

Confidence not in terms of demanding the ball. Confidence in terms of what to do once they get it, making the right choices. Granted the numbers are good. It will be interesting to see how the half court offense evolves.

[xuwin]

X seems confused on half court offense. Bigs lacking confidence down there. Reynolds arm hook on his moves needs fixed immediately. Farr is versatile in his options, but is unsure in what option to take. The three ball is the common option in the half court offense which, I believe, is our Achilles heal at the moment.
'

How did we ever win a game? Weak schedule?

[XUFan09]

Confidence not in terms of demanding the ball. Confidence in terms of what to do once they get it, making the right choices. Granted the numbers are good. It will be interesting to see how the half court offense evolves.
Still not true, but okay.

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[XUFan09]

How did we ever win a game? Weak schedule?
Lol.

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[Masterofreality]

X seems confused on half court offense. Bigs lacking confidence down there. Reynolds arm hook on his moves needs fixed immediately. Farr is versatile in his options, but is unsure in what option to take. The three ball is the common option in the half court offense which, I believe, is our Achilles heal at the moment.
'

Wait, what???:shocked2:

[bobbiemcgee]

Granted the numbers are good.

Yes. Very good.

[Michigan Muskie]

X seems confused on half court offense. Bigs lacking confidence down there. Reynolds arm hook on his moves needs fixed immediately. Farr is versatile in his options, but is unsure in what option to take. The three ball is the common option in the half court offense which, I believe, is our Achilles heal at the moment.
'

A little early on the egg nog? All is forgiven.

[THRILLHOUSE]

X seems confused on half court offense. Bigs lacking confidence down there. Reynolds arm hook on his moves needs fixed immediately. Farr is versatile in his options, but is unsure in what option to take. The three ball is the common option in the half court offense which, I believe, is our Achilles heal at the moment.
'

http://i3.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/018/489/nick-young-confused-face-300x256_nqlyaa.png

[XUGRAD80]

My opinions....

1/2 court offense seems to be flowing well with many cuts, picks, and open shots. Passes, other that 1/2 half against Wake, loot crisp and purposeful. They get a lot of fouls called on other teams with their ability from so many positions to drive the ball, and not just put up jumpers.

Jalen has been called for a few hooks, but he has also gotten away with some, and it has been called on him (and opponents) very inconsistently.

[xuwin]

My opinions....

1/2 court offense seems to be flowing well with many cuts, picks, and open shots. Passes, other that 1/2 half against Wake, loot crisp and purposeful. They get a lot of fouls called on other teams with their ability from so many positions to drive the ball, and not just put up jumpers.

Jalen has been called for a few hooks, but he has also gotten away with some, and it has been called on him (and opponents) very inconsistently.

I don't have much of a problem with the hooks except he has to be smarter about it when he has 3 fouls on him. All skilled big men are taught to do that and usually don't get called for it. He just needs to be a little more discrete about it at times. The great thing about this team is that our depth allows our bigs to play more aggressively on both offense and defense.

How many teams in the country are capable of mounting a comeback from 18 points with their best big man sitting on the bench?

[Kahns Krazy]

Confidence not in terms of demanding the ball. Confidence in terms of what to do once they get it, making the right choices. Granted the numbers are good. It will be interesting to see how the half court offense evolves.

Straightshooter on Amazon.com:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CrdoLI1sL._SX317_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[nasdadjr]

Virginia ranks 2nd nationally in Offensive Efficiency. I'd say that's a fair amount of scoring talent...

I stand by my comment I don't care about ken Pom right now. Look more closely at the numbers. Every good team they played with the exception of Villanova Virginia scores significantly lower. Basically they light it up vs bad teams and can't get out of the 60's vs good and marginal teams

[Juice]

I stand by my comment I don't care about ken Pom right now. Look more closely at the numbers. Every good team they played with the exception of Villanova Virginia scores significantly lower. Basically they light it up vs bad teams and can't get out of the 60's vs good and marginal teams

You're both right. UVA is an awesome offensive team. Their problem is that they average the 2nd fewest lowest amount of offensive possessions in the country. They're 350 out of 351.

[Muskeagle]

Straightshooter on Amazon.com:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CrdoLI1sL._SX317_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Seems like anything BUT (butt?) a straight shooter!

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[XU 23]

X seems confused on half court offense. Bigs lacking confidence down there. Reynolds arm hook on his moves needs fixed immediately. Farr is versatile in his options, but is unsure in what option to take. The three ball is the common option in the half court offense which, I believe, is our Achilles heal at the moment.
'

I mean we're only 12-0.

[XUFan09]

I stand by my comment I don't care about ken Pom right now. Look more closely at the numbers. Every good team they played with the exception of Villanova Virginia scores significantly lower. Basically they light it up vs bad teams and can't get out of the 60's vs good and marginal teams

Juice is right about the pace of play having a serious affect on points per game. That is actually a bad pace to maintain if you want to win championships, though, as you want to have more possessions per game if you want to reduce the variance from the mean.

Anyway, here are UVA's stats versus top 100 defenses, with the defensive rankings in front:

#29 Ohio State: 1.12 points per possession
#89 William & Mary: 1.03 points per possession
#7 West Virginia: 1.08 points per possession
#12 Villanova: 1.43 points per possession (Villanova finished with 1.25 points per possession and this was clearly not a defensive-minded game, but still)
#52 California: 1.02 points per possession

These aren't amazing numbers, so I can definitely see the argument that UVA isn't an elite offensive squad. Still, those stats are all at or well above the D1 average (1.023), and that's when the Cavaliers are facing far above average defenses.

[X-Men]

The thing I hate about playing Villanova is that your team's success hinges so much on if their 3 ball is falling and that is one of the harder stats for a defense to affect (at least according to Kenpom). Not saying Xavier can't make it a little tougher for them out there, but some of it will just come down to luck assuming they play their game. X will have to hold them to one shot and hopefully can keep Nova from big scoring runs. Our offense should be fine if we dont turn it over like we did against WF. So basically I'm providing John Madden analysis. Stop them from scoring as much as possible and score a lot on offense.

The big thing is that we match up so much better than years past to Nova. Regardless of what happens on the 31st, we will finally beat them this year when they come to Cintas. Merry Christmas everyone. Go X!

[XUFan09]

Our defense so far ranks near the bottom of D1 in opponents' ratio of three-point attempts to total field goal attempts, at a whopping 41.7% of total attempts. That's a lot of threes attempted in a game, most likely because Xavier's defense frequently frustrates other attempts to score, so the deep ball becomes the best option. I do think the stat is a little inflated, as teams who have fallen behind double-digits will naturally start chucking up threes to try to cut into the deficit, but still, that's not an ideal stat. X-Men is right in that three-point percentage is something a defense can't affect as much. Xavier ranks in the top 50 right now in opponents' three-point percentage, at 30.1%, but allowing so many attempts in a game is playing with fire. The best perimeter defense doesn't just contest these shots; it runs opponents off the three-point line into contested two-point jumpers.

[XU 87]

X seems confused on half court offense. Bigs lacking confidence down there. Reynolds arm hook on his moves needs fixed immediately. Farr is versatile in his options, but is unsure in what option to take. The three ball is the common option in the half court offense which, I believe, is our Achilles heal at the moment.
'

Madness31, is this you?

[xuwin]

Madness31, is this you?

Maybe his identical twin.

[XfansinKy]

Our defense so far ranks near the bottom of D1 in opponents' ratio of three-point attempts to total field goal attempts, at a whopping 41.7% of total attempts. That's a lot of threes attempted in a game, most likely because Xavier's defense frequently frustrates other attempts to score, so the deep ball becomes the best option. I do think the stat is a little inflated, as teams who have fallen behind double-digits will naturally start chucking up threes to try to cut into the deficit, but still, that's not an ideal stat. X-Men is right in that three-point percentage is something a defense can't affect as much. Xavier ranks in the top 50 right now in opponents' three-point percentage, at 30.1%, but allowing so many attempts in a game is playing with fire. The best perimeter defense doesn't just contest these shots; it runs opponents off the three-point line into contested two-point jumpers.

Just a guess but the way X has been blowing teams out, I would expect a lot of threes against us from teams trying to shoot back in the game.

[UCGRAD4X]

The thing I hate about playing Villanova is that your team's success hinges so much on if their 3 ball is falling and that is one of the harder stats for a defense to affect (at least according to Kenpom). Not saying Xavier can't make it a little tougher for them out there, but some of it will just come down to luck assuming they play their game. X will have to hold them to one shot and hopefully can keep Nova from big scoring runs. Our offense should be fine if we dont turn it over like we did against WF. So basically I'm providing John Madden analysis. Stop them from scoring as much as possible and score a lot on offense.

You need to get this to Coach Mack IMMEDIATELY (if not sooner)!

[X-Men]

You need to get this to Coach Mack IMMEDIATELY (if not sooner)!

I remind him before every game. My Madden logic is the key behind our 12-0 season.

[UCGRAD4X]

I remind him before every game. My Madden logic is the key behind our 12-0 season.

I just hope it doesn't get out to the other teams until the season is over. Could be disastrous.

[bobbiemcgee]

We should match up well. Kris Jenkins may not play due to bad ankle. Not the same 'Nova team and we are much better. I'm mainly worried about the long layoff and rust creeping in.

[xu82]

Well, lucky me! The Villanova game happens to be at the exact same time as the Peach Bowl to which my wife has acquired tickets for us and all our FSU family and friends. Nobody understands why I'm considerably less excited about this "gift" than the rest of the crowd.

[XfansinKy]

X seems confused on half court offense. Bigs lacking confidence down there. Reynolds arm hook on his moves needs fixed immediately. Farr is versatile in his options, but is unsure in what option to take. The three ball is the common option in the half court offense which, I believe, is our Achilles heal at the moment.
'

Reynolds is getting the ball a lot more than last year as well so every stats gonna go up. Good and bad. How many "twin towers" have you seen better than ours this year? Not dogging you, just asking.

[xdude]

I think we give Nova a hell of a game, and it would seem the pressure is more on them. Two years ago we started Eric Stenger [grateful we had him at the time]. Last year they were still the more talented team. Not so now. If we have an Achilles Heel, it's pretty teenie-weenie.

We're perfect after the first third of the season. Let's hope for a good conference run, and that we're perfect in the dance competition... :)

[MADXSTER]

Is it game time yet?

[JAPER]

Is it game time yet?

Seriously, I'm up tonight waiting for a group of guys setting up a ping-pong table in my basement a few minutes away from midnight. It was supposed to be delivered before the Nativity of Christ. I'm ready to go for this game now!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Seriously, I'm up tonight waiting for a group of guys setting up a ping-pong table in my basement a few minutes away from midnight. It was supposed to be delivered before the Nativity of Christ. I'm ready to go for this game now!

Ha, funny, my parents got one too for my little brother that was also supposed to arrive before Christmas but did not come and will arrive Monday.

[bleedXblue]

If we rebound well and don't turn it over more than we typically do, I like our chances.

[Drew]

Nova is not the team they were a year ago and Brunson is pretty much redundant while arcidiacono is there. X wins by double digits easily.

[XUFan09]

Nova is not the team they were a year ago and Brunson is pretty much redundant while arcidiacono is there. X wins by double digits easily.
Agree on Nova overall. Disagree on Brunson. He brings different things to the table from Arcidiacono and in a way helps fill the void of Hilliard. Who they are really missing is Pinkston.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[paulxu]

Maybe posted elsewhere. If not, some nice pub for the BE and our upcoming game from the mothership.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/109908/on-the-quad-big-easts-first-week-of-conference-play-is-loaded

[Masterofreality]

Maybe posted elsewhere. If not, some nice pub for the BE and our upcoming game from the mothership.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/109908/on-the-quad-big-easts-first-week-of-conference-play-is-loaded

Well, it is becoming more and more difficult for the 4 letter network to ignore the 3rd computer rated league with 4 in the Top 25.

[Xville]

Nova is not the team they were a year ago and Brunson is pretty much redundant while arcidiacono is there. X wins by double digits easily.

Agree with Nova as a whole. Honestly, I don't think they were that great last year either...the Big East (though the computer numbers say differently) I don't think were all that great last year, and March kind of proved that. Anyways, I think the league is better this year, and I think Nova has slipped a little bit.

With all of that said, I just don't see an easy double digit win against them at their place. We should win this game, because I believe we are better than them, but they are really tough at home.

[xufan2434]

Agree with Nova as a whole. Honestly, I don't think they were that great last year either...the Big East (though the computer numbers say differently) I don't think were all that great last year, and March kind of proved that. Anyways, I think the league is better this year, and I think Nova has slipped a little bit.

With all of that said, I just don't see an easy double digit win against them at their place. We should win this game, because I believe we are better than them, but they are really tough at home.

Agreed. No one is getting an "easy" win at NOVA. I expect them to be up for this game and play with a chip on their shoulder. Biggest key I think for X is to match their intensity on the defensive end. If our guys play defense like they're capable of playing and get into them, then I think we'll win

[Emp]

Stub hub has 90$ Nova student section tickets....., and it will run you $350 a pop lower level mid court seats. Butler @ Nova seats are currently starting at $220.

very few tix for Butler game Saturday.. ...standing room $60, corner of the student section 116 listed at $250!

We're not in the A10 any more.

[THRILLHOUSE]

I think X is the better team, but like most Nova games it will likely come down to if they are hitting the 3 or not. They struggle from deep, X wins, if they are hitting their 3's, could be a long afternoon for X.

[profson]

On the revised goxavier.com site I can't find where alumni chapters are meeting to view games. Can someone direct me?

[paulxu]

Google is your friend.

http://www.xavier.edu/alumni/Attend-Events.cfm

Edit: Philly doesn't seem to have a chapter.

[xufan2434]

Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery will be on the call for Thursday at Noon

Bout time we get this team this year. Should be a good one

[D-West & PO-Z]

I still have no clear idea what I am going to do in terms of watching this game. Ugh.

I will under no circumstances alllow myself to hear the outcome of this game before I get to watch a recorded version, even if I have to go into the next day before I get to watch.

[paulxu]

Only division 1 game starting at 12 noon on Thursday.
The only bowl game is Houston v Fla State.

Maybe FS1 will get some eyeballs for this game on NYE.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Only division 1 game starting at 12 noon on Thursday.
The only bowl game is Houston v Fla State.

Maybe FS1 will get some eyeballs for this game on NYE.

I'm confused, did NYE day become some sort of holiday that I dont know about? Are most people off work?

[xu82]

Only division 1 game starting at 12 noon on Thursday.
The only bowl game is Houston v Fla State.

Maybe FS1 will get some eyeballs for this game on NYE.

Well, don't I feel lucky to have a wife who thought to buy tickets to that FSU game for our FSU son and assorted friends and family. Combine that with dinner reservations for 16 at 5:30 (the only time we could get for that many) and the whole gang at our house the next day and I'm not even sure when to squeeze in the replay.

[xu82]

I'm confused, did NYE day become some sort of holiday that I dont know about? Are most people off work?

It's usually a half day for those who show at all.

[paulxu]

Well, don't I feel lucky to have a wife who thought to buy tickets to that FSU game for our FSU son and assorted friends and family. Combine that with dinner reservations for 16 at 5:30 (the only time we could get for that many) and the whole gang at our house the next day and I'm not even sure when to squeeze in the replay.

Are you sure you graduated from Xavier?

[xu82]

Are you sure you graduated from Xavier?

Graduated? From Xavier? I have a Ph.D. From Dana's, but I'm not sure where I stand with X.

[XUFan09]

Well, don't I feel lucky to have a wife who thought to buy tickets to that FSU game for our FSU son and assorted friends and family. Combine that with dinner reservations for 16 at 5:30 (the only time we could get for that many) and the whole gang at our house the next day and I'm not even sure when to squeeze in the replay.
I'm glad I don't care about football.

"Hey, I got tickets to the BCS national championship!"
"Great! What do you think they'll sell for?"

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[UCGRAD4X]

I'm glad I don't care about football.

"Hey, I got tickets to the BCS national championship!"
"Great! What do you think they'll sell for?"

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

I'll give you five bucks American.

[XUMIOH12]

I'm gonna have to test out the fox sports go app when trying to watch this game at work. Otherwise i wont be able to watch a recording of it until a few days later.

[Caveat]

I'm confused, did NYE day become some sort of holiday that I dont know about? Are most people off work?

No, but everyone I know uses a vacation day (or at least takes a half day) when it falls on a weekday.

[muskiefan82]

What is Kris Jenkins' status for this game?

[THRILLHOUSE]

What is Kris Jenkins' status for this game?

He didn't start last night, but played 19 minutes. So I'd imagine he's fine for Thursday.

[xufan2434]

I'm gonna have to test out the fox sports go app when trying to watch this game at work. Otherwise i wont be able to watch a recording of it until a few days later.

It not terrible, video quality is actually pretty good. Only reason I like ESPN's better is because they allow you to connect with other devices and essentially stream through the tv from your phone/ipad.

Obviously a couple minutes delayed but solid overall. I'll have it on one of my monitors away from the boss

[xu82]

I'm glad I don't care about football.

"Hey, I got tickets to the BCS national championship!"
"Great! What do you think they'll sell for?"

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

I don't care nearly enough about the Peach Bowl to miss the Nova game, but sometimes life happens that way. Sadly.

[XU '11]

Google is your friend.

http://www.xavier.edu/alumni/Attend-Events.cfm

Edit: Philly doesn't seem to have a chapter.

Philly is part of the Delaware Valley.

[TUclutch]

I'm confused, did NYE day become some sort of holiday that I dont know about? Are most people off work?

Every job Ive had we've gotten NYE off as well as Jan 1

[Cheesehead]

Every job Ive had we've gotten NYE off as well as Jan 1

Our office gets out at 2:00 pm which serves no useful purpose for me so I took a half day. I will not be denied! Racing over to SufXU's palatial estate to watch the game.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Every job Ive had we've gotten NYE off as well as Jan 1

Nice.

Granted I do work in an industry where you cant just close up shop but I was still surprised that so many sporting events were scheduled for early and middle of day NYE. Was wondering how many people get the day off.

Unfortunately I only get 3 holidays off /year Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Years Day, all the rest are business as usual.

[TUclutch]

Nice.

Granted I do work in an industry where you cant just close up shop but I was still surprised that so many sporting events were scheduled for early and middle of day NYE. Was wondering how many people get the day off.

Unfortunately I only get 3 holidays off /year Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Years Day, all the rest are business as usual.

If I had that situation I would probably save most of my vacation days for the end of the year

[Nigel Tufnel]

Looks like the line is opening at Nova -3.5. Be interesting to who the public is backing and how/if the line moves. Tomorrow can't come quickly enough.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If I had that situation I would probably save most of my vacation days for the end of the year

Unfortunately also it is hard to take a lot of time off around the holidays in my work. Our company has to make it as fair as possible so people only take a day here and a day there. I could never take extended time really.

Medicare dont give a shit about my vacation. Boo.

[xavierj]

I got a chance to watch this group practice yesterday. They are a tough group with a ton of confidence in my mind. Confident from top to bottom. Sumner is just special and on top of that a really respectful bunch of young men. I think they will show up and get a big win. Big things on the horizon.

[Emp]

4-21 all time vs nova???? I had to look it up. Last win in 2006. Exactly 1 win at the Pavillion.

It's about time to fix that.

[Emp]

Looks like the line is opening at Nova -3.5. Be interesting to who the public is backing and how/if the line moves. Tomorrow can't come quickly enough.

I see X +4/4.5 at SBR, 142 o/u. Eastern money likes Nova.

[JEHARDI]

How many in a row has Nova won at the Pavilion? When was their last loss? Go X!

[Emp]

How many in a row has Nova won at the Pavilion? When was their last loss? Go X!

Lost several home Pavilion games in 2012-13 season, last to Providence 2-3-2015. Lost to creighton but at Wells Fargo two seasons ago.

[JEHARDI]

Lost several home Pavilion games in 2012-13 season, last to Providence 2-3-2015. Lost to creighton but at Wells Fargo two seasons ago.

Thanks, would have thought they would have been better than that in the Pavilion.

[paulxu]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CXhqYgPWkAAFuix.jpg

[MuskieXU]

I apologize if this has been mentioned, but Villanova is now up to #2 in RPI per ESPN. This may not be our most important game of the season, but a win today would help our RPI more than any game for the rest of the season. Go X.

[muskieindent]

I think this is the first time we've played Villanova that we are as good as if not better than them.

[xufan2434]

I think this is the first time we've played Villanova that we are as good as if not better than them.

It's what I believe, but refusing to acknowledge it until we win. This needs to be Jalen's wake up game to get rolling for conference play. If they can get him going early, that'll be HUGE for the rest of the game. Time for him to live up to the pre season hype

[Emp]

Jalen has had some good games vs Nova. I like Ochefu, but two timing him with Farr the whole way will help.

The biggest issue is how much we can play the 1-3-1 without Nova going wild with 3s. Mack basically dares the other team to shoot over it at the seams.

[BMoreX]

Lol http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/31/e63f42712fc5d6e7168031aa24d0c6d5.jpg

[Emp]

Line moving towards +6.5, money line moving as well.

[tmac03]

Anyone know of any non-Fox Sports streams for those of us stuck at work today?

[bleedXblue]

Gotta win rebounding today by a good margin (+7 or 8 or better) and have to limit TO's. If we do these two things we'll be in great shape. Limiting Villanova's possession will be key. Should be a good one.

[Westbrook36]

How many in a row has Nova won at the Pavilion? When was their last loss? Go X!

34, last loss at the Pavilion was to Providence on 2/3/13.

[American X]

AmX Key To The Game: Finish Shots! Xavier has been adept at getting to the rim, but not necessarily getting that first attempt in. The other-worldly offensive rebounding has saved us to this point. Need better initial execution to beat Villanova caliber competition. Especially in transition, get the bucket and one, not just two foul shot attempts.

[BMoreX]

Hahaha this place is a dump

[xufan2434]

Anyone know of any non-Fox Sports streams for those of us stuck at work today?

Can you not use the fox sports go site from work? That's how I'll be doing it

[Titanxman04]

Live chat link?


Check that, didn't see the other thread. File this under "dumbass".

[xavierj]

Anyone else having problems with Time Warner today? Was down for two hours, came back up and went down again. Not a good day for this crap.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Line moving towards +6.5, money line moving as well.

This has me a bit concerned. Public money is on X at about 70% and the line has jumped from -3.5 to -6.5. Ouch. Sharps are loading up on Nova. Let's hope they are wrong today.

[XfansinKy]

Gotta get Jalen the ball early. If he keeps a couple of their big guys occupied, we have too many shooters/scorers.

[xufan2434]

Jalen Brunson scratched from the starting lineup with a virus. Looks like he's still going to play but a big loss for Nova if he can't go that many minutes

[Jesuit4Life]

Can you not use the fox sports go site from work? That's how I'll be doing it

Yeah, this should work. You can stream on FOX Sports Go (http://www.foxsports.com/foxsportsgo/) using your TV login.

[MauriceX]

I'm using the Fox Sports Go app on my computer and it is saying that the Xavier-Nova game won't be available until 1:25. It's also listed as Nova @ Xavier.

If you go to the FSGo website, it's listed correctly though.

[Jesuit4Life]

Byron & Joe on 700WLW via iHeartRadio too

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[XfansinKy]

Oh man this is not cool.

[XfansinKy]

Really glad to see his arms moving.

[oddblob]

fuck this

[GoMuskies]

Someone needs to take out Arch. Dicks

[Blue Blobs Bro]

That was a hard hard foul.

[RealDeal]

Shit.

[Emp]

Someone needs to take out Arch. Dicks

Really?

[GoMuskies]

Really?

No. Not really, but still fuck them.

[paulxu]

I did not see it. Did he hit his head on the floor?

[Jesuit4Life]

https://twitter.com/RobDauster/status/682609860098273280

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[oddblob]

this is going to be really, really tough

[BMoreX]

Don't see how you can get back on the court after that. A tough game just got impossible.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Forced to gamecast what happened to Sumner? Is he hurt?


Don't see how you can get back on the court after that. A tough game just got impossible.

[xufan2020]

Yeah, where's Sumner?

[waggy]

Sumner fouled hard under basket. Down on floor for a while. Taken off on stretcher, but moving extremities. Out for unknown period.

[oddblob]

sigh

[Emp]

Ochefu landed on his head and shoulders while he's On the floor. Hard to tell about the second or first collision.

[Xville]

Yeah, where's Sumner?

Went out on a stretcher for precaution for a head/neck injury..at best a concussion

[xufan2020]

sumner fouled hard under basket. Down on floor for a while. Taken off on stretcher, but moving extremities. Out for unknown period.
danmittt

[XfansinKy]

Gotta hang in n be tough until someone gives them good news on Edmon.

[Xville]

Myles get your head out of your effing ass. He needs to sit for a while.

[waggy]

Myles get your head out of your effing ass. He needs to sit for a while.


Any necessary head from ass pulling might be on your end.

[Jesuit4Life]

@jeffborzello:
FS1 telecast says Edmond Sumner has "movement in his extremities" and is being taken to the hospital.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[boozehound]

That was a fucking scumbag move and should be a flagrant foul.

[Xville]

I'm really starting to hate villanova...conference mate or not f them!

[oddblob]

we're toast. this may well be a blow out

[Xville]

Any necessary head from ass pulling might be on your end.

Good talk

[paulxu]

I'm having a hard time seeing these touch fouls on Reynolds.
But if we leave the 3 ball shots open, this will be an ugly result.

[RealDeal]

It would be great if Villanova played this well in the NCAA tournament.

[XfansinKy]

That was a fucking scumbag move and should be a flagrant foul.

Yea he wasn't playing the ball at all. Fuck nova!

[oddblob]

turning it off for now. not in the mood for nova fanfare

[Blue Blooded-05]

They're 5-7 from 3 at this point.

[Blue Blooded-05]

They're 5-7 from 3 at this point.

Make that 6-8

[Xville]

It would be great if Villanova played this well in the NCAA tournament.

That's the thing with them....they shoot really really well at home...doesn't translate to neutral environments when teams punish them inside.

[paulxu]

6 for 8. 80% overall. Unbelievable.
I would like to think we can defend better than this; with our without Edmond.
I'm somewhat disappointed in the defensive effort.

[Xville]

I think we will be ok....need to get to halftime asap so the guys can regroup.

[BandAid]

It would be great if Villanova played this well in the NCAA tournament.

No shit. They probably won't hit 20% of their threes in the second round and fold early again. Regular season heroes

[BandAid]

6 for 8. 80% overall. Unbelievable.
I would like to think we can defend better than this; with our without Edmond.
I'm somewhat disappointed in the defensive effort.

A couple of those threes were unreal. The defense hasn't been that bad

[drudy23]

This feels very familiar.

[XfansinKy]

Myles is totally lost right now.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Hard to blame the lack of focus, their teammate was carted off.


Myles is totally lost right now.

[boozehound]

That's the thing with them....they shoot really really well at home...doesn't translate to neutral environments when teams punish them inside.

Which is what I don't like about them as a conference mate. Failing to make the Sweet 16 as a 1 seed last year is a perfect example, but it is far from the first/only time.

[XfansinKy]

Hard to blame the lack of focus, their teammate was carted off.

I hear ya n have been watching the game too. Myles is the leader

[boozehound]

This is exactly what I feared we might look like coming into this season, before we knew Sumner was the real deal. We don't have a PG to run our offense. Hopefully we can figure something out before Butler.

[XUBob]

For some reason Nova shoots lights out against us every time we play them. Our D hasn't t been horrible but they can't miss. Now on the other hand too many turnovers.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Yep, that looked like it will take a couple weeks to return from.


This is exactly what I feared we might look like coming into this season, before we knew Sumner was the real deal. We don't have a PG to run our offense. Hopefully we can figure something out before Butler.

[Emp]

Well, quite a show from ArchiD.

Mack hasn't called a TO.

[XfansinKy]

Well, quite a show from ArchiD.

Mack hasn't called a TO.
Lol I know. I was wondering about that and why.

[drudy23]

They've made everything...we've handed them the ball 10 times...just don't get anyone else hurt.

This has a lot different feel than Wake Forest. Just didn't have it today boys.

[Jesuit4Life]

@danaandvictory:
Xavier's heads are (understandably) elsewhere and Nova has taken advantage. Margin is irrelevant to me, all that matters is good news on Ed.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[THRILLHOUSE]

Villanova can't miss and we lost our most important player. Perfect sh*t storm of events. Oh well, at this point hope Sumner will be ok and that we can put this behind us before the Butler game tips off.

[Emp]

Austin, deer, headlights. Why are the passing to him into a trap?

[Blue Blobs Bro]

Also, fuck these refs

[Xavier]

Yeah, really all that matters at this point is Sumner health.

[Blue Blobs Bro]

How is everything a foul

[drudy23]

That was a 100% flop by Myles...how do refs continue to call that garbage multiple times per game?

[Blue Blobs Bro]

That was a 100% flop by Myles...how do refs continue to call that garbage multiple times per game?


There's a big difference between a flop and a sell. He did extend his arm.

[BandAid]

That was a 100% flop by Myles...how do refs continue to call that garbage multiple times per game?

No kidding. I suggest a new strategy: fall down every time on defense

[Emp]

Macura is passing up open 3s? They aren't quitting, but out of sync.

[coasterville95]

Just got off work, made my way to Listermann to grab some Cincinnatus. Saw the TV. It's a good thing they have multiple 10%plus beers on tap right now.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

So with 'Nova missing a few why are we blasting threes when 2's get us closer before the half.

[GoMuskies]

We are Dayton to Villanova's Xavier.

[Blue Blobs Bro]

Charge?!?!??

[Emp]

Bad call n Bluett

[Emp]

we are dayton to villanova's xavier.

wtf.....??????

[Jesuit4Life]

We are Dayton to Villanova's Xavier.
What about in March?

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

Bad call n Bluett

The dude fell down...therefore, foul.

[GoMuskies]

wtf.....??????

They own us.

[drudy23]

They own us.

x100 at their place.

[Xville]

Well, that sucked

[Jesuit4Life]

This is still doable. Time to regroup.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[xavierj]

They own us.

Minus our best player.

[BandAid]

There's seems to be one game each year where everything goes wrong. I present to you this game.

[GoMuskies]

Minus our best player.

Yes, but this isn't a one time deal.

[Xville]

Well, just like the wake ganme, the defensive intensity needs to step up. Do that, and maybe we make this a game.

[X Factor]

Sumner going down just sucked the life right out of this team. You could see it in their eyes while they were attending to Ed.

[xufan2434]

WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYY... Where the hell has this shooting been all year from them? It's absurd. F Archi. Mack cannot seriously go 1-3-1 in the 2nd. Not that the refs are causing this deficit because they're lights out, but these offensive calls are ridiculous.

[xavierj]

There's seems to be one game each year where everything goes wrong. I present to you this game.

Nova sucks on 3's in NCAA tourney every year, last game 1 of 11. Today? WTF?

[xufan2434]

Nova sucks on 3's in NCAA tourney every year, last game 1 of 11. Today? WTF?

2nd round exit and we'll advance in March

[X-Men]

Well that couldn't have gone much worse...

[waggy]

We're their Superbowl.

[Blue Blobs Bro]

Glad to see they decided to show up from three now that they are in big east play, rather than against the other two top ten teams.

[xavierj]

Yes, but this isn't a one time deal.

This was first time an NBA point guard from Xavier ever played against Nova.

[Emp]

We are Dayton to Villanova's Xavier.

Putting Dayton and Xavier on the same side of an equation is disgusting.

[xufan2434]

Well, just like the wake ganme, the defensive intensity needs to step up. Do that, and maybe we make this a game.

Agree to an extent. I think X has more intensity this game than Wake but it's killer when Nova isn't missing. It's like quick sand every time we play there. The harder we try, the bigger the deficit grows (ie offensive foul calls, fluke offensive rebounds, 30 footers)

[Blue Blooded-05]

This is only our 3rd year in the Big East, yet it feels like Arcidiacono has been at Villanova for 15 years

[Blue Blooded-05]

We are Dayton to Villanova's Xavier.

Is now where we start talking about how much 'classier' our program/fans/players/coaches/facilities are than theirs?

[XU 23]

This is still doable. Time to regroup.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Finally, something positive.

[Jesuit4Life]

@terrence_payne:
#Villanova went on a 13-2 run after Edmond Sumner’s fall.
#Xavier: 0-2 (2-4 FT) 4 turnovers during that run

First half was shellshock. Second half can be different.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[RealDeal]

Seriously, we need Larry Austin to be better than this. I think he can be.

[X Factor]

Seriously, we need Larry Austin to be better than this. I think he can be.

Not so sure. With Goodin coming in next year, LAJ might not see the floor very much at all.

[Xville]

Alright boys...first four minutes will tell a lot.

[Xville]

Myles is not in this game at all..he needs to sit.

[X Factor]

Myles is NOT a point guard at all.

[xufan2434]

Myles definitely most affected from Sumner's injury. Trying to do too much. Can't blame him, know he's frustrated

[ArizonaXUGrad]

He wasn't asked to be one except only in spot time. Now he is it. Hopefully this is different against Butler. God, I hope Sumner is alright. Not many teams out there can lose a guy like him.


Myles is NOT a point guard at all.

[X Factor]

Arcidiacono is a complete dick!

[boozehound]

Myles is NOT a point guard at all.

No shit. He is a spot-up shooting guard with an OK handle. He is very good for what he is, but he is not (not was he ever) a PG.

[Xville]

How many turnovers are we going to have? 30?

[xavierj]

Can Xavier hang on the rim like that?

[paulxu]

Can Xavier hang on the rim like that?

No. Technical.

Is "matador" defense anything like "ole" defense?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This is a gut check game. Everything changes after today, Sumner is out probably long term, this team needs a PG and a new strategy.

[Muskeagle]

Obviously pissed at how the game is going....but to bring back a couple of points: Archi...d*ck move, when Macura tried to help him up. Also....how is that NOT a technical for hanging on the rim??!!

[coasterville95]

That's not what I want to hear. I was hoping this would at least look competitive but.. In 30 years will Nova fans be touting Obama fat heads???

[BandAid]

Obviously pissed at how the game is going....but to bring back a couple of points: Archi...d*ck move, when Macura tried to help him up. Also....how is that NOT a technical for hanging on the rim??!!

Archi's out for blood.

And yes, that should've been a T

[paulxu]

I can't remember a game this year where we just let people run through the middle for uncontested layups. Lots of them.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I should stop, but I watched that replay a few times and I am stunned that Jenkins is finishing this game on the court. Damn, absolutely not a basketball play. Those refs shouldn't work a while for that call.

Edit it was Jenkins.

[mohr5150]

Has a team ever gone from top ten to not ranked? If not, we may be the first.

[SkyWalker]

You cannot play a 1-3-1 zone against a team that shoots and passes as well as Villanova.

[Caveat]

Well, it was fun to dream about high seeds in the tourney for a while.

[GoMuskies]

Has a team ever gone from top ten to not ranked? If not, we may be the first.

We'll see what happens Saturday. I think we'll be fine.

[paulxu]

You cannot play a 1-3-1 zone against a team that shoots and passes as well as Villanova.

This.

[SkyWalker]

More turnovers than a German bakery.

[MuskieXU]

People can rip the RPI all they want but at the end of the day a 1 pt loss or a 30 pt loss counts the same. We're still a top 10 team when healthy and still in fantastic shape. This loss will be fuel to the fire when we play Nova at home, I expect X to come out HUNGRY for a victory. Chalk it up as a loss, regroup, and move on. If people want to write off X after this loss then let em, theyve been doing it for 20 years and we've been proving them wrong for 20 years.

[Xavier]

Yeah if X beats Butler Saturday they will stay in the top 10.

[Xville]

Well, I just hope this doesn't turn into a hangover. Need to regroup and get ready to play on saturday. Our defense today was freaking atrocious. They don't fix that, and everything they accomplished in non con is going to go up in smoke.

[Jesuit4Life]

https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/682627660892143616

Goodman has some other tweets with good perspective too.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[xufan2434]

You cannot play a 1-3-1 zone against a team that shoots and passes as well as Villanova.

I get why he was trying to run it in the first half with the way Nova has been shooting this year... But I simply cannot understand why he's still trying to sneak it in right now

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Big if, Sumner will be down for a while with at least a concussion. We absolutely need him 100% for February/March.


Yeah if X beats Butler Saturday they will stay in the top 10.

[paulxu]

I don't think I'm going to win the pick the score deal.

[X Factor]

Myles has more turnovers than points.

[XfansinKy]

I should stop, but I watched that replay a few times and I am stunned that Jenkins is finishing this game on the court. Damn, absolutely not a basketball play. Those refs shouldn't work a while for that call.

Edit it was Jenkins.

I don't see a play on the ball. Not saying he wanted to hurt anyone.

[paulxu]

Our Pomeroy adjusted defense was 4th in the country. We can come back during the season, but the defensive effort today has been sub-par.

[xufan2434]

I don't see a play on the ball. Not saying he wanted to hurt anyone.

The way he's acted this entire game even besides the play on Sumner has me now hating him more than anyone else in the league

[X Factor]

How many point blank looks have we missed?

[Xavier]

Big if, Sumner will be down for a while with at least a concussion. We absolutely need him 100% for February/March.

I'm not sure we need him to beat Butler. Just force it down low all game.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

With Butler's short bench, a health Sumner allows us to wear them down and own them in the final 5. Game will be tough regardless.


I'm not sure we need him to beat Butler. Just force it down low all game.