Game Thread: Xavier v. Auburn (November 19, 2018) Maui Invitational

[Muskie]

http://www.xavierhoops.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1866&d=1416330212&thumb=1 (http://www.xavierhoops.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1866&d=1450195293) vs http://www.xavierhoops.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1867&d=1418661221


Xavier Musketeers (2-1; 0-0) vs. #9 Auburn Tigers (3-0, 0-0)

Time: 2:30 p.m. ET

Lahaina Civic Center, Maui, HI

TV: ESPN2

Radio:

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

Live Stats (http://statbroadcast.com/events/tournament.php?tid=699&l=1)
(http://www.sidearmstats.com/xavier/mbball/)
(http://goxavier.com/news/2018/2/26/mens-basketball-no-3-xavier-can-clinch-a-share-of-the-big-east-title-with-a-win-on-wednesday.aspx)GoXavier.com (https://goxavier.com/news/2018/11/5/mens-basketball-celebrates-opening-night-on-tuesday-vs-iupui.aspx) Preview (https://goxavier.com/news/2018/11/17/mens-basketball-prepares-for-no-9-auburn-at-maui-jim-maui-invitational.aspx)

The Athletic: (https://theathletic.com/632581/2018/11/06/egger-talking-xavier-hoops-with-shannon-russell-as-musketeers-tip-off-new-season/)Behind the Scenes in Maui (https://theathletic.com/660507/2018/11/18/musketeers-in-paradise-behind-the-scenes-of-xaviers-business-and-pleasure-in-maui/)

Enquirer (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2018/11/05/xavier-mens-basketball-season-opener-vs-iupui-scouting-report/1848853002/) Preview (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2018/11/18/scouting-report-xavier-set-kick-off-maui-invitational-against-no-9-auburn/2047624002/)


*check back for more links and articles


The Setting

Xavier makes its official debut in the Maui Invitational. All tournament games beyond this point are held in the 2,400 seat Lahaina Civic Center. Xavier's first test is #9 Auburn. Xavier will either play Duke or San Diego State in the next round. Xavier is coming off its first loss of the season to Wisconsin.

Auburn is currently ranked #9 in the country and on a three-game winning streak. Auburn dispatched the Mississippi College Choctaws 103-52 last Wednesday.

What to Watch

Xavier: Did Xavier pack their 3point Defensive Playbook for the trip to Hawaii? Xavier ranks as one of the worst in the country at 347th nationally. Auburn is 21st in the country from 3 point range, shooting 45.3% so far this season. Can X use its size advantage and close off the three? Yes to both of those questions puts this game within reach.

Auburn has yet to play a competitive game this season. Their closest game was a 22 point win over Washington. Xavier has a distinct advantage size wise. Four of Auburn's projected starters are averaging double figures in points, paced by Jerard Harper and Samir Doughty at 15ppg.

Last Game:

Xavier lost to Wisconsin in the Gavitt Games at Cintas Center 68-77. (Link (https://goxavier.com/news/2018/11/13/mens-basketball-falls-to-wisconsin-77-68-following-late-comeback.aspx)).

Auburn defeated Mississippi College 103-52 (Link (https://auburntigers.com/news/2018/11/14/mens-basketball-no-9-auburn-overwhelms-mississippi-college-in-maui-invitational-tune-up.aspx?path=mbball)).

[drudy23]

Just win.

[X Factor]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYCO01gnjC8

[X Factor]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMUVYp2EHi4

[X Factor]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEllgwAGf1c

[paulxu]

I wish we were playing Evansville.

[X Factor]

I wish we were playing Evansville.

Hahaha. Gotta see what we're made of some time.

[Muskie]

If we can find a little 3 point D, this one could be interesting.

[Muskie]

Jonas Hayes' UGA Bulldog teams beat Auburn twice last year, maybe he's got the missing formula.

[xukeith]

ESPN Simulation is good news for X

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0kAbCsRstk

[Muskie]

ESPN Simulation is good news for X

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0kAbCsRstk

I wish there was an NCAA college game like that for sale.

[drudy23]

Would be a good time for the light bulb to go on concerning 3 pt defense.

[GoMuskies]

We're dominating the beer garden.

[Muskie]

I'm just looking for 40 consistent minutes of basketball.

[noteggs]

ESPN Simulation is good news for X

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0kAbCsRstk

Guess they think Ty and Hankins can start together. Hope this game is worth my half day vacation.

[Xville]

Leaving guys wide open for 3 continues. Good thing Auburn is missing them in the early going.

[Xville]

Naji!!!

Much better d in that 4 minute span

[paulxu]

I just saw Go in the stands. Looked about half in...

[xudash]

Overall, 40 minutes of this level of play and we may have a shot.

[paulxu]

Need to practice these lob things...

[xudash]

Bruce Pearl and Jay Bilas in a surfing clip!

This coverage on ESPN is going to be hard to take.

[GoMuskies]

I just saw Go in the stands. Looked about half in...

If we win, I'll get the other half in. Or if we lose.

[sirthought]

for those looking for a good stream

wiz1 dot net/channel25

[Xville]

Auburn plays really good d

[Blue Blooded-05]

I’m already tired of offensive set where we pass it around the top until under 5 on the shot clock then heave up a 3. Would love to see some high low action with some higher percentage shots.

[Xville]

X is not a very good team right now.

[drudy23]

I’m already tired of offensive set where we pass it around the top until under 5 on the shot clock then heave up a 3. Would love to see some high low action with some higher percentage shots.

It's not designed that way. We can't get into anything because of their pressure.

[X Factor]

Goodin already has 4 turnovers. Not good. And he's 0-7 from the field.

[drudy23]

Auburn's athleticm is impressive.

[X Factor]

Make that 5 turnovers.

We aren't good. We can't shoot.

[X Factor]

Naji with no one within 10 feet of him and he can't knock down the three.

[Xville]

It's not designed that way. We can't get into anything because of their pressure.

Steele should have X watch the tape after this game to show them how you are supposed to play defense.

[X Factor]

Steele should have X watch the tape after this game to show them how you are supposed to play defense.

We play the packline defense, which just gives other teams wide open threes.

[Xville]

only down 5? wow....one thing i do love about this team so far this year is the way they battle back.

[X Factor]

Steele needs to recruit some shooters.

[Olsingledigit]

Great end to the half. We are hanging tough against a very good and athletic team. Go X

[letskeepitreal]

Yeah I like how this team doesn't quit. Considering how they played the first half, I am happy that we are only down 5

[letskeepitreal]

They hung in there but Auburn just seems so much more athletic

[kellernr]

3 years in an Goodin still doesnt have a shot. It's time for him to just be a distributor unless he is wide open. 5 for 26 from the floor the last 3 halves. 1 for 10 from 3.

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[sirthought]

could be worse.

I think the refs are allowing a lot of contact when our guys drive inside.

Their guards can shoot.

[paulxu]

We're not out of it. Will be interesting if Steele makes any halftime adjustments that are effective.

[X Factor]

3 years in an Goodin still doesnt have a shot. It's time for him to just be a distributor unless he is wide open. 5 for 26 from the floor the last 3 halves. 1 for 10 from 3.

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It goes back to Semaj, and then Sumner, and now Goodin. Xavier hasn't had a PG that could shoot in a long time.

Dee Davis could knock down a three when he was open. Drew Lavender was a good shooter.

Wish Steele would recruit a PG that could shoot.

[Xville]

Scruggs has really been a disappointment so far considering his recruiting ranking. I'm hoping the lightbulb turns on sooner rather than later.

[Xville]

great effort there by Q! only down 2!!

[Xville]

im sorry but scruggs needs to sit...extremely lazy on d, not strong with the ball...just not giving the team anything.

[drudy23]

This is pathetic

[xu82]

We seem to be practicing our turnovers?

[drudy23]

We literally just threw 5 straight passes to them.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Quentin you’ve got to be kidding me.

[Olsingledigit]

They are just much more athletic and we cannot even make a clean pass. What is that five turnovers already this half?

[Muskie4106]

Completely LAZY basketball....NO EFFORT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!! lazy turnovers are UNACCEPTABLE even for this team. Esepecially Goodin.

And I agree with Scruggs he is a turnover machine and dribbles way to high.

[drudy23]

They are just much more athletic and we cannot even make a clean pass. What is that five turnovers already this half?

This.

[X Factor]

4th grade passes...Goodin stinks.

[xudash]

At some point, as a high-level athlete, when does it click in that you have to play at least as hard and certainly harder than you're opponent in order to win, especially when that opponent, on paper, it's supposed to be better than you.

They had to play for all 40 minutes. Yet they continue to clearly demonstrate their ability to have these stupid lapses.

[xu82]

This feels like Groundhog Day.

[stammina0721]

Five straight possessions without a shot. Do not get pissed this will be a common theme this year. Got to just let the young guys grow and wait till next year

[drudy23]

How about some back cut action with their constant over the top pressure.

[X Factor]

Auburn is talented and they play hard. We're not as talented and we're just going through the motions.

[xu82]

How are we not down MORE?

It’s only single digits!

[drudy23]

Our defense is so soft.

[drudy23]

No clue how we are in this game.

[stammina0721]

At some point, as a high-level athlete, when does it click in that you have to play at least as hard and certainly harder than you're opponent in order to win, especially when that opponent, on paper, it's supposed to be better than you.

They had to play for all 40 minutes. Yet they continue to clearly demonstrate their ability to have these stupid lapses.

It's not stupid lapses. It's one team is physically out classed. There is a reason why 3 guys were playing lower d1 or d2 last year. Just have to take the lumps this year and grow for next year

[sirthought]

It feels like Welage's turnovers have more impact than his three pointers.

He either needs to move stronger to the ball or just shift his body to get a catch and protect it better.

[drudy23]

It's not stupid lapses. It's one team is physically out classed. There is a reason why 3 guys were playing lower d1 or d2 last year. Just have to take the lumps this year and grow for next year

It's both.

Bilas is absolutely right. Auburn dudes catch passes and have time to make a decision (and it's usually taking an open 3). We can't even catch a pass without a dude in our grill. That's intensity.

[X Factor]

We don't put any pressure on the ball. Just let Auburn come down and get into their offense with no resistance.

[X Factor]

It's not stupid lapses. It's one team is physically out classed. There is a reason why 3 guys were playing lower d1 or d2 last year. Just have to take the lumps this year and grow for next year

That's false.

[bjf123]

Thanks for nothing FiOptics. Trying to watch the game on using the Watch FiOptics app on my iPad and there’s a “technical problem” and I should try again later. $%#*!


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[kellernr]

Hopefully one of the incoming freshman next year come in and replace goodin in the starting 5. He is not good

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[xu82]

A season is a lifetime.....and this lifetime might be longer than most.

[drudy23]

Hopefully one of the incoming freshman next year come in and replace goodin in the starting 5. He is not good

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

There are alot of good point guards that are going to struggle against Auburn this year. That being said, he ain't playing well.

[X Factor]

WTF Goodin!!!

[xu82]

Impersonation is the sincerest form of flattery. Auburn trying out our turnover stuff!

[xu82]

And we are only down 4.....

[paulxu]

They're shooting 71% from 3.

Why does everybody do this with us? Can't be ALL crappy defense.

[GoMuskies]

However bad Q has looked on TV, it's worse in person.

[xu82]

They're shooting 71% from 3.

Why does everybody do this with us? Can't be ALL crappy defense.

Somehow we actually help them? I mean, can they shoot 71% in an empty gym????

[Xville]

They're shooting 71% from 3.

Why does everybody do this with us? Can't be ALL crappy defense.

Its a combination of defensive strategy, execution and laziness. I know I have said it a million times on here but the packline does create open 3s. I almost feel like our guys (because they are not required to play in your face 1 on 1 d) become complacent in this d.

[xu82]

However bad Q has looked on TV, it's worse in person.

I’m sure it is, but you can go to the beach after this!


How many hours behind is Hawaii? Are guys acting like the just crawled out of bed!

[X Factor]

Goodin looks like he's never played basketball in his life.

[bjf123]

Somehow we actually help them? I mean, can they shoot 71% in an empty gym????

Probably not!


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[bjf123]

I’m sure it is, but you can go to the beach after this!


How many hours behind is Hawaii? Are guys acting like the just crawled out of bed!

This time of year, it’s 5 hours. The game started about 9:30 HST.


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[GoMuskies]

This time of year, it’s 5 hours. The game started about 9:30 HST.


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We still rocked the beer garden pre game.

[paulxu]

They have kegs and eggs on Maui?

[paulxu]

My bad. That was a FT %

[stammina0721]

It's both.

Bilas is absolutely right. Auburn dudes catch passes and have time to make a decision (and it's usually taking an open 3). We can't even catch a pass without a dude in our grill. That's intensity.

It's not intensity it's athletic ability. Guys can play you tight if you are not a threat to drive by. Do you think anyone on Auburn is afraid that Welage is going to take them to the rim? Of course not so they are free to play harder D. On the flip side do you think our guys have the foot speed to stay in front? For the most part no. It's just a reality we have a Motley Crew team of transfers that are not Big East quality players. Not everyone but a good chunk are. You are seeing that now

[xu82]

we still rocked the beer garden pre game.

make us proud!!!

[bjf123]

My bad. That was a FT %

Well, that they could do in an open gym.


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[xu82]

look at the bright side, are are playing like CRAP, and only down 4 against the #8 team. Take care of the ball a bit, and things could turn around.

[sirthought]

I know guys need some breathers, but I have to think coach is sending a message to Scruggs by sitting him so long.

That message is: We can't play any worse with you off the floor.

[Xville]

look at the bright side, are are playing like CRAP, and only down 4 against the #8 team. Take care of the ball a bit, and things could turn around.

true...and i think that is great for January on because I don't think there is anyone near as good as auburn in the big east this year.

[xu82]

How many trainers did we bring????

[paulxu]

If we didn't have 16 TO's (many of them followed by a layup) we'd be winning this damn game.

Unfortunately it reminds me so much of last year where lazy ass passes were our downfall.

[xu82]

If we didn't have 16 TO's (many of them followed by a layup) we'd be winning this damn game.

Unfortunately it reminds me so much of last year where lazy ass passes were our downfall.

Let’s hope we learn lessons that benefit us in March!

[chico]

We still rocked the beer garden pre game.

I would rep you but the man is keeping me down. I'm also looking out at rainy 40 degree weather and am severely jealous.

[drudy23]

How many times is Q going to realize that he can't just go to the rim at will. We're not playing Radford.

[Xville]

stop shooting Goodin...you aren't a good shooter.

[kellernr]

Guys I want shooting the 3 ball before goodin:

Welage
Marshall
Harden
Scruggs
Kennedy
Castlin

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[paulxu]

If you're 2-15, and 0-4 from 3...maybe you should set up some of your teammates.

(Edit: especially if you happen to be playing PG)

[xu82]

Guys I want shooting the 3 ball before goodin:

Welage
Marshall
Harden
Scruggs
Kennedy
Castlin

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I’m not on your list?

[Muskie4106]

Guys I want shooting the 3 ball before goodin:

Welage
Marshall
Harden
Scruggs
Kennedy
Castlin

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

and then Jones

[Xville]

the effort is certainly there today..... which is nice.

[XfansinKy]

At least we're not getting blown out .

[Xville]

forget what i said Q...keep shooting :)

[xu82]

forget what i said Q...keep shooting :)

He’s been saving up for a big finish!

[chico]

Never doubted Q (as far as you know).

I guess with all the nice things he's saying, Jay Bilas is back in our good graces for the present time.

[X Factor]

Gotta like the confidence from Goodin....finally got one to go.

[chico]

You'd think we're playing Malone and Stockton as well as they're running the pick and roll.

[Blue Blooded-05]

NOT a good shot by Q down 1. C’mon

[paulxu]

I'd rather have Welage be taking the 3's

[xu82]

Have to make our FT’s! Could decide this one!

[whopper]

bruce pearl is all that is wrong with college basketball. Great effort so far.

[Xville]

ugh harper :(

absolutely terrible call there on scruggs....how the heck was that a charge? geezus

[xu82]

At the VERY least, this has been a lot more fun than I anticipated an hour ago!

[xu82]

Bullshit call on the offensive foul!!!

[drudy23]

And with 2 teams playing their asses off, the refs decide they need some attention.

[kellernr]

Need to get these geriatric refs off the floor. Needs to be an age limit for being a ref

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[X Factor]

Bullshit call

[Olsingledigit]

bruce pearl is all that is wrong with college basketball. Great effort so far.

Amen to that. Pearl is a cheating slug and ESPN keeps sucking up to him and all the other cheating coaches.

[xu82]

MAKE FT’s!!!

Sit down, young man.

[xu82]

Gotta rebound! Ugh...

[paulxu]

So Goodin shoots another 3. Sure.

[xu82]

Get a STOP!!!!!

[Xville]

Really good effort today either way....execution has been good and bad but i think the team is getting better.

[whopper]

you won't see a team like this in big east. I have seen them all with fox sports, This long rebounding off threes is a mystery to me. The offensive team seems to have an advantage

[letskeepitreal]

Although Auburn is way more athletic, I really love that there is no quit on this team.

[letskeepitreal]

We've got a chance here!

[xu82]

I could live with OT. They have 2 guys out and another has 4 fouls.

[Xville]

ot baby!!!!

[xu82]

I was at the game at Auburn a few years ago when we went to OT. That did not end well, so this is OUR turn!

[Olsingledigit]

OT it is. I am proud of X. They are going to be OK this year.

[paulxu]

Free basketball!

[xu82]

OT it is. I am proud of X. They are going to be OK this year.

Yep, sloppy with the ball, but all the fight in the world!

[xu82]

I wish Naji would stop doing TOO much.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

This X team has shown major improvement. Win or lose, they played hard and with with guts. Go X!

[Xville]

come on guys....dig deep here for two more minutes!

[paulxu]

That little guy reminds me of Tu

[xu82]

That little guy reminds me of Tu

Well, except I LIKED Tu.....

[xu82]

Naji, again doing TOO much.

[paulxu]

Just seems to me we've had one shot in OT.
The rest have been dribble around and lose the ball.
Oh well. Better days to come.

[paulxu]

Goodin really needs to shape up for us to be at all competitive this year.

[Xville]

X plays with this effort the next two games, they will leave maui 2-1 which i would have taken in a heartbeat.

[GoMuskies]

Missed opportunity

[X Factor]

We just don't take care of the ball.

[DexterBailey84]

wow, what an absolutely putrid game for Quintin Gooden...can't have that and expect to win, no matter who they're playing.

[X Factor]

Goodin is 3-19 from the field....

[xu82]

Goodin really needs to shape up for us to be at all competitive this year.

I’ll just hope the shoulder put him behind in fine tuning a little bit. We’ve seen him do what he's capable of.

[drudy23]

Hopefully this is a game where the lights bulbs go off about how they need to play night in and night out.

Turnovers killed, but can't fault them at all in this game.

It's only a missed opportunity if they hang their heads tomorrow.

[Xville]

well....they beat the spread...so thats something

[X Factor]

Naji and Goodin have 7 turnovers each.

[Olsingledigit]

Good effort by X.

[xu82]

Hopefully this is a game where the lights bulbs go off about how they need to play night in and night out.

Turnovers killed, but can't fault them at all in this game.

It's only a missed opportunity if they hang their heads tomorrow.

Amen!

[chico]

Hard fought game. That may be the best team we face all year and we stood right with them.

[xu82]

I still hate refs, BTW.

[X Factor]

Turnovers beat X.

Goodin and Naji have to take care of the ball.

[paulxu]

I'm glad we made it a good game. Thought we had a chance there at the end.

But...TO's were 22 to 12. Just unacceptable. They weren't all steals; a lot were flat out sloppy play/passes.

And Steele just had to rein Q in. If you're having a bad day, let somebody else shoot it. If your not smart enough to realize it, the coach should step in.

[X Factor]

I'm glad we made it a good game. Thought we had a chance there at the end.

But...TO's were 22 to 12. Just unacceptable. They weren't all steals; a lot were flat out sloppy play/passes.

And Steele just had to rein Q in. If you're having a bad day, let somebody else shoot it. If your not smart enough to realize it, the coach should step in.

Yeah, Goodin should almost NEVER have 19 attempts, let alone when he is 3-19. I thought we should've tried to run some more action for Welage and get him some more looks.

There were A LOT of unforced turnovers too. Gotta clean it up.

X didn't quit, but there are no moral victories. Have to play smart and tough.

[BMoreX]

Lot to like, lot to dislike today. Impressive that they held firm with a top ten team. Turnovers and questionable shot selection (and really, overall play) from Goodin killed chances.

[xukeith]

I'm glad we made it a good game. Thought we had a chance there at the end.

But...TO's were 22 to 12. Just unacceptable. They weren't all steals; a lot were flat out sloppy play/passes.

And Steele just had to rein Q in. If you're having a bad day, let somebody else shoot it. If your not smart enough to realize it, the coach should step in.

Stupid shots taken too.
Better play though.
Here's to 2-1 now in Maui. Hope everyone isn't gassed and injured.

[xu82]

How they respond to some adversity may tell us something about our new head coach. Learn from this, and I’m impressed. Come out and clean it up, don’t hang your heads.

[whopper]

Agreed and they need to trust Welage as his range and form do space floor and has a chance to go in. or create offensive rebounds.. The sad thing is the ONLY foul shot missed the second half was Welage which was 99% the way down. Not saying we would have won but.. That 4 pt turnaround (Naj miss, tyrique tangled up on missed rebound dunk and a 5-3 was the key play in the game.). OT we seemed to have no chance for some reason

[Caf]

Lot to like, lot to dislike today. Impressive that they held firm with a top ten team. Turnovers and questionable shot selection (and really, overall play) from Goodin killed chances.

I think it's safe to say Auburn is not worthy of a top 10 spot after today. The fact that we hung with them after coughing up 22 TOs is a pretty bad sign for them.

[xukeith]

We just don't take care of the ball.

Credit small Auburn guards and havoc defense.
It is November.

[drudy23]

I think it's safe to say Auburn is not worthy of a top 10 spot after today. The fact that we hung with them after coughing up 22 TOs is a pretty bad sign for them.

Stop. They are very good and super athletic.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Disappointed at the OT loss but encouraged at what this team can do. FT and 3 pt shootings were much improved, and so was the rebounding. Keep up the good work!

[X Factor]

Credit small Auburn guards and havoc defense.
It is November.

I saw A LOT of unforced turnovers. Just not taking care of the ball, dribbling it away, lazy passes.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

Q has to be better.

[xukeith]

With BE down this year, X needs to be team #4 so lots of work.

Probably X's NET rating is helped with this "quality" loss.

[sirthought]

I think it's safe to say Auburn is not worthy of a top 10 spot after today. The fact that we hung with them after coughing up 22 TOs is a pretty bad sign for them.

Total BS they are a loaded team. One of the best right now.

Xavier has a lot of talent. They just aren't showing good basketball IQ and execution. They need a better defensive system.

[Xville]

Yeah Auburn is top 3 in a loaded sec. To say that they aren't good is ridiculous

[xukeith]

Auburn jacked up a lot of 3's.

[scoscox]

Good stuff from keonte when he was in. Tough defense and stepped up and into that 3 with confidence. He’s a gamer

[xukeith]

Total BS they are a loaded team. One of the best right now.

Xavier has a lot of talent. They just aren't showing goog basketball IQ and execution. They need a better defensive system.

X played well defensively. Rebounds( yes we won) and turnovers against Athletic teams like Auburn won't help. How did X survive with 22 TOs?

[paulxu]

Against Wisky we sucked from 3...5/24. And we shot 56% from the line.

We did correct the FT shooting.

[Xavier]

Auburn jacked up a lot of 3's.

That is kind of what they do. Really strong guard play, was somewhat surprised they forced it inside a lot more in the 2nd half (even though it typically worked out well for them). They will lose a few they shouldn't being dependent on the 3 ball but they have the type of team that can really make a run in March.

[Caf]

Stop. They are very good and super athletic.

Total BS they are a loaded team. One of the best right now.

Xavier has a lot of talent. They just aren't showing goog basketball IQ and execution. They need a better defensive system.

Yeah Auburn is top 3 in a loaded sec. To say that they aren't good is ridiculous

I must have missed the part where I said they weren't good.

Time will tell, and maybe today was just a fluke or growing pains etc. However, a top 10 team getting taken to OT by a an opponent with over 20 TOs has to be extremely rare.

[scoscox]

14 turnovers from naji and Quentin can not happen. If those guys are better we win. They killed us today. 7 tos for each is just ridiculous

[kellernr]

Really thought we were going to win this when it went to OT. They had 2 guys foul put and another with 4. Needed to keep going inside instead of jacking up 3s. So far this season only 3 guys stand out as guys who can shoot. Naji, Scruggs and Welage. No one else needs to be throwing up long range shots unless they are wide open.

Also naji needs to not handle the ball as much. His dribble is isn't tight and he continuously turns it over when driving through traffic.

Other than that I was stoked we kept it close against the #8 team and had a shot for the win. I think they should be playing a lot better when conference play begins.

At least we wont have to get embarrassed by duke tomorrow

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[GIMMFD]

14 turnovers from naji and Quentin can not happen. If those guys are better we win. They killed us today. 7 tos for each is just ridiculous

Only thing I can spin into a positive is that our two best players played like absolute dog shit and we made it to OT with the #8 team in the country, and overcame 22 TOs. Gonna have to take care of the ball better, but this team has some fight in them, showed it today, and against Wisconsin.

[SemajParlor]

This year has the feeling of the 2010-2011 year.

[noteggs]

Heart and determination was back and something we lacked the first 3 games. Obviously by the outcome, that was not enough. If execution and chemistry improves, think we’ll have a decent year.

[Xville]

San Diego state looks like a very solid team (duke is insane). We must play with the same effort we did today to win minus the turnovers

[drudy23]

Auburn jacked up a lot of 3's.

They can afford to with their style of play. They can make up for a lot of bad shots with the turnovers they create.

[JTG]

Q has to be better.

He's playing with a jacked shoulder, but Q at 60% is out only option.

[kellernr]

He's playing with a jacked shoulder, but Q at 60% is out only option.I would have sat him if his shoulder wasnt fully healed. The shots he makes cancels out his turnovers so he's basically giving us nothing while he's out there.

Looking at this bracket we had no shot at winning it all even with Q fully healthy.

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[SemajParlor]

I feel a little better about us losing watching Duke play right now.

[drudy23]

Q is not at 60%. He might not be 100, but he's not at 60.

If he was at 60%, he wouldn't be playing.

[noteggs]

Q is not at 60%. He might not be 100, but he's not at 60.

If he was at 60%, he wouldn't be playing.

Agree. If 60% healthy, he should not be on the court for 41 minutes he played today. 60% effective based off time missed with team...ok

[kellernr]

Q is not at 60%. He might not be 100, but he's not at 60.

If he was at 60%, he wouldn't be playing.And for it being his left shoulder that is hurt he does most of his dribbling with his left hand. I will say that his shot, (when it goes in) looks better than before he hurt the shoulder. Maybe he should leave the brace on even after he is fully healed.

I'm done with this game. On to tomorrow. My only Hope's for this year is making the tourney and beating UC. If both those things happen I will consider this year a success. Next year is the year I'm looking for this team to make a nice run in March. Great class coming in and we only lose the grad transfers and maybe a transfer

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[fellahmuskie]

And for it being his left shoulder that is hurt he does most of his dribbling with his left hand. I will say that his shot, (when it goes in) looks better than before he hurt the shoulder. Maybe he should leave the brace on even after he is fully healed.

I'm done with this game. On to tomorrow. My only Hope's for this year is making the tourney and beating UC. If both those things happen I will consider this year a success. Next year is the year I'm looking for this team to make a nice run in March. Great class coming in and we only lose the grad transfers and maybe a transfer

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Normally I would agree, but if this team can tighten things up a bit, they could do damage in the big east. I feel like this would be a great year to win the BET.

I also really want the UC win, especially since I'm going. Gotta win the next 5 and get some momentum/confidence built up.

[kellernr]

Normally I would agree, but if this team can tighten things up a bit, they could do damage in the big east. I feel like this would be a great year to win the BET.

I also really want the UC win, especially since I'm going. Gotta win the next 5 and get some momentum/confidence built up.True. Nova actually looks human this year. Sucks it's a down year for us too. They could gel by conference play. Turnovers are killing them. They clean that up and get it down to 10-12 a game they will hang towards the top of the league.

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[muskieindent]

Was the missed goal tend call in regulation or overtime?that ball sure looked to be coming down.I came in expecting a loss so the fact that they played them that close is a plus. Ball handling was abysmal. Foul shooting outstanding.

[whopper]

Grad transfers had 30 points, 13 rebounds, 10-18 from floor (4-6 threes) is all we could ask for against Auburn. This is encouraging and I sense that the they need to trust Welage more as his contested 3s are better than some of the other’s uncontested 3s and it would space the floor better and allow us to play better transition defense. Ugly effort but even the poor statistical performers played hard in a tough game against a deep team

[Muskeagle]

Was the missed goal tend call in regulation or overtime?that ball sure looked to be coming down.I came in expecting a loss so the fact that they played them that close is a plus. Ball handling was abysmal. Foul shooting outstanding.

Definitely overtime. It was a big non-call. We were down one and that should have given us the lead at 81-80. Instead, they got the ball and went down and extended their one point lead (I think they hit one of two free throws, but I'm not sure).

[D-West & PO-Z]

X played well defensively. Rebounds( yes we won) and turnovers against Athletic teams like Auburn won't help. How did X survive with 22 TOs?

Free throws.

Good to see us shoot so well from the line after a rough start to season from the line.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This year has the feeling of the 2010-2011 year.

Dang, I hope we get a 6 seed!

Just not the shitty tournament appearance. Being at that Marquette game sucked. The game that kept Tu from leaving early. Maybe the worst I ever saw him.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Man, sucks to have been that close to such a great win. Missed opportunity. FT's are why we were in the game. If we get to the line that often and make that % we will be able to win some games we maybe shouldnt.

Auburn's defense was intense. We actually scored a lot but it was tough at times and we didnt ever look really comfortable. Their D extended us out well past 3 point line.

Like that we took the #8 team to OT though, especially when at multiple points it looked like it might turn into a blowout.

[X Factor]

Did anyone think on the last play in regulation for Auburn, the kid that caught it on the wing traveled before he made his move? I swear he did, and that would've given us the ball back with about 4 seconds left.

[scoscox]

Castlin also got fouled on the last rebound in regulation pretty badly.

Listened to Bruce Pearl's press conference post game and he was asked if his guys play with a chip on his shoulder. "There are no MCDAA's. We've only got two five stars" lol incredible adversity

[American X]

Maybe Goodin should have hit someone in the head with a coconut.

[drudy23]

I really liked the way Tyrique and Hankins competed on the boards. Those dudes were battling down there.