Game Thread: Xavier vs. Butler (March 9, 2017) Big East Tournament Quarterfinal

[American X]

http://logos.statbroadcast.com/beastmbb.png

Xavier Musketeers vs. Butler Generic Mascots

March 9, 2017

Game Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Madison Square Garden | New York, New York

TV: FS1

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

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

Live Stats (http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=562)

[American X]

I have zero expectations that Xavier can play a quality game, but deflating Butler's aspirations in Madison Square Garden would be pure joy.

It seems Xavier fans want Butler to play how Xavier usually played in the A-10 tournament - bid secure, less than fully interested in winning, more interested in getting a nice rest.

[xu82]

Yeah, I do not have a great feeling going into this. Just trying to start with the correct mindset so I can be pleasantly surprised, but not crushed.

[paulxu]

Amex! Sorry, I forgot to put the thread up with my lego guy.

Hope I didn't jinx it.

Good to see Johnson and Raftery on the call tonight.

[Jesuit4Life]

Let's remove any doubt tonight.

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[kellernr]

Gaston looking like complete garbage as usual.

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[gladdenguy]

Rashid has to finish down low. Defense looks active so far. I'm really worried about foul trouble as usual.

[kellernr]

Rashid has to finish down low. Defense looks active so far. I'm really worried about foul trouble as usual.
So far he's got a turnover, a missed bunny and got smoked on the baseline leaving jp to get dunked on. How can someone that big play so timid

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[xavierj]

How is Martin throwing ball against the base of basket any different than O'Mara punching ball in air. One was a tech, one no call...

[mistabeecee41]

Kaiserslautern "open the gates"

[xavierj]

Man Xavier just missing wide ass open 3's...

[AviatorX]

How is Martin throwing ball against the base of basket any different than O'Mara punching ball in air. One was a tech, one no call...

Agreed. Huge percentage of refs rings him up there.

[kellernr]

How is Bernard a D1 player? How do you miss a layup so bad you throw it over the backboard? He needs to learn a soft touch. He damn near throws the ball as hard as he can at the backboard everytime

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[XMuskieFTW]

How is Bernard a D1 player? How do you miss a layup so bad you throw it over the backboard? He needs to learn a soft touch. He damn near throws the ball as hard as he can at the backboard everytime

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The ball slipped out of his hands. Try again.

[chico]

I want an onions t-shirt.

[BMoreX]

That was not one second.

[HenryMuto]

Good 1st half but ended on a bad note.

[XMuskieFTW]

That was not one second.

To be fair I think there was about 0.1 on the shot clock. The 1 was on a long time before the whistle.

[nasdadjr]

I disagree Butler is doing everything to hand us the game and we are so nice we are just giving it back to them. Way too many 3's being shot

[kellernr]

I disagree Butler is doing everything to hand us the game and we are so nice we are just giving it back to them. Way too many 3's being shot
That's all we can do. Our inside game sucks. Bigs can't make 2 foot shots when they are wide open

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[Denver Muskie]

That was amazing. Bernard hit 3 with 42 seconds left and Butler ends up with possession and shot clock off.

[Masterofreality]

Good 1st half but ended on a bad note.

GAWDDAMNIT!!! Mack had a foul to give before the half. JP had zero fouls, yet rather than taking the foul to take Butler out of their set, Mack just let's them play. Result? A F-Ing Butler 3.

ONCE AGAIN, a coaching error by Mack. I swear the guy is losing his edge.

Get it together Coach!!

[AviatorX]

That was amazing. Bernard hit 3 with 42 seconds left and Butler ends up with possession and shot clock off.

Rough last minute for the clock guy there.

[Masterofreality]

And, I'm sorry. He may make me look like a fool, but I am about DONE with the Kaiser Gates experiment this year.

Hit a f-ing wide ass open shot kid. This isn't CYO.

[TUclutch]

GAWDDAMNIT!!! Mack had a foul to give before the half. JP had zero fouls, yet rather than taking the foul to take Butler out of their set, Mack just let's them play. Result? A F-Ing Butler 3.

ONCE AGAIN, a coaching error by Mack. I swear the guy is losing his edge.

Get it together Coach!!

Ive always agreed with a lot of what you've said in the past, but I think this is a little absurd

[kellernr]

Rough last minute for the clock guy there.
Not sure how they didn't get a 5 second call. Took them almost 10 seconds just to gather the ball and inbound it. Must be a Butler guy running the clock.

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[kellernr]

And, I'm sorry. He may make me look like a fool, but I am about DONE with the Kaiser Gates experiment this year.

Hit a f-ing wide ass open shot kid. This isn't CYO.
And don't drive the ball into the corner with 4 on the shot clock. He's soo scared to shoot it now that he's passing up open shots

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[xavierj]

Xavier couldn't play any worse, so there is that...

[XMuskieFTW]

Xavier couldn't play any worse, so there is that...

You must have missed the first half of last night's game.

[Masterofreality]

Ive always agreed with a lot of what you've said in the past, but I think this is a little absurd

What? Ever watch an NBA game where they have a foul to give in a Quarter? They ALWAYS take the non shooting foul to make the other team reset.

X had chances to take it, but clearly Mack was more concerned with jawing at the refs

[American X]

Xavier couldn't play any worse, so there is that...

What game are you watching? Only 4 turnovers, only 4 fouls. Not great shooting, but Xavier is not shooting themselves in the foot (so far).

If Malcolm Bernard is bouncing in 3s with shot clock expiring, Xavier is winning.

[HenryMuto]

Just when I started feeling good with the 10-0 run we see multiple turnovers and there goes the lead.

[RealDeal]

Way too late on calling that TO in my opinion.

[bleedXblue]

Same thing the last game. We were right there and we turned it over a bunch of times.

Kelan Martin is also unstoppable.

[bleedXblue]

Way too late on calling that TO in my opinion.

that's Mack for ya.

[mohr5150]

The dumbest team in America shows up again. 6 straight turnovers lead to a 12-0 run for Butler.

[xavierj]

What game are you watching? Only 4 turnovers, only 4 fouls. Not great shooting, but Xavier is not shooting themselves in the foot (so far).

If Malcolm Bernard is bouncing in 3s with shot clock expiring, Xavier is winning.

I was watching a game where Xavier scored 26 points in a half, shot 33% from 2 and 11% from 3. Any other questions?

[kellernr]

The dumbest team in America shows up again. 6 straight turnovers lead to a 12-0 run for Butler.
Yup. Not sure why Bernard just turned and ran away from Martin leaving him open for a 3. We need to quit switching on everything

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[bleedXblue]

Yup. Not sure why Bernard just turned and ran away from Martin leaving him open for a 3. We need to quit switching on everything

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LOL....yeah right

[HenryMuto]

If Ed does not get hurt and JR never left this team could been special. Last year was the big chance to make the final 4 the one big chance and they had that meltdown vs Wisconsin.

[XUFan09]

Yup. Not sure why Bernard just turned and ran away from Martin leaving him open for a 3. We need to quit switching on everything

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There was a screen and Bernard did switch. Jones was slow to realize he needed to switch too.

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[kellernr]

There was a screen and Bernard did switch. Jones was slow to realize he needed to switch too.

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It was a week ass screen. These guys don't fight through any of them. Kaiser got picked by savage who is half his size and he couldn't get through him. Guys playing way too soft

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[Xville]

Alright time to get it together. Going to win this game.

[XUFan09]

It was a week ass screen. These guys don't fight through any of them. Kaiser got picked by savage who is half his size and he couldn't get through him. Guys playing way too soft

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The screen was disruptive enough when there was a shooter behind the line that the switch was the right call. Jones should have got the memo.

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[Xville]

If Ed does not get hurt and JR never left this team could been special. Last year was the big chance to make the final 4 the one big chance and they had that meltdown vs Wisconsin.

Meh...this team wasn't that good with Sumner and there is a lot of revisionist history going on with Jr this year. He was about as inconsistent as any of our bags this year. Talented? Sure...but he showed up about once every three or four games.

[XU 87]

I wonder if X has more turnovers than shots this half.

[AviatorX]

The screen was disruptive enough when there was a shooter behind the line that the switch was the right call. Jones should have got the memo.

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Not worth it dude. Would be less frustrating to watch Xavier's offense.

[kellernr]

Meh...this team wasn't that good with Sumner and there is a lot of revisionist history going on with Jr this year. He was about as inconsistent as any of our bags this year. Talented? Sure...but he showed up about once every three or four games.
Ya, but he took the ball to the rim with force. He tried to break people's arms when he dunked it. Gaston and Omara would be better if they caught the ball and went right at the basket. Instead they catch, stop look around take a dribble, do 3 pump fakes and get block by a guard.

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[nasdadjr]

Gonna be in the committees hands cause we ain't winning this game

[nasdadjr]

JR did bring an intimidation factor with him.

[mohr5150]

This is what makes this team so maddening. That stretch of the game was solid basketball.

[paulxu]

I agree with Mack. There wasn't any foul.

[nasdadjr]

If I say we can't win then they will do the opposite. Playing superstition now

[Xville]

We are winning this game.

[kellernr]

Gonna be in the committees hands cause we ain't winning this game
Not so fast cupcake

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[paulxu]

Trying to imagine the score if we didn't have lazy turnovers.

[HenryMuto]

The 2nd half turnovers at times have been bothersome.

This is it guys 3:16 to go possibly in the season.

[mohr5150]

Can we keep our composure in the last four minutes? If we don't turn it over we win.

[kellernr]

Trying to imagine the score if we didn't have lazy turnovers.
Earlier in the 2nd half when omara lost the ball going up jp was yelling at him saying hold on to the ball. He should probably try and do the same. Not sure what's wrong with him. Started out strong and faded away after he hit the deck a few times. Hopefully he's not hurt

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[Xville]

Bernard has played his ass off tonight. Thank goodNess for him

[nuts4xu]

I love Malcolm.

[HenryMuto]

Can't stop that drive. Tie game...........damn it.

[HenryMuto]

PURE!!!!!!!!!

Now get 1 stop don't let them drive damn it and no open 3s.

[paulxu]

Just stiffen up...one damn play. Do it.

[coasterville95]

Fioptics went out on me with 11 minutes left. Just got video feed back.

Let's go X!!!

[xavierj]

Thank the lord...

[paulxu]

JP Do IT

[Grizzx12]

Seems like those shots have been falling against us all year

[coasterville95]

You must be ahead of my feed

[HenryMuto]

I would never call a timeout and ice my own FT shooter.

[paulxu]

Please don't foul. Just slow em down.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Lets fucking go!

[nasdadjr]

Not so fast cupcake

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Playing superstition. Looking like it will work

[coasterville95]

Yes yes. Yes. Yes yes.

[Grizzx12]

Thank GOD!!! That was awesome!!!

[paulxu]

SUCK It BUTLER

[HenryMuto]

That is why you don't ice your own FT shooter but thank god X won.

Got lucky really Butler had a wide open 3 at the end just missed it.

[RealDeal]

Wooooooooooo!!!!!!!

[Xville]

We are winning this game.

Never a doubt!

[nasdadjr]

Just wish we could hit 2 free throws in crunch time but hey just had to win. Guessing we get 10 seed now and if we get to the finals a nine

[BandAid]

I love a last second dunk in Butler's face

[Ray Foye Combo]

atleast you guys got to right your 2 wrongs and get a win vs Butler

[Grizzx12]

WOW!! And O'Mara getting some TV time!! Love it!!

[muskiefan82]

I am ecstatic.

[bleedXblue]

VERY proud of this team. Not pretty, but got it done!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

WE DID IT! I am confident that we are in the Dance now. What a time to beat Butler. I did not watch the game, but I am sure our guys really played their hearts out tonight.

[TUclutch]

Gonna be in the committees hands cause we ain't winning this game

Good call moron

[OTRMUSKIE]

Is he hurt? He went to the locker room?

[TUclutch]

Bernard has played his ass off tonight. Thank goodNess for him

He's been extremely unfairly bashed on here by some the last week or so

[kellernr]

Bernard has played his ass off tonight. Thank goodNess for him
There's a method to my madness. We discovered it years ago during a bengals game. If I would talk shit about a player they would go on to have a big game. It's worked most nights for xavier games. It just doesn't seem to have an effect on gaston and Gates. I'll try again with those 2 tomorrow

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[xu82]

Well, THAT was a lot more fun than I expected!

[JTG]

The streak lives, Butler still has never won a BET game, courtesy of the Xavier Musketeer.��

[kellernr]

The streak lives, Butler still has never won a BET game, courtesy of the Xavier Musketeer.😆
Hell yeah

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[X-ceptional]

The streak lives, Butler still has never won a BET game, courtesy of the Xavier Musketeer.��

Butler sees no value in playing at MSG... NONE!

[xu82]

This win was a good thing for the BE for sure! Butler is solid already.

[nasdadjr]

Well we proved we can beat a 2/3 seed

[whopper]

I went last night from Conn and left at 12:30. This is what I posted last week and am pleasantly surprised how accurate and it is not out of the question that X can beat the winner of Prov vs Creighton. In fact Mack must guard against OVERCONFIDENCE as this week has exceeded expectations.
A small school like this gets one Cinderella year and that may have been last year. I think Malcolm Bernard's interview yesterday should have been a wake up call to beat DePaul twice, show up next Thursday(dare I hope steal one) and either get a 10 seed, play in game or God forbid NIT and man up. The poor defense showing and turnovers go hand in hand(probably 10 of the 50 points in each half were pick 6s) but I have noticed a couple of times when the turnovers resulted in a miss and easy tip in as we did not get back. Little changes may accomplish this and I noticed in the marquette game especially a little defeatism that can be reset now. There is no final 4 and almost no sweet 16 but there is something to play for. Good luck X from a tri state metro NYC father of 2 X students and an long time player, coach and sports dad.

[nasdadjr]

Do you all think Butler fans just plan a day trip to NYC or do they actually get rooms for multiple days

[mohr5150]

Can we keep our composure in the last four minutes? If we don't turn it over we win.

I don't want to toot my own horn but... Yipee!!!

[GIMMFD]

Power outage, missed the entire game, just clicked back on to see that we won. Never been so excited. LET'S FREAKING MARCH

[SkyWalker]

Just checking game time for tomorrow night. Found this on SB Nation. Must not have gotten the word...

Friday, March 10 (Semifinals) at Madison Square Garden

Game 7: No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 5 Seton Hall, 6:30 p.m., FOXSportsGO
Game 8: No. 2 Butler vs. TBD, 9 p.m., FOXSportsGO

Sunday, March 11 (Championship) at Madison Square Garden
Game 9: TBD, 5:30 p.m., FOXSportsGO

[muskiefan82]

Is it possible that the BE is way better than even we think and X is better than the other BE teams make them look? Is it possible that the BE actually gets 7 teams in AND they all advance? Imagine that. Seriously.

[Michigan Muskie]

Just checking game time for tomorrow night. Found this on SB Nation. Must not have gotten the word...

Friday, March 10 (Semifinals) at Madison Square Garden

Game 7: No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 5 Seton Hall, 6:30 p.m., FOXSportsGO
Game 8: No. 2 Butler vs. TBD, 9 p.m., FOXSportsGO

Sunday, March 11 (Championship) at Madison Square Garden
Game 9: TBD, 5:30 p.m., FOXSportsGO

I'm just glad we get Saturday off to rest for the championship game.

[GIMMFD]

Is it possible that the BE is way better than even we think and X is better than the other BE teams make them look? Is it possible that the BE actually gets 7 teams in AND they all advance? Imagine that. Seriously.

I think ESPN would lit up in a world of flames if that were to happen.

[whopper]

I point to Malcolm Bernard's interview after Marquette as the turning point..I think his senior lament that we aren't even trying struck a nerve with Bluiett, Macura and O'Mara especially who were here for the last 2 years of fun and may have felt they were letting Bernard and Gaston down. I see a lot more determination and less defeatism.

[mohr5150]

The way we came back after being down by 7 was great to see. Determination and never-give-up-ness. I need to learn from these guys because I threw in the towel after the seventh turnover of the half.

[nasdadjr]

I don't think it's a coincidence. We played our worst ball with Kaiser in. I think he is unplayable right now even with a short roster

[Newswired]

Well said, MOHR5150. Love that they hung in there and made it happen though so many said it wouldn't.


The way we came back after being down by 7 was great to see. Determination and never-give-up-ness. I need to learn from these guys because I threw in the towel after the seventh turnover of the half.

[Juice]

I don't think it's a coincidence. We played our worst ball with Kaiser in. I think he is unplayable right now even with a short roster

You've said this in multiple threads. We get it. Do you think maybe it was the 3 straight TOs by JP? or do you want to ignore facts and keep f*cking that chicken?

[Newswired]

R e l a x.


you've said this in multiple threads. We get it. Do you think maybe it was the 3 straight tos by jp? Or do you want to ignore facts and keep f*cking that chicken?

[xu82]

You've said this in multiple threads. We get it. Do you think maybe it was the 3 straight TOs by JP? or do you want to ignore facts and keep f*cking that chicken?

Maybe JP had an allergic reaction?

[mohr5150]

You've said this in multiple threads. We get it. Do you think maybe it was the 3 straight TOs by JP? or do you want to ignore facts and keep f*cking that chicken?

Bestiality is unacceptable at XavierHoops.com

[GIMMFD]

Bestiality is unacceptable at XavierHoops.com

If you're Mick Cronin however....

[Juice]

Bestiality is unacceptable at XavierHoops.com

I need to review the terms and conditions. Accept this as my formal apology to animals everywhere if they were offended by my comment.

[mohr5150]

If you're Mick Cronin however....

That stuff is commonplace at bearcatchatter or whatever the hell their site is called.

[AviatorX]

Did Gaston get hurt?

[BMoreX]

Never will lose three in a season to Butler.

[xu82]

We won!!!!!!!

[Juice]

Great story about Xavier choosing Kamar Baldwin to shoot the free throws. Xavier staff wanted everyone but Kamar Baldwin (81% on the season) to shoot them -- but Chris Mack shot them down and chose Baldwin. Hadn't shot any free throws all day, only 36 attempts on the season, and a freshman. Baldwin only made one of two, and Xavier took the lead for good next possession.

from Jeff Borzelo

[xu82]

Great story about Xavier choosing Kamar Baldwin to shoot the free throws. Xavier staff wanted everyone but Kamar Baldwin (81% on the season) to shoot them -- but Chris Mack shot them down and chose Baldwin. Hadn't shot any free throws all day, only 36 attempts on the season, and a freshman. Baldwin only made one of two, and Xavier took the lead for good next possession.

from Jeff Borzelo

Very cool info!

[X-ceptional]

Great story about Xavier choosing Kamar Baldwin to shoot the free throws. Xavier staff wanted everyone but Kamar Baldwin (81% on the season) to shoot them -- but Chris Mack shot them down and chose Baldwin. Hadn't shot any free throws all day, only 36 attempts on the season, and a freshman. Baldwin only made one of two, and Xavier took the lead for good next possession.

from Jeff Borzelo

Chris Mack doesn't know basketball.

[OTRMUSKIE]

What's going on with gaston, did he get hurt

[mohr5150]

Great story about Xavier choosing Kamar Baldwin to shoot the free throws. Xavier staff wanted everyone but Kamar Baldwin (81% on the season) to shoot them -- but Chris Mack shot them down and chose Baldwin. Hadn't shot any free throws all day, only 36 attempts on the season, and a freshman. Baldwin only made one of two, and Xavier took the lead for good next possession.

from Jeff Borzelo

I guess that's why he's the head coach. Making calls like that for some people seems to work out most of the time. I would pick a guy shooting 30% for the season and he'd swish both.

[drudy23]

What's going on with gaston, did he get hurt

Sean O'Mara happened.

[xu82]

Chris Mack doesn't know basketball.

If you'd believe a few folks on here..... Great win! Huge !

[OTRMUSKIE]

Sean O'Mara happened.

Is that all? He went to the locker room I thought

[XUGRAD80]

Been traveling all day....drove to Ocala, Florida, 14 hours....and just now got a chance to check the score....WOW! I am so happy for these guys! I'll have to read all about it now, and probably won't get a chance to see or hear the game tomorrow either. But I'll certainly be saying a little prayer of thanks before hitting the sack. Fantastic result! Keep it going guys! WooHoo!

[Jesuit4Life]

Great story about Xavier choosing Kamar Baldwin to shoot the free throws. Xavier staff wanted everyone but Kamar Baldwin (81% on the season) to shoot them -- but Chris Mack shot them down and chose Baldwin. Hadn't shot any free throws all day, only 36 attempts on the season, and a freshman. Baldwin only made one of two, and Xavier took the lead for good next possession.

from Jeff Borzelo
https://twitter.com/MarioMercurio/status/840029175910154240

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[bobbiemcgee]

Malcolm double double. He just looked pissed off and determined before this game.

[xukeith]

Been traveling all day....drove to Ocala, Florida, 14 hours....and just now got a chance to check the score....WOW! I am so happy for these guys! I'll have to read all about it now, and probably won't get a chance to see or hear the game tomorrow either. But I'll certainly be saying a little prayer of thanks before hitting the sack. Fantastic result! Keep it going guys! WooHoo!

They have TV in Florida

[xu82]

Been traveling all day....drove to Ocala, Florida, 14 hours....and just now got a chance to check the score....WOW! I am so happy for these guys! I'll have to read all about it now, and probably won't get a chance to see or hear the game tomorrow either. But I'll certainly be saying a little prayer of thanks before hitting the sack. Fantastic result! Keep it going guys! WooHoo!

Ocala, or Lexington KY? Look alike.

[JAPER]

Gonna be in the committees hands cause we ain't winning this game

Can't relate...

[DexterBailey84]

Malcolm double double. He just looked pissed off and determined before this game.

What a great signing that turned out to be

[American X]

deflating Butler's aspirations in Madison Square Garden would be pure joy


If Malcolm Bernard is bouncing in 3s with shot clock expiring, Xavier is winning.


Alright time to get it together. Going to win this game.


We are winning this game.


Not so fast cupcake

WOOHOO! When a Mick Cronin girlfriend ugly three from Malcolm Bernard with shot clock running down bounces five times then falls in, you are going to win the basketball game.

Salutations all around! This is first time in a long while I relaxed and enjoyed the game. Then they won the game and I am in ecstasy.

Someone in NYC make sure Butler does not miss their early bus home.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Gonna be in the committees hands cause we ain't winning this game

:ashamed:

[D-West & PO-Z]

Bernard has played his ass off tonight. Thank goodNess for him

Yeah he was big time tonight.

[nasdadjr]

You've said this in multiple threads. We get it. Do you think maybe it was the 3 straight TOs by JP? or do you want to ignore facts and keep f*cking that chicken?

But that chicken pu$$ie is so nice lol. Love the message board tough guys around here

[xudash]

It is so sweet, beating Little Brother v2. We also cause them to continue their winless streak in the Big East tournament.

And how sweet it is to read their message board, which presently is in meltdown mode.

Loser Huckleberry's.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It is so sweet, beating Little Brother v2. We also cause them to continue their winless streak in the Big East tournament.

And how sweet it is to read their message board, which presently is in meltdown mode.

Loser Huckleberry's.

From their board:

"Chrabs CANNOT guard Bluett."

Last game people were saying the same thing but reversed here. Trevon was big tonight!

[Muskeagle]

Very sweet win. Tough second half for JP, but up til the turnover stretch...he'd been playing some spectacular basketball (last few games). Bernard (for all you naysayers) has also been money lately.

Couple of observations from the for what it's worth department:

1. Jones (I love the kid) didn't look ready. He seemed slow to get to rebounds...generally seemed behind the game speed.

2. People talk about the zone helping to "rest" guys. That may be true for the guys at the bottom of the zone, but JP and Goodin have to work their asses off in the zone. They are constantly moving from one guy to the other. Switching, sprinting....whatever it takes. Macura looked gassed tonight. I hope he sleeps like 14 hours tonight.

3. Bernard has saved our asses the last couple of nights. Good for him.

4. Nice freakin' tourney for the much maligned Sean. Nice couple of games so far.

5. Buck Futler!!

[Wheelhouse]

Glorious win, ladies and gentlemen. Glorious win.

[X Factor]

Awesome win for the boys!!!

Thought we were going to see another second half collapse when the turnover parade started, but they found a way to get it done.

Sean's had a really good tournament so far.

[Snipe]

Was wondering about his lack of PT as well

[usfldan]

There's this on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/PBrennanENQ/status/840055406110085122

Pat Brennan‏
@PBrennanENQ

Also talked to RaShid Gaston afterward, who said he's fine. Slight discomfort. You'll recall he left the floor for a while in 2H.
11:23 PM - 9 Mar 2017

[nasdadjr]

It is so sweet, beating Little Brother v2. We also cause them to continue their winless streak in the Big East tournament.

And how sweet it is to read their message board, which presently is in meltdown mode.

Loser Huckleberry's.

Please provide link

[XfansinKy]

When coach Mack picked Baldwin to shoot free throws, I thought, "What is this man thinking choosing an 82% free throw shooter." I read this morning coach Mack considering all 4 but chose Baldwin because he was tired, he had played and played hard almost the whole game. He was also a freshman who had a lot of pressure on him. He clanged it. Coach Mack may frustrate fans at times, and he's not a "rah rah!" type coach(than what I personally like about him), but never say the man can't think fast on his feet. In my opinion, last night's coaching cemented him as the best part of Xavier basketball.

[Xavier]

I think in this thread someone mentioned Mack said he had only shot 36 FT's all season, too. Incredible.

[nasdadjr]

You were not kidding. Those Butler fans are in nuclear meltdown mode

[XfansinKy]

What was impressive for me was he went through the options of who to put on the line quickly. That's impressive and imo the kind of thing that makes good coaches great coaches.

[GIMMFD]

You were not kidding. Those Butler fans are in nuclear meltdown mode

I don't know about you, but it makes me smile so much to know they're going crazy over there.

[XMuskieFTW]

What was impressive for me was he went through the options of who to put on the line quickly. That's impressive and imo the kind of thing that makes good coaches great coaches.

apparently all the coaches were saying anyone but Baldwin, and Mack went rogue and did his own thing. Genius move.

[GIMMFD]

apparently all the coaches were saying anyone but Baldwin, and Mack went rogue and did his own thing. Genius move.

You have to respect the balls on that call, you live and die by that decision when everyone else is telling you no. Mack felt it at the moment, and went with his gut. I'm so glad we have him as our coach. I love how he represents Xavier, I love the grit the boys showed last night. Man, I'm still absolutely wired!!

[American X]

Post-Game Accolades:

1) DEFENSE - Focused and active, if you give one credit for the win, its goes to the defensive effort.

2) Malcolm X. Bernard picking the right time for his best game in a Xavier uniform.

3) J.P. 'MFM' Macura NOT jacking any wild 3s (but poor guy needed a Snickers in the second half).

4) Sean 'The Quiet Man' O'Mara rising to the top like a head of Guinness during St. Patrick's Month.

5) Resiliency, determination, pride all-around - it's runs deep.

[JTG]

It looked to me as though Butler's game plan was let Bluiett get his, but bottle up Macura. I dont remember him even having the room to attempt a 3. That plus all the running on D, and I think he hit a wall lete in the game. But he corralled the most important rebound of the night and helped with a steal at the end.

[XU 87]

GAWDDAMNIT!!! Mack had a foul to give before the half. JP had zero fouls, yet rather than taking the foul to take Butler out of their set, Mack just let's them play. Result? A F-Ing Butler 3.

ONCE AGAIN, a coaching error by Mack. I swear the guy is losing his edge.

Get it together Coach!!

There is no way I would have anyone with one foul to get a second foul in that situation.

As for Macura, I personally wouldn't want him even getting his first foul in this situation. First, if he fouls, all you're doing is giving Butler less time to get a shot off. More importantly, if he picks up two quick fouls in the second half, now he's on the bench.

Bottom line- I can see arguments for having Macura, and only Macura, fouling. I can also see good arguments for not doing it. Personally, I don't like a guy committing a foul on purpose when he has 20 more minutes to play in the second half.

[xu82]

There is no way I would have anyone with one foul to get a second foul in that situation.

As for Macura, I personally wouldn't want him even getting his first foul in this situation. First, if he fouls, all you're doing is giving Butler less time to get a shot off. More importantly, if he picks up two quick fouls in the second half, now he's on the bench.

Bottom line- I can see arguments for having Macura, and only Macura, fouling. I can also see good arguments for not doing it. Personally, I don't like a guy committing a foul on purpose when he has 20 more minutes to play in the second half.

...especially JP with his style of play and how thin we are.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

When coach Mack picked Baldwin to shoot free throws, I thought, "What is this man thinking choosing an 82% free throw shooter." I read this morning coach Mack considering all 4 but chose Baldwin because he was tired, he had played and played hard almost the whole game. He was also a freshman who had a lot of pressure on him. He clanged it. Coach Mack may frustrate fans at times, and he's not a "rah rah!" type coach(than what I personally like about him), but never say the man can't think fast on his feet. In my opinion, last night's coaching cemented him as the best part of Xavier basketball.

This guys, I think it's one thing ragging on the guy for recruiting but the fact is he is a great coach. XU needs to lock him down and keep him long term. He is still human and will make mistakes, but I will roll with him as long as he wants to stay in Cincy. The job he did this year was pretty remarkable to keep this team together.

[XU 87]

When coach Mack picked Baldwin to shoot free throws, I thought, "What is this man thinking choosing an 82% free throw shooter." .

I thought the same thing when I saw he was an 82% free throw shooter. I think everyone on the floor for them at that point was above 75%, and I think he was the only freshman.

[profson]

You have to respect the balls on that call, you live and die by that decision when everyone else is telling you no. Mack felt it at the moment, and went with his gut. I'm so glad we have him as our coach. I love how he represents Xavier, I love the grit the boys showed last night. Man, I'm still absolutely wired!!

Can you imagine how this board would have blown up if Baldwin - who killed us in two games - made the FTs and we went on to lose?

[GIMMFD]

Can you imagine how this board would have blown up if Baldwin - who killed us in two games - made the FTs and we went on to lose?

Epic meltdown mode. But as the optimist of the group, and someone who doesn't have the knowledge Mack has, I fully have faith in his decision making abilities, and you live and die by tough calls. We won't get them 100% of the time, but I'm glad we have someone in charge who's willing to put his faith in his tough decisions.

[XU 87]

The team wins = coach did a great job.

Team loses= we got out coached.

[Masterofreality]

There is no way I would have anyone with one foul to get a second foul in that situation.

As for Macura, I personally wouldn't want him even getting his first foul in this situation. First, if he fouls, all you're doing is giving Butler less time to get a shot off. More importantly, if he picks up two quick fouls in the second half, now he's on the bench.

Bottom line- I can see arguments for having Macura, and only Macura, fouling. I can also see good arguments for not doing it. Personally, I don't like a guy committing a foul on purpose when he has 20 more minutes to play in the second half.

Again. There is a reason why EVERY team in the NBA takes a foul when they have one to give. We gave up a 3 pointer.
I know that college is not the NBA but I stand strong in my critique.

[Masterofreality]

Post-Game Accolades:

1) DEFENSE - Focused and active, if you give one credit for the win, its goes to the defensive effort.

2) Malcolm X. Bernard picking the right time for his best game in a Xavier uniform.

3) J.P. 'MFM' Macura NOT jacking any wild 3s (but poor guy needed a Snickers in the second half).

4) Sean 'The Quiet Man' O'Mara rising to the top like a head of Guinness during St. Patrick's Month.

5) Resiliency, determination, pride all-around - it's runs deep.

All of this. And despite my criticism of CMack at the end of the half, great job by the Coach in having this team ready to play.

[XU 87]

Again. There is a reason why EVERY team in the NBA takes a foul when they have one to give. We gave up a 3 pointer.
I know that college is not the NBA but I stand strong in my critique.

As I said, I can see arguments for both fouling or not fouling, although I think "not fouling is the better argument considering all the circumstances. But it was not a "no brainer" decision either way.

[D-West & PO-Z]

As I said, I can see arguments for both fouling or not fouling, although I think "not fouling is the better argument considering all the circumstances. But it was not a "no brainer" decision either way.

Yeah you get 6 fouls in the NBA and everyone on your bench can play. There arent walk-ons in the NBA.

I bet Mack chooses not to foul again there even knowing the outcome. You are just wasting a foul on a team with limited depth and Butler still gets to inbound with plenty of time for a good shot.

[Kahns Krazy]

http://www.xavierhoops.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2159&d=1489172846

I love the looks on the butler faces in this shot. Awwwww fuuuuuu.....

[JEHARDI]

Yeah you get 6 fouls in the NBA and everyone on your bench can play. There arent walk-ons in the NBA.

I bet Mack chooses not to foul again there even knowing the outcome. You are just wasting a foul on a team with limited depth and Butler still gets to inbound with plenty of time for a good shot.

agree, nothing to gain there by fouling for all the reasons already mentioned. Man up and continue to play the type of D they played last night is the answer.

[XUFan09]

There are 8 scholarship players right now. NBA teams go 15 deep.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[paulxu]

Just a thought; as the first half was about to end, Baldwin had one TO, and had missed 2 3's.
Maybe Mack figured he'd miss again and decided not to foul?

(I have zero idea really about what Mack decides to do.But a lot of it seems to work.)

[Muskie]

We also never have to play against Chrabcz (or however you spell it ) again.


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[xu82]

We also never have to play against Chrabcz (or however you spell it ) again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I just go with Crabass. It works for me....

[XUOWNSUC]

Anybody know where I can find the Xavier v. Butler Big East Tourney game? I was at the game but I want to re-watch it to see it from a different perspective. I searched Google and Youtube but couldn't find anything. Can anybody help?

[xu82]

Anybody know where I can find the Xavier v. Butler Big East Tourney game? I was at the game but I want to re-watch it to see it from a different perspective. I searched Google and Youtube but couldn't find anything. Can anybody help?

Come on by! It's on my DVR and I'm not doing anything. It's one of the few recent ones I won't delete any time soon. As for real solutions...I bet someone will dig it up for you.

[flatspat]

Anybody know where I can find the Xavier v. Butler Big East Tourney game? I was at the game but I want to re-watch it to see it from a different perspective. I searched Google and Youtube but couldn't find anything. Can anybody help?

I found it on youtube. I typed in Xavier Basketball 2017 v. Butler

[XUOWNSUC]

I found it on youtube. I typed in Xavier Basketball 2017 v. Butler

Are you sure? All I see are the Hinkle Fieldhouse game or highlight videos when I type in that search. Can you post a link?

[flatspat]

I don't know how to do linls

[XUOWNSUC]

Just copy and paste what is in the web address bar.

I'm pretty sure what you saw was either a highlight video or the Butler away game.

[Xavier]

I don't know how to do linls

You don't know how to copy and paste?

[flatspat]

My most humble apologies. I was wrong. It was the game at Hinkle.