Game Thread: Xavier v. Buffalo (November 14, 2016)

[Muskie]

http://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2752.png&h=70&w=70 vs. http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2084.png&h=100&w=100



November 14, 2016
7:00 p.m. Tip-Off
Cintas Center
Radio: Link (http://goxavier.com/showcase?Live=129)

TV: CBS Sports Network
Live Stats (http://www.sidearmstats.com/xavier/mbball/)

Buffalo Messageboard (http://www.ubfan.com/board/index.php/board,4.0.html?PHPSESSID=d554a2469fc2035faa00b93b4 f390cb5)
Buffalo Pre-Game Notes (http://ubbulls.com/sports/mbkb/2016-17/releases/20161113khm8ll)

Xavier Pr-Game Notes (http://goxavier.com/news/2016/11/13/mens-basketball-no-7-8-xavier-hosts-two-time-defending-mac-champion-buffalo-on-monday-night.aspx)

Live Chat (http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=XavierHoops)

[UCGRAD4X]

Sorry I can't be in attendance tonight. I will be interested to hear if Gates is out with the team for shoot around in a more significant way than he was for Lehigh. The sooner he gets into game shape the better.

[Muskie]

I believe this will be a challenging game. Three players coming off two-day rest who played 37 or minutes on Friday. Will need the younger guys to step up.

[AviatorX]

I believe this will be a challenging game. Three players coming off two-day rest who played 37 or minutes on Friday. Will need the younger guys to step up.

Could definitely see that. If Buffalo and Lehigh round in to the teams they are capable of being, these could end up being sneaky quality RPI wins in March (assuming X takes care of business tonight).

Also worth noting that Mack teams aren't exactly known for blowing the doors of lesser teams early in the season. Last season, the team looked way less than impressive in wins over Miami and Mizzou, before smoking Michigan in Ann Arbor and then coming back to suck again at home against NKU.

[gladdenguy]

Xavier -15 tonight. I can't decide on this. Mack was not happy about those last 4 minutes on Friday. I might expect a 20+ win (hopefully).

[Muskie]

Xavier -15 tonight. I can't decide on this. Mack was not happy about those last 4 minutes on Friday. I might expect a 20+ win (hopefully).

We will definitely need some post scoring for that to occur.

[AviatorX]

We will definitely need some post scoring for that to occur.

I mean, we were only 5 points short on Friday of Farr/Reynolds combined average scoring last season. There's a lot of room for the bigs to improve for sure, but still a long way to go, not to mention we had guys settling into new roles/getting their first D1 minutes in a long time against probably the best big they will face all season.

The post scoring is not a huge concern to me.

[Muskie]

That's true on PPG. I haven't checked but I suspect Rebounding took a huge hit as well as potentially blocks. Also, O'Mara had no FT Attempts.

[AviatorX]

That's true on PPG. I haven't checked but I suspect Rebounding took a huge hit as well as potentially blocks. Also, O'Mara had no FT Attempts.

Agreed, I think there are certainly some issues with the bigs that if we still see a month from now it will be time to panic, but I'm just not that worried about scoring.

X is so potent on the perimeter that all they really need on the offensive end is garbage/hustle buckets from Gaston/Jones (when playing) and I feel O'Mara is good enough to score consistently enough when they throw it to him on the block.

[THill42]

I am traveling and of course Time Warner isn't one of the options that CBS Sports allows you to log in with to watch CBS Sports Network on their mobile app. Anybody have insight into how to watch this game otherwise if you don't get CBS Sports Network on your package?

[sirthought]

I would do a search for every other thread that has covered online streams and look at the links for the sites that offer free streaming. They don't publish the actual game broadcast link until the day of.

[Muskie]

Looking through some other websites. It looks like Buffalo is in a state of flux right now with the PG position. Two key contributors CJ Massinburg (out with mono) and Blake Hamilton (returning from a broken hand) are dealing with issues. They also appear to have the early season rust we saw Friday night with turnovers. I still think it will be tough.

[xufan2434]

Could definitely see that. If Buffalo and Lehigh round in to the teams they are capable of being, these could end up being sneaky quality RPI wins in March (assuming X takes care of business tonight).

Also worth noting that Mack teams aren't exactly known for blowing the doors of lesser teams early in the season. Last season, the team looked way less than impressive in wins over Miami and Mizzou, before smoking Michigan in Ann Arbor and then coming back to suck again at home against NKU.

Yeah I'd say that's definitely a trend they've had for a bit now. I think a lot of it is working things out. Everyone settling in their roles, and playing with each other. I also think early in the year and against lesser teams, they get lackadaisical and lazy. Easy to fall asleep out there too on offense when they're playing against a zone the whole game. Think it takes away from their flow and energy. We'll see how they respond tonight though. Based on how Mack sounded, I'm sure he explained his disappointment loud and clear

[RealDeal]

Seems like with some other guys that have sat out a year they have taken around 10 games to get back to where they were. I'm hoping that RaShid can start to contribute more meaningfully soon.

[markchal]

I think we underestimate how much not having a reliable inside presence hurts the offense. Our offense got really stagnant against Lehigh and we had almost zero movement off the ball. Too many times Ed or Tre bailed us out at the end of the shot clock (part of this was that 2-3 zone, to be fair). Hope we see more from the bigs and the frosh tonight.

[Jesuit4Life]

TV info: https://twitter.com/XavierMBB/status/798305128986144773
Channel finder: http://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/#channel-finder
You can also stream through CBS Sports' website if you have Frontier/Cox/WOW/Optimum and subscribe to their channel: http://www.cbssports.com/watch/cbssportsnetwork

55KRC (https://www.iheart.com/live/55krc-1709/)

[Jesuit4Life]

https://vine.co/v/5IYLhZXldtq

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[X Factor]

That left hand finish by JP was ridiculous.

[BMoreX]

Does anyone else's Live Chat just stop working after 5 mins or so? (Just doesn't load any new messages, either outgoing or incoming)

[letskeepitreal]

The saving grace of not having Myles and Gates is that Jones and Goodin will have to grow up pretty fast. Should help us later in the year but we may have to take some early season lumps.

[X Factor]

Hate to say this, but Pete is not a good analyst.

[BMoreX]

O'Mara's foul trouble is concerning.

[Caf]

O'Mara's foul trouble is concerning.

Still really early, but I have wonder what kind of foul trouble he might have against a team with a bigger front court. A lot of time to turn it around.

[sirthought]

Hate to say this, but Pete is not a good analyst.

I enjoy him much more than several guys...like Steve Wolfe.

[sirthought]

Jones has shown some good instincts with his hands these first two games. I'm sure some of the speed is overwhelming.

[BMoreX]

Gaston with a really nice half.

[sirthought]

Boy if Omara can figure out how to stop fouling, he does seem like he's improving at helping the offense. It seems like he sets screens really well and has made some good decisions on passing.

[xeus]

Fr Graham just ruined the entire fan experience with his gay sweater vest striptease. MAKE IT STOP.

[sirthought]

Impressive looking win over Buffalo. But it's obvious this opponent isn't the same class as Lehigh.

Our team out rebounded them, but not by too much. And the assists seemed down.

Not sure if both of these came from us shooting a fairly high percentage or just being able to take guys one-on-one more easily.

Glad the young guys continue to get their chances.

[xu82]

Tyrique Jones shows a knack four being in the right place to collect rebounds. He had 11 in 21 minutes.

[xu82]

Jones led in RB's, and Q led in assists. Let's take that as a good omen for the future.

[X Factor]

Impressive looking win over Buffalo. But it's obvious this opponent isn't the same class as Lehigh.

Actually, Buffalo has a little higher kenpom rating than Lehigh.

[XUFan09]

Actually, Buffalo has a little higher kenpom rating than Lehigh.
Kenpom rankings right now are essentially preseason rankings with a dash of actual game time.

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[JTG]

Hate to say this, but Pete is not a good analyst.

Most of us who were around when Pete was here just like to listen to him, regardless of what he says. He'll always be a favorite X coach for the majority of us.I

[XUMIOH12]

the refs were strictly enforcing the freedom of movement rules haha.

[XUMIOH12]

it was good to get such a big lead early so that we could get a look at Goodin and Jones. Love the way that Jones rebounds.

[X Factor]

Kenpom rankings right now are essentially preseason rankings with a dash of actual game time.

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Yes, but to say Lehigh is in a different class than Buffalo is just not accurate.

[bjf123]

Buffalo must be leading the nation in fouls. That was painful to sit through.


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[AviatorX]

Yes, but to say Lehigh is in a different class than Buffalo is just not accurate.

Buffalo's two best players transferred I think so their KenPom rating is probably way off.

[xudash]

Most of us who were around when Pete was here just like to listen to him, regardless of what he says. He'll always be a favorite X coach for the majority of us.I

Exactly.

Just a caraway seed in the bakery of life. Or something like that.

[XUFan09]

Yes, but to say Lehigh is in a different class than Buffalo is just not accurate.
Right, but using Kenpom as evidence is pretty weak.

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[XUFan09]

Buffalo's two best players transferred I think so their KenPom rating is probably way off.
Transfers are taken into account by Kenpom in the most recent seasons.

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[X-Fan]

Good to see a convincing win, especially after how poorly they looked in the opener.

All the whistles in the first half made it a bit difficult to evaluate. Liked what I saw from the freshman this game especially compared to last game. Seemed like the guys had better defensive intensity. JP was back to his usual scrappy self. Ed looks a bit sloppy so far, like he's going too fast.

All in all, good improvement, looking forward to seeing how they do in the tournament.

[xukeith]

I enjoy him much more than several guys...like Steve Wolfe.

Wolf is a nice guy.

But analyst? Horrible...ugghh. He is MAC.

[xufan2434]

In O'Mara's defense.. that 2nd foul they called on him was straight unlucky. His feet got tangled with the other big guy coming down for the rebound and Buffalo's guy fell down. Took him out of the game without really being able to establish himself. I thought he was much more aggressive and let his frustration out in the 2nd. Had a couple nice buckets and nice assist to JP. I do think he'll come along more and more with every game. The more confidence he gets and just actual playing time will go a long way.

I have to be honest, I don't know how much Gaston is going to help this year. I just don't see his game translating to BE level. I know its really really early and I hope I'm wrong, just my observation from the 1st two games. We're obviously going to play him out of lack of depth.

Tyrique and Q were great. Ty athletic ability alone makes him a beast. After listening to Mack, sounds like he already has a great defensive understanding which is usually the biggest challenge for freshmen so that's an awesome sign. Q broke out of his shell pretty early and was great to see. His body type is a huge advantage for him driving in the lane so being fearless is how he needs to be every game. His jumper even looked better than I expected on his 3.

[X Factor]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ahmmJ3nokY

[Muskie]

In O'Mara's defense.. that 2nd foul they called on him was straight unlucky. His feet got tangled with the other big guy coming down for the rebound and Buffalo's guy fell down. Took him out of the game without really being able to establish himself. I thought he was much more aggressive and let his frustration out in the 2nd. Had a couple nice buckets and nice assist to JP. I do think he'll come along more and more with every game. The more confidence he gets and just actual playing time will go a long way.

I have to be honest, I don't know how much Gaston is going to help this year. I just don't see his game translating to BE level. I know its really really early and I hope I'm wrong, just my observation from the 1st two games. We're obviously going to play him out of lack of depth.

Tyrique and Q were great. Ty athletic ability alone makes him a beast. After listening to Mack, sounds like he already has a great defensive understanding which is usually the biggest challenge for freshmen so that's an awesome sign. Q broke out of his shell pretty early and was great to see. His body type is a huge advantage for him driving in the lane so being fearless is how he needs to be every game. His jumper even looked better than I expected on his 3.

After the first game, Mack wanted Goodin to be more aggressive. I think he played much better. Jones may very well be the starting center by the time the Big East Season rolls around?


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[GoMuskies]

That was a pretty dull game....which is exactly what the doctor ordered after Friday's close call. Good to see the freshmen get some quality minutes. I'm still a bit concerned about the part of our roster that's not JP, Ed or Trevon, but they'll be given the full test soon enough (this weekend even).

[Muskeagle]

I think Q played well enough to stem the rising tide of "I told you he wouldn't be ready after playing inferior talent in HS" that we heard after game one. I'm not labeling him a starter or anything, but seemed a lot more ready to contribute as a freshman than after game one. Season is still a bit of a marathon...let's not rush to judgments yet.

[xu82]

After the first game, Mack wanted Goodin to be more aggressive. I think he played much better. Jones may very well be the starting center by the time the Big East Season rolls around?


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Jones had more rebounds (11) than Gaston and O'Mara combined (10). Good showing last night.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Minus Myles and Gates, this team is almost exactly where I thought they would be. Remember, having a couple extra guys who are D1 tested taking minutes makes teams that much better. With Myles taking 30 minutes a game, guys like Bernard/Goodin/Macura etc get more rest which makes their games that much better.


Jones had more rebounds (11) than Gaston and O'Mara combined (10). Good showing last night.

[drudy23]

I knew I was going to like Jones after I saw him try to tear the rim off during warmups.

[Xville]

I think Q played well enough to stem the rising tide of "I told you he wouldn't be ready after playing inferior talent in HS" that we heard after game one. I'm not labeling him a starter or anything, but seemed a lot more ready to contribute as a freshman than after game one. Season is still a bit of a marathon...let's not rush to judgments yet.

My message with that after the first game was not that he wouldnt maybe contribute a few games, but some on here last year acted like he was going to come in and be a dez, semaj, tre type player and that just isnt the case. He will be a good player but its going to take a year or two to be a regular contributor in my opinion, and thats ok. I still like the look of him.

I really like tyriques game. Im pretty excited about him...love the athleticism.

[markchal]

After going to both games, it's clear Lehigh was a much better team than Buffalo (how many unforced turnovers did Buffalo have?). That being said, I was pleased with the man-to-man defense last night. The fouls were ridiculous, but I don't think it'll be called that way all year. Freshmen looked much better, but I'm still a little concerned with Gaston/O'Mara/Bernard. We're going to need a lot from them, and they still haven't really showed much (although I hope Gaston can build off a productive and more aggressive second half). Jones would've had a monster game if he wouldn't have missed like 3-4 layups and mishandled another 2-3 passes right under the rim.

[XUFan09]

My message with that after the first game was not that he wouldnt maybe contribute a few games, but some on here last year acted like he was going to come in and be a dez, semaj, tre type player and that just isnt the case. He will be a good player but its going to take a year or two to be a regular contributor in my opinion, and thats ok. I still like the look of him.

I really like tyriques game. Im pretty excited about him...love the athleticism.

The key word is "some." I don't know why you're setting your argument against the fringe opinion, unless you just like constructing strawmans. There are plenty of levels of instant contributor below the threshold of Semaj, Dez, etc., and Goodin certainly occupies one of them. He is ready to be a regular contributor this year and might just lose minutes because of how stacked this team will be with Myles and Gates back. That's not a knock on him, just the reality of the forecasted depth chart, which is unusually good. By next year, he will probably be the team's starting point guard, and no one is really going to be worried about that.

I never got the whole "facing inferior competition" thing. Yeah, Kentucky high school basketball is not that competitive compare to some of its neighbors, but no high-D1 player really gets challenged on a regular basis in high school except in AAU, which itself still isn't known for defensive rigor.

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[BandAid]

Unless you've got a lottery guy, it's a good idea not to get too high or too low on freshman. It's a long year. I fully expect Q and Tyrique to have games like this and games like Lehigh at various points throughout the year.

[Muskeagle]

My message with that after the first game was not that he wouldnt maybe contribute a few games, but some on here last year acted like he was going to come in and be a dez, semaj, tre type player and that just isnt the case. He will be a good player but its going to take a year or two to be a regular contributor in my opinion, and thats ok. I still like the look of him.

I really like tyriques game. Im pretty excited about him...love the athleticism.

I don't want to get into a petty argument over this, but this is the post I was responding to? Quote Originally Posted by Xville View Post
Where are those guys now that acted like i was nuts when i said q played inferior competiton in high school and would not be ready? Hes going to take a year or two.

This has a MUCH more negative tone that what you just posted above. I believe you are right that he's not Semaj or Dez ready, but that's not the feeling that your post gave off. I agree a lot more with your statement in this thread, but to not notice the sort of extreme view of the original is disingenuous. Buffalo was not a great team. He will have some ups and downs...BUT the ceiling appears pretty high. Mack called him out for not being aggressive and he changed it. I think there is much reason to think he will be a regular contributor this season and will be the difference in a couple of wins this year.