Game Thread: Xavier vs. Butler (January 13, 2019)

[paulxu]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kBAAAOSwqfNXkU44/s-l300.jpg VS. https://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images/team_logos/328x328/butler.png

Xavier University Musketeers (10-7, 2-2 BE) vs. Butler Bulldogs (10-6, 1-2 BE)
Sunday, January 13, 2019 12 Noon EST
Cintas Center, (10,224), Cincinnati, OH

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

Notes and Stats (https://goxavier.com/news/2019/1/10/mens-basketball-hosts-butler-on-sunday-at-noon-on-cbs-sports-network.aspx?path=mbball)

Television: CBS Sports Network with play-by-play from Dan Hoard and analysis from Steve Lappas.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW-AM, including via iHeart Radio, TuneIn and via Sirius (119), XM (201) and Internet (964) with play-by-play from XU Hall of Famer and former Musketeer standout Joe Sunderman ('79). Analysis will be provided by Xavier Hall of Famer and XU all-time leading scorer Byron Larkin ('88).

Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com. Fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[paulxu]

Kegs and Eggs ?

[GoMuskies]

Stating the obvious, but if we have any shot at getting to nine conference wins and/or avoiding Wednesday at MSG, this is a game we gotta get.

[Xuperman]

Any word on Q?

[xu koop scoop]

Ready to listen thru tune in on Naples. No cbssn here

[xu koop scoop]

Tune in is good way to listen if you are out of listening area. Just found Cbssn available in Naples, Fl.

[DexterBailey84]

Any word on Q?

hopefully still out.....the less bricks the better.

[noteggs]

Any word on Q?

Steele said he will not play

[X-band '01]

Wait - Dan Hoard now does games on CBS Sports Network?

[xu koop scoop]

How about starting lineup of: Hankins, Jones, Naji, Scruggs & HARDEN. No Q, what should we do? Castlin again !!! Oh NO.

[GoMuskies]

Does CBS Sports do streaming?

[Jesuit4Life]

I almost forgot we're not on FSI/FOX today.

Channel finder: https://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/schedule
Streaming: http://www.cbssports.com/cbs-sports-network

If your TV provider has CBS Sports Network and it is not part of your current TV package, you may be able to add and then later remove their sports pack, etc at a prorated fee. Check with their FAQ or call to confirm.

You can also stream it with a free trial from one of the following services:
DirecTV Now (https://directvnow.com/thegoodstuff) (7-day free trial) - How to subscribe (https://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/directv-now/KM1228229) | Supported devices (https://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/directv-now/KM1200941)
Go Big and Gotta Have It plans include CBS Sports Network.

YouTube TV (https://tv.youtube.com) (7-day free trial) - How to subscribe (https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7129816) | Supported devices (https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7129767) |
CBS Sports Network (https://tv.youtube.com/browse/cbs-sports-network-UCa8SSoG_wftLYLWW0JkF3fA)

PlayStation Vue (https://psvue.com/plans) (7-day free trial) - How to subscribe (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/network/vue/faq/subscription/#how-to) | Supported devices (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/network/vue/faq/supported-devices-and-set-up/#supported-devices)
Core, Elite, and Ultra plans include CBS Sports Network.

Hulu with Live TV (https://www.hulu.com/live-tv) (7-day free trial) - How to subscribe (https://help.hulu.com/en-us/hulu-sign-up) | Supported devices (https://help.hulu.com/en-us/supported-devices)
Hulu subscription plans (No Commercials or Limited Commercials) do NOT include CBS Sports Network.

Fubo TV (https://www.fubo.tv/welcome) (7-day free trial) - How to subscribe (https://support.fubo.tv/hc/en-us/articles/115003535347-How-does-the-free-trial-work-) | Supported devices (https://support.fubo.tv/hc/en-us/articles/115002183228-What-devices-can-I-watch-fuboTV-on-)

Keep in mind we are also scheduled to be on CBS Sports Network for 1/31 at Georgetown, 2/13 vs Creighton, and 2/20 at Seton Hall.

[GoMuskies]

Well, that was a depressing start.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

The starting lineup has 1 guy who shoots from three better than 25%, and two guys who haven’t shot a three all year. That won’t work.

[GoMuskies]

I liked the last 2 minutes better!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Keonte has a decent looking stroke, but man. It just doesn’t fall very often.

[GoMuskies]

Newsflash: we don't shoot good.

[xu82]

We are on pace for about 50 whole points! Yipee! Hope we stay hot like THIS!

:-(

[xu82]

0-7 from 3? I tuned in late, but missed very little.

[GoMuskies]

Naji Marshall is playing the role of Q today with the volume (missed) 3s.

[mistabeecee41]

0-7 from 3? I tuned in late, but missed very little.

to be honest, they’ve al pretty much been 3s that we have to take.

[noteggs]

Did I actually see a Welage block?

[X-band '01]

Whoever gets the last run is winning this game.

[GoMuskies]

This game is hard on the eyes, but I like the score so far.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Yeah, agreed. Most of the threes we have taken are shots we have to take.

[xu82]

The good news is, Butler is on target to score about 35. Can we just call this one at the half?


Please?

[X-band '01]

Off the extra pass, sure. There were still a couple of ill-advised 3s taken that will ultimately bite these guys in the rear.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Naji is extra bad on the defensive end today. Attacks closeouts so poorly.

[GoMuskies]

I've been hard on Castlin in the past, but he's been pretty good out there today. Some nice defensive boards.

[GoMuskies]

Naji, on the other hand, has been a total no-show so far.

[xu82]

Maybe we should go ahead and play the second half after all....

[GoMuskies]

Last few minutes were a complete disaster. When Welage misses open threes, he's a total liability.

[X-band '01]

This might be the most pointless clock review. This couldn't have taken less than 2 seconds.

[GoMuskies]

This might be the most pointless clock review. This couldn't have taken less than 2 seconds.

It was definitely less than two. And with the ref whistling, that was bullshit.

[X-band '01]

Didn't realize the inadvertent whistle, but Xavier couldn't take advantage.

[kellernr]

Castlin is getting too many minutes today. Cycle Harden and Kennedy in the 2nd half. They can at least shoot.

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[ArizonaXUGrad]

Within 5, get some better play and we have a chance. That is all we can expect from this team.


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[kellernr]

Within 5, get some better play and we have a chance. That is all we can expect from this team.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSame as last game. Down 5 at the half. Need to start hitting some shots and pull out another win

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[XUGRAD80]

Same as last game........ Need to start hitting some shots and pull out another win



Exactly....have to make shots and find a way to get to the line more

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Make a couple open looks in the 2H, get to the line more. Win the game.

[GoMuskies]

Make a couple open looks in the 2H, get to the line more. Win the game.

Add: pray Butler doesn't get hot from deep.

[profson]

Ugly game, both teams.
BTW, Lappas is far from a favorite but he was spot in this half in his observations.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Welage having an ugly game.

[X-band '01]

Offensive rebounds are the one thing keeping X in this one.

[GoMuskies]

Welage having an ugly game.

Yup. If he's not scoring, he's a major net negative.

[KabeX]

Wow this is ugly

[Xville]

What is up with these refs

[GoMuskies]

We're playing like shit, and our coach is giving points away. Great combo.

[KabeX]

Better hit our damn FTs

[X-band '01]

He had to have said something if he's getting T'd from the opposite end of the floor.

[GoMuskies]

Scruggs is playing great. Would be nice to get him some help!

[X-band '01]

Make that offensive rebounding AND Paul Scruggs keeping X in this one. Game on.

[KabeX]

Welage needs to get one to fall. Then he'll be good

[GoMuskies]

We have a Kyle Castlin sighting!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I’d rather see Harden in if Welly isn’t going to make anything at all.

[KabeX]

Naji. Oh My

[GoMuskies]

We've got a ballgame! This group seems to always find a way to keep things interesting!

[noteggs]

I’d rather see Harden in if Welly isn’t going to make anything at all.

Harden must have done something early that Travis didn’t like. However he probably didn’t miss 6 threes

[GoMuskies]

Welage isn't even close.

Why Naji?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Harden must have done something early that Travis didn’t like. However he probably didn’t miss 6 threes

Welly just doesn’t have it today, and a Eli can at least help out a bit more defensively

[KabeX]

They looked gassed

[whopper]

I am a welage fan and agree. Sometimes you just press esp in an important home game. I guess Steele thinks he will hit one and get going. Damn this is frustrating

[markchal]

Welage gets a great look to put us up one, misses, Butler rolls off 5 straight, and now it feels a little out of reach. Still a lot of time, but that was a crucial swing.

[GoMuskies]

Consecutive possessions with Naji and Castlin firing threes are not likely to be successful. And look at that, they weren't!

[mistabeecee41]

This team continues to struggle when we have an opportune time to make a run with the other teams star on the bench. SHU started their run with Powell on the bench,DePaul turned things around when Strus was on the bench

[skyking]

Here's an idea. Let's shoot more threes.

[markchal]

lol outside of scruggs we're 1-16 from 3. Ballgame right there.

[xu82]

Here's an idea. Let's shoot more threes.

Here’s an idea...........Let’s MAKE ONE!


...or go inside. Whatever works.

[xu82]

MORE Hankins!

[xu82]

Is Naji under 20% from 3 yet?

[GoMuskies]

Naji is killing us today. Geez.

[KabeX]

We can't shoot and they can. Makes it tough to win. Attack the freakin basket. We're much better from the line (today at least)

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

... and butler gets hot from three.

[markchal]

with Q out, we just can't afford total no shows from guys like Hankins and Welage. Marshal hasn't played all that well either. Honestly, outside of Scruggs, not sure anyone has been that great. I guess jones played well but everything after the T was pretty forgettable. Just a sloppy game we can't afford to lose, but also pretty typical result for this season.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Naji leaving McDermott to do a whole lot of nothing down low is something.

[xu82]

These announcers are idiots. Naji might try not throwing the ball at his FEET.

[GoMuskies]

Butler isn't very good, but you can't have Marshall and Welage playing this many minutes and giving you less than nothing even against them.

[X-band '01]

Good luck without Tyrique.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

What on earth was Tyrique thinking there

[xu82]

Get your fifth foul THERE?

[KabeX]

Not going to matter. This game is already decided.

[Xville]

Good luck without Tyrique.

Might be addition by subtraction in this game

[xu82]

Good luck without Tyrique.

I think that was what the ABSENCE of thought looks like.

[X-band '01]

Now Butler looks a little rattled.

[xu82]

Not going to matter. This game is already decided.


More jinx, please!

[KabeX]

Not going to matter. This game is already decided.
And right on queue. You're welcome.

[KabeX]

And right on queue. You're welcome.

We suck and there's no way we're winning this game.

[GoMuskies]

Did NOT see this rally coming. Thought we were dead and buried.

[GoMuskies]

Ball don't lie!

[X-band '01]

Hankins woke up.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Holy shit. Find a way.

[xu82]

Made our FT’s while they missed theirs. Let that continue, please.

[KabeX]

Zebras stealing the game

[X-band '01]

How about Castlin today?

[KabeX]

Castlin NO...... YES

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Kyle fucking castlin

[Xville]

I'm not one to usually complain about refs but holy crap, these guys see things that didnt actually happen a lot.

[GoMuskies]

Kyle fucking Castlin. Wow.

[X-band '01]

Bailout foul there. Take advantage Naji!

[xu82]

Not a big fan of the Naji dribble, dribble, dribble.....prayer.

[KabeX]

Too much time left

[Xville]

Blood pressure......rising.....

[xu82]

OK, Butler throws a bad pass and we all walk away smiling!

[GoMuskies]

Holy fuck, we might win this game.

[KabeX]

Holy fuck, we might win this game.
For the record, I don't think we will.

[X-band '01]

Naji didn't want to play OT, apparently.

[xu82]

For the record, I don't think we will.

Thank you! It’s worked so far!

[xufan2020]

Cintas effect

[xu82]

Naji didn't want to play OT, apparently.


He didn’t want to be late for his reservations at Dana’s.

[KabeX]

Yes!!

[X-band '01]

Baldwin rolled the dice hoping for a call and came up snake eyes.

[Xville]

Completely stole one! Great win!

[xu82]

Holy MOLY! I’ll take it!

Now....if only the Chargers could beat the Patriots, it would be the perfect Sunday.

[KabeX]

For the record, I don't think we'e going to win another game this season... or maybe ever!

[ChicagoX]

This team showed a lot of heart this afternoon and never quit. Solid win!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

We win! Hard fought game, but we came out on top.

[kellernr]

I'm hard on Castlin but I'm giving him a pass next game. I dont care how bad he plays

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[GoMuskies]

That was absolutely fucking amazing. And the fact that it was Butler...extra credit for that!

[xu82]

For the record, I don't think we'e going to win another game this season... or maybe ever!

= Final Four!

You’re on a roll.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Down 10 at the under 4. What a fucking win

[markchal]

wow, what an impressive finish. I wish we could play the whole game with that kind of effort. I really hope this game is a turning point for Castlin. If he can give us 7-8 a game, we could be a much different team. Huge props to Scruggs for keeping us in it until everyone else started showing up.

[Grizzx12]

Guess I made the switch from DirecTV to Sling a few weeks too early. Really wish I could've seen this one

[noteggs]

3-2

‘nough said

[whopper]

Castlin player of game (not best player but difference maker). There is no one happier than Welage (who I thought played a good floor game and had some tough in and outs..tough to be the designated shooter). Scruggs and Marshall solid(Scruggs more than solid) and Hankins down the stretch had a number o big plays. Jones fine to but an unexpected head case..thank God it was overcome. Great Win X and I am wearing my hoodie to the Irish Club for a beer. Castlin 12, 7 3 with zero turnover..well done!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I was wrong at season’s start. I thought Naji would be the man. It is Paul Scruggs. We build around him and how what he does well.


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[KabeX]

Lotta heart today. That's contagious. And that it was Butler's heart that was ripped out and squashed .... Hell Yeah!

[paulxu]

Holy MOLY! I’ll take it!

Now....if only the Chargers could beat the Patriots, it would be the perfect Sunday.

Don't hold your breath.

[Porkopolis]

Always a nice day when we beat Butler! I love the effort this team is giving right now.

[kellernr]

Castlin player of game (not best player but difference maker). There is no one happier than Welage (who I thought played a good floor game and had some tough in and outs..tough to be the designated shooter). Scruggs and Marshall solid(Scruggs more than solid) and Hankins down the stretch had a number o big plays. Jones fine to but an unexpected head case..thank God it was overcome. Great Win X and I am wearing my hoodie to the Irish Club for a beer. Castlin 12, 7 3 with zero turnover..well done!Hopefully he can turn into Bernard for the 2nd half of the season. We all wanted him benched most of the year and he came up big for X late in the year when they needed him.

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[GoMuskies]

Castlin player of game (not best player but difference maker).

Loved what Castlin did today...but Scruggs played 40 minutes, scored 23 points, had 8 boards and dished out 6 assists.

[XUGRAD80]

The question over who would man the point if Q goes down has been answered. Scruggs has really stepped up his game.


Winning.....it’s the XAVIER way!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Honestly, when Goodin comes back how do we play?

Serious question, I would take him off the bench and keep the roles we have. Plugging in Harden and Kennedy though not productive has open the lane a bit.


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[GoMuskies]

We pulled out two fairly miraculous wins at home against bad teams with Q out. Let's not go overboard and think we need to change things up too much when Q comes back because of these two wins. Other than shooting fewer threes, I want Q to pretty much come back and play his normal game in his normal role.

[Jesuit4Life]

https://youtu.be/gcNd_sGx_T0

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[XUGRAD80]

I’d keep the 2 big lineup and put Q in for Castlin as a starter. Can’t imagine starting Castlin over Q.

[paulxu]

Thanks J4Life.

Noticed on ESPN there were links to live Google feeds. Wonder if those work for these CBSSN games?

[kellernr]

Bring Q in off the bench his 1st game back. With the game being @ Nova Im expecting it to be out of reach pretty quick. No point in rushing him back against a team that has historically whipped Xaviers ass.

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[IM4X]

Had to miss the second half, but fortunately I recorded it.At least I got to follow the play by play online for the last few minutes.

Great finish. Good to see Castlin hit his last 3, but I think I would be completely fine if Steele made a rule that Scruggs is the only player ever allowed to shoot a 3 the rest of the season. If X would have worked it around for ANY other higher percentage shot instead of letting Wealage, Harden, Kennedy. Castlin, or Marshall shoot it there is no question X ends up with at least an additional 6 - 8 more points and very possibly as many as 15 more points.

[Jesuit4Life]

Thanks J4Life.

Noticed on ESPN there were links to live Google feeds. Wonder if those work for these CBSSN games?If they're links to streams on YouTube (not the YouTube TV service), they're mostly scams to direct you to another site. They'll say something like "click the link in the description to watch."

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[TUclutch]

Castlin is getting too many minutes today. Cycle Harden and Kennedy in the 2nd half. They can at least shoot.

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:lol::lol: get a load of this guy

[TUclutch]

We suck and there's no way we're winning this game.

bingo

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

:lol::lol: get a load of this guy

I spent almost the entire game saying the same thing about Castlin, telling my wife "wtf is wrong with Steele; why does he keep Castlin on the floor?". I am officially humbled.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Take it back, that wasn’t really a bailout call at the end. Naji was fouled pretty hard.


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[noteggs]

We pulled out two fairly miraculous wins at home against bad teams with Q out. Let's not go overboard and think we need to change things up too much when Q comes back because of these two wins. Other than shooting fewer threes, I want Q to pretty much come back and play his normal game in his normal role.

Agree and watching the team over the last games, he might realize he doesn’t have to be the man. Does anyone know what he did to his knee at Marquette? Also, what is wrong with his knee? Only thing I’ve heard Steele say is Q won’t require surgery.

[xudash]

That was absolutely fucking amazing. And the fact that it was Butler...extra credit for that!

That was soooo sweet. Love beating LB2. Did anyone at game catch their Bulldog pissing on our landscaping this time?

Lot of class and culture coming from those Huckleberries.

[bjf123]

Completely stole one! Great win!

We can all thank this guy. Yes, there was a Pope sighting at Cintas. During the time outs late in the game, he was holding up a sign saying “Keep the Faith”. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190113/f065676740722f40d30f3bd22642f792.jpg


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[GoMuskies]

Be careful wearing that around in 2019. Someone is liable to think you're in the KKK.

[IM4X]

Even when Castlin was struggling with his shot in the first half, he was really doing a nice job of helping the team by grabbing rebounds.

It took a little while for Bernard to find his grove. He had some hiccups (missing more shots and making mistakes) early on and then started playing much better during the second half of the season. Maybe this is that moment where everything starts clicking for Castlin.

[IM4X]

We can all thank this guy. Yes, there was a Pope sighting at Cintas. During the time outs late in the game, he was holding up a sign saying “Keep the Faith”. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190113/f065676740722f40d30f3bd22642f792.jpg


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Pretty sure that is the guy who sat next to me at MSG last year during the BE tournament.

[IM4X]

2 for 20 or 10%... yup that’s how good Xavier’s 3 point shooting would have been tonight if not for Scruggs stepping up and hitting 5 of 8.

0-7 Wealage
1-7 Marshall
1-3 Castlin
0-2 Harden
0-1 Kennedy

So many wild attempts by so many bad shooters is what severely hurt this team to begin with. Please, Please, please... Steele... no more green lighting bad shooters, just because they are open.

[Xville]

Nova is going to murder us but outside of them, the schedule is very doable. Winning 9 games is certainly a possibility.

[Grizzx12]

https://youtu.be/gcNd_sGx_T0

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

You're doing God's work, thanks for the link!

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

2 for 20 or 10%... yup that’s how good Xavier’s 3 point shooting would have been tonight if not for Scruggs stepping up and hitting 5 of 8.

0-7 Wealage
1-7 Marshall
1-3 Castlin
0-2 Harden
0-1 Kennedy

So many wild attempts by so many bad shooters is what severely hurt this team to begin with. Please, Please, please... Steele... no more green lighting bad shooters, just because they are open.

I think I would still green light Welege, Hardin and Marshall (if Naji is wide, wide, wide open and there are less than five seconds on the shot clock). Although Welage and Hardin sucked today, they are most often better especially if they get their feet set. I thought Welage forced a couple today that were really shots he had no business taking. That said, were I coaching another B.E. team, I would tell my guys to make Welage and Hardin put it on the floor.

[JTG]

Didn't hear it mentioned during the game, but Brunk and Scruggs were teammates at Southport HS in Indy.

[D-West & PO-Z]

wow, what an impressive finish. I wish we could play the whole game with that kind of effort. I really hope this game is a turning point for Castlin. If he can give us 7-8 a game, we could be a much different team. Huge props to Scruggs for keeping us in it until everyone else started showing up.

I was thinking this as well. Hopefully this great game by Castlin (with the biggest shot in his X career by far) propels him to a strong second half of his one and only season at X!

[whopper]

Welage has a tough job in some respects..At San Jose he had high usage so could put it on floor, take chances and mixed 2s and 3s. Here he is like a place kicker who only has one job (as well as spacing floor and being first one back on D). It is well scouted so he is not getting wide open 3s in Big East. Still Steele must like him and he has a nice floor game, made a key steal and saved a turnover late at mid court. I said at start of season tell me the score and I will tell you who won. If spread is 10 or more we lost and even now we could not say "I wish we had Seton Hall back" as Depaul (up 6 with 5 min), G-Town and Butler could say the same. Enjoy the season and Castlin had his day in the sun today..well done and you could tell EVERYONE was happy for him

[D-West & PO-Z]

We pulled out two fairly miraculous wins at home against bad teams with Q out. Let's not go overboard and think we need to change things up too much when Q comes back because of these two wins. Other than shooting fewer threes, I want Q to pretty much come back and play his normal game in his normal role.

Yes this. We need Q to be playing and playing well if we want to turn this season into anything of note. Better shot selection needed by him for sure but he does a lot very well that we need.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Free throws are why we won this game. We made more than they attempted which is always a good indicator for X teams success. And we made a very good %.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jones came out after about 10 minutes and was talking to some different groups of fans in the stands and taking pictures. My 18 yo brother took my 2.5 yo son down and Jones took a picture with him. Seems like an awfully nice guy. Class act. Got a great picture too!

[xukeith]

At the game today(thank me). Last home game I went to was Villanova when X won(thank me).

Great to see Kyle drive and gain confidence. He knows his role is play defense, pass to Scruggs, Marshall, Jones and Hankins. Shoot if wide open.
Huge timing.

Q will be back sometime but his wind and conditioning will be a factor like Jones when he was out of practice with head injury.

I am still praying for 10 BE wins. not sure where they come from.

[Lloyd Braun]

This was a fun thread to read

[noteggs]

Jones came out after about 10 minutes and was talking to some different groups of fans in the stands and taking pictures. My 18 yo brother took my 2.5 yo son down and Jones took a picture with him. Seems like an awfully nice guy. Class act. Got a great picture too!

Heard he is an outstanding kid. When we moved our daughter into UStation this year, he was helping a lot of families move their kids in.

[Xuperman]

We suck and there's no way we're winning this game.

Heartless fans are amusing.

[Xuperman]

hopefully still out.....the less bricks the better.

This mentality is a cancer...can all like minded people refrain from posting about Q until March.

[GoMuskies]

Heartless fans are amusing.

You're missing a bit of context on this one. You had to be there, I guess, but this was some serious reverse-jinx posting from KabeX.

[GoMuskies]

This mentality is a cancer...can all like minded people refrain from posting about Q until March.

This one, though....yeah.

[xudash]

At the game today(thank me). Last home game I went to was Villanova when X won(thank me).

Great to see Kyle drive and gain confidence. He knows his role is play defense, pass to Scruggs, Marshall, Jones and Hankins. Shoot if wide open.
Huge timing.

Q will be back sometime but his wind and conditioning will be a factor like Jones when he was out of practice with head injury.

I am still praying for 10 BE wins. not sure where they come from.

Probably through overachievement, and what a great story that would make.

Should this crew find a way to get to 50/50 in BE play, we can credit Travis and his staff. What a ride all that would be: in a patched-up line-up, new staff world, what an endearing story such an "off year" would be.

[xu82]

You're missing a bit of context on this one. You had to be there, I guess, but this was some serious reverse-jinx posting from KabeX.

THIS ^^^^^^

Don’t be a hater, I think this was the difference today! That........and my little voodoo doll.

[xukeith]

Since January 6, Xavier's NET rating has risen 19 spots to 68. FWIW.
Villanova is the best team in the conference.

[xukeith]

Probably through overachievement, and what a great story that would make.

Should this crew find a way to get to 50/50 in BE play, we can credit Travis and his staff. What a ride all that would be: in a patched-up line-up, new staff world, what an endearing story such an "off year" would be.

Agree. Scrape 10 wins and I will call the staff geniuses.

[IM4X]

I think I would still green light Welege, Hardin and Marshall (if Naji is wide, wide, wide open and there are less than five seconds on the shot clock). Although Welage and Hardin sucked today, they are most often better especially if they get their feet set. I thought Welage forced a couple today that were really shots he had no business taking. That said, were I coaching another B.E. team, I would tell my guys to make Welage and Hardin put it on the floor.

When Scruggs was shooting you could really see him setting his feet and squaring his shoulders. Some of these other guys looked like they were open and had time but still rushed their shots. Next practice needs to a 3 point shooting clinic lead by Scruggs... Mr. Confidence.

Anyway, I have a sneaky feeling Castlin has upped his confidence a bit after that last huge 3 and we will now see him make more of his 3s.

[xukeith]

Nova is going to murder us but outside of them, the schedule is very doable. Winning 9 games is certainly a possibility.

Have you watch St. Johns and Ponds play?
Markus Howard killed us. We shall see

[XUGRAD80]

While I admit that this year’s team is nowhere near as deep or talented as last year’s team, or as some of the other past teams, I think that many times we fans see our own warts and don’t see those of the others. Now I’m not saying that X should just sail through the BE and have no trouble beating the other teams. But what I am saying is that we shouldn’t act like they are all perfect either. They all have weaknesses and problems they need to overcome also. They all have warts. It’s up to the coaching staff to show them how to take advantage of those warts and to put them into positions where they can. Then it’s up to the players to do it.

[Xville]

Have you watch St. Johns and Ponds play?
Markus Howard killed us. We shall see

I just think nova is an automatic two losses. I could at least envision x beating st johns or Marquette at home.

Road to 10 for me would be

Home wins:

Providence
DePaul
Creighton

Away wins:

Providence
Georgetown
creighton

And then either beating Marquette or st John's at home.

I think that would be a great "rebuild" season and certainly something to build on for the next year or two.

Btw our last five games of the season....geezus!

@hall
Nova
@st John's
@butler
St johns

[Xuperman]

I just think nova is an automatic two losses. I could at least envision x beating st johns or Marquette at home.

Road to 10 for me would be

Home wins:

Providence
DePaul
Creighton

Away wins:

Providence
Georgetown
creighton

And then either beating Marquette or st John's at home.

I think that would be a great "rebuild" season and certainly something to build on for the next year or two.

X beats SJU both times and MU at home with the G-town template....GO BIG

[whopper]

welly had a tough game(but a good floor game I thought) but James Hardin went 1-17 tonight.. Reggie Miller went 1-18 in a game against Knicks (game 6 in 1999 the LJ 4 pt play series) so it is not unprecedented..

[XUFan09]

I just think nova is an automatic two losses. I could at least envision x beating st johns or Marquette at home.

Road to 10 for me would be

Home wins:

Providence
DePaul
Creighton

Away wins:

Providence
Georgetown
creighton

And then either beating Marquette or st John's at home.

I think that would be a great "rebuild" season and certainly something to build on for the next year or two.

Btw our last five games of the season....geezus!

@hall
Nova
@st John's
@butler
St johns

And the game at Providence is just before that. They're not as good, but they're good enough to be a tough out on the road.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[Xuperman]

When we look back, this could be the game where Scruggs became a legitimate force in the BEast. Man he was fun to watch! I just stared at the box score and marveled at how he did it all in this one. Was in complete command of the offense, took care of the ball and only 1 foul. That is what an ELITE PG looks like. We gotta get Q healthy before heading to Philly but I wonder if he would mind playing off the ball...:munch:

[XUGRAD80]

When we look back, this could be the game where Scruggs became a legitimate force in the BEast. Man he was fun to watch! I just stared at the box score and marveled at how he did it all in this one. Was in complete command of the offense, took care of the ball and only 1 foul. That is what an ELITE PG looks like. We gotta get Q healthy before heading to Philly but I wonder if he would mind playing off the ball...:munch:


I’m wondering the same thing....hmmm

[bleedXblue]

No doubt we are a better , deeper team with Q. But, the last two games have opened my eyes. Its not like we are an offensive juggernaut...........but we are taking better shots and have not turned it over as much. Q playing off the ball may be fine, but he still cant shoot a lick. Similar to the rest of the team, sans Scruggs and Welage.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Q playing off the ball doesnt make a whole lot of sense to me. The best thing Q does is distribute the ball. HE just needs better shot selection. With how various members of the team have stepped up in his absence he may realize distributing to those guys and not forcing shots will serve him and the team well. He still should shoot when needed but again the shot selection can be much better.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I think Paul has a much better handle than Q, which allows him to get into the lane more effectively without turning the ball over as much. I think it might be something worth trying, given how well Scruggs has played of late.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

No doubt we are a better , deeper team with Q. But, the last two games have opened my eyes. Its not like we are an offensive juggernaut...........but we are taking better shots and have not turned it over as much. Q playing off the ball may be fine, but he still cant shoot a lick. Similar to the rest of the team, sans Scruggs and Welage.

My recollection is that Q was more effective from three range last year, especially toward season end. Not great but more effective than he has thus far been but maybe I'm confused about that. But, let's stipulate, for arguments sake, that his present outside shooting, thus far this year, is as good as it is going to be. Why not flash him across the lane or to the high post from low post? Instead of having the ball in his hands the majority of the time, let Scruggs or Castlin do the point work. If Q receives the ball, in the paint, he has the opportunity to take it to the rim, shoot some type of short jumper, distribute down low to the Bigs or back outside to an open shooter. And, closer to the rim, he has, it seems to me, more likelihood of getting to the line where (for the most part) he has been effective. Just seems like that may be a better way to use him. If I'm coaching against X, right now, I have Q's defender sag back into the lane and invite him to shoot the three ball.

I don't know how well this works if both Tyrique and Hankins are on the floor together (the paint might be crowded) but it is a way to get Q the ball in an area that better suits his game. I think I recall we used this last year with some success.

[Xavierwins]

Great win yesterday. They showed a lot of heart out there. Loved Steele going to the press late, it seemed to rattle Butler a little bit. Would anyone besides me rather see Scruggs with the ball at the end, rather than Naji? I'm not just talking about yesterday either, going forward as well.

[IM4X]

It appears pretty obvious what this team needs to do (and not do) to beat opponents.

1) Win the battle of the boards

2) Get to the foul line frequently

A bad threee point shooting team Jacking up 28 3s is a mistake that almost cost X the game. Not only did it result in missing 75% of those shots (90% of the one’s not taken by Scruggs), it also meant no chance of getting to the line and no chance of for the shooter to get his own rebound.

From “Banners”...

The Musketeers outrebounded Butler 40-29 for the game, and grabbed 17 offensive rebounds while limiting Butler to just nine. The Bulldogs had just six second chance points off those rebounds while Xavier had 12.
Xavier also made 19-25 free throws, while Butler only shot 8-12 from the line.

[paulxu]

Holding down TO's also seems to help.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Holding down TO's also seems to help.

All important stats. I tend to favor scoring more points than the other team most.

No but seriously limiting turnovers was big and making more FT's than they even attempted was also huge.

[XUGRAD80]

I don’t think that it is good for this team in any way to have just ONE player with the ball in their hands a majority of the time. This team seems to play it’s best offense when the ball is moving from player to player rapidly. I believe this is exactly why Xavier runs a weave offense so much of the time. When the offense seems to bog down the most is when player (doesn’t matter who it is) has the ball at the top of the key and is trying to play one on one against the opponent, while the rest of the team spreads out and watches. There were many times yesterday, and we see in in past games too, where the lane area had 6-8 players all within a few feet of each other.

When we play Villanova this coming week, watch their offense. You will continually see their players pass and move, they don’t pass and stand still. They run very few actual “plays”, but follow some movement concepts over and over again. After a player passes, they know they have a couple of options on where to move to, and the player that gets the ball knows a) where the passer is going to go to, b) where the other players on the team should be, and c) what their own options are with the ball. Nova has recruited players that can do the things that they want them to do, within the concepts of the Nova offense. They spend their practice time not learning “plays”, but in mastering concepts and options. When a shot goes up, the players know where they are supposed to go to on the floor. When they all get on the same page, and when the players get to a point where they aren’t thinking about what their options are, and are just doing it, it’s a thing of beauty. As an X fan, I hate them for it, but as a basketball fan I have to give it up to them. They do a great job of teaching and I respect them for it.

[SemajParlor]

My recollection is that Q was more effective from three range last year, especially toward season end. Not great but more effective than he has thus far been but maybe I'm confused about that.

I actually did as well. After looking, he's just not a very good 3 point shooter.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/quentin-goodin-1/gamelog/2018


With that said, we need him to get going. He's still a really valuable asset for us. Personally, I think the best way to spark him and the team might be him coming in as a backup PG to Paul. I'm not giving up hope on him whatsoever. Let's hope he can turn this around.

[Muskie]

I actually did as well. After looking, he's just not a very good 3 point shooter.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/quentin-goodin-1/gamelog/2018


With that said, we need him to get going. He's still a really valuable asset for us. Personally, I think the best way to spark him and the team might be him coming in as a backup PG to Paul. I'm not giving up hope on him whatsoever. Let's hope he can turn this around.

Too me, Q is at his best when he drives the lane and then kicks the ball out for an open look. Since we're so down on 3-point shooting this year, this affects the game plan from that respect. I still would like to see him take it to the rim some more.

[94GRAD]

whoever gets the last run is winning this game.

soothsayer!

[XUOHTX]

This was how I watched the last half of the game. From the Chase Bridge seats in MSG. Others around me were confused when I was cheering but not for the Knicks.

2319

[MHettel]

Wow. those Q game stats....

-Q averaged 30 minutes a game last year.
-First 21 games last year Q was 3-26 from 3. Thats .115% Thats more than half a season and he had 3 threes.
-The next 8 games, he GOT HOT, hitting 14 of 23 for .608%. By this point, his season average was up to .347%
-The last 6 games he went 2-14, or .143%.
-He finished the year 19 of 63 for .302%.
-He averaged 1.8 attempts per game.
-He had 2 games where he had 5 or more attempts.
-He had 9 games with zero attempts.
-He took 91 FTs.

THIS YEAR
- His minutes are increased to 34 per game.
- He's taken 66 3's in 14 games, for an average of 4.7 per game.
- He's made 18, and is shooting .273% for the year.
- He's attempted 3 more, and made 1 less already this year than he did all of last year.
- He's taken 5 or more 3's in 8 of 14 games. He took zero 3's in one game.
- He's taken 64 FTs.

Is he just taking the 3's that used to be there for JP and Tre? Even when he got hot last year, he didn't really take more 3's per game, he just MADE more than usual.

Last year his FT to 3PA ratio was about 1.5:1. This year it's running at 1:1. I'd like to see that ratio becopme 2:1. I'd like Steele to tell Q that he need to take 2 FTs for every one 3PA. Put him on a shot restriction. Then I want Q to ATTACK the rim, and still find a way to take 3.5 3s a game, which means he's taking 7 FTs.....

[xudash]

I just watched the game again from the 4:00 minute mark remaining in the second half.

The key observation I offer, at least my opinion anyway, is that these guys have gelled as a team; they really like and support each other. There was pure joy on that sideline during that run and after the game. Q was cheering them on and supporting them from the bench.

Steele is very engaged. I only write that in here, because I believe there has been way too much questioning of his coaching ability. After Butler called their last timeout to set-up their desperation inbounds play at 70 - 69, down one, Steele let them set up and then called his own timeout to set up his counter response. But, in the timeout, he initially huddled with his coaching staff. They talked it through and then he went into the team huddle to explain the plan.

Steele bested Patrick during a big comeback run. He just took down Laval.

Lastly, I'm enjoying the New Butler Way: folding under intense pressure.

[Xville]

I just watched the game again from the 4:00 minute mark remaining in the second half.

The key observation I offer, at least my opinion anyway, is that these guys have gelled as a team; they really like and support each other. There was pure joy on that sideline during that run and after the game. Q was cheering them on and supporting them from the bench.

Steele is very engaged. I only write that in here, because I believe there has been way too much questioning of his coaching ability. After Butler called their last timeout to set-up their desperation inbounds play at 70 - 69, down one, Steele let them set up and then called his own timeout to set up his counter response. But, in the timeout, he initially huddled with his coaching staff. They talked it through and then he went into the team huddle to explain the plan.

Steele bested Patrick during a big comeback run. He just took down Laval.

Lastly, I'm enjoying the New Butler Way: folding under intense pressure.

Agree with all of this. I like the fire that Steele has brought in the last two games and I hope that continues. Mack drove me nuts with his horrible suits, but mostly with his very stoic nature. I really do believe that Steele is going to end up being the best coach Xavier has ever had...I know I keep beating that drum, but I firmly believe it.

[SemajParlor]

This was how I watched the last half of the game. From the Chase Bridge seats in MSG. Others around me were confused when I was cheering but not for the Knicks.

2319

Wow! Another Knicks - Xavier fan like myself? I was at the Garden the other night and can confirm cheering for Knicks play is hard to come by these days.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Wow. those Q game stats....

-Q averaged 30 minutes a game last year.
-First 21 games last year Q was 3-26 from 3. Thats .115% Thats more than half a season and he had 3 threes.
-The next 8 games, he GOT HOT, hitting 14 of 23 for .608%. By this point, his season average was up to .347%
-The last 6 games he went 2-14, or .143%.
-He finished the year 19 of 63 for .302%.
-He averaged 1.8 attempts per game.
-He had 2 games where he had 5 or more attempts.
-He had 9 games with zero attempts.
-He took 91 FTs.

THIS YEAR
- His minutes are increased to 34 per game.
- He's taken 66 3's in 14 games, for an average of 4.7 per game.
- He's made 18, and is shooting .273% for the year.
- He's attempted 3 more, and made 1 less already this year than he did all of last year.
- He's taken 5 or more 3's in 8 of 14 games. He took zero 3's in one game.
- He's taken 64 FTs.

Is he just taking the 3's that used to be there for JP and Tre? Even when he got hot last year, he didn't really take more 3's per game, he just MADE more than usual.

Last year his FT to 3PA ratio was about 1.5:1. This year it's running at 1:1. I'd like to see that ratio becopme 2:1. I'd like Steele to tell Q that he need to take 2 FTs for every one 3PA. Put him on a shot restriction. Then I want Q to ATTACK the rim, and still find a way to take 3.5 3s a game, which means he's taking 7 FTs.....

I remember him significantly cooling the last handful of games last year, and I appreciate your going back to confirm this. Overall, agree with everything you’ve said. He needs to get to the line at that ratio, and he will become a much more effective player. However, he’s only shooting 69% from the FT line right now. Overall, he just needs to get better.

[X-band '01]

It's also a good week to get a midweek bye - that's why we saw both Scruggs and Marshall play 40 minutes apiece in both the Georgetown and Butler games. Welage was the only bench player to get any minutes of significance yesterday; Harden and Kennedy had extremely limited minutes.

[chico]

The effort this team has shown the last two games is impressive. I think Steele may have finally realized he needs to be the one to light the fire under these kids - he can't just sit back like he's still the number 2 guy. He's done a very nice job coaching the last 2 games. It's not hard to out-coach Ewing, but Jordan is a good coach and Steele bested him the last 4 minutes.

The best part of the game yesterday, though, was after Castlin hit the 3 to tie it up. Butler called their time out, and Castlin was absolutely mugged by his teammates, even the managers got in on the act. Was a cool scene to see the team rally around him like that, and it tells me that these guys are putting the team first.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

[QUOTE=MHettel;637354]Wow. those Q game stats....

-Q averaged 30 minutes a game last year.
-First 21 games last year Q was 3-26 from 3. Thats .115% Thats more than half a season and he had 3 threes.
-The next 8 games, he GOT HOT, hitting 14 of 23 for .608%. By this point, his season average was up to .347%
-The last 6 games he went 2-14, or .143%.

Perhaps it is too small a sample size to provide meaningful information. But, if the metrics are available (depending on what shooting metrics X may track), wouldn't you love to know if the characteristics of those three point attempts (when Q was 14/23) were somehow different than his other attempts? Did they come early or late in the game, when Tre and J.P. were both in the game or on the bench, did they arise from a certain area of the floor, against certain opponents, home or away, whatever. I'm interested in knowing because the results stand out so differently (and clearly much better) than his historical three point record.

[Muskie4106]

What I love is the improvement on turnovers the last two games. 10 yesterday and I believe 4 against GT. Just going off memory. But hit free throws, don't turn the ball over WIN THE GAME! Go MUSKIES

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

[QUOTE=MHettel;637354]Wow. those Q game stats....

-Q averaged 30 minutes a game last year.
-First 21 games last year Q was 3-26 from 3. Thats .115% Thats more than half a season and he had 3 threes.
-The next 8 games, he GOT HOT, hitting 14 of 23 for .608%. By this point, his season average was up to .347%
-The last 6 games he went 2-14, or .143%.

Perhaps it is too small a sample size to provide meaningful information. But, if the metrics are available (depending on what shooting metrics X may track), wouldn't you love to know if the characteristics of those three point attempts (when Q was 14/23) were somehow different than his other attempts? Did they come early or late in the game, when Tre and J.P. were both in the game or on the bench, did they arise from a certain area of the floor, against certain opponents, home or away, whatever. I'm interested in knowing because the results stand out so differently (and clearly much better) than his historical three point record.

I think it’s pretty hard to measure sheer luck, unfortunately.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow! Another Knicks - Xavier fan like myself? I was at the Garden the other night and can confirm cheering for Knicks play is hard to come by these days.

Also a Knicks/Xavier fan here.
Mets and Giants also.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It's not hard to out-coach Ewing, but Jordan is a good coach and Steele bested him the last 4 minutes.



Butler fans dont think very highly of him.

[XUFan09]

Butler fans dont think very highly of him.Chad Brendel said on the new Skinny podcast episode that he thinks he just saw the least talented team in the Big East, watching this game. The pieces fit together well, with lots of shooters around their one really good player, Kamar Baldwin, but I think he's right. Despite that, Jordan has them contending for a tournament spot. I don't think a lot of Butler fans appreciate what they have. Long-term, if he can't get talent to the program, that's one thing, but he's in year two there.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Butler fans dont think very highly of him.

Some on their board want Jordan gone and they refer to Steele as a "used car salesman". I think KFC came over here and used that same moniker. Jordan is on his second year and their team looks a lot like we do. They have some good slashers, bigs, and a couple guys who can hit the three. Despite the loss, Butler has looked better than X all year and really looked better for 36 minutes.

When you look for a new coach at schools like ours can go down two roads, you can get a retread and hope he revives his career or you can get a hungry young on the way up and hope he stays. I would always vote for youth, but retreads have worked out for some schools in the past.

[Masterofreality]

The effort this team has shown the last two games is impressive. I think Steele may have finally realized he needs to be the one to light the fire under these kids - he can't just sit back like he's still the number 2 guy. He's done a very nice job coaching the last 2 games. It's not hard to out-coach Ewing, but Jordan is a good coach and Steele bested him the last 4 minutes.

The best part of the game yesterday, though, was after Castlin hit the 3 to tie it up. Butler called their time out, and Castlin was absolutely mugged by his teammates, even the managers got in on the act. Was a cool scene to see the team rally around him like that, and it tells me that these guys are putting the team first.

Every bit of this! Right on R!

Also. Jamie Luckey needs to retire. After yesterday John Cahill, who was at courtside evaluating, may force him to.

[paulxu]

I miss FiredUpKaren.

Also, it would be really cool if someone can find the video of Steele busting the whiteboard, and post it.

[X-band '01]

Butler fans dont think very highly of him.

Just mention Brandon Miller to them and they'll do a quick 180 after complaining about LaVall Jordan.

Someone on their board also pointed out that he is 5-27 in true road games in his college career. A lot of that is from the train wreck he inherited at Milwaukee for one season.