Game Thread: Xavier vs. DePaul (March 8, 2017) BE Tournament

[paulxu]

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

https://assets.primesport.com/prod/images/Big%20East%20Tournament%20Logo.png



Xavier University Musketeers (19-12, 7 seed) vs. DePaul Blue Demons (9-22, 10 seed)
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 9:30 PM EST
Madison Square Garden (20,789), New York, NY

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

Notes and Stats (http://www.goxavier.com/news/2017/3/6/mens-basketball-headed-to-new-york-for-big-east-tournament.aspx)

Television: FS1 with Gus Johnson (pbp), Bill Raftery (analyst) and Lisa Byington (reporter).

Radio: 700 WLW-AM with Joe Sunderman '79 (play-by-play) and Bryon Larkin '88 (analysis).

[paulxu]

My little lego Musketeer is undefeated this year when in the header.
So...I'm giving Muskie and Amex and MadX a break, and putting him up early.

Get some Muskies!

[AviatorX]

Ken Pom has X with an 84% chance of getting to the quarters and a 30% chance of getting to Friday's semis. We'll take it!

[bigdiggins]

My little lego Musketeer is undefeated this year when in the header.
So...I'm giving Muskie and Amex and MadX a break, and putting him up early.

Get some Muskies!

Appreciate the effort and the lego muskie, but Creighton is not 9-22, a 10 seed, and of course not the opponent Wednesday night. :nudgewink:

[paulxu]

Yikes. Major screw up. Hopefully corrected.

(that's what happens when you copy stuff from an earlier thread)

[GoMuskies]

This kinda has the feel of an A-10 Tournament game. Bad opponent, empty arena, etc. However, the reward starting Thursday is like nothing you ever got for winning an A-10 Tournament game (okay, except that glorious beatdown of St. Joe's that will probably for the rest of Xavier history be our greatest conference tournament win).

[X-band '01]

First order of business is not pulling a UC against DePaul.

[SemajParlor]

Anyone want to take a stab at the line?

I say -8.5

[GoMuskies]

10ish

[paulxu]

Some cross-promotion on FX going on.

[bjf123]

ESPN app is showing X -10 at the moment.


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[XUMIOH12]

Xavier please win this game

[American X]

If we can avoid playing Villanova, Butler, Creighton, Providence, Marquette and Seton Hall, I like our chances in this tournament.

[XfansinKy]

Beat Depaul and then just go out, play hard, and have fun...see what happens.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Interesting player choice for today's game uniforms on the Gameday Guide. (Not sure if it actually means anything, but I'm gonna tell myself it's good news and Jones is available tonight.)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6Zq1X3WgAAqiyH.jpg

[Wheelhouse]

I think we win this game handily. Frankly, if we don't beat DePaul on a neutral court with our NCAA Tournament hopes possibly on the line we don't deserve to make the Tournament.

Go X.

[GoMuskies]

Let's hope we jump out to a decent lead early and are never seriously threatened. I do not need more stress in my life today.

[muskiefan82]

Let's hope we jump out to a decent lead early and are never seriously threatened. I do not need more stress in my life today.

Since the game is at 9:30, there is nothing anyone can do about your stress today. Sorry. We all have to suffer through today.

[X Factor]

Looking at DePaul's KenPom numbers, it's apparent how bad they suck.

[GIMMFD]

I think we win this game handily. Frankly, if we don't beat DePaul on a neutral court with our NCAA Tournament hopes possibly on the line we don't deserve to make the Tournament.

Go X.

While I wholeheartedly agree, I still think you can never count out the craziness of the March aspect of the season, you never know what's going to happen and that's why it's such an adrenaline rush to watch. I'm hoping we take care of business tonight, and I do think we will, however, I know anything can happen. Let's hope the boys are amped up and ready to put forth a good performance out there tonight.

[xufan2434]

I think we win this game handily. Frankly, if we don't beat DePaul on a neutral court with our NCAA Tournament hopes possibly on the line we don't deserve to make the Tournament.

Go X.

Haha, agreed. Maybe getting back in the Garden will bring back some good vibes. Could really go for a Tre/JP heater to start up tonight and get rolling

[paulxu]

i think we win this game handily. Frankly, if we don't beat depaul on a neutral court with our ncaa tournament hopes on the line we don't deserve to make the tournament.

Go x.

ftfy

[Wheelhouse]

ftfy

So funny. I actually added the "possibly" after I re-read the post before I posted it.

I look at the other teams on the bubble and it's still hard for me to believe we don't get in. I know we're trending in the wrong direction, but part of that was Tre's injury for a few games, which I believe the committee takes into account. If you're judging the overall resume and do not take into account that we lost 6 in a row at the end of the season (meaning when you lost the 6 in a row doesn't matter), how many bubble team actually have a better resume than us? I'm not sure exactly what criteria the committee uses (I could check but I'm lazy) but I feel like the only thing we're missing is top, top marquee win. We don't really have any bad losses.

[GIMMFD]

When we get a little closer to game time, can someone tell me if we're going to start on time? I'm studying and don't want to stop until necessary.

[THRILLHOUSE]

When we get a little closer to game time, can someone tell me if we're going to start on time? I'm studying and don't want to stop until necessary.

http://i.imgur.com/WsyqoBK.gif

[bjf123]

Considering that it's 8:15 and the first game hasn't started the second half, I doubt we'll start on time.


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[X-band '01]

Still 4:40 left. Plan on starting no earlier than 9:45.

[Ray Foye Combo]

good luck tonight guys

on Hart's instagram today

trevonbluiett - You're the goat can I get your autograph?!

Trevon is a great player in his own right

[XU 23]

When we get a little closer to game time, can someone tell me if we're going to start on time? I'm studying and don't want to stop until necessary.

Same. Spanish exam tomorrow.

[GoMuskies]

Line down to 7.5.

[GIMMFD]

Still 4:40 left. Plan on starting no earlier than 9:45.

Well I will have to stream the game since the Caribbean wants to have Fox Sports 2, Fox Sports Racing, and all kinds of stupid channels other than Fox Sports 1. #SIGH

[XMuskieFTW]

20 minutes currently on the clock. My guess is we tip around 9:52

[paulxu]

MOR or Muskie, go down and say hey to Bill Murray for me.

[RealDeal]

N

[HenryMuto]

I don't know if winning this game gets X into the big dance tonight but I am pretty sure losing it means X is not going to make it.

Win this game please.

[Wheelhouse]

We need a big game from O'Mara tonight. I'd love to see us get inside to him posted up.

[BMoreX]

If Tyrique Jones is on the bench, he should be close to clearing protocol.

[paulxu]

We don't look especially sharp tonight.
But the last play was...well, exactly that. A play. Very nice.

[BMoreX]

We don't look especially sharp tonight.
But the last play was...well, exactly that. A play. Very nice.

Just missing shots so far.

[paulxu]

Why would Bluiett try a coast to coast, with 3 guys on him in the paint, while Kaiser and JP stand on the wings wide open?

[X Factor]

This is tough to watch. We look like a team who's about equal to DePaul. We miss so many open threes.

[paulxu]

1 of 9 from 3.

Might as well let Gates try one.

[BMoreX]

Ugly basketball.

[XMuskieFTW]

Ugh. We've had a ton of good looks from 3 but just missing badly.

[mohr5150]

I'm wondering if it could be possible for us to run some semblance of an offense at some point this game.

[X Factor]

Ugh. We've had a ton of good looks from 3 but just missing badly.

Been doing that all year.

[X Factor]

I shudder to think of the shooting on this team next year.

[paulxu]

Never mind.

[BMoreX]

Gaston with 2. O'Mara has to step up.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If Tyrique Jones is on the bench, he should be close to clearing protocol.

Not necessarily.

[GoMuskies]

Worst game of all time so far?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Worst game of all time so far?

Since last Saturday!

[X Factor]

Glad Trevon showed up tonight

[X Factor]

This team just isn't that talented.

[GoMuskies]

JP looking good.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Glad Trevon showed up tonight

Relax.....we are a quarter through, breathe

[X Factor]

Relax.....we are a quarter through, breathe

0-5 from the field...0-4 from three. If his jumper isn't falling he becomes a very, very average player.

[AviatorX]

Glad Trevon showed up tonight

Honestly almost guaranteed this will be funny when he finishes at his averages.

[mistabeecee41]

DePaul wants it more. Our guys are playing with no energy

[XMuskieFTW]

This is a depressing watch so far. Was for the first 30 minutes or so Saturday though.

[X Factor]

Honestly almost guaranteed this will be funny when he finishes at his averages.

We better hope he scores 20 points in the second half.

[BMoreX]

Confidence level is not that high.

[mjoseph2215]

Considering what is at stake, this is one of the most humiliating efforts in D1 hoops history...

If I was on the committee and had this game on TV, they'd be out win or lose. If you can't show up and soundly beat a borderline top 200 team with everything on the line in a do or die tournament, you don't belong in the field.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Considering what is at stake, this is one of the most humiliating efforts in D1 hoops history...

If I was on the committee and had this game on TV, they'd be out win or lose. If you can't show up and soundly beat a borderline top 200 team with everything on the line in a do or die tournament, you don't belong in the field.

Most dramatic post of the year?

I was at SLU when they scored 20 points in an entire game once. Dial it back, lol

[mjoseph2215]

DePaul has lost 18 of their last 20 games.

This isn't about one player anymore. This is about a culture of mediocrity.

[XU 23]

This offense is abysmal. Let's just dribble around the perimeter and put up a contested shot with 10 seconds on the clock.

[GIMMFD]

Uhh guys, I'm delirious from studying all day right? Like... this isn't ACTUALLY happening?

[mjoseph2215]

Most dramatic post of the year?

I was at SLU when they scored 20 points in an entire game once. Dial it back, lol

I don't think it's humiliating for bad players to play poorly. Put me on a D1 court vs D1 athletes and I'll play poorly.

But these guys look like someone gunned down their dog right before the game. It's humiliating to not give an effort with your lives at stake. Says a lot about what pride these kids have too.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[X Factor]

JP!!! Money ball!

[XMuskieFTW]

Massive 3. Hopefully we can carry that momentum into the second.

[X Factor]

Hopefully that last shot by JP will give us some momentum heading into the second half. We definitely need it. Honestly though, if Xavier loses, does anyone really believe the committee will give us an at-large bid?

[BMoreX]

Momentum shot. Pleas let it carry over.

[GoMuskies]

Being down 1 is a miracle from God.

[Grizzx12]

Mack's quick interview I think was right, missed too many wide open looks. A few of them go down the score is much different now. Not sure if the stage is giving some of these shots wobbly knees but there have been some ugly looks. Need to settle down in the second half and I think we'll be ok

[X Factor]

Being down 1 is a miracle from God.

And it's still sad

[bjf123]

Hopefully that last shot by JP will give us some momentum heading into the second half. We definitely need it. Honestly though, if Xavier loses, does anyone really believe the committee will give us an at-large bid?

No. Lose and we're out, as we should be.


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[Jesuit4Life]

Need a strong 20 more minutes.

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[GIMMFD]

On a bright note, Q's shooting percentage is a lot higher than normal???

[X Factor]

On a bright note, Q's shooting percentage is a lot higher than normal???

Well yeah, he made a couple of layups. His 3 pt. % is still falling though.

[GIMMFD]

Well yeah, he made a couple of layups. His 3 pt. % is still falling though.

It was half sarcasm, half serious. I like when he's aggressive and goes to the rim, if the lay-ups keep falling keep driving I say. Better than us jacking up garbage threes all game.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

TB has to put up points and in a big way if we are to win. Has it ever happened before that he is scoreless in the first half?

[X Factor]

It was half sarcasm, half serious. I like when he's aggressive and goes to the rim, if the lay-ups keep falling keep driving I say. Better than us jacking up garbage threes all game.

I know. I agree.

[X Factor]

Some of these coaches sound like morons in the locker room and the huddle. Mack always sounds professional and he makes good points to his guys.

[kellernr]

TB has to put up points and in a big way if we are to win. Has it ever happened before that he is scoreless in the first half?
Nova game when he got hurt again

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[kellernr]

They need better ball movement. At one point I believe all 5 guys were outside the arc. Sucks not having Jones tonight. We should kill them inside. Run 2 bigs at them. Put gates down low with gaston or omara.

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[D-West & PO-Z]

There it is Tre!

[D-West & PO-Z]

3 on Billy Jr.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Great offensive set there.

[BMoreX]

Extend the lead.

[X Factor]

Well let's keep this going.

[kellernr]

That's more like it. Keep it up.

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[X Factor]

Billy Garrett has to lead the conference in travels.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Time for a big run!

[D-West & PO-Z]

There you go Tre!

[Grizzx12]

Where has this energy been the past few weeks!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

The oop!!

[X Factor]

Is that the first oop of the year?

[Grizzx12]

DePaul is falling apart.....time to finish them!!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

My goodness JP to Q again!

[paulxu]

Q has some hops.

JP is just a player.

[X Factor]

Gates has to hit those open threes

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Q is having a good game. Hope this is a sign of good things to come from him.

[BMoreX]

Well this is ideal.

[X Factor]

DePaul's got way too many offensive rebounds.

[X Factor]

Don't let em hang around...that was poor defense.

[kellernr]

DePaul is currently out rebounding us 25-24

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[paulxu]

Amazing how many points DePaul has scored in the paint.

[X Factor]

Excellent cut by JP and nice pass by Gaston...moving without the ball creates opportunities.

[GIMMFD]

This would have been nice the whole game, they really turned it on second half, wonder what Mack said to them.

[X Factor]

This would have been nice the whole game, they really turned it on second half, wonder what Mack said to them.

Probably, "Wake the "F" up"!

[AviatorX]

DePaul has lost 18 of their last 20 games.

This isn't about one player anymore. This is about a culture of mediocrity.

A culture of mediocrity. Is there a phrase that describes X basketball more poorly? Everyone on here wants to jump off a cliff and X is a bubble team!

[paulxu]

Muskie. Take a personal upgrade. There's a lot of floor seats open.

[Muskie]

Muskie. Take a personal upgrade. There's a lot of floor seats open.

Oh I have. I've moved in front of MOR.


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[paulxu]

Hah! JP...just an inch more.

[X Factor]

Oh how I wish JP had flushed that one!!!

[paulxu]

Oh I have. I've moved in front of MOR.


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I said "upgrade."

[D-West & PO-Z]

Honestly almost guaranteed this will be funny when he finishes at his averages.

There ya go.

[X Factor]

There ya go.

It took 17 shots and 29% from the field on the night, but he got there.

[GoMuskies]

Too much stress, but nice second half. Some glimpses of a pretty good team.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It took 17 shots and 29% from the field on the night, but he got there.

He had a great second half. Scored in different ways too. Not going to be a perfect night every time.

[X Factor]

He had a great second half. Scored in different ways too. Not going to be a perfect night every time.

I hope he got the clunker out of the way, cause we're gonna need him to be more efficient tomorrow night.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah I hope so as well.

[sirthought]

Happy for these guys. Hope they loosen up and play strong tomorrow. They did keep their composure in this game when it could have gone south.

[GIMMFD]

Too much stress, but nice second half. Some glimpses of a pretty good team.

They were a completely different team second half, a lot better all around. Great games from JP and Q, JP with the timely steals, Q finishing better at the rim, hopefully that'll give him the confidence he needs to step forth. Bring on Butler.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

X was still terrible shooting 3 pts and, yes, the FTs. Out-rebounded by DePaul. Good scoring from our 3 bigs.

[Jesuit4Life]

It's not easy to beat a team 3 times in a season.

You're on notice, Butler.

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[X-ceptional]

#1?
https://j.gifs.com/P1A306.gif

OR

#2?
https://j.gifs.com/wjvJXX.gif

[GoMuskies]

#1

[LA Muskie]

#1. Definitely.


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[XfansinKy]

Q looked like a guy who had played in big pressure games before. I'm guessing playing single elimination state tournaments at Rupp arena in front of 22-24 thousand crazy screaming high school kids and player's family prepared him for this like no other high school situation can.

[American X]

Beating DePaul twice in a row reminds me of this:

http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Congratulations_b23f64_327614.gif

Hat tip to whomever originally posted in Funny Stuff thread.

[X Factor]

Basically replace DePaul with the name Fordham and it's the same thing. Both games were closer than they should have been. I'll take the W's though.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Basically replace DePaul with the name Fordham and it's the same thing. Both games were closer than they should have been. I'll take the W's though.

We did cover the spread both times.

The games were closer in the first half that they should have been though.

[waggy]

Hat tip to whomever originally posted in Funny Stuff thread.


Child Please.