Xavier vs. Creighton (January 16, 2017) Big East Game #6

[American X]

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2752.png&h=150&w=150https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/19/71/2a/19712ae18a9faac9f2720c6936a94a60.jpg

Xavier Musketeers vs. Creighton Blue Jays

January 16, 2017

Game Time: 2:00pm ET

Cintas Center | Cincinnati, Ohio

TV: FS1

Radio: 700WLW (https://www.iheart.com/live/700wlw-1713/?autoplay=true&pname=1209&campid=header&cid=index.html)

Live Stats (http://www.sidearmstats.com/xavier/mbball/)

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

[BandAid]

Is anyone going to this game? I know it's a "holiday," but I don't get the day off...

[Xville]

Huge game today. Have to protect the home court in conference eveb if it is against one of the top teams. By the way, this being during the day is ridiculous. This may be a "holiday" but id wsger to guess that more than 50% of fans are scheduled to work today.

[XU 87]

Is anyone going to this game? I know it's a "holiday," but I don't get the day off...

Yes, but no holiday in my office either.

I just want to get the hell out of here and open up my first "pop".

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

TV Contracts never take a holiday.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Oh no. I do not like this:

"@slrussell Quentin Goodin is starting for Edmond Sumner. I don't even see Sumner out in the warm-ups."

Update, Ed is at least warming up now:

@slrussell Sumner IS out warming up. I see him now. #Xavier

[BMoreX]

Sumner not starting. Not sure if injury-related or something else...

[GoMuskies]

Mack does this at least once a year, right? It's always worked out fine, though not always on the day he actually makes the change.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Mack does this at least once a year, right? It's always worked out fine, though not always on the day he actually makes the change.

Well, I would think in this case it could be due to Ed's shoulder. Guess we won't know for sure until post-game.

[AviatorX]

I mean, realistically there's no way this isn't shoulder related.

Can't imagine Ed would be first in line for a symbolic benching, especially when Q has barely seen the floor the last week or so.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Latest update from Shannon:

‏@slrussell 15s15 seconds ago
Sumner looks fine. He's leading the lay-up line. Don't know about the shoulder though, or any other circumstances. #Xavier

[xubrew]

I wasn't expecting a win against Nova. I was hoping for, but not expecting a win at Butler.

I am expecting a win today. In fact, I'll be less surprised by us running away from them than I will be by us losing to them.

McDermott doesn't win big games in the second half of the season, and he doesn't win any games in the final third of the season!

WE GOT THIS!!!!

[GoMuskies]

Shitty start

[xeus]

Shitty start

Thanks. Solid analysis.

[X-ceptional]

On pace for 40 turnovers!

[GoMuskies]

Thanks. Solid analysis.

You're welcome

[xubrew]

Shitty start

Yea, pretty much.

And a good start for them.

That's basically how I'd put it

[GoMuskies]

Continued shittiness. Other than the miracle bank in three.

[letskeepitreal]

Pretty pathetic start here guys!

[Muskie]

I like what I saw out of Goodin.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Lloyd Braun]

On pace for 35 turnovers.

[GoMuskies]

Less shitty

[BMoreX]

Taking advantage with Watson injury.

[letskeepitreal]

Here we go. Gotta bring some intensity.

[XfansinKy]

Big Tyrique with the explosive dunk giving X momentum now!!

[Muskie]

Looks like Tyrique tweaked his ankle


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Muskie]

Watson back in. He's got a bad limp


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Muskie]

Greg McDermott makes Steve Lavin look like a mature adult when talking to the Refs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[BMoreX]

Surprised that they let Watson back in and now he's on the floor again. Doesn't look good either.

[GoMuskies]

Good strategy just getting all their guys hurt.

[Muskie]

Creighton is putting their whole season on the line by playing Watson when his knee obviously hurts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Blue Blobs Bro]

Watson please don't hurt yourself I want creighton in the elite eight

[XfansinKy]

Surprised that they let Watson back in and now he's on the floor again. Doesn't look good either.

Yea he was limping bad already.

[Muskie]

Watson directly to locker room


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[GoMuskies]

Didn't realize it was Watson hurt again. That sucks for them.

[Lloyd Braun]

He's done. Knee popped.

[GuyFawkes38]

Wow. Just awful to see that. Ugh. Prayers that it's somehow not as bad as it looks.

[XfansinKy]

Creighton has added some athleticism since they joined the Big East.

[XfansinKy]

Omara struggling.

[xufan2020]

Seriously what does Omara offer?

[XfansinKy]

Kaiser is starting to look good and healthy running out and picking up guards on D. I hope I'm right.

[GoMuskies]

Not too bad after the awful start. With Watson out, we should be fine in the second half.

[Lloyd Braun]

Anyone know why Ed didn't start?

[xufan2020]

Kaiser and trevon missing open 3's is getting annoying

[GuyFawkes38]

Hoping at some point our 243rd ranking from 3 will improve....

[gladdenguy]

Not too bad after the awful start. With Watson out, we should be fine in the second half.

I have no idea with even Watson out that you can have confidence in this team.

[XfansinKy]

Other than Rashid, who on this team is playing really hard? Maybe Sean but he's mostly struggling.

[X-band '01]

At least now Xavier is only on pace for 24 turnovers.

[AviatorX]

Defense was really good for the most part, got burnt on pick-six TO's and back to back lapses around the Foster alley oop.

Seems like half of our turnovers were offensive fouls and the other half were live balls going the other way. Not a good mix.

[X Factor]

Even in the friendly confines of the Cintas, can't hit a three (1-8).

This team is so frustrating...

[X Factor]

Even if Xavier win's, the media narrative will be Watson's injury. I feel bad for him and Creighton. He is a great player.

[X Factor]

Nice box out Rashid

[X-ceptional]

Xavier needs to start shooting FTs underhand.

[X Factor]

3-9 from the FT line! Unbelievable.

[Muskie]

Any word on Jones?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[X Factor]

What was the point of starting Goodin and then not play him all after three minutes?

[Muskie]

What was the point of starting Goodin and then not play him all after three minutes?

No idea. But I'm glad he got the minutes. I thought he looked good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Lloyd Braun]

Not one of big Sean's better games.

[XfansinKy]

I'm guessing big Tyrique is out for the game?

[X Factor]

How much rust does Myles Davis' game have on it right now?

[X Factor]

Rashid playing like he's 6'6

[paulxu]

Ack

[mohr5150]

The dumbest team in America.

[XfansinKy]

Myles is struggling and X is once again not running any plays. Just bring it up and someone shoot it. Sometimes it looks like YMCA shit.

[JAPER]

I'm sorry but Cintas has become weak-ass. Do you people know how lucky you are to be able to cheer for this program. Step it up crowd. Stop being cry babies and start cheering on good and bad plays.

[paulxu]

When Gates drove the lane, gave a perfect bounce pass to Jones (?), he should have gone RIGHT up; not screw around and get blocked.

[BandAid]

I'm sorry but Cintas has become weak-ass. Do you people know how lucky you are to be able to cheer for this program. Step it up crowd. Stop being cry babies and start cheering on good and bad plays.

Ummm...the game started at 2:00 p.m. on a workday...that's not exactly peak hours for sporting events...

[XfansinKy]

When Gates drove the lane, gave a perfect bounce pass to Jones (?), he should have gone RIGHT up; not screw around and get blocked.

Jones is hurt but Yea.

[X Factor]

Damnit Ed!

[JAPER]

Ummm...the game started at 2:00 p.m. on a workday...that's not exactly peak hours for sporting events...

No excuse. that is weak...

[Muskie]

It's pretty loud here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[paulxu]

Haven't figured out why, sometimes, JP and Sumner get the ball and just decide it's going to be 1 on 5, period.

So, open looks go wasted, and turnovers/bad shots occur. Fix that and we'd be way ahead.

[Muskie]

McDermott can walk all the way across the floor and get in a refs face , but Mack says one thing to an official and gets a Tech.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[paulxu]

When you get that bounce pass...go UP for the love of God.

[JAPER]

It's pretty loud here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Great, lets keep it that way. Sixth man need to step up...

[Muskie]

It's the hallmark of Xavier big man. Neutralize your size by taking the entry pass and put it on the floor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Blue Blooded-05]

Down 9 with 8 mins left. Let the 3 point shot barrage commence

[X Factor]

Even without Watson, this is getting ugly.

[XfansinKy]

Has Ed turned into a selfish player with this one on five shit? I'm not saying he is but that's what selfish players do.

[Xville]

Great, lets keep it that way. Sixth man need to step up...

So does the team, which right now is pretty medicore. Even with arguably their best player out, x still looks like poo

[X-ceptional]

Hey, a made FT!

[paulxu]

Good D Gates

[JAPER]

Its sounds louder. More beer, less wine and cheese...

[X-ceptional]

Wow ed

[BMoreX]

That was a slam dunk.

[muethibp]

Has Ed turned into a selfish player with this one on five shit? I'm not saying he is but that's what selfish players do.

no

[Caf]

Its sounds louder. More beer, less wine and cheese...

Haha what are you talking about man?

[X-ceptional]

Gaston getting some big RBs... come on X!

[paulxu]

If we could shoot 80% from the line, and 30% from 3, ......snowballs would have a chance in hell.

[paulxu]

Let's win this damn thing. Go Muskies.

[JAPER]

louder...

[X-ceptional]

Nothing FREE about FTs today

[HenryMuto]

No one to blame if X loses today but themselves on missing so many FT's.

[Xville]

What a great effing end of game! Finally the team that this one should be has shown up! Welcome guys.

[paulxu]

55% from the line. Man.

[HenryMuto]

Wow that went so wrong looked like a layup coming and he fumbles the ball away then they get point blank shots at the rim and can't put it in.

[Xville]

How the f did they not put that in....damn it! Great effort but mother effer

[X-ceptional]

This sucks.

[xudash]

I don't care the Gaston has a double double. That was simply unacceptable.

[X Factor]

What a great effing end of game! Finally the team that this one should be has shown up! Welcome guys.

Not really

[xu82]

I've come here for better luck. The game in Live Chat sucks!

[xu82]

Oops, sucks here too......

[HenryMuto]

Another heart breaking loss. Should won this game the missed FT's are the difference plus having point blank shots with 17 seconds left and couldn't score.

[xufan2020]

Trevon, where's your guts?

[Lloyd Braun]

Not sure that was the best time to draw up a play for Tre to hit a 3

[Xville]

That will do it....our guys really need to figure out that they have to play a 40 minute game.

[xufan2020]

That tech foul by Mack was costly.

[bjf123]

That tech foul by Mack was costly.

No. Missing 12 FTs cost us the game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[X-ceptional]

If we just shot "slightly below average" instead of "complete dumpster fire" quality on FTs and 3pts, we win that game. Watching this team makes me feel the same as watching the Bengals this past season. Ugh.

[flagship]

That tech foul by Mack was costly.

Don't disagree but the call was total bs and I can't blame him too much.

[AviatorX]

If we just shot "slightly below average" instead of "complete dumpster fire" quality on FTs and 3pts, we win that game. Watching this team makes me feel the same as watching the Bengals this past season. Ugh.

Yeah, that comparison is starting to sink in more and more.

[X-ceptional]

No. Missing 12 FTs cost us the game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Even better, we missed 13!


Edit to note: we missed more FTs than Creighton attempted!

[Caveat]

This is not a good basketball team right now.

[novachap]

Even better, we missed 13!


Edit to note: we missed more FTs than Creighton attempted!

Damn, was pulling for you guys (selfish reasons)... shitload of missed FT's. More importantly, when Watson went down, why on earth didn't Mack put a press on when they had NO Point Guard?

[nasdadjr]

All I'll say is if anyone thinks there is an NBA player on this team your nuts. I'll leave it at that

[THRILLHOUSE]

13 missed FT's and 17 turnovers. Once again, X beat themselves. Frustrating.

[AviatorX]

Damn, was pulling for you guys (selfish reasons)... shitload of missed FT's. More importantly, when Watson went down, why on earth didn't Mack put a press on when they had NO Point Guard?

Not sure why X would want to do something they never really do and speed up a Creighton team that wants to run.

[X-ceptional]

Could you imagine how many TOs this team would have against WVU?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

We had our chance to steal a win but couldn't finish. Terrible loss at home. But then, we were behind for most of the game. Disappointing!

[novachap]

Not sure why X would want to do something they never really do and speed up a Creighton team that wants to run.

fair enough.... just a thought

[gladdenguy]

Can't help but laugh after those 4 misses on one possession.

Extremely overrated. Good thing they won't be ranked any longer. Maybe they can get in the tourney.

Blueitt an NBA player?!?!?!? Hahahahahahhaha

[Xville]

If we just shot "slightly below average" instead of "complete dumpster fire" quality on FTs and 3pts, we win that game. Watching this team makes me feel the same as watching the Bengals this past season. Ugh.

People keep saying that about the fts and 3pts but maybe its.more this team isnt very good at them. Maybe our average is going to keep going down.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Good thing they won't be ranked any longer.

Then we can get back to sneaking up on everyone!

[BandAid]

Then we can get back to sneaking up on everyone!

The Musketeers natural position...oh, I think he's spotted us! Croinke - that's a big one!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Games like this are won and lost by the upper classmen. Trevon and Ed just aren't getting it done. This is the time for them to keep the team together. Myles' senior campaign is a total waste. Remember he shoots 85% from the line and absolutely helps in a game like this.

[X-ceptional]

People keep saying that about the fts and 3pts but maybe its.more this team isnt very good at them. Maybe our average is going to keep going down.

No doubt. Just to clarify though, I was meaning, even if we just shot slightly below the NCAA DI averages of 70% and 35% for this year. Before this game, at least, Xavier did find itself ever so slightly north of that 70% number somehow.

[GoMuskies]

We'd better win our next game. This was a brutal stretch for sure, but you can't let these three losses beat you again.

[scoscox]

Everyone saying Ed wasn't aggressive... I think his shoulder is affecting that

[Xavier]

Yeah, just played 3 top 15 teams and people writing them off. Disappointed no doubt but we are playing for a seed.

[scoscox]

Also, I really can't wait for Myles to start picking up more minutes and I'm pretty sick of watching JP make dumb decision after dumb decision. He's too good of a player for the kind of lackadaisical shit he pulls out there.

[Xville]

Yeah, just played 3 top 15 teams and people writing them off. Disappointed no doubt but we are playing for a seed.

Just as writing them off may be a bit premature, saying we are playing for a seed is also.

[GoMuskies]

Just as writing them off may be a bit premature, saying we are playing for a seed is also.

Agreed. Let's beat Georgetown before we start thinking about seeds again. Don't win that and a 5 game losing streak is staring you in the face.

Sunday is yuge. Let's start out the Trump regime 1-0.

[X Factor]

Also, I really can't wait for Myles to start picking up more minutes

Why, the guy has more rust on his game than my my first car. Looks like a freshman out there.

[xufan2020]

I take it back that Mack's technical was costly, it kind of sparked the team actually. Just so disappointed in the upperclassmen.
As if Trevon's limited athleticism wasn't obvious enough to prove he's not going to the NBA... he's not even hitting his 3's.

[GoMuskies]

We need a JV team for Myles to go play 40 minutes a game on for a week or two.

[xukeith]

No. Missing 12 FTs cost us the game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It didn't help.Mack's tech, that is.

[AviatorX]

Also, I really can't wait for Myles to start picking up more minutes and I'm pretty sick of watching JP make dumb decision after dumb decision. He's too good of a player for the kind of lackadaisical shit he pulls out there.

I really hope you are right and the next week of practice turns things in that direction for Myles, but today I was thinking I wish I could unsee his minutes this season and go back to remembering 15-16 Myles. I thought Goodin earned a few more today. Liked his aggression although his two floaters popped out.

[xukeith]

Just as writing them off may be a bit premature, saying we are playing for a seed is also.

Zero quality wins.

[Xavier]

It didn't help.Mack's tech, that is.

I think we got a lot of favorable calls after that, and it seemed to get the guys going.

[scoscox]

Why, the guy has more rust on his game than my my first car. Looks like a freshman out there.

I'll be happy to see him start eating JP's minutes. He slows down the offense, turns it over carelessly, and doesn't communicate at all on defense and screens. It's infuriating to watch. He's a good player too, this is all just discipline.

Moreover, the team as a whole is undisciplined. I'm not impressed with Mack's control of the team.

[Juice]

Zero quality wins.

Clemson is 29 in KenPom and Wake Forest is 41. These are not marquee games by any means but they shouldn't be discounted.

[AviatorX]

Clemson is 29 in KenPom and Wake Forest is 41. These are not marquee games by any means but they shouldn't be discounted.

Yeah, I don't think X is in any danger of missing the dance. If we lose to GTown and need to start that discussion, the bubble is shaping up to be super weak (isn't it always?) anyway.

[drudy23]

Yeah, I don't think X is in any danger of missing the dance. If we lose to GTown and need to start that discussion, the bubble is shaping up to be super weak (isn't it always?) anyway.

We will if we keep losing.

[XfansinKy]

Big Rashid plays his heart out but he just didn't have the hops to go back up and rip the rim down. This isn't a very athletic team overall. Doesn't mean they can't make a run in March.

[AviatorX]

Big Rashid plays his heart out but he just didn't have the hops to go back up and rip the rim down. This isn't a very athletic team overall. Doesn't mean they can't make a run in March.

Yeah he is a very limited finisher. Creativity over power which can be really tough against some of the length in major conference ball. You can see how he killed it in a low-major league though.

[XfansinKy]

Free throws

[XMuskieFTW]

In 2014 we were 21-13 with probably a weaker schedule and still got a 6 seed. So even if we finish the season 8-8 we should make the tourney. I'm not concerned about that.

[X-man]

We are not a good team, and I don't see us improving at this point. We don't shoot well from either the perimeter or the free throw line. Add to this the fact that we have a very limited inside offensive presence, and this is a recipe for an offensive bust. We also turn the ball over a lot, even when there is no pressure. We do (sometimes) play pretty good defense, but even there we are inconsistent. Finally we have no floor leadership. We will win some more games at home, but not against good teams. I don 't see many road wins at this point.

Mack was pretty positive on the postgame show but frankly, I see no reason for him to be positive. At this point we are a middling team in a tough league, with the chance of Dancing in March, but only because the league is so good. Even if we Dance, I can't believe we will go anywhere.

All in all, a very disappointing season for players and fans alike.

[HenryMuto]

Miss Jalen Reynolds

[XfansinKy]

I was hoping to see a lot of Jones. Every time he's in a find myself waiting for a huge dunk. He's a definite Big East player and I hope he doesn't get discouraged.

[scoscox]

We are not a good team, and I don't see us improving at this point. We don't shoot well from either the perimeter or the free throw line. Add to this the fact that we have a very limited inside offensive presence, and this is a recipe for an offensive bust. We do (sometimes) play pretty good defense, but even there we are inconsistent. We also have no floor leadership. Mack was pretty positive on the postgame show. Frankly I see no reason for him to be positive. At this point we are a middling team in the league, with the chance of Dancing in March, but only a chance. Very disappointing season for players and fans alike.

Yea, floor leadership is poor/non-existent. I also miss Jalen's ability to set the tone. I think Tyrique has that. Weird that he got in to deliver a massive dunk then never saw the floor again.

[XUBob]

I know I'm going to catch hell for this but this X team is reminding me of the Bengal's season. In almost all of the losses we make a play or two, hit a crucial free throw and we get a win. Unfortunately seems like this group can't get over that hump. I've questioned their mental toughness all year, hoping this group gets back on track, they still have time and opportunity it's up to them.

[mohr5150]

Yea, floor leadership is poor/non-existent. I also miss Jalen's ability to set the tone. I think Tyrique has that. Weird that he got in to deliver a massive dunk then never saw the floor again.

Mack said he injured his knee. Nothing season-ending, but bad enough for him to miss the rest of the game.

[X-band '01]

In 2014 we were 21-13 with probably a weaker schedule and still got a 6 seed. So even if we finish the season 8-8 we should make the tourney. I'm not concerned about that.

You mean 2015 was a 6 seed. 2014 was a nightmare that ended in Dayton.

[drudy23]

I was hoping to see a lot of Jones. Every time he's in a find myself waiting for a huge dunk. He's a definite Big East player and I hope he doesn't get discouraged.

Not sure if this was posted, but Mack said in the post game that Jones was injured in pregame, and hurt it worse on that dunk.

[XUMIOH12]

I wasn't expecting a win against Nova. I was hoping for, but not expecting a win at Butler.

I am expecting a win today. In fact, I'll be less surprised by us running away from them than I will be by us losing to them.

McDermott doesn't win big games in the second half of the season, and he doesn't win any games in the final third of the season!

WE GOT THIS!!!!

almost

[XUMIOH12]

Free Throws damn it. There really isn't much else you can put this loss on. Didn't play all that great, but still would have won if they made just a few more.

[scoscox]

Mack said he injured his knee. Nothing season-ending, but bad enough for him to miss the rest of the game.

Ah shoot

[XfansinKy]

Not sure if this was posted, but Mack said in the post game that Jones was injured in pregame, and hurt it worse on that dunk.

I would like to see him get more minutes. I'm not questioning coach Mack because I'm sure if he was good enough he would get more. I would like to see what numbers he could put up in 15 or so minutes. I mean could he play worse than Omara? Jones is 6'9 240lbs, built like Lebron James, and can jump and run. Surely he could play better than Sean does...

[xu82]

I would like to see him get more minutes. I'm not questioning coach Mack because I'm sure if he was good enough he would get more. I would like to see what numbers he could put up in 15 or so minutes. I mean could he play worse than Omara? Jones is 6'9 240lbs, built like Lebron James, and can jump and run. Surely he could play better than Sean does...

The headline might be the 8 fouls. That's rare. I actually love the guys potential, but he needs to learn to stay out of foul trouble and expand his offense to more than dunks (but dunks work for me). Can't wait to see what he can be come!

[Juice]

I would like to see him get more minutes. I'm not questioning coach Mack because I'm sure if he was good enough he would get more. I would like to see what numbers he could put up in 15 or so minutes. I mean could he play worse than Omara? Jones is 6'9 240lbs, built like Lebron James, and can jump and run. Surely he could play better than Sean does...

O'Mara wasn't going to be effective today because they refs were screwing him and Rashid. If they tried to use their size/weight/strength against Creighton's bigs they would just flop and the refs fell for the bullshit. Sean can do a better job of recognizing that and adjusting but if the refs won't allow him to use what he has an advantage, it's really going to hurt his game.

[XfansinKy]

The headline might be the 8 fouls. That's rare. I actually love the guys potential, but he needs to learn to stay out of foul trouble and expand his offense to more than dunks (but dunks work for me). Can't wait to see what he can be come!
Yea or more than 8 fouls. If he can get to the rim though he's dunking it.

[xufan2434]

O'Mara wasn't going to be effective today because they refs were screwing him and Rashid. If they tried to use their size/weight/strength against Creighton's bigs they would just flop and the refs fell for the bullshit. Sean can do a better job of recognizing that and adjusting but if the refs won't allow him to use what he has an advantage, it's really going to hurt his game.

Those calls were awful but Sean has to know it's coming and adjust. He's been doing it all season and until he changes something they're going to keep doing it. I feel bad for the guys cause I thought they did give effort. But my God take care of the ball. Little things like Malcolm trying to hand the ball off to Ed and it going out of bounds with no pressure is unacceptable. That can't happen in a big game like that AT home between 2 starters. There's a lot they can fix and hopefully do with this full week. That was the first time I really didn't have confidence they were going to hit a big shot. They just seem to be missing that killer attitude/swag that just takes it to the other team. And we've seen JP and Tre have it in the past, they just gotta get back to it

[markchal]

This is just an average team. Some nice players, but definitely not worthy of our ranking and all our preseason hype. I really hope Tre comes back next year, and that JP develops into a good team leader (not confident in Gates or O'Mara filling that role) and maybe that squad could make some noise. We're fine this year, and once Myles gets into game shape and if we EVER fix our FTs (not confident in that), we could be alright come tourney time.

What makes Butler and Creighton hurt is that they were such winnable games and we let some marquee wins slip by.

[vee4xu]

This is just an average team. Some nice players, but definitely not worthy of our ranking and all our preseason hype. I really hope Tre comes back next year, and that JP develops into a good team leader (not confident in Gates or O'Mara filling that role) and maybe that squad could make some noise. We're fine this year, and once Myles gets into game shape and if we EVER fix our FTs (not confident in that), we could be alright come tourney time.

What makes Butler and Creighton hurt is that they were such winnable games and we let some marquee wins slip by.

And what hurts even more is that in both games, had X made just half of the dozen FTs they missed, they'd have won both.

[Xville]

This is just an average team. Some nice players, but definitely not worthy of our ranking and all our preseason hype. I really hope Tre comes back next year, and that JP develops into a good team leader (not confident in Gates or O'Mara filling that role) and maybe that squad could make some noise. We're fine this year, and once Myles gets into game shape and if we EVER fix our FTs (not confident in that), we could be alright come tourney time.

What makes Butler and Creighton hurt is that they were such winnable games and we let some marquee wins slip by.

Agreed. Its just an eh team. I thought that preseason ranking was high, but even I thought we would be better than this. I think this season will look much the same as the 14 team at the end of the day.

[nasdadjr]

Sorry but one more thing... this is not a tournament team right now. Resume does not stack up with zero quality wins. Better get ready to dance in NYC against the Hoosiers

[AviatorX]

Sorry but one more thing... this is not a tournament team right now. Resume does not stack up with zero quality wins. Better get ready to dance in NYC

You might wanna let Joe Lunardi (and literally every other Bracketologist) know about this.

[mistabeecee41]

For whatever reason, it's just not coming together. Do we have time to turn it around? Sure.

1. If you're going to rely on 3 perimeter based players to pretty much carry your team...they need to be better & more consistent than Ed/Tre/JP have been.
2. 'Shid and Bernard have been pleasant surprises... I just don't recall too many final 4 teams starting two, low-division transfers and relying in them 25+ minutes/game.
3. Our bench has potential... that hasn't been met. Kaiser has been better, but we need Myles to come around to give the bench a player who can create his own shot and shots for others.

[XUMIOH12]

everyone needs to stop overreacting and saying this team is average or not good and wont make the tournament. Do you guys not watch teams that are on the bubble, or teams that are on the outside of the top 25? Xavier hasn't lived up to the pre-season hype or some of our expectations, but it is still a good team. Just not as good as we were hoping to this point.

[mirabilelectu]

everyone needs to stop overreacting and saying this team is average or not good and wont make the tournament. Do you guys not watch teams that are on the bubble, or teams that are on the outside of the top 25? Xavier hasn't lived up to the pre-season hype or some of our expectations, but it is still a good team. Just not as good as we were hoping to this point.

You're right, we aren't bubbling yet. But, with the way we have performed thus far, I wonder how some people feel so confident in our receipt of a tournament bid. I really think the UC game is a must win; we only have a few opportunities for quality road wins left and we have none so far. We have three games left against Butler (H), Nova (H), and Creighton (A). If we take 2 of those, then we do our resume much good. I feel like the most likely result of those three is 1-2 (With the W coming against Butler). If we go 1-2 in those three games, we have a very small margin of error; Seton Hall, Providence, and Marquette away will be tough, especially with Marquette and Seton Hall battling hard to earn a bid. I know this is a lot of what ifs, but my point is that this team won't beat even the middling BE teams in away games if they keep playing the way they are. I don't think 6 more BE losses are likely (which would put as at 9-9 in conf.), but I think it is within the realm of possibility with the way we have been playing lately. I guess I'm trying to say that if you aren't at least a little bit concerned about a tournament bid in light of the way we've been playing this year, then I need a swig of whatever you're having.

[letskeepitreal]

This team should make the tournament but I never believed the top 10 hype. We can have good games but we kinda lost a lot from last year especially with Myles disappearing and even losing Jalen, Ekiyor and London. We are a ranked team maybe but that's about it.

[drudy23]

Ed needs to start shooting the damn ball. I don't care if he misses 10 three's in a row...if they give you an open three, you shoot it. Making even 1 or 2 will open up what he wants to do most. Without a jump shot, he is a drive right slasher....and everyone knows it.

[drudy23]

No way in hell this team is winning in Omaha.

[letskeepitreal]

Looking at the stats, you can't really put it on Bluiett or the front court. Just not enough production and too many turnovers by JP and Ed I think.

[xufan2434]

No way in hell this team is winning in Omaha.

Haha, I am not looking forward to that one at all. The best optimism I can get right now is they somewhat right the ship against a terrible Gtown team on Sunday. Then take the momentum and win the shootout. Johnnies after that and SH at home. And believe me, I know this is all wishful thinking..

And even if they take a 4 game winning streak into Omaha, I think they get schlacked. Creighton has way too many weapons

[drudy23]

Avoid the bad losses and we'll be fine. We can't lose to the DePaul, Providence, St Johns, or Marquette (I guess Marquette wouldn't be that bad). And we have to steal one on the road against a good team. At this point, our chances for a league title are slim and none.

[GoMuskies]

Yeah, league title is out of the question. Even if we win out ( we won't), Nova would probably finish 16-2.

[Lamont Sanford]

No way in hell this team is winning in Omaha.

What he said.

This team has more issues than a magazine stand.

[Xville]

I hate to say the phrase "must-win" this early still in the season. However the game against Georgetown basically is...lose that one and this team is in some real trouble.