Xavier vs. Florida State Game Thread (March 18, 2018) NCAA Tournament Second Round

[xavierj]

Xavier choked but shouldn’t a T have been called at the end? They ran on floor with time on clock.

[X Factor]

Tre is a great scorer, but...not even going to keep going.

[HenryMuto]

Really tough to take especially with North Carolina losing would have just needed to beat Gonzaga and Michigan/A&M

FAWK

Won't see a Xavier team as good as this probably again. This was the year X needed to make the Final 4.

Amazing how many times X has got to the Elite 8 with teams seeded 10 or 11 but when a 1-2-3 seed always fall flat.

The refs sucked through 2 fouls on JP clearly were not fouls that took him out of the game and gave Florida State points.

Still should won but refs were garbage.

[LadyMuskie]

If not this year, then when? That's my biggest question. Why can't we get it done? Why can't our seniors play consistently like seniors are supposed to play? Why do we continue to squander these high seeds?

[mistabeecee41]

Mack got his ass handed to him by Leonard Fucking Hamilton. Stuck with the 1-3-1 for too long and that idiotic foul when down 1?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Only thing left to do is to cheer for Nova.

[GoMuskies]

Eh, this team wasn't as good as '08. Or '16. Just luckier.

[DexterBailey84]

Talk about going out with a wimper.....Trevon pretty much pissed down his leg in the last 5 minutes.

Great career, but that was pathetic.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Xavier choked but shouldn’t a T have been called at the end? They ran on floor with time on clock.

No ref is calling that, nor should they. Revenge got served and it’s cold as fvck.

Get ready for a long offseason, fellas.

[GuyFawkes38]

Disappointing. X overachieved all year until the end.

Still a great year! Thanks to the seniors!

[Xuperman]

We did not wear the 1 seed well....the moment was too big for eggsavier....Florida St is a terrible team but looked like found money against our guys....X is just not ready for the big time....lights too bright for our guys. Very sad.

[X Factor]

If not this year, then when? That's my biggest question. Why can't we get it done? Why can't our seniors play consistently like seniors are supposed to play? Why do we continue to squander these high seeds?

I don't know. I have the same questions. We lost to Wisconsin two years ago and now FSU.

Tre was awful today. He struggles against bigger wings and FSU had them in spades. He is slow and bad on defense.

Kaiser stunk it up this year. O'Mara really didn't improve. Tyrique is an undersized center.

Xavier overachieved in the regular season this year by a lot.

[Caveat]

If not now, when?

[AviatorX]

Honestly haven't felt such doubt for Mack since the Orlando Thanksgiving tournament the Crawford year.

Felt like the whole program slept through the last 5 minutes. And I absolutely HATE auto-benching guys with 2 or 4 fouls depending on the half.

Let's be realistic, he probably won't be coaching on the home sidelines at Cintas again. It is what it is.

[X Factor]

Eh, this team wasn't as good as '08. Or '16. Just luckier.

A lot luckier.

[GoMuskies]

If not now, when?

This isn't the year to ask that question, really. This team isn't nearly as good as the '08 and '16 teams. Just won some more close games along the way to get rated higher. We'll have more talented teams.

[xavierj]

Play of the game JP had a clear steal that would have been an easy bucket but they call his 4th foul. Game over.

[whopper]

Dont cry because it's over, smile because it happened. A good almost great 4 years by this overachieving team. I am not going to throw anyone under the bus. The missed foul shots came back to haunt us.

[Blue Blooded-05]

does Tre have 2 fouls?


No. I thought that too. The early foul was apparently called on JP


Wow that foul was CLEARLY in Tre.......but I will take it

If I only knew then what I know now

[Caveat]

If not this year, then when? That's my biggest question. Why can't we get it done? Why can't our seniors play consistently like seniors are supposed to play? Why do we continue to squander these high seeds?

I genuinely wonder if Xavier will ever get over the hump.

[Drew's Crew]

Honestly haven't felt such doubt for Mack since the Orlando Thanksgiving tournament the Crawford year.

Felt like the whole program slept through the last 5 minutes. And I absolutely HATE auto-benching guys with 2 or 4 fouls depending on the half.

I totally agree with this. You can:

1. Bench them for 5 minutes and then put them in and hope they don't foul.

OR

2. Just leave them in and hope they don't foul. Either way, you will have them on the court the exact same amount of time (in theory).

I understand that a guy w four fouls can't play defense as aggressively, but when it's JP or Goodin, who are critical to our success, I don't understand it. Lappas was talking like it was some kind of rule in basketball that a player with four fouls can't come back in until the media timeout under 4.

[UCGRAD4X]

Play of the game JP had a clear steal that would have been an easy bucket but they call his 4th foul. Game over.

Yup. That was the moment.

[X Factor]

If not now, when?

I don't know. FSU sucks. That's hard to comprehend losing to those guys.

Xavier had two colossal meltdowns in the span of a week and a half, against Providence and now FSU.

[Muskie]

I understand the thought of putting JP in sooner but he wound have just picked up the final foul sooner.


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[GuyFawkes38]

I love this team! But we just didn’t have the talent and discipline needed to go to a Final Four.

[AviatorX]

Dont cry because it's over, smile because it happened. A good almost great 4 years by this overachieving team. I am not going to throw anyone under the bus. The missed foul shots came back to haunt us.

What the fuck is this overachieving nonsense? Editorialize the talent all you want on this team, this group had a god damn 2 seed and a 1 seed and didn't make the second weekend either time. That is a failure, and I'm one of the most positive guys around here, just ask X Factor.

[Caveat]

This isn't the year to ask that question, really. This team isn't nearly as good as the '08 and '16 teams. Just won some more close games along the way to get rated higher. We'll have more talented teams.

I asked the same question in ‘16 too.

Next year looks like another round of rebuilding. At least lowered expectations will make the next failure easier to take — but it doesn’t change the inevitable feeing of failure.

[kellernr]

Mack and Mick will be fighting over the Louisville job tomorrow

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[sirthought]

Why the fuck is the grad transfer from Milwaukee dominating the shots over the three-time first teamer? Unbelievable collapse. It was like Blueit didn't even want the ball sometimes.

[RoseyMuskie]

Trying to keep perspective. That team brought a lot of joy from November until twenty minutes ago. Trying not to let those twenty minutes ruin it.

Tre has to be better; can’t have a Wooden Award Semi Finalist disappear like he did in so many games this year. But Tre, great career. Enjoyed the quick release for four year.

Going to miss watching JP. Once in a lifetime type guy.

Kerem, wish we had more time.

Next year’s team is going to be good, need a shooter though.

[AviatorX]

I totally agree with this. You can:

1. Bench them for 5 minutes and then put them in and hope they don't foul.

OR

2. Just leave them in and hope they don't foul. Either way, you will have them on the court the exact same amount of time (in theory).

I understand that a guy w four fouls can't play defense as aggressively, but when it's JP or Goodin, who are critical to our success, I don't understand it. Lappas was talking like it was some kind of rule in basketball that a player with four fouls can't come back in until the media timeout under 4.

So so bad. And I honestly feel it's worse in the first half. X could have put this thing away.

[mistabeecee41]

I’ll always remember Tre as our 2nd all time leading scorer.

But I’ll also remember him missing the layup against Providence and slipping and attempting a scoop shot that didn’t get 2 feet in the air

[BandAid]

Folks, things could be a lot worse. We could've lost to a 16 seed. We could've blown a 22 point lead. We could've posted images of a Sweet Sixteen shirt online before the game.

Yes, losing this game sucks. We should all feel free to vent.

But, in the end, our boys had a helluva year. First Big East regular season championship. First ever one seed. Our trajectory is still upwards.

The team next year will probably take a step back missing Tre and JP, but Scruggs and Q on the court at the same time will be electric. Naji is just scratching the surface. Tyrique will continue to be a man down low. There are far worse places to be than on Victory Parkway.

[Drew's Crew]

Why the fuck is the grad transfer from Milwaukee dominating the shots over the three-time first teamer? Unbelievable collapse. It was like Blueit didn't even want the ball sometimes.

Bc Tre couldn't get open. He couldn't get more than about 12 inches away from his defender, even off of screens.

Not to mention the fact that the "grad transfer from Milwaukee" shot 60% from the field and single-handedly kept us ahead in the game numerous times.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Season is over. Go home. Nothing to see here.

[AviatorX]

I’ll always remember Tre as our 2nd all time leading scorer.

But I’ll also remember him missing the layup against Providence and slipping and attempting a scoop shot that didn’t get 2 feet in the air

People will jump on you, but I agree. I love Derrick Brown, but hard to think of him and not remember him stepping on the baseline in Boston.

[MHettel]

3 Cheers for kaiser gates!

Can’t wait for next year!

[Drew's Crew]

So so bad. And I honestly feel it's worse in the first half. X could have put this thing away.

I just don't get it. Lappas was even saying that we shouldnt have Tre and JP in the game before half....there were 9 seconds left! if you can't keep yourself from fouling for 9 freaking seconds, you shouldn't be in D1. I rarely have an issue with announcers, but Lappas was unbearable tonight, whether we would have pulled it out or not.

[Caveat]

Folks, things could be a lot worse. We could've lost to a 16 seed. We could've blown a 22 point lead. We could've posted images of a Sweet Sixteen shirt online before the game.

Yes, losing this game sucks. We should all feel free to vent.

But, in the end, our boys had a helluva year. First Big East regular season championship. First ever one seed. Our trajectory is still upwards.

The team next year will probably take a step back missing Tre and JP, but Scruggs and Q on the court at the same time will be electric. Naji is just scratching the surface. Tyrique will continue to be a man down low. There are far worse places to be than on Victory Parkway.

A #1 seed failing to make it out to the first weekend is not a “helluva year.”

[Xuperman]

And the Big East whimpers away with X. Only Nova now. Reality check for all of us.

[GoMuskies]

People will jump on you, but I agree. I love Derrick Brown, but hard to think of him and not remember him stepping on the baseline in Boston.

That's not fair to Derrick Brown. He made a great play and just couldn't quite stop in time. Tre, not so much on the good play.

[KabeX]

I can take losing. But the 2 meltdowns are just too much.

[AviatorX]

That's not fair to Derrick Brown. He made a great play and just couldn't quite stop in time. Tre, not so much on the good play.

Right, but you obviously remember it well like I do...

Not a knock on Derrick, just agreeing with the idea that it's hard for all of us passionate enough to post on here to block out the rough memories of the greats.

[Drew's Crew]

That's not fair to Derrick Brown. He made a great play and just couldn't quite stop in time. Tre, not so much on the good play.

Eh...if there weren't about 5 slips in the game and an ice hockey rink below the court I would be much more upset. I have played on a court with an ice hockey rink below it and if you hit a moist spot, you have no chance at all. And with the million other things you're thinking about in that moment, a moist spot on the floor isn't one of them.

[xavierj]

I need a drink. Can’t believe they didn’t close it out.

[UCGRAD4X]

The saddest phrase in the world - "Wait til next year"

This might be the longest off season ever.

[X Factor]

And with the dud of a recruiting class Mack is bringing in next year, it's going to be rough. We had a lot better recruiting classes in the A10.

[X Factor]

I can take losing. But the 2 meltdowns are just too much.

Very hard to swallow.

[Drew's Crew]

And with the dud of a recruiting class Mack is bringing in next year, it's going to be rough. We had a lot better recruiting classes in the A10.

Yeah....I am curious what happened this year. Very uncharacteristic.

[Xville]

This team didn't feel like a one seed. There were severe issues with this team all year..we all saw it, but got extremely lucky on numerous occasions. Can't expect that luck in this tourney.

X has had much better teams in the past than this one. Hell, 2 years ago was a better team.

If mack goes to Louisville, he goes...whatever. he's a good coach, but he's very easily replaceable in my mind

[Jesuit4Life]

I don't know how else to put it other than I'm really going to miss Team 96.

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[xudash]

Folks, things could be a lot worse. We could've lost to a 16 seed. We could've blown a 22 point lead. We could've posted images of a Sweet Sixteen shirt online before the game.

Yes, losing this game sucks. We should all feel free to vent.

But, in the end, our boys had a helluva year. First Big East regular season championship. First ever one seed. Our trajectory is still upwards.

The team next year will probably take a step back missing Tre and JP, but Scruggs and Q on the court at the same time will be electric. Naji is just scratching the surface. Tyrique will continue to be a man down low. There are far worse places to be than on Victory Parkway.

Thank you. I absolutely agree that we're still on an upward trajectory.

This hurts like hell. They simply didn't finish.

But we'll move forward. Sleeping tonight will be rough, but we'll all get up tomorrow and move forward.

[AviatorX]

And with the dud of a recruiting class Mack is bringing in next year, it's going to be rough. We had a lot better recruiting classes in the A10.

Agree. I don't think it will be terrible but it is really going to suck adjusting to not really being "in the hunt" if we're being honest.

Probably looking at a 6-10 seed next season if the roster remains together. Probably a big if with the Louisville situation.

[RoseyMuskie]

Being objective, I think that was one of Mack’s worst performances as a coach. The first half management was poor, and the last possession on defense was questionable. Poor FT shooting, turnovers, and mediocre coaching (from a GREAT coach) typically spells doom.

[AviatorX]

This team didn't feel like a one seed. There were severe issues with this team all year..we all saw it, but got extremely lucky on numerous occasions. Can't expect that luck in this tourney.

X has had much better teams in the past than this one. Hell, 2 years ago was a better team.

If mack goes to Louisville, he goes...whatever. he's a good coach, but he's very easily replaceable in my mind

I guess...but keep in mind how up and down the early tenures of Miller and Mack (unquestionably the 2 best coaches X has had) were...don't really feel like dealing with that after getting used to being a top 15 program.

[Drew's Crew]

This team didn't feel like a one seed. There were severe issues with this team all year..we all saw it, but got extremely lucky on numerous occasions. Can't expect that luck in this tourney.

X has had much better teams in the past than this one. Hell, 2 years ago was a better team.

If mack goes to Louisville, he goes...whatever. he's a good coach, but he's very easily replaceable in my mind

Ummm....I would take some time to cool down from this meltdown before saying things like this. On paper, he is literaslly the best coach and recruiter X has ever had. In the past three years, he has a #2 seed, an elite 8, and a #1 seed. Can you even imagine a 3-year span like that prior to him taking over?


And he is an alum. If he leaves, he is basically branding X as a stepping stone for good. That's the last thing we can afford.

[chico]

The replay of Macura's 3rd foul on the FSU drive showed it was a clean block.
The replay of Macura's 4th foul when he stole the ball near half court showed it was a clean steal.
The replay of Macura's 5th foul when he took the ball to the basket showed it was a block and not a charge.

I know you can't/shouldn't blame refs for losses but those were three absolutely bullshit calls on the one guy we needed in the game.

[GetUp5]

What a terrible swing on the 4th foul on JP. Just criminal. The game is too fast for the ref, he blows his whistle and we go from up 8 and JP with 3 fouls to up 4 and JP having to sit with 4 fouls. Changed the entire game.

College basketball needs to do something about the way the game is officiated. The block/charge shit has made the game borderline unwatchable. These are HUGE swings in games made by refs just flipping coins.

[LadyMuskie]

Folks, things could be a lot worse.

But, in the end, our boys had a helluva year.

Disagree. Winning the conference, getting a 1 seed and then wetting the bed in the second round should be considered a failure. If it's not, then it will happen again. We learned nothing from the Wisconsin debacle, apparently.

[Caveat]

Thank you. I absolutely agree that we're still on an upward trajectory.

This hurts like hell. They simply didn't finish.

But we'll move forward. Sleeping tonight will be rough, but we'll all get up tomorrow and move forward.

Upward trajectory?

Next year won’t even be remotely as good as this one.

This was a senior-led team that had a chance to be special. People can “revisionist history” this all they want and talk about luck or overachieving — this team won a BE regular season title. And when the stage got bright, they choked.

This is a low. There is no positive spin.

[IM4X]

Some really bad officiating ... especially 3 bad calls against JP.

still these guys didn't look like they know how to close out a game strong ... something they struggled with most of the year... I think Chris didn't have his team prepared... his halftime commments really bothered me... he made it like the only issue was foul troubles. JP left it all on the floor... bad decisions at the end of the game... just bummned that many of these players and Mack weren't at their best today.

[Xville]

Ummm....I would take some time to cool down from this meltdown before saying things like this. On paper, he is literaslly the best coach and recruiter X has ever had. In the past three years, he has a #2 seed, an elite 8, and a #1 seed. Can you even imagine a 3-year span like that prior to him taking over?


And he is an alum. If he leaves, he is basically branding X as a stepping stone for good. That's the last thing we can afford.

It's not a meltdown, I've thought the same thing about him since he's been here. Continually getting #assraped by nova, 2 meltdowns as high seeds not even getting out of the first weekend. Continually not having good defensive teams since he's been here.

Good coach, won't be all that upset if he leaves. X would be fine.

[GoMuskies]

It's not really revisionist history on luck or overachieving. Advanced metrics told us this all year long. We hoped they were wrong, but deep down we probably mostly knew they weren't. Great season, great results, but I don't think anyone who's watched this team and is being honest with themselves can say they're really surprised by tonight's result.

[whopper]

I did not smile once even up 12. I just saw a strange lack of focus as if one more shot would ice the game and when it did not come we had no answer. The drove hard and hit the offensive boards. We were out foul shot which actually is the whole story of the game

[Blue Blooded-05]

Yeah....I am curious what happened this year. Very uncharacteristic.

Give me a break... you know why it happened. Same with the meltdowns, which curiously happened after the Mack to Louisville rumors really started heating up.

This one might hurt the most because he is one of us.

[Drew's Crew]

It's not a meltdown, I've thought the same thing about him since he's been here. Continually getting #assraped by nova, 2 meltdowns as high seeds not even getting out of the first weekend. Continually not having good defensive teams since he's been here.

Good coach, won't be all that upset if he leaves. X would be fine.

Soo, you're judging him on losing to the best team in basketball in the last 5 years, and two losses in 9 years?

And we are just ignoring the Sweet 16s, Elite 8 run, BE reg season championship, significantly improved recruiting, his connection to the fans and the city, etc.?

If you have been "thinking this for a long time", I would love to know what other things you think about.

[AviatorX]

Soo, you're judging him on losing to the best team in basketball in the last 5 years, and two losses in 9 years?

And we are just ignoring the Sweet 16s, Elite 8 run, BE reg season championship, significantly improved recruiting, his connection to the fans and the city, etc.?

If you have been "thinking this for a long time", I would love to know what other things you think about.

Amen. If your standards are higher than that just to elevate someone above seriously replaceable, I'm not sure there's an American sports team consistent enough for your liking. Maybe Barca or Real Madrid?

[Strange Brew]

The Alamo is underwhelming anyway. There’s no bike in the basement....

[GuyFawkes38]

It's not really revisionist history on luck or overachieving. Advanced metrics told us this all year long. We hoped they were wrong, but deep down we probably mostly knew they weren't. Great season, great results, but I don't think anyone who's watched this team and is being honest with themselves can say they're really surprised by tonight's result.

Absolutely agree with this. I love this team! But I had no illusions about it. We almost lost to DePaul and E Tennessee St at home. We’ll have better teams in the future.

[Sonoran Desert Muskie]

The replay of Macura's 3rd foul on the FSU drive showed it was a clean block.
The replay of Macura's 4th foul when he stole the ball near half court showed it was a clean steal.
The replay of Macura's 5th foul when he took the ball to the basket showed it was a block and not a charge.

I know you can't/shouldn't blame refs for losses but those were three absolutely bullshit calls on the one guy we needed in the game.

JP’s 3rd and 4th fouls clearly were bad calls, but the 5th for charging could have gone either way. Whether it was 2 or 3 bad calls they were absolutely critical to the outcome as JP was a difference maker when he was on the court and the team fell apart when he sat. Those fouls, along with Tre’s subpar game, killed us.

[BandAid]

The Alamo is underwhelming anyway. There’s no bike in the basement....

I tried to rep this comment, but I need to spread some love around evidently - will someone hook Strange Brew up for me?

[paulxu]

I bet most everyone who is sort of bashing the team/players has more than once this season praised them.
This hurts like hell. It hurts Mack and the team more.

I can think of all kinds of things I wish they had done in the last 5 minutes, but they didn't.

But what good does it do to bash some young men who have given us such wonderful memories this year.
They tried, and came up short. We all wanted to go further this year, to finally bust down the door.
We didn't. We'll try again. And hopefully enjoy the ride.

[XUBob]

Have had several phone calls already talking about the game with fellow X fans. As I told them I’m not surprised by the outcome, we saw this pattern all year. It would be different if this was the first time we blew leads but really that is the story of our whole season. X was fortunate for most of the season that the ball usually bounced our way. I agree with Caveat this you can’t label this a great year. If you are a number one seed the second weekend should be a given. Looking at the team in the first half when Tre, JP & Kanter we’re out doesn’t give me a lot of hope for next year. That group was ugly. All that being said I’ll still be back at Cintas rooting hard for the X-Men. Even in frustration they deserve my support.

[Bballphog]

Any thoughts on FSU player leaving the bench early with 2.8 seconds left to celebrate? 6 guys on the court. Administrative Tecnical foul?

[xavierj]

Regardless of happens from here on out coaches are class acts. Jus listened to Mike Pegues on 700, he was crushed and crying and loves his kids. Then turn on CBS Sports and listen to Chris. What a class guy. He may have been whatever in his day at X but he is class. Takes the questions, answers honestly and doesn’t make excuses. Says he told the team he loves them and if this is the worst thing in life they will live a good life. Guy may move on but he is a xavier ambassador. Then tells some bitch that if she thinks Xavier is falling off a cliff she hasn’t followed Xavier basketball very long. He was pissed at the last question . Brought up David West and Byron Larkin.

[Xuperman]

The lights too bright for X AND THE BIG EAST....Pathetic shit storm for the conference AGAIN in this tournament. Really hurts any claims of legitimacy going into next year.

[xudash]

I bet most everyone who is sort of bashing the team/players has more than once this season praised them.
This hurts like hell. It hurts Mack and the team more.

I can think of all kinds of things I wish they had done in the last 5 minutes, but they didn't.

But what good does it do to bash some young men who have given us such wonderful memories this year.
They tried, and came up short. We all wanted to go further this year, to finally bust down the door.
We didn't. We'll try again. And hopefully enjoy the ride.

A voice of reason on a tough evening.

Yes: we are still on an upward trajectory; I am taking the long view here. One year does not ruin anything. There is no doubt that they did not achieve what they should have achieved, but the program overall will march forward.

[Xville]

Soo, you're judging him on losing to the best team in basketball in the last 5 years, and two losses in 9 years?

And we are just ignoring the Sweet 16s, Elite 8 run, BE reg season championship, significantly improved recruiting, his connection to the fans and the city, etc.?

If you have been "thinking this for a long time", I would love to know what other things you think about.

We have had coaches do the exact same thing you just mentioned.sweet 16s, elite e8s, conference championships, improved recruting..yeah wasn't the big east, but they won conference championships they were in and won tourney championships too.

You can be upset when mack leaves, just saying I don't think the impact in the end will matter much...it will immediately because recruiting was absolute crap this year, but after 2-3 years, be back to where we are now.

Oh and x will always be a stepping stone job to a top 10 program which Louisville is whether you all believe it or not, until x goes to some final fours and wins a championship...mack staying or leaving doesn't change that.

[AviatorX]

The lights too bright for X AND THE BIG EAST....Pathetic shit storm for the conference AGAIN in this tournament. Really hurts any claims of legitimacy going into next year.

Lol. Conference was so illegitimate that it was awarded two 1 seeds.

People need to stop worrying about the BE perception. The only group that counts, the selection committee, looks upon the league highly. You can get to the top from the BE. The rest is up to X.

[Caveat]

A voice of reason on a tough evening.

Yes: we are still on an upward trajectory; I am taking the long view here. One year does not ruin anything. There is no doubt that they did not achieve what they should have achieved, but the program overall will march forward.

The most talented, highest ranked team in school history just flopped in the opening weekend of the tournament.

I’m tired of talking about trajectories and process. When do we start talking about banners and nets being cut?

[KabeX]

Not gonna bash a bunch of great young men who gave us many, many reasons to be proud of our program. But I am supremely disappointed. I honestly didn't think we had enough to win it all but we really should have advanced. Not sure which year is more disappointing - 16 or 18. Despite the incoming class, I still think we're in an upward trend. Would not trade this for the MCC days. Still sucks tho.

[whopper]

A voice of reason on a tough evening.

Yes: we are still on an upward trajectory; I am taking the long view here. One year does not ruin anything. There is no doubt that they did not achieve what they should have achieved, but the program overall will march forward.
You are correct, I have been addicted for the past 4 years as I have 2 daughters there from Conn. but I knew it could end any minute. I feel bad especially for the seniors and it must have killed JP to be on the bench. I also feel sorry for Sean as it became a matchup issue. Proud of them all and would love to see the interviews with tears. The Doc Daughtery column yesterday on the desparation of seniors said it all

[xavierj]

Wow the press conference was interesting. Don’t know if someone can post but Chris was pissed at the last question. Some broad asked him if this was the down fall of the Xavier program. He was pissed but handled it well.

[AviatorX]

The most talented, highest ranked team in school history just flopped in the opening weekend of the tournament.

I’m tired of talking about trajectories and process. When do we start talking about banners and nets being cut?

Agree. And it's incredibly frustrating that even in a best case scenario (Mack stays, Q/Naji/Paul core develops as we expect) it's going to be a few years before X is really in the conversation again.

I think next year will be a fun team, but the kind of team we're here a year from now after losing a close one to a 1/2 seed and thinking 19-20 could be special. Fuck.

[xudash]

The most talented, highest ranked team in school history just flopped in the opening weekend of the tournament.

I’m tired of talking about trajectories and process. When do we start talking about banners and nets being cut?

Couldn't say. But I don't believe we will be liquidating the program anytime soon.

No one is happy about any of this, but all we can do is move forward from here. And we have the strongest foundation ever for this program as we now attempt to do that.

[XUBison]

We’ve been strangely flawed all year, and we’ve all known it. None of us have been able to put our finger on it. Defense? Fine, but I don’t think that’s the real story. Runs happen in basketball, obviously, but we have inexplicable stretches where we are so sloppy on offense and defense. Our coach has proven he’s second to none, but our best players play so out of character sometimes.

UC was very good but with obvious flaws. They play athletic and physical defense, but they can’t shoot or execute fundamental offense. Oh, and there coach is terrible. No mystery there.

For us, we play great offense and are capable of good defense. It’s like we are rolling until the Adderall wears off. Feel terrible for our kids.

[markchal]

Disappointing season. Granted, some craziness happens in March, but with a 1-seed (or a 2) you really have to make the second weekend to feel good about the season.

JP was the real MVP of this team. I wish Naji had been healthy, because it would've been a different game. What a massive letdown for our seniors to go out like this.

The last 8 or so minutes of the first half, with the Q-Scruggs-Naji-Gates-Jones lineup in, did not generate any positive feelings for me towards next year. That's our starting 5, and I know Naji wasn't healthy, but there's not exactly much bench help next year. Ugh. This was our year, and we choked down the stretch. Did not expect that from a team with this much experience.

[MHettel]

Anyone got a clip of “foul” #3, and “foul” #4 of Jp?

[XU 23]

6 turnovers in the last 5 minutes of the game.

Only 2 field goal attempts.

[47&18]

Have had several phone calls already talking about the game with fellow X fans. As I told them I’m not surprised by the outcome, we saw this pattern all year. It would be different if this was the first time we blew leads but really that is the story of our whole season. X was fortunate for most of the season that the ball usually bounced our way. I agree with Caveat this you can’t label this a great year. If you are a number one seed the second weekend should be a given. Looking at the team in the first half when Tre, JP & Kanter we’re out doesn’t give me a lot of hope for next year. That group was ugly. All that being said I’ll still be back at Cintas rooting hard for the X-Men. Even in frustration they deserve my support.

Next year is totally up in the air, but I don't think we can judge the remaining players based on this game. I'm not sure they've played a lengthy amount of time all year with both JP and Tre on the bench. Even when the studs aren't scoring, the game continually flows through them. This hurt X a ton.

Both games in the tourney were tough to watch. The refs just couldn't get into the flow of the game an it affected every team. Unfortunately X handled it very poorly. I can't remember watching games that were this choppy and long. It's almost like the refs were simply guessing on many of the foul calls. The block/charge call is the worst part of the game right now too. NOBODY HAS A CLUE HOW TO CALL IT.

As for the loss...Obviously, the 3rd and 4th fouls on JP were ridiculous, but they weren't the deciding factor. The game was lost at the free throw line and in the hands of our best players. Goodin and Bluiett both had issues near the end with ball control due to the pressure from FSU's guards. Gates played some awful matador defense at the end and then made the mistake of fouling on the trap. All year long we've had an extra guy step up when we needed it. It just didn't happen tonight when Tre was locked down and Naji was hurt.

Still very proud of this team. They were crazy fun to watch and had some serious swagger. Looking forward to next year as always.

[X Factor]

6 turnovers in the last 5 minutes of the game.

Only 2 field goal attempts.

That's what you call a collapse. Why didn't Mack call a timeout and then run something to get Trevon or anyone a good clean look? Mack has those plays; we've seen them all year. Terrible.

[Caveat]

That's what you call a collapse. Why didn't Mack call a timeout and then run something to get Trevon or anyone a good clean look? Mack has those plays; we've seen them all year. Terrible.

It’s rapidly become what you call “Xavier Basketball” when expectations are placed on the program.

[Xuperman]

Lol. Conference was so illegitimate that it was awarded two 1 seeds.
People need to stop worrying about the BE perception. The only group that counts, the selection committee, looks upon the league highly.

Get real man....how could it get much worse for the BE? High number of bids are great but At some point, someone..NOT NOVA, will have to beat a few teams in THIS Tournament.

[markchal]

yep. bad showing for the BE this year. And the Pac 10. And the acc kinda sucked too (although Duke will win the title).

[Caveat]

Get real man....how could it get much worse for the BE? High number of bids are great but At some point, someone..NOT NOVA, will have to beat a few teams in THIS Tournament.

People keep wanting to downplay this, but it’s true — the tournament *is* the season.

You are what your record in March says you are.

[AviatorX]

People keep wanting to downplay this, but it’s true — the tournament *is* the season.

You are what your record in March says you are.

Not downplaying that at all (although I do think this widely agreed upon mindset is kinda dumb). The point is the BE is the best preparation X can ask for for the "real season." A 10 seed from the conference winning an extra game doesn't change that.

Don't think the ACC or Big 12 are calling anytime soon.

Conference affiliation is the LAST thing on Xavier fans' list of concerns. X has literally hit the jackpot when you consider the University itself, location, etc etc.

[X Factor]

https://twitter.com/AllaireMatt/status/975574033289895936

Just watch this for cathartic purposes.

[xavierj]

Chris is class act. The last question was a joke.

https://www.pscp.tv/w/1jMKgqyymgMJL

[Xavier]

I would like big east to do well in the tournament. Could not care less when other BE teams lose, though. Who the hell cares that providence lost. Always found it funny that UC would brag about other big east teams.

[RoseyMuskie]

47&18, agree re. how the offense flows. I’m a Kaiser advocate, but he looked lost without JP and Tre on the court. Even more noticeable than his other struggles this season. Didn’t think it was appropriate to begin that discussion up at the time, but he cannot hit a three working off the dribble. And X will be lacking on that front next season.

I do believe next year’s team is Top 25 worthy, but it’s going to be a vastly different style of play.

[X Factor]

Chris is class act. The last question was a joke.

https://www.pscp.tv/w/1jMKgqyymgMJL

Yeah, Mack handled that really well. Who was that tool that asked the question?

[Xuperman]

Maybe some CHAMPION will rub off of BIG Jake Walter for X next year.....COV CATH KY STATE CHAMPS!!

[KabeX]

Maybe some CHAMPION will rub off of BIG Jake Walter for X next year.....COV CATH KY STATE CHAMPS!!
I hope so but big Jake is a project at best. Of course we've done rather well with projects over the years. Man I'm still pissed.

[IM4X]

I can think of all kinds of things I wish they had done in the last 5 minutes, but they didn't.

But what good does it do to bash some young men who have given us such wonderful memories this year.
They tried, and came up short.

The players may have come up short... but to me the coaches were much the reason why they came up short. How many times have we seen double digit leads turn into no lead at all? Where the team looks so much better and then gets sloppy and almost losses a game(or does lose one). The last one was against Providence in the BE tournament. You would think a wise coach would learn and have his team focused and playing smart. Call a TO when Tre messed up the first time... not wait until his team makes so many mistakes that they are playing form behind.

Honestly... Mack's comments at halftime weren't encouraging that this staff was concerned at all ... Mack acted like his team was fine... only the fouls were an issue... but clearly that was not the case.. No sense of focus or urgency at the end. He thought his team was ready... he overlooked real problems... those problems caused them to lose.

People can spin it how they want, but this team was much better than they finished - They were better than FS.. Yet they again didn't finish strong... Mack did a beautiful job in the post pressed saying he "wished he could have done more" and then pointed out the shortcomings of what happened on the floor. Coaching and preparation (or lack their of) really had as much to do with this loss (if not more) than poor play on the court and poor officiating.

To me that is what is most disappointing.

Does anyone think a Jay Wright coaches Villanova team would ever blow a 12 point lead?

Mack doesn't deserve all of the blame but he certainly deserves his fair share of the blame for not having his team better prepared to close out games this season... including this last one.

[OH.X.MI]

I have never ever disliked a sports reporter more than this ass hat.Tweeting about some lame ass soccer team moments after that type of game. Blatantly anti-X coverage. Haven’t paid for the Enquirer since they canned Shannon and I’ll sure as shit not pay for it again until they get ride of him.

[AviatorX]

The players may have come up short... but to me the coaches were much the reason why they came up short. How many times have we seen double digit leads turn into no lead at all... where the team looks so much better then gets sloppy and almost losses a game(or does lose one). The last one was against Providence in the BE tournament. A great coaches needs to have his team focused and playing smart. Call a TO when Tre messed up the first time... not wait until His team mistakes so many mistakes that they are playing form behind.

Honestly... Mack's comments at halftime weren't encouraging that this staff was concerned at all ... Mack acted like his team was fine... only the fouls were an issue... but clearly that was not the case.. Nonsense of urgency at the end. He thought his team was ready... he overlooked real problems... those problems caused them to lose.

People can spin it how they want... but this team was much better than they finished - They were better than FS.. Yet they again didn't finish strong... it seems like Mack did a beautiful job of saying he wished he could have done more and then pointed out the shortcomings of what happened on the floor. Coaching and lack of preparation (or lack their of) really had as much to do with this loss if not more than poor play on the court and poor officiating.

To me that is what is most disappointing.

Does
anyone thing Jay's Villanova would ever blow a 12 point lead?

Point taken...but let's not cite Jay Wright when it comes to losing early as a high seed.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Jay Wright gets a pass because he won a title. Mack is awesome, proud of the guys, this was a bad out but avoidable which makes it harder to swallow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xu82]

Villanove evolved and grew to be what they are today.

[xavierj]

The players may have come up short... but to me the coaches were much the reason why they came up short. How many times have we seen double digit leads turn into no lead at all... where the team looks so much better then gets sloppy and almost losses a game(or does lose one). The last one was against Providence in the BE tournament. A great coaches needs to have his team focused and playing smart. Call a TO when Tre messed up the first time... not wait until His team mistakes so many mistakes that they are playing form behind.

Honestly... Mack's comments at halftime weren't encouraging that this staff was concerned at all ... Mack acted like his team was fine... only the fouls were an issue... but clearly that was not the case.. Nonsense of urgency at the end. He thought his team was ready... he overlooked real problems... those problems caused them to lose.

People can spin it how they want... but this team was much better than they finished - They were better than FS.. Yet they again didn't finish strong... it seems like Mack did a beautiful job of saying he wished he could have done more and then pointed out the shortcomings of what happened on the floor. Coaching and lack of preparation (or lack their of) really had as much to do with this loss if not more than poor play on the court and poor officiating.

To me that is what is most disappointing.

Does
anyone thing Jay's Villanova would ever blow a 12 point lead?

They were fine. JP had a clear block, foul, 2 points, JP had a clear steal, 2 points for Xavier, but instead 4 fouls. If not for those two calls, Xavier wins. Not blaming the refs but that cost them the game. Anyone disagree?

[Caveat]

They were fine. JP had a clear block, foul, 2 points, JP had a clear steal, 2 points for Xavier, but instead 4 fouls. If not for those two calls, Xavier wins. Not blaming the refs but that cost them the game. Anyone disagree?

The refs didn’t cost Xavier the game.

The #2 scorer in the history of the program playing like a walk-on cost Xavier the game.

[X Factor]

Does Coach Mack demand excellence? Honest question.

Whenever I hear Jay Wright talk, I get the feeling that they (his staff and the players themselves) demand excellence out of each other.

Every team is going to lose, but these two epic collapses in less than 2 weeks has me searching for answers.

[X Factor]

They were fine. JP had a clear block, foul, 2 points, JP had a clear steal, 2 points for Xavier, but instead 4 fouls. If not for those two calls, Xavier wins. Not blaming the refs but that cost them the game. Anyone disagree?

JP and Trevon turned it over 9 times. They missed free throws. They failed to box out.

The refs didn't cost Xavier the game.

[xavierj]

The refs didn’t cost Xavier the game.

The #2 scorer in the history of the program playing like a walk-on cost Xavier the game.

So you agree with the foul on JP’s block, foul call and his steal, foul call, that would have resulted in Xavier points? Both contributed to Florida state points and JP eventually fouling out. It’s why they lost more than anything.

[Caveat]

So you agree with the foul on JP’s block, foul call and his steal, foul call, that would have resulted in Xavier points? Both contributed to Florida state points and JP eventually fouling out. It’s why they lost more than anything.

Bad calls are part of sports. Great players overcome. Tre was a 0/10 on being great tonight.

[xavierj]

Bad calls are part of sports. Great players overcome. Tre was a 0/10 on being great tonight.

I agree but if those are called correctly, JP doesn’t foul out and Xavier wins. But nothing we can do about it.

[LadyMuskie]

So you agree with the foul on JP’s block, foul call and his steal, foul call, that would have resulted in Xavier points? Both contributed to Florida state points and JP eventually fouling out. It’s why they lost more than anything.

It's not why they lost more than anything. Blueitt was a non-factor and that, more than anything, is why they lost. You cannot win in March with your best player going on safari during a game. He made 3 baskets and 3 free throws tonight, and had 5 turnovers. That's a first team all conference for three straight years performance? 2 more points than Kaiser Gates who didn't even start. I don't know why he played like that, but he did, and as a senior, as a leader, when his teammate was getting screwed sideways by the refs he should've stood up and taken charge. He didn't.


The refs were atrocious, and they have been atrocious throughout the tournament. The Auburn game was a crime. But, we got some gift calls too both tonight and Friday. We played a very big role in losing tonight.

[IM4X]

Does Coach Mack demand excellence? Honest question.

Whenever I hear Jay Wright talk, I get the feeling that they (his staff and the players themselves) demand excellence out of each other.

Every team is going to lose, but these two epic collapses in less than 2 weeks has me searching for answers.

Mack coached teams always believe they are "That good." Jay Wright coached teams understand what it takes to actually be "that good".

Mack coached teams can hustle and play smart at times. Jay coached teams will always hustle and play smart.

[xu82]

Mack coached teams always believe they are "That good." Jay Wright coached teams understand what it takes to actually be "that good".

Mack coached teams can hustle and play smart at times. Jay coached teams will always hustle and play smart.

This is so stupid I can’t even tell if it’s serious or sarcasm. Do you remember when Villanova was growing into VILLANOVA and was an early out every March?

[usfldan]

Yeah, Mack handled that really well. Who was that tool that asked the question?

I'm pretty sure that was Teresa Walker, who covered the game for the AP.

[sirthought]

Mack coached teams always believe they are "That good." Jay Wright coached teams understand what it takes to actually be "that good".

Mack coached teams can hustle and play smart at times. Jay coached teams will always hustle and play smart.

I agree. The Nova teams seem to have the same quality of players we recruit, yet somehow their training helps them do the right things more often. Wright is developing them so that every year a new group is getting to the right spot and making the smart play.

[SemajParlor]

Lol you guys are a bunch of morons.

[sirthought]

She asked if it was "the end of an era."

I thought his first answer was fine..."not a question to ask me." But as he went on I think things became more a question of "are you staying with this team?" He was evasive, as he could have easily stated we start a fresh team every year and will do so next season.

[X Factor]

Sounded like a guy to me. There was a gal asking questions before that, but that last question was from a guy.

[Billy]

Bummed out.

It's really hard to win 4 games in this tournament...much less 5 or 6. And there's never been a season where being a #1 seed meant less as an indicator of dominance. Every computer sim had FSU being within about 5 points of Xavier...that's only two measly baskets...about a 1-in-3 chance to win the game. This wasn't any type of insane upset.

If Marshall isn't hurt, or if JP doesn't get a series of bad whistles, they win the game easily. It's not as if they got their asses beat. They played hard.

The #3 rank and #1 tournament seed is still worth a lot. 350ish schools in D1, and maybe only 5 or so will have accomplished more than this team did.

[Billy]

Sounded like a guy to me. There was a gal asking questions before that, but that last question was from a guy.

Sounded like a really young male. Maybe even a high school/college kid. Not sure how easy/hard a press credential is for this event.

And I didn't find Mack's answer remotely evasive. There was no there there. It was a stupid question.

[Billy]

It's not really revisionist history on luck or overachieving. Advanced metrics told us this all year long. We hoped they were wrong, but deep down we probably mostly knew they weren't. Great season, great results, but I don't think anyone who's watched this team and is being honest with themselves can say they're really surprised by tonight's result.

They were between 10-15 for most of the season in both KenPom and Sagarin. Those are two distinct rating systems that believed they were overachieving as far as record. So yea...this is a legit point.

[waggy]

They really should have won the game. They were in position.

[Caveat]

They were between 10-15 for most of the season in both KenPom and Sagarin. Those are two distinct rating systems that believed they were overachieving as far as record. So yea...this is a legit point.

Even if they would have been seeded as ranked, they still should have won this game and moved on to the next round. You can’t say “oh, they were lucky and overseeded” as a justification for underperforming in this instance.

[BandAid]

Lol you guys are a bunch of morons.

This is the truest statement posted on this board tonight.

[xu82]

Even if they would have been seeded as ranked, they still should have won this game and moved on to the next round. You can’t say “oh, they were lucky and overseeded” as a justification for underperforming in this instance.

I agree that is a team we should have beaten. Then life happens.

[IM4X]

I agree. The Nova teams seem to have the same quality of players we recruit, yet somehow their training helps them do the right things more often. Wright is developing them so that every year a new group is getting to the right spot and making the smart play.

Exactly... Obvioisly, Mack and his staff are very talented, but I think it is a fair observation to bring up -just as it is clear to see that Villanova teams coached by Wright are always in high gear, always seem to know where their teammates are and always play like every possession matters.

There were moments where X played like a National contender and then there were moments where X players looked like they didn't know where they were supposed to be or what they were supposed to be doing... or they apparently thought it was not necessary to always play hard.

[Billy]

Even if they would have been seeded as ranked, they still should have won this game and moved on to the next round. You can’t say “oh, they were lucky and overseeded” as a justification for underperforming in this instance.

I don't see anyone using at a justification for their performance.

But unless you are someone who gets really surprised when an average baseball player reaches base, then the result itself shouldn't be "surprising".

[markchal]

Really could've used something from Kaiser tonight. With Marshall down, you'd think an upperclassman with tournament experience might give his team a timely bucket or two. Really hope the light comes for his senior year, but I don't know that anything he's done so far would indicate it will.

[X Factor]

Really could've used something from Kaiser tonight. With Marshall down, you'd think an upperclassman with tournament experience might give his team a timely bucket or two. Really hope the light comes for his senior year, but I don't know that anything he's done so far would indicate it will.

He probably had the most disappointing of any returning player. Averaged less than 6 points per game in conference play and shot 29% from three.

[drudy23]

Bc Tre couldn't get open. He couldn't get more than about 12 inches away from his defender, even off of screens.

Not to mention the fact that the "grad transfer from Milwaukee" shot 60% from the field and single-handedly kept us ahead in the game numerous times.

This.

Everyone says "how can he disappear in his last game"...well, it's because of the really strong, physical and ultra athletic guy that was guarding him. He couldn't get a look. In addition to that, FSU completely disrupted our offensive flow with constant pressure. Tre works best through the offense. He doesn't have a great ability to get his own, especially against more athletic and stronger defenders.

There's a reason they gave full court pressure the whole second half. As bad as Hamilton was last year, he actually made the best call of the game.

The pick and pop has been our go to play alot this year with Kanter when we need a bucket..and it's worked numerous times. He was wide open, he just missed it.

If Kaiser hits that 3 off the 3-4 diving hustle plays, we win that game going away. How I wish Tre was the one getting that pass from the floor from Q.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Agree. And it's incredibly frustrating that even in a best case scenario (Mack stays, Q/Naji/Paul core develops as we expect) it's going to be a few years before X is really in the conversation again.

I think next year will be a fun team, but the kind of team we're here a year from now after losing a close one to a 1/2 seed and thinking 19-20 could be special. Fuck.

2021 FF is in Indy and our current frosh will be seniors! C'mon 2021 get here!

[Masterofreality]

Florida State was a trash team who played dirty.

So were those refs. I don't usually go here, and Xavier is a no excuse team, but:
-No goal tend call on FSU on an obvious goaltend.
-Naji's ankle being dirtily twisted in a sideline scrum.
-Tyrique being thrown to the ground on the free throws for X right before the half. No call.
- Three trash foul calls on JP.
Ok. Rant over and I'm back in the box.

[whopper]

if you want to make yourself really mad look at the play by play on espn and see that the 2 JP bad calls(at 12 and 8 minutes) resulted in FOUR made foul shotes by FSU and a missed run out by us.. I think that is why my visual of the game is so off.. I SEE good hustle plays and kind of forget about being anti-rewarded(not unrewared ) for them. Of course the real story which I hate is that they went 19-22 and we went 19-30. They shot .685 for the season! Again my visual is that they are going to go 1-2 or 0-2 yet went 2-2 often. Damn. God bless this team and I am blessed to have seen these 4 years from Conn with my daughters at X and occasionally having a player in class or some event

[nuts4xu]

Can’t control the refs, they were awful, but there are many reasons we lost this game. You can’t miss 11 free throws or turn the ball over 18 times (and really can’t do both) and expect to win the game. You can control these factors, and I point to these 2 stats why we lost. The refs sucked, but we still had a chance to win in spite of their incompetence.

[Masterofreality]

Can’t control the refs, they were awful, but there are many reasons we lost this game. You can’t miss 11 free throws or turn the ball over 18 times (and really can’t do both) and expect to win the game. You can control these factors, and I point to these 2 stats why we lost. The refs sucked, but we still had a chance to win in spite of their incompetence.

I know K. Just had to get that off my chest. Dammit.

And I am going to miss JP unlike any other player that I've seen at X.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We won a lot of close games because of FTs. Who would have thought that would be one of the biggest reasons we lost a close one?

Ugh

[whopper]

not to mention FSU shot 68.5 for the season and hit 19/22 in our game. Stats show they should have hit only 15 and WE should have hit 25. I love basketball but it is not "must see TV" from this point on.

[dethwing]

not to mention FSU shot 68.5 for the season and hit 19/22 in our game. Stats show they should have hit only 15 and WE should have hit 25. I love basketball but it is not "must see TV" from this point on.

At a probability of .685 success per trial, the probability of getting at least 19 successes in 22 trials (i.e. 19, 20, 21, or 22) is 5.09%
At a probability of .779 success per trial, the probability of getting no more than 19 successes in 30 trials is 4.99%.

Assuming these are mutually exclusive events (And I'm pretty sure that FT shooting of one team should not impact FT shooting of the other), the probability of both of these events happening is just their product, which is 0.25%. I.e. we would expect this result, (or one more extreme) about 1 time out of 400.

I doubt that makes anyone feel better about it, but I like to quantify things....

[whopper]

thanks and I have seen those actuary tables. Damn again

[dethwing]

And here's one more way to slice it. We lost by 5, and made the same number of FTs, so I was interested in the probability that we would shoot at least 5 more than whatever they made. If they make 19 (Which they did), our odds to make at least 24 are about a coin flip (49.4%). But in general, over all possibilities, we make -at least- 5 more FTs than them 88.65% of the time. In other words, we were about 1-in-8 to make somewhere between +4, to the same, or even fewer than them.

[BandAid]

At a probability of .685 success per trial, the probability of getting at least 19 successes in 22 trials (i.e. 19, 20, 21, or 22) is 5.09%
At a probability of .779 success per trial, the probability of getting no more than 19 successes in 30 trials is 4.99%.

Assuming these are mutually exclusive events (And I'm pretty sure that FT shooting of one team should not impact FT shooting of the other), the probability of both of these events happening is just their product, which is 0.25%. I.e. we would expect this result, (or one more extreme) about 1 time out of 400.

I doubt that makes anyone feel better about it, but I like to quantify things....

It must be the analytical side of me, but seeing it quantified in this way oddly makes feel better about the loss...

[dethwing]

Glad I could help :)

[SemajParlor]

We won a lot of close games because of FTs. Who would have thought that would be one of the biggest reasons we lost a close one?

Ugh

Thought a big difference this year would be FTs late and experienced Seniors in crunch time carrying us / not cracking under pressure. Welp.

[Cheesehead]

Florida State was a trash team who played dirty.

So were those refs. I don't usually go here, and Xavier is a no excuse team, but:
-No goal tend call on FSU on an obvious goaltend.
-Naji's ankle being dirtily twisted in a sideline scrum.
-Tyrique being thrown to the ground on the free throws for X right before the half. No call.
- Three trash foul calls on JP.
Ok. Rant over and I'm back in the box.

Spot on, MOR. Yes, Xavier should have won the game but the refs were awful and we can say we are not going to make excuses but the refs absolutely had a negative affect on the game. They contributed to the loss. The proof is on my DVR.

[SemajParlor]

Yeah sounds like I'm being bitter. FSU is not a very good team.

[paulxu]

It must be the analytical side of me, but seeing it quantified in this way oddly makes feel better about the loss...

I'll never "feel better" about this loss. Never.

[SemajParlor]

Looks like Naji is in a pretty heavy walking boot. I'm sure the training staff may have handled procedure differently, but maybe he wouldn't have played tomorrow?

[smileyy]

Looks like Naji is in a pretty heavy walking boot.

Oof :( Hope he recovers fully.