XAVIER vs ST JOHN'S

[MADXSTER]

1891 vs 1892

#6 Xavier University Musketeers (13-1) 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
L Villanova 95-64
W Butler 88-69

vs St John's RedStorm (6-8) RPI 202, SOS 99, KENPOM 240
W Wagner 55-57
W UMBC 75-53
W Rutgers 61-59
L Vanderbilt 92-55
L Indiana 83-73
L Fordham 73-57
W St Francis 63-56
W Niagra 48-44
W Syracuse 84-72
L Incarnate Word 73-51
L NJIT 83-74
L South Carolina 75-61
L Creighton 80-70
L Providence 83-65


Location: Queens NY
Wednesday Jan 6th 2015 at 9pm EST
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).

[Titanxman04]

Cannot take any game lightly in this conference. It's difficult sometimes for kids to go into a game against a weak opponent and keep focused. I have little doubt that it'll happen with this group, but here's to hoping that such a thing won't happen Wednesday.

I think we should handle them easily, though.

[sgarcia]

Will we sit Sumner these next 2 games since we are playing the bottom 2 teams in the league? That would give him another 11 days of rest before we play at Marquette on the 16th.

[Muskied]

Will we sit Sumner these next 2 games since we are playing the bottom 2 teams in the league? That would give him another 11 days of rest before we play at Marquette on the 16th.

I'd be shocked if we saw him before Marquette, and that may even include practice. He might not play until Georgetown which would be conservative and we could handle that.

[Xville]

Agreed about Sumner...I would think it is going to at least be two weeks from the injury before we see him again and I think that's even a bit aggressive. That would put him ready to go against Marquette, but may just wait until they are back home again against Georgetown.

[xu82]

This in no way lessens the importance or severity of Ed's injury (disclaimer lest I get jumped upon!), but I can't imagine the panic if we had lost Tu for such and extended period of time. We have so many more options than just a few years ago. I am LOVING this team!

[UCGRAD4X]

1891 vs 1892

#6 Xavier University Musketeers (13-1) 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
L Villanova 95-64
W Butler 88-69

vs St John's RedStorm (6-8) RPI 202, SOS 99, KENPOM 240
W Wagner 55-57
W UMBC 75-53
W Rutgers 61-59
L Vanderbilt 92-55
L Indiana 83-73
L Fordham 73-57
W St Francis 63-56
W Niagra 48-44
W Syracuse 84-72
L Incarnate Word 73-51
L NJIT 83-74
L South Carolina 75-61
L Creighton 80-70
L Providence 83-65
.

Is this for real? They lost to Incarnate Word

by 22 freakin points!!!!

OMG!:shocked2:

[GoMuskies]

Is this for real? They lost to Incarnate Word

by 22 freakin points!!!!

OMG!:shocked2:

It was a better game than they were able to give St. Thomas Aquinas.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

St. John's is a Jekyl and Hyde team. Let's we get the easy one. Anyone else notice we are playing at another 5k capacity gym?

[GoMuskies]

St. John's is a Jekyl and Hyde team.

They're pretty much just Hyde

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Cuse says otherwise...hah! I watched them against Providence. They hung for a while and disappeared when Mullins started subbing.


They're pretty much just Hyde

[XMuskieFTW]

They're pretty much just Hyde

Jekyl against Syracuse. Hyde against everyone else.

[XUFan09]

Syracuse isn't really good this year, but they are still so much better than St. John's that the Jekyll and Hyde label stands. Really, the best they've done this year is not let the Providence game get out of hand. Only losing by 18 is an impressive feat for this squad.

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[MADXSTER]

St John's had to change their nickname from Redmen to Red Storm. LAME!!! Maybe they should be St Jon's

[XMuskieFTW]

just landed in New York. Really looking forward to this one even though it shouldn't be all too difficult.

[xu82]

just landed in New York. Really looking forward to this one even though it shouldn't be all too difficult.

Have you been taxed yet?


Silly question, I hope it didn't hurt too bad.

[MADXSTER]

just landed in New York. Really looking forward to this one even though it shouldn't be all too difficult.

Kenny Tarmac is in the house

[XMuskieFTW]

Have you been taxed yet?


Silly question, I hope it didn't hurt too bad.

Free flights with credit card rewards and free place to stay with my cousin. Taxation will be minimal. :D

[XMuskieFTW]

Kenny Tarmac is in the house

Sorry this is a no fly zone.

[Masterofreality]

just landed in New York. Really looking forward to this one even though it shouldn't be all too difficult.

#RespectYourOpponent

[xu82]

Free flights with credit card rewards and free place to stay with my cousin. Taxation will be minimal. :D

Awesome, stay under the radar. :-)

And have a great time!

[Nigel Tufnel]

Line opened at X -15. A lot of points for a road conference game without your starting PG...regardless of the competition.

[gladdenguy]

Am I the only one really concerned with this game? I hate league road games. So hard.

That 15 points is sounding real good right now.

[GoMuskies]

Give the 15. St. John's is turrrible.

[D-West & PO-Z]

X covers and the over covers

[GoMuskies]

and the over covers

You see a #? I don't have one yet.

[D-West & PO-Z]

You see a #? I don't have one yet.

I saw 142.5

[XUFan09]

X covers and the over covers
Yup. The only way the over doesn't cover is if Xavier absolutely shuts down St. John's meagre offense. Okay, that has a legitimate shot of happening.

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[GoMuskies]

I saw 142.5

I think that might be heavy. I could see something in the 75-52 range.

[GoMuskies]

Syracuse lost at home to Clemson tonight...in basketball. We can officially stop giving St. John's (and Georgetown) any credit for that win.

[XMuskieFTW]

Syracuse lost at home to Clemson tonight...in basketball. We can officially stop giving St. John's (and Georgetown) any credit for that win.

We can still give St. John's credit because it's all that they have.

[ballyhoohoo]

At least use the right St Johns logo http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/06/90da9d9fe65742c58173de77ac348b28.jpg

[Masterofreality]

At least use the right St Johns logo http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/06/90da9d9fe65742c58173de77ac348b28.jpg

Can we truly say that pic indicates proper Waste Management?

On another topic- #RespectTheOpponent. Providence obviously didn't last night.

[GoMuskies]

The players need to respect the opponent. We are free to call a shitty team shitty.

[Masterofreality]

The players need to respect the opponent. We are free to call a shitty team shitty.

As always, A, you are fully free to speak your mind on any topic- and you have. Almost 19,000 times on this board alone! :laugh:

[ArizonaXUGrad]

It's D1 ball, and gone are the days where a half effort wins games from opponents in the 100-150 range. Marquette proved that last night.

[GoMuskies]

It's D1 ball, and gone are the days where a half effort wins games from opponents in the 100-150 range. Marquette proved that last night.

St. John's dream is to be in 100-150 range.

[xukeith]

It's D1 ball, and gone are the days where a half effort wins games from opponents in the 100-150 range. Marquette proved that last night.

So true! It will be difficult to get road wins @ Seton Hall, @Marquette, @Creighton, @Providence, and @Georgetown and @Butler.

If X can only lose 4-5 I will be very happy.

[XUMIOH12]

So true! It will be difficult to get road wins @ Seton Hall, @Marquette, @Creighton, @Providence, and @Georgetown and @Butler.

If X can only lose 4-5 I will be very happy.

So why dont you just say it will be difficult to get road wins everywhere in the league except St. John's and DePaul.

[xufan2434]

Reaaaaaaally thought Butler would cover -9.5 last night. I know Depaul is better than St. John's and somehow tougher to play on the road (I was @ Depaul last year) but damn that one sucked to lose on. Learned my lesson of the only time betting on Butler. Think X pulls away in the 2nd but wouldn't be surprised if the Johnnies back their way into a 14 pt loss in the end

[X-band '01]

Xavier is breaking out the "alternate" navy jersey for tonight.

[XUFan09]

Reaaaaaaally thought Butler would cover -9.5 last night. I know Depaul is better than St. John's and somehow tougher to play on the road (I was @ Depaul last year) but damn that one sucked to lose on. Learned my lesson of the only time betting on Butler. Think X pulls away in the 2nd but wouldn't be surprised if the Johnnies back their way into a 14 pt loss in the end
That unpredictability is more to do with DePaul than with Butler. DePaul has talent; they just don't consistently play like they do.

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[Masterofreality]

That unpredictability is more to do with DePaul than with Butler. DePaul has talent; they just don't consistently play like they do.

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They were ingrained well.....by Ollie Purnell.

[paulxu]

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

[UCGRAD4X]

How in the hell did we lose to them last time out?

[drudy23]

How in the hell did we lose to them last time out?

Because their freakish athleticism owned us. They weren't very good basketball players, but damn, they were athletic.

I have no idea what their team is like this year. Do they still have that dude that wears his shorts like the 80s?

[GoMuskies]

How in the hell did we lose to them last time out?

They didn't suck that bad last year.

[xufan2434]

Because their freakish athleticism owned us. They weren't very good basketball players, but damn, they were athletic.

I have no idea what their team is like this year. Do they still have that dude that wears his shorts like the 80s?

They were winning at the half in a non-inspiring win at home last year as well. I haven't watched that much this year, just know they have BG JR, Myke Henry, and the dude that is named the "IV"

[blueblob06]

St. John's offense is 314th in the country? Yikes! That stings. There are 351 teams total.

After Creighton (RPI is 117), a big dropoff to get to DePaul's RPI of 159 and then St. John's is 208!

[GoMuskies]

The St. John's RPI is getting a boost tonight with The Show coming to town.

[Masterofreality]

How in the hell did we lose to them last time out?

Because Phil Greene IV shot three pointers like they were layups. That opened up driving lanes for Poynter and Harrison to take it to the rack.

[X-band '01]

Because their freakish athleticism owned us. They weren't very good basketball players, but damn, they were athletic.

I have no idea what their team is like this year. Do they still have that dude that wears his shorts like the 80s?

Nope - Chris Obekpa transferred to UNLV.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Because Phil Greene IV shot three pointers like they were layups. That opened up driving lanes for Poynter and Harrison to take it to the rack.

That was the first matchup in 2015 at Cintas where Greene went off early in the game, not the one that's referenced on the Gameday Guide. So we actually lost to them twice last season.

In the more recent loss, I remember a bad no call at the end of the game when Remy stole the ball and got hacked on the way to the rim, but the ref swallowed his whistle (X did get the ball out of bounds though, and missed the buzzer beater).

[GIMMFD]

I'm just hoping Chris Mullens is rocking shorts again, because that would be legendary.

[bobbiemcgee]

bump

[KabeX]

That was the first matchup in 2015 at Cintas where Greene went off early in the game, not the one that's referenced on the Gameday Guide. So we actually lost to them twice last season.

In the more recent loss, I remember a bad no call at the end of the game when Remy stole the ball and got hacked on the way to the rim, but the ref swallowed his whistle (X did get the ball out of bounds though, and missed the buzzer beater).

Correct. It happened right in front of me (well relatively I was 30 rows or so up). I enthusiastically expressed my opinion of the officiating deficiency to no avail. But there something good about that game - IT WAS LAST YEAR.

Climb aboard our Flagship. We're headed for the sky.

[BMoreX]

Jalen not starting. Interesting.

[bobbiemcgee]

1st start for JP.

Makinde dressed and warming up.

[Xville]

Jalen not starting. Interesting.

Hmm..Strange after a great game against butler, but whatever. I'm guessing it's either to save on fouls, or it has to do with st johns starting five.

[Xville]

Myles seems to do one thing each game that has me scratching my head.

[Blue Blobs Bro]

Live chat?

[KabeX]

4 buckets. 4 players have scored. Nice.

[bobbiemcgee]

X 5/5 sju 1/9

[Xville]

Great start...keep the pedal all the way down.

[bobbiemcgee]

Live chat?
Can't believe I'm saying this but check under the Live Chat thread here.

[KabeX]

God I love the way Farr rebounds

[Xville]

Gates in before reynolds? Now I'm wondering if Reynolds did something.

[KabeX]

Was wondering the same from the start


Gates in before reynolds? Now I'm wondering if Reynolds did something.

[Xville]

OK now Omara is in? Reynolds is either battling an injury or did something stupid.

[RoseyMuskie]

O'Mara in prior to Reynolds. Have to figure it's for disciplinary purposes.

*or potential injury

[KabeX]

OK, we got our sloppy streak out of the way.

[xudash]

Gates in before reynolds? Now I'm wondering if Reynolds did something.

Then O'Mara comes in. It kind of begs the question: what's up with this lineup?

[xufan2020]

Johnnies replaced Obekpa really well.
Let's go X

[bobbiemcgee]

Reynolds checking in

[RoseyMuskie]

O'Mara in prior to Reynolds. Have to figure it's for disciplinary purposes.

*or potential injury

Held out for ten minutes. Disciplinary.

[bjf123]

Reynolds checking in

Guessing he's in the doghouse for something.


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[XfansinKy]

Austin is a jet! Thanks for the heads up emp

[D-West & PO-Z]

Guessing he's in the doghouse for something.


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For lackluster play maybe?

If there is a game to send a message it is this one.

[mistabeecee41]

Bad stretch for Tre. Bad D lead to 5 SJU points.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jalen having a rough game so far.

[xufan2020]

I really hope Reynolds can improve that footwork.

[KabeX]

Jalen needs to take a cue from Jimmy on finishing near the basket.

[xufan2020]

Anyone else enjoying the fact that neither team is in the bonus?

[XfansinKy]

Is James Farr becoming a definite Dleague potential NBA sub in emergencies? I'm so impressed with his improvement. Not to mention he's huge.

[bobbiemcgee]

JP with 3 fouls already.

Keep running that cross screen. They have no answer for it.

[boozehound]

Jalen needs to take a cue from Jimmy on finishing near the basket.

He could take a cue from Farr on just about everything, honestly. Farr has really stepped up this season. Reynolds hasn't (yet).

[KabeX]

He could take a cue from Farr on just about everything, honestly. Farr has really stepped up this season. Reynolds hasn't (yet).

Yep. Will be interesting to see where he plays next year. It won't be in the NBA (unless it's the D League).

[KabeX]

Good grief. Why are we letting them hang around.

[bobbiemcgee]

TO's hurting us.

[boozehound]

Defense hasn't looked great, rebounding hasn't looked great. Too many turnovers.

[xufan2020]

Good D!
Let's finish this game in the second half!

[RealDeal]

Pretty awful first half, sloppy.

[oddblob]

sloppy and ugly ball

i expect a 180 in the 2nd half

[paulxu]

We have 2 offensive rebounds. They have 12. That's something that needs to change.

[XUFan09]

We have 2 offensive rebounds. They have 12. That's something that needs to change.

I think a big reason for that is that they were missing so badly, it screwed up where Xavier was boxing out.

[drudy23]

Playing with fire letting these suckers stick around.

[RoseyMuskie]

I think a big reason for that is that they were missing so badly, it screwed up where Xavier was boxing out.

Bingo. How many times did an SJU shot hit above the square on the glass?

There were two poor box outs, which lead to the Mvoui three/putback two, but other than that, the shots played heavily into it.

[drudy23]

I think a big reason for that is that they were missing so badly, it screwed up where Xavier was boxing out.

Agreed...bad misses make for tough rebounds.

[XfansinKy]

Would really like to see Jalen, Farr n Bluiett take over.

[drudy23]

Good God...hit a shot...quit giving these fools hope.

[sirthought]

Wow, that half was a bit hard to watch. Between all the shockingly poor shots from St. Johns to Reynolds just making mistake after mistake. Reynolds will need to really focus better if he wants to dominate––like he should be capable of. Bad footwork. Not executing his moves to the basket.

I'm rooting for him!

[xukeith]

I don't care how ugly. I will take a win and a healthy Sumner soon.

[drudy23]

No rhythm at all.

[drudy23]

Seriously Reynolds needs to sit...put Farr in for the remainder.

[paulxu]

Dunk the ball when you are standing under the rim Jalen.

[sirthought]

Larry Austin is finishing at the rim better than some of our big men.

[sirthought]

These guys really need to run a play rather than freelance every time.

[drudy23]

SJU is really bad.

[sgarcia]

Burn this game tape. This is a miserable game to watch. I'm just thankful St John's is atrocious.

[xudash]

Reynolds is a basket case tonight.

Something is going on with him.

[KabeX]

This is freakin ugly

[paulxu]

Sometimes we play so ugly.

[Chester Copperpot]

Both teams already in bonus...what a trainwreck

[KabeX]

Here comes a run. Hopefully it's by us.

[XfansinKy]

Pick up the pace a little, end this game quicker, get out of there with a W. Ugly.

[Muskeagle]

Myles is pretty clutch. Like his leadership.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Live chat is epic right now, wayyyyyy better than this game.

[paulxu]

With the fouls this game should be over by at least 12.

[GoMuskies]

Thank God St. John's is awful.

[sirthought]

It says we have 13 turn overs, but it feels like so many more than that.

[boozehound]

This team cannot handle any type of pressure without Sumner.

[GoMuskies]

The players might me required to run to the airport to meet the charter.

[sirthought]

I suggest slowing down a bit and have Davis handle the ball as much as possible. We need to control this mess.

[KabeX]

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

[bjf123]

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Exactly!


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[mistabeecee41]

Can't wait to hear Chris Mack explain this one. Out coached by a guy who has no idea what he's doing.

[GoMuskies]

Thank God St. John's is really stupid to go along with being awful.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Anybody's game.

[sirthought]

That technical may have saved us!

[KabeX]

Stop + Free Throws (made) = less cussing from KabeX

[GoMuskies]

Myles Davis gets a ride to the airport. Everyone else walks.

[sirthought]

Davis is huge tonight!

[paulxu]

Myles Davis gets a ride to the airport. Everyone else walks.

This

[oddblob]

bailed out. this was not pretty.

a w is a w...

[XfansinKy]

Big time crunch play by Tre

[KabeX]

Lots and lots of teachable moments for Professor Mack

[GoMuskies]

Get in, get a win, get out.

But yikes.

[RoseyMuskie]

Myles willed the team to victory.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Anyone know what MAck might have been saying to ref at end?

[ballyhoohoo]

Anyone know what MAck might have been saying to ref at end?

Something about fudruckers?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Live chat was only reason I got through that game without falling asleep or crying.

[xu82]

Myles is a MAN. We played down to them and got a lot of mid-roster guys important minutes for development. We won, so I'm happy. (But Lordy that was ugly!)

[xu82]

Live chat was only reason I got through that game without falling asleep or crying.

Support groups are good therapy.

[GoMuskies]

Anyone know what MAck might have been saying to ref at end?

"Sorry you had to watch that."

[GreatWhiteNorth]

We shouldn't have to struggle to win this one, but we did. We are lucky S.J. did not play very well. Well, it's a W and on to the next game.

[paulxu]

I think our RPI actually went down a little.

[X-Fan]

Get in, get a win, get out.

But yikes.

Wow, that was rough. Continued sloppy play, not valuing the ball, and not finishing. Seems like the team is going too fast. Way too many dumb turnovers. Glad they got the W!!!!

[xumuskies08]

Well that was ugly as hell. At least they picked the right team to play like crap against.

[XMuskieFTW]

That was awful. Was there in person and just very uninspired. We need to play with more emotion. The team definitely was looking past this one.

[XUFan09]

We shouldn't have to struggle to win this one, but we did. We are lucky S.J. did not play very well. Well, it's a W and on to the next game.
No, they suck. We would have been unlucky if they actually did play well.

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[xavierj]

Wow, that was rough. Continued sloppy play, not valuing the ball, and not finishing. Seems like the team is going too fast. Way too many dumb turnovers. Glad they got the W!!!!

On the bright side, if Xavier had its best player, they win by 25+.

[Masterofreality]

Man, that was uuuuuuuuuuuugly, but a road win in league. We take it and move on. They all won't be Mona Lisas! :-)

[xu82]

On the bright side, if Xavier had its best player, they win by 25+.

Probably, and they learned a good lesson on the road in the Big East. ALL these teams are good. Mack did a great job mixing up the lineup and challenging some younger guys. That will only help their development. Not entirely sure what was behind all that, but we won so it can't hurt long term.

[SkyWalker]

Mack did a great job mixing up the lineup and challenging some younger guys.

Yes, but that sure made it more interesting than it needed to be.

[Masterofreality]

Chris Mack is pissed on the post game.....other than at Myles Davis and Larry Austin.

There will be a lot of teaching moments coming out of this for the next week. I think we'll smoke DePaul.

What's the line?

[GoMuskies]

ALL these teams are good.


Not all of them. St. John's is bad.

[xu82]

Yes, but that sure made it more interesting than it needed to be.

Well, I only threw up once, barely, so....it wasn't so bad.

[RoseyMuskie]

Poor performance, but followed by an extended break, giving Ed time to rest, and Mack time to coach up these mistakes.

[xu82]

Not all of them. St. John's is bad.

They were comically bad offensively, but it was a tough game. It happens, and fortunately tonight we get a win. It won't be the last time we struggle. I hope the bad games don't all look like THAT!

[Strange Brew]

Roadkill. Next!

[drudy23]

I don't know that I saw alot of mistakes, or having to fix problems...it was just a team that looked bored, disinterested, and lacking a killer instinct. They "knew" they were going to win, and didn't bring it. My guess is that that's what Mack is pissed about. Champions never have that attitude.

It wasn't one of those games where we played poorly...we just went through the motions. To me, it was effort that was disappointing over execution.

[Nildogg]

On the bright side, if Xavier had its best player, they win by 25+.

I know he's important, and very good; but do most X fans really feel that Sumner is the best player on this team??

[drudy23]

I know he's important, and very good; but do most X fans really feel that Sumner is the best player on this team??

No.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I know he's important, and very good; but do most X fans really feel that Sumner is the best player on this team??

No I dont. Arguably the most valuable given his position and the lack of depth behind him at that position but I dont think he is our best player.

[LadyMuskie]

I know he's important, and very good; but do most X fans really feel that Sumner is the best player on this team??

Not our best player, but integral. His plays have a way of firing up the team - something we sorely needed tonight.

[X-Fan]

Well this is nice to see...

@edmondsumner: Little adversity but we pulled through. Good road win fellas ✊��. Can't wait to return to the court. #GIG

[MuskiePimp23]

I know he's important, and very good; but do most X fans really feel that Sumner is the best player on this team??

Yes. He is the most talented player we have and will also be a first round to lottery pick in the NBA. You can't say that about any of our other players (you could for Jalen if he got things together mentally, but tonight he seemed like a head case and very disinterested for parts. He also didn't start because he wasn't bringing it in practice according to Mack and you can't take days off, especially when you are short handed). The sky is the limit for Edmond. He impacts the game in so many ways and does things other guys on our team just can't do. He makes huge plays in key moments of games that completely shift the outcome.

Look at the Michigan game when they close it to 4 and he blows by his man for the monster dunk and then hits a 3 shortly after.

Against uc, when he posterized Ellis and then got the steal that lead to the Myles follow up layup and Cintas was bedlam. After that you knew the game was ours.

Against Wake, that monster dunk after taking the pass from Bluiett from half court and then a few minutes later hitting that ridiculous step back 3 with a man in his face. Those are next level, NBA type of plays and plays you need if you really want to advance in March to a Final Four. Ed is that good.

[markchal]

If this is at all indicative of how we're gonna play on the road in the BE, we need Ed back soon.

[XfansinKy]

Who is the best player? Jalen looked bad but still had 10pts 12boards. Those are draft pick numbers on a team this good. Is it Farr? I have to go with Myles.

[UCGRAD4X]

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

I know, right?

[UCGRAD4X]

Can't wait to hear Chris Mack explain this one. Out coached by a guy who has no idea what he's doing.

Mack made no excuses on the postgame. Mostly on all of the second chance shot (and third...fourth...) - talked about the bigs not moving and not boxing out, not being 'in the game'. Byron tried to compliment Jalen but Mack walked it back. Not happy to say the least.

[X-Fan]

Who is the best player? Jalen looked bad but still had 10pts 12boards. Those are draft pick numbers on a team this good. Is it Farr? I have to go with Myles.

If you want to talk about silver linings, Myles Davis getting confidence with ball handling, making shots, leading the team, and being the man will be HUGE for this team the rest of the season. We saw shades of Myles Balls of Steel Davis at Georgetown last season last night. Good that this team has a nice break before next week. Time to get better, get Ed back, and get ready for the heart of the Big East Season. Go X!!!!

[UCGRAD4X]

If you want to talk about silver linings, Myles Davis getting confidence with ball handling, making shots, leading the team, and being the man will be HUGE for this team the rest of the season. We saw shades of Myles Balls of Steel Davis at Georgetown last season last night. Good that this team has a nice break before next week. Time to get better, get Ed back, and get ready for the heart of the Big East Season. Go X!!!!

When Ed gets back - his time will almost certainly be limited at first - and as the season wears on - with how first year players tend to hit the wall (i.e. Trevon last year) the importance of having Myles is not going to diminish much.

There are big games to be played...tough road games - all of them. We will need more veterans to step up against teams that shoot much better than St. Johns did last night.

[XUMIOH12]

This team cannot handle any type of pressure without Sumner.

They did a pretty good job of breaking the full court pressure. They just didn't do much once they got past halfcourt. I dont know if there were more than 2 turnovers forced by that press.

[XfansinKy]

I don't know if I would say Chris Mullins has no idea what he's doing. His kids seem to play scrappy, just don't have a lot of talent. From an Xs and Os standpoint, I can remember him being an "assistant coach" on the floor as a player that could shoot like no other. The different defensive and offensive sets he learned to play in and against during a long career has to be a big plus. Now whether he can communicate with kids, recruit, keep alumni happy, etc etc remains to be seen. My guess is he knows the game of basketball really well. I gotta admit, other than against us, I want him to do well. Combine his name, all time greatness as a player, and if he can do a good job, it would be great for the Big East. Right?

[Milhouse]

No doubt if Mullins could lift the johnnies to an annual top 25 it would be huge for the league. And he should be able to do so without ever getting on a plane if he can attract and keep the talent there.

St. Johns played that game without their best player in Sima for the second half...which may have been the difference for us last night as that kid will likely be all rookie BE.

Need Sumner back before Marquette or that could get hairy.

[Masterofreality]

I don't know if I would say Chris Mullins has no idea what he's doing. His kids seem to play scrappy, just don't have a lot of talent. From an Xs and Os standpoint, I can remember him being an "assistant coach" on the floor as a player that could shoot like no other. The different defensive and offensive sets he learned to play in and against during a long career has to be a big plus. Now whether he can communicate with kids, recruit, keep alumni happy, etc etc remains to be seen. My guess is he knows the game of basketball really well. I gotta admit, other than against us, I want him to do well. Combine his name, all time greatness as a player, and if he can do a good job, it would be great for the Big East. Right?

I endorse this. Problem is that too many NBA guys have a hard time adjusting back to the skill level of college kids. That causes a lot of undisciplined things to occur out there. And I think there is talent on St. John's, just very, very young with a lack of current clues.

I had this dread all through the game as we missed free throws and kept fumbling the ball away that at some point St. John's would make some shots and make it a close, if not a loss, game. That could have happened. In no way was CMack "out coached" by Mullin as some poster said. Xavier just played poorly after the first 8 minutes, but had enough to survive.

Thank you Myles Davis!!

[sgarcia]

They did a pretty good job of breaking the full court pressure. They just didn't do much once they got past halfcourt. I dont know if there were more than 2 turnovers forced by that press.

St John's pressed us harder than anyone we've played. We didn't turn it over much against their press but St John's knew exactly where every guy on our team would be. Not hard to figure out since we have 1 press break that I've ever seen. Pass to a corner, pass back to guy who in bounded the ball, pass to other side and sprinkle in throwing it to the middle after that. We need more than 1 press break. Something where we just attack the basket after getting it past half court. And someone please tell Trevon he can run the baseline after a score if teams press us.

[xuwin]

No I dont. Arguably the most valuable given his position and the lack of depth behind him at that position but I dont think he is our best player.

I was wondering how Xavier would handle a team that pressed them seriously. I thought they handled the press well but didn't do a good job offensively on the other end once they broke the press. Sumner would have destroyed them on the other end once they broke the press. Having Sumner to attack the defenses and Davis as a steadying influence when things get hectic seems to be the perfect combination.

[XfansinKy]

We do miss Es when teams press. Ed, Myles, and Tre can all handle the ball pretty slick. I think my boy from Ky, Remy, is more about power and speed than ball handling. I don't mind coach lessening his minutes when teams press because a kid as fast, with a good handle like LAJ, can sometimes break a token press by himself. I was always coached that when a team presses and your teammate picks up his dribble, you have to make a hard cut towards him to get the ball, then look upcourt for the next cutter while keeping your dribble. I wish I could articulate the process better than I'm thinking of how to do it. My bad.

[Cheesehead]

Can't wait to hear Chris Mack explain this one. Out coached by a guy who has no idea what he's doing.

Did Chris cause Jalen to travel 3 times, along with Austin and O'Mara or Gates to throw the ball out of bounds? This team had a lot of unforced TO's and was outrebounded in first half. Also missed key FT's and front ends.

This team took St. John's a little too lightly and Mack called them out in post game. He said team played entitled and was not happy w/ their effort. I think X lost this game last year on the road, if I recall. Road league games are hard, folks. Kentucky got waxed the other night at LSU. It happens.

[Masterofreality]

"Chris Mack out coached by Chris Mullin"........Laugh.....Out.....Loud!!!!!

Great. Now we've moved from trashing the Coach after losses to trashing the Coach after wins that were only by 8 points on the road. Classic.

[GoMuskies]

LSU and St. John's are not close to the same thing. We should be better than Kentucky this year, too.

[XfansinKy]

"Chris Mack out coached by Chris Mullin"........Laugh.....Out.....Loud!!!!!

Great. Now we've moved from trashing the Coach after losses to trashing the Coach after wins that were only by 8 points on the road. Classic.

I know right. Our guys played lazy basketball, still won, got called out on it by coach Mack. 13-1...Next.

[muskiefan82]

I know right. Our guys played lazy basketball, still won, got called out on it by coach Mack. 13-1...Next.

That's 14-1 sir. Unless you are not counting Dayton since it's, well, Dayton.

[bleedXblue]

We got a W and got out of there. Nothing much more needs to be said. I expect Sumner will play some against DePaul as he starts his way back. Thanks to Myles for a great game and making some big shots. We rebounded much better in the second half and that was the difference. Once again we let a guy get hot from 3 and left his wide open on multiple occasions. He was the only guy that could have really hurt us last night.

[XU 87]

Can't wait to hear Chris Mack explain this one. Out coached by a guy who has no idea what he's doing.

I know others have commented on your post, but just because X doesn't play well doesn't then mean that "Mack got out coached." That's such a knee jerk reaction.

And he didn't get out coached yesterday.

[JTG]

Probably, and they learned a good lesson on the road in the Big East. ALL these teams are good. Mack did a great job mixing up the lineup and challenging some younger guys. That will only help their development. Not entirely sure what was behind all that, but we won so it can't hurt long term.

The only way for the young guys to get any better is to expose them to a real game. Luckily Mack picked a game where they could get away with it. You don't know what guys are going to do, unless they are exposed to crunch time. Glad it worked out. It was probably not very inspiring to walk into what amounts to a half empty high school gym to play a game. Which brings me to another point, Does X move the meter as a road team ? Maybe it was the time of day, but not much of a crowd for the #10 team visiting your place. SJU reminded me of some A10 or MCC venues.
At the end of the year they just look at Ws & Ls, not how you got there.

[THRILLHOUSE]

No I dont. Arguably the most valuable given his position and the lack of depth behind him at that position but I dont think he is our best player.

I agree with this. At the moment, I'd go with Bluiett as the best player. Ed isn't too far behind though.

[XfansinKy]

That's 14-1 sir. Unless you are not counting Dayton since it's, well, Dayton.

Oops. Actually I was repeating Bill Rafferty. I guess that was my first mistake.

[xeus]

I know others have commented on your post, but just because X doesn't play well doesn't then mean that "Mack got out coached." That's such a knee jerk reaction.

And he didn't get out coached yesterday.

Did you mean to include the word "knee" in your response?

[Drew]

I will say, I wasn't so happy with the use of the 1-3-1 against a team whose only good win came against Syracuse's zone. We seemed to match up well in the man-to-man. But you know what, we played awful and we still won. So there isn't much to complain about.

[UCGRAD4X]

I know others have commented on your post, but just because X doesn't play well doesn't then mean that "Mack got out coached." That's such a knee jerk reaction.

And he didn't get out coached yesterday.

I don't think he did either, but the argument could be made that the coach is ultimately responsible to get his team prepared, motivated, focused...whatever. I don't see that, necessarily, but someone might make that argument.

Xavier is so obviously more talented, deeper, and more experienced. If the Jonnies had shot for one or two more stretches like they did in the last minutes (and not gotten T'ed up) Mack's squad might have been beaten by a far inferior team. I don't see how laying that at the feet of the coach is so far fetched as to be dismissed out of hand.

Make your case.

(This is a discussion board, after all)

[XUMIOH12]

St John's pressed us harder than anyone we've played. We didn't turn it over much against their press but St John's knew exactly where every guy on our team would be. Not hard to figure out since we have 1 press break that I've ever seen. Pass to a corner, pass back to guy who in bounded the ball, pass to other side and sprinkle in throwing it to the middle after that. We need more than 1 press break. Something where we just attack the basket after getting it past half court. And someone please tell Trevon he can run the baseline after a score if teams press us.

Thats how you break the 1-2-2 or 1-2-1-1 press, no other way about it. They got the ball across half court fairly easily. The problem was after half court they didnt attack for easy baskets/shots.

[XUMIOH12]

I was wondering how Xavier would handle a team that pressed them seriously. I thought they handled the press well but didn't do a good job offensively on the other end once they broke the press. Sumner would have destroyed them on the other end once they broke the press. Having Sumner to attack the defenses and Davis as a steadying influence when things get hectic seems to be the perfect combination.

exactly. they handled it well, but didnt score off of breaking it. Ed would have helped with that, since the other players mostly just slow up and set up half court once the press was broken.

[XU 87]

I don't think he did either, but the argument could be made that the coach is ultimately responsible to get his team prepared, motivated, focused...whatever. I don't see that, necessarily, but someone might make that argument.

Xavier is so obviously more talented, deeper, and more experienced. If the Jonnies had shot for one or two more stretches like they did in the last minutes (and not gotten T'ed up) Mack's squad might have been beaten by a far inferior team. I don't see how laying that at the feet of the coach is so far fetched as to be dismissed out of hand.

Make your case.

(This is a discussion board, after all)

He said Mack got out coached. Burden is on him to prove his case. If he thinks there were things Mack didn't do and things Mullins did do to warrant the "out coached" statement, then let's hear them. The problem I have is when a team doesn't play well, some people automatically fall back to, "Coach X got out coached yesterday", and say nothing more

"Out coached" is a lazy argument. And it's usually an argument that isn't true, particularly when a team has a good bench coach, and X has a good bench coach.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I agree with this. At the moment, I'd go with Bluiett as the best player. Ed isn't too far behind though.

Yeah those are my thoughts.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Couple of things I saw, Mack did not use the 1-3-1 correctly last night. St. Johns (Mullins) formulated interesting ways of breaking successfully. I am not sure, but Mack might have kept with it to see if our guys adjusted. The game was sloppy and XU seemed bored and going through the motions. My worry was how quick it came after the 'Nova game. I hope it was the opponent.

On the best player, it's Blueitt for sure. However, you just cannot account for the match-up problem that Sumner creates. 6'6 PG with skills enough to break presses, speed, driving ability, and good enough passing, these are all things most opposing teams can handle in 6'1 PGs but not guys as tall and long as Sumner. Yes Blueitt is our best player and probably our best IQ player except Farr maybe, but Sumner is absolutely our game changer. Mack has stated many times in the past, it's all about match-ups. Not many teams have guys that will match-up against Sumner.

Edit: my fiance hates it when XU is on as I scream at the TV. It's how I vent my frustrating and stressful weeks, lol.

[LA Muskie]

St John's pressed us harder than anyone we've played. We didn't turn it over much against their press but St John's knew exactly where every guy on our team would be. Not hard to figure out since we have 1 press break that I've ever seen. Pass to a corner, pass back to guy who in bounded the ball, pass to other side and sprinkle in throwing it to the middle after that. We need more than 1 press break. Something where we just attack the basket after getting it past half court. And someone please tell Trevon he can run the baseline after a score if teams press us.

Did you watch the Nova game? St. John's may have gone full-court on us more, but Nova played the most pressure D we've seen all year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[muskiefan82]

(This is a discussion board, after all)

That's what this is?!?! Mystery solved. For years, I thought this was a place I could just say whatever I wanted and everyone else would be wrong regardless of evidence or constructive argument. Damn. Does this mean I have to actually DISCUSS what I say? Crap. I could get out-coached by someone who actually knows something. Maybe if I limit my comments to Dayton sucks and UC is worse I will be safe

[sgarcia]

Did you watch the Nova game? St. John's may have gone full-court on us more, but Nova played the most pressure D we've seen all year.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No. I was working on NYE. I recorded the game, watched Sumner go on a stretcher 2 minutes into the game. Turned my phone back on, looked at the score and deleted the recording.

[XU 87]

Edit: my fiance hates it when XU is on as I scream at the TV. It's how I vent my frustrating and stressful weeks, lol.

About 8-9 years ago at Christmas, my kids' (and their cousins') aunt played a game where they had to write down something that makes them laugh and then the kids had to guess who wrote it. My then 7 year old son wrote, "I think it's funny when my dad yells at the TV during Xavier basketball games."

[Masterofreality]

The only way for the young guys to get any better is to expose them to a real game. Luckily Mack picked a game where they could get away with it. You don't know what guys are going to do, unless they are exposed to crunch time. Glad it worked out. It was probably not very inspiring to walk into what amounts to a half empty high school gym to play a game. Which brings me to another point, Does X move the meter as a road team ? Maybe it was the time of day, but not much of a crowd for the #10 team visiting your place. SJU reminded me of some A10 or MCC venues.
At the end of the year they just look at Ws & Ls, not how you got there.

It's more about St. John's as to "moving the meter". Yeah, they beat Syracuse, but when Fordham beats you like a drum, that tends to take away interest.

[XU 23]

About 8-9 years ago at Christmas, my kids' (and their cousins') aunt played a game where they had to write down something that makes them laugh and then the kids had to guess who wrote it. My then 7 year old son wrote, "I think it's funny when my dad yells at the TV during Xavier basketball games."

I still do.

[Masterofreality]

About 8-9 years ago at Christmas, my kids' (and their cousins') aunt played a game where they had to write down something that makes them laugh and then the kids had to guess who wrote it. My then 7 year old son wrote, "I think it's funny when my dad yells at the TV during Xavier basketball games."

No question, we all do it! :pointandlaugh:

[UCGRAD4X]

It's more about St. John's as to "moving the meter". Yeah, they beat Syracuse, but when Fordham beats you like a drum, that tends to take away interest.

Not to mention Incarnate Word ....by 22 points...more than twice our margin of victory...

...still having a hard time processing that one.

[xu82]

Not to mention Incarnate Word ....by 22 points...more than twice our margin of victory...

...still having a hard time processing that one.

We were their Super Bowl, and they were our game to take for granted. Get ready, that won't be the last time. Top 10 ranking puts a bullseye on you.

But still......

[GoMuskies]

Not to mention Incarnate Word ....by 22 points...more than twice our margin of victory...

...still having a hard time processing that one.

St. Thomas Aquinas beat them by 4X what we did. Glad we didn't schedule them this year! And THANK GOD we didn't schedule Saint Anselm, who won by 23 at St. Thomas Aquinas!

[Masterofreality]

As to the "Mack Outcoached" narrative. This is spot on from the great Brad D at the "Banners in the Parkway" Blog site:

4. What was Chris Mullin doing?

As the game wound down last night everyone in the gym knew who should be taking shots for the Red Storm. Well, everyone except their coach. Somehow, Federico Mussini didn't attempt a field goal after he brought the game within one. On the next two possessions, St. John's ran him to a corner and ignored him. Not used him as a decoy, just flat out made no attempt to get him the ball. The kid was 5-8 on threes and made three in the last three minutes, but Mullin decided not to call a timeout to run him a play or even just call a set to get his only shooter open.

That wasn't all though. Mullin watched Durand Johnson shoot 0-8 from behind the arc without telling him to stop, he also sat on the scorer's bench in the most intense part of the game and swung his legs like a little kid on a swing, seemingly unconcerned about what was happening in front of him. There was no pacing, no yelling, nothing, just sitting and watching. Mullin didn't adjust to Xavier's 1-3-1 at all, instead having his horrendous shooting team continue to heave and then remarking in the post game that 34% shooting wasn't very good. When his zone troubled Xavier, who also didn't shoot well from deep, he switched out of it. Frankly, Mullin looked clueless for most of the game. The learning curve in college ball is steep, and he's got a long way to go."

if your're not on it, I highly suggest you get there.

http://www.bannersontheparkway.com/2016/1/7/10729956/technicals-jalen-benched-while-larry-shines-and-terrible-coaching?utm_campaign=bannersontheparkway&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

[D-West & PO-Z]

Myles went 9-9 from the line last night. He is 2nd in the country in FT %.

[XUMIOH12]

Myles went 9-9 from the line last night. He is 2nd in the country in FT %.

come on, now you jinxed him haha

[XU 87]

I still do.

This guy may have a good future on this board.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This guy may have a good future on this board.

I'm guessing that is your son?

[xu82]

About 8-9 years ago at Christmas, my kids' (and their cousins') aunt played a game where they had to write down something that makes them laugh and then the kids had to guess who wrote it. My then 7 year old son wrote, "I think it's funny when my dad yells at the TV during Xavier basketball games."

My wife used to take the kids and two dogs (one was the nervous type around screaming) on a multi-hour stroll around the neighborhood on game days. NFL and Xavier hoops. They walked a lot, and certain neighbors felt bad and knew to look for them and take them in. Those people get into heaven on a fast pass.

[Masterofreality]

Myles went 9-9 from the line last night. He is 2nd in the country in FT %.

He's actually #1 now. Over 95%.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He's actually #1 now. Over 95%.

Hmmm ESPN stats showing a guy from Incarnate Wood slightly ahead of Myles at 95.6%. Has Myles at 95.2%.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/player/_/stat/free-throws

[xu82]

Hmmm ESPN stats showing a guy from Incarnate Wood slightly ahead of Myles at 95.6%. Has Myles at 95.2%.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/player/_/stat/free-throws

I knew I felt good when Myles kept stepping to the line, then they put up his 95+%. I didn't realize it was THAT good. Awesome!

[Masterofreality]

Hmmm ESPN stats showing a guy from Incarnate Wood slightly ahead of Myles at 95.6%. Has Myles at 95.2%.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/player/_/stat/free-throws

I was going off what was said on the Chris Mack radio show tonight and Tom Eiser's Tweet:

"@EiserXUSports: @XavierMBB's Myles Davis leads the nation in FT% at 95.2 percent; @_mdavis15 hit 9-of-9 at St. John's as part of his 19-point game. #LetsGoX"

[XUOHTX]

Hmmm ESPN stats showing a guy from Incarnate Wood slightly ahead of Myles at 95.6%. Has Myles at 95.2%.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/player/_/stat/free-throws

That's some holy wood.

[nuts4xu]

Myles went 9-9 from the line last night. He is 2nd in the country in FT %.

Trev Bluiett made 9-11 from the free throw line also, which was awesome. As a team, we are shooting 73%, which is very good.

I watched a post, I think on Twitter, of a clip of the basketball managers and their game day routine. Each player spends time in the gym on game day and shoots 100 free throws per session, with a manager rebounding for him. Myles made all 100 in one session last season. The manager that typically rebounds for Myles made a bet he would do it again this season, and Myles has already won the bet. He is so clutch right now, and such a good shooter...I am very glad he is on our team.

[UCGRAD4X]

Trev Bluiett made 9-11 from the free throw line also, which was awesome. As a team, we are shooting 73%, which is very good.

I watched a post, I think on Twitter, of a clip of the basketball managers and their game day routine. Each player spends time in the gym on game day and shoots 100 free throws per session, with a manager rebounding for him. Myles made all 100 in one session last season. The manager that typically rebounds for Myles made a bet he would do it again this season, and Myles has already won the bet. He is so clutch right now, and such a good shooter...I am very glad he is on our team.

Amen, brother!

[xavierdude]

As to the "Mack Outcoached" narrative. This is spot on from the great Brad D at the "Banners in the Parkway" Blog site:

4. What was Chris Mullin doing?

As the game wound down last night everyone in the gym knew who should be taking shots for the Red Storm. Well, everyone except their coach. Somehow, Federico Mussini didn't attempt a field goal after he brought the game within one. On the next two possessions, St. John's ran him to a corner and ignored him. Not used him as a decoy, just flat out made no attempt to get him the ball. The kid was 5-8 on threes and made three in the last three minutes, but Mullin decided not to call a timeout to run him a play or even just call a set to get his only shooter open.

That wasn't all though. Mullin watched Durand Johnson shoot 0-8 from behind the arc without telling him to stop, he also sat on the scorer's bench in the most intense part of the game and swung his legs like a little kid on a swing, seemingly unconcerned about what was happening in front of him. There was no pacing, no yelling, nothing, just sitting and watching. Mullin didn't adjust to Xavier's 1-3-1 at all, instead having his horrendous shooting team continue to heave and then remarking in the post game that 34% shooting wasn't very good. When his zone troubled Xavier, who also didn't shoot well from deep, he switched out of it. Frankly, Mullin looked clueless for most of the game. The learning curve in college ball is steep, and he's got a long way to go."

if your're not on it, I highly suggest you get there.

http://www.bannersontheparkway.com/2016/1/7/10729956/technicals-jalen-benched-while-larry-shines-and-terrible-coaching?utm_campaign=bannersontheparkway&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

After a commercial break, they showed one of Mullins' assistants barking out a play to the players. The very first possession, Mussini drilled a 3 on a designed play. Mullin had nothing to do with it. The assistant called that play!