Game Thread: Xavier vs. DePaul (March 4, 2017) Big East Game #18

[paulxu]

http://cache.lego.com/upload/contentTemplating/MinifiguresBios/images/pic773F455B41A27FB44B60F2397BAA49D7.jpg VS. http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/31/656/full/aip0jtchrk9ft2sgsc1g.gif



Xavier University Musketeers (18-12) vs. Creighton Blue Jays (9-21)
Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. EST
Allstate Arena (18,500), Rosemont, Ill.

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

(http://www.goxavier.com/documents/2017/3/2//Game_31_Xavier_at_DePaul_Game_Notes_2016_17.pdf)No tes and Stats

Television: FSN (including FOX Sports Ohio in the Cincinnati area) with Tim Brando (pbp) and Dickey Simpkins (analyst)

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

[paulxu]

"Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never — in nothing, great or small, large or petty — never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense."

Get some Muskies!

[Muskie]

I'm on my way to Chicago.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[kellernr]

Need to come out today ready to play and stomp depaul into the ground. If the team wants any shot at March madness they need this game and the first game in the Big East tourney.



Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[OTRMUSKIE]

I am assuming x will play DePaul x2 then butler hopefully. That puts them at 20-13 assuming butler wins and a 36 rpi and 12 sos.

[Muskie]

Is there any scenario where we don't finish in 7th?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Juice]

Is there any scenario where we don't finish in 7th?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Nope. Locked in I believe.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Anyone have a online stream for today???

[Jesuit4Life]

Gameday Guide (https://twitter.com/CoachChrisMack/status/838041947633745921)
TV Channels (http://goxavier.com/documents/2017/3/2//Big_East_Basketball_Xavier_at_DePaul.pdf)
FOX SPORTS ARIZONA (PLUS)
FOX SPORTS DETROIT
FOX SPORTS MIDWEST (Non Cardinals)
FOX SPORTS NORTH (PLUS)
FOX SPORTS OHIO
FOX SPORTS SOUTH
FOX SPORTS SUN
FOX SPORTS WISCONSIN (PLUS)
PRIME TICKET
YES
MASN 2
ROOT SPORTS (Northwest Region)
ROOT SPORTS (Rocky Mountain Region)
OCEAN STATE NETWORKS
WCUU CHICAGO

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

Let's Go X

[Muskie]

Plenty of good seats left if you're on the fence.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[D-West & PO-Z]

Gameday Guide (https://twitter.com/CoachChrisMack/status/838041947633745921)
TV Channels (http://goxavier.com/documents/2017/3/2//Big_East_Basketball_Xavier_at_DePaul.pdf)
FOX SPORTS ARIZONA (PLUS)
FOX SPORTS DETROIT
FOX SPORTS MIDWEST (Non Cardinals)
FOX SPORTS NORTH (PLUS)
FOX SPORTS OHIO
FOX SPORTS SOUTH
FOX SPORTS SUN
FOX SPORTS WISCONSIN (PLUS)
PRIME TICKET
YES
MASN 2
ROOT SPORTS (Northwest Region)
ROOT SPORTS (Rocky Mountain Region)
OCEAN STATE NETWORKS
WCUU CHICAGO

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

Streaming
Before visiting any of these sites here are a few guidelines:
First, make sure you have updated anti-virus software. Avast, AVG, and Microsoft Security Essentials all are free options.
Then, get AdBlock (https://adblockplus.org), uBlock (https://www.ublock.org), or a comparable ad blocker for your browser. You may also need Anti-Adblock Killer (https://reek.github.io/anti-adblock-killer) depending on your stream.
Do NOT install any software (plugins, add-ons, codecs, etc) from these sites. And do NOT disable your ad blocker - if you get a message instructing you to, either use AAK or find a different stream.
Streams usually begin shortly before tipoff but ultimately it is up to whoever is running it. Some sites use the same stream so you may need to click around.

http://wiz1.net/channel51
http://cricfree.sc/watch/live/xavier-vs-depaul-live-streaming
https://streamwoop.tv/watch/DePaul-vs-Xavier

Thanks.

[GoMuskies]

Lol

[Masterofreality]

Does this team really want to play anymore?

[mohr5150]

Does this team really want to play anymore?

Nope

[SkyWalker]

This is ridiculous.

[HenryMuto]

Down 11-4 seriously it is over for this team if they lose this one. Right now Xavier probably still makes it with 2 wins vs DePaul but lose this one and it's over. What a train wreck to end the year.

[muskieindent]

What a pathetic display. Does anyone on this team care anymore ?

[KabeX]

FG - 16.7% / 0 - 5 from 3. Wow. Good thing this is De Paul or we'd be down 20 to anyone else

[kellernr]

Playing like they don't care. Omara is the only one in there trying to rebound the damn ball. I don't like gaston but he should be in for rebounding. Omara can't jump and Jones is already in foul trouble.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[xu82]

It's going to be OK, I figured out Live Chat was the jinx. No more of THAT!

[Masterofreality]

No player, for a long time, has pissed me off more than Kaiser Gates. The "Best Shooter on the Team" (I guess in practice) and clueless defensively. Just go to a freaking zone Mack.

[kellernr]

FG - 16.7% / 0 - 5 from 3. Wow. Good thing this is De Paul or we'd be down 20 to anyone else
It would help if tre would do more than just walk around the 3pt line. He has made 2 drives but looked scared on the 1st and got fouled on the 2nd

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

the double T is so fucking stupid. Why is that necessary? Just lazy refereeing to me.

[KabeX]

Not smart. Not good.

[GIMMFD]

It would help if tre would do more than just walk around the 3pt line. He has made 2 drives but looked scared on the 1st and got fouled on the 2nd

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Think it has to do with the ankle? I'm not able to watch so just trying to keep updated on things.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Think it has to do with the ankle? I'm not able to watch so just trying to keep updated on things.

I would think so, I mean hes clearly not 100%, who knows though what % hes really at.

[KabeX]

I guess the guys thought this game started at 2:30.

[chico]

Think it has to do with the ankle? I'm not able to watch so just trying to keep updated on things.

Its gotta be the ankle. He really hasn't looked the same since he hurt it.

[GoMuskies]

Better!

[Jesuit4Life]

Its gotta be the ankle. He really hasn't looked the same since he hurt it.
Yeah, he tweaked it again unfortunately.
https://twitter.com/PBrennanENQ/status/838103478706835456

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[KabeX]

De Paul certainly a very generous team. Might want to start taking advantage of it

[KabeX]

De Paul certainly a very generous team. Might want to start taking advantage of it
Kinda like that

[D-West & PO-Z]

Q with a made 3 and layup within the last few mins! Things are looking up!

[KabeX]

U-g-l-y

[GuyFawkes38]

I'm too lazy to look up the stats. But this has to be the worst X 3-point shooting team in a while. It's amazing how closely 3-point shooting correlates with success.

[Masterofreality]

At least we've seen the return of the aggressive Quentin Goodin.

[AviatorX]

Let's blow these scrubs out the next 3 halves.

As bad as Xavier is, I still feel comfortable saying DePaul really sucks.

[Jesuit4Life]

Please, no second half letdown.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[XfansinKy]

Im at work. What's the score?

[KabeX]

Probably the most nervous I've ever been for a 2nd half against De Paul

[GoMuskies]

Im at work. What's the score?

33-30 good guys.

[KabeX]

im at work. What's the score?
33-30 x

[xu82]

At the half

[XfansinKy]

Close. Thanks

[KabeX]

42 - 40 X 15:12 to go. So we lost the 1st 4 min war of the 2nd half.

[GIMMFD]

The box score says we're 5/20 from 3... which leads me to ask, why are we jacking up 3s????

[paulxu]

Law of averages?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Time to go on a run here.

[drudy23]

These are two bad teams.

[KabeX]

46 - 45 X at the under 12. Tre will be at the line shooting 2.

[GoMuskies]

These are two bad teams.

Yes. But on the plus side we get to see this again in four days!

[drudy23]

Finally look like a basketball team.

[GoMuskies]

Finally!!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Theres that run!

[KabeX]

Tre w. a transition 3 from JP. X up 57 - 49 w. 8:54 to go

[KabeX]

I think Mack is doing his best Jon Chaney imitation with that match-up zone. Hey if it works ...

[xu82]

FT defense is critical!

[KabeX]

57 - 51 X at the under 8.

[GoMuskies]

FT defense is critical!

Unfortunately there's is good, too!

[xu82]

Did he just say "a quality finish"? So, will it be the same two teams? I'm confused.....

[paulxu]

I just saw 29.5 seconds of some of the best defense we've played this year.
And the guy hits a prayer. Sheesh.

[Grizzx12]

Great stretch here from Trevon. The missed FTs hurt more every time though

[KabeX]

Just as I was saying they need to go inside ...

[X Factor]

Gaston is terrible...

[paulxu]

So we dumbly foul a made 3 pointer. Double sheesh.

[xudash]

I just saw 29.5 seconds of some of the best defense we've played this year.
And the guy hits a prayer. Sheesh.

My exact thought and reaction.

Who knows what happens from then, but at least Tre came down and answered back.

[KabeX]

and then a 4 pt play for De Paul. Nice

[GoMuskies]

I just saw 29.5 seconds of some of the best defense we've played this year.
And the guy hits a prayer. Sheesh.

To be fair, Trevon's bucket the possession before was also a prayer.

[KabeX]

67 - 61 X at the under 4. X ball coming out of the TO.

[xu82]

I enjoyed when they were traveling on every other possession. Can we have some more of that?

[Muskie]

People may complain about the crowds at Cintas. But this place has the vibe of a funeral.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[KabeX]

IF we're smart, we go inside out (and inside).

[Masterofreality]

DePaul has terrible bigs, yet there hasn't been. Pass in post touch for 6 minutes.

W.......T........F?

[KabeX]

Q must have heard me. I told him to make his FTs as well.

[Masterofreality]

People may complain about the crowds at Cintas. But this place has the vibe of a funeral.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

We'll, the building does expire for DePaul after this game.

[KabeX]

Good sequence there. Ty has to make these

[KabeX]

69 - 61 X 2:15 to go

[GIMMFD]

Well, I know we can all agree that at least we aren't Georgetown right now.

[D-West & PO-Z]

shit thats not good

[xu82]

Going inside has not gone smoothly.

[Grizzx12]

Wow!! Hope Tyrique is ok!!

[KabeX]

Wow Jones hit hard.

[KabeX]

I hate to say it and to look ahead but that very prob will affect Wed's game (concussion protocol)

[GoMuskies]

Tyrique probably won't be playing Wednesday. Sweet.

[KabeX]

that S/B the dagger

[Grizzx12]

74-61 1:15 to go

[SM#24]

Never a doubt

[GoMuskies]

One win against DePaul from lock status?

[KabeX]

Well they did what they had to today. Feels good to get a W. Let's hope for a little winning streak now.

[xu82]

I missed it, did his head hit the floor? He sure was woozy looking! Hate to see that....

[KabeX]

I missed it, did his head hit the floor? He sure was woozy looking! Hate to see that....
Y. He fell backwards.

[xu82]

Well they did what they had to today. Feels good to get a W. Let's hope for a little winning streak now.

We will have a new and improved streak! Yay!

[KabeX]

79 - 65 Final. Let's hope for a similar result Wednesday night.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The streak lives!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Oh and a cover!

[Grizzx12]

Bounced his head off the floor hard fighting for a loose ball rolling around. Before it went to commercial his eyes were closed and he looked rough.

[paulxu]

Nigel...I hope you gave the points.

[bjf123]

Need Tyrique to be OK


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[X Factor]

How does beating a team with an RPI of 229 and ranked #174 by KenPom get Xavier into the tournament? Just because it's another win?

I'm serious, DePaul is terrible. I'm glad X won, but it just seems like beating DePaul wouldn't be a game that says "Xavier's a tournament team now". Basically, we just beat Fordham.

[Masterofreality]

The streak lives!

Yes. Yes it does. 9-9

[KabeX]

How does beating a team with an RPI of 229 and ranked #174 by KenPom get Xavier into the tournament? Just because it's another win?

I'm serious, DePaul is terrible. I'm glad X won, but it just seems like beating DePaul wouldn't be a game that says "Xavier's a tournament team now". Basically, we just beat Fordham.

Well I think they were in before today. An L they would have been out. Plus it evens the conf record at 9 - 9. I think the committee looks at that.

[X-band '01]

Bounced his head off the floor hard fighting for a loose ball rolling around. Before it went to commercial his eyes were closed and he looked rough.

He'll definitely be in concussion protocol, but at least he was moving slightly as he was helped off the floor.

[paulxu]

It may be more important that we just didn't lose to a #229, and won by 14.

[KabeX]

Well I think they were in before today. An L they would have been out. Plus it evens the conf record at 9 - 9. I think the committee looks at that.

Now all that said, the scenario is the same Wed. They lose and I think they're out.

[X Factor]

Well I think they were in before today. An L they would have been out. Plus it evens the conf record at 9 - 9. I think the committee looks at that.

Ok, so an L probably would have been a nail in the coffin, and a win just kept them where they were coming into today. That makes sense if true.

[smileyy]

Yes. Yes it does. 9-9

Since...1983?

[X-band '01]

We'll, the building does expire for DePaul after this game.

It expires for DePaul, but you can get your Northwestern fix at Allstate Arena next season!

[OTRMUSKIE]

How does beating a team with an RPI of 229 and ranked #174 by KenPom get Xavier into the tournament? Just because it's another win?

I'm serious, DePaul is terrible. I'm glad X won, but it just seems like beating DePaul wouldn't be a game that says "Xavier's a tournament team now". Basically, we just beat Fordham.

Because it keeps x from having any bad losses. X was already in the dance. By not losing to DePaul they remain in the dance. If they lose Weds they are in the PIG. If they win Weds they are a 10th seed. Either way it's safe to say they are a lock now. But I don't want to be in the PIG so let's win 4 more.

[Masterofreality]

How does beating a team with an RPI of 229 and ranked #174 by KenPom get Xavier into the tournament? Just because it's another win?

I'm serious, DePaul is terrible. I'm glad X won, but it just seems like beating DePaul wouldn't be a game that says "Xavier's a tournament team now". Basically, we just beat Fordham.


Because the Big East is an awesome league and there is tons of flotsam and jetsam in College Basketball this year.

[GoMuskies]

How does beating a team with an RPI of 229 and ranked #174 by KenPom get Xavier into the tournament? Just because it's another win?

I'm serious, DePaul is terrible. I'm glad X won, but it just seems like beating DePaul wouldn't be a game that says "Xavier's a tournament team now". Basically, we just beat Fordham.

Doesn't get us in so much as prevents us from getting knocked out.

[XUBob]

It helps get you in because there are no bad losses on your resume. X has a strong RPI, a great strength of schedule in a year with an extremely bad bubble this should be enough. The caveat is the Muskies have to win on Wed.

[GoMuskies]

Because it keeps x from having any bad losses. X was already in the dance. By not losing to DePaul they remain in the dance. If they lose Weds they are in the PIG. If they win Weds they are a 10th seed. Either way it's safe to say they are a lock now. But I don't want to be in the PIG so let's win 4 more.

I don't think it's safe to say we're a lock. I could definitely see us being out with a loss Wednesday.

[X-Men]

That Vandy win against Florida just now dosent help, but I agree with the majority that win Wednesday we are definitely in.

[KabeX]

Wed. is a must win. Period. I don't want the PIG (even though I have tickets). I think that's the best we could hope for if we lose Wed.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Nigel...I hope you gave the points.

I decided right before tip I was going down with the ship...took X -2.5 for 1st half, X -5 for game and X -2.5 for 2nd half. Doesn't come close to reimbursing me for what I've lost on X the past few weeks....but, like X, a win is a win. (Or 3 wins to be exact)

[Xville]

Just glad we broke the losing streak...maybe Wednesday we can lock a bid up...that will be enough for this season

[XU 87]

Arguably, the biggest win of the season. An L and X is out.

Woo hooooo.

[paulxu]

Seton Hall and Marquette trying to help the league get 7 teams in.

[paulxu]

I decided right before tip I was going down with the ship...took X -2.5 for 1st half, X -5 for game and X -2.5 for 2nd half. Doesn't come close to reimbursing me for what I've lost on X the past few weeks....but, like X, a win is a win. (Or 3 wins to be exact)

Good on ya!

[Thor in 204]

Seton Hall and Marquette trying to help the league get 7 teams in.


They both won, opening the door for us to be the 7th team in. I can't remember in recent years any time a Big East team went 9-9 in the league and did not get NCAA berth.
A win against DePaul Wednesday is certainly not a given, but it is a favorable match-up. Win Wednesday and we are a lock.

[X-band '01]

I still think Xavier needs to get to Thursday and beat Butler to be a mortal lock. Too many things can happen between Thursday and Saturday if Xavier only gets 1 win.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Totally disagree. Conf tournaments are there to help your seed. X winning today puts them in lock status. Right now they are a 11 seed in VD. Win Weds they are a 10. Just my opinion but it's helping me sleep so stop F***ing ruining this for me.

[xavierj]

I still think Xavier needs to get to Thursday and beat Butler to be a mortal lock. Too many things can happen between Thursday and Saturday if Xavier only gets 1 win.

No there isn't. There is no real locks in the smaller conferences and there Won't be many teams, if any, who are not going to make it run the table in a power conference. Xavier will beat DePaul again, they really suck, and will have 20 wins with a top 20 sos. With at least 4, probably more, wins against other tourney teams. They will make it and probably be a 9 or 10 seed. Hopefully 10.

[SM#24]

Arguably, the biggest win of the season. An L and X is out.

Woo hooooo.
Lather, rinse, repeat

[xu82]

Since...1983?

Funny, a lot of things get better right after I leave. At least, that's what they tell me.

[nasdadjr]

Totally disagree. Conf tournaments are there to help your seed. X winning today puts them in lock status. Right now they are a 11 seed in VD. Win Weds they are a 10. Just my opinion but it's helping me sleep so stop F***ing ruining this for me.

Can I get some of that good reefer your smoking cause that has to be good stuff. Xavier was no lock going into this game and a win over a last place horrible team doesn't take you from prolly missing to lock. And beating that same team again won't do it either. Gonna need 2 wins to go dancing otherwise it's the NIT.

[nasdadjr]

Plus X has proven in February they are behind every single Big East team ahead of them in the standing and lost when at full strength to a bad Colorado team. It's the old adage... good job you played tough but does that matter if you didn't beat any of those teams or very few of them? I'm sorry take the name Xavier off the front of the jersey and replace with X middle tier major conference team when we were back in the A-10 and you would say that team is out.

I hope I'm wrong but I have not been wrong yet one time this year except in saying Myles would be a huge boost. Kinda whiffed on that one

[OTRMUSKIE]

Well you're totally wrong. X is in, I'm sorry you disagree but they're in. Did I Not just tell you not to ruin this for me?

[JTG]

Plus X has proven in February they are behind every single Big East team ahead of them in the standing and lost when at full strength to a bad Colorado team. It's the old adage... good job you played tough but does that matter if you didn't beat any of those teams or very few of them? I'm sorry take the name Xavier off the front of the jersey and replace with X middle tier major conference team when we were back in the A-10 and you would say that team is out.

I hope I'm wrong but I have not been wrong yet one time this year except in saying Myles would be a huge boost. Kinda whiffed on that one

The difference is we're not a mid major, didn't play a mid major schedule, have 19 wins, .500 in a major conference, with excellent sos. It's what you did all season, not the last week of Feb. Hell, there have been many years where 16or 17 win BIG TEN teams have gotten in.

[whopper]

all I need to read is 9 turnovers and I see why they won. I live in the tri state but have not been to Big East in 10 years. I would like to go Wed as my wife is now a "fan" with 2 girls at X. What would be a good ticket site to get a good deal on lower levels seating..I don't think it will be a real hot ticket am right on the Metro North train line. Any suggestions? Thanks

[OTRMUSKIE]

I heard you can get cheap tickets at the gardens. Just go on StubHub day of game and you will be good to go. Especially for a Weds game

[xavierj]

Try this on. Two teams Xavier beat, 4 times total, beat a team on the road by a combined 40 points,and that team will make the tourney because they play in a fraud league. Name that team...t

[AviatorX]

Try this on. Two teams Xavier beat, 4 times total, beat a team on the road by a combined 40 points,and that team will make the tourney because they play in a fraud league. Name that team...t

Syracuse?

[mistabeecee41]

loved Tres mentality today. Didn't shoot efficiently, but carried the team on his back. If we go down, I want to go down with Tre taking 25 shots.

[xavierj]

Syracuse?

Yep. They are not good buy get credit for playing in the acc.

[Masterofreality]

Again,

I've been critical of Q, but I gotta give the kid mucho props today for, once again, being aggressive. I just wish he would keep that attitude every game because it opens up all kinds of other things for the team when he attacks the paint.

Butler last Sunday= Aggressive Q. Marquette Wednesday=Passive Q. Today= Aggressive Q.

New York= ???? (Hope for Attacking)

[gladdenguy]

Anybody know if there will be a replay of the game on later tonight or tomorrow. I can't find anything on my Direct TV guide.

[DWXU23]

Anybody know if there will be a replay of the game on later tonight or tomorrow. I can't find anything on my Direct TV guide.

Does anybody know why fox doesn't put up replays on their site like espn does? Doesn't make sense.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Anybody know if there will be a replay of the game on later tonight or tomorrow. I can't find anything on my Direct TV guide.

It's being replayed on Fox Sports Ohio tomorrow at noon. Piece of advice? DVR it and skip the first 10 mins of the game. You're welcome.

[GIMMFD]

loved Tres mentality today. Didn't shoot efficiently, but carried the team on his back. If we go down, I want to go down with Tre taking 25 shots.

Agree wholeheartedly. He's out best player by a mile, and I want him to stay aggressive. He has the ability to go off at any moment, and usually takes pretty smart shots, so I'm ready to go down with Tre taking that many shots as well.

[Xville]

Try this on. Two teams Xavier beat, 4 times total, beat a team on the road by a combined 40 points,and that team will make the tourney because they play in a fraud league. Name that team...t

The acc is the best league in the country. what are you talking about? There are legitimately 4 or 5 final four teams in that fraud league.

[gladdenguy]

It's being replayed on Fox Sports Ohio tomorrow at noon. Piece of advice? DVR it and skip the first 10 mins of the game. You're welcome.

Thanks Nigel!!!! Public reps. I'm also glad you won money and I lost today. Hopefully Weds that is the case as well.

[xu82]

It's being replayed on Fox Sports Ohio tomorrow at noon. Piece of advice? DVR it and skip the first 10 mins of the game. You're welcome.

Fine advice indeed!

[Nigel Tufnel]

Thanks Nigel!!!! Public reps. I'm also glad you won money and I lost today. Hopefully Weds that is the case as well.

I broke a cardinal rule today. Bet with my heart instead of my head. Won. That's gambling. I usually only bet football and I don't even look at the teams...just line movement. I'm a sucker in college hoops. Did take GW on the ML tonight. Knew Dayton would be flat.

[nasdadjr]

The difference is we're not a mid major, didn't play a mid major schedule, have 19 wins, .500 in a major conference, with excellent sos. It's what you did all season, not the last week of Feb. Hell, there have been many years where 16or 17 win BIG TEN teams have gotten in.

And I understand that point but those teams were not down their best player and lost 6 in a row in February. Like I said I hope I'm wrong, but I can see the committee saying Xavier has proven it just can't beat quality competition this year and leave them out. The biggest factor in our favor is the bubble is very weak.

[nasdadjr]

loved Tres mentality today. Didn't shoot efficiently, but carried the team on his back. If we go down, I want to go down with Tre taking 25 shots.

Can't disagree... take the Buddy Hield mentality last year to a new level

[THRILLHOUSE]

I still think Xavier needs to get to Thursday and beat Butler to be a mortal lock. Too many things can happen between Thursday and Saturday if Xavier only gets 1 win.

I think X goes to Dayton if they beat DePaul but lose to Butler. If they beat Butler then are a lock for the main field.

[X-band '01]

Wake is a double-edged sword for us right now - it would be a nice quality win but they're also right on the cusp of the bubble. Vanderbilt has a sweep of Florida in their back pocket, but if they lose early in the SEC Tournament, they would set a record for 15 losses as an at-large.

Illinois was making a run but lost at Rutgers.

That said, I'm more confident that Xavier at least beats DePaul on Wednesday, but there's more work to be done to absolutely feel safe. I'm not settling for the bare minimum like other posters would have you believe.

[Xavier]

The acc is the best league in the country. what are you talking about? There are legitimately 4 or 5 final four teams in that fraud league.

I see three. Still the best league in the country but 5? No freaking way.