Game Thread: Xavier v. Utah (December 10, 2016)

[Muskie]

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2752.png&h=150&w=150vs.http://www.xavierhoops.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2122&stc=1

December 10, 2016

Game Time: 5:30 p.m.
Cintas Center
Radio:

TV: Fox

Live Chat (http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=XavierHoops)
Live Stats (http://www.sidearmstats.com/cu/mbball/)

[Muskie]

Fox national game. I hope we put on a good show.

[xubrew]

We need to pick up this win on the road. I know the game is at Cintas, so winning this game on the road could prove to be exceedingly difficult, but we need to find a way! We need a true road win!

[QueensbridgeMF]

How many times have we been on national airwaves outside of the tournament?

[American X]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CzRW2brXEAQ5pTs.jpg

[X-band '01]

How many times have we been on national airwaves outside of the tournament?

There have been 1 think I game against Nova, 2 against Creighton, 1 game against St. John's and 1 against Butler on national Fox the past 3 years. The Crosstown Shootout was also on Fox last season.

Someone alleged that there was a national game on CBS a few years back, but that never happened. I repeat, that NEVER happened.

[RetireFiftyTu]

This is the first of four scheduled games on broadcast television for Xavier this season. 3 on FOX and 1 on CBS. Potentially more in the Big East Torunament Final and then the NCAA Tournament.

[bleedXblue]

Win or lose today, I sure hope we see improvement in two key areas:

1. Offensive execution that is much better than we've seen all year. The extra pass to get a good shot. More inside out movement of the ball. And more dribble drive penetration by Edmond creating shots for his teammates.
2. Defensive intensity and creating turnovers. We have to get more nasty....plain and simple.

[THRILLHOUSE]

There have been 1 think I game against Nova, 2 against Creighton, 1 game against St. John's and 1 against Butler on national Fox the past 3 years. The Crosstown Shootout was also on Fox last season.



I think there was a national Fox game at Marquette our first year in the Big East as well.

[X-band '01]

You are correct - that was the game at Marquette in 2013-14.

I also forgot the game at Georgetown was on Fox last year. The 2 games against Creighton weren't initially part of the Fox package, but were flexed to Fox late in the season by popular demand.

[XfansinKy]

A totally different team at home.

[Xpectations]

Tyrique "freakin" Jones!!!

[letskeepitreal]

Gaston obviously wants to be a starter. Near double double again in the first half.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Watch out for the "new & improved" Gaston.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Why put Little Stain in so early in the game?

[xu82]

Halftime? Score?

[American X]

I fully endorse the Rashid Gaston impersonation of David West.

Xavier defense completely on deem at times, but certain lineups let Utah shoot a decent clip.

A white guy named Van Dyke playing for Utah is the whitest thing I have ever seen.

[XUFan09]

Watch out for the "new & improved" Gaston.
We'll see if the trend continues, but this is why I never write off new transfers before we have even reached conference play.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[paulxu]

Either they adjust better than we do at half, or we sort of just don't seem to have the same energy in the second half.
It's weird. I can't figure it out.
Need to open up another large lead.

[letskeepitreal]

Yeah I don't know why we have a second half letdown. In previous years, we have come out of halftime on fire.

[xu82]

Score? Time?

[bobbiemcgee]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/gametracker/live/NCAAB_20161210_UTAH@XAVIER

[XfansinKy]

Score? Time?

65-58 Xavier. 3:00 left

[GreatWhiteNorth]

We are being out-scored again in the second half. FT shooting is still a problem.

[GoMuskies]

Nice to get a win, but this one didn't exactly give me warm fuzzies.

[paulxu]

I needed them to make that last shot for my pick the score.

[xukeith]

Macura came back to life.

OMara is lost.

[sirthought]

Good win. Glad some guys got back on track a bit. Glad to see Gaston get a bit of success. Wish O'Mara was getting worked in a bit more, but maybe that's what's needed right now. Jones didn't play much either, but it was nice to see him have a positive effect on a play while he was in there.

Bluiett has to play this role of becoming the goto guy driving to the hoop, rather than shooting the jumper. It seems like they were trying some new things today. Glad Mack is working on new stuff. It helped that Utah's man-to-man wasn't stellar.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Relieved to get the win, thanks to the 10 straight FTs by Ed and TB. Gaston played a solid game with another double-double. JP did most of the damage in the first half but was quiet in the second half.

[sirthought]

I don't know if JP has been working this out or not, but it seemed like he let the game come to him a bit more and shared the ball with his teammates more.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Good win.

Gaston was a beast. Hes making those bunnies now in addition to beasting on the boards. He was 5/8 from field.

JP with a big game, found his shot and took much more reasonable shots and within the flow of the game. Side note: you guys see Mack lose it on JP late in game when he almost turned it over? You could read his lips "JP! What are you doing??!!"

FT shooting was an issue throughout the game until down the stretch when they matter most, Tre and Ed did a great job at the line down the stretch, shot 71% for the game.

Bernard found some life to his game today. Played pretty well.

Jones with 2 monster put back dunks was awesome.

Glad to see the team get back to winning.

[bobbiemcgee]

Actually, he said "what the F--K are you doing?"

[D-West & PO-Z]

Actually, he said "what the F--K are you doing?"

Ha I think I missed that!

[Xville]

Glad we won, but nothing about that game really got me excited for the rest of the year. Utah isnt that good and we had trouble putting them away

[X-Fan]

Glad to get the win, but this team isn't "right" yet; especially on offense. Settling for too many jumpers, only occasionally looking to feed the post, and really struggling to drive to the basket. In many ways Utah neutralized Tre & Ed. I know they'll get it worked out, but the struggles are stark especially compared to last years team.

Again, glad to get the win. I actually think Utah will be pretty good, especially considering they add two transfers in a few weeks. Wools love to see more out of Kaiser and Sean. Can't wait to get Myles back.

[bobbiemcgee]

We are being out-scored again in the second half. FT shooting is still a problem.

10 for 10 last 56 sec....whew

[D-West & PO-Z]

Glad we won, but nothing about that game really got me excited for the rest of the year. Utah isnt that good and we had trouble putting them away

Seeing Gaston step up and go for his 2nd double double didnt excite you even a little?

It excited me to see a big guy step up again on a team that is desperate for a big guy to be a consistent player for us.

[bjf123]

I needed them to make that last shot for my pick the score.

Me, too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bobbiemcgee]

O'Mara and Jones simply didn't play much cuz we couldn't take out Gaston.

[bleedXblue]

We're simply going through a stretch where we aren't playing all that well and aren't putting it all together. A win is a win. Utah is actually a pretty decent team.

I think Myles returning is going to add some much needed leadership and some much needed solid ball handling, good 3 pt shooting and composure that a guy like him brings.

[Porkopolis]

I listened to the second half on my way home from Columbus and couldn't believe we actually hit some foul shots. Tough few weeks but a win against Utah is a nice bounce back. Time to go get Wake. I love the way Mack and Company schedule.

[markchal]

10 for 10 last 56 sec....whew

After everyone left. Mack was right, much easier to shoot when there's not as many people there.

[Harryfe]

Regarding free throws: JP, Tre and Ed will always shoot for a decent percentage. It's the rest of the team that is horrible. Maybe some didn't notice, but Gates took up several minutes at the 5 position. O'Mara has done nothing to deserve more minutes. He missed another 1 foot shot tonight.

[GoMuskies]

Ed has definitely has some FT issues early this year. Hope he's solved those issues now.

[muskienick]

Regarding free throws: JP, Tre and Ed will always shoot for a decent percentage. It's the rest of the team that is horrible. Maybe some didn't notice, but Gates took up several minutes at the 5 position. O'Mara has done nothing to deserve more minutes. He missed another 1 foot shot tonight.

Harry, do us all a favor and read your posts before pressing 'Reply.' Then, once again before replying, ask yourself if you really think our players are trying to miss ft's or fg's and trying to turn the ball over. If not, then you might want to consider the fact that they are simply human and, as such, they make mistakes. Generally, our defense and offensive floor game were pretty decent tonight and our players did always make sure that the "right guys" handled the ball when the chips were down and the Utes had to foul to stop the clock. If you still want to be a "Debbie Downer" after that consideration, then I guess there's little help for you.

[xu82]

Myles gives us one more important inlet option when he returns. Tight games will be much easier to close out. Between Trevon, JP and Myles, I like the chances we will drain the FT's enough to win.

[Olsingledigit]

Glad to get the win, but this team isn't "right" yet; especially on offense. Settling for too many jumpers, only occasionally looking to feed the post, and really struggling to drive to the basket. In many ways Utah neutralized Tre & Ed. I know they'll get it worked out, but the struggles are stark especially compared to last years team.

Again, glad to get the win. I actually think Utah will be pretty good, especially considering they add two transfers in a few weeks. Wools love to see more out of Kaiser and Sean. Can't wait to get Myles back.
Actually Tre did just what he needed to do. They focused on taking his jumper away so he did exactly what he should - he drove, and drove, and drove and got 18 points.

[Harryfe]

Harry, do us all a favor and read your posts before pressing 'Reply.' Then, once again before replying, ask yourself if you really think our players are trying to miss ft's or fg's and trying to turn the ball over. If not, then you might want to consider the fact that they are simply human and, as such, they make mistakes. Generally, our defense and offensive floor game were pretty decent tonight and our players did always make sure that the "right guys" handled the ball when the chips were down and the Utes had to foul to stop the clock. If you still want to be a "Debbie Downer" after that consideration, then I guess there's little help for you.
Nick, not sure where I said anyone missed anything on purpose. Just making a couple observations. The great Wilt Chamberlain was a terrible free throw shooter but he didn't miss them "on purpose ". I think Tre and JP are very good ft shooters and Ed isn't bad.
.For instance I would think you would agree that the fine play of Rashid the last few games has earned him more minutes at the 5 position than the mediocre play of Sean. And so Chris has decided to start him and give him more playing time.

[Caf]

Seeing Gaston step up and go for his 2nd double double didnt excite you even a little?

It excited me to see a big guy step up again on a team that is desperate for a big guy to be a consistent player for us.

Exactly. I was excited the second I saw Gaston fighting for position and calling for the ball. I think it was the first play of the game.

[XMuskieFTW]

Gaston had a few nice moves in the post tonight that he was able to finish. I think the past two games have been a fairly good matchup for him. Honestly Gaston the first 8 games reminded me of Junior Travis Taylor, and the last two have been more reminiscent of senior Travis Taylor. I think it's probably fair to expect something in between the two of those for the rest of the season. If we can consistently get 8 and 7 from Gaston that would be huge. Another 8 and 4 from Sean and I feel more confident about our front court.

[scoscox]

Actually Tre did just what he needed to do. They focused on taking his jumper away so he did exactly what he should - he drove, and drove, and drove and got 18 points.

Probably the best game Tre's ever played without hitting a three

[XUGRAD80]

Did not get to see the game, and only got to listen to the last 10 minutes of the 2nd half, but I remembered that Joe commented that the lineup with Gates at the 5 and no true post was something he couldn't remember X having played yet this year.

Before the season started I was really looking forward to seeing what progress Sean had made, and was expecting him to be at least adequate in the post. Had no expectations for either Gaston or Jones. Sean so far has dissapointed, but Gaston has been a pleasent surprise. Jones shows much potential, but that might take a year or so before we see it. I still have hopes that the Sean/Gaston combo will become a consistent inside presence for X as the year goes on, but Sean is going to have to step up his game to make this happen. I'm sure he is working hard to make that come true, but I'm no longer sure he has the pure talent I once thought he had.

[markchal]

Actually Tre did just what he needed to do. They focused on taking his jumper away so he did exactly what he should - he drove, and drove, and drove and got 18 points.

I disagree with this. Being at the game, Tre looked off. Seemed to rush his shot at times and only had like 6 points with 5 minutes to go. Passed his stats with a bunch of fts late.

[X-band '01]

How dare our players pad (or pass in the case of Markchal) their stats with clutch free throws. Don't they know it's much more important for our fans to Twitterbomb the coaches and/or players?

[xuwin]

I disagree with this. Being at the game, Tre looked off. Seemed to rush his shot at times and only had like 6 points with 5 minutes to go. Passed his stats with a bunch of fts late.

Tre was 2-4 from the field in the 1st half and playing great defense. Xavier was up 11 points at the half by hitting the open man. Tre was getting extra attention by the Utah defense and had no reason to force shots. He contributed in the end as needed when some of the other guys cooled off. It's not important that any one man get his points every game, only that the team gets theirs. Tre got 25 points the last game and they lost.

[XUFan09]

Tre was 2-4 from the field in the 1st half and playing great defense. Xavier was up 11 points at the half by hitting the open man. Tre was getting extra attention by the Utah defense and had no reason to force shots. He contributed in the end as needed when some of the other guys cooled off. It's not important that any one man get his points every game, only that the team gets theirs. Tre got 25 points the last game and they lost.
Yeah, J.P. and Rashid were lighting up the scoreboard in the first half while Utah was pulling away. There was no need for Trevon to force anything, especially because he was drawing so much defensive attention. When Utah when on runs in the second half, though, he would often give X a big play, usually with a drive to the basket.

I don't know how you can say something was off about his jumper when he only took four jump shots the entire game, going 1-4. Utah overplayed him on the perimeter, which stretched the defense significantly for X and opened up driving lanes for him.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[markchal]

How dare our players pad (or pass in the case of Markchal) their stats with clutch free throws. Don't they know it's much more important for our fans to Twitterbomb the coaches and/or players?

Sorry about the typo from my phone, I'm aware how confusing that must have made my statement. My point was that his game would be a little misleading if you only looked at the box-score. He was tied for leading scorer but I thought JP, Gaston and Bernard had better games.

[Masterofreality]

Well, we played better and JP finally broke out of his slump, but we still have some very significant holes.

I just can't say that Xavier should be ranked right now. We WILL get better, and eventually get there, but just too many questions right now.

Sorry, just living up to my name.

[Olsingledigit]

I disagree with this. Being at the game, Tre looked off. Seemed to rush his shot at times and only had like 6 points with 5 minutes to go. Passed his stats with a bunch of fts late.

I was at the game two in row F behind our bench. I disagree with you.

[Olsingledigit]

Sorry about the typo from my phone, I'm aware how confusing that must have made my statement. My point was that his game would be a little misleading if you only looked at the box-score. He was tied for leading scorer but I thought JP, Gaston and Bernard had better games.

Again I disagree. Tre played a good game and took what the defense gave him.

[XUFan09]

I really don't know why anyone is using their presence at the game as something to stand on. I've stood in the first row with a great view of the action and there are still a number of circumstances where the TV perspective is more useful (even if it isn't as fun). In fact, I'd say all but a few circumstances are more accurately captured by watching on a good-sized TV.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[XU 87]

I disagree with this. Being at the game, Tre looked off. Seemed to rush his shot at times and only had like 6 points with 5 minutes to go. Passed his stats with a bunch of fts late.

KenPom gave him an offense rating of 140 for the game, which is very high. He was 6-11 from the field.

[LA Muskie]

I thought Tre was outstanding yesterday. He took what Utah gave him and he played within the system. To me, the notion that he was "off" yesterday is laughable.

[bleedXblue]

Tre has taken his fair share of ill advised, rushed shots this year. I think he took what was given yesterday and knew JP and Gaston were hot. I like to think he's maturing a bunch. He was not "off".

[XUMIOH12]

I disagree with this. Being at the game, Tre looked off. Seemed to rush his shot at times and only had like 6 points with 5 minutes to go. Passed his stats with a bunch of fts late.

Well, I too was at the game, and I didn't think he looked off. He just didn't take many jump shots and didnt have too many open looks. He did, however, come up with some clutch drives to the basket for layups in the last few minutes.

[IM4X]

Well, we played better and JP finally broke out of his slump, but we still have some very significant holes.

I just can't say that Xavier should be ranked right now. We WILL get better, and eventually get there, but just too many questions right now.

Sorry, just living up to my name.

Agreed!

[XUFan09]

I thought Tre was outstanding yesterday. He took what Utah gave him and he played within the system. To me, the notion that he was "off" yesterday is laughable.
Yup. Highly efficient scoring, demanding a lot of the defense's attention at all times, and getting to the rim repeatedly makes for a great performance. Was he the MVP of the game? No, but he doesn't need to be every game. In fact, if he had tried to play that role yesterday, he would have got in the way of at times dominant performances from JP and Rashid. That would just be bad team basketball.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[markchal]

I thought Tre was outstanding yesterday. He took what Utah gave him and he played within the system. To me, the notion that he was "off" yesterday is laughable.

OK. I'm sorry. It was based on the very scientific metric of him rushing a few shots and not scoring much at all in the first 30 minutes. Thought he played well down the stretch getting to the rim a few times and hitting all his FTs.

I didn't say he played bad, I said I thought his stat line was a little misleading and that a few other players had better games (only an opinion!!!!!!!!!!!!).

[XUFan09]

Where's this "rushing shots" come from? Trevon always has had a really quick release. Maybe it only looks like he's rushing because a) he didn't take many jump shots, period, and b) he only went 1 for 4 in that tiny sample size.

Also, he doesn't necessarily need to score much early in the game to be impactful. On a talented team, sometimes a star player's role is drawing the attention of the defense. Sumner actually did a good job of that himself while running the offense, but he wasn't efficient when he went to score for himself and overall wasn't as composed as Bluiett.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[Caf]

Where's this "rushing shots" come from? Trevon always has had a really quick release. Maybe it only looks like he's rushing because a) he didn't take many jump shots, period, and b) he only went 1 for 4 in that tiny sample size.

Also, he doesn't necessarily need to score much early in the game to be impactful. On a talented team, sometimes a star player's role is drawing the attention of the defense. Sumner actually did a good job of that himself while running the offense, but he wasn't efficient when he went to score for himself and overall wasn't as composed as Bluiett.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Agreed, Tre's release is so fast I'm not sure he can really rush shots. Almost every shot he takes looks rushed compared to other players. I've rarely been concerned with forced shots from Tre, but never rushed.

I see what you're saying though, Markchal. He wasn't the centerpiece of the offense that he usually is and his 18 points were very quiet and not scored during tight points of the game. However, as correctly pointed out by other posters, he let other teammates take bigger roles in this game. That's a welcomed change for me, not because he has been selfish in anyway, but because we usually have to depend on him having a huge game.

Bluiett didn't hit a 3 and we won relatively comfortably. That's something to be excited about.

[scoscox]

I thought he rushed one of his threes and another jumper, but it didn't really affect him too much. He got to the rim better than I've ever seen him do before.

[XUMIOH12]

Agreed, Tre's release is so fast I'm not sure he can really rush shots. Almost every shot he takes looks rushed compared to other players. I've rarely been concerned with forced shots from Tre, but never rushed.

I see what you're saying though, Markchal. He wasn't the centerpiece of the offense that he usually is and his 18 points were very quiet and not scored during tight points of the game. However, as correctly pointed out by other posters, he let other teammates take bigger roles in this game. That's a welcomed change for me, not because he has been selfish in anyway, but because we usually have to depend on him having a huge game.

Bluiett didn't hit a 3 and we won relatively comfortably. That's something to be excited about.

But almost all of his points were scored down the stretch when the game was fairly close and Utah was trying to cut the lead to one or two possessions.