Big East Tournament

[letskeepitreal]

It seems that as a number one seed, our potential first game is tougher than Novas? Thoughts on this?

[HenryMuto]

You think Saint John's and G'Town are tougher then beating Marquette ?

[letskeepitreal]

Yeah I do think the combination of St John’s/Georgetown is tougher than Marquette/DePaul. Johhnnies beat Duke and Nova so they are dangerous and Georgetown took us to overtime. Howard and Rousey are also a tough backcourt combo however. I guess to be the best, you gotta take all comers so game on!

[Juice]

Here are the odds of reaching each round for each team in the BE tourney according to KenPom:

https://twitter.com/kenpomeroy/status/970143210587660288

[Irishjohn68]

I'd rather play Georgetown then Marquette!

[OTRMUSKIE]

Shouldn’t they set this up as 10 vs 9 and 8 vs 7 and have X play the winner of 10 vs 9? So Nova could end up playing a 10seed after coming in second and X could play a 8 after coming in first? Seems backwards.

[X-ceptional]

Shouldn’t they set this up as 10 vs 9 and 8 vs 7 and have X play the winner of 10 vs 9? So Nova could end up playing a 10seed after coming in second and X could play a 8 after coming in first? Seems backwards.

I agree in theory, but seeding isn't only about protecting number 1. The 7th place team is "rewarded" with a game against number 10 for the first round. If it were 7 vs. 8 and 9 vs. 10, you're sort of punishing 7 compared to 9 (ignoring matchups, etc.), even though 7 had the better regular season.

I suppose they could consider reseeding after each round, especially since it's a small tournament played in one location. Either way, just win!

[muskiefan82]

Just let Xavier pick which of the two teams it wants to play once the games are over.

[UCGRAD4X]

Just let Xavier pick which of the two teams it wants to play once the games are over.


I like this idea.

We could just say, "We want to play the loser of the next game."

Problem solved!

[OTRMUSKIE]

That’s a great idea!!!

[Three Point Pete]

Here are the odds of reaching each round for each team in the BE tourney according to KenPom:

https://twitter.com/kenpomeroy/status/970143210587660288It would not surprise me to see St. John's in finals. They finally got it figured out. And they are the type of team for a tourney run. Very atheletic and scrappy.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[JEHARDI]

Playing the Johnnies on their homecourt in front of a NY crowd would be a pretty tough opening game.

[GIMMFD]

Playing the Johnnies on their homecourt in front of a NY crowd would be a pretty tough opening game.

Yes but it's the type of games you have to win in order to be elite. I have full faith in our program, and think we can get it done. It's not the best of match-ups, but we signed up for this when we joined the conference. It's no cake walk to the finals, but I wouldn't want it any other way. It's March boys, it's peak Xavier basketball season now.

[whopper]

From now on you don't have any idea who you will play except in the first game of the NCAA tournament. That I believe benefited us last year as we may have been "underscouted" if there is such a thing. Good luck and prayers to the X men from Conn. We will be visiting our daughters for Easter which coincidently is Final 4 weekend. Dare I hope?

[xu95]

We are protected as much as we can be. The St. Johns game will get over at approximately 9PM and they have to play another game at Noon the next day. Not much time to rest.

The first to second day turnaround helps the one seed a lot more than the two seed since that team almost gets a full day.

St. Johns has six or seven players and players six and seven are not good. No chance they win two games in less than 15 hours (assuming they win the first one)

xu95

[muethibp]

We are protected as much as we can be. The St. Johns game will get over at approximately 9PM and they have to play another game at Noon the next day. Not much time to rest.

The first to second day turnaround helps the one seed a lot more than the two seed since that team almost gets a full day.

St. Johns has six or seven players and players six and seven are not good. No chance they win two games in less than 15 hours (assuming they win the first one)

xu95

Yes re the advantage of being the 1 seed w/r/t turnaround time. Also a big help from Thursday>Friday. The 1 seed, if it wins, gets about seven more hours of rest, which might not sound like much, but it's something like 30% more rest.

[muethibp]

Here are the odds of reaching each round for each team in the BE tourney according to KenPom:

https://twitter.com/kenpomeroy/status/970143210587660288

Computer thinks more of SJU than of Marquette.

[Xuperman]

Regardless of who we play Thursday, it will be far more difficult than our first round game in the NCAA tourney. In fact, I see the Thursday game as a sneek peek into next years Big East. BOTH GU AND SJU will contend for the reg season championship IF their rosters remain intact. Love to see Ponds, Derrickson and Govan stay.

[Emp]

NOAA now predicts 4-10 inches of snow Wednesday and Wednesday night. Stay tuned.

[xu95]

Regardless of who we play Thursday, it will be far more difficult than our first round game in the NCAA tourney. In fact, I see the Thursday game as a sneek peek into next years Big East. BOTH GU AND SJU will contend for the reg season championship IF their rosters remain intact. Love to see Ponds, Derrickson and Govan stay.

Maybe G-Town because Ewing seems to know how to coach, but not St. Johns. They win in spite of their coach.

xu95

[Muskie]

NOAA now predicts 4-10 inches of snow Wednesday and Wednesday night. Stay tuned.

Hoping my 9 am arrival beats the snow.

[UCGRAD4X]

Maybe G-Town because Ewing seems to know how to coach, but not St. Johns. They win in spite of their coach.

xu95

Definitely no love lost for Mullin on this board. I assume much of comes from how poorly they have done in the past. If that changes and they continue to make the huge improvement they have made of late (with a few exceptions - and that happens in the BE) I wonder if that perception will change.

In any case, he must be a good recruiter, hire great assistants (who will probably not stick around long), good practice coach/game planner or one helluva fundraiser (which, I suspect is the real reason he is there).

If he keeps his players, will they not continue to win and improve despite him?

[Muskie]

Definitely no love lost for Mullin on this board. I assume much of comes from how poorly they have done in the past. If that changes and they continue to make the huge improvement they have made of late (with a few exceptions - and that happens in the BE) I wonder if that perception will change.

In any case, he must be a good recruiter, hire great assistants (who will probably not stick around long), good practice coach/game planner or one helluva fundraiser (which, I suspect is the real reason he is there).

If he keeps his players, will they not continue to win and improve despite him?

I think many have the impression that St. John's has improved in spite of Mullin's coaching. I have no idea what his recruiting looks like after Ponds, Lovett, and Co., leave.

[xu95]

Definitely no love lost for Mullin on this board. I assume much of comes from how poorly they have done in the past. If that changes and they continue to make the huge improvement they have made of late (with a few exceptions - and that happens in the BE) I wonder if that perception will change.

In any case, he must be a good recruiter, hire great assistants (who will probably not stick around long), good practice coach/game planner or one helluva fundraiser (which, I suspect is the real reason he is there).

If he keeps his players, will they not continue to win and improve despite him?

They will definitely continue to win despite him, but they won't be near the top of the Big East. You can only get so far with talent. I was responding to the post that St. Johns would be contending for the Big East title next year. I can't see that happening with Mullins at the helm.

xu95

[Xuperman]

I was responding to the post that St. Johns would be contending for the Big East title next year. I can't see that happening with Mullins at the helm.

I am predicting IF PONDS RETURNS they will be pre season BE 1 or 2, depending on Nova and where Brunson, Bridges, Spellman play next year. Ponds, Lovett, Simon, Clark, Owens can win 10 BE games with me coaching.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Regardless of who we play Thursday, it will be far more difficult than our first round game in the NCAA tourney. In fact, I see the Thursday game as a sneek peek into next years Big East. BOTH GU AND SJU will contend for the reg season championship IF their rosters remain intact. Love to see Ponds, Derrickson and Govan stay.

Of course it will be more difficult we are going to be playing a 16 seed (most likely) 15 at worst in the first round.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Definitely no love lost for Mullin on this board. I assume much of comes from how poorly they have done in the past. If that changes and they continue to make the huge improvement they have made of late (with a few exceptions - and that happens in the BE) I wonder if that perception will change.

In any case, he must be a good recruiter, hire great assistants (who will probably not stick around long), good practice coach/game planner or one helluva fundraiser (which, I suspect is the real reason he is there).

If he keeps his players, will they not continue to win and improve despite him?

I think its a bad look for him when every time in the huddle an assistant coach is drawing up the plays and talking to the players as Mullin looks on with a bewildered look. I am sure that doesnt help the perception of him being a bad coach.

[American X]

Can Marquette 2018 pull a Xavier 2017? Enter the Big East Tournament as the #7 seed at 9-9 and on the wrong side of the bubble, beat #10 seed DePaul Wednesday night, then beat the #2 seed Thursday night to secure a bid?

[SemajParlor]

Snow supposed to be bad all day Wednesday.

Also look at this Friday night potential doubleheader:

Xaver- Providence
Villanova- Seton Hall.

The Garden is going to be electric, especially with those teams.

[Xuperman]

Don't you mean can Rowsey , Hauser, and Howard combine for 60+ each game? Worst defense in the BE and ZERO inside game.

[xu95]

I am predicting IF PONDS RETURNS they will be pre season BE 1 or 2, depending on Nova and where Brunson, Bridges, Spellman play next year. Ponds, Lovett, Simon, Clark, Owens can win 10 BE games with me coaching.

And I'm still disagreeing with you. As long as Mullin is the coach they will never be projected to be at the top of the league. Talent only takes you so far. His coaching or lack of coaching will always hold them back.

xu95

[EastCoastXman]

http://nyp.st/2Fuy1VT

Nice article in today's NY Post on JP. For Big East Tournament coverage, the Post is probably the best sports paper here in NYC.

Go Muskies! We will be in MSG all week. Just a short train ride away each day.

[UCGRAD4X]

Nice comments from Jay Wright - even though he is the devil incarnate - which makes it even more impressive.

Although, come to think of it, wouldn't ol' Beelzebub wan't a 'bad boy' on his team?

[American X]

Nice article. Keep them coming.

Again, no one has ever called Myles Fox Morrissey the nickname 'Dennis the Menace'.

[xukeith]

http://nyp.st/2Fuy1VT

Nice article in today's NY Post on JP. For Big East Tournament coverage, the Post is probably the best sports paper here in NYC.

Go Muskies! We will be in MSG all week. Just a short train ride away each day.

I didn't know X already played in 2018's NCAA tourney.

[drudy23]

Sounds like NYC could get a foot of snow. Assuming the teams are already there and it won't impact scheduling since all are short distances from the arena?

[muethibp]

Nice comments from Jay Wright - even though he is the devil incarnate - which makes it even more impressive.

Although, come to think of it, wouldn't ol' Beelzebub wan't a 'bad boy' on his team?

What's your issue with Jay Wright? He's a great coach and seems like a very good guy.


http://nyp.st/2Fuy1VT

Nice article in today's NY Post on JP. For Big East Tournament coverage, the Post is probably the best sports paper here in NYC.

Go Muskies! We will be in MSG all week. Just a short train ride away each day.

Cool article. Thanks for posting.

[XUBison]

Nice article. Keep them coming.

Again, no one has ever called Myles Fox Morrissey the nickname 'Dennis the Menace'.

I’m pretty sure Tim Brando did once during a game earlier this season.

[Emp]

MSG first night report:

On the top level at the north end of MSG there is a spacious bar area that looks down on the full court. Plenty of room to stand and see the game, high boy seats available if not sold. Nicer than The Woods setup at Cintas.

It was windy and raw today, but the 10" of snow turned into mainly rain and slush. No more precipitation in the forecast.

DePaul is horrible. St John's will be as loose as a gaggle of geese tomorrow, nothing to lose. Pound it inside. Over and over.

[SemajParlor]

Man I thought that last shot from Strus was in.

[mid major]

Man I thought that last shot from Strus was in.

So did I. He was so wide open I don't think he believed it himself. Clank...game over.

[Sonoran Desert Muskie]

So did I. He was so wide open I don't think he believed it himself. Clank...game over.

He was wide open, but he should have passed the ball to the guy who Rowsey was guarding for an uncontested layup.

[xavierj]

And I'm still disagreeing with you. As long as Mullin is the coach they will never be projected to be at the top of the league. Talent only takes you so far. His coaching or lack of coaching will always hold them back.

xu95

Everyone keeps saying Mullin can’t coach and that he has a ton of talent. His best player is a sophomore, he has no one projected to get drafted by an NBA team and he has like 7 guys on Scholarship. Maybe he beats Duke, Villanova, and Butler (without his best player) and gives Xavier fits with smoke and mirrors.

[Xuperman]

As long as Mullin is the coach they will never be projected to be at the top of the league. Talent only takes you so far. His coaching or lack of coaching will always hold them back.

Yeah, this is CRAZY talk. We should all hope that, after today, it is a discussion we pick up in the fall.

[GoMuskies]

I think for the first time since the new league started, both St. John's and Georgetown are actually on the right track. And that's good for the league.

[Masterofreality]

MSG first night report:

On the top level at the north end of MSG there is a spacious bar area that looks down on the full court. Plenty of room to stand and see the game, high boy seats available if not sold. Nicer than The Woods setup at Cintas.

It was windy and raw today, but the 10" of snow turned into mainly rain and slush. No more precipitation in the forecast.

DePaul is horrible. St John's will be as loose as a gaggle of geese tomorrow, nothing to lose. Pound it inside. Over and over.

And 16,688 in the House. That’s legit and that’s over 3,500 more than the “announced” crowd for the B1G Tourney first round, which was a joke. There were ZERO people in the upper level for that session. This on a miserable weather night in New York.

The league is just fine.2259

[Xville]

I am predicting IF PONDS RETURNS they will be pre season BE 1 or 2, depending on Nova and where Brunson, Bridges, Spellman play next year. Ponds, Lovett, Simon, Clark, Owens can win 10 BE games with me coaching.

no they won't and I'm sorry that's crazy talk. For one, Lovett is already gone, and 2 even if they did return all those players, they still wouldn't be in the top two.

I do like the improvement that they have shown over the past three years though and hope that they continue to build. It would be good for the conference as a whole if St. Johns is good.

[Xuperman]

Ok, didn't know Lovett is not returning and of course Ponds may enter the draft., so yeah that changes the conversation entirely. Heres to hoping X eliminates them today in quick fashion so there will be no need for any further discussion on the matter.

[XU 87]

[QUOTE=D-West & PO-Z;615127]I think its a bad look for him when every time in the huddle an assistant coach is drawing up the plays and talking to the players as Mullin looks on with a bewildered look. I am sure that doesnt help the perception of him being a bad coach.[/QUOT

From what I saw yesterday, it looks like Mullin is more involved in the timeouts. But I do recall in years' past where he didn't appear to be even participating in time outs. Sometimes he would walk around the outside of the huddle while his asst. talked to the team.

But one thing we have learned, SJU does have the talent to beat good teams.

[SemajParlor]

And 16,688 in the House. That’s legit and that’s over 3,500 more than the “announced” crowd for the B1G Tourney first round, which was a joke. There were ZERO people in the upper level for that session. This on a miserable weather night in New York.

The league is just fine.2259

If the semis plays out to be Xavier (or SJ tbh) vs Providence and Villanova vs Seton Hall back to back on Friday Night, I'd imagine that it'll be the loudest that stadium has been for a CBB basketball night in a long time.

[GoMuskies]

If the semis plays out to be Xavier (or SJ tbh) vs Providence and Villanova vs Seton Hall back to back on Friday Night, I'd imagine that it'll be the loudest that stadium has been for a CBB basketball night in a long time.

Those are the exact same four from two years ago. And it was a buzzing packed house. At least for the first game.

[SemajParlor]

Those are the exact same four from two years ago. And it was a buzzing packed house. At least for the first game.

Yep I was at that one as well. That was the Kris Dunn - Bentil year. Place was electric that night.

Looking back, that night featured 2 top 5 teams (and the eventual National Champion), a young legitimate NBA star, and a team that went on to go on a run and win the BE tourney. Not bad.

[Masterofreality]

https://nypost.com/2018/03/07/st-johns-shows-is-still-can-make-the-garden-rock/

[paulxu]

Why isn't Marquette/Nova the second game?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Why isn't Marquette/Nova the second game?

To give teams somewhat similar rest I would think. We get a 2.5 hour advantage and so does Nova for their next game.

[paulxu]

I was thinking of yesterday.
St Johns played the first game and then played us today first game.
If Marquette's game was right behind St John's yesterday, assumed they be right behind them today.

(It's also possible I don't understand all this)

[smileyy]

I was thinking of yesterday.
St Johns played the first game and then played us today first game.
If Marquette's game was right behind St John's yesterday, assumed they be right behind them today.

(It's also possible I don't understand all this)

Slightly higher seeding has its advantages?

[stammina0721]

To give teams somewhat similar rest I would think. We get a 2.5 hour advantage and so does Nova for their next game.

Because the 1 seeds opponent should not be playing at 9 pm

[xavierdude]

So this Epperson kid. My goodness. Good future ahead for him.

[muskiefan82]

You know what I am really enjoying? The fact that EVERY game, even the 7/10 and 8/9 games from yesterday, is interesting and fun to watch in this conference. DePaul sucks, but they still went 7-5 OOC and had seven losses this year of 5 points or less. There is no LossAlle or Fordham here. God I love this conference.

[paulxu]

This was in Mack's Twitter feed. Guess it's put out by the school. They need to have Kaiser on this thing until we win it all.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DXxNF3XXkAAmlzd.jpg

[SemajParlor]

Overtime!!

Confirmed: This conference is amazing.

[X-band '01]

Great minds think alike. Creighton had 2 TOs left on the final possession and chose not to burn one.

[GoMuskies]

OT is good for us.

[xu82]

Four more OT’s please!

[Lloyd Braun]

Great minds think alike. Creighton had 2 TOs left on the final possession and chose not to burn one.

I like letting them play on. However once Foster lost the ball and regained it with 3-4 seconds left, 35 feet from the hoop that’s when you call TO.

[kellernr]

The radio guys on fox sports radio are tearing into these refs for the providence game. Good thing they don't get fined for questioning officiating

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[muethibp]

The radio guys on fox sports radio are tearing into these refs for the providence game. Good thing they don't get fined for questioning officiating

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

I think these refs have been fine.

[xu82]

I want ONE MORE OT!


Darn, I hope that was exhausting enough. I’d rather play Creighton. That was my home game this year, and it was quite enjoyable. The game At Providence...not so much.

[SemajParlor]

Yikes, reminded me of Strus last night. What a look to get.

[kellernr]

I think these refs have been fine.I didn't watch any of the game. Just listened to the OT on the drive home. They were calling one official horrendous and questioning how he even had a job reffing high level games

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[X-band '01]

The radio guys on fox sports radio are tearing into these refs for the providence game. Good thing they don't get fined for questioning officiating

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

If you were listening on Sirius/XM, that was the Providence radio crew.

[X-band '01]

Other fun fact - Providence is the last team that Xavier has yet to play in the Big East Tournament. That changes tomorrow night.

[kellernr]

If you were listening on Sirius/XM, that was the Providence radio crew.For that being the providence crew they sure didn't seem to be rooting for providence. Any time a foul was called on Creighton the one went apeshit

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[muethibp]

Let me know if anyone has tickets they are looking to ditch for tonight.

[HenryMuto]

I have not been on for while I have been sick since Sunday night so kind of a sucky March Madness for me so far but I mustered up enough strength to ask 1 question from the Providence game. How was that 1 call reversed when the Creighton guy clearly touched it out of bounds ? The announcers kept looking at the did the Providence guy finger touch it or not but why would that matter because after he touched it the ball landed in bounds the Creighton guy then had his foot on the line and touched it ?

[letskeepitreal]

I have not been on for while I have been sick since Sunday night so kind of a sucky March Madness for me so far but I mustered up enough strength to ask 1 question from the Providence game. How was that 1 call reversed when the Creighton guy clearly touched it out of bounds ? The announcers kept looking at the did the Providence guy finger touch it or not but why would that matter because after he touched it the ball landed in bounds the Creighton guy then had his foot on the line and touched it ?

Yeah I was wondering the same thing. It was still inbounds when it bounced out and I thought that the Creighton player (I think Thomas) touched the ball out of bounds before it hit the ground.

[Grizzx12]

Anyone else notice Nova is struggling to hit anything? Pisses me off

[XUBison]

I have not been on for while I have been sick since Sunday night so kind of a sucky March Madness for me so far but I mustered up enough strength to ask 1 question from the Providence game. How was that 1 call reversed when the Creighton guy clearly touched it out of bounds ? The announcers kept looking at the did the Providence guy finger touch it or not but why would that matter because after he touched it the ball landed in bounds the Creighton guy then had his foot on the line and touched it ?

Maybe you’ve broached this before, but is your comma button broken? I’d be happy to blame it on your unfortunate illness, but it seems the issue goes back further than that.

[Lloyd Braun]

Yeah I was wondering the same thing. It was still inbounds when it bounced out and I thought that the Creighton player (I think Thomas) touched the ball out of bounds before it hit the ground.

Yes and the TV crew was oblivious to this. That’s probably why the review took so long, the TV replay they were using kept showing the fingertips which was clearly not the end of the possession.

[Lloyd Braun]

I have not been on for while I have been sick since Sunday night so kind of a sucky March Madness for me so far but I mustered up enough strength to ask 1 question from the Providence game. How was that 1 call reversed when the Creighton guy clearly touched it out of bounds ? The announcers kept looking at the did the Providence guy finger touch it or not but why would that matter because after he touched it the ball landed in bounds the Creighton guy then had his foot on the line and touched it ?

I’m picturing this: laying on the couch, covered in blankets... hanky in one hand, remote control in the other. Just took some cough syrup and a glass of water after a small bowl of chicken noodles. Finally getting a burst of energy, meaning to ask the question burning in your loins... “why didn’t Creighton get the ball back?”


Maybe you’ve broached this before, but is your comma button broken? I’d be happy to blame it on your unfortunate illness, but it seems the issue goes back further than that.

If I am investigating this I would guess he is dictating the words into his phone... maybe?

[stammina0721]

Two thoughts...
1. That out of bounds play was completely screwed up. I was at home saying the tip does not matter. That ball bounced in bounds and the Creighton player jumped with his foot OB and hit the ball before it bounced OB. Literally there was no need for a review.

2. Xavier should be favored if they play Nova Saturday. I dont say that being a homer; I say that because of depth and style. Nova lives behind the arc. On the third game in three days those legs get weary and the shots start coming up short. If we play them then us going nine deep and playing inside has a better than average shot of beating a perimeter oriented team who is on their 3rd game in 3 days and only goes 7 deep max.

[Lloyd Braun]

Two thoughts...
1. That out of bounds play was completely screwed up. I was at home saying the tip does not matter. That ball bounced in bounds and the Creighton player jumped with his foot OB and hit the ball before it bounced OB. Literally there was no need for a review.

2. Xavier should be favored if they play Nova Saturday. I dont say that being a homer; I say that because of depth and style. Nova lives behind the arc. On the third game in three days those legs get weary and the shots start coming up short. If we play them then us going nine deep and playing inside has a better than average shot of beating a perimeter oriented team who is on their 3rd game in 3 days and only goes 7 deep max.

I’ll take what you’re smokin’. We have played them twice and lost by a combined 50 points.

[stammina0721]

I’ll take what you’re smokin’. We have played them twice and lost by a combined 50 points.

I know... trust me I know Nova is better I only say that cause of situation. I dont think Nova is gonna hit 16 threes again or start 11-14 on the 3rd game in 3 days

[stammina0721]

And I gotta say i am glad to see Desi Rodriguez is playing. I'd hate to see a players season end cause of water on the floor.

[UCGRAD4X]

And I gotta say i am glad to see Desi Rodriguez is playing. I'd hate to see a players season end cause of water on the floor.

Especially since there is likely to be water on the floor. Doesn't St. John's have a team roofer on staff?

[xu82]

I’m praying for SH and Butler to go OT too!!!!

[xu82]

No such luck, but great game!

[stammina0721]

Is Nova nervous? Their kryptonite in Butler just advanced

[muskiefan82]

It is the season of firsts. Butler won a Big East tournament game

[American X]

Xavier - Villanova III feels inevitable. I want another shot at them. I don't care about history, their POY or their giant-headed coach filled with basketball knowledge. I want the epic victory in MSG Saturday night over Villanova for the Big East Tournament championship. I'm ready. I want it.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs0uLXodDVA


(I'm also OK with Nova Kryptonite Butler taking out the Wildcats. I also made an offer to PCU they can't refuse if they roll over tonight - all you can eat nachos at Dana Gardens next trip.)