MBB: Xavier v. Arizona State (November 24, 2017) Continental Tire Invitational

[American X]

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2752.png&h=150&w=150
Xavier Musketeers (5-0, 0-0) v. Arizona State Sun Devils (5-0, 0-0)

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Las Vegas, Nevada

TV: FOX National

Live Stream (http://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/watch) (Stats Only) (http://www.sidearmstats.com/xavier/mbball/)
(http://www.sidearmstats.com/xavier/mbball/)
Radio: 700 WLW Listen Live
(https://www.iheart.com/live/700wlw-1713/)
Live Chat (http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=XavierHoops)



*check back for more links and articles

[GoMuskies]

Can't put my finger on it yet, but I don't like this ASU team for some reason. Could be the weasel that coaches them.

[GoMuskies]

We're kinda playing like shit. Would probably look better if we could make a layup or one of those wide open 3s went down for Trevon.

[X Factor]

Need to knock down some threes, and making our layups would help

[GoMuskies]

Like the soft touch of Kanter.

[Lloyd Braun]

ASU plays somewhat erratically. Not much semblance to their offense. Defense is similar which has been effective. JP is better shooting from corners. Need to work more inside-out.

[GoMuskies]

What is going on here?

[Lloyd Braun]

ASU plays somewhat erratically. Not much semblance to their offense. Defense is similar which has been effective. JP is better shooting from corners. Need to work more inside-out.


Or just play faster.

[GoMuskies]

Good JP today. If Trevon heats up we'll be golden.

[X Factor]

Boom! Great on ball D by Scruggs

[GoMuskies]

Loving Kanter.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Trevon will keep shooting until he gets his touches back, hopefully soon. Meantime, Macura is scoring well, Kanter too.

[X Factor]

Kanter!

[xufan2020]

Kanter’s been doing a good job challenging at the rim too. What an added dimension this team could have if he continues to be a threat

[X Factor]

The Kaiser!!

[GoMuskies]

Quality bench minutes all around.

[X Factor]

Hurley is a twat

[X Factor]

C'mon Tre!

[GoMuskies]

This is about the worst half of Trevon's career. Brutal. He won't play like this in the second half.

[X Factor]

So much for that lead

[Lloyd Braun]

Ditch the zone. Kanters +/- I would guess is ridiculous.

[X Factor]

What a crap last 5 minutes

[GoMuskies]

Awful end of the half.

[mistabeecee41]

Same shit as yesterday. A team who we should blow out of the water that were letting hang around.

[xufan2020]

Cannot stand Hurley

[GIMMFD]

The one positive to take away from this is, if Tre has a bad first half, that usually means a good second half.

[AviatorX]

Sloppy last segment there but have the feeling Xavier will roll in the second half and Bluiett will get close to his average. Seen this episode before.

[gladdenguy]

No answer for Martin and Holder. A complete collapse after up 15. Very frustrating.

[gladdenguy]

Scruggs looked terrible at the end of the half. Can't have that when Q has 3 fouls.

[Lloyd Braun]

No more zone please.

[Lloyd Braun]

No more zone... pretty please.

[X Factor]

Can't stay in front of anyone in man either

[GoMuskies]

Man, this is a real horseshit performance. ASU sucks, so we'll still win, but geez.

[skyking]

Anyone have any amphetamines? We look pretty slow.

[X Factor]

Can't stay in front of anyone in man either

[X Factor]

Man, this is a real horseshit performance. ASU sucks, so we'll still win, but geez.

Not sure about the winning part

[Blue Blooded-05]

We look terrible right now

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I don’t like what I am looking at. We need to turn around fast or we might lose this one.

[X Factor]

So dumb

[GoMuskies]

Thank God for JP. Everyone else was apparently out too late on the Strip.

[X Factor]

Can't keep anyone in front of us

[X Factor]

It would be nice if Tre would show up

[X Factor]

Getting abused

[X Factor]

They're gonna score 110 points

[Blue Blooded-05]

Damn. Their guards can’t miss. Combined they’re shooting 21/37 for 60 points.

[Lloyd Braun]

Wouldn’t solve the defense by any means but Kanter was great in first half.

[GoMuskies]

Is Trevon drunk. Brutal.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

At this point, I just wish for a 1pt win.

[AviatorX]

Damn. Their guards can’t miss. Combined they’re shooting 21/37 for 60 points.

Seriously. This kind of stuff happens sometimes. Those two are good and playing above their heads today. Still in it though.

[mistabeecee41]

Wouldn’t solve the defense by any means but Kanter was great in first half.

He actually had a few contests on the first half where he went straight up and stopped layups.

[X Factor]

Been outscored by 22 since going up 15 ourselves.

Trevon a no show

[jhelmes37]

Nobody wants to see a loss.

But maybe a "Come to Jesus" moment isn't the worst thing for them.

I'd take a loss in a holiday tournament, if that meant they kept the fire and realized there should be a sense of urgency in every game.

There isn't much fire out there right now............

[skyking]

Take it inside. All of ASUs big men have four fouls.

[BandAid]

Well, we've found an area for growth: perimeter defense. We have no one to guard their quicker guard right now with Q out with foul trouble. Scruggs and Harden can get there, but alas, not yet.

[mistabeecee41]

Seriously. This kind of stuff happens sometimes. Those two are good and playing above their heads today. Still in it though.

They’re a b-list Ponds and Lovett.

[GoMuskies]

Look who showed up.

[X Factor]

Look who showed up.

Gonna need a lot more from him down the stretch

[AviatorX]

They’re a b-list Ponds and Lovett.

I think they're pretty comparable to those two. Like I said, good players but playing over their heads today - obviously some of that is on X's defense.

If anyone saw them "close out" the game against K-St. last night you'll know this one is definitely not over until triple zeroes. Let's throw it inside here and hopefully open up another 3 or two for Tre to knock down.

[skyking]

Time for ASU to run out of gas.

[GoMuskies]

Pathetic. We're going to lose to these clowns. This will be a bad looking loss on Selection Sunday.

[X Factor]

What an awful performance

[X Factor]

Pathetic...

[Blue Blooded-05]

They finally miss a 3 then grab the rebound and hit a 3. They gotta be shooting 80% this half

[X Factor]

Just destroyed

[skyking]

This is sad. Why didn't Mack call a time out sooner?

[mistabeecee41]

Down 6. JP makes a moronic pass into the stands. Zona state goes on a run.

Down 6 again. Goodin makes a moronic pass. Zona state goes on a run.

[X Factor]

Their guards are much more dynamic than ours. I mean Goodin can't shoot beyond 5 feet

[AviatorX]

Losing to Arizona State on a neutral court in November is realllllly not a big deal. Sucks, but let's not overreact (first loss of the season so obviously that's going to happen). Committee has made it abundantly clear it's way more important who you beat. Not to mention it looks like ASU is definitely a top 100 team, at least.

Also, Arizona State has looked pretty damn good today. Their backcourt is tough.

[X Factor]

Last 2 games against ASU, lost by a combined 40 points

[GoMuskies]

It's not a huge deal, but it's full of awful signs. When you let a bad team outscore you by 30 points in 20 minutes, that's troubling.

[GoMuskies]

Goodin is offensively challenged.

[skyking]

It's not a huge deal, but it's full of awful signs. When you let a bad team outscore you by 30 points in 20 minutes, that's troubling.
Agree. It's not about selection Sunday, it's how bad we are playing. Not just beaten, beat up.

[Backyard Champ]

This is sad. Why didn't Mack call a time out sooner?

Think that would have made up the 20 points?

ASU was hot, we were not. Would have liked to see Tre try to take over at some point, we know he is capable. Have a big week coming up, hopefully this lights a fire under the muskies.

[X Factor]

It's not a huge deal, but it's full of awful signs. When you let a bad team outscore you by 30 points in 20 minutes, that's troubling.

Most troubling is not keeping anyone in front of us on defense, stupid turnovers, a point guard that can't shoot.

[skyking]

Think that would have made up the 20 points?

ASU was hot, we were not. Would have liked to see Tre try to take over at some point, we know he is capable. Have a big week coming up, hopefully this lights a fire under the muskies.
Before 20 points. Coach.

[AviatorX]

It's not a huge deal, but it's full of awful signs. When you let a bad team outscore you by 30 points in 20 minutes, that's troubling.

Definitely a long way to go but are we sure ASU is that bad? We all knew small quick guards could be an achilles heel this season and X sure as hell just got shredded by two good ones. That will obviously be problematic if Mack and staff can't figure out a way to neutralize it.

I'm a firm believer (especially after last season) that outside of absolutely atrocious losses or significant injuries, nothing that bad can happen in November/December. You can definitely miss opportunities, but losing to middling power conference teams is pretty meh.

Regardless, as a CBB fan, that St. Johns/ASU game is a must watch to see those two backcourts go at each other.

[GoMuskies]

Will our defense drop out of the top 100 at KenPom?

[BandAid]

Ah, the "overrated" chant. Translated: "we aren't actually good, so we're devaluing our own win."

[X Factor]

Definitely a long way to go but are we sure ASU is that bad? We all knew small quick guards could be an achilles heel this season and X sure as hell just got shredded by two good ones. That will obviously be problematic if Mack and staff can't figure out a way to neutralize it.

I'm a firm believer (especially after last season) that outside of absolutely atrocious losses or significant injuries, nothing that bad can happen in November/December. You can definitely miss opportunities, but losing to middling power conference teams is pretty meh.

Doesn't seem to happen to Villanova. They play defense though

[mistabeecee41]

Maybe Tre will have a moment on the flight back. A moment where he realizes he got shutdown by a dufus named Kodi Justice and vows to never let it happen again.

[Backyard Champ]

Before 20 points. Coach.

Lost a game by 20 points, after being up 15. You're right, calling a time out sooner would have changed the outcome. What was Mack thinking?

[GoMuskies]

I'm a little concerned about our freshmen as well. Going to need them to grow up for conference play.

[AviatorX]

Doesn't seem to happen to Villanova. They play defense though

Villanova has the most wins of any team in the country since the NBE formed. So yeah, they're better and they lose less than Xavier. I thought we established that over the last 10 beatdowns they've given X though.

[AviatorX]

I'm a little concerned about our freshmen as well. Going to need them to grow up for conference play.


No doubt this is true. Scruggs got absolutely popped today.

[skyking]

Lost a game by 20 points, after being up 15. You're right, calling a time out sooner would have changed the outcome. What was Mack thinking?

Agree.

[BandAid]

Look, this could very well be our "everything goes wrong" game of the year. Q was in foul trouble. We had no one else who could stay in front of their small guards. We went to zone. They shot unbelievably well, including circus shots. It happens. If we laced it up against again next week, I'm confident it'd be a different outcome.

One thing I know, I would be happy if Jim Jackson never called another of our games. It's clear he has nothing positive to say about us.

[mistabeecee41]

[me, during the game]

1. Might be tighter than we think. Ugh, maybe we won't cover.
2. Up 15? Shoulda bet more!
3. Bad close to the half, but we should still cover.
4. Down 6 with 10 mins left? Time to double down on a ML bet.
5. [drinks]

[Blue Blooded-05]

Their 4 guards shot 30/53 from the floor. 13/26 from three. 18/19 from the free throw line. Combined for 91 points.

[X Factor]

Gave up 102 points, 58 in the 2nd half.

Let their best player go for 40 points.

Don't even want to think about next year without JP or Tre. We will have zero shooters besides Kaiser.

[BandAid]

Gave up 102 points, 58 in the 2nd half.

Let their best player go for 40 points.

Don't even want to think about next year without JP or Tre. We will have zero shooters besides Kaiser.

We had one, but he got homesick.

[X Factor]

Look, this could very well be our "everything goes wrong" game of the year. Q was in foul trouble. We had no one else who could stay in front of their small guards. We went to zone. They shot unbelievably well, including circus shots. It happens. If we laced it up against again next week, I'm confident it'd be a different outcome.

One thing I know, I would be happy if Jim Jackson never called another of our games. It's clear he has nothing positive to say about us.

Q wasn't keeping anyone if front of him either. Plus, he isn't a threat on offense, unless they allow him to drive.

[BandAid]

Q wasn't keeping anyone if front of him either. Plus, he isn't a threat on offense, unless they allow him to drive.

He was driving with success in the first half.

[X Factor]

He was driving with success in the first half.

If you count 1-6 from the field success.

When's the last time X had a point guard who could shoot? Probably Tu, 5 years ago.

[xdude]

Most troubling was how much more energy and poise they showed. Yes, having a player drop 40 doesn't help, but if we play defense with the energy A State did, he doesn't get 40.

[SkyWalker]

Defense ?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

How could we allow Holder scored 40 points !? Is he really that good, or are we really that bad today? It’s going to be a long trip home.

[BandAid]

If you count 1-6 from the field success.

When's the last time X had a point guard who could shoot?

Never mind, you all have made up your minds. Q is the whipping boy. Let's drag him outside, tar him, and feather him. He also had 7 assists. Not every drive ends with a shot.

[BandAid]

How could we allow Holder scored 40 points !? Is he really that good, or are we really that bad today? It’s going to be a long trip home.

He had 35 last week.

[Muskeagle]

Not sure why we're convinced that ASU sucks so bad. They've scored over 90 points in 6 straight games. Heard Mack say before they game that Evans and Holder remind him of St. Johns backcourt....and he's right. Small, but fast and inside/outside game. Impressed with their play today. They couldn't miss. We didn't react great to getting hit in the mouth, but I doubt this will prove to be a bad loss. Did it reveal concerns? Perhaps. Mostly I think we lack perimeter speed...and this is a bad match up for us.

I try not to complain about the officiating...but it was SHIT today. Very inconsistent. Huge contact..nothing...little touches fouls. Also, a lot of obvious, missed calls (like Macura getting pushed off and losing his balance..no call, and then a touch on the drive and they get a three point play). A couple of the fouls on Goodin were bogus...especially number 4 and that one really hurt.

Finally...Hurley is trash. Letting his guys jack it up, up 20 with 2 to play. Continuing to pick up the ball full court til the buzzer. Trash.

[X Factor]

Never mind, you all have made up your minds. Q is the whipping boy. Let's drag him outside, tar him, and feather him. He also had 7 assists. Not every drive ends with a shot.

No, but he totally eliminates the defense from guarding him outside. How many big time programs have a PG who can't make an open three?

[AviatorX]

Never mind, you all have made up your minds. Q is the whipping boy. Let's drag him outside, tar him, and feather him. He also had 7 assists. Not every drive ends with a shot.

I'm with you. Maybe I am crazy or overly optimistic but I think how valuable Q is showed in a big way today. X was terrible without him. Well they were terrible all around but there was definitely a noticeable drop off when he went to the bench.

[Muskeagle]

Never mind, you all have made up your minds. Q is the whipping boy. Let's drag him outside, tar him, and feather him. He also had 7 assists. Not every drive ends with a shot.

Count me out of this group...I love what Q brings to the game. We don't need him to be a scorer. He is a very good passer. He plays "downhill", as they like to say, and usually puts pressure on the D. Generally, I think he's a plus defender and decision maker. I really like him. Just my 2 cents.

[BandAid]

No, but he totally eliminates the defense from guarding him outside. How many big time programs have a PG who can't make an open three?

I see. We're talking past each other. You're upset because he doesn't have a jump shot. Meanwhile, I'm saying he's the only option for guarding quicker guards at the moment, and him getting removed for foul trouble had a big impact on the game. To top it all off, we're both upset about the loss. Fair enough.

[AviatorX]

No, but he totally eliminates the defense from guarding him outside. How many big time programs have a PG who can't make an open three?

You watching Trevon Duvall lay bricks for Duke right now? Xavier will basically never have a guy with Q's physical attributes and athleticism that is also a good shooter - that guy is going to UK/Duke and then the NBA. I'll take Q over undersized waterbug PG's of XU's past any day.

[GuyFawkes38]

Ugly loss. But these types of things happen early in the season against meh opponents (let’s face it, it’s hard to get pumped playing against ASU, a school only really known for producing pornstars).

I think this will be good motivation moving forward. Need to put some focus on the D.

[X Factor]

You watching Trevon Duvall lay bricks for Duke right now? Xavier will basically never have a guy with Q's physical attributes and athleticism that is also a good shooter - that guy is going to UK/Duke and then the NBA. I'll take Q over undersized waterbug PG's of XU's past any day.

Drew Lavender, Tu Holloway, Mark Lyons? Look, I like Goodin, I'm just really frustrated. He doesn't have to shoot 45% from three, but keeping the defense honest and able to knock down an open three would be nice. Everyone but JP played like crap today. Even he had some stupid turnovers.

When's the last time X gave up 100?

[X Factor]

Ugly loss. But these types of things happen early in the season against meh opponents (let’s face it, it’s hard to get pumped playing against ASU, a school only really known for producing pornstars).

I think this will be good motivation moving forward. Need to put some focus on the D.

Totally disagree with this. Hard to get pumped up? That's a bullcrap excuse.

[GuyFawkes38]

Totally disagree with this. Hard to get pumped up? That's a bullcrap excuse.
In November playing ASU in an obscure tournament. I think it’s not easy to get pumped for that. I don’t think we lose to them in February or March.

[AviatorX]

Drew Lavender, Tu Holloway, Mark Lyons? Look, I like Goodin, I'm just really frustrated. Everyone but JP played like crap today. Even he had some stupid turnovers.

When's the last time X gave up 100?

Obviously those three I'd take on any team. My comment is more in regard to the general type of player going forward. Let's be honest, we had plenty of postgame threads in the past after losses where we were wondering how the hell our undersized backcourt was going to stop big guards (the Dee Davis/Myles Davis combo says hello). It definitely cuts both ways.

All good to be frustrated. That was a frustrating one for sure.

[jhelmes37]

Go on..........I need a list of ASU pornstars........

[GuyFawkes38]

Go on..........I need a list of ASU pornstars........
That’s just sort of a reputation thing. But I’m sure they have great academics too.

[XU 87]

No, but he totally eliminates the defense from guarding him outside. How many big time programs have a PG who can't make an open three?

This game was lost because of a lack of defense, not because Q isn't a good shooter from the three.

I'll add that Q is a good player, who is the best point guard we have, by a large margin.

[X Factor]

You're right, but ALL of their guards could shoot and we couldn't stop them. Teams won't ever have to worry about Q getting hot from three.

[XU 87]

You're right, but ALL of their guards could shoot and we couldn't stop them. Teams won't ever have to worry about Q getting hot from three.

So this is your take from today's game- "Q isn't a good shooter from the three?"

[bjf123]

This is one of those games where the other team throws up wild, off balance, stupid shots that just seem to go in, and we had no answer for it. I’m sure Mack was less than pleased in the locker room after the game. The big test will be how we react and come out against Baylor and UC.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[kmcrawfo]

You're right, but ALL of their guards could shoot and we couldn't stop them. Teams won't ever have to worry about Q getting hot from three.

At Creighton last year, Q almost won the game by getting hot from 3 if I can recall.... Maybe I am not remembering the game right thoughthough but I thought he was draining them from deep.

[AviatorX]

So this is your take from today's game- "Q isn't a good shooter from the three?"

Also, I'd say Creighton would tell you (well, not you 87) Q can get hot from three if one thinks back to the game in Omaha last season.

Would it be better if Q was a knock down shooter? Of course. But I'm just not going to worry about that when he's in a starting lineup surrounded by Tre, JP, and Gates.

[X Factor]

So this is your take from today's game- "Q isn't a good shooter from the three?"

No, I knew that. My take is our man defense needs A LOT of work and this team has to be dedicated to playing defense every night and energy on both ends of the court.

[X Factor]

Also, I'd say Creighton would tell you (well, not you 87) Q can get hot from three if one thinks back to the game in Omaha last season.

Would it be better if Q was a knock down shooter? Of course. But I'm just not going to worry about that when he's in a starting lineup surrounded by Tre, JP, and Gates.

C'mon. I like Q, but he shot 25% from three last year and 0% 6 games into this year.

[AviatorX]

C'mon. I like Q, but he shot 25% from three last year and 0% 6 games into this year.

Not sure of your point here, but I agree Q is not a good three point shooter. Based on your posts we disagree on just how much that matters to this team's success. It's way down my list of concerns.

[mohr5150]

Didn't we come into this game top 15 in the country in defense? You aren't going to run into many teams that play 4 guards with the tallest guy being 6'5" and shoot like they did today. That team made crazy stupid shots today and the refs called the perfect game for them. Plus, Bluiett had hus first off night. That team will have more games getting totally shut down because their circus shots will stop falling than games like they had today. This was an aberration today. I would be more worried if Monday isn't a good outcome. Playing against a traditional-style team that we match up well against should result in a better outcome.

[XUFan09]

Obviously those three I'd take on any team. My comment is more in regard to the general type of player going forward. Let's be honest, we had plenty of postgame threads in the past after losses where we were wondering how the hell our undersized backcourt was going to stop big guards (the Dee Davis/Myles Davis combo says hello). It definitely cuts both ways.

All good to be frustrated. That was a frustrating one for sure.

Yeah, even the Tu/Mark backcourt ran into the issue of taller guards and wings shooting over them, and they were really good defenders. In addition, none of these guys had the combination of size, speed, and athleticism that Q has. He brings stuff to the table that they can't, and through their shooting, they were able to bring stuff to the table that he can't.

But also, as others have said, how are we talking about Q's shooting after this shitshow of a game? Especially when it was clear that X's chances of coming back dropped off significantly when he picked up his 4th foul and it was still a game...

[GIMMFD]

Though I may have watched around 5 minutes of game time, I'm not even remotely worried about it, when a guy goes off for about 40 on you, and they barely miss from the line, it's a recipe for disaster, especially when your All-American has a terrible game. If anything, this will have the team pissed off for Baylor and UC. We don't traditionally do well in these Thanksgiving Tournaments anyways.

[X Factor]

Didn't we come into this game top 15 in the country in defense? You aren't going to run into many teams that play 4 guards with the tallest guy being 6'5" and shoot like they did today. That team made crazy stupid shots today and the refs called the perfect game for them. Plus, Bluiett had hus first off night. That team will have more games getting totally shut down because their circus shots will stop falling than games like they had today. This was an aberration today. I would be more worried if Monday isn't a good outcome. Playing against a traditional-style team that we match up well against should result in a better outcome.

Came in with a defense ranked in the low 30's according to KenPom. Probably now ranked about 50th.

It wasn't circus shots. Yeah, they hit some tough shots, but they abused our guards. X couldn't keep anyone in front of them and they were completely lost when they tried going to zone. X left ASU guards wide open.

The defense was absolutely awful.

[GoMuskies]

Defense dropped to 54 at KenPom.

[bleedXblue]

Wow, and with 2 tough games ahead I'm not sure what to think. That was an embarrassment that doesn't happen very often.

[GoMuskies]

Arizona State's defense "jumped" all the way to #203.

[X Factor]

Though I may have watched around 5 minutes of game time, I'm not even remotely worried about it, when a guy goes off for about 40 on you, and they barely miss from the line, it's a recipe for disaster, especially when your All-American has a terrible game. If anything, this will have the team pissed off for Baylor and UC. We don't traditionally do well in these Thanksgiving Tournaments anyways.

If you had watched more than 5 minutes of the game, you would've watched our defense get abused. X's guards couldn't handle ASU's guards on the defensive end. That guy, Trae Holden, came into the game averaging 20 points and shooting 47% from three.

[GIMMFD]

Defense dropped to 54 at KenPom.

I'm sure Mack will get after them at practice the next few days, we're too long to be so bad on defense. It's only November, we have plenty of time to improve overall as a team, and we're not even close to the final product. Let the guys gel some, work on some things and grow, I have faith we'll get it sorted out when it matters.

[GIMMFD]

If you had watched more than 5 minutes of the game, you would've watched our defense get abused. X's guards couldn't handle ASU's guards on the defensive end. That guy, Trae Holden, came into the game averaging 20 points and shooting 47% from three.

I mean I definitely did see some of that, and it's a little bit of a head scratcher, but they did shoot 92% from the line, around 50% from the three, and 56% overall, that's some hot shooting. We have the players to become much more solid defensively, we have some lateral quickness, it's not time to panic yet. Let's see how next week goes, and then we can reassess.

[bleedXblue]

I'm sure Mack will get after them at practice the next few days, we're too long to be so bad on defense. It's only November, we have plenty of time to improve overall as a team, and we're not even close to the final product. Let the guys gel some, work on some things and grow, I have faith we'll get it sorted out when it matters.

They wont get home until tomorrow. They are going to need some rest. Maybe a light practice on Monday. Not the best scheduling, but what are you going to do?

[OTRMUSKIE]

Arizona State is better then we give them credit for. That is an electric offense. They will make the dance with that team. What does Xavier do every year? They go to the sweet 16 or beyond. Not every year I know but it happens at a high percentage now. This team is fine and will be sick come
Tournament time. As long as X wins the next two we will be in great shape and nobody will even be talking about Pornstar U.

[mohr5150]

4 guys, 4!, shot a combined 50% from 3. Show me any other team, including ASU at any time this season, where four guys combined for 50% from 3. It wasn't because we weren't guarding them on all their shots. It was totally circus. To have one, maybe two guys shoot like that in a game may happen regularly. But four?

[XU 23]

First time giving up 100 points since KANSAS STATE in 2010......

via Pat Brennan on Twitter

[whopper]

I notice they had more baskets and threes with less assists. That is indicative of one on one play and it seems like Holder was very confident. I believe they may have had 6 traditional 3 pointers on drives. I did not see most of game just followed on app. That is 18 points, if you foul and force 2 shots you get 12 shots and maybe only hit 8 or 9. Maybe the big men should use more fouls effectively instead of touch. The team stats don't indicate a rout but if you give up 40 to one person then it is tough to lose. We were up 5 with the ball and 20 sec less in first half, turnover and 3 meant a 2 pt lead after significantly outplaying them and they certainly carried that forward into second half.

[X Factor]

4 guys, 4!, shot a combined 50% from 3. Show me any other team, including ASU at any time this season, where four guys combined for 50% from 3. It wasn't because we weren't guarding them on all their shots. It was totally circus. To have one, maybe two guys shoot like that in a game may happen regularly. But four?

ASU has scored 90 points or more in every game this year. Xavier happened to give up the most points though, 102. They have very talented offensive players, but X should never give up 100 points, I don't care how hot a team is. X's defense was a farce.

[Olsingledigit]

First time giving up 100 points since KANSAS STATE in 2010......

via Pat Brennan on Twitter
And that was 2OTs

[X Factor]

I notice they had more baskets and threes with less assists. That is indicative of one on one play and it seems like Holder was very confident. I believe they may have had 6 traditional 3 pointers on drives. I did not see most of game just followed on app. That is 18 points, if you foul and force 2 shots you get 12 shots and maybe only hit 8 or 9. Maybe the big men should use more fouls effectively instead of touch. The team stats don't indicate a rout but if you give up 40 to one person then it is tough to lose. We were up 5 with the ball and 20 sec less in first half, turnover and 3 meant a 2 pt lead after significantly outplaying them and they certainly carried that forward into second half.

Tre scored 40 against UC last year, but X still lost. Xavier let multiple guys have very good games today.

[Sonoran Desert Muskie]

I’m an ASU season ticket holder and that was not a fluke game by ASU. ASU’s guards (Holder, Evans, Justice, and Martin) are on the small side but they are lightening quick, can shoot exceptionally well, and have quick hands and feet on defense. There may only be a couple of teams in the country that have 4 guards who are as good as them. Here’s the thing, though, as good as ASU’s guards played, their big men (White and Lake) played well below average. ASU played just as well against San Diego State this year. That was not a fluke ASU win.

I expected XU to win, but I knew it was going to be a tough game and I am not in the least bit surprised that ASU won. XU will be better team for having played as team like ASU. They are an anti-Big East team.

[GuyFawkes38]

I’m an ASU season ticket holder and that was not a fluke game by ASU. ASU’s guards (Holder, Evans, Justice, and Martin) are on the small side but they are lightening quick, can shoot exceptionally well, and have quick hands and feet on defense. There may only be a couple of teams in the country that have 4 guards who are as good as them. Here’s the thing, though, as good as ASU’s guards played, their big men (White and Lake) played well below average. ASU played just as well against San Diego State this year. That was not a fluke ASU win.

I expected XU to win, but I knew it was going to be a tough game and I am not in the least bit surprised that ASU won. XU will be better team for having played as team like ASU. They are an anti-Big East team.

Well your going to have a fun year. Will enjoy rooting for ASU from now on.

[mohr5150]

Looking at the stats for this team so far this year is like looking at made-up stats. In their last four games, their top 3 guards are a combined 44-80... from 3! For the season they are 58-122. Their first game drags them down with an 8-27 showing. I just don't see how they can sustain that kind of success. If they do, they may very well be the #1 team in the country sooner than later.

[xu82]

Peak in March.

This allows Mack to teach and light a fire under our guys. No panicking here. Scruggs struggled, but so did Q early last year. How did that turn out?

(I did think the refs sucked, but that’s usually the case.)

[paulxu]

I blame Dawn Rogers. And she's now at Baylor.

[slysyl]

I thought Kanter didn't show much the first 5 games; but looked great in the first half. Didn't get to see him get many minutes the second half. STANGE.

[X-Fan]

In November playing ASU in an obscure tournament. I think it’s not easy to get pumped for that. I don’t think we lose to them in February or March.

I felt the guys were "up" for the game. They played hard most of the 1st half. Thing is, they let ASU back in the game because of their sloppy play. Countless drives to the rim where they didn’t finish or draw a foul (some of that is on the refs). Even before ASU came back and gained confidence, they allowed ASU to speed them up, which led to more mistakes/bad offensive possessions.

I don’t put this on Q. He has looked good besides outside shooting. X needs someone else who can do what Q does. It was maddening/frustrating to see Trev force drives to the rim. That’s not his game. Hopefully Scruggs can continue to step up because that would be huge for this team. ASU magnified Xs lack of depth/experience at guard. Once it starts to "click" for the Frosh, WATCH OUT.

In general, this was the classic, hungry team gaining confidence and catching fire. ASU played their butts off. X will learn from this and get better.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I am sad X lost to a team we were supposed to beat, but then I keep telling myself “you should be glad you are not Arizona fan”. They should drop out of top 25 ranking entirely.

[X-man]

We are still the deep, talented, and young team we were before the loss to ASU. I have no doubt that Mack will have this team running on all cylinders by the time league play begins. Nobody I know, including me, thought this team would go through nonconference play undefeated. And odds are we will lose at least one more game before the end of the year. But when these guys learn to play together, watch out!

[Masterofreality]

This Game reminds me of the Colorado game I went to last year. We had a good lead, lost our poise and The Buff guards went ham. AZ St. shot 68% in the second half. Oh well. Lots of games to go. ⚔️

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I live in Phoenix and watch Arizona a lot. They are peaking right now. They won’t sustain this shooting and they are playing a short bench already. They will get Kimani Lawrence back and go 8 deep but their little guards will wear out.

Arizona will be fine, UCLA and USC also. I don’t see asu beating those three teams. They need finish higher than Stanford and Oregon to make the tourney.


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[bleedXblue]

I'm most concerned that this happened at a point where we are going to play some very tough competition.They now have the blueprint. On the flip side, we now know what our weakness is. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

[Masterofreality]

I'm most concerned that this happened at a point where we are going to play some very tough competition.They now have the blueprint. On the flip side, we now know what our weakness is. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

But the blue print won’t fit most times because you won’t see guards playyat that level combined with 68% second half shooting. They had inside & outside going and it all happening at once.

[bleedXblue]

But the blue print won’t fit most times because you won’t see guards playyat that level combined with 68% second half shooting. They had inside & outside going and it all happening at once.

Most of yesterday was the inability to guard and keep guys from beating us off the dribble. Yes, they shot the ball ridiculously well.......but the weakness was revealed.

[AviatorX]

Most of yesterday was the inability to guard and keep guys from beating us off the dribble. Yes, they shot the ball ridiculously well.......but the weakness was revealed.

Right, but half the recipe to exploit that weakness is having really quick and skilled guards that capitalize on their speed to get in the lane. Scruggs and Goodin weren't up to the challenge yesterday, but I'd like that pair's chances better against a team like UC if you think back to Cumberland (especially) and Evans just destroying Macura and co off the bounce with their physicality in the 2nd half of the Shootout last season. Broome and Jenifer can create those types of issues with speed, but they've both been nowhere near as good as Evans/Holder to this point.

Baylor and UC play a completely different game than Arizona St - hard to find a team less similar to those two honestly. Good teams focus wayyyyy more on doing what they like to do well than making huge changes to game plan team to team. I doubt Greg Gard walked away from the loss to X assuming his team had no chance to contain aggressive wings, he probably just realized they got blitzed by two really really good players. The other guys are D1 too.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Trust that Coach Mack will make the necessary changes to continue the high level of play. Our defense wasn’t great last year either.
For ASU, teams that live by the three die by it also. It’s an all too common theme. Couple that with Hurley’s unwillingness to go deeper than 7 and you have a recipe for a February fade.


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[Sonoran Desert Muskie]

Trust that Coach Mack will make the necessary changes to continue the high level of play. Our defense wasn’t great last year either.
For ASU, teams that live by the three die by it also. It’s an all too common theme. Couple that with Hurley’s unwillingness to go deeper than 7 and you have a recipe for a February fade.


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Hurley has only played 7 because he’s still building depth. Sendek left him with a crappy roster with no big men. ASU has 2 studs, Mickey Mitchell who is sitting out due to transfer from Ohio State and Kimani Lawrence who is recuperating from an injury, who will be ready to play in December. Come December, Hurley will be playing a solid 8-9 man rotation. ASU may fade at the end of the year, but it won’t be because Hurley will only play 7.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Mitchell is a malcontent and was part of OSUs fall. Lawrence is good and should help. ASU also has Bragg for next year but he is also an off court problem. Guys I would want on our roster save Lawrence.


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[XUBison]

Our D sucked last night. I am not impressed with Scruggs, at least relative to the hype. I’m sure he will turn into a fine player, but he is certainly not a plug & play frosh as his rating suggested. Semaj and even Sato, for instance, were way ahead when they arrived on campus. He seems like a clone of Gooden, and I have no idea why Scruggs was more highly rated. We know neither can shoot, but when ASU’s smaller guards got going, I was really hoping we’d see the length, height, strength, and athletic ability of Scruggs and Gooden come into play. Oh well.

[X-Fan]

Our D sucked last night. I am not impressed with Scruggs, at least relative to the hype. I’m sure he will turn into a fine player, but he is certainly not a plug & play frosh as his rating suggested. Semaj and even Sato, for instance, were way ahead when they arrived on campus. He seems like a clone of Gooden, and I have no idea why Scruggs was more highly rated. We know neither can shoot, but when ASU’s smaller guards got going, I was really hoping we’d see the length, height, strength, and athletic ability of Scruggs and Gooden come into play. Oh well.
Huh?? It’s been 6 games. Chill. At the same point last year Q looked really rough & wasn’t able to play through mistakes/learn until he was thrown into the fire. Most Frosh struggle to some degree while adjusting to college ball. New system, new role, way more emphasis/difficulty on D.

From my vantage point Paul is doing whatever the coaching staff is asking him to do. There have been many "flashes" where you can see his immense talent. I think everything will start clicking for him very soon. The ASU game showed how essential it is that Q has a backup. The more comfortable he gets with Xs sets, the more he’ll contribute and excel. Have faith! Go X!!!!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Yes don’t panic, Marshall and Scruggs are both very good and will be there at year’s end. Harden looks lost. We always have a head scraper loss. Hopefully this is it and remember we lost 14 last year.


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[BandAid]

Yes don’t panic, Marshall and Scruggs are both very good and will be there at year’s end. Harden looks lost. We always have a head scraper loss. Hopefully this is it and remember we lost 14 last year.


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I think Harden will be a good player for X. Naji and Scruggs will contribute throughout this year by virtue of their physical gifts. It’ll probably next year that Harden is really called upon. The question is whether or not he keeps his head up, sticks with it, and rises to the occasion when he’s asked.

[GIMMFD]

The Freshman will be fine, this board was trying to burn Q to the stake last year and he answered big when he was thrown to the fire. Scruggs has a lot of potential and he's shown it so far, he's playing within himself, and understands his role currently, that's the important part. He's going to be clicking on all cylinders later on in the year. Naji has been incredible, and more than you could ask for as of now, he's going to have some growing pains, but he's going to be very special for X in the next few seasons. Harden will figure it out as a shooter when he's needed upon, it's hard when you have limited minutes to really get the flow of the game, and get the IQ to be a successful D1 athlete. I don't think he's a headscratcher case just quite yet. Let's relax guys, it was ONE game.

[xu82]

I think the support and confidence is almost unanimous. I’ll just ignore the few doomsday folks for now.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think people are forgetting that Q is just a sophomore and that he played contained and steady last year. Now he has a shot to make some plays and will succeed and fail. Look at Scruggs now and try to remember Q last year. There is a big difference.


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[BandDad]

Coach K once the following after a particularly embarrassing defeat to a smaller school (I can't remember who). He said that if college basketball team plays 30 games, they will play 20 at their talent level, they will play five games above their talent level and five games below their talent level. Arizona State played one of their five games above their level (and it may end up being their highest of the year). XU played easily one of their bottom five games (and it may end of up being their worst of the year). Freshmen got their first taste of back to back games and it was a very bad matchup from the beginning. Everyone relax and let's focus on the next four. A 3-1 record against Baylor, UC, Kent State and Colorado would put them in nice position for the second half of December. That would likely put us at 10-2 going into the Big East and we will have worked through a good non-conference schedule.

[xukeith]

Coach K once the following after a particularly embarrassing defeat to a smaller school (I can't remember who). He said that if college basketball team plays 30 games, they will play 20 at their talent level, they will play five games above their talent level and five games below their talent level. Arizona State played one of their five games above their level (and it may end up being their highest of the year). XU played easily one of their bottom five games (and it may end of up being their worst of the year). Freshmen got their first taste of back to back games and it was a very bad matchup from the beginning. Everyone relax and let's focus on the next four. A 3-1 record against Baylor, UC, Kent State and Colorado would put them in nice position for the second half of December. That would likely put us at 10-2 going into the Big East and we will have worked through a good non-conference schedule.

Plus X did have 12 losses last year in regular season. Lots of underachievement. I think XU got hot at the right time and played above their level for 4-5 games at end of the year.

Expectations (especially with this front court) were too high. X hopefully will have another hot streak at end of February/ beginning of March with 0 significant injuries to Trevon or JP.

[X-band '01]

Injuries and the Myles Davis saga were much more of a distraction last year. Last year's team would not have beaten Wisconsin in November, so in some respects things are better than last year.

If the team sweeps Baylor and Cincinnati, it's more likely the ASU game will be a footnote. There were more warning signs at this time last year given how Xavier fared against a weaker field in the Tire Pros Invitational.

[Xavier]

Tough to compare because of all the injury issues then the whole Davis situation was pretty distracting. Really tough to get good rotations and chemistry. But obviously I think they had Best stretch at end. Exactly what you want from a team/coaching staff. (Playing Best ball when it matters the most). Big compliment to the team.

[xu82]

Injuries and the Myles Davis saga were much more of a distraction last year. Last year's team would not have beaten Wisconsin in November, so in some respects things are better than last year.

If the team sweeps Baylor and Cincinnati, it's more likely the ASU game will be a footnote. There were more warning signs at this time last year given how Xavier fared against a weaker field in the Tire Pros Invitational.

The “Myles Davis saga” seems like a lifetime ago!!!