Villanova Game Will Be Electric! Possible First Time Ever #1 Ranking in the Balance?

[vee4xu]

I believe the last #1 team to invade the 'tas also hailed from Philly. That'd be St. Joes with Jameer and Delonte, correct? I was at that game and it didn't go well for X. Though isn't that the same year X spanked them at ud arena?

At any rate, assuming Villanova handles the Bulldogs today (they're off to a good start), it is possible, given all of the top 7 losses this past week, that it could be a #1 vs #3 or #2 game, depending on where X ends up. In the dare-to-dream category, does a win by X over both Villanova and Seton Hall potentially make X the #1 team that following week? Wow, the possibilities. I will be there vs Villanova and loving every minute of it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I dont think we will any better than #5 next week. We are 8 now but tied for 8 with MSU, who knows what the voters will do with them but they could conceivably get an extra vote and jump us. I also dont think we will jump UNC as they are crushing #11 Miami right now.

I think our ceiling is 5 and I wouldnt be surprised if we were #6.

Our margin of victory on the road though on national TV could give us a boost.

[bobbiemcgee]

Announcer on :logo::logo:today's game:

"This is Beautiful"

Couldn't agree more.

[LA Muskie]

Call me an optimist, but I think we finally returned to our December form this week -- and I'm hoping the voters noticed. We won big in both our games, taking down a Top 25 team at home and winning huge on the road. I think we jump OK, Iowa, UNC and Maryland this week. And I think our 2 wins boost us ahead of MSU and possibly UVA. Assuming 'Nova and KU win I think we could be as high as 3 and as low as 5. I'm hoping for 4 but I could see us at 3. This really was a great week for us -- both how we played and how our rankings competition played.

[Xavier]

I dont think we will any better than #5 next week. We are 8 now but tied for 8 with MSU, who knows what the voters will do with them but they could conceivably get an extra vote and jump us. I also dont think we will jump UNC as they are crushing #11 Miami right now.

I think our ceiling is 5 and I wouldnt be surprised if we were #6.

Our margin of victory on the road though on national TV could give us a boost.

I think I would be surprised at 6. I think it will be a toss up between 4/5.

[LA Muskie]

Call me an optimist, but I think we finally returned to our December form this week -- and I'm hoping the voters noticed. We won big in both our games, taking down a Top 25 team at home and winning huge on the road. I think we jump OK, Iowa, UNC and Maryland this week. And I think our 2 wins boost us ahead of MSU and possibly UVA. Assuming 'Nova and KU win I think we could be as high as 3 and as low as 5. I'm hoping for 4 but I could see us at 3. This really was a great week for us -- both how we played and how our rankings competition played.

EDIT: On the other thread D-West noted that UNC just throttled Miami. I missed that. That adjusts to 4-6. Probably 5, "unfortunately" (first world problems...).

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think I would be surprised at 6. I think it will be a toss up between 4/5.

I think we jump Iowa, Oklahoma, and Maryland. I would think our 2 big wins vs Mich States 1 gets us out of a tie with them. That would put us at #5. If I had to guess I would say 5. I think UNC will stay ahead of us since people think Duke is back (although they did lose today) and with their big win over #11 Miami today.

[bleedXblue]

We will be 4 or 5

[xavierj]

I dont think we will any better than #5 next week. We are 8 now but tied for 8 with MSU, who knows what the voters will do with them but they could conceivably get an extra vote and jump us. I also dont think we will jump UNC as they are crushing #11 Miami right now.

I think our ceiling is 5 and I wouldnt be surprised if we were #6.

Our margin of victory on the road though on national TV could give us a boost.

I dont care about Monday's poll, Xavier will be underrated at 5, but if Xavier beats #1, which they will, and win at Seton Hall, they will be #1 in the country. Let that sink in. The teams ahead of them have lost and will lose. If xavier takes care of business this next week, they will be 26-3, best record in the country, and pretty much the best resume in the country. They will, and should be #1.

[vee4xu]

I dont care about Monday's poll, Xavier will be underrated at 5, but if Xavier beats #1, which they will, and win at Seton Hall, they will be #1 in the country. Let that sink in. The teams ahead of them have lost and will lose. If xavier takes care of business this next week, they will be 26-3, best record in the country, and pretty much the best resume in the country. They will, and should be #1.

That's what really had me thinking. Unreal, but great!

[vee4xu]

Well, Villanova did their part. So, here we go. The #1 team in the country will be on Xavier's campus for a 7 p.m. battle. Rest your voices one-and-all. You'll need them come Wednesday night.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

These are exciting days in the Xavier Nation. History is in the making. I am so proud and filled with anticipation of things to come. No matter the outcome, this team deserves our full support.

[MADXSTER]

I will be getting there by 6. No way in the world I'm getting there 5-10 minutes before tip. BIGTIME GAME!!

[MuskiePimp23]

I believe the last #1 team to invade the 'tas also hailed from Philly. That'd be St. Joes with Jameer and Delonte, correct? I was at that game and it didn't go well for X. Though isn't that the same year X spanked them at ud arena?

At any rate, assuming Villanova handles the Bulldogs today (they're off to a good start), it is possible, given all of the top 7 losses this past week, that it could be a #1 vs #3 or #2 game, depending on where X ends up. In the dare-to-dream category, does a win by X over both Villanova and Seton Hall potentially make X the #1 team that following week? Wow, the possibilities. I will be there vs Villanova and loving every minute of it.

No #1 team has ever come into Cintas Center at the time. St. Joe's was #6 when they came to Cintas and were #1 later in the year when we clobbered them in the A-10 tourney.

Tennessee was top 10 I believe when they came in and beat us. They eventually rose to #1 that same year, but not at the time they came to Cintas.

[MADXSTER]

I'm thinking a 500-700 SRO crowd. The place will be ROCKING!!

[paulxu]

I'm sure I remember beating a #1 team somewhere in Cincinnati.

[GIMMFD]

I have a good feeling about this one, I think even with our poor match up with them, this is our chance to take them down finally. Cintas is going to be absolutely rocking.

[TUclutch]

This is the game that people need to be in their seats 20-30 minutes before tip and be as loud then as the biggest point in the game. I know the students will be all over Nova during warmups but hopefully the rest of the fans are early as well

[MADXSTER]

I plan on leaving the house at 5:30 and getting to the Tas by 6. Drink, eat and be LOUD!

[xukeith]

Usually I arrive at Cintas an hour before tip off so I can relax, get a good parking spot, etc. This Wednesday, I am working until 5:45 in Anderson. So I have 1 hour to fight traffic and all those darn cars cramming Norwood. I probably will sit in my nose-bleed seat at 6:59pm.

To my surprise Friday, there were still Villanova tickets available at XU's website. Shocked!!

It will break the attendance record.

[smileyy]

I'm sure I remember beating a #1 team somewhere in Cincinnati.

I had to go look through history to realize that the two UC #1 teams and the #1 UMass team all came to the Gardens -- Cintas hadn't opened yet.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I had to go look through history to realize that the two UC #1 teams and the #1 UMass team all came to the Gardens -- Cintas hadn't opened yet.

'96 was at UC

[powerofX]

I had to go look through history to realize that the two UC #1 teams and the #1 UMass team all came to the Gardens -- Cintas hadn't opened yet.

Not to be a dick, but one uc game was at 5/3 (shoemaker) and one was gardens.

[Snipe]

I believe the last #1 team to invade the 'tas also hailed from Philly. That'd be St. Joes with Jameer and Delonte, correct? I was at that game and it didn't go well for X. Though isn't that the same year X spanked them at ud arena?



St Joes was #6 in the nation and 14-0 when they came to the Cintas with Jameer and Delonte.

We did beat them when they were #1 but at UD arena.

I have seen us play 4 games against #1 in person: UMass, UC, St. Joes, and Ohio State. I am still bitter about Ohio State.

[Snipe]

1996 L 74-78 OT #1 UMASS - The Cincinnati Gardens
1996 W 71-69 #1 Cincinnati - The Shoe
1999 W 66-64 #1 Cincinnati - The Cincinnati Gardens
2004 W 84-64 #1 St. Joseph - University of Dayton Arena
2007 L 71-78 OT #1 The Ohio State University - Rupp Arena
2016 W 89-81 #1 Villanova - The Cintas Center

I guess we were spoiled with playing #1 5 times in a little over a decade. It has been awhile since then though.

It doesn't appear that the Cintas has ever seen a #1 team come in to play.

Personally I would like to see the Cintas see the #1 team play multiple times in the same season, when we are #1!

We had a three game winning streak against #1s snapped by that overtime loss to Ohio State that still makes me bitter. That would have been a four game winning streak against #1 teams that I believe would still be going. I think that would have set a record, but I don't know how you could look something like that up. It is hard for any program to beat three straight #1s, even if you are Duke, Carolina or Kentucky.

My kids are excited to see this game.

[vee4xu]

St Joes was #6 in the nation and 14-0 when they came to the Cintas with Jameer and Delonte.

We did beat them when they were #1 but at UD arena.

I have seen us play 4 games against #1 in person: UMass, UC, St. Joes, and Ohio State. I am still bitter about Ohio State.

I was at that OSU game in Lexington. I am very bitter as well. Greg Oden should have been charged with assault for pushing Cage into the 5th row.

[smileyy]

'96 was at UC

Whoops...read the years wrong on Wikipedia

[xdude]

Speaking of #1s, Jerry Palm at CBS has us as a #1 seed. We win this week and a top spot is nearly a lock. Incredible year, incredible team. WooHoo!!!

[X-Fan]

St Joes was #6 in the nation and 14-0 when they came to the Cintas with Jameer and Delonte.

We did beat them when they were #1 but at UD arena.

I have seen us play 4 games against #1 in person: UMass, UC, St. Joes, and Ohio State. I am still bitter about Ohio State.
I was at that St. Joes game. Crazy to think that team somehow turned it around and went on "The Run".

I was also at the UMASS game. Incredible & Electric.

I will be there this Wednesday.

In all previous games vs #1, X was a major underdog. Not this time. X might not be favored, but they are a Top 5 team. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Time to take down Nova!

So Hyped! Can't wait!

Let's Go X!!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Really wish I could be there.

[XURX]

1996 L 74-78 OT #1 UMASS - The Cincinnati Gardens
1996 W 71-69 #1 Cincinnati - The Shoe
1999 W 66-64 #1 Cincinnati - The Cincinnati Gardens
2004 W 84-64 #1 St. Joseph - University of Dayton Arena
2007 L 71-78 OT #1 The Ohio State University - Rupp Arena
2016 W 89-81 #1 Villanova - The Cintas Center

I guess we were spoiled with playing #1 5 times in a little over a decade. It has been awhile since then though.

It doesn't appear that the Cintas has ever seen a #1 team come in to play.

Personally I would like to see the Cintas see the #1 team play multiple times in the same season, when we are #1!

We had a three game winning streak against #1s snapped by that overtime loss to Ohio State that still makes me bitter. That would have been a four game winning streak against #1 teams that I believe would still be going. I think that would have set a record, but I don't know how you could look something like that up. It is hard for any program to beat three straight #1s, even if you are Duke, Carolina or Kentucky.

My kids are excited to see this game.

For what it's worth, we also played at #1 Alabama in the 2002-2003 season. Alabama was ranked #1 in the AP poll, but not the coaches poll.

[UCGRAD4X]

Really wish I could be there.

You'll be there in spirit bro - although the D'Artaagnan's Deck probably won't accept your credit, so...not really the same.

[mid major]

I imagine Dana's will be packed to the brim albeit for a midweek game. Plan B will probably be Stone Lanes. Stone Lanes was totally packed last March for the Zona game. Then on to the 'Tas.

[nasdadjr]

I dont care about Monday's poll, Xavier will be underrated at 5, but if Xavier beats #1, which they will, and win at Seton Hall, they will be #1 in the country. Let that sink in. The teams ahead of them have lost and will lose. If xavier takes care of business this next week, they will be 26-3, best record in the country, and pretty much the best resume in the country. They will, and should be #1.

No chance if we win 2 next week X will be no better than 3 cause pollsters will no jump X over Kansas ever and while we should pass up Oklahoma I don't think we will. Oklahoma seems to be the annointed team that can do no wrong this year even when they do wrong so I don't think we leap them this week. I could easily be wrong but I think a sweep next week puts us no higher than 3

[ForTUitous]

GUYS! We're missing one! Anyone remember #19 Xavier taking on #1 Alabama on Jan. 4 2003?? X lost that one 65-58. I couldn't believe Alabama was ranked #1 either....

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=230040333

[bleedXblue]

I imagine Dana's will be packed to the brim albeit for a midweek game. Plan B will probably be Stone Lanes. Stone Lanes was totally packed last March for the Zona game. Then on to the 'Tas.

Listerman's is a great spot too. They've opened up their back room and now have space to serve at least 100 or so.

[Murph85]

I had to go look through history to realize that the two UC #1 teams and the #1 UMass team all came to the Gardens -- Cintas hadn't opened yet.
I was at both games. It was awesome in both cases but it was not business as usual. It was a gift in the form of a rare opportunity. We now are camped in this situation. There will be Big East match ups like this year in and year out and we will be on even footing, not trying to pull off the miracle. What a boost moving to the BE was. Imagine the biggest game in the A 10 this year... Yawn

[drudy23]

The UMass game rivaled a Crosstown Shootout in terms of "buzz in the arena" prior to tipoff. It was indeed electric. We will have the same feeling Wednesday.

Get there early!!! It's going to be epic.

[Strange Brew]

Really wish I could be there.

Me too but I'm planning multiple fighter jet purchases in live chat!

[xu82]

Me too but I'm planning multiple fighter jet purchases in live chat!

It will be known as the Breq Fleet!

[gladdenguy]

Listerman's is a great spot too. They've opened up their back room and now have space to serve at least 100 or so.

Listerman's is terrible and you should be nowhere besides Danas.

[xu82]

Listerman's is terrible and you should be nowhere besides Danas.

I went to Listerman's once. Nothing wrong with keeping it in my rotation. I'll go there again after the next billion trips to Dana's. That ratio seems about right for me, personally.

[X-band '01]

GUYS! We're missing one! Anyone remember #19 Xavier taking on #1 Alabama on Jan. 4 2003?? X lost that one 65-58. I couldn't believe Alabama was ranked #1 either....

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=230040333

That was actually the year BEFORE Cintas unwittingly held a matchup of fellow Elite 8 teams Xavier and Alabama (2003-04 season).

[Lloyd Braun]

Any chance Nova is not #1?

[drudy23]

Any chance Nova is not #1?

I guess it's possible with KU....but doubtful. They had a pretty healthy lead in first place votes last poll and their overall record is better. Everyone else in the Top5 lost, so there's zero chance they will jump them.

[Strange Brew]

It will be known as the Breq Fleet!

May have to let the Breq out of his trunk for this game...

[OTRMUSKIE]

With 3 wins against #1 and a 4th Weds , X has to be ranked up there as the team with the most wins against #1. By up there I mean top 20

[OTRMUSKIE]

Wasn't Indiana ranked 1 when we lost to them in the dance? They were a 1 seed for sure.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Also that Bama team lost 5 days before we played them. They also finished 17-12 and somehow made the dance.