Game Thread: Xavier @ Creighton (February 4, 2017) Big East Game #10

[paulxu]

http://cache.lego.com/upload/contentTemplating/MinifiguresBios/images/pic773F455B41A27FB44B60F2397BAA49D7.jpg VS. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/49/Creighton_Bluejays_logo.png


Xavier University Musketeers (16-6) vs. Creighton Blue Jays (20-3)
Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. EST
Century Link Center (15,500), Omaha, Nebraska

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

Notes and Stats (http://www.goxavier.com/news/2017/2/2/mens-basketball-no-rv-25-visits-no-22-22-creighton-on-saturday.aspx)

Television: FOX with Gus Johnson (play-by-play) and Jim Jackson (analysis) and Shannon Spake (reporting).

Radio: 55KRC-AM with Joe Sunderman '79 (play-by-play) and Bryon Larkin '88 (analysis).

[paulxu]

Assuming Muskie is sleeping one off, so decided to try my hand again.

Get some Muskies!

[GoMuskies]

X +3.5. Seems too low.

[xu82]

Assuming Muskie is sleeping one off, so decided to try my hand again.

Get some Muskies!

Well done!

[Lloyd Braun]

X +3.5. Seems too low.

Then it's probably too high!

[Nigel Tufnel]

X line opened at X +5, with approx 78% of bets being placed on Creighton, the line dropped to +3.5. Now, it appears the late sharp money is hammering Creighton because the line is back up to +5. I'm not touching it. Early sharps clearly took X...but late sharps on Creighton. No play for me.

[paulxu]

NM

[Lloyd Braun]

I'm seeing +5.5 now.

[scoscox]

Exhibit A: JP's awful careless defense on that three.

[muskieindent]

Nice start by Jones and Goodin. Have to defend the 3 ball better

[paulxu]

Nice flop

[D-West & PO-Z]

Our PG had a block at the rim. That is ridiculous.

[paulxu]

5 minutes without a point

[Muskie]

I don't understand how we can miss so many layups.


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[GreatWhiteNorth]

Creighton is killing us with 3pt shots. Q and Jones are doing good.

[X Factor]

It must be nice to have multiple guys who can knock down threes.

[X Factor]

I don't understand how we can miss so many layups.


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One of the worst teams in the country at finishing at the rim. Stats prove it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

5 minutes without a point

That is on me. I am sorry. I sent a text to buddies when we scored our 22nd point that our offense looked great. 23 real time minutes later (not sure how many game but a lot) we had scored 2 more points.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We need more from JP if we are going to win this game.

[TUclutch]

It must be nice to have multiple guys who can knock down threes.

It is nice. We do too. Macura, Bluiett, Gates, and now it appears Goodin is hitting with confidence and Bernard while he doesn't shoot many hits a solid percentage. its just less noticeable on the road

[mohr5150]

Uuuhhh....no. we. don't.

It is nice. We do too. Macura, Bluiett, Gates, and now it appears Goodin is hitting with confidence and Bernard while he doesn't shoot many hits a solid percentage. its just less noticeable on the road

[X Factor]

It is nice. We do too. Macura, Bluiett, Gates, and now it appears Goodin is hitting with confidence and Bernard while he doesn't shoot many hits a solid percentage. its just less noticeable on the road

Seriously? We're not even close to Creighton when it comes to threes.

[paulxu]

I know Vegas says we should lose this game.
But damn. We could beat this team.
Too many layups missed. What's more, they are 1 on 3 layups.
It's like we lose the team play concept when we get down a couple, and everybody thinks they need to do it alone.

[X Factor]

Great job Tre...total waste of a possession.

[X Factor]

Great effort on that last play guys.

[Muskie]

Agree with Paul. This team isn't much better than X. We can still take this one.


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[mistabeecee41]

What is this junk defense Mack threw together? It's garbage.

[paulxu]

Somebody show Tyrique how to box out. Just for the heck of it.

[X Factor]

At least Tyrique showed something on offense. 5-5 with 10 points.

[AviatorX]

Seriously? We're not even close to Creighton when it comes to threes.

No kidding. Creighton is a top 15 three point shooting team. Not sure any X team ever has come close to that.

[scoscox]

They had 6 different guys hit a three and JP was a net negative. I don't think we're the worse team.

[Masterofreality]

I am really starting to hate Creighton. They are a bunch of F-ing floppers and do cheap crap that they get the refs to buy. How the league officials don't get together and review plus talk about that garabage To stop it, I have no idea.

To their credit, they are out hustling us and they can shoot, but this flop kaka takes away any respect I have for them. Play basketball and stop trying to win Academy Awards, for Gawds sake.

[Masterofreality]

What is this junk defense Mack threw together? It's garbage.

He's trying to play some zone to give the team's legs some rest.

You can count right? How many real players do we have right now?.....And JP with 3 fouls.

How about suggesting something else as an alternative to that "garbage"?

[AviatorX]

They had 6 different guys hit a three and JP was a net negative. I don't think we're the worse team.

Agreed. Let's see if Creighton cools off and X can get things back in control. If they hit 8 more threes, don't think X is gonna win this one.

[Masterofreality]

Great job Tre...total waste of a possession.

He was put in a tough position. No one else wanted to take a shot and they took too long getting in their offense. Then that made it easy for Creighton to double team. If anything, Q should have been more aggressive in going to the hoop. Try to draw a foul or just score.

[scoscox]

I am really starting to hate Creighton. They are a bunch of F-ing floppers and do cheap crap that they get the refs to buy. How the league officials don't get together and review plus talk about that garabage To stop it, I have no idea.

To their credit, they are out hustling us and they can shoot, but this flop kaka takes away any respect I have for them. Play basketball and stop trying to win Academy Awards, for Gawds sake.

Agreed. I think we've shown some hustle, but need more. Too many mental lapses as well. I think from Q trying to get used to running the show somewhat and people trying to fill Edmond's playmaking role. Hopefully, we'll settle in.

Not impressed with Creighton's toughness. All their white guys suck. Cole Huff is killing us as usual.

[X Factor]

They had 6 different guys hit a three and JP was a net negative. I don't think we're the worse team.

I don't think we have 6 guys who can make a three on the entire team in practice, let alone a game.

[HenryMuto]

Going to end up being like a 10 seed when all is said and done. One and done year coming up for this team.

[Masterofreality]

Finally, when will we see the Kaiser Gates that we all hear tell about.....EVERY GAME?!

We saw a lot of it at home vs Seton Hall, but where is it more consistently? If this team is ever going to hit a stride, I need to see that the "best shooter on the team" really is. And, by the way, don't miss 1 foot layups when you're 6:8.

[AviatorX]

I don't think we have 6 guys who can make a three on the entire team in practice, let alone a game.

Breaking news: Creighton and Xavier have different approach to building teams.

Which model has worked better in March?

[X Factor]

Finally, when will we see the Kaiser Gates that we all hear tell about.....EVERY GAME?!

We saw a lot of it at home vs Seton Hall, but where is it more consistently? If this team is ever going to hit a stride, I need to see that the "best shooter on the team" really is. And, by the way, don't miss 1 foot layups when you're 6:8.

What about JP? Did he even get off the bus? Can't have one our best players not show up, especially on the road. This team is so inconsistent, it's maddening.

[Masterofreality]

Breaking news: Creighton and Xavier have different approach to building teams.

Which model has worked better in March?

Well, up until this year.....Xavier.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He was put in a tough position. No one else wanted to take a shot and they took too long getting in their offense. Then that made it easy for Creighton to double team. If anything, Q should have been more aggressive in going to the hoop. Try to draw a foul or just score.

Yeah nothing Tre could do there really.

[bjf123]

Agreed. Let's see if Creighton cools off and X can get things back in control. If they hit 8 more threes, don't think X is gonna win this one.

Unless they throw up a donut from 3 this half, we ain't winning.


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[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't think we have 6 guys who can make a three on the entire team in practice, let alone a game.

Isnt it unenjoyable to be so utterly negative all the time?

[X Factor]

Breaking news: Creighton and Xavier have different approach to building teams.

Which model has worked better in March?

I'm sure Mack wants to have a terrible three point shooting team. It's his approach to building a team? He recruited JP HARD because he was considered one of the best shooters in the country in his HS class. He hasn't been a great shooter in college.

[scoscox]

I don't think we have 6 guys who can make a three on the entire team in practice, let alone a game.

Having a lot of shooters does not a better team make. Too many of their shots were much too comfortable. Need to challenge them.

[X Factor]

Isnt it unenjoyable to be so utterly negative all the time?

I'm not negative, just basically stating a fact. We lack shooters.

[scoscox]

Anddddd two wide open threes for cole huff

[X Factor]

Having a lot of shooters does not a better team make. Too many of their shots were much too comfortable. Need to challenge them.

It makes them a lot harder to defend though. That's the point.

[scoscox]

I'm not negative, just basically stating a fact. We lack shooters.

True, but we have advantages we can exploit more that they don't have answers for, but defense must improve.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Unless they throw up a donut from 3 this half, we ain't winning.


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Well this clearly isnt true.

[scoscox]

Can we get a freaking call?

[X Factor]

Really like Goodin

[X Factor]

C'mon Trevon!! Could be a 4 or 5 point swing here.

[Muskie]

Every time we get close....


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[D-West & PO-Z]

Love refs with egos.

[TUclutch]

Seriously? We're not even close to Creighton when it comes to threes.

Didn't say we were close to them. Simply said we have some guys who can shoot from 3

[X Factor]

Love refs with egos.

Blame the ref for Trevon yapping at the ref the entire way up the court. The ref told him to "play ball" and Tre kept talking.

[AviatorX]

[QUOTE=X Factor;577547]I'm sure Mack wants to have a terrible three point shooting team. It's his approach to building a team? He recruited JP HARD because he was considered one of the best shooters in the country in his HS class. He hasn't been a great shooter in college.[/QUOTE

Yes, that's exactly what I meant. Cmon man.

[Porkopolis]

Love refs with egos.

Yep. Unless Tre said something really bad, a T there is just an ego trip.

[paulxu]

I think Gates needs to play more, and get some sets for his shot.
Also it looked like for a few plays they left JP open and nobody would pass to him for a shot.
We can beat this team. We just have to man up. We seem tired and not staying in front of them.

[AviatorX]

Can't say I will miss Gaston or Bernard. They've filled some gaps for sure, but I find both incredibly frustrating to watch.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Blame the ref for Trevon yapping at the ref the entire way up the court. The ref told him to "play ball" and Tre kept talking.

Yes the announcer states "you dont talk to ____ ref" as he's known for not letting guys talk at all. Refs shouldnt be known for anything. He missed a foul call and Trevon talked a little. What happens if he just lets Trevon says something and then calls no T. Nothing game moves on.

Refs with egos.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yep. Unless Tre said something really bad, a T there is just an ego trip.

Exactly.

[TUclutch]

Yes the announcer states "you dont talk to ____ ref" as he's known for not letting guys talk at all. Refs shouldnt be known for anything. He missed a foul call and Trevon talked a little. What happens if he just lets Trevon says something and then calls no T. Nothing game moves on.

Refs with egos.

He let Tre talk for 2/3s of the court, he let him get his frustration out yet Tre kept going. Technical was deserved.

Also, Xavier got away with 2 big travels for those acting like were not getting any calls

[X Factor]

Bernard had Goodin WIDE open and he threw up junk...

[TUclutch]

Can't say I will miss Gaston or Bernard. They've filled some gaps for sure, but I find both incredibly frustrating to watch.

Agreed on Gaston, but not on Bernard. he's hit some big shots for us in several games. He can't help that Myles did what he did. If the season had gone how it shouldve, Bernard would be a stud sub off the bench who we'd all love

[paulxu]

I think they just got Tre for a ticky tacky. Must want to foul him out.

[xudash]

Can't say I will miss Gaston or Bernard. They've filled some gaps for sure, but I find both incredibly frustrating to watch.

My exact thoughts about them. Frustrating as hell.

Certainly cannot trust them at the FT line.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He let Tre talk for 2/3s of the court, he let him get his frustration out yet Tre kept going. Technical was deserved.



I disagree. No idea why a T is deserved there unless like porkopolis said Tre said something really bad. Not necessary game moves on either way but one gives the other team 2 points.

[X Factor]

Agreed on Gaston, but not on Bernard. he's hit some big shots for us in several games. He can't help that Myles did what he did. If the season had gone how it shouldve, Bernard would be a stud sub off the bench who we'd all love

I'm thankful for their hard work, but if Xavier wants to compete at the highest level, we can't have very low level DI transers like this. They've both been starters most the year until recently Tyrique moved into the starting lineup.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Defintiely a reason both Gaston and Bernard were lower level players. Very good ones but average at best in BE.

Bernard is much more frustrating to me than Gaston though.

[Masterofreality]

My Gawd. FEED THE F-ing POST!!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

The fact that this is a 4 point game and we are completely in it is amazing. We can easily win this game.

[X Factor]

When Patton leaves his man someone is open. Find the open man.

[xudash]

Jackson or Gus mentioned that Patton was not that highly recruited, at least initially. He had a hell of a growth spurt, but I recall them making that statement.

That just amazes me!

[X Factor]

What else can go wrong?

[xudash]

AND there goes the season (?)

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jackson or Gus mentioned that Patton was not that highly recruited, at least initially. He had a hell of a growth spurt, but I recall them making that statement.

That just amazes me!

Yeah crazy. He's going to be a top 10 pick this year.

At least we wont have to deal with him anymore.

[Masterofreality]

Tim Stainbrook, get ready

[TUclutch]

Quentin Goodin is a baller

[D-West & PO-Z]

16-8 foul differential

7-1 this half

and we are the ones scoring in the paint and they are chucking threes.

something not adding up here.

BS

[skyking]

This team has really grown up. Handling adversity and just getting better.

[mohr5150]

Is it just me, or does it seem to be a tad bit one-sided from the officiating standpoint?

[xudash]

There are no moral victories, but I do love the fight exhibited by this team.

[xavierj]

Ref just bailed that dude out. Guy had no chance. Free throws attempted will be Creighton 20 and Xavier 7.

[TUclutch]

Is it just me, or does it seem to be a tad bit one-sided from the officiating standpoint?

It was even in the first half, this half it's been awful

[Masterofreality]

Kaiser Gates should take that cretin Hegner to the rack every freaking time... Then DUNK on his dome.

[Muskie]

They've got to close out. Can't keep leaving people open for 3s.


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[X Factor]

C'mon boys! Finish this one!

[mohr5150]

Is it just me, or does it seem to be a tad bit one-sided from the officiating standpoint?

I posted that before even knowing it was 7-1 in fouls. That is interesting.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It will be hilarious if Creighton only having 1 foul comes back to haunt them if we are up with the ball and they need to send us to the line and have to foul 6 times.

[X Factor]

JP "big nuts" Macura

[Masterofreality]

That was terrible lazy defense by Gates against a walk on guard Clements. Awful. MOVE YOUR FEET!

[X Factor]

Execute this possession. One possession.

[X Factor]

Are we really gonna win this?

[HenryMuto]

Horrible inbounds pass just probably cost X the game up 4 with 53 seconds left and give them 3 free points.

[Muskie]

I can't believe what I'm seeing.


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[X Factor]

Lazy pass by Tre.

[X Factor]

CANNOT blow this game!!

[HenryMuto]

Are u fn kidding me

[HenryMuto]

Just get the ball inbounds

[X Factor]

Unbelievable...terrible.

[Muskie]

Well this season has everything


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[mistabeecee41]

Juniors

[HenryMuto]

Must make FTs and get another stop.

[X Factor]

How can you not make an inbounds pass?????

[HenryMuto]

GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE a 3rd time ? F THIS

[X Factor]

Never seen such a choke job

[xudash]

They're killling us!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I cannot believe what I saw. Did they practise inbound passes?

[X Factor]

Are we in the freakin bonus yet??

[HenryMuto]

Lucky they fouled X there because it looked like he was about to travel trying to throw it inbounds.

[X Factor]

Can we make FT's?

[Lloyd Braun]

It will be hilarious if Creighton only having 1 foul comes back to haunt them if we are up with the ball and they need to send us to the line and have to foul 6 times.

Yes this is hilarious!

[HenryMuto]

Creighton blowing it thank god misses front end of 1 and 1 and just blew a WIDE OPEN layup to tie it.

Must make FT's

[X Factor]

Lucky they fouled X there because it looked like he was about to travel trying to throw it inbounds.

Yep. Thought that's what they called.

[Muskie]

The inbounds plays are giving me bad Sean Miller era flashbacks.


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[X Factor]

Wow, a gift!!

[xudash]

Win it kaiser!

[X Factor]

If he makes one, does Xavier foul?

[scoscox]

kaiser might be our best rebounder

[xudash]

Yes!

[X Factor]

Ice water! Kaiser!

[HenryMuto]

Of course he bats the ball in and now X has to inbound 1 more time and hit FT's to ice this.

[Masterofreality]

Those two frees make up for the lazy defense Kaiser. (Speaking like a coach)

[X Factor]

Inbound it to Kaiser please.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yes this is hilarious!

Yeah I was way wrong lol

[HenryMuto]

Please make these FTs

[skyking]

One of the strangest finishes ever. Thank you Lord. Has to boost their confidence (and ours).

[HenryMuto]

Good thing Creighton did not take advantage today this game X should won but then should lost with all the last minute mistakes.

Good win for X today. Needed this win badly.

If season ended today X would be a 7 seed I believe.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Fuck yes winner winner!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Good thing Creighton did not take advantage today this game X should won but then should lost with all the last minute mistakes.

Good win for X today. Needed this win badly.

If season ended today X would be a 7 seed I believe.

If ended today I bet we'd be 6.

[X Factor]

What a win for this team!! So ugly down the stretch, but they pulled it out. Amazing.

[Masterofreality]

Hahahahahhaha!!! F You Hegner!!!!!!!

[Porkopolis]

Beautiful. Even if it was ugly.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Huge win!

On the road in probably the toughest place to play in the BE, only 2nd game without our PG, and with Creighton shooting three's like they were.

SO FREAKING BIG!!!!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

It's a miracle! WE Won! We have our revenge. When Q missed the FT, I thought we might be be going to OT. Thank GOD for this one. Overall, this team has matured a lot since Sumner was out.

[muskiefan82]

This was absolutely a needed win. Well done Muskies. Well done.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Unless they throw up a donut from 3 this half, we ain't winning.


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They made quite a few in the second half and we still won it.

Big time win. We were the better team I believe but Creighton's threes kept them in it.

[UCGRAD4X]

Ugly as hell but....
We'll take it!

[scoscox]

goodin 5-17, but great game. most attitude i've seen us play with all year

[Blue Blooded-05]

Mack teams thrive in the underdog role

[GreatWhiteNorth]

This is the best win so far for this season.

[D-West & PO-Z]

2nd place in BE.

Still control our own destiny. We win out in BE we win the BE. (I know, I know, but still fun it is a possibility).

[BMoreX]

Despite the abjectly horrible finish, that was a huge win. Tyrique Jones had a fantastic game.

[UCGRAD4X]

What a game Jones.

[X Factor]

Goodin with 15 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals. He also made 4-7 from three.

Tyrique with 16 points on 8-8 shooting.

Big time games from our frosh.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Goodin with 15 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals. He also made 4-7 from three.

Tyrique with 16 points on 8-8 shooting.

Big time games from our frosh.

Future is looking good.

[X Factor]

17-6 rpi 8 sos 5

[paulxu]

Gates had 3 rebounds in the last 30 seconds, and the game winning FT's.

Great win Muskies!

[Porkopolis]

Redford on the Fox 19 post game show!

[bjf123]

2nd place in BE.

Still control our own destiny. We win out in BE we win the BE. (I know, I know, but still fun it is a possibility).

Smoking some good shit, aren't you? But I like the way you're thinking!


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[X-ceptional]

Tyrique Jones played 18 minutes without a foul.

[muskiefan82]

Tyrique Jones played 18 minutes without a foul.
He went 8-8 too.

[scoscox]

Love Tyrique. brings the attitude. took out some frustration on that block. lot of tough games to go in the big east. gonna need them to keep up the intensity

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Warning: Watching these games is bad for your heart.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Redford on the Fox 19 post game show!

Hour long Xavier postgame show on Fox 19????

Can you imagine that in the 90's.

Bob Huggins is rolling in his vomit. (Passed out in his car).

[D-West & PO-Z]

Tyrique Jones played 18 minutes without a foul.


He went 8-8 too.

Unbelievable. Great game.

[Muskeagle]

It's hard to imagine Jones not committing a foul, but also incredible that he took 8 shots from 5 feet and closer and HE was also not fouled once? Strange game ALL the way around. The inbounding craziness at the end, the low foul count (really low for both teams and EXTREMELY low for Creighton), the droughts.....very strange game indeed. Freshman came up big.

[Masterofreality]

Mack teams thrive in the underdog role

This is true. CMAck also coaches a team better under adversity/with a short bench. I think the year we won 17 games with basically only 7 guys and beat Memphis and St. Louis may have been the one of the best coaching jobs I've ever seen.

[scoscox]

yea, but we were in the paint quite a bit while creighton was living from the outside. reffing was still bad.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Yes indeed, we only played 7 players. Sean barely played. Fatigue/injury might be a problem down the road.

[scoscox]

with uc likely winning out, we will probably end up with the best quality loss resume in the country. oh my lord is our schedule just brutal this year

[bobbiemcgee]

goodin 5-17, but great game. most attitude i've seen us play with all year

Goodin 'nuff

[xukeith]

Road win helps rpi.

Up to #8 after win today.

http://warrennolan.com/basketball/2017/schedule/Xavier

[X-band '01]

Fun fact the last 4 years:

Creighton is 4-0 in the first matchup (regardless of location)
Xavier is 4-0 in the second matchup (regardless of location)

[paulxu]

we will probably end up with the best quality loss resume in the country.

I know this is suppose to be a good thing. But do I have to like it?

[scoscox]

I know this is suppose to be a good thing. But do I have to like it?

no, but it's not a bad thing considering all we've dealt with this year. As the season goes on its becoming more and more apparent how much of a bear our schedule has been. we still have a lot of tough games left I just hope we can continue to play with intensity. good job by mack today getting them to play hard.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Q's TOs and fouls keep going down. I love it. With more playing time, his confidence is growing, and it shows.

[scoscox]

Q's TOs and fouls keep going down. I love it. With more playing time, his confidence is growing, and it shows.

Q had 5 steals too just to make up for all the times that patton blocked him

[xu82]

I know this is suppose to be a good thing. But do I have to like it?

Ohhh, the ones that got away.....

[IM4X]

We deserved to win this game.

That was the best teamwork and the best effort all season.

Jones is legit! He looks farther along than Jalen and Farr were their freshman year.
Goodin is Legit! Loved his scrappiness on defense... like Gillen's guards played. Great hands. Great anticipation. He is going to be a special player.
the future looks very bright.

Captain obvious tells me that Mack and the team clearly need to work on inbounding the ball....A WHOLE LOT. JP almost cost the team the game with that same crap he pulls every game of calling for the ball without creating any space between he and the guy who's on him. That sh!t is good for at least one costly turnover a game... I don't t think I can recall a player for X who was so money and so tenacious one minute and so stupid and lazy the next.

One second you want to kiss him (not on the lips-although not that there's anything wrong with that) and the next you want him to be benched for the rest of the game... Honestly, though it's the same few dumb things he does again and again and you'd think he could easily look at the game tape and fix those little things... but nope.

Though, aside from little things here and there today, this team really did many things better and worked their tails off... which should make us fans very proud. Great win guys! Love the fight.

[scoscox]

Preach about JP. It's maddening. Those inbounds TO's were on him.

IN other news, #2, #3, #5, #8, #17, #19 all go down today.

[GoMuskies]

Well THAT was a pleasant surprise. And with a bonus heart stress test thrown in at the end. Thanks guys!

[IM4X]

no, but it's not a bad thing considering all we've dealt with this year. As the season goes on its becoming more and more apparent how much of a bear our schedule has been. we still have a lot of tough games left I just hope we can continue to play with intensity. good job by mack today getting them to play hard.

Ah... but according to Mack, "You can't coach effort." So I'd imagine he would have you give all of the credit to the players. :)

[GIMMFD]

I'm just absolutely loving the way our Freshman have matured the last couple games. It's gotta do wonders for confidence, I was optimistic when Ed went down, and I'm even more optimistic with the play in our last two games. Sure they haven't been complete games, but the only thing that matters is the W going down in the column. I may have a couple heart attacks, but really really proud of the fight this team has shown recently. We're playing some damn good basketball right now.

[bobbiemcgee]

Honestly, this might be one of our best regular season wins EVER!. And man did we need a top 25 win!! 18 k sellout. Wow.

[bleedXblue]

anyone know where you can watch the replay of the game?

[X-band '01]

I think Fox Sports Ohio will have an encore presentation tonight after the Blue Jackets game. The FCS stations will likely have repeat broadcasts as well.

[Xavier]

with uc likely winning out, we will probably end up with the best quality loss resume in the country. oh my lord is our schedule just brutal this year

UC will be interesting come tournament time. Even if they win out I think ceiling is a 3 seed.

[D-West & PO-Z]

No doubt, UC has no chance of anything better than a 3.

Edit: I think a 4 is probably their ceiling.

[GoMuskies]

Well, a winning out UC is going to be ahead of Kentucky. That's a stone cold lock after today.

If you win all but 2 games in a major conference, I think you've got a great shot at a 2 seed. I'd be surprised if a whatever and 2 UC doesn't end up as a 2 on Selection Sunday. Xavier and Iowa State certainly helped UC's case today.

[scoscox]

I think it's reasonable they could get maybe get a 2, but I don't consider the AAC a major conference.

[GoMuskies]

I think it's reasonable they could get maybe get a 2, but I don't consider the AAC a major conference.

It's definitely a major conference. Just like the A-10 always was. And still is.

[bigdiggins]

It's definitely a major conference. Just like the A-10 always was. And still is.

No it's not and no it wasn't. There are certainly teams in each league that are major programs, but way too much eternal garbage in both leagues.

[GoMuskies]

Of course it is, and of course it was. They're clearly not power conferences, but there's a big difference between those leagues and mid-major leagues.

[xu82]

No it's not and no it wasn't. There are certainly teams in each league that are major programs, but way too much eternal garbage in both leagues.

The A-10 may not have been "major", but they were far from minor. It's a spectrum which changes from year to year.

[GoMuskies]

The A-10 may not have been "major", but they were far from minor. It's a spectrum which changes from year to year.

And along that spectrum the A-10 has always been major. Can someone name me the last time a conference other than the power leagues, C-USA (before turning into the Sun Belt), the AAC, the A-10, the MWC or the WAC (the old WAC before it disappeared) had three teams in the NCAA Tournament?

[D-West & PO-Z]

UC has 2 top 50 wins with only 1 more top 50 game left on the schedule (as it stands now).

Both their losses are "good losses" though. I just dont see them having any chance at a 2 seed this year.

GW was 26-2 in 2006 and got an 8 seed. Granted it was a down year for the A10 and only XU also made it that year (tourney champs) as a 14 seed but it is possible to be a whatever and 2 team out of a non mid major and not get a top 2 or 3 seed.

[GoMuskies]

Fair enough on GW, but there was no one like SMU in the A-10 that year, and they didn't beat anyone like Iowa State (on the road) or Xavier that year. I'll be real impressed if UC can beat SMU two more times.

[Lloyd Braun]

Talking about UC makes me ill.... it's spoiling the game thread of the best X win of the year...

Just a couple quick observations on the game- I'm still convinced JP needs to come off the bench. He gets caught looking on D way too much and I doubt CM hasn't brought it up to him. He brings the most energy though consistently on offense. He is key to success.
Quentin is a f'in man. Sonstring and poised. The future is bright!

[Xville]

Great gutsy win by this team. Creighton is definitely not close to being as good with Watson down, but man great road win nonetheless.

[Backyard Champ]

You can call AAC a major conference all you want, I don't believe they are, and the NCAA committee has agreed in the past. I'd be absolutely shocked if UC is anything higher than a 3 seed. Don't forget, Louisville went 29-5, was ranked in the top 10, won the regular and post season AAC tournaments.. and was the last 4 seed.

[GoMuskies]

The NCAA Selection Committee gave the AAC three bids last year. That's treating them like a major league. And UConn won the national title the year you're talking about.

[XUFan09]

They're mid-major-plus. Like the A10, now and when Xavier was there.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

I don't have the strength to have this conversation with Xavier fans of all people. Lol. Too thick with irony.

[xu82]

I don't have the strength to have this conversation with Xavier fans of all people. Lol. Too thick with irony.

FIGHT ON!

...or go get a good nights sleep.

In the end it's all he same.

[scoscox]

They're mid-major-plus. Like the A10, now and when Xavier was there.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

I agree with that, but to say it's a major conference is to equate it with the P5 and the Big East and I don't think it's even close in that regard.

[XUFan09]

I agree with that, but to say it's a major conference is to equate it with the P5 and the Big East and I don't think it's even close in that regard.
Yup. There was one time when the A10 had three ranked teams and I was really excited for the conference. Three weeks later, Xavier was the only ranked team left, and things were back to normal.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

I agree with that, but to say it's a major conference is to equate it with the P5 and the Big East and I don't think it's even close in that regard.

The A-10, AAC and MW are all major conferences. They're not power leagues like the other 6. But saying they're not major conferences is equating them with the MAC, the Valley and today's C-USA. Not fair or accurate.

[X-Fan]

Ah... but according to Mack, "You can't coach effort." So I'd imagine he would have you give all of the credit to the players. :)
I agree that you can't coach effort. But, you can do things to setup your team for success. Mack was frustrated earlier this year because he KNEW the Frosh could play like this. I'm sure he kept reinforcing that. The team could have fell apart after Ed went down. Not only have they stuck together, they are adapting and playing together. Great job Coaches!

[scoscox]

The A-10, AAC and MW are all major conferences. They're not power leagues like the other 6. But saying they're not major conferences is equating them with the MAC, the Valley and today's C-USA. Not fair or accurate.

Okay, so power conferences, major conferences, and mid-major conferences then

[GoMuskies]

Yep. All power conferences are major conferences, but not all major conferences are power conferences.

[X-band '01]

The NCAA Selection Committee gave the AAC three bids last year. That's treating them like a major league. And UConn won the national title the year you're talking about.

Tulsa's bid was a very fraudulent one.

[waggy]

Pretty sure no one has ever really came up with a definition for mid-major. So glad I don't have to have that argument ever again.

[Thor in 204]

Goodin with 15 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals. He also made 4-7 from three.

Tyrique with 16 points on 8-8 shooting.

Big time games from our frosh.


And Goodin with only 2 turnovers in 38 minutes.

[Masterofreality]

And Goodin with only 2 turnovers in 38 minutes.

In a tough environment with 18,000 people screaming against you.
Maybe one of the most poised performances I have ever seen from a freshman....and a PG no less!

[xu82]

The transformation this season is unlike other years. Repeat after me:

PEAK IN MARCH!

PEAK IN MARCH!

PEAK IN MARCH!

We got this.....

[xu82]

The transformation this season is unlike other years. Repeat after me:

PEAK IN MARCH!

PEAK IN MARCH!

PEAK IN MARCH!

We got this.....

[scoscox]

One of the most impressive part was how easily Q immediately handled the 1-3-1 that Creighton threw at him. Didn't flinch and attacked it perfectly.

[paulxu]

X line opened at X +5, with approx 78% of bets being placed on Creighton, the line dropped to +3.5. Now, it appears the late sharp money is hammering Creighton because the line is back up to +5. I'm not touching it. Early sharps clearly took X...but late sharps on Creighton. No play for me.

Early worm gets the bluejay?

[X-man]

In a tough environment with 18,000 people screaming against you.
Maybe one of the most poised performances I have ever seen from a freshman....and a PG no less!

I agree. It is good to have a true PG running the team. These last two games, with Q running the show, have been two of the most complete team games I have seen the Muskies play this season. He certainly isn't playing like a Freshman. I can't wait to see how he matures with his offense.

[HenryMuto]

Amazing the RPI for X is at 8 right now but X would be looking at most likely a 6 or 7 seed. RPI numbers don't seem to matter a whole lot anymore.

[spursy]

Amazing the RPI for X is at 8 right now but X would be looking at most likely a 6 or 7 seed. RPI numbers don't seem to matter a whole lot anymore.

Your avatar is aids.

[MuskieXU]

Amazing the RPI for X is at 8 right now but X would be looking at most likely a 6 or 7 seed. RPI numbers don't seem to matter a whole lot anymore.

As much as a lot of people would like this to be the case or want to convince you that its the case, the RPI is still the biggest factor in the selection process and Xavier's RPI looks great. We are in much better shape than a lot of people would have you believe. I think if the tourney were today X would be a 5 seed and theres still a ton of opportunity for that number to get lower.

[GoMuskies]

As much as a lot of people would like this to be the case or want to convince you that its the case, the RPI is still the biggest factor in the selection process

Yeah, this isn't true. Certainly not when it comes to seeding.

But I sure as hell prefer to have an RPI we all know is too high than one we all know is too low!

[MuskieXU]

Yeah, this isn't true. Certainly not when it comes to seeding.

But I sure as hell prefer to have an RPI we all know is too high than one we all know is too low!

Its becoming less and less of a factor but it is still far and away the biggest factor. There are very few teams who get a seed thats any more than a one or two seed difference from what it would be based solely on RPI. I dont think it particularly matters what your exact RPI is when it comes to seeding, but they are looking at T25, T50, T100 RPI wins and bad RPI losses and having a good RPI means you are doing well in those categories.

To expand on this, no team that wouldve been a top 5 seed based on RPI got higher than a 5 seed last year. Thats right where XU is at currently.

[xufan2434]

anyone know where you can watch the replay of the game?

The full game is on X's Youtube page now. Went back and re-watched it after the Super Bowl last night.

Unbelievable that they pulled that one off. I counted about 5 times in the 2nd half where it felt like Creighton might blow it open or seal the game. Every other time this season they crumbled down the stretch in big games when it didn't go their way. Absolute ONIONS from Tre and JP during that 3 possession stretch. Sucks not having Ed, but damn every time Creighton hit em with a bucket and got the crowd into it Mack would call up a different set and they would respond. They haven't done that this year until now. Usually it's crowd is yelling, then X tries to force a 1 on 1 drive and we get a charge or missed shot. I feel like I've seen that same script over and over all year

But they flipped it Saturday. Could be the turning of the page for good.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Its becoming less and less of a factor but it is still far and away the biggest factor. There are very few teams who get a seed thats any more than a one or two seed difference from what it would be based solely on RPI. I dont think it particularly matters what your exact RPI is when it comes to seeding, but they are looking at T25, T50, T100 RPI wins and bad RPI losses and having a good RPI means you are doing well in those categories.

To expand on this, no team that wouldve been a top 5 seed based on RPI got higher than a 5 seed last year. Thats right where XU is at currently.

I agree with you. I feel like it is cliche to say RPI doesnt matter, its stupid. Yet every year RPI Top 50 wins and bad RPI losses are the reasons given for teams being seeded where they are or left out etc.

I can see a teams individual RPI in and of itself not being a huge deal but their RPI wins are huge and if you have good RPI wins and no bad RPI losses your RPI number will be good like XU's currently is.

As much as our straight up resume doenst look amazing, our RPI numbers look great and I agree that if the season ended today we'd be a 5 seed. I think most XU fans would be shocked by a 5.

[bleedXblue]

Current bracketology has us as a 6 seed....I would take that right now and run with it.

[IM4X]

I agree that you can't coach effort. But, you can do things to setup your team for success. Mack was frustrated earlier this year because he KNEW the Frosh could play like this. I'm sure he kept reinforcing that. The team could have fell apart after Ed went down. Not only have they stuck together, they are adapting and playing together. Great job Coaches!

I see it just a little differently... First, I see Ed going down as the key reason these guys are all playing better as a team. They understand that they don't have him around to carry them in games and that the only way they have a shot to continue to win is if everyone works together to elevate their game and give better effort... I would imagine Mack had a little to do with making that point clear.

The debate of whether one can "coach effort" or not can be argued depending on how one interprets "coach" and "effort." Some coaches (like Mack) will say it can't be done... that "effort" comes from the individual... not an external force. Some will hear him and think, that makes sense, it's on the player to use his energy to produce more effort. Now there are other coaches who see it in a completely different way. They will say that effort can not only be coached but it is in fact necessary in order to get eacb player and the team playing their best.

Maybe it's just a matter of semantics but, I fall into the second camp as I strongly believe effort can be coached in the sense that great coaches know how to communicate with players in such a way that it will often help get the most out of that player. Otherwise, half of the Timeouts called would be unnessary. When Mack tells his players, "I better not see you letting Patton tip the ball back in," to me he is coaching effort. If Mack were to chew out JP for not getting separation from the player guarding him or or the whole team for not crashing the board, directly or indirectly he is trying to ignite something within each player which will give them a boost of energy and better effort. Yes, the actual effort has to come from the player... but sometimes the right buttons being pushed...by saying the right things in the right way will help that player give a little (or even a lot) more.

Arguable the best basketball coach of all time (Wooden) said to his players,

"Give me 100 percent. You can't make up for a poor effort today by giving 110 percent tomorrow. You don't have 110 percent. You only have 100 percent, and that's what I want from you right now."

Had he not said those words to his players, is it likely there would have been at least a little less effort from them? I'd argue (as I think Wooden would too)...yes. Ergo... I submit you can in fact coach effort... or at least get more effort out of your players.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I believe this is purely semantics. Motivating vs coaching effort seems to be the difference. I dont think Mack would say he cant motivate the players. What you just described Mack would probably call motivation. Again probably just semantics.

[MuskieXU]

I dont necessarily think it was effort or coaching. I think Goodin is just benefiting from being the starter now. Getting more minutes allows him to get into the flow of the game, and its a little easier to play loose when you know one mistake isnt going to get you benched. He knows hes the PG now and he's playing like it, rather than playing like a back up whos just trying to go 15 minutes without screwing anything up.

Jones is obviously improving but I think he just had a really good game. Xavier big men arent volume shooters so they can be a bit streaky depending on if they get it going early on, Jalen did that all last year. Jones got it started early and that propelled him to play well all game. That said, this was the first time he really flashed his potential, dominating a potential lottery pick offensively. Both him and Goodin are going to be very exciting players to watch for many years.

[bleedXblue]

When you as a player realize that there is no one else that's going to get it done and the team is relying on you to perform at a higher level.......that's one hell of a motivator!

[Masterofreality]

I see it just a little differently... First, I see Ed going down as the key reason these guys are all playing better as a team. They understand that they don't have him around to carry them in games and that the only way they have a shot to continue to win is if everyone works together to elevate their game and give better effort... I would imagine Mack had a little to do with making that point clear.


I agree wholeheartedly with this. It is not a knock on Ed to say that this team is playing more together since Q became the point. Part of this is that Ed was so good at breaking his guy down that sometimes guys would stand around and watch waiting for him to do something magic, and then when he passed it they weren't ready. Ed was still learning the PG full game which is why I kept saying that he needed to come back. He couldn't fully run a college team, much less an NBA team.

Now with Q, other guys KNOW that they have to be day to carry their share of the labor. It's a more equal distribution that is required. The fact that Q is really stepping up his game within the confines of the offense with no forcing is even better.

This team offensively looks more bonded now that at any other point of the year to me.

[Olsingledigit]

I agree wholeheartedly with this. It is not a knock on Ed to say that this team is playing more together since Q became the point. Part of this is that Ed was so good at breaking his guy down that sometimes guys would stand around and watch waiting for him to do something magic, and then when he passed it they weren't ready. Ed was still learning the PG full game which is why I kept saying that he needed to come back. He couldn't fully run a college team, much less an NBA team.

Now with Q, other guys KNOW that they have to be day to carry their share of the labor. It's a more equal distribution that is required. The fact that Q is really stepping up his game within the confines of the offense with no forcing is even better.

This team offensively looks more bonded now that at any other point of the year to me.
I agree MOR. The two freshmen peaked at the right time and, as Bobby Knight used to say, they are now far enough into the season to be sophomores. I would say they have been coached well and brought along quite nicely. Looking forward to the rest of the season.

[IM4X]

I agree wholeheartedly with this. It is not a knock on Ed to say that this team is playing more together since Q became the point. Part of this is that Ed was so good at breaking his guy down that sometimes guys would stand around and watch waiting for him to do something magic, and then when he passed it they weren't ready. Ed was still learning the PG full game which is why I kept saying that he needed to come back. He couldn't fully run a college team, much less an NBA team.

Now with Q, other guys KNOW that they have to be day to carry their share of the labor. It's a more equal distribution that is required. The fact that Q is really stepping up his game within the confines of the offense with no forcing is even better.

This team offensively looks more bonded now that at any other point of the year to me.

Yes. Exactly how I see it.