Game Thread: Xavier v. Illinois (November 21, 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 2305


Xavier Musketeers (2-3; 0-0) vs. University of Illinois (1-3, 0-0)

Time: 9:00 p.m. ET

Lahaina Civic Center, Maui, HI

TV: ESPNU

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/)

The Setting

Xavier's temporary residency at Lahaina Civic Center closes with a final match with the 1-3 Fighting Illini. Xavier seeks a first win in the Maui Invitational.

Illinois faces Xavier after a loss to Iowa State in the last round. Illinois' lone win this season was against common X opponent Evansville, which they beat 83-67 in their home opener.

Last Game:

Xavier lost to San Diego State. (Link (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2018/11/20/live-updates-xavier-takes-san-diego-state-second-round-maui-invitational/2062244002/)).

Illinois lost to Iowa State. (Link (https://fightingillini.com/news/2018/11/20/mens-basketball-illini-fall-to-cyclones-in-maui.aspx?path=mbball)).

[Jesuit4Life]

Let's Go X

[xu82]

Oh good! I get to watch women’s volleyball instead!

[XfansinKy]

Oh good! I get to watch women’s volleyball instead!

Me too

[xu82]

On ESPN News

[xu82]

We look scrappier today, getting on the floor.

[Muskie]

I’m worried about the pace.


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[xu82]

I’m worried about the pace.


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I’m worried about.....everything at this point.

[Olsingledigit]

Offense is totally out of control again. No movement, no placement. One on one shooting.

[kellernr]

We look like a high school JV team so far

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[xu82]

Scruggs looks bored during the break.

[noteggs]

Need to stay in control. Run the offense

[Muskie]

I’d like a timer on how much Bill Walton actually talks about the game versus himself and other nonsense.


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[xu82]

I think games will be more enjoyable when Bill Walton is no longer in the gym.

[kellernr]

Goodin needs to sit. He is killing what little offense this team

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[KFX]

Get ready for Xavier’s first losing season in thirty years. Coach Steele has not a clue. I haven’t seen a cogent offense in 6 games. Not sure I’ve seen sustained effort for five minutes. Big swings in scores and fortunes. He has yet to calm this team down. This team who are basically playing street ball and are lucky enough to have the talent for us to hang around in some of these games. That Iowa State shellacking of SDSU shows how shit we are I don’t think he has the team’s attention (won’t say respect yet). This program was crying out for a clean sweep and we went with the “formula” and hired the deputy. Prepare for life in the slow lane. I’m counting six coaches in the BE that will eat his sorry ass lunch.

[noteggs]

Walton is awful!!!

[XUGRAD80]

They have that deer in the headlights look in their eyes...

[xu82]

They should stop the game until Walton stops talking about nonsense. I’m not sure I want to see this season anyway.

[X Factor]

Naji is a turnover machine

[xu82]

Get ready for Xavier’s first losing season in thirty years. Coach Steele has not a clue. I haven’t seen a cogent offense in 6 games. Not sure I’ve seen sustained effort for five minutes. Big swings in scores and fortunes. He has yet to calm this team down. This team who are basically playing street ball and are lucky enough to have the talent for us to hang around in some of these games. That Iowa State shellacking of SDSU shows how shit we are I don’t think he has the team’s attention (won’t say respect yet). This program was crying out for a clean sweep and we went with the “formula” and hired the deputy. Prepare for life in the slow lane. I’m counting six coaches in the BE that will eat his sorry ass lunch.

I am NOT going down that road. Could it happen? Sure. But I won’t quit that easily. Everything’s is new, and there a learning curve. I’m glad Walton wants to share the family tree.

[kellernr]

That charge on kennedy was shit. Defender was inside the half circle

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[Olsingledigit]

we are simply out of control. We run right down and run over people. Two charges in two possessions and our boy Ty has two fouls again in the first half.

[noteggs]

I am NOT going down that road. Could it happen? Sure. But I won’t quit that easily. Everything’s is new, and there a learning curve. I’m glad Walton wants to share the family tree.

Completely agree on all

[xu82]

That charge on kennedy was shit. Defender was inside the half circle

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I was glad he kicked out (rather than force a bad shot), but he should have avoided the possibility of a charge....that seemed clear to me. UGH

[Jesuit4Life]

Just FYI - if you're streaming through the ESPN app or site, you should be able to choose the broadcast (camera icon on the bottom right). One of the ESPN3 streams has no Walton.

[X Factor]

I was glad he kicked out (rather than force a bad shot), but he should have avoided the possibility of a charge....that seemed clear to me. UGH

He was totally out of control. I don't know why Tyrique was so pissed. You can't just jump into the defender. Play with some finesse.

[noteggs]

That charge on kennedy was shit. Defender was inside the half circle

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Nice to see Kennedy go to basket tho.

[X Factor]

"If you're name is Mario Mercurio, you're related to Freddie Mercury." - Bill Walton

[KFX]

Completely agree on all

I hope you are right and I’m wrong. I really do. It’s not like I’m there rooting for Illinois But we are six games in and not seeing progress 20% of the season Even the little things. Three coaches talking at once. No good time outs. Hell I think I’ve seen one set play that worked out of a time out. I’m annoyed and I’m too old for patience but I envy you guys who have it. Go X

[X Factor]

If we lose this game, we will struggle to get 15 wins this year.

[xu82]

Nice (but risky) passing.

[xu82]

I hope you are right and I’m wrong. I really do. It’s not like I’m there rooting for Illinois But we are six games in and not seeing progress 20% of the season Even the little things. Three coaches talking at once. No good time outs. Hell I think I’ve seen one set play that worked out of a time out. I’m annoyed and I’m too old for patience but I envy you guys who have it. Go X

I suggest some relaxation techniques. (-:

[KFX]

Thanks. I’m sitting in a house with no heat and no hot water - water heater on the blink. not helping my mood.

[noteggs]

I love Jimmy V as a man. What a treasure

[xu82]

I know teams miss against us, but it does NOT seem that way this year.

[X Factor]

Not a guy within 10 feet of that shooter.

[Muskie]

Bill Walton apparently has a great view of his hotel room.


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[xu82]

Not a guy within 10 feet of that shooter.

“Foul Avoidance”.

[X Factor]

Entertaining? Yes. Good basketball? No.

[Muskie]

I have no idea how we have a lead.


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[KabeX]

I have no idea how we have a lead.


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B/C Illinois kinda sucks too

[noteggs]

For what it’s worth ball movement better than yesterday

[letskeepitreal]

Great that we’re ahead at the half. Bad thing it took 68% shooting which is unsustainable. Neither team playing good defense but it’s pretty entertaining.

[KabeX]

Those of you who are ... ahem ... more seasoned like me might remember this: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077101/

We look eerily similar. But remember coach Reeves miraculously turned them around. Just sayin.

[letskeepitreal]

B/C Illinois kinda sucks too
We may not be as good as last year but this is a little strong. We should improve down the road.

[XUOWNSUC]

We put the volume on “mute” the minute Walton said Xavier’s defense was tough (roughly a minute into the game). It took us awhile, but we are now synced with 55krc on the computer. Sooo much better now.

[KabeX]

We may not be as good as last year but this is a little strong. We should improve down the road.

Yes I think we will too. I'm just callin how I'm seeing it;

[xu82]

This is just part of the strategy to sneak up on teams. I think we are excelling!

[Nigel Tufnel]

The only way I could be convinced that Walton isn't high as hell is if I personally watched him pee in a cup, watched the drug screen personally and it came back clean. Weed, acid, DMT, ayahuasca. it's got to be something. Not that I care...but I've been around a lot of high people....and that dude is high.

[KabeX]

Scruggs and Ty need to not get a quick 3rd foul. Kennedy and Hardin also have 2.

[X Factor]

Illinois is 9-16 from three.

I have never seen a worse 3pt defense from a Xavier team.

[X Factor]

I can't stand Bill Walton, but he actually has me cracking up.

[X Factor]

Have you ever seen Xavier play like this before? I'm not saying it's good, but the way this game is going.

[KFX]

I think Walton is coked out of his mind

[xu82]

The only way I could be convinced that Walton isn't high as hell is if I personally watched him pee in a cup, watched the drug screen personally and it came back clean. Weed, acid, DMT, ayahuasca. it's got to be something. Not that I care...but I've been around a lot of high people....and that dude is high.

Have we met?

[X Factor]

Seriously, it's good to see Elias play well. He's earning more minutes.

[XfansinKy]

Harden has a beeeeautiful jump shot. I knew he had mid range, but didn't know he was that good from deep.

[noteggs]

Seriously, it's good to see Elias play well. He's earning more minutes.

Offensively absolutely! Defense needs approve still

[UCGRAD4X]

Is this game really about the broadcasters and the actual game itself. This is ridiculous. Lets hear about/show the announcers at the beginning and and halftime and some floor time-outs but all this in game split screen shit is lame as hell.

[xu82]

Is this game really about the broadcasters and the actual game itself. This is ridiculous. Lets hear about/show the announcers at the beginning and and halftime and some floor time-outs but all this in game split screen shit is lame as hell.

Is there agame going on?????

[UCGRAD4X]

Nice to see the freshman contribute.

[X Factor]

Why does Goodin always feel the need to jack a three before he initiates the offense?

[Nigel Tufnel]

The offense the last 3-4 minutes has been terrible. It's like I'm watching UC's offense. No movement. We going to count on a Scruggs bank in 3 all year? Yuck.

[letskeepitreal]

Why does Goodin always feel the need to jack a three before he initiates the offense?

I was wondering the same thing.

[UCGRAD4X]

Is there agame going on?????

If I see one more clip about Walton's massage therapy stint I think I'll eject chunks.

[letskeepitreal]

Walton’s got to be high as a kite but he’s cracking me up.

[UCGRAD4X]

Decent lead is nice to see ...in the second half.

[X Factor]

Marshall and Goodin should not be shooting threes. Let Scruggs, Harden, Kennedy, and Welage shoot them.

[X Factor]

Naji and Goodin are a combined 1-10 from three...everyone else are a combined 7-10.

[xu82]

If I see one more clip about Walton's massage therapy stint I think I'll eject chunks.

That was you, on the table, wasn’t it?

Bilas just lent his pompous face. Too good to lay down and take it.....

[UCGRAD4X]

Marshall and Goodin should not be shooting threes. Let Scruggs, Harden, Kennedy, and Welage shoot them.

Completely agree. Now and then just to show you might. Play to your strengths...and that ain't it.

[X Factor]

Why inbound it right into the corner?

[X Factor]

We just can't put any one away

[UCGRAD4X]

That was you, on the table, wasn’t it?

Bilas just lent his pompous face. Too good to lay down and take it.....

D-bags both. And the Duke blowjobs were nauseating. So glad the Zags topped them.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Finally.......won a game. Can this be the “coming-out” game for Harden? Why is Welage not playing more? BTW, I am still shocked to see Dayton beat Butler. Not good for BE.

[Olsingledigit]

This one belongs to the Muskies! Looked much better the second half but still have a lot to improve on

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Color me a bit surprised. They got a win in Maui. We should be at least 7-6 going or 8-5 going into conference.

Winning a close one they should win is a good step to take.


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[whopper]

Finally.......won a game. Can this be the “coming-out” game for Harden? Why is Welage not playing more? BTW, I am still shocked to see Dayton beat Butler. Not good for BE. I think that Welage needs to be set up while Harden/Kennedy make 3s off the dribble. I hope he can take the challenge as there will be games Harden/Kennedy aren't hot. They play a little better defense and supply ball handling. Steele played a hunch and maybe during practice he saw something that clicked.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I am thankful for the win. I will deep fry a bird in peanut oil and enjoy my favorite holiday tomorrow.

I will feel bad for Jason or Justin, you know, Rob and Sue's kid, for having to call another game with Walton. You could tell by his body language and comments that he was as taken aback as all of us on here.

[KabeX]

I'll take full credit for this W. I quit posting and the boys responded. Not that I'm paranoid but damn it I think the hoops gods are out to get me! We'll be fine. Selection Sunday will be nerve wracking and if we don't make it then it's definitely not my fault. Future still bright. And yes, I have been drinking (it's the TG eve after all). Really nice to have Elias join the team and I like what K.K has shown. We have the talent. I think Travis will be very good. But we'll need to enjoy some bumps.

I am thankful to be a Musketeer. Happy Thanksgiving All.

[XUGRAD80]

I am thankful for the win...any win right now is a good thing. My solution for Walton is to turn down the TV sound and turn on the radio play by play. I don’t care that they don’t sync, it’s still better than listening to that “ conference of champions “ clown.

[XUGRAD80]

Only 14 assists on 31 made shots, with 17 TURNOVERS.....how we lookin’? Not good.

But a couple of years from now, when X is once again challenging for championships, we will look back at this and realize it was just growing pains.

It really wasn’t that long ago that we would have just been happy that X made the Maui Tourney and that they had beaten a Big 10 team.

[X-band '01]

Hard to believe that only two years ago Xavier beat Illinois in the 7th place game in Maui. Two years later, most of the young pups on that Illini team were responsible for demolishing Duke to the point where Krazooski wants to completely shut down the sport.