Game Thread: Xavier v. Ohio (December 5, 2018) Non-Conference Game

[Muskie]

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


Xavier Musketeers (5-3; 0-0) vs. Ohio University (5-2, 0-0)

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Cintas Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

TV: FS1

Radio: 55KRC

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)

Enquirer Preview (https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/xaviersports/2018/12/04/scouting-report-ohio-bobcats-set-visit-xavier-musketeers/2191253002/)



The Setting

Xavier ends a three-game homestand when Ohio visits the Cintas Center. Xavier has won 17 out of the last 18 from the MAC. Xavier leads the all-time series 20-14.

Ohio is on a three-game win streak.

Last Game:

Xavier defeated Oakland on Saturday at Cintas (Link (https://goxavier.com/news/2018/12/1/mens-basketball-marshall-jones-lead-way-for-musketeers-in-73-63-victory-over-oakland.aspx))

Ohio defeated Marshall, 101-84 ( (http://www.ohiobobcats.com/sports/mbkb/2018-19/releases/20181201sexxrx)Link)

[bleedXblue]

Gotta get a W and get past this one with all of the guys that are sick. Is anyone for sure not playing tonight?

[drudy23]

Just win.

[DexterBailey84]

no Q tonight? what's up with that?

[noteggs]

Guess we’ll see what Kennedy can do as a starter. Get well soon Q.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Crap, is he that sick?

[noteggs]

Crap, is he that sick?

Yup

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Wow, that sucks. I wonder what the team got. Scruggs can't get two quick fouls tonight like he enjoys doing.

[xu82]

I’m not too well myself, but I’m gonna suck it up!

I didn’t realize we had an issue. Is it a flu type thing? How many are affected?

[noteggs]

Wow, that sucks. I wonder what the team got. Scruggs can't get two quick fouls tonight like he enjoys doing.

LOL on Scruggs remark. At least it’s tonight for Q vs Saturday. Twitter said Kennedy but looks like Welage as starter

[noteggs]

Right on que, Scruggs already committed a foul

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Like the start, don't like that I jinxed Scruggs with 1 quickie.

[xu82]

Making a few shots would be nice.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Harden must really miss Q because he has taken on that role tonight.

[DexterBailey84]

Making a few shots would be nice.

defending the 3 would be nice as well..

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Same shit another day with this team. Missed shots on offense turn into lazy defense on the other end

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Game by game I am liking Kennedy's game.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Horrid passing and sloppy play, we let them right back in.

[noteggs]

Somebody tell me why Welage is guarding Carter. Worst vs best thing

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Wow just wow.

[X Factor]

We just don't know how to play defense. Low IQ players. Wild shots.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

We will have these games all year. They need to re-focus and get back to defense and crisper play.

[kellernr]

UC is going to rout us on Saturday. This team is a joke. Jones doesnt even flash for a pass. Just stands there the whole shot clock and never in position for a rebound.

This team is supposed to be more athletic then teams like Ohio but it seems the unathletic Bobcats are able to get to the rim whenever they want but our stud athletes are getting pushed around and cant finish around the rim

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[noteggs]

Regardless of what happens, Naji’s awareness at the end of first was impressive

[ArizonaXUGrad]

We really only went up when Welage and Scruggs nailed a bunch of threes.

Ohio has 7 steals. We limit TO's in the second and play better defense we still win.

[noteggs]

I agree. Don’t always agree w Jackson’s halftime assessment, but think he’s right on missing Q. Not because they miss his play, but because others are playing different positions.

[xu82]

Regardless of what happens, Naji’s awareness at the end of first was impressive

The LACK of awareness by Ohio was hilarious!

[kellernr]

Jones is useless out there. Great start to the 2nd half. Turnover, left a guy open for a 3 and then missed a 2 footer.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Xville]

We just need to hang on this year...anything more than 18 wins would be gravy to me. I know what is coming next year and the following year so I can handle all the ups and downs that this year will continue to be.

[drudy23]

Just wait until we have Big East road games.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Yep. Jones sulks on back to back possessions. Leads to wide open three and almost a wide open layup. Happy Paul came to play.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Lord Hankins, make that.

[kellernr]

Lord Hankins, make that.Not sure how our bigs are ever going to score when we play actual teams. Hankins and Jones need to finish around the rim. Drawing fouls wont help because they suck at shooting free throws. Need to finish bunnies

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

Scruggs our MVP so far this year.

[noteggs]

By far, Scruggs MVP first 9 games

[xu82]

Just wait until we have Big East road games.

Don’t give me bad dreams NOW! All in good time....

[paulxu]

At the beginning of this game I was excited by the ball movement, actual plays working, etc.
Then we had more TO's than assists (after turning it over I think 4 straight trips) and realized I was too quick to be happy.

Now I'll be happy if we can just escape this thing with a W. Scruggs is playing well.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

So many wide open threes.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Naji might have more turnovers than points.

[xu82]

Naji needs to know his limitations and take care of the ball.

[drudy23]

Did JP and Tre really make these guys look that much better? I guess they were THAT good.

I was really thinking Naji would be great this year. He looks lost and completely unsure of himself.

[kellernr]

Can we all finally admit that Naji is not that good. The guy is a turnover over machine, cannot dribble and is not a threat from 3. Has a 1:1 assist to turnover ratio.

I was really hoping to see him take over the team this year but looks like Scruggs is that guy.



Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Naji has taken over games, and disappeared from them. He’s averaging 13 and 7 on a decently efficient stat line, sans 3PT shooting. He needs to better take care of the ball but I’m not ready to say he’s not that good.

He needs to consistently play better. But so does everyone.

[IM4X]

Okay is there a doctor there. Surprised Travis didn’t go over to him. Jones looks pretty bad

[paulxu]

Hope Jones is OK. He looks like he is already in next week.

[drudy23]

It's now officially UC week. None of this concussion protocol BS for Jones.

[paulxu]

Scruggs not a bad fill in for Q.
8/9, 21 pts, 3/4 from 3, 8 assists.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It's now officially UC week. None of this concussion protocol BS for Jones.

Yeah I will honestly be shocked if he plays Saturday. He did not look good.

[X Factor]

Count me in as being shocked too if Jones plays Saturday.

Pretty good second half. Loved Scruggs game tonight. Did everything we needed.

[noteggs]

A couple of points

Scruggs is a stud! Period.

Naji just needs to find his new role on this team. Asked to play point with Paul in foul trouble makes him so valuable and diverse.

Thank goodness we decided to still go after Kennedy after his decommit. Has huge upside because of his length.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Praying for Jones. We need him in the lineup, but please, practise on the FT.

[SkyWalker]

No Scruggs tonight, X is in trouble.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Scruggs played his best game of his career at a time when X needed him most. Great competitor. Naji has a great second half, 17, 7 and 4, with 4 TOs.

Hankins and, to a lesser extent, Elias, must still be feeling under the weather.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I had to leave work to meet friends and missed the last 16 mins. Jones got concussed? If so he is most likely out for Saturday. That would leave short to one big only.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SemajParlor]

Can we all finally admit that Naji is not that good. The guy is a turnover over machine, cannot dribble and is not a threat from 3. Has a 1:1 assist to turnover ratio.

I was really hoping to see him take over the team this year but looks like Scruggs is that guy.


Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk


Naji is #good at basketball

[whopper]

22 and 8 by the grad transfers who are holding up their end of the bargain. Without Tyrique against UC it would seem to be next to impossible. Maybe a chance to see some different combinations and would would be the backup center..I think Naj played it briefly tonight

[JTG]

Did JP and Tre really make these guys look that much better? I guess they were THAT good.

I was really thinking Naji would be great this year. He looks lost and completely unsure of himself.

To answer your question, yes JP and Tre were that good. Naji could roam free because those 2 had to be accounted for. Reminds me of Peyton Manning. Most of his receivers were great with him, but did little once they went to another team. Naji is slowly learning about life after JP and Tre. Hopefully he'll come around. But for now Scruggs is the real deal.

[X Factor]

We need to keep letting Paul work in the post. He was very effective doing that. He can either get his own shot, dump it off to a big, or kick out to an open shooter.

Harden had a nice turnaround jumper as well after backing his man down. Castlin had a nice left handed bucket when he backed his man down. I like guards who can play with their back to the basket.

[bobbiemcgee]

I dunno, we had a hard time guarding a 12 yr. old with fluffy hair.

[SemajParlor]

JP and Trevon were tremendous. I think some people are only thinking of their Senior year though. Naji and Paul are still sophomores and are being asked wayyyy more than the other 2 were this early in the season as Soph’s. Let’s them grow a little , they’re not going to be all time great Senior back court guys overnight.

[XUGRAD80]

I dunno, we had a hard time guarding a 12 yr. old with fluffy hair.

7 of his points came early in the 2nd half when Welage was guarding him man to man. That changed when X went to the zone.

I thought that other than whomever Welage was guarding man to man being able to score almost at will, the defense was pretty good last night. Ohio was kept 17 points under their average and didn’t shoot particularly well. Their two top guns got some points but neither had a huge night, and the rest of their team didn’t contribute much at all. The defense has definitely shown some improvement. It still has a way to go, but it is improving.

Hope Jones is OK and not just because X really needs him on Saturday. Coach did say on the radio afterwards that he wasn’t hurting as much then as he had been earlier, but the key is how he feels today and tomorrow. Hopefully no headaches and other symptoms of concussion.

[Xavier]

JP and Trevon were tremendous. I think some people are only thinking of their Senior year though. Naji and Paul are still sophomores and are being asked wayyyy more than the other 2 were this early in the season as Soph’s. Let’s them grow a little , they’re not going to be all time great Senior back court guys overnight.

In a lot of ways I think you are right. All returning players from last years team fit their role perfectly on last years team. In a way that is the main reason I expected a big jump from all of them. I am really most frustrated with Naji though- he really reminds me of Lance Stephenson- it looks like he is playing way too fast and erratic and at times everything is working for him within that pattern and other times he will do a jump pass across court to someone 6 rows up. I think for a while we will have to take the good and the bad from that style of play.

[xuwin]

Jones got his first rebound half way through the 2nd half. He needs to be much more aggressive on the boards. When he decides to be aggressive he seems to be able to dominate the boards but lethargy seems to set in way too often. When things go wrong he seems to sulk a lot and it affects his game.

[AviatorX]

Jones got his first rebound half way through the 2nd half. He needs to be much more aggressive on the boards. When he decides to be aggressive he seems to be able to dominate the boards but lethargy seems to set in way too often. When things go wrong he seems to sulk a lot and it affects his game.

He has the second highest offensive rebound rate of anyone in the nation (and is #78 of defensive rebound rate). Think he's doing ok.

[xuwin]

He has the second highest offensive rebound rate of anyone in the nation (and is #78 of defensive rebound rate). Think he's doing ok.

Hopefully that continues when the competition becomes tougher.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He has the second highest offensive rebound rate of anyone in the nation (and is #78 of defensive rebound rate). Think he's doing ok.

Yeah I am really confused when I hear much criticism of Tyrique on the year. Especially when it comes to rebounding.

I did a quick look, nothing thorough, looking at rebounding per 40 on ESPN (cant sort that stat for some reason) and Jones looks to be in the top 10-15 for rebounding per 40 as well.

He is 71st overally but gets a lot less minutes than most of the players in front of him.

[drudy23]

Most valuable players so far, in order:

Scruggs
Welage
Tyrique
Castlin

Hard to put much criticism on these four.

[XMuskieFTW]

Most valuable players so far, in order:

Scruggs
Welage
Tyrique
Castlin

Hard to put much criticism on these four.

Welage over Tyrique, Naji, Hankins? He plays atrocious defense as was seen when Lamelo Ball was getting anything he wanted against him to start the second half. He wouldn't even be in my top 5 at this point. You can't play him half the time.

[drudy23]

We didn't sign Welage for his defense. We are in desperate need of guys who can shoot the rock. And absolutely over Naji. Honestly, I forgot about Hankins. He started out strong, but hasn't been memorable the past couple games.

[XMuskieFTW]

We didn't sign Welage for his defense. We are in desperate need of guys who can shoot the rock. And absolutely over Naji. Honestly, I forgot about Hankins. He started out strong, but hasn't been memorable the past couple games.

Correct, but when he's so abysmal defensively that you can't play him for multiple game stretches at a time, how valuable is he really? Sure, he scored 9 last night, but he was getting absolutely torched on defense to the point where he was probably a net negative in that game. You can't just ignore his terrible defense because we knew what we were getting.

[drudy23]

I don't see how his defense has been any worse than anyone else's. He wouldn't be my first choice as our biggest defensive liability. Not only is he our best shooter, he opens up the paint because he has to be respected on the perimeter. I could care less about him being a great defender.

Tre also couldn't defend his shadow. Should we have sat him more?

[Xuperman]

Most valuable players so far, in order:

Scruggs
Welage
Tyrique
Castlin

Hard to put much criticism on these four.

Never in the history of sports has a teams leading scorer not garnered any MVP consideration.
You must be referring to Marshall's turnovers but fact is, he has started to right the ship. His assist/turnover numbers were 14/18 through the first 4 games and has flipped it in the positive to 18/13 in his last five. He should have a 2-1 ratio come January.

[drudy23]

Never in the history of sports has a teams leading scorer not garnered any MVP consideration.
You must be referring to Marshall's turnovers but fact is, he his started to right the ship. His assist/turnover numbers were 14/18 through the first 4 games and has flipped it in the positive to 18/13 in his last five. He should have a 2-1 ratio come January.

I'm just saying up until now, he's not even in the discussion. Raise your hand if you think he belongs?

[kellernr]

Welage over Tyrique, Naji, Hankins? He plays atrocious defense as was seen when Lamelo Ball was getting anything he wanted against him to start the second half. He wouldn't even be in my top 5 at this point. You can't play him half the time.

Naji has 31 turnovers through 9 games. That right there will keep you off of an MVP list

[XMuskieFTW]

I don't see how his defense has been any worse than anyone else's. He wouldn't be my first choice as our biggest defensive liability. Not only is he our best shooter, he opens up the paint because he has to be respected on the perimeter. I could care less about him being a great defender.

Tre also couldn't defend his shadow. Should we have sat him more?

Tre wasn't a good defender, but he's nowhere near as bad as Welage. Welage was getting destroyed by some kid averaging 3 points a game to start the second half. He is by far our worst defender and is constantly getting beat. We essentially had to go zone last night to try and hide him on defense. I agree he's a great shooter and needs to be played in certain matchups, but he's also only averaging 8.8 points a game while playing terrible defense. Not sure how that's the second best player on a team where you have a guy shooting 47% averaging 13.6/7/3.6 or a guy averaging 11 and 9 on 62% shooting.

Also for reference, Naji is averaging 1.31 points per field goal attempt this season. Welage is at 1.25.

[XMuskieFTW]

Naji has 31 turnovers through 9 games. That right there will keep you off of an MVP list

He's also 4th on the team in assist to turnover ratio behind Q scruggs and Keonte.

[XU 87]

Can we all finally admit that Naji is not that good.


Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

No. I will add that he is the team's leading scorer, second in rebounding and third in assists.

[drudy23]

He's a very good player. But he's yet to learn how to contribute most efficiently when he's the focal point of the other team's defense.

[drudy23]

Apparently Tyriq is in the concussion protocol. On the game before the Shootout, and you hit your head, you act like it doesn't hurt. There's no way I'd miss the Shootout with a headache.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Any word on Tyrique? Are we going one big on Saturday?

[Xuperman]

Can we all finally admit that Naji is not that good. The guy is a turnover over machine, cannot dribble and is not a threat from 3.

Most ridiculous post of the season so far. He’s going to score close to 500 pts this year and could well be all Big East. Speaking of the BEast, did anyone notice that Naj is tied for 4th in rebounds among ALL Big East players? He has 63....2 more than Govan!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Naji is good, if he can control himself and play within his strengths he will be better and about where I thought he would be.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Apparently Tyriq is in the concussion protocol. On the game before the Shootout, and you hit your head, you act like it doesn't hurt. There's no way I'd miss the Shootout with a headache.

There is no way to hide a concussion these days. You dont get diagnosed with a concussion because your head hurts. And comparing it to a headache is silly.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

If he is in the protocol he most likely won't play. That would put James in the rotation.

[Xville]

Apparently Tyriq is in the concussion protocol. On the game before the Shootout, and you hit your head, you act like it doesn't hurt. There's no way I'd miss the Shootout with a headache.

Have you ever had a concussion? I had a couple growing up and it's nothing like a headache. It's a brain trauma for eff sake...the uc game is just a game that in the end means nothing.

[JTG]

Apparently Tyriq is in the concussion protocol. On the game before the Shootout, and you hit your head, you act like it doesn't hurt. There's no way I'd miss the Shootout with a headache.

This is in the lead for most ignorant quote this year.

[SemajParlor]

Apparently Tyriq is in the concussion protocol. On the game before the Shootout, and you hit your head, you act like it doesn't hurt. There's no way I'd miss the Shootout with a headache.

Drudy23 is tougher than Tyrique Jones everybody.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I had a nasty one 15 years ago in a bike race. I lost 15 minutes. When I play soccer and give a good header, I still get a nasty headache a couple hours later like clock work.

Concussions are serious things. If he had one he won’t play.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

Calm down fellow fans.

I'm just saying. It would really suck to miss the Shootout.

[scoscox]

Has that even been confirmed? I haven't seen that reported anywhere although that's kind of what I'm expecting

[drudy23]

This is in the lead for most ignorant quote this year.

Second place behind Naji being terrible.

[scoscox]

if this was anytime before like 2013, he'd 100% be playing whether concussed or not. there's a difference between concussions in basketball and football too. Caution is required regardless but you're taking contact to your head every play in football.

[Lloyd Braun]

if this was anytime before like 2013, he'd 100% be playing whether concussed or not. there's a difference between concussions in basketball and football too. Caution is required regardless but you're taking contact to your head every play in football.

Not really a difference other than sport specific exercises at the end of the protocol. If he is in fact in concussion protocol (diagnosed with a concussion) he will miss the shootout.

[scoscox]

i meant there are differences in the likelihood of reoccurence/reaggravation, etc. not that the protocol is any different

[smileyy]

I am really most frustrated with Naji though- he really reminds me of Lance Stephenson

I'm sure Naji would take Lance Stephenson's career in a heartbeat :D

[smileyy]

Apparently Tyriq is in the concussion protocol. On the game before the Shootout, and you hit your head, you act like it doesn't hurt. There's no way I'd miss the Shootout with a headache.

Concussions are serious business, and a lot of that is out of his control, as it should be.

[scoscox]

andy mac is the only person who's reported that he's in the protocol as far as i can tell

[whopper]

Welage has impressed me even though not a traditional big east player. He won the game at IUPUI(which beat Boston College), hit the dagger against Oakland and was solid with 11 pts, started us off great last night (and what would the halftime score be without him) and was key in the overtime loss to Auburn. I have watched him battle (somewhat unsuccessfully) on the boards but he occupies his guy and we often get the rebound, and plays solid straight up defense (and can get overpowered) and is first one back(as he does not go to boards). All of our transfers have performed well so far but I just wanted to commend Welage who is probably the most vulnerable for playing time(with Kennedy, Hardin and James) but has been a good solider. Castin was huge with Q out against IUPUI and Ohio U..very solid and Zach has shown well(maybe replacing O'Mara but nobody can replace Kanter for buckets)

[D-West & PO-Z]

andy mac is the only person who's reported that he's in the protocol as far as i can tell

Shannon did as well but she also clarified that they put them in concussion protocol anytime there is a blow to the head and it does not mean he has been diagnosed with a concussion.

If he was diagnosed with one I cant imagine he plays. There isnt constant blows to the head like in football but you cant predict when they might happen (just like Jones last night) and once you have had one if you return too early you are more susceptible to get another (the threshold goes down because your brain in in a vulnerable state) and the second would/could be worse.

[bobbiemcgee]

If concussion would be his 2nd in two years. Hopefully, they'll be cautious.

[XUMIOH12]

he had one last year? I thought that was Gates

[X-band '01]

Macura had a concussion prior to the Northern Iowa game, I believe. Would have been during the Marshall game.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Per Coach Steele, Tyrique is dressed for practice today. Called him “hour-to-hour” and will be up to the doctors if he is able to play tomorrow. Assuming he is doing non-contact, non-live stuff today. Step in the right direction, nonetheless.

[paulxu]

Where's Snipe?

Escalate the hate:logo:

[XUFan09]

he had one last year? I thought that was GatesIt would be his second concussion in three seasons if he has one, but it hasn't been two years since the last one. In March of the 2016-2017 season, he got a concussion against DePaul.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk