Game Thread: Xavier vs. Arizona (March 23, 2017) NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen

[American X]

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2752.png&h=150&w=150http://www.diytransfers.com/bmz_cache/9/915b58b86dc83b1c3eac404a6534840b.image.118x120.png

#11 Xavier Musketeers vs. #2 Arizona Generic Mascots

NCAA Tournament West Regional Semifinal

March 23, 2017

Game Time: 10:09 p.m. ET (approximately)

SAP Center | San Jose, California

TV: TBS

Live Stream (http://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/watch)

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

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

Live Stats (http://www.ncaa.com/game/basketball-men/d1/2017/03/23/xavier-arizona)

GoXavier (http://goxavier.com/index.aspx)

Enquirer (http://www.cincinnati.com/sports/xavier/)

CBS Sports (http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/teams/page/XAVIER/xavier-musketeers)

Line: Arizona -7 | Over/Under 144.5

*check back for more links and articles

[GIMMFD]

Arizona favored by 7. I'm going to to guarantee 2 things: 1. I'll enjoy the moment for now 2. I will be highly intoxicated.

[GoMuskies]

I mean, I KNOW we're not going to win the NCAA Tournament....but I'm really wishing I had grabbed some of that 500-1 action on Xavier 10 days ago when I was in Vegas.

[Wheelhouse]

My dream scenario en route to a National Championship, unlikely as it may be:

Arizona - Sean and avenge 2 years ago
Gonzaga - Not as successful as X over the last 20 years but they get 5x the coverage because they're comprised of super scrappy scraggly haired scrappers
Wisconsin - revenge for last year
Butler - well, it's Butler

A man can dream! Of course, if we lose to any of these teams besides Arizona I'll be apoplectic.

[OTRMUSKIE]

We are not losing to Showty and company. This is the year X breaks through to the final 4. Zona fans think they are moving on to the elite 8 already and they are in for a world of hurt when they see how well X is playing right now. This is the run part III and it will end in the final weekend. Mark it down, it's going to happen bois.

[bobbiemcgee]

Arizona favored by 7. I'm going to to guarantee 2 things: 1. I'll enjoy the moment for now 2. I will be highly intoxicated.

Wasn't FSU favored by 7.5?

[GoMuskies]

Wasn't FSU favored by 7.5?

4 or 4.5

This line is a bit out of whack, though, because Sagarin would indicate Xavier should only be about 3.5 point dogs. Need to pick this one up before the line changes. (KenPom calls it closer to 6.5, so maybe the oddsmakers prefer KenPom to Sagarin).

[bobbiemcgee]

Feeling a little nostalgic we only have 4 games left this season.

[Xavier]

4 or 4.5

This line is a bit out of whack, though, because Sagarin would indicate Xavier should only be about 3.5 point dogs. Need to pick this one up before the line changes.

Arizona is tough with kenpom/computer raiitngs without one of there best players for 17-19 games.

[American X]

Wasn't FSU favored by 7.5?


4 or 4.5

FSU was favored -7.5, opened -6 (http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?31857-Game-Thread-Xavier-vs-Florida-State-(March-18-2017)-NCAA-Tournament-Second-Round&p=585203&viewfull=1#post585203)

Might be a trend line on Xavier covering, just saying.

[GoMuskies]

Hmm, I didn't remember the line being that large. I guess it helped that I never had to think about the possibility of Xavier not covering once the game started!

[paulxu]

Bring on that Lexus crap.

http://cache.lego.com/upload/contentTemplating/MinifiguresBios/images/pic773F455B41A27FB44B60F2397BAA49D7.jpg

Let's do this thing!

[xu82]

FSU was favored -7.5, opened -6 (http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?31857-Game-Thread-Xavier-vs-Florida-State-(March-18-2017)-NCAA-Tournament-Second-Round&p=585203&viewfull=1#post585203)

Might be a trend line on Xavier covering, just saying.

That's what I remember, at least from reading here. What do they know? Let's hope the Lexus gets towed out of the gym! (I'm cocky as I'm re-watching the FSU game as I type!)

[GIMMFD]

We are not losing to Showty and company. This is the year X breaks through to the final 4. Zona fans think they are moving on to the elite 8 already and they are in for a world of hurt when they see how well X is playing right now. This is the run part III and it will end in the final weekend. Mark it down, it's going to happen bois.

Man if this happens... I think I would cry tears of joy... I'd considering flying back to Cincinnati just for that weekend and skipping class.

[X-band '01]

Bring on that Lexus crap.

http://cache.lego.com/upload/contentTemplating/MinifiguresBios/images/pic773F455B41A27FB44B60F2397BAA49D7.jpg

Let's do this thing!

FWIW, we've had a lot of Buick commercials during the Tournament since they're one of the esteemed "corporate champions" of the NCAA.

[X Factor]

Arizona perspective...not too worried about Xavier.

http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2017/3/18/14971370/first-look-arizona-wildcats-sweet-16-opponent-xavier-musketeers-ncaa-tournament-preview-analysis

[XUFan09]

They seem to think the one-big situation is an issue of necessity rather than of choice. Two years ago was the last time Xavier played two bigs at a time with any kind of consistency, so it's safe to say the style of play has changed significantly.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[xufan2434]

They seem to think the one-big situation is an issue of necessity rather than of choice. Two years ago was the last time Xavier played two bigs at a time with any kind of consistency, so it's safe to say the style of play has changed significantly.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Agreed. I prefer the 1 in, 4 out. I think in today's style of play, it gives you a better chance to win. Especially because it's harder to find quality big men that can defend a dynamic 4 guy out on the perimeter. Of course, not everyone can be blessed with a 7 footer like Lauri who can shoot like he does. So they have the best of both worlds

[Wheelhouse]

"The preliminary verdict
This is certainly not a game Arizona should take for granted, but Arizona matches up better against Xavier than they did against Saint Mary’s. Xavier lacks a dominant big man and won’t be able to control the pace in the same way the Gaels did. And, frankly, Xavier isn’t as good as Saint Mary’s."

Are we really not as good as St. Mary's?

[American X]

Arizona perspective...not too worried about Xavier.

http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2017/3/18/14971370/first-look-arizona-wildcats-sweet-16-opponent-xavier-musketeers-ncaa-tournament-preview-analysis

This was written staring at a stat sheet and not watching Xavier's last two games. Not being 'dominant big men' did not seem to stop O'Mara and Jones from tearing up Maryland's and Florida State's front lines.

[zanesxu]

"The preliminary verdict
This is certainly not a game Arizona should take for granted, but Arizona matches up better against Xavier than they did against Saint Mary’s. Xavier lacks a dominant big man and won’t be able to control the pace in the same way the Gaels did. And, frankly, Xavier isn’t as good as Saint Mary’s."

Are we really not as good as St. Mary's?

If we play to our potential (FSU) then we are better... by most other measures, we are not. Going into this weekend's games, St. Mary's was actually 14th on KenPom, Zona was 20th... X was 40th (up to 30th post FSU...

The silver lining for us is that Zona is the likely weakest of the 2 seeds...

[Xavier]

I think our zone would have given Kentucky a lot of fits, actually.

[AviatorX]

"The preliminary verdict
This is certainly not a game Arizona should take for granted, but Arizona matches up better against Xavier than they did against Saint Mary’s. Xavier lacks a dominant big man and won’t be able to control the pace in the same way the Gaels did. And, frankly, Xavier isn’t as good as Saint Mary’s."

Are we really not as good as St. Mary's?

St. Mary's was pretty damn good this year. But if I had watched XU play last weekend I would be way more worried about playing them than a soft, finesse WCC team that never really beat anyone in the end (although I guess you could say they were co-A10 champs).

I think both Arizona and XU (for obvious reasons) are built on a real culture of toughness. Beyond the cliches announcers love to bring up, and trust me I am not one to talk like that, when you watch these teams, you can tell that the opposition is often getting pushed around for a bit before adjusting. When Zona and X play, it's one of the rare times both sides don't have that advantage.

[Wheelhouse]

This was written staring at a stat sheet and not watching Xavier's last two games. Not being 'dominant big men' did not seem to stop O'Mara and Jones from tearing up Maryland's and Florida State's front lines.

Not to mention, even if this year's stats line up to our stats from 2 years ago, this is a completely different team with a MUCH higher ceiling. I think our team that lost to Zona in 2015 went as far as they could have gone in the Tournament, aided by Baylor getting upset by Georgia St. in the first round. Going into that Arizona game I remember thinking we had very little chance to win and I was pleasantly surprised by how well we played and hung in there. This year, we can absolutely beat Arizona.

[Milksteak]

Good luck on Thursday Big East bros. I'll be rooting hard as hell for you guys, which is rare.

[Wheelhouse]

Good luck on Thursday Big East bros. I'll be rooting hard as hell for you guys, which is rare.

Butler fan? If so, ditto on all of the above.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Not to mention, even if this year's stats line up to our stats from 2 years ago, this is a completely different team with a MUCH higher ceiling. I think our team that lost to Zona in 2015 went as far as they could have gone in the Tournament, aided by Baylor getting upset by Georgia St. in the first round. Going into that Arizona game I remember thinking we had very little chance to win and I was pleasantly surprised by how well we played and hung in there. This year, we can absolutely beat Arizona.

Agreed. The 2015 game went about how I expected. X hung in there for a good amount, but once Stainbrook ran out of gas it was over. But this year, with how X has played the last 2 weeks? Yeah, we have a chance.

[BMoreX]

Not sure if it means much or is 100% accurate (but it helps my confidence so what the hell), but according to my friend, Xavier's record over the last few years when the team has 5+ days to prepare for a game (including season openers):

2017: 6-0
2016: 5-1 (at Villanova)
2015: 6-2 (at Auburn, vs. Arizona in NCAAT)
2014: 10-2 (at Providence, vs. Seton Hall)

[X-ceptional]

FoxSports: Xavier is the underdog you shouldn’t count out in this NCAA tournament
Link: http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/xavier-musketeers-trevon-bluiett-chris-mack-ncaa-tournament-sweet-16-032117

Pretty nice article about the team.


Yet here the Musketeers are, at 23-13 and the lowest remaining seed in the field, four wins from a national title and looking ahead to a Thursday matchup with No. 2 seed Arizona.

“I told them out in the real world life is going to hand you lemons, and you can pout about it or figure out how to make lemonade,” Mack said. “Our guys, despite all the adversity they’ve been hit with and the social media that tells them how bad they are and how poor they are, they stayed with it, and they believed in themselves and our coaching staff.”

What remains to be seen is whether any amount of belief will be enough to carry Xavier to a historic and unlikely national championship.

That’s not to say the Musketeers aren’t an excellent team. They can be, and when they play like they did against Florida State — knocking down 3s, playing stingy defense and taking care of the ball — they’re capable of beating anyone in the country. But only three No. 11 seeds in history have ever reached the Final Four and none have won. So why would Xavier be the first?

Maybe the better question is why not?

Why the hell not?

Also, we all know about the "four minute wars" but I think it was covered nicely here too.


“We try to compartmentalize everything we do,” Mack told FOX Sports in the locker room after Saturday’s win. “So for instance, in the game, we don’t talk about the 40-minute result. We worry about winning the four-minute wars (between media timeouts).

“Same thing, when we came down here we told our guys it’s a four-team, two-game tournament, and we called it the Orlando Invitational,” he continued. “It’s Florida Gulf Coast, Florida State, Xavier and Maryland, and we’ve got to win two games. We don’t have to be better than the other 64 teams in the field; we have to be better than the two we play down here.”

Breaking down large tasks into smaller, more immediate tasks has been documented as a very effective means of accomplishing your goals. I've always liked the focus on the four minute wars, and I really like the concept of the "Orlando Invitational." Mack is a good coach, and he has the guys playing at a high level right now.

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THURSDAY.

[bobbiemcgee]

Article sez we're 100-1. I would put a tensky on that.

[xufan2434]

Not to mention, even if this year's stats line up to our stats from 2 years ago, this is a completely different team with a MUCH higher ceiling. I think our team that lost to Zona in 2015 went as far as they could have gone in the Tournament, aided by Baylor getting upset by Georgia St. in the first round. Going into that Arizona game I remember thinking we had very little chance to win and I was pleasantly surprised by how well we played and hung in there. This year, we can absolutely beat Arizona.

This is pretty much how I feel as well. 2 years ago, I thought it was great they've made it this far and I would honestly be pleased as long as they put on a good showing. Having the lead with less than 8 minutes to go did that for me. Felt more along the lines of the OSU game in 2007. Thought they were severely over matched talent wise. I didn't expect much but was proud they didn't back down.

This year, I look at it more as how I did when X played Kansas St in 2010. Is X the better team heading in? No, and definitely not on paper. But they certainly can play with them and if a couple things go their way then I think they could pull it out.

[X Factor]

Foxsports.com: Xavier is the underdog you shouldn't count out... (http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/xavier-musketeers-trevon-bluiett-chris-mack-ncaa-tournament-sweet-16-032117)

[stammina0721]

Can we just play the game already?

[GIMMFD]

I'm not going to lie guys, I feel more nervous about this one than a few years ago. I don't know. They seem more complete, especially with that 7 foot beast, and the shooters they have. I think we have to kind of wrinkle up the past and try to implement some new things because it's Sean Miller and I don't know if it'll bode well dealing with that on a really short turn around.

[stammina0721]

I'm not going to lie guys, I feel more nervous about this one than a few years ago. I don't know. They seem more complete, especially with that 7 foot beast, and the shooters they have. I think we have to kind of wrinkle up the past and try to implement some new things because it's Sean Miller and I don't know if it'll bode well dealing with that on a really short turn around.

Fact is Arizona all around is the better team. Tons of talent at multiple positions and a deeper bench. The beautiful thing is this is not the NBA. This isn't a 7 game series. When your talking college kids in a one and done situation anything can happen. No reason for you to be nervous. Our boys should be loose as a goose. Arizona is supposed to win on paper and that can affect a lot of people negatively. They have all the pressure, we have none. Sometimes that is worth way more than better talent as we saw with FSU

[stammina0721]

Not to mention that fan base is gonna start looking for blood if Zona doesn't go to a final 4 soon. Lots of pressure when that is around

[bobbiemcgee]

Just shoot 65% from three again! We win!

[xu82]

Foxsports.com: Xavier is the underdog you shouldn't count out... (http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/xavier-musketeers-trevon-bluiett-chris-mack-ncaa-tournament-sweet-16-032117)

That's a great article. Thx

[bobbiemcgee]

Every stat you could ever think of:

http://stats.denverpost.com/basketball/ncaab-matchups.aspx?page=/data/ncaab/matchups/g6_summary_20.html

[GetUp5]

I have a really weird (good) feeling about this team. Of ALL the teams we've had in the past that could have gone to the Final Four (mainly, last year) this WOULD be the team to do it. The team we all (rightfully) counted out after Ed went down, lost 6 straight, etc.

Tre is playing like Lionel did during the run. Guys like that can carry teams in a one and done tournament. I love the fact that Zona mainly relies on younger guys (320+ in experience in the country), Alkins has a dislocated finger and ALL the pressure is on them.

[X-ceptional]

Is it Thursday yet, or what?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D83a9pfEtZI

[xu82]

OK, now I want to get out there and play. Fortunately for all of us, that will never happen.

[waggy]

I do love the behind the scenes vids.

[Masterofreality]

Folks...hold on to your kiesters.

Arizona, like many of the Desert Raccoon's teams that we've seen for years... struggle against a zone defense. Now CMack has more than one type of zone at his disposal. This X team can defend man to man, but they play a super 1-3-1 and 2-3. Florida State had no clue against it and 'Zona sucks vs errrr..Zonas. (Sorry)

Expect to see ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZone all night long.

[azgreg]

Folks...hold on to your kiesters.

Arizona, like many of the Desert Raccoon's teams that we've seen for years... struggle against a zone defense. Now CMack has more than one type of zone at his disposal. This X team can defend man to man, but they play a super 1-3-1 and 2-3. Florida State had no clue against it and 'Zona sucks vs errrr..Zonas. (Sorry)

Expect to see ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZone all night long.

We've faced zone defenses in just about every game we've played this year and are 30-4.

[Wheelhouse]

Is it Thursday yet, or what?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D83a9pfEtZI

Hadn't seen this video yet. Really great behind the scenes look.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Is it Thursday yet, or what?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D83a9pfEtZI

Thanks for posting!

So we are wearing black uni's I guess then?

[bobbiemcgee]

We've faced zone defenses in just about every game we've played this year and are 30-4.

We using the Butler zone.

[GoMuskies]

We've faced zone defenses in just about every game we've played this year and are 30-4.

Sure, but most of the teams you played suck.

[azgreg]

We using the Butler zone.

I'd like another crack at Butler with a full squad this time.

[xu82]

We've faced zone defenses in just about every game we've played this year and are 30-4.

Of course! That's always the way it goes, until it goes sideways. Just like us against Wisconsin last year. It's all good until it goes in the crapper. Few will argue that Arizona is the favorite, but this is the NCAA Tournament! This is time for amazing stuff! I'm already happy based on events! Any more is winning with house money! No pressure here. How about the under achievers?

[bobbiemcgee]

Yeah! Let's do this Muskies!!!!

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=who+are+these+guys+butch+cassidy&view=detail&mid=8E9396BCD06A834834FF8E9396BCD06A834834FF&FORM=VIRE

[azgreg]

Sure, but most of the teams you played suck.

You spelled some wrong.

[GoMuskies]

You spelled some wrong.

Not really. The Pac 12 was trash other than two other teams, and the only two decent teams you played in the non-con beat your boys.

[azgreg]

Not really. The Pac 12 was trash other than two other teams, and the only two decent teams you played in the non-con beat your boys.

While we were short handed.

[GoMuskies]

While we were short handed.

That has nothing to do with your schedule essentially being trash, making your 30-4 mark not particularly intimidating.

[bobbiemcgee]

While we were short handed.

We've played short-handed since Myles/Ed went down and beat a 3 seed by 25.

[D-West & PO-Z]

http://allsportstucson.com/2017/03/22/steve-lavin-beware-xaviers-robin-hood-ambush/

[D-West & PO-Z]

https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/xavier-musketeers-vs-arizona-wildcats-ncaa-tournament-sweet-16-preview-prediction-2017

[waggy]

I think that Miller will only lose to Q. I hope Mack does a couple iso clear-outs for Q, and I hope he hits at least two 3's. Q needs to have a game, but he shouldn't have to worry about TO type pressure. Not Miller's style. In the very unlikely event he does pressure, you adjust on the fly.

[bobbiemcgee]

"But if Xavier were to beat the odds and breakthrough to the finals, this is probably how it would happen, starting with continued aggressive play against No. 2 Arizona.
Xavier hit their perimeter shots against No. 3 Florida State (11 for 17, 64.7 percent, from behind the arc) but it was their inside game that sealed the victory. The*Musketeers, who are shooting 71 percent around the basket in the tournament,*outscored*the Seminoles 36-26*in the paint. If they can do that to a Florida State team that ranks in the top 30 percent of the country for field goal average against near the rim (52.3 percent) and ranks just outside the top-20 (21st) in block rate, imagine what they can*do to Arizona, who allowed a 64.1 success rate against to No. 15 North Dakota and No. 7 Saint Mary’s, combined." - Wash Post

Points in the Paint, "Usual" Defense and 50% from 3 - we win.

[azgreg]

OK, you guys win. I Didn't visit your board to argue. Good luck tomorrow night.

[GetUp5]

OK, you guys win. I Didn't visit your board to argue. Good luck tomorrow night.

Opposing fan joins message board. Opposing fan is surprised the message board does not bow down to his "blue blood" program. Opposing fan makes smarmy comments about his team's record. Opposing fan gets upset and leaves message board.

Yawn.

[stammina0721]

Yeah I don't know what this guy is thinking. We know the situation but if you think we are gonna go all goo goo Gaga over Arizona you got another thing coming. Right now your team sucks and are the worst until you beat us. That won't change

[XU-PA]

http://allsportstucson.com/2017/03/22/steve-lavin-beware-xaviers-robin-hood-ambush/

Robin Hood? Who is this? We are Musketeers!!!! I think Lavin needs to head back to his geography class, France, man, France!!!

[Wheelhouse]

Game day, baby.

[XfansinKy]

If our guys make some open jump shots early and spread the floor, I like our chances. It seems like Tyrique plays well against 7 footers. I hope he gets a few more rips at the rim.

[azgreg]

Opposing fan joins message board. Opposing fan is surprised the message board does not bow down to his "blue blood" program. Opposing fan makes smarmy comments about his team's record. Opposing fan gets upset and leaves message board.

Yawn.


Yeah I don't know what this guy is thinking. We know the situation but if you think we are gonna go all goo goo Gaga over Arizona you got another thing coming. Right now your team sucks and are the worst until you beat us. That won't change

That's not it at all. I'm not one to go on another teams message board and get into a pissing match with them and it was clear to me that that was the direction the discussion was heading.

[GoMuskies]

To be clear Greg, I wasn't insulting UofA or claiming your team isn't really good. It's just that the 30-4 you threw in there really is meaningless in the context of your schedule. When you've played teams as good or better than Xavier, you're 5-4. That's much more relevant...and still gives your team pretty good odds tonight.

[nuts4xu]

That's not it at all. I'm not one to go on another teams message board and get into a pissing match with them and it was clear to me that that was the direction the discussion was heading.

Your perspective is welcome here. Keep it civil and in good fun (as you have been) and take the barbs with a grain of salt.

Should be a great game tonight, Sean Miller is a great coach and both schools are better off because of the work he has done.

Good luck tonight, should be a great game....one for the ages!

[azgreg]

To be clear Greg, I wasn't insulting UofA or claiming your team isn't really good. It's just that the 30-4 you threw in there really is meaningless in the context of your schedule. When you've played teams as good or better than Xavier, you're 5-4. That's much more relevant...and still gives your team pretty good odds tonight.

The point I was trying to make is we've faced zone all year yet we've still been able to win 30 games and have a top 20 offense efficiency rating. I don't know where this "Arizona struggles with the zone" crap came from, but it's just not true. We've got 4 guys who average 40% or more from the 3 point line and one of them is 7' tall. We don't shoot a lot of 3's but when we need them we can hit them. If your interested here's a post from one of our most knowledgeable fans about Arizona and the zone.


Xavier fans are likely happy with how their team has advanced and are probably pointing to intangibles as the reason why they could/should win (ie finally beating Miller; team of destiny; gelling at the right time; etc.).

A few things to note. One, Arizona is not FSU nor Maryland, and toe to toe is better at nearly every position on the floor and on the bench. Second, Arizona has faced zone nearly every game this season at one point or another and has lost a total of 4 games, and I can't really think of the zone being the reason Arizona lost any of those games--especially with the roster that it has now. I disagree, as I have all year, that Arizona "struggles mightily" against the zone. There isn't a team out there that plays "exceptional" against a good zone. That is the purpose of the zone, to slow down the opposing from using shots at the rim--to force them to shoot from perimiter and to protect either marginal defensive players or those prone to foul problems. It is also a way to "rest" on defense if unmanned against an opponent. I can't think of a team in the nation that runs a motion offense that looks great against a zone. Furthermore anyone stating that a team with 2 losses in 2017, a power 5 regular season and tourney championship holding a 2 seed, "struggles mightily" with the zone should not be taken seriously.

Does Arizona do better against a man 2 man? Sure. Do things look less fluid against a zone? Sure. But this whole struggling thing is ridiculous, and we are now talking about a team in the Sweet 16 struggling...ugh...pisses me off.

Frankly, I'd be more worried about Arizona acknowledging what defense is being played and implementing the offensive sets that are planned for the various defenses that will be thrown at them from possession to possession. Frankly, I have faith that Miller and crew will handle this fine.

The way Arizona has lost is by not rebounding (uCla and to some extent Butler), by having foul issues and a lack of personnel against quality teams (Butler, Zags) and by a team having extremely hot shooting from the arc, while also missing "gimmies". Arizona does need to attack the interior of Xavier, no matter the defense that it is in. Outside shots should be taken when open, as Arizona is actually an adept team from the outside with multiple players able to hit from long range (no, not you Pinder).

Watching the St. Mary's first half, Arizona played majority of the first half like some other team that we haven't watched play basketball this year. You saw it, and so did I. Once Arizona played the way it has all season, and Rawle went back into the game, Arizona closed on a 53-36 run.

To summarize: Get in the paint. Score. If you don't score immediately, rebound and get back to the rim.

[GoMuskies]

The point I was trying to make is we've faced zone all year yet we've still been able to win 30 games

And the counterpoint is that you've only played 10 games against good teams, and you're 6-4 (should have been counting St. Mary's). That sample size is much more relevant than one that includes Grand Canyon, Oregon State, Arizona State and Santa Clara.

Again, no one's saying you're not good and that you're not favored tonight. Just that winning 24 games against really shitty teams isn't all that relevant when you're not playing a shitty team tonight. Beating 6 good teams is pretty impressive, honestly, so let's focus on that. Not on the fact that Northern Arizona's zone was ineffective against you.

[X-ceptional]

Getting closer...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7nKvLjVsAAo-Xp.jpg

[Caveat]

I keep reminding myself they're playing with the house's money right now -- given how loose they looked against FSU, I think the players get it too.

No expectations tonight. Just gonna have fun and see where the ride goes.

[Blue Blooded-05]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Mack coached teams thrive in the underdog role

[xumuskies08]

That has nothing to do with your schedule essentially being trash, making your 30-4 mark not particularly intimidating.

Arizona has the 4th worst SOS left in the field according to KenPom. 2 of the 3 teams with worse SOS's are Oregon and UCLA (the Zags have the worst by ALOT). The Pac12 sucked this year.

[mirabilelectu]

And the counterpoint is that you've only played 10 games against good teams, and you're 6-4 (should have been counting St. Mary's). That sample size is much more relevant than one that includes Grand Canyon, Oregon State, Arizona State and Santa Clara.

Again, no one's saying you're not good and that you're not favored tonight. Just that winning 24 games against really shitty teams isn't all that relevant when you're not playing a shitty team tonight. Beating 6 good teams is pretty impressive, honestly, so let's focus on that. Not on the fact that Northern Arizona's zone was ineffective against you.

Winning 24 games in that league is impressive, so let's not try to attack that.

[GoMuskies]

Winning 24 games in that league is impressive

You think? It really was kind of a shitty league other than two teams. Plus, Arizona's non-conference was awful (other than the two teams that beat them).

[mirabilelectu]

You think? It really was kind of a shitty league other than two teams. Plus, Arizona's non-conference was awful (other than the two teams that beat them).

I mean we played two of those shitty teams and didn't play particularly well against either of them. Plus the best teams in that league are good (a 2, 3, and 3 seed), so I think challenging their record based upon their conference record is kind of empty considering they could say the same about ours. Let's get them tonight though.

[GoMuskies]

I mean we played two of those shitty teams and didn't play particularly well against either of them. Plus the best teams in that league are good (a 2, 3, and 3 seed)

Sure, but they played those teams at total of 5 games. And went 3-2. That's actually pretty imporessive. But who cares about the 9 wins they had over Pac-12 teams that had losing overall records? Or the 9 or 10 non-conference cupcakes. Or North Dakota?

All of those teams suck, and whether their zones were effective or not against Arizona is completely irrelevant to how Arizona will fare against us. And that's how this conversation got started, by the by.

[mirabilelectu]

Sure, but they played those teams at total of 5 games. And went 3-2. That's actually pretty imporessive. But who cares about the 9 wins they had over Pac-12 teams that had losing overall records? Or the 9 or 10 non-conference cupcakes. Or North Dakota?

All of those teams suck, and whether their zones were effective or not against Arizona is completely irrelevant to how Arizona will fare against us. And that's how this conversation got started, by the by.

I agree that tonight's game will be different from those games, I'm just asking, do none of their stats (offensive or defensive) matter because they played a "shit schedule"?

[GoMuskies]

Never said that. Here's the digest version:

Xavier fan: We're going to zone them.

AZ fan: Yeah, well, everyone zoned us and we went 30-4

Me: Not really relevant, because 20 of your opponents sucked. So you're really 6-4 against teams as good or better than Xavier who zoned you.

[mirabilelectu]

Never said that. Here's the digest version:

Xavier fan: We're going to zone them.

AZ fan: Yeah, well, everyone zoned us and we went 30-4

Me: Not really relevant, because 20 of your opponents sucked. So you're really 6-4 against teams as good or better than Xavier who zoned you.

Gotcha. Let's hope it works tonight!

[stammina0721]

Kind of pointless to address it much further. You know what will happen. If AZ wins... fan will come on here tell us to suck it then vanish forever. If we win AZ fan just won't show up again. It's not really worth the effort of addressing. I will say we lost to Colorado and got all we could handle from Utah. We all know it's an uphill battle but our boys can do it

[azgreg]

Kind of pointless to address it much further. You know what will happen. If AZ wins... fan will come on here tell us to suck it then vanish forever. If we win AZ fan just won't show up again. It's not really worth the effort of addressing. I will say we lost to Colorado and got all we could handle from Utah. We all know it's an uphill battle but our boys can do it

If I did that it would be the first time.

[American X]

Arizona is an excellent, well-coached team that had an exceptional season. What is the point disparaging their accomplishments? It can only serve to undermine our monumental victory over them later.

[GoMuskies]

No one has disparaged their accomplishments. They should and will look back on this as a very fine 30-5 season.

[QueensbridgeMF]

I'm guessing we get the crowd support from Zags and Neers fans (or at least the winner) but I'm not so sure.

[SemajParlor]

QueensBridgeMF has by far the best user name I've ever seen. I don't know if it's a Nas, Mob Deep, or Ron Artest reference. I'm in on all 3.

[Juice]

QueensBridgeMF has by far the best user name I've ever seen. I don't know if it's a Nas, Mob Deep, or Ron Artest reference. I'm in on all 3.

I'm going to rename myself KRS-AllForOne and become his Xavier board rival.

[moosety2008]

Hello all, posted this in the Gonzaga thread, but perhaps more appropriate for this thread.

Huge Arizona fan here, and my first time posting. First of all, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on your current success given the adversity your team has faced this season. Obviously I'll be rooting for my Arizona team to win tonight. That said, I've always admired your basketball program, the success you've endured, and the string of Amazing coaches that seem like your program churns out like clockwork. I know as a school and program your resources may not be at the level of the big time programs; the likes of Kentucky, Duke, Arizona, Louisville - however, the notion that Xavier is even mentioned as a "Mid-Major" program, is idiotic. Xavier has achieved just as much tournament success over the past 20 seasons as any other program not named Kentucky, Carolina, Duke, Florida, Kansas, Michigan st, Uconn.

And you play in the Big East, which last time I checked is a power conference. Teams like Gonzaga, San Diego St, Wichita St, Butler(?), play in weak conferences, which no one can change. Here is another fun little fact - who is Gonzaga without Mark Few? Who is Whichita st without Greg Marshall? Who is San Diego st without Steve Fisher?

How many programs can have such major coaching changes and continue to be successful, like Xavier? Thad Matta, Sean Miller, Chris Mack? You have to be kidding me! I know of not a single program that can go through such amazing coaches, seemingly every 7-8 years, and continue success like Xavier!

I admit, I'm terrified at tonight's matchup with my Wildcats. I sincerely hope we pull off the win. It sucks it has to be against you guys, but it's been a long drought for us in the Final 4, and being that it is being held in ARIZONA this year, makes it that much more desirable for my team to finally crack that barrier.

To me Xavier is probably one of the top 3 teams in this tournament. Prior to the setback with your guards, you were a top 5 team! Now it seems like,you've been able to weather the chaos of injuries and player turnover, and are playing back at that high level that had you in the top5-10 earlier in the season.

Be as it may, good luck tonight, if you win, I'll be rooting hard for you to win the whole thing. But I really hope my Cats, bring their A+ game, because this will be one of the hardest games we'll have played all year.

[Muskie]

David West in the house as a guest of X tonight.


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[OTRMUSKIE]

Xavier isn't mention as a mid-major and Butler is in the Big East. Other than that good post

[QueensbridgeMF]

Mobb Deep reference. But I love Nas and World Peace. And world peace. Live a couple miles from the Queensbridge Houses.

[QueensbridgeMF]

And a couple miles equals an ocean. Who's anyone rooting for at all in the opener. I guess WVU? Have no feel on it

[X-ceptional]

Saw this on reddit, figured it was worth sharing here in advance of our Sweet 16 game. Not much to say, other than... FLAGSHIP!!!

http://i.imgur.com/5E06oRH.jpg

[XfansinKy]

And a couple miles equals an ocean. Who's anyone rooting for at all in the opener. I guess WVU? Have no feel on it

That was a pretty hard played first half. Huggins defense and fouls are hurting the Zags. Still, it's a dog fight.

[D-West & PO-Z]

David West in the house as a guest of X tonight.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

DFW! The MAN!

[American X]

QueensBridgeMF has by far the best user name I've ever seen. I don't know if it's a Nas, Mob Deep, or Ron Artest reference. I'm in on all 3.


I'm going to rename myself KRS-AllForOne and become his Xavier board rival.


Mobb Deep reference. But I love Nas and World Peace. And world peace. Live a couple miles from the Queensbridge Houses.

Lady X heard 'Schoop' on the radio today and started asking a bunch of questions, so our pregame this evening turned into a classic hip-hip tutorial.

FIGHT THE POWER!

[bobbiemcgee]

Buzz Williams said both Mack and Miller will be in the Hall of Fame while they're still coaching.

[GoMuskies]

Anyone think they might black out and pass out before tip off? Yeah, me neither.

[X-ceptional]

What's the minimum time between games? 20?

[X-ceptional]

Xavier Basketball
@XavierMBB (https://twitter.com/XavierMBB/status/845030653678706688)

4h4 hours ago

And we're still writing. ✏️

#LetsMarch #Sweet16
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7omxJ3VAAA--ZL.jpg

[D-West & PO-Z]

What's the minimum time between games? 20?

I thought it was going to be 30 mins regardless.

[X-ceptional]

I thought it was going to be 30 mins regardless.

Woof

[Grizzx12]

Anyone think they might black out and pass out before tip off? Yeah, me neither.

- Bourbon (check)
- Fed the wife (check)
- Bourbon (check)
- Fed the tarantula, scorpions, and snake (check)
- Walked the dogs (check)
- Bourbon (check)

I'm ready....let's go!!!!

[BandAid]

This is a great game, but I gotta go to work tomorrow...wrap it up zaga

[D-West & PO-Z]

- Fed the wife (check)



I'm sure she would love to read this! lol

[coasterville95]

They just said 10:40 tip

[X-ceptional]

ZERO fast break points in the Zags/WVU game...

[Masterofreality]

Joe and Byron on the Pregame Broadcast Hyping up the Lew Hirt Society.

(Well, they ARE Honorary Brothers!) X

[xu82]

Anyone think they might black out and pass out before tip off? Yeah, me neither.

I think they frown on that at this establishment. I hope to not confirm that.

[X-ceptional]

10 minute warning

[paulxu]

- Bourbon (check)
- Fed the wife (check)
- Bourbon (check)
- Fed the tarantula, scorpions, and snake (check)
- Walked the dogs (check)
- Bourbon (check)

I'm ready....let's go!!!!

I approve of 1/2 of your list.

[American X]

Extend Your DVR Recording By A Couple Hours

[xu82]

Extend Your DVR Recording By A Couple Hours

I'm screwed! Out of state and I seriously doubt if I hve what it takes at this point to log in remotely and do.....anything

[D-West & PO-Z]

AHHHHH here we go!

[GoMuskies]

Holy shit, lets do this!!!!!!!

[paulxu]

Get some Muskies!

[Grizzx12]

Interesting to start with man. Let's see how we do with it

[xu82]

Time to break the ice!

[GoMuskies]

Obnoxiously awful start. Fuck.

[bleedXblue]

how does Tre not touch the ball the first 4 possessions

[BMoreX]

Eesh.

[xu82]

Jitters, shake it off. Win the next battle.

[Grizzx12]

We have to get it to Tre or work it inside out. Letting Tyrique get eaten alive is not working to start

[Blue Blooded-05]

Weak foul call. I feel like the refs have been calling a ton of anticipation fouls this tournament.

[GoMuskies]

Tyrique should maybe spend some time watching this one.

[X Factor]

We need to get into that zone...

[paulxu]

We lost that 4 minute war. To many missed layups. Ugh.

[X Factor]

Bernard missed a point blank layup

[GoMuskies]

Bernard missed a point blank layup

That sucked.

[XUFan09]

I'm guessing Mack was hoping to pressure Markonnen into picking up an early foul or two by feeding it into Tyrique multiple times.

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[xu82]

Waiting to see Sean tonight, he's been finishing great.

[xu82]

Looking like our team now

[Grizzx12]

Damn, I know it's Q but missing open shots like that won't help

[xu82]

Foul them ALL out!

[Grizzx12]

Arizona so far doesn't seem all that settled either

[GoMuskies]

Competing better

[Grizzx12]

We win that round

[xu82]

Wishing Kansas would win fast so I can get sound inthis bar!

[paulxu]

Got to get our % up.

[mistabeecee41]

might be time for shid to make a statement. Ty and Sean unimpressive thus far

[paulxu]

Goodin has to be smarter than that

[GoMuskies]

We got a ballgame bitches!!!!!

[Blue Blooded-05]

aaaaaand Webber just called us Egg-savier

[GoMuskies]

Did Goodin really walk on that play?!?

[X Factor]

Well, looks like the zone has settled us down and we're starting to get some offense going. Let's keep this up boys!

[Muskie]

aaaaaand Webber just called us Egg-savier

He corrected himself.


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[GoMuskies]

aaaaaand Webber just called us Egg-savier

He corrected himself right away to his credit.

[XfansinKy]

might be time for shid to make a statement. Ty and Sean unimpressive thus far

Right on

[powerofX]

aaaaaand Webber just called us Egg-savier

He did correct himself right after

[kellernr]

I've been hard on gates all year. I think he has another big game and shows up his buddy kobi.

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[GoMuskies]

I'm probably going to break something tonight. Win or lose!

[xu82]

I'm probably going to break something tonight. Win or lose!

Your liver?

[Grizzx12]

Arizona has had a few beneficial bounces off the iron but damn these last few whiffs on the defensive glass are frustrating

[Grizzx12]

No foul on that?!?!?!

[paulxu]

No.(Goodin didn't walk) Our % is up nicely. But lack of defensive rebounds is fing killing us.

[GoMuskies]

Please get a rebound. And stop turning the damned ball over!

[GoMuskies]

Your liver?

For sure!

[paulxu]

Tre is the man. Keeping us in this.

[Grizzx12]

For the love of god can we box out and not watch the shots?

[LA Muskie]

Fucking rebounding is killing us!!!


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[GoMuskies]

Tre is playing a legendary game. If we could get a fucking defensive rebound....

[X Factor]

Take care of the ball and rebound and we can win this

[xu82]

For sure!

Deep jeopardy here as well!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Arizona has had a few beneficial bounces off the iron but damn these last few whiffs on the defensive glass are frustrating

If I'm Arizona, I'd just chuck it up from half court and assume you'll get the rebound on the block

[xu82]

Have to crash the glass better. Some are crazy bounces, but that's killing us!

[letskeepitreal]

We are playing good but unless we can figure out a way to keep them of the boards, it'll be a long night

[xavierj]

Rebound we win... stop this 2nd chance shit

[X Factor]

We are rebounding like a bunch of pussies

[paulxu]

When the other team has more offensive rebounds than defensive ones...you are not boxing out.

[XBR1]

We need more than Bluiett tonight

[XUFan09]

This team has been way too good on the defensive glass this season to be doing this badly tonight.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

Please JP!!!!

[X Factor]

Be nice if someone gave Trevon some help on offense...

[Grizzx12]

Love seeing the front end falling

[paulxu]

Get the damn rebound

[Grizzx12]

Holy Blueitt!!!

[LA Muskie]

9 offensive boards at the 16 minute mark. And we're in the game.


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[LA Muskie]

We cannot waste Trevon's mojo!!!


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[GoMuskies]

Tre is getting rich tonight.

I think I broke my hand pounding on my carpet after that charge. Totally worth it.

[Section 200]

Does Arizona always shoot this many 3s - 14 so far with 3 minutes in the half

[paulxu]

Boy we could be up a bunch shooting as well as we are if they didn't get so many second chances.

Come on Muskies! Keep up the great D...and get some boards.

We can do this.

[X Factor]

Trevon is unbelievable! Everyone else needs to get going and help him! Let's go X!

[paulxu]

Does Arizona always shoot this many 3s - 14 so far with 3 minutes in the half

Zone is working.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Does Arizona always shoot this many 3s - 14 so far with 3 minutes in the half

Byron said they average 6 three point attempts per game. Their high attempts are probably due to the zone and how they're having their way on the offensive glass.

[Section 200]

Byron said they average 6 three point attempts per game. Their high attempts are probably due to the zone and how they're having their way on the offensive glass.

Wow! We really have impacted their shot selection

[Grizzx12]

What the fuck!! Cmon!!!

[Muskie]

Gotta get some better movement on the boards.


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[Section 200]

Jeff Borzello
ESPN Staff Writer


Trevon Bluiett has 65 points in Xavier's last 80 minutes of basketball.
Share
2m

[XUFan09]

Some of these shots are so bad that they're rimming off weirdly and often long, with the offense having a high chance of getting them, so I'll concede some of it to bad luck, but damn, get a friggin rebound.

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[mistabeecee41]

No excuse, but 5 of those offensive boards have been because their 3s were such bricks we had no chance

[paulxu]

Proud of the guys for the first half.
A lot of the rebounds to be fair were long ones.
Stop that and we can get this.
One more half. 5 more wars.

[X Factor]

We rebound the ball we're up 6-8 points.

[GoMuskies]

Can't believe we're behind. We're getting manhandled on the glass. Mack will challenge their manhood at halftime. Let's see how our boys respond.

[waggy]

Q must impact this game in a positive way in the 2nd half.

[GoMuskies]

Also, we were down 10-2. Played well from there. But get a rebound!

[Section 200]

Arizona 3-16 from 3, XU 2-5
Only Gaston and Bernard with 2 fouls, none on Tre
Ari 5 turnovers, XU 6 turnovers
we are in position to win

[X Factor]

It's tough when you're PG isn't close to an offensive threat

[Grizzx12]

We got a game here!! Need someone else to step up in the second half and we have a great chance to move on!!

[bleedXblue]

We got a game here!! Need someone else to step up in the second half and we have a great chance to move on!!

Need the rebound the ball and eliminate second chance points

[Blue Blooded-05]

It's tough when you're PG isn't close to an offensive threat

They're not pressuring the point. Do you go with JP at the point and 2 bigs?

[bleedXblue]

It's tough when you're PG isn't close to an offensive threat

zero factor in this game so far.........rebounding the ball well would have us a 10 point lead

[Section 200]

Dumb ESPN - I'm sure Sean is very happy to be up only 2 on the 11 seed who he is out rebounding by 7. Hopefully Arizona feels the pressure in the second half

Eamonn Brennan
ESPN Staff Writer


Pretty great first half to the nightcap in San Jose. Xavier's suddenly impenetrable matchup zone has given the Wildcats some fits, and Xavier is getting buckets on the other end, but Sean Miller will probably be feeling OK in the locker room, at least where his offense is concerned. His team went 3-of-16 from 3 but 11-of-18 from two, grabbed a bunch of offensive boards against a great rebounding team and scored 1.19 points per trip. That's pretty darn good.

[xudash]

Proud of the guys for the first half.
A lot of the rebounds to be fair were long ones.
Stop that and we can get this.
One more half. 5 more wars.

Exactly. Communicate. Box out. Hope their bricks start falling into our hands.

[whopper]

long rebounds out of the zone..we are not quick on perimeter and Bernard not being in as much made a difference. I think Goodin having one foul(wish he had none) may help his offense as he is afraid of drawing offensive foul.

[AviatorX]

They're not pressuring the point. Do you go with JP at the point and 2 bigs?

Nooooooooo thank you.

[X Factor]

Goodin just needs to be aggressive. Drive and dish, drive and kick...

[GoMuskies]

We can do this! This shit can happen!

[X-Men]

They're not pressuring the point. Do you go with JP at the point and 2 bigs?

They would likely start to pressure if we went with that for any length of time.

[American X]

Remember when we were playing DePaul on the verge of not making the tournament? We are 20 minutes from the Elite Eight. We Got This.

Attack and Finish.

[X Factor]

We need a FSU like three point barrage in the second half

[xu82]

Time to play like it's FSU!

[Wheelhouse]

Dumb ESPN - I'm sure Sean is very happy to be up only 2 on the 11 seed who he is out rebounding by 7. Hopefully Arizona feels the pressure in the second half

Eamonn Brennan
ESPN Staff Writer


Pretty great first half to the nightcap in San Jose. Xavier's suddenly impenetrable matchup zone has given the Wildcats some fits, and Xavier is getting buckets on the other end, but Sean Miller will probably be feeling OK in the locker room, at least where his offense is concerned. His team went 3-of-16 from 3 but 11-of-18 from two, grabbed a bunch of offensive boards against a great rebounding team and scored 1.19 points per trip. That's pretty darn good.

I don't really disagree with this analysis. We can win this thing but we need to clean things up on offense and on the defensive glass in the 2nd half. If we don't, it might get out of hand. If we do, we'll win.

[xu82]

Remember when we were playing DePaul on the verge of not making the tournament? We are 20 minutes from the Elite Eight. We Got This.

Attack and Finish.
Wish I knew how the rep formula worked, but this was golden!

[GoMuskies]

Need to start hot!!!!

[GoMuskies]

Fuck!!!!

[xu82]

And finish hot!

[GoMuskies]

Get. A. Fucking. Rebound.

[X Factor]

This is a joke...

[xu82]

JP be da man!

[paulxu]

Of all the things I thought might happen, getting killed on the defensive glass was not one of them at all.

[xu82]

Who is going to be our hero?

[LA Muskie]

Mfb!!!

[GoMuskies]

I love these fucking guys!!!!!!

[LA Muskie]

O'Mara on both ends. Glad we have one big playing big tonight.

[X Factor]

Let's go X! Bear down!

[BMoreX]

Lets fucking gooooooooooooo

[Blue Blooded-05]

Mfb!!!

Malcolm looks like he's having so much fun out there. You can see he really appreciates this opportunity

[Porkopolis]

This squad is one of my favorite ever as a Xavier fan. I could not have imagined that two months ago. They have become a team in the truest sense of the word.

[letskeepitreal]

They're playing like they believe and with Sean on the floor, at least getting some rebounds

[X-Men]

Good things happen when we string together a couple defensive rebounds. Go X!

[GoMuskies]

Jp and Bernard are MEN!!!! Now time for Tre to go off again.

[Grizzx12]

Would LOVE to get a 4th on Ristic

[paulxu]

Attack and finish!

[GoMuskies]

Need a few stops to take control of this one. On the fucling brink!!!

[GoMuskies]

Attack and finish!

Atrack and finish!!!!!!

[Lloyd Braun]

The Kansas St game was a late Thursday night game wasn't it?

[GoMuskies]

Getting fucked now

[GoMuskies]

Tre is killing us now.

[X Factor]

Gotta keep it close

[BMoreX]

That "charge" changed this game.

[Grizzx12]

Need to stay composed here. Weird few minutes

[BandAid]

So that charge call sparked a run. Thanks refs.

[xu82]

Time for a breather, then a little MAGIC!

[Grizzx12]

Malcolm!!

[XUFan09]

Was there a hidden trampoline there for Goodin?

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[BillikenMusketeer]

I like this team'

[Grizzx12]

A. There should have been a push called on the last Markonen OReb. B. Way to hang on when they pulled up a huge head of steam!! Let's GO!!