This is Big

[Snipe]

That was our best victory of the entire season, and it has been a fantastic season to date. I love this team and I love you people. It is a great time to be alive and be a Muskie fan.

We are right where we want to be.

Jalen just had a monster night. This is not the last time this is going to happen. We beat a great team on the road. He dominated. The game is over, and we won. I am quite happy about this outcome.

He played 31 minutes, had 15 points and 11 rebounds. In our biggest game of the year, Jalen came up big.

Big Game James had a huge game cut short because of some home cookin, or something. Whatever. I promise not to be bitter about those phantom fouls.

We had five guys in double figures, including JP Macura, who is a pain in the ass to our opponents on a regular basis. JP has been in a shooting slump of sorts. With time winding down, JP hit the Shot of The Season thus far. It really was a thing of beauty. Chris Mack joked about trying to call Time Out, which he was actually doing. JP needed that shot. JP is about to burst out and come on strong.

Byron Larkin and Joe Sunderman after the game talked about it. Lark said that it doesn't matter what time or place or what arena, no shot is bigger than JP Macura. I agree with that assessment. Just as JP needed that shot, Jalen needed this game. We are complete.

I think that this game is the start of a legendary run. For the first time in my life on earth, I can see us winning a National Championship. Personally, I would like to win out. Leave no trace of doubt.

JP Macura gave us the 1-3-1 defense

It is true. JP used to come in a game and score 10 points, and Mack used to say "well you gave up 10 points"

His man to man as a Freshman was as Skip would say "Less than Spectacular".

So Chris Mack came upon the idea to do the 1-3-1. It wasn't a brilliant epiphany, it was just a way to get a guy like JP to get in the game and score points, which is what he did. The thing is, JP was subpar in the man to man, but once Chris Mack ran out that 1-3-1 it changed our whole world view. JP was fantastic and spastic in the lead of the 1-3-1, and we soon expanded it to when he wasn't even playing just because we shut down the world.

Chris Mack was a man to man guy who did the pack line D religiously until JP's horrible Freshman defense gave us our vaunted 1-3-1. And we have never looked back.

To see JP hit that shot, knowing that he has been in the struggle. To see Jalen rack it up, knowing that he has been in the struggle. To see Xavier win, knowing that this is the best win that we have had yet on our entire schedule....

It is all coming together. I love this team.

This Is Big. I don't think we can be stopped. We are going to run roughshod right over everyone in our path and this team will make the Final Four. And honestly, why stop there.

[Drew's Crew]

JP Macura gave us the 1-3-1 defense

It is true. JP used to come in a game and score 10 points, and Mack used to say "well you gave up 10 points"

His man to man as a Freshman was as Skip would say "Less than Spectacular".

So Chris Mack came upon the idea to do the 1-3-1. It wasn't a brilliant epiphany, it was just a way to get a guy like JP to get in the game and score points, which is what he did. The thing is, JP was subpar in the man to man, but once Chris Mack ran out that 1-3-1 it changed our whole world view. JP was fantastic and spastic in the lead of the 1-3-1, and we soon expanded it to when he wasn't even playing just because we shut down the world.

Chris Mack was a man to man guy who did the pack line D religiously until JP's horrible Freshman defense gave us our vaunted 1-3-1. And we have never looked back..

Snipe, good post - I agree the win was huge!

As for the 1-3-1, JP allowed us to play the 1-3-1 bc of his speed and length up top. Dee and LAJ are just way too small for it to be effective. A additionally, Jalen in the middle caused problems too.

The reason we actually ran it though wasn't bc of JP's poor defense, it was bc of Stainbrook's poor defense. We needed Stain on the floor and in the paint but he kept getting pulled out too often. It also helped us limit our fouls bc of the new freedom of movement rules.

[X-band '01]

That's another great part about the new rules this year - Mack couldn't call the timeout; one of the players would have to do it instead. Sure as hell wasn't going to be Macura.

[XUGRAD80]

Hard to believe that X had not had a road victory against a top 10 team since 1996 @ UC. With victories this year @Michigan, @WF, and now @Providence, I think this team is showing this ain't the same old Muskies.

As far as those who will say that Providence was coming off a very emotional Sunday game and was probably tired......heard in the pregsme thst X had travel problems on Monday and never made it to Providence until after 9pm Monday night. They had no chance to practice Monday and only got a shoot around for an hour about 11am Tuesday morning. May not seem like much to many, but hanging out in airports, getting to hotels late, and then hanging out all day waiting for a late game to start....that is very fatiguing too.

[paulxu]

As big as the shot was by JP, and it was huge, I have another impression of the last few minutes of the game.
Not having a recording to go back and check, it will remain an impression.

As Providence was edging back towards evening it up, JP was hustling for every board, loose ball, etc.
Just scrumming all over the court, wherever the ball was. That's what I remember, and I flat out love his hustle.
It's unmeasured in the stats, but I think it makes a big difference.

[Caveat]

Hard to believe that X had not had a road victory against a top 10 team since 1996 @ UC. With victories this year @Michigan, @WF, and now @Providence, I think this team is showing this ain't the same old Muskies.

As far as those who will say that Providence was coming off a very emotional Sunday game and was probably tired......heard in the pregsme thst X had travel problems on Monday and never made it to Providence until after 9pm Monday night. They had no chance to practice Monday and only got a shoot around for an hour about 11am Tuesday morning. May not seem like much to many, but hanging out in airports, getting to hotels late, and then hanging out all day waiting for a late game to start....that is very fatiguing too.

As if there was more evidence needed that joining the Big East has been one of the greatest things to happen to Xavier basketball in decades -- you join a big time conference, you get big time opportunities to do work on the road.

[XUGRAD80]

Xavier now 4-1 against ranked teams this year.

[CSS85]

As big as the shot was by JP, and it was huge, I have another impression of the last few minutes of the game.
Not having a recording to go back and check, it will remain an impression.

As Providence was edging back towards evening it up, JP was hustling for every board, loose ball, etc.
Just scrumming all over the court, wherever the ball was. That's what I remember, and I flat out love his hustle.
It's unmeasured in the stats, but I think it makes a big difference.

The tip to Farr under the basket while he was falling out of bounds was a thing of beauty. Too bad Jimmy missed the bunny.:wasntme:

[gladdenguy]

Great post Snipe. I am in a fantastic mood today. The best part about it is today is only Wednesday and I can be smiling heavily until Saturday when my worry comes back. A huge win last night. I think I will watch the game again tonight.

And KYXU (my worry buddy), today you can take a deep breath and relax for the next couple days. Enjoy it pal.

GO MUSKIES!!!!!

[XUMIOH12]

As if there was more evidence needed that joining the Big East has been one of the greatest things to happen to Xavier basketball in decades -- you join a big time conference, you get big time opportunities to do work on the road.

yeah for sure. playing in the A10, you never get an opportunity to even play a top 10 team.

[murray87]

Loved the energy the guys showed on D. So nice to get this game from Jalen when you see Sumner having an off night (0 for 9 from the field). Great night from Myles and a couple clutch baskets when we needed them from Remy. An all around great victory, congrats Muskies!! Now demolish Depaul!!

[GoMuskies]

yeah for sure. playing in the A10, you never get an opportunity to even play a top 10 team.

Well, except for that one glorious day in Dayton when we had a 37 point lead on the #1 team in America.

[XU 87]

RPI is at 3. Five top 50 wins. Five more top 100 wins. Of the top 50 wins- 2 were on the road and 2 were on a neutral court. X is in the running for a #1 seed.

[Snipe]

It is a Great Day to be an American!

Love those numbers 87.

As for my theory of the 1-3-1, I have never brought it up during my lunches with CMack, so I haven't confirmed it. But it did seem to me when we started using it was when JP came into the game last year.

Of course I could be wrong. I could be a blithering idiot.

But that never stopped me before. Why start now？

[atljar]

As for my theory of the 1-3-1, I have never brought it up during my lunches with CMack, so I haven't confirmed it. But it did seem to me when we started using it was when JP came into the game last year.



When it first started being used, thats how I remember it too. Only really with JP in at the front of the zone. He was/still is super active there. When he was on the bench, almost exclusively man to man. It wasn't until later on last season we started seeing the 1-3-1 more and more without JP on the floor.

[XMuskieFTW]

When it first started being used, thats how I remember it too. Only really with JP in at the front of the zone. He was/still is super active there. When he was on the bench, almost exclusively man to man. It wasn't until later on last season we started seeing the 1-3-1 more and more without JP on the floor.

I think last night was the first time we played 1-3-1 without JP on the top when he was on the floor. Sumner was on top and JP was actually on one of the wings. Found that interesting.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hard to believe that X had not had a road victory against a top 10 team since 1996 @ UC. With victories this year @Michigan, @WF, and now @Providence, I think this team is showing this ain't the same old Muskies.

As far as those who will say that Providence was coming off a very emotional Sunday game and was probably tired......heard in the pregsme thst X had travel problems on Monday and never made it to Providence until after 9pm Monday night. They had no chance to practice Monday and only got a shoot around for an hour about 11am Tuesday morning. May not seem like much to many, but hanging out in airports, getting to hotels late, and then hanging out all day waiting for a late game to start....that is very fatiguing too.

I'd like to know our number of opportunities for top 10 road victories in the last 20 years, can't be too high, I'd guess 5ish?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I have noticed Abell on top as well, which for some reason isn't quite as effective. When you get Reynolds and Macura with big nights, every team in country needs to be watching out. Farr/Blueitt are going to get their normal stats, Davis will always manufacture something, and with Reynolds and Macura doing what they did last night nobody is safe.

[XUFan09]

Yeah, Stainbrook was the major reason for playing the 1-3-1 initially, though Bluiett and Macura's defensive issues also factored in.

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[ArizonaXUGrad]

I am actually more impressed in Bluiett's ability to defend the 4 spot this year. Yes he didn't score much against UC, but his D against Clark who killed us last year was very good.

Bluiett went from a liability to a guy who learned to defend out of position.


Yeah, Stainbrook was the major reason for playing the 1-3-1 initially, though Bluiett and Macura's defensive issues also factored in.

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[XUFan09]

I am actually more impressed in Bluiett's ability to defend the 4 spot this year. Yes he didn't score much against UC, but his D against Clark who killed us last year was very good.

Bluiett went from a liability to a guy who learned to defend out of position.
Yup, Bluiett has actually turned into a plus-defender, which is crazy.

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[GIMMFD]

RPI is at 3. Five top 50 wins. Five more top 100 wins. Of the top 50 wins- 2 were on the road and 2 were on a neutral court. X is in the running for a #1 seed.

Wow that's a very impressive resume so far, hopefully we survive the last 7 games of the gauntlet, but yes, this team could do something special this year. It's been a helluva ride so far.

[XUMIOH12]

I'd like to know our number of opportunities for top 10 road victories in the last 20 years, can't be too high, I'd guess 5ish?

I was wondering the same thing, couldnt be more than 5, probably even less.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I was wondering the same thing, couldnt be more than 5, probably even less.

Yeah and Nova the last 2 years might be 2 of them? Maybe a non conference opponent mixed in? Creighton with Douggie McBuckets? Maybe UC another time? St. Joes or GW?

[XUMIOH12]

Yeah and Nova the last 2 years might be 2 of them? Maybe a non conference opponent mixed in? Creighton with Douggie McBuckets? Maybe UC another time? St. Joes or GW?

Yeah probably 5 or 6 actually. I keep forgetting to include the Nova/Creighton games the last couple years.

[D-West & PO-Z]

SLU was top 10 at one point too but not sure if we played them away during that time.

[kyxu]

Great post Snipe. I am in a fantastic mood today. The best part about it is today is only Wednesday and I can be smiling heavily until Saturday when my worry comes back. A huge win last night. I think I will watch the game again tonight.

And KYXU (my worry buddy), today you can take a deep breath and relax for the next couple days. Enjoy it pal.

GO MUSKIES!!!!!

I see you, GG.

[XUMIOH12]

SLU was top 10 at one point too but not sure if we played them away during that time.

Nova this year was 16th, but the previous 2 years they were 5 and 6 when we played there. When Creighton was in the top 10 we played them at home, but they were unranked when we played them away that year.

[XUMIOH12]

Here is the list;

96-97 at Cincinnati (1)
98-99 at Cincinnati (5)
02-03 at Alabama (1)
13-14 at Villanova (5)
14-15 at Villanova (6)

There were several neutral matchups and a few home matchups against top 10 teams as well. Probably should have just compiled those to list as well.

[LA Muskie]

yeah for sure. playing in the A10, you never get an opportunity to even play a top 10 team.

Yeah that never ever happened. Well, except at least twice that I can recall.


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[paulxu]

In 01-02 we played # 5 Missouri in Indianapolis...and lost.

[XUMIOH12]

Yeah that never ever happened. Well, except at least twice that I can recall.


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I was commenting generally on not having many opportunities to play a top 10 team in that league. If you want to take that comment literally, than suit yourself

[XUMIOH12]

In 01-02 we played # 5 Missouri in Indianapolis...and lost.

now that you say that, i looked and cbb reference was wrong. They said it was at the hearnes center at Missouri.

[paulxu]

now that you say that, i looked and cbb reference was wrong. They said it was at the hearnes center at Missouri.

But good inclusion for Top 10 opportunity at neutral site. Which reminds me of Duke in NJ, which I don't want to think about.

Looking this up I just went through the run season. 10-9 on Jan 31st...then the magic. I'm hoping for the same this year.

[LA Muskie]

I was commenting generally on not having many opportunities to play a top 10 team in that league. If you want to take that comment literally, than suit yourself

Sorry. Didn't realize it was a generalization. The Big East is clearly a step up. But there were some solid teams in the A-10, particularly before we formally made it our bitch.


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[xubrew]

Here is the list;

96-97 at Cincinnati (1)
98-99 at Cincinnati (5)
02-03 at Alabama (1)
13-14 at Villanova (5)
14-15 at Villanova (6)

There were several neutral matchups and a few home matchups against top 10 teams as well. Probably should have just compiled those to list as well.

This is going to sound funny, but I'm not sure how you're counting what is and is not a top ten team. Is it at the time of the game, or is it where the team ultimately ended up??

During the 2002-2003 season, Alabama was actually ranked #3 (I think) when Xavier went there, and were even ranked #1 for one week during that season. But, they fell all the way out of the rankings and ended up as a #10 seed before the season was over.

[XUMIOH12]

Sorry. Didn't realize it was a generalization. The Big East is clearly a step up. But there were some solid teams in the A-10, particularly before we formally made it our bitch.


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There is no doubt there were some good teams throughout the A10 years, i always like the conference. But obviously we all know it doesnt compare to the big east.

Here are the A10 home/neutral games vs top10;
95-96 UMASS (1)
03-04 St. Joe's (6)
03-04 St. Joes (1) in the conference tourney
05-06 GW (10)

[XUMIOH12]

This is going to sound funny, but I'm not sure how you're counting what is and is not a top ten team. Is it at the time of the game, or is it where the team ultimately ended up??

During the 2002-2003 season, Alabama was actually ranked #3 (I think) when Xavier went there, and were even ranked #1 for one week during that season. But, they fell all the way out of the rankings and ended up as a #10 seed before the season was over.

its based on the ranking at the time of the game. I was surprised to see the Alabama game in there, because i think i remember them making the NIT that season.

[paulxu]

Alabama opened that season beating #3 Oklahoma on the road.
Then beat OSU on the road, and by Dec 30th were unbeaten and ranked #1.
They lost that day to Utah on the road, and later in the week to #19 ranked Xavier at home.
Lost in first round of NCAA's.

[XUMIOH12]

But good inclusion for Top 10 opportunity at neutral site. Which reminds me of Duke in NJ, which I don't want to think about.

Looking this up I just went through the run season. 10-9 on Jan 31st...then the magic. I'm hoping for the same this year.

We have had some really good neutral site games, but that Duke one was particularly miserable as i was on the bus to and from the game for what seemed like forever.

We have the magic so far this season, just need to keep it and that would make for an amazing run.

[XUMIOH12]

Alabama opened that season beating #3 Oklahoma on the road.
Then beat OSU on the road, and by Dec 30th were unbeaten and ranked #1.
They lost that day to Utah on the road, and later in the week to #19 ranked Xavier at home.
Lost in first round of NCAA's.

talk about slowing down as the season goes on ha. The year before they were a 2 seed that lost to Antonio Gates' Kent St team in the 2nd round.

[smileyy]

I was thinking this might be the most significant regular season win in XU history. Beating the #10 team on the road in conference play? That's a huge win.

[xubrew]

I was thinking this might be the most significant regular season win in XU history. Beating the #10 team on the road in conference play? That's a huge win.

Things are hugely significant in different ways.

It's the most significant in terms of it being our first ever road win over a top ten team as a top ten team. On paper, that's hugely significant.

I think the 2004 win against Cincinnati was big, simply because it was a big win in a rivalry game against a top ten team that many expected to crush us, and it changed the entire complexion of the season. That was our Elite Eight year, and most people forget this but prior to that we had lost badly to Ball State, we'd lost badly to George Washington, and were wondering if we were going to make the NIT. I think that game started "The Run." I know most people think of that being the NCAA Tournament wins, but the momentum that was built up going into those wins started with that game.

[xubrew]

We have had some really good neutral site games, but that Duke one was particularly miserable as i was on the bus to and from the game for what seemed like forever.

We have the magic so far this season, just need to keep it and that would make for an amazing run.

When did we play Duke on a neutral site during the regular season?? I don't recall that. It never happened. if it had happened then I'd remember it. You're imagining things. Just horrible imaginary things.

[muskiefan82]

When did we play Duke on a neutral site during the regular season?? I don't recall that. It never happened. if it had happened then I'd remember it. You're imagining things. Just horrible imaginary things.

Brew is correct. Such a game NEVER HAPPENED. Any image or memory you have is from a dream you must have had. Duke and Xavier have actually NEVER PLAYED. EVER. I can't recall any games with Duke.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Can you even count Duke games played in NJ area neutral? Pretty much home games for them.

[X-band '01]

Things are hugely significant in different ways.

It's the most significant in terms of it being our first ever road win over a top ten team as a top ten team. On paper, that's hugely significant.

I think the 2004 win against Cincinnati was big, simply because it was a big win in a rivalry game against a top ten team that many expected to crush us, and it changed the entire complexion of the season. That was our Elite Eight year, and most people forget this but prior to that we had lost badly to Ball State, we'd lost badly to George Washington, and were wondering if we were going to make the NIT. I think that game started "The Run." I know most people think of that being the NCAA Tournament wins, but the momentum that was built up going into those wins started with that game.

Xavier still lost a game at Dayton after the GW debacle in 2004. That was followed by the pivotal win over UC.

[GoMuskies]

Can you even count Duke games played in NJ area neutral? Pretty much home games for them.

Not that it ever happened. Or that I was ever there. Or that I would have left at halftime if it had happened.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier still lost a game at Dayton after the GW debacle in 2004. That was followed by the pivotal win over UC.

There was also the soul-crushing home loss to Duquesne still to come.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not that it ever happened. Or that I was ever there. Or that I would have left at halftime if it had happened.

Ha, same here.

[X-band '01]

I remember Michigan State and Texas having a big game that afternoon, but why are we revisiting that day?

[MauriceX]

Not that it ever happened. Or that I was ever there. Or that I would have left at halftime if it had happened.

But if, hypothetically, a game like this would have happened, I probably would have gotten really, really, really drunk and woke up the next morning with no pants on. That seems like the appropriate college response.

[smileyy]

It's the most significant in terms of it being our first ever road win over a top ten team as a top ten team. On paper, that's hugely significant.


I'd add to that "keeping the team in contention for the conference title in one of the Big 5 college basketball conferences". It staggers my mind to think about the road from 1988 (when I started being aware of Xavier basketball) to the game last night.

[chico]

I don't ever remember playing Duke at any point in this program's history. Ever.

The UC game in 04 was also won with a last second shot by Chalmers. Not only did it start the run (Duquesne loss not withstanding) but it started Chalmers on his own personal run of shooting like he was playing a video game.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't ever remember playing Duke at any point in this program's history. Ever.

The UC game in 04 was also won with a last second shot by Chalmers. Not only did it start the run (Duquesne loss not withstanding) but it started Chalmers on his own personal run of shooting like he was playing a video game.

And as we have discussed numerous times previously changed the legacy of one Lionel Chalmers greatly.

[ballyhoohoo]

This is big
.

Is what your mother said

[paulxu]

NM, reading comprehension problems.