Xavier vs. East Tennessee State Game Thread (December 16, 2017)

[American X]

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2752.png&h=150&w=150https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/logopedia/images/b/b9/200px-Tampa_Bay_Buccaneers_logo_old_svg.png/revision/latest?cb=20100915001333

#10 Xavier Musketeers (9-1, 0-0) vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers (6-3, 0-0)

Time: 2:00 p.m. ET

Cintas Center | Cincinnati, Ohio

TV: FSN TV Clearance List (https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/goxavier.com/documents/2017/12/14/Big_East_Basketball_East_Tennessee_St_at_Xavier.pd f)

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

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

Live Stats (http://www.sidearmstats.com/xavier/mbball/)
(http://www.sidearmstats.com/xavier/mbball/)

GoXavier Preview (http://goxavier.com/news/2017/12/14/mens-basketball-no-10-9-xavier-is-back-in-action-on-saturday-at-cintas-center.aspx)

Full Game Notes (https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/goxavier.com/documents/2017/12/14/2017_18_Xavier_Game_Notes_11_vs_ETSU.pdf)

CBS Sports Preview (https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/preview/NCAAB_20171216_ETNST@XAVIER/)

Enquirer Preview (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2017/12/15/xavier-facing-tricky-test-east-tennessee-state/957143001/)

Banners On The Parkway Preview (https://www.bannersontheparkway.com/2017/12/15/16780952/xavier-v-east-tennessee-state-preview-matchups-keys-to-the-game-basketball-hiwassee-posse)


*check back for more links and articles

[paulxu]

It's been a loooong week. Get some Muskies!

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41YbQWNFa5L._SY463_.jpg

[GIMMFD]

In Lego Muskie we trust, this will be the first game I get to watch from the comfort of my home thanks to Christmas Break this year.

[GoMuskies]

I think we can take them. Leo Murray is not walking through that door for the Bucs.

[X-band '01]

Neither is Ge'Laun Gwyn.

[mid major]

Their logo looks like the old Tampa Bay Buccaneer's logo.

[bigdiggins]

Their logo looks like the old Tampa Bay Buccaneer's logo.

2218

[mid major]

2218

It puts the lotion on it's skin, or else it gets the hose again.

[Smooth]

Their logo looks like the old Tampa Bay Buccaneer's logo.

Call me crazy, but I think it looks a little like Johnny Depp.

[UCGRAD4X]

Call me crazy, but I think it looks a little like Johnny Depp.

You be crazy!

[American X]

Noon. Catch up to Tardy Turtle.


https://complex-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/mh2ejyplvkzxlqrhejbm.gif

[Muskie]

It’s game day. Let’s do this.


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[paulxu]

What the hell is going on here? We can't hit the broad side of the barn.

[BMoreX]

Not great.

[mistabeecee41]

dominated baylor inside, yet ETSU is abusing us on the inside. a player who has never averaged 1.0 blocks in his career has 4 blocks in a half.

[X Factor]

Someone tell X to pull their heads out of their rear ends.

[X Factor]

dominated baylor inside, yet ETSU is abusing us on the inside. a player who has never averaged 1.0 blocks in his career has 4 blocks in a half.

We have to lead the nation in shots blocked against.

[X Factor]

Tre, JP, and Goodin are 2-16 from the field. :sick:

[skyking]

Down 12? This is painful.

[X Factor]

Goodin is playing terrible.

[mistabeecee41]

Goodin is playing terrible.

speaking of. am i missing something on scruggs?

[paulxu]

Ugh.

[X Factor]

I hope Mack lights a fire under their butts at halftime. That was an absolute joke.

[xufan2020]

Bet it’s a good time in the locker room right now.

[HenryMuto]

What the hell is going on out here.

[X Factor]

This would be just a terrible loss. 20 point favorites folks. JP, Tre, and Q are 2-19 from the field.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Laying an egg today?

[mistabeecee41]

cant find anything of the lack of scruggs today.

[X Factor]

Laying an egg today?

Unacceptable. This isn't ASU or Nova. This is ETSU.

[xu82]

Down 12? This is painful.

I’m behind on DVR....you mean this gets WORSE???!!!

[xuinmd]

Does Q even look at the basket when he shoots?

[X Factor]

Does Q even look at the basket when he shoots?

Doesn't look like it, but don't say anything about his shooting. According to everyone, Q doesn't need to be able to score. When you're 6'4 with a 40+ inch vertical, you should be able to finish around the bucket. Maybe make a 10-12 foot jump shot, is that too much to ask from a PG?

[xuinmd]

Q,Jp, and bluest are 2 for 19 jp and q are 0 for whatever

[AviatorX]

Doesn't look like it, but don't say anything about his shooting. According to everyone, Q doesn't need to be able to score. When you're 6'4 with a 40+ inch vertical, you should be able to finish around the bucket. Maybe make a 10-12 foot jump shot, is that too much to ask from a PG?

We understand that you do not like Q as this team's PG. No need to make it unbearably clear in the game thread every time X looks bad for a stretch.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

X players must be hitting the books so hard last week that they have forgotten how to play ball. They are colder than the witches’ ti......

[paulxu]

What the hell is going on here? We can't hit the broad side of the barn.

Bump

[X Factor]

What is Trevon doing? Finish around the damn basket!!

[paulxu]

Just curious. Why do JP, Tre, Q etc keep going inside with goofy scoop shots that don't seem to ever go in?

[X Factor]

We understand that you do not like Q as this team's PG. No need to make it unbearably clear in the game thread every time X looks bad for a stretch.

I like his ability to run the offense. His offensive skills aren't high major.

[X Factor]

This is stupid

[GuyFawkes38]

That Arizona State loss is looking pretty good now.

[bjf123]

This might be one do those games most teams have where there’s no reason to lose, but you do.


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[X Factor]

Who would've thought a 37 game home winning streak would end to an ass whoopin by ETSU?

[X Factor]

This might be one do those games most teams have where there’s no reason to lose, but you do.


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Most teams don't have these types of losses. Not Top 15 teams on their home courts.

[HenryMuto]

48-29 ... unreal

[AviatorX]

I like his ability to run the offense. His offensive skills aren't high major.

I mean if you don't think these two sentences conflict with one another, we will never see eye to eye on Q. No worries.

As for this game, no question X will lose to anyone they play if they shoot like this. But same goes for every team in the country. Pitiful. Doesn't really seem like things are going to turn around.

[X Factor]

I mean if you don't think these two sentences conflict with one another, we will never see eye to eye on Q. No worries.

As for this game, no question X will lose to anyone they play if they shoot like this. But same goes for every team in the country. Pitiful. Doesn't really seem like things are going to turn around.

Defense might have something to do with it. And no, I don't think those two sentences conflict. Goodin can get the team in the right spots on offense and he is good at finding guys, but X really only has 4 options on offense when he's on the floor. Is that not true?

[HenryMuto]

How often have you ever seen a team as a 20+ point favorite trail by 20 at any point in a game ?

[GoMuskies]

Signs of life!!! Still lots of time.

[American X]

How will we ever surmount huge deficit at home?

- Ghost of Tu Holloway

[X Factor]

Goodin....

[paulxu]

Come on Muskies. You can get this one.

[paulxu]

I'd settle for a drive and kick out for open 3 every time.
Every time. If we miss the 3's, so be it.
One more of these out of control drives that gets blocked and I'll go f...ing crazy.

[GoMuskies]

Doesn't appear to be our day. Crazy. I missed the first half, so I assume there's good reason for Mack to be pissed at Macura and have him bolted to the bench.

[mistabeecee41]

Goodin....

Q and JP are having a "who can have the worst game of the season" contest it seems

[X Factor]

Doesn't appear to be our day. Crazy. I missed the first half, so I assume there's good reason for Mack to be pissed at Macura and have him bolted to the bench.

Not allowed to say it doesn't appear to be our day when you're playing at home against ETSU. That's a bullcrap excuse.

[GoMuskies]

Steve Forbes is a Gregg Marshall guy. I didn't realize he was at ETSU.

[GuyFawkes38]

I’ve always thought that if your going to lose, lose big. So we have that going for us.

[GoMuskies]

Naji is growing up today.

[GuyFawkes38]

Damn, we better not lose this closely.

[GoMuskies]

Trevon is killing us.

[X Factor]

Trevon is killing us.

That was a terrible shot. Could've gotten a way better look.

[GoMuskies]

We might just manage to win this damn game.

[paulxu]

If we had gotten that one rebound could have cut it to 5.
Come on Muskies. Don't give up.

[X Factor]

Nice finish Q

[BMoreX]

That jump ball and the subsequent 3 was a killer.

[GoMuskies]

Trevon JUST missed on that 3.

[jhelmes37]

Trevon JUST missed on that 3.

Lol

[HenryMuto]

Tie game!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GoMuskies]

Unreal

[HenryMuto]

Would have rather had that shot at the buzzer to win it but will take it and hope the D does not allow a 3.

[GoMuskies]

They're going to shoot a three here. My heart will stop while it's in the air.

[X Factor]

I'm having a heart attack!

[HenryMuto]

They're going to shoot a three here. My heart will stop while it's in the air.

Get in their face do not allow any open 3's your 100% right they are going to shoot a 3 no doubt about it.

[jhelmes37]

Get in their face do not allow any open 3's your 100% right they are going to shoot a 3 no doubt about it.

Yup. They’re dead in overtime. Go for the win.

Hold your breath folks.

[HenryMuto]

Force them to throw it in the backcourt and run some clock and foul again.

[HenryMuto]

Great exactly what I wanted to see throw in backcourt run clock then foul.

[HenryMuto]

Great job got the clock down to 1.3 seconds now they need a miracle.

NO MIRACLE!!!!!!!

What a win!

[Jesuit4Life]

Never a doubt!

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

Great coaching by Mack there.

[jhelmes37]

Great coaching by Mack there.

Agreed. Excellent strategy. Each foul took a second off the clock. Brilliant.

[GuyFawkes38]

Never in doubt! It’s so awesome to win closely!

[GoMuskies]

So...does this mean Naji is in the starting lineup and JP is out?

[paulxu]

I'm undefeated !

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41YbQWNFa5L._SY463_.jpg

[AviatorX]

So...does this mean Naji is in the starting lineup and JP is out?

I think JP was banged up no? He was sitting at the end of the bench with the trainer.

[X Factor]

I'm at a loss for words. I'll take a W any day over a L.

That was huge! Wake up call. Loved Naji at the top of that 1-3-1. Kanter with huge 3!!

[BMoreX]

This team will kill me eventually.

[Lloyd Braun]

I missed the game what happened? Looks like a nail biter.

[Jesuit4Life]

Tre game winner - https://twitter.com/XavierGameday/status/942134615006838784
Cintas reaction - https://twitter.com/XavierGameday/status/942135580921663489

38 straight non-conference home wins

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[xu82]

So, what’s everyone been up to? See any good games lately?

[GoMuskies]

I think JP was banged up no? He was sitting at the end of the bench with the trainer.

That would explain things. Hope it's not serious.

Naji is a stud, though.

[whopper]

this is a great learning lesson. I really think X was reading their own press clippings There are too many bloggers, analysts, etc. Everybody has to chip in and hustle, JP has had good games with 2 points but this was not one, Q hit a big shot but I can remember him getting fouled more. This was a MUCH better opponent that were given credit for. X has always been the best team with no guaranteed NBA prospects(I can hardly remember Sumner playing at times) so there has to be no off days, if not in the box score then on the floor. I assume Scruggs was hurt from the end of the Colorado game. Underrated good game by O'Mara too.

[letskeepitreal]

That was an incredible game! The sky’s the limit now. No whining, no folding. They just dug in, got defensive stops and got the job done. Incredible.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Wow... just win, baby!

When I turned the game on we were down 55-41.

[X Factor]

Down 22 with 15 minutes left.

[AviatorX]

this is a great learning lesson. I really think X was reading their own press clippings There are too many bloggers, analysts, etc. Everybody has to chip in and hustle, JP has had good games with 2 points but this was not one, Q hit a big shot but I can remember him getting fouled more. This was a MUCH better opponent that were given credit for. X has always been the best team with no guaranteed NBA prospects(I can hardly remember Sumner playing at times) so there has to be no off days, if not in the box score then on the floor. I assume Scruggs was hurt from the end of the Colorado game. Underrated good game by O'Mara too.

Orrrrrrr X just shot exceptionally horrible for the first 30 mins of this game.

[xu82]

That would explain things. Hope it's not serious.

Naji is a stud, though.

Yes and Yes. There were calls in Live Chat to replace Q with JP, but JP was at the end of the bench and never came back. Then, of course, Q became everyone’s favorite player. Great win.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

It was masterful how Mack killed the final seconds with fouls, since we had a few to give. WOW! What a win/steal. I feel bad for ETS, but the good guys win.
We cannot afford to lose to ETS, esp. at home. Thank you Tre for that last field goal. This game should be a good wake up call. Thank you Lord for the gift.

[X Factor]

Orrrrrrr X just shot exceptionally horrible for the first 30 mins of this game.

They shot horribly for 40 minutes, but hit some big shots. Still no excuse to get down 20+ points to ETSU. I think Mack would agree. Amazing comeback though and X showed a ton of heart to come back from 20 down and get the win.

[AviatorX]

They shot horribly for 40 minutes, but hit some big shots. Still no excuse to get down 20+ points to ETSU. I think Mack would agree. Amazing comeback though and X showed a ton of heart to come back from 20 down and get the win.

Agree with you 100%. I just dont think it was X "reading their own press clippings."

[throwbackmuskie]

ETSU was 27-8 last year, won the SoCon, they are a solid team and program. Great comeback win.

[XUGRAD80]

X was certainly missing outside shots they normally make, and the 7 footer in the middle for ETSU was stopping their inside game.....but I’m sure Mack will tell you that giving up 39 points at half was what he was most concerned about. The 1-3-1 really shut ETSU down over the last 10 minutes, and the shots started falling for X.

Marshall is going to be a Star.

GREAT comeback! They could have used the finals week, lack of practice, and just having an off day as excuses and just given up. They showed a lot of heart and desire by not doing that.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Xavier’s rise in win probability looks like Bitcoin’s price chart...

2% win probability with 11:56 left
3% with 7:12 left
6% with 4:37 left
17% with 3:22 left
26% with 1:54 left
38% with 1:04 left
55% with 0:55 left
62% with 0:24 left
90% with 0:09 left
100% with 0:00 left

[ArizonaXUGrad]

That 7 footer for ETSU is 24. Good lord we made him look good but he is old


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[xuinmd]

Was Scruggs not in uniform?

[X-band '01]

Xavier’s rise in win probability looks like Bitcoin’s price chart...

2% win probability with 11:56 left
3% with 7:12 left
6% with 4:37 left
17% with 3:22 left
26% with 1:54 left
38% with 1:04 left
55% with 0:55 left
62% with 0:24 left
90% with 0:09 left
100% with 0:00 left

Can't wait to see the KenPom chart for this game.

[AviatorX]

That 7 footer for ETSU is 24. Good lord we made him look good but he is old


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Jurkin was a part of "The Movement" at IU that was supposed to spark Crean and the Hoosiers right back into championship contention. Other than Yogi Ferell, it worked out pretttttty poorly.

[XUBison]

Wow, what a win. Great teams don’t lose this game, but great teams do win this game. Although, it does make me wonder if it was Xavier Team night at Dana’s last night.

[Grizzx12]

That was emotionally draining and I only caught the last 9 or so minutes after following the score on my way home. After a few awful possessions I poured some Jim Beam and started to write this one off as a fluke and then all hell broke loose!! Still not sure how they pulled this one out by as far as I'm concerned, moving forward Ill pour whiskey as the opening tip

[xu82]

Wow, what a win. Great teams don’t lose this game, but great teams do win this game. Although, it does make me wonder if it was Xavier Team night at Dana’s last night.

Isn’t it often like that after exam week and with most students gone? But it would be Dana’s night for me tonight!

[xu82]

That was emotionally draining and I only caught the last 9 or so minutes after following the score on my way home. After a few awful possessions I poured some Jim Beam and started to write this one off as a fluke and then all hell broke loose!! Still not sure how they pulled this one out by as far as I'm concerned, moving forward Ill pour whiskey as the opening tip

Watch from the beginning and you’ll learn something about emotionally draining! Yikes!

[xudash]

Xavier’s rise in win probability looks like Bitcoin’s price chart...

2% win probability with 11:56 left
3% with 7:12 left
6% with 4:37 left
17% with 3:22 left
26% with 1:54 left
38% with 1:04 left
55% with 0:55 left
62% with 0:24 left
90% with 0:09 left
100% with 0:00 left

This is fascinating.

Thank God I couldn't watch it. Was stunned when I saw the score for the first time in the second half. Pleased beyond belief when I looked up and saw the final.

[bjf123]

Was Scruggs not in uniform?

He was not. In the post game presser, Mack said both were suspended for violating a team rule. He didn’t elaborate or take questions about it. He also said he didn’t have an update on JP’s or Kaiser’s injuries.


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[Grizzx12]

Watch from the beginning and you’ll learn something about emotionally draining! Yikes!

Not a chance, I'm not strong enough. Adopted a rescue husky today with "behavioral problems" so I got to watch the score drift farther away at the end of a three hour ride with a screaming husky in the back who kept throwing up and eating it. Then the first thing I saw after walking in were two really bad possessions before the comeback kicked in. So I'm sticking with what I saw and will wait for Marshall!!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

If I was a ETSU fan, I’ll be totally pissed. It was almost $ in the bank.

[xu82]

Not a chance, I'm not strong enough. Adopted a rescue husky today with "behavioral problems" so I got to watch the score drift farther away at the end of a three hour ride with a screaming husky in the back who kept throwing up and eating it. Then the first thing I saw after walking in were two really bad possessions before the comeback kicked in. So I'm sticking with what I saw and will wait for Marshall!!

Good luck with the dog! Gotta love a self cleaning animal!

[XUBison]

If I was a ETSU fan, I’ll be totally pissed. It was almost $ in the bank.

Totally crushed. Teams like that don’t get many chances for marquee road wins. Could argue it would have been regarded as historic from their program’s perspective. Almost feel bad for them, because they deserved to win.

[mid major]

If I was a ETSU fan, I’ll be totally pissed. It was almost $ in the bank.

Don't park the bus. You're up 22 points on the road against the 10th ranked team. Don't take the air out of the ball and don't take your foot off their necks. I never understood that. Dayton was really good at doing that. Keep doing what got you there. But I'll take it.

[xukeith]

That 7 footer for ETSU is 24. Good lord we made him look good but he is old


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Our Jalen Reynolds came close at 23. Great win Northern Iowa is knocking on our door in rpi and kenpom ratings. Watch out for the @Northern Iowa game.

[xukeith]

JP was out because of concussion protocal.

[bjf123]

JP was out because of concussion protocal.

JP or Kaiser? I thought JP got hit in the eye. Kaiser clearly had his bell rung. He was a little wobbly when he finally stood up after banging heads with a teammate.


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[Juice]

Our Jalen Reynolds came close at 23. Great win Northern Iowa is knocking on our door in rpi and kenpom ratings. Watch out for the @Northern Iowa game.

http://www.gobearcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7105

Eliel Nsoseme is a 20 year old freshman.

[xu82]

I just re-watched the last 15 minutes. It was a lot more fun when I was sure I wouldn’t throw up.

[paulxu]

If I was a ETSU fan, I’ll be totally pissed. It was almost $ in the bank.

If you were an ETSU fan, you should be totally ecstatic at this point.

(assuming you called Nigel's friend and took your team and the 20 pts. Not "almost" $ in the bank; but real bitcoins)

[stophorseabuse]

Hi board, I had technical difficulties and haven’t posted in years, yet also haven’t missed seeing but a handful of games in years. I’m really excited I was finally able to sign in!

I actually didn’t think X played poorly. I thought they shot it really poorly, but at no point did I see lack of effort, enthusiasm, or belief.

What I saw was an ETSU team that looks pretty damn solid. They were big, disciplined, athletic, confident, rebounded , defended tremendously, and were hit as hell on top of it. We were as cold as they were hot.

I’m very encouraged from this game. Mack coached a gem, and the boys believed in his plan and showed great patience and execution late in the game. I see shades of Posey in Naji. I think he is our next long tenured pro. That win is going to do wonders for the team.

On a side note I am going to be in Ohio next week. I haven’t been in Cintas for a game in 13 years. My son has never been to a game and his name is Lionel Romain David. I would like to purchase some good seats for this one. If anyone is going to be out of town and wants to sell their tickets let me know. I need at least 2 preferably 3. Thank you.

[X Factor]

Hi board, I had technical difficulties and haven’t posted in years, yet also haven’t missed seeing but a handful of games in years. I’m really excited I was finally able to sign in!

I actually didn’t think X played poorly. I thought they shot it really poorly, but at no point did I see lack of effort, enthusiasm, or belief.

What I saw was an ETSU team that looks pretty damn solid. They were big, disciplined, athletic, confident, rebounded , defended tremendously, and were hit as hell on top of it. We were as cold as they were hot.

I’m very encouraged from this game. Mack coached a gem, and the boys believed in his plan and showed great patience and execution late in the game. I see shades of Posey in Naji. I think he is our next long tenured pro. That win is going to do wonders for the team.

On a side note I am going to be in Ohio next week. I haven’t been in Cintas for a game in 13 years. My son has never been to a game and his name is Lionel Romain David. I would like to purchase some good seats for this one. If anyone is going to be out of town and wants to sell their tickets let me know. I need at least 2 preferably 3. Thank you.

Glad you're back! ETSU is not very good though. They beat Fordham by 5 points. They lost to Troy (RPI 275). Yeah, X shot it really, really bad today, but we couldn't stop them in man to man defense. That's a concern.

Great comeback and a win Xavier had to have if they want a Top 4 seed in the NCAA tournament.

[American X]

Still not sure how they pulled this one out by as far as I'm concerned, moving forward Ill pour whiskey as the opening tip

XavierHoops Approved



a three hour ride with a screaming husky in the back who kept throwing up and eating it

Pretty much describes how Xavier played most of the game.



Hi board, I had technical difficulties and haven’t posted in years, yet also haven’t missed seeing but a handful of games in years. I’m really excited I was finally able to sign in!


Welcome back! With stophorseabuse on our side, how could we be stopped?

[X-band '01]

With SHA back in the fold, hotel doors have no shot of survival.

[xu82]

Hi board, I had technical difficulties and haven’t posted in years, yet also haven’t missed seeing but a handful of games in years. I’m really excited I was finally able to sign in!

I actually didn’t think X played poorly. I thought they shot it really poorly, but at no point did I see lack of effort, enthusiasm, or belief.

What I saw was an ETSU team that looks pretty damn solid. They were big, disciplined, athletic, confident, rebounded , defended tremendously, and were hit as hell on top of it. We were as cold as they were hot.

I’m very encouraged from this game. Mack coached a gem, and the boys believed in his plan and showed great patience and execution late in the game. I see shades of Posey in Naji. I think he is our next long tenured pro. That win is going to do wonders for the team.

On a side note I am going to be in Ohio next week. I haven’t been in Cintas for a game in 13 years. My son has never been to a game and his name is Lionel Romain David. I would like to purchase some good seats for this one. If anyone is going to be out of town and wants to sell their tickets let me know. I need at least 2 preferably 3. Thank you.

Well, that made me want to buy 3 tix so I could sell them too you! (I’m lazy and usually just go thru StubHub.)

I think lost in all of this is we were missing the backup PG, then JP (3rd option), then lost a top shooter in Gates....and they STILL found a way to finish the comeback. So many times a team fights back to get close, then runs out of gas or emotional fortitude. The early shooting was horrific, and a lot of things could have been better, but they FINISHED. Thank you Tre and all those who made those clutch plays to make that comeback happen.

OH, and welcome back!

(Maybe get a technical advisor?)

[stophorseabuse]

[QUOTE=X Factor;603787]Glad you're back! ETSU is not very good though. They beat Fordham by 5 points. They lost to Troy (RPI 275). Yeah, X shot it really, really bad today, but we couldn't stop them in man to man defense. That's a concern.

Great comeback and a win Xavier had to have if they want a Top 4 seed in the NCA

I’m giving that team the eye test. Results be damned, looked like a pretty solid team. 9 games in records can be deceiving. I expect that team to be in the tournament or close to it in their conference.

It’s nice to be back on the forum.

[xu82]

Welcome back!!

Conference time will be a serious test. There will be more ups and downs, but I Love this team!

[Muskeagle]

Man, the starters had an off day! Stating the obvious, but it's a good thing the bench is loaded. Playing somewhat shorthanded here are the numbers for the starters:

13 for 49 (27%), 5 for 22 from 3 (23%) and 5 for 7 from the line (71%)--36 total points.

The three players off bench (Kanter, O'Mara, Marshall):

12 for 17 (71%), 3 for 4 from 3 (75%) and 5 for 5 from the line (100%)--32 total points.

Good thing this team is deep. We've been talking about it, but they REALLY showed it yesterday!

[drudy23]

I haven't read the whole thread, but I hope there is strong love for O'Mara. He saved the game multiple times with timely blocks and rebounds. We lose that game without him and Naji.

I'm glad we played zone in the second half, but damn, what took so long? It was obvious we were in trouble early because we couldn't guard their quickness and playmaking ability. These are the type of matchups that will destroy a great season early in the tournament. Swallow your pride and zone up earlier against these type of teams.

St Johns will be like this too.

[bleedXblue]

[QUOTE=drudy23;603813]I haven't read the whole thread, but I hope there is strong love for O'Mara. He saved the game multiple times with timely blocks and rebounds. We lose that game without him and Naji.

I'm glad we played zone in the second half, but damn, what took so long? It was obvious we were in trouble early because we couldn't guard their quickness and playmaking ability. These are the type of matchups that will destroy a great season early in the tournament. Swallow your pride and zone up earlier against these type of teams.

St Johns will be like this too.[/QUOTE

I said it many times yesterday, reminded me of ASU game.....

[bjf123]

O’Mara was huge yesterday. Great game for the senior. Mack did say in the post game radio bit with Joe and Byron that we’re going to struggle all year against small, quick guards.


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[Section 200]

Credit to Mack for scheduling this game - if this type of team that gives us fits, its better to figure out the plan in December instead of losing in the second round in March.

[Muskie]

Between the guard play and Peter Jurkin being allowed to roam the paint, it wasn't surprising that Xavier had a tough time yesterday. I've not read through the entire thread, but Jurkin was once a prized "project" recruit of Tom Crean at Indiana. I was very surprised at how much Jurkin and Jones were allowed to push and pull on each other.

X looked somewhat better in the second half. But it was still a tough test.

[whopper]

the refs were a little lazy(I DVRd game and it was much shorter than 2 hrs..normally I have to extend it) and did not call anything. It helped us as we had THREE fouls to give at the end which I have never seen in a close game. J.P. is a slasher and opportunity scorer but he needs to find a way to punish smaller guards who give him fits. His shooting form/motion does not seem to allow him to back in to a spot and rise ala Walt Frazier. Just my 2 cents.

[mid major]

[QUOTE=drudy23;603813]I haven't read the whole thread, but I hope there is strong love for O'Mara. He saved the game multiple times with timely blocks and rebounds. We lose that game without him and Naji.

I'm glad we played zone in the second half, but damn, what took so long? It was obvious we were in trouble early because we couldn't guard their quickness and playmaking ability. These are the type of matchups that will destroy a great season early in the tournament. Swallow your pride and zone up earlier against these type of teams.

St Johns will be like this too.[/QUOTE

I said it many times yesterday, reminded me of ASU game.....

And the result would've been the same as the ASU game had ETSU kept the foot on the pedal and not tried take the air out of ball with 11 minutes left.

[Muskeagle]

[QUOTE=bleedXblue;603814]

And the result would've been the same as the ASU game had ETSU kept the foot on the pedal and not tried take the air out of ball with 11 minutes left.

I think the 1-3-1 affected their pace. The two smaller guards were having difficulty finding their way around Naji and getting into the lane. Not saying they didn't intend to slow up some, but they clearly had trouble finding answers to that zone.

[Juice]

[QUOTE=mid major;603824]

I think the 1-3-1 affected their pace. The two smaller guards were having difficulty finding their way around Naji and getting into the lane. Not saying they didn't intend to slow up some, but they clearly had trouble finding answers to that zone.

It also helped when Bradford picked up his 4th foul with 14:47 left in the second half.

[xu82]

[QUOTE=Muskeagle;603827]

It also helped when Bradford picked up his 4th foul with 14:47 left in the second half.

That sure helped! It’s nice when you can lose your backup PG, and then #3 in JP and still be deep enough to survive. Good teams have a few good players - great teams have guys who can come in and do enough you STILL win the game.

[Muskeagle]

Yup...good point.

[XUFan09]

I'm glad we played zone in the second half, but damn, what took so long? It was obvious we were in trouble early because we couldn't guard their quickness and playmaking ability. These are the type of matchups that will destroy a great season early in the tournament. Swallow your pride and zone up earlier against these type of teams.

St Johns will be like this too.

I'm not sure if it's necessarily pride. Think long term. The fact is that Xavier needs to be able to play effective man-to-man defense against teams who are like this but who also can break the 1-3-1. Developing that defense involves growing pains, and I think Mack was trying to get his guys some experience under pressure. Ultimately, it's unfortunate that they needed the 1-3-1 to cut into the deficit against a team outside the top 100.

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[JTG]

I'm not sure if it's necessarily pride. Think long term. The fact is that Xavier needs to be able to play effective man-to-man defense against teams who are like this but who also can break the 1-3-1. Developing that defense involves growing pains, and I think Mack was trying to get his guys some experience under pressure. Ultimately, it's unfortunate that they needed the 1-3-1 to cut into the deficit against a team outside the top 100.

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This is the kind of game that can derail a tournament run in the first weekend. Better to have that happen in December and deal with it successfully, than become an upset highlight for One Shining Moment.

[Section 200]

I'm not sure if it's necessarily pride. Think long term. The fact is that Xavier needs to be able to play effective man-to-man defense against teams who are like this but who also can break the 1-3-1. Developing that defense involves growing pains, and I think Mack was trying to get his guys some experience under pressure. Ultimately, it's unfortunate that they needed the 1-3-1 to cut into the deficit against a team outside the top 100.

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Agree - plus Mack probably doesn't a bunch of zone on tape for other coaches to study.

[waggy]

Bunch of teams are using the 1-3-1 now. I think Iona was playing it some today against St. John's.

[xuwin]

Bunch of teams are using the 1-3-1 now. I think Iona was playing it some today against St. John's.

East Tennessee State acted like they had never seen it before. As far as Xavier is concerned it was the first time this year that it was really effective.

[Masterofreality]

I just watched the second half again. Naji was incredible- for ANY player, much less a freshman. How huge was Karem? Fresh off the bench- nails 3 then rebounds the miss to set up Tre. CMack’s coaching the last 10 was the best I’ve ever seen. Amazing in all respects.

And Marshall maybe the most impressive Freshman OUT OF THE BOX that I’ve seen at X since BLark

[Lloyd Braun]

Has anyone had a chance to watch ETSU since December? (Their last loss) They are destroying the Southern Conference. They will be battle tested assuming they don’t have a hiccup in the SoCon tournament and would be a tough out in the dance.

[Mrs. Garrett]

Has anyone had a chance to watch ETSU since December? (Their last loss) They are destroying the Southern Conference. They will be battle tested assuming they don’t have a hiccup in the SoCon tournament and would be a tough out in the dance.

Steve Forbes should be getting a big pay raise at a big school after the season. IMO.

[GetUp5]

Games like this on the schedule are why Xavier continually wins the RPI game. Mack and co. have been so savvy about who they schedule it's incredible.

[GoMuskies]

Steve Forbes should be getting a big pay raise at a big school after the season. IMO.

With what Wichita State is losing, this could be the now or never year for Gregg Marshall to leave. If that happens, it will be Forbes's job if he wants it.