Game Thread: Xavier vs. Villanova (January 18, 2019)

[paulxu]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kBAAAOSwqfNXkU44/s-l300.jpg VS. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ1V8lVXdNbHjgw83zyjVdYjeQCs7aVE BqPVpodEHVaz4i_j2H1Hg

Xavier University Musketeers (11-7, 3-2 BE) vs. #22/21 Villanova Wildcats (13-4, 4-0 BE)
Friday January 18 2019, 8:20 PM EST
Wells Fargo Center, (21,000), Philadelphia, PA

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

Notes and Stats (https://goxavier.com/news/2019/1/16/mens-basketball-visits-no-22-21-villanova-on-friday-night.aspx?path=mbball)

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Joe Davis and analysis from Len Elmore.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW-AM, including via iHeart Radio, TuneIn and via Sirius XM (382) and Internet (973) 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.

[Xuperman]

I see a real opportunity here. All the past Nova teams have had multiple NBA players. This team does not. In fact, Paschall is a projected 2nd rounder and Booth is not in the conversation. IMO Paul and Naji are better prospects than anything they have. I am predicting a upset.

[Xville]

I see a real opportunity here. All the past Nova teams have had multiple NBA players. This team does not. In fact, Paschall is a projected 2nd rounder and Booth is not in the conversation. IMO Paul and Naji are better prospects than anything they have. I am predicting a upset.

While I agree we have an opportunity here and I think we keep it close, they still have more nba potential on their team.

Quinerly was a McDonald's all american and top 30 recruit.

Swider and Samuel are top 50 recruits and very long.

I think the real difference between this years nova team and ones in the recent past, is that the best talent is very young and still trying to figure it out...much like paul last year and naji this year. Their talent is still better than what x puts on the floor.

[JTG]

Pascall is a beast. I wonder how he and Jones and Hankins will play ? Could be some fireworks. Paschall and Scruggs got into it at Cintas last year. Actually Scruggs walked away as though he was scared to death of Paschall.

[paulxu]

Pregame perspective:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/jay-wright-knew-villanova-basketball-wouldnt-cruise-this-season-but-hes-enjoying-some-of-the-bumps/2019/01/18/862a38b0-1b4c-11e9-9ebf-c5fed1b7a081_story.html?utm_term=.30ad0fb5534c

(hope that's not behind a paywall)

[scoscox]

It was spellman and scruggs and i don't remember paul backing down in the least. quite the opposite

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

It was spellman and scruggs and i don't remember paul backing down in the least. quite the opposite

Yeah, Paul didn’t back down at all, he was the antagonizer in it I believe, then spellman bumped his chest and they both got T’d up. If I recall correctly. Think it was at a point when it was becoming a close game again, on the back of Tre.

[Snipe]

Tonight this Nova team will lose their Big East Virginity

DEFEND THE TITLE!!

[Lloyd Braun]

Cole Swider broke his hand... not that it’s a huge deal but since he almost came to X it’s a small storyline.

[Xville]

Tonight....we end this nova bs with the new and improved regime. Let's effing go!!!

[xu82]

have to keep key guys out of foul trouble. You know the usual suspects.

[Xville]

Getting the ball inside...love it.

[noteggs]

Getting shots inside just need to finish.

[xu82]

Gotta finish....don’t let this get out of hand!

[X Factor]

Well we kept it close for 6 minutes.

[Muskie4106]

Have they missed from 3?

[X Factor]

Getting shots inside just need to finish.

Can't trade 2's for 3's.

[Xville]

I really dont want to see q on the floor. Sorry. I think hes a detriment to the team quite frankly. Offense all of a sudden looks terrible with him out there.

[kellernr]

Q needs to go back to the bench

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[Xville]

Naji should never shoot a 3...ever

[xu82]

Hankins might be our MVP. Why does Naji keep shooting 3’s???

[Xville]

Keep pounding it inside until they show they can stop it.

[Lloyd Braun]

Just went zone let’s see what happens

[AviatorX]

I really dont want to see q on the floor. Sorry. I think hes a detriment to the team quite frankly. Offense all of a sudden looks terrible with him out there.

So dumb.

[X Factor]

There we go boys.

[Xville]

Scruggs is so damn good. I hope he stays at least one more year

[xu82]

Keep pounding it inside until they show they can stop it.

Amen!

[kellernr]

Getting shots inside just need to finish.I wish guys would use the backbord on layups. Jones % would skyrocket.

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[X Factor]

Hankins might be our MVP. Why does Naji keep shooting 3’s???

Wish we had him for another year!

[Xville]

So dumb.

Not really...we had 2 turnovers as soon as he came in.

[kellernr]

Hankins might be our MVP. Why does Naji keep shooting 3’s???I'm still waiting for Q to chuck a fade away 3 with 20 on the shot clock

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[xu82]

Nice huddle by Travis. No answer at the rim...BE RELENTLESS!

[xu82]

Sit Naji down the next time he does that!

[Xville]

Naji for the love stop shooting 3s

[X Factor]

Naji is a 20% three point shooter and he still jacks 'em up.

[X Factor]

Can't win you can't hit three pointer!! This team SUCKS at shooting!

[AviatorX]

Not really...we had 2 turnovers as soon as he came in.

Nope, it’s still an extremely dumb take. But again, not surprised considering the source.

[Xville]

Get Scruggs back in the game and sit naji down for an extended period..tired of him jacking up threes

[Xville]

Nope, it’s still an extremely dumb take. But again, not surprised considering the source.

No it's not but keep telling yourself that. Offense runs a lot better when he isnt out there running point.

[noteggs]

Can't trade 2's for 3's.

Correct. However if you get it down low still have to finish

[xu82]

In a HS summer league my son blocked his own teammates shot from behind when he was jacking it up like Naji. Only time I ever saw THAT!

[Xuperman]

Can’t give up multiple offensive boards that end up for a 3.....@#$&&!!

[xu82]

Q got rim, so better than Harden

[Xuperman]

Harden’s release looks absolutely embarrassing

[X Factor]

Q got rim, so better than Harden

That's a success for this team, just hitting the rim on a three pointer.

[Xuperman]

I mean I am ashamed for him....terrible

[AviatorX]

No it's not but keep telling yourself that. Offense runs a lot better when he isnt out there running point.

I will keep telling myself that, because it’s true. Saying Goodin is detrimental to this team is a horrendous position.

[Xville]

Where the hell did this castlin come from?? :)

[xu82]

NBA range +++

[xu82]

NO SHOT? Why not? Looked good to me. (And I am NEVER biased!)

[AviatorX]

This half (along with the first half of the Seton Hall game) should be a good lesson to those who don’t understand why you need to continue to shoot good 3’s.

Doesn’t matter how efficient you are inside the arc.

[Xville]

Geezus phil booth

[bjf123]

NO SHOT? Why not? Looked good to me. (And I am NEVER biased!)

Agreed


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[Xville]

This half (along with the first half of the Seton Hall game) should be a good lesson to those who don’t understand why you need to continue to shoot good 3’s.

Doesn’t matter how efficient you are inside the arc.

That's assuming you have multiple consistent outside shooters. Xavier doesn't.

[GoMuskies]

This half (along with the first half of the Seton Hall game) should be a good lesson to those who don’t understand why you need to continue to shoot good 3’s.

Doesn’t matter how efficient you are inside the arc.

Meh. I agree you need to shoot good threes when they're available, but if you're making a high percentage of 2s you're generally going to be okay (and very consistent). You may get outshot some days, but the odds aren't bad.

[Xuperman]

I hate Nova.....and I want to throw up every time I hear “GQ Jay”....GO X!

[xu82]

1/9 behind the arc. Just STOP already. Scruggs gets the green light, and Welage when he’s in.

[Xuperman]

No!!

[kellernr]

Why is hankins sitting so long? Jones is useless out there. Letting a 4th white guy out jump him

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[Xville]

Alright....well....within a single digits...that's a win I guess.

[GenerationX]

Nope, it’s still an extremely dumb take. But again, not surprised considering the source.

This

[SkyWalker]

Why is hankins sitting so long? Jones is useless out there. Letting a 4th white guy out jump him

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EXACTLY. I thought maybe he had two fouls but it looks like only one.

[kellernr]

Need Scruggs to be more involved in the offense. He dominated with Q out and now that hes back Scruggs has disappeared. No one for X is in foul trouble so they need to play some physical D in the second half. Gotta go after Pascal and Roundtree and get the to pick up a foul or 2 early in the 2nd half.

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[Lloyd Braun]

Offense was solid. Missed a lot of easy shots. Would be nice to get Welage some nice looks. Only shot was rushed.

Defensively they should be switching more. If you get a big on a guard so what... slip screens killing us.

[kellernr]

EXACTLY. I thought maybe he had two fouls but it looks like only one.Steele has done that in multiple games with hankins and Jones. Jones is the better rebounder but hes not an offensive threat unless it's a wide open dunk. Hankins has a nice little hook shot and is able to finish better than Jones. Jones missed a couple bunnies to start the game and hasnt looked comfortable since. He did get screwed on the call that should have been an and 1 though.



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[scoscox]

Need Scruggs to be more involved in the offense. He dominated with Q out and now that hes back Scruggs has disappeared.

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Yea it seems to negatively affect Paul and I don't like that, but what do you do about that?

[kellernr]

Offense was solid. Missed a lot of easy shots. Would be nice to get Welage some nice looks. Only shot was rushed.

Defensively they should be switching more. If you get a big on a guard so what... slip screens killing us.I was really hoping tonight would be the night that welage found his shot. Did they use bigger rims in San Jose?

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[noteggs]

This half (along with the first half of the Seton Hall game) should be a good lesson to those who don’t understand why you need to continue to shoot good 3’s.

Doesn’t matter how efficient you are inside the arc.

Don’t disagree at all with the 3 stuff and think most understand. If your not going to take the good threes (as they did not in first 8 minutes) you better finish on the close twos.

[X Factor]

I think Steele is a good coach and will turn into an excellent coach. If he had just a few guys that could shoot at better than a grade school skill level, this team could be very good.

[AviatorX]

I think Steele is a good coach and will turn into an excellent coach. If he had just a few guys that could shoot at better than a grade school skill level, this team could be very good.

Totally agree. Results aren’t gonna be too pretty, but this team is coming together and Steele is figuring it out. Hard to point to something specific but just has that feel.

[whopper]

Villanova is slippery and 8//18 from the 3 is ridiculous. Active hands down low cause misses. Frustrating

[xu82]

Steele needs some shooters. No doubt.

[AviatorX]

Imagine if Q made the turnover Scruggs just committed...

[xu82]

Get it under control, guys!!! Lordy!

[X Factor]

Naji's body language is terrible

[kellernr]

Q is extremely slow at closing out on the 3

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[X Factor]

Q is extremely slow at closing out on the 3

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I've noticed that many times.

[xu82]

Nova shoots 3's better than we shoot FT's.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Where the hell was Q going on defense?

[AviatorX]

Naji's body language is terrible

I’m wondering how much his back is bothering him. Sometimes when he pulls up like that it’s hard to tell if it’s a pain or frustration thing. But yeah that sequence was bad.

[xu82]

Naji's body language is terrible


Worse than his 3 pt shooting?

[kellernr]

Naji's body language is terribleHe pouts way too much to be considered a team leader. That ball bounced off his hand but instead of trying to go for it he just stood there with his head down.

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[RoseyMuskie]

That last sequence is why I drink...

[GoMuskies]

Nova is begging us to get back in the game and we just refuse. I prefer it when they play really well and you just feel like there's nothing you can do about it. That's not tonight.

[kellernr]

I've noticed that many times.I thought I remembered him as being a good defender his 1st 2 years.

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[noteggs]

Naji's body language is terrible

Not to pile on but saw some examples as well

[whopper]

2 missed rebounds resulting in 2 3s. Man I hate Villanova. We are playing "OK" but not doing the little things

[xu82]

Scruggs is showing what he can be.

[Xville]

Hanging around...hanging around. Hopefully that gets paul going.

[XUBob]

Watching this game and sometimes you have to be able to make shots. We aren’t playing that bad but every mistake is magnified because X struggles to score. A zero at the fee throw line kills a team like this, I know I sound like a broken record but have no shooters makes it tough to win night in and night out. I realize we all know this, just had to vent a little.

[AviatorX]

Nova is begging us to get back in the game and we just refuse. I prefer it when they play really well and you just feel like there's nothing you can do about it. That's not tonight.

100 percent...this Nova team is not great.

[scoscox]

Nova shoots 3's better than we shoot FT's.

And better than they shoot free throws as well apparently

[RoseyMuskie]

If Castlin didn’t make his three, X wouldn’t have a point scored past the free throw line. Think about that.

[Xville]

Holy crap naji finally made one. It's a Christmas miracle!

[xu82]

If Castlin didn’t make his three, X wouldn’t have a point scored past the free throw line. Think about that.

If you don’t mind, I’d rather not.....

[X Factor]

Tyrique was in the air when he touched it!!

[Xville]

Welage!!!!

[X Factor]

Back to back threes!!!!

[AviatorX]

Two great finds by Q and Scruggs on those last two 3’s.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Look what three point shooting does for you. Let’s go.

[paulxu]

One guy who can make an open 3.

[xu82]

Back to back threes!!!!

I thought I was dreaming.....

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Let’s go X!

[Xville]

Ugh all those long range o boards are killers.

[X Factor]

WAY too many second chances for Nova!

[xu82]

One guy who can make an open 3.

But no shortage of Naji attempts to break into the club! He just doesn’t know the secret handshake apparently......

[X Factor]

Goodin!!! Damnit!

[Xville]

Ball dont lie :)

[xu82]

How horrible is the FT shooting? 1/12?????

[Lloyd Braun]

I’m going to say this here in this thread since there’s a good chance it gets lost in commentary abyss...

I wonder if our guys are too jacked to be good shooters. I know when I lift and get really bulked up my shooting goes to shit....

[GoMuskies]

After that idiotic foul, I'm coming around on the argument that Q being out there hurts us.

[xu82]

We can actually win this if we go inside and make FT’s. Imagine that!

[Xville]

One thing is for sure....you can tell this team wants this game badly.

[AviatorX]

I’m going to say this here in this thread since there’s a good chance it gets lost in commentary abyss...

I wonder if our guys are too jacked to be good shooters. I know when I lift and get really bulked up my shooting goes to shit....

The old “Stanley Burrell” effect.

[kellernr]

In the bonus the last 12 minutes. Lets take it to them

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[AviatorX]

Two great BLOB sets by Steele tonight to get Naji looks he has to finish.

[Lloyd Braun]

In the bonus the last 12 minutes. Lets take it to them

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I think I would rather stay away from FTs!

[X Factor]

I’m going to say this here in this thread since there’s a good chance it gets lost in commentary abyss...

I wonder if our guys are too jacked to be good shooters. I know when I lift and get really bulked up my shooting goes to shit....

Naji is not jacked, Welage is the opposite of jacked, and Harden and Kennedy aren't jacked.

Scruggs really isn't jacked either, but he's muscular. Goodin is jacked and looks like he could be a linebacker.

[xu82]

After that idiotic foul, I'm coming around on the argument that Q being out there hurts us.

Scruggs looks like he has his head on straight. Just sayin’. I’m not throwing in the towel, but let’s be level headed. Q and Naji are talented, but have some mental shit going on. I’m at a loss.....

[Xville]

Must...make...free throws

[Lloyd Braun]

Naji is not jacked, Welage is the opposite of jacked, and Harden and Kennedy aren't jacked.

Scruggs really isn't jacked either, but he's muscular. Goodin is jacked and looks like he could be a linebacker.

Look at pictures of these guys before they got to X.... I’m not saying they are Sato but seriously they have bulked up. Welage included.

[paulxu]

For some reason we don't want to kick it out to an open Welage.

[paulxu]

Like they just did for their guy.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Fucking Gillespie is like a 35% 3pt shooter this year and he’s got 5 today.

[paulxu]

And again.

[xu82]

Welage can shoot. Scruggs can play AND shoot.

[Lloyd Braun]

For some reason we don't want to kick it out to an open Welage.

He must be a prick or something. They hate him.

[X Factor]

Nova gets every freakin' bounce in the world!

[Xville]

Ugh....great defense, nova scrambling around..throw up a 3 and answer. Frustrating! Then a freaking charmed 3 from booth. Ridiculous

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Q nice lob you fool.

[xu82]

Bone headed play there.....along with some bad luck.

[XU 23]

Two prayer threes.

[Lloyd Braun]

Steele getting his sea legs under him. I like it.

[paulxu]

They've taken one less shot than we have.
But we're 4-13 from 3...and their 13-30.

[Lloyd Braun]

Two great BLOB sets by Steele tonight to get Naji looks he has to finish.

Another

[xu82]

Fouled my ass! Show it!

[kellernr]

Has hankins played at all in the 2nd half?

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[paulxu]

At least we seem to be fighting for it in this one. Like that.

[Xville]

Phantom foul by Jones...what the hell.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

What a late fucking call.

[xu82]

Foul should have been on Paschall for trying to kick him in the balls! Show the foul!

[Lloyd Braun]

No timeouts left at the under 8. Oops

[Xville]

At least we seem to be fighting for it in this one. Like that.

Yep...that minute or two sequence might be the difference in the end, but the team has battled.

[kellernr]

Fouled my ass! Show it!Jones definitely didnt touch him. These refs are trash.

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[Xville]

Think we may be playing with that line the rest of the game.

[Boro Muskie]

Good fight tonight, cant seem to get a break with these bounces on the rim but really like the way they keep coming back.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Cremo travels every time he tries to jump stop. It’s bullshit

[xu82]

Jones definitely didnt touch him. These refs are trash.

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I backed it up, still not sure he touched him. That kick on the jump is an opportunity to gain a foul, if your wearing a cup.

[xu82]

Is Hankins still in the gym?

[Xville]

Dumb shot by scruggs...really dumb

[kellernr]

That was backwards. Q takes a nice 3 and drains it. Scruggs then takes an awful 3. Were is the paul from the last couple games?

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[X Factor]

Naji didn't even lift a hand on that three

[kellernr]

Is Hankins still in the gym?Not sure why he hasnt played. He picked up a quick foul to start the half but hes nowhere near in foul trouble

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[xu82]

Did Hankins catch an early flight home? You know, they guy who scored all the early points?

[xu82]

Naji didn't even lift a hand on that three


It’s wasn’t flashy enough for him.

I love his talent. Probably a great kid. Would love to see a better attitude and more self-control on the court.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

It’s getting to the time where you gotta get Welage back in.

[Xville]

Tired of being novas bitch.

Just keep jacking up threes naji

[X Factor]

Naji is so inefficient on offense

[AviatorX]

Did Hankins catch an early flight home? You know, they guy who scored all the early points?

He got absolutely abused in every ball screen (or slip) situation. Even Len Elmore saw it.

[X Factor]

Tired of being novas bitch.

Still going to lose by 15+....some things never change.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

That 11-2 run with a 3 they hit the top of the ceiling and one by SAMUELS, absolutely killed us.

[Lloyd Braun]

He got absolutely abused in every ball screen (or slip) situation. Even Len Elmore saw it.

That’s why they should be switching instead of showing. At least you make them do something else other than easy dunk.

[letskeepitreal]

Yeah we are just being outclassed, out hustled and out muscled. Novas got our number it seems

[Muskie4106]

Only way we come back is by naji shooting 3s (insert sarcasms)

[stammina0721]

But we never trailed by 30 like the past few teams have. Shows progress right

[bjf123]

He got absolutely abused in every ball screen (or slip) situation. Even Len Elmore saw it.

And without him in we’re still getting beat. GET HIM BACK IN THE GAME COACH!!!!!


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[whopper]

lets see some character here..it was a good game now 14..lets lose by 7 or 8. Damn but not surprised.

[Lloyd Braun]

Under 4 TO.... let’s see if they have some fight left. They have been pesky this year

[xu82]

He got absolutely abused in every ball screen (or slip) situation. Even Len Elmore saw it.

But he did score like 12 of our first 20. THIS isn’t working. ATTACK THEM.

[xu82]

It was much closer when he WAS playing.

[Xville]

Next 7 games after this one are pivotal in so many ways. 5-2 in that stretch would be huge.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

This has been said before but I just seriously noticed it when he fouled Paschall. Naji’s back must be incredibly tight because he doesn’t bend at all.

[SteveSpivery]

Why hasn't Hankins been in more. Steele might be a worse coach than Tay Baker. Get rid of him now.

[xu82]

Rest Naji’s back.

[X Factor]

Naji is 1-7 from three point range!!! Why does he keep shooting them???? He SUCKS!

[Xville]

Keep shooting naji....so ridiculous

[AviatorX]

This has been said before but I just seriously noticed it when he fouled Paschall. Naji’s back must be incredibly tight because he doesn’t bend at all.

I agree I think Naji is really hurting.

[AviatorX]

Maybe I’m throwing in the towel here to some degree, but I’m not gonna get too worked up about grad transfers who aren’t gonna be around next year and their minutes. The Hankins/Jones split very obviously would not have changed the game tonight.

[xu82]

Naji is 1-7 from three point range!!! Why does he keep shooting them???? He SUCKS!

I won’t go that far, but something needs fixing. Get well, no more threes for a while, play within yourself. We have a LONG way to go.

[X Factor]

I won’t go that far, but something needs fixing. Get well, no more threes for a while, play within yourself. We have a LONG way to go.

He's a 6'7 forward and he's shooting 39% from the field, 18% from three, and he averages over 3 turnovers per game. He is the definition of inefficient.

[IM4X]

Villanova coachig smarter. Playing smarter... tonight... and most every other night.

Steele lets Naji be as reckless as he wants to be... for as long as he wants, taking as many poor percentage shots as he wants to.

[xu82]

Any little thing that might build confidence right now is important. Confidence is HUGE in sports.

[Xville]

Well, we didnt lose by twenty so that's something. That one sequence down 1 then nova hit two ridiculous threes was the big difference.

[AviatorX]

Villanova coach smarter. Play smarter.

Steele lets Naji be as reckless as he wants to be... for as long as he wants, taking as many poor percentage shots as he wants to.

Not trying to be difficult here...but who do you want to see in those minutes? I mean cmon.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Honestly, this game was better than any road nova game I can remember. We have up too many second chance threes, and couldn’t keep Paschall and booth out of the lane. If gillepsie doesn’t hit 6 threes it’s a different game.

[XU 23]

Anyone have the stat line for 2nd chance points?

[X Factor]

Our defense has been bad again though. Yeah, Nova got some friendly bounces, but they have made 15 threes. Half of their shots were three point attempts.

Less than 1/3 of Xavier's attempts were threes.

Steele should just go to AAU events next summer holding a HUGE sign that says, "I NEED SHOOTERS".

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Well, we didnt lose by twenty so that's something. That one sequence down 1 then nova hit two ridiculous threes was the big difference.

Yep. If those two ridiculous threes don’t happen, something different could’ve happened. They were 15-34 from three. I mean, I can count like 4 that just had absolutely no business going in.

[X Factor]

If gillepsie doesn’t hit 6 threes it’s a different game.

Gillespie is a good shooter. It's not like he came in shooting 27% from three. We gave up way too many threes.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Gillespie is a good shooter. It's not like he came in shooting 27% from three. We gave up way too many threes.

He makes 1.6 threes a game on 4.4 attempts (36%). He’s good, he’s not 6-10 good.

[bjf123]

Less than 1/3 of Xavier's attempts were threes.


For made baskets, it was less than 25% (6 of 28) while 50% (15 of 30) of Nova’s were 3s.


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[MITTENMUSKIE16]

In a game like this Welage can’t only have 2 shots. He gives you your best chance to cut those 11-2 runs

[AviatorX]

Let’s all just LOL that there was talk of Cremo grad transferring to Duke. Not sure he could even get minutes in practice there.

[bjf123]

Steele better have one hell of a reason for benching Hankins.


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[GoMuskies]

Honestly, this game was better than any road nova game I can remember.

That's because this is by far the least good Nova team we've played up there.

[Lloyd Braun]

That's because this is by far the least good Nova team we've played up there.

True, but....Where is this on the spectrum of X teams? Probably also the least good.

[X Factor]

He makes 1.6 threes a game on 4.4 attempts (36%). He’s good, he’s not 6-10 good.

Maybe other teams don't let him get 10 three pointers off.

[scoscox]

Why hasn't Hankins been in more. Steele might be a worse coach than Tay Baker. Get rid of him now.

I don't remember Tay Baker ever having us in third place in the Big East in a down year

[whopper]

Yep. If those two ridiculous threes don’t happen, something different could’ve happened. They were 15-34 from three. I mean, I can count like 4 that just had absolutely no business going in.
If I am not mistaken, 2 of the 3's came after we failed to corral a rebound that was relatively uncontested..just a bobble.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

That's because this is by far the least good Nova team we've played up there.

It’s also the least talented X team in the same span, with a first year head coach. So...

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

If I am not mistaken, 2 of the 3's came after we failed to corral a rebound that was relatively uncontested..just a bobble.

Probably correct. Somehow, 2nd chance points was only 15-11. Seemed like a lot more.

[IM4X]

Not trying to be difficult here...but who do you want to see in those minutes? I mean cmon.

Uh... hmm... who on the bench could shoot 5-16 and 1-7 from 3? How about anyone.

Welage only took 2 3s. Really? He was 1 of 2 and Naji was 1-7. Were you in the least bit surprised Naji would struggle from 3? Oh wait he has sucked at shooting 3s all season... oh... so let’s allow HIM to keep launching 3s and be the guy to try to shoot us back in a game against a good 3 point shooting team. Raally?

If anyone is going to be shooting 3s it should be Scruggs and Wealage and then maybe Castlin. Naji getting the green light to shoot 3s whenever he wants is part of what has screwed up opportunities for this team to win at times. . I mean were you watching the same game?

[Lloyd Braun]

Wealage... I think that’s a new one, right? It is to me....

[whopper]

To be fair, if they got within 1 after 3s by Welage and Scruggs and they were down 10 at half I think Welage was in there for the closing of the gap. He is a play finisher, not a play maker and Steele seems to want Naji in there at all times(understandable but why not 35 minutes ) which cuts into Welage opportunities although I think he is a very safe ballahndler who of course does not create much . When I think of it is a tough mix where the only all around player who hits 3s is Scruggs while Villanova and others have 3 3pt shooters on the court at a time

[XUGRAD80]

They did beat the spread at least....let me be the first (possibly?) to say it.....

WAIT ‘TILL NEXT YEAR!!

[Lloyd Braun]

They did beat the spread at least....let me be the first (possibly?) to say it.....

WAIT ‘TILL NEXT YEAR!!

Line closed at 9.5 pts actually.

[xu koop scoop]

Watched from a BDubs in Fla, so no sound. Did Hankins get hurt, foul out or what? He was invisible last 10 minutes or so. Also, out of 22 TV's in bar, only 1 had XU cause I asked for it. Bartender said they play ALL ESPN channels plus Nfl Football. I think ESPN has a deal with BDubs.

[JTG]

Our defense has been bad again though. Yeah, Nova got some friendly bounces, but they have made 15 threes. Half of their shots were three point attempts.

Less than 1/3 of Xavier's attempts were threes.

Steele should just go to AAU events next summer holding a HUGE sign that says, "I NEED SHOOTERS".

This....today's basketball is about 3 point shooters, getting them in position and letting them shoot. What the hell did we recruit Welage for if the rest of the team is gonna play keep away from him ? Naji, here's a bulletin....you can't hit the broad side of a barn, STOP SHOOTING....

[whopper]

Sad to say, with Q injured and Tyrique and Marshall missing some games Steele had more latitude to substitute and mix/match. 5 players played 30+ min, Naji 40 and 3 others 33 + so there was little substitution and that is a bit much. We will see if that continues vs Providence. To be fair Villanova had a similar mix with Booth/Paschall 36 + Gillespie/Bey/Samuels at 28. Cosby-Roundtree 11 pt in 14 min was the difference

[novachap]

Posted this on HOH too, like many could not understand why Steele didn't play Hankins more in the second half. Clearly he gave Nova fits in the first half. That said, I guess he made the call that because Hankins got burned several times on the pick-and-roll for easy dunks by Crosby Roundtree and Samuels and he thought he was more of a risk. I will say, Jones has come so far. In the past when those shots didn't fall underneath you can almost see him boiling over. He's much more mature and frankly very, very good. He did a pretty good job on Pascall as well. I think as he got a little bit more tired and as the announcers were saying didn't get lower in his stance paschall was able to get around him in the second half . But the way he's changed his body, gotten stronger and is able to guard people on the outside shows a lot of hard work and really great Improvement. He was money on the foul line last night too ( which up until the last part of the game was ridiculously bad for both sides). Good luck with PC.

[AviatorX]

Uh... hmm... who on the bench could shoot 5-16 and 1-7 from 3? How about anyone.

Welage only took 2 3s. Really? He was 1 of 2 and Naji was 1-7. Were you in the least bit surprised Naji would struggle from 3? Oh wait he has sucked at shooting 3s all season... oh... so let’s allow HIM to keep launching 3s and be the guy to try to shoot us back in a game against a good 3 point shooting team. Raally?

If anyone is going to be shooting 3s it should be Scruggs and Wealage and then maybe Castlin. Naji getting the green light to shoot 3s whenever he wants is part of what has screwed up opportunities for this team to win at times. . I mean were you watching the same game?

It’s almost as if there are other parts to the game...it’s not like playing Welage more makes this a good shooting team.

[xukeith]

Good game. Sorry we lost but proud of our fight. I now see if X plays to its potential, X can scrape together 10 BE wins, maybe 11.
I'd be happy as they are looking a lot better than say, 4 games ago. Win all remaining home h=games except 1. Pull off 1 road surprise.

[Xville]

That game is probably the toughest one they will have the rest of the year, so I think we can feel good about the fact that they hung in there, and had a chance to win with about 8 minutes left. I'm starting to feel positive about this team continuing that conference streak.

[xukeith]

In a game like this Welage can’t only have 2 shots. He gives you your best chance to cut those 11-2 runs

defense too cuts those runs. His weakness. But he is getting better with D and rebounds.

[XU_Lou]

I like our chances on 2/24

[xudash]

I watched nothing but improvement.

We missed too many FTs and bunnies, but they played a fairly clean game when it came to turnovers and scoring in the paint.

And I'm sorry, but a few of those Nova made 3's were pure luck.

Hate losing, but Nova is a class program. I'd rather travel to Philly to play them at the Wells Fargo Center than going there to play LossSalle and the other two.

Steele is molding these guys into a team.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

X is playing better. I believe that we stand a fair chance of winning when they play us at Cintas.

[bleedXblue]

With Nova you can't give them second chances. Seemed like every time we got close they missed a 3 but got the o rebound and hit a big 3. Next game at home we have to limit those and......execute on our end. Hankins was scoring at will but getting abused on the other end. Surprised we didnt try more 1-3-1

[IM4X]

It’s almost as if there are other parts to the game...it’s not like playing Welage more makes this a good shooting team.

It certainly makes it a better shooting team than when Naji is in there shooting it from deep.

Naji = not a good 3 point shooter... yet he chose to shoot 7 times from 3, making 1. The result of all of those misses was that Nova got easy rebounds and piled on more points.

Welage and Scruggs = good 3 point shooters... yet they both only took 2 shots a piece, making 1 each. Why is Nova able to get their better shooters plenty of looks while X seems okay with settling on just letting their weaker 3 point shooters go to town from deep, desperately hoping that these statistically inferior 3 point shooters somehow might get hot. They don’t get hot, they just put the team in a bigger hole.

It’s exciting to see this team bringing so much fight. Such great hustle. These guys can win a lot of games if they have the right personnel in the game at the right time and if individual players stick to what they excel at doing and not try to be the hero by also doing the things they have struggled to doing so far this season.

[noteggs]

Man I hate the phrase “moral victory “. Shouldn’t be a part of sports. What does that even mean? Seems like a bad phrase that describes a Bengal performance against the Steelers.

Last night was a moral victory because X made it enjoyable to watch versus Nova! Heck, I didn’t even take a drive to Walgreens during the game like I did last year when they were in Philly.

Interesting this year when I finally lowered my expectations, my whole attitude on this team got a lot better. Of course next week may be different.

[Xville]

The middle of this league is so meh...third place is certainly attainable. I think I was wrong about Seton Hall and St John's. I very much thought they were good teams.

[GoMuskies]

The middle of this league is so meh...third place is certainly attainable. I think I was wrong about Seton Hall and St John's. I very much thought they were good teams.

Three way tie for third with Butler and...DePaul. Just as expected, right?

[GIMMFD]

The middle of this league is so meh...third place is certainly attainable. I think I was wrong about Seton Hall and St John's. I very much thought they were good teams.

St. John's has the talent, it's just that Mullen as a coach leaves a lot to be desired... Seton Hall I can't really figure out either, good wins over UK, Maryland, and Miami, but losing twice to DePaul? Wtf is going on with DePaul also, the Big East is really strange this year. I even though Creighton would be better after they came through and won the Thanksgiving tournament here in Cayman.

[whopper]

it is all about belief. Depaul played us tough twice last years, as did St Johns. We needed a 4 pt play to beat Georgetown last year. Now you have Tucker on Butler, Femi A on Depaul, Herron on St Johns out of nowhere and there are no easy outs. Creighton will still surprise and I really don't think they have gotten over that Marquette game. We will have our hands full going forward and maybe that is how it should be. I think Villanova (still good but not the same) over the past 3 years skewed everyone's expectations as to how good good really is..I can't think of a team that had essentially 4 first round picks who were skilled, not just some combine/metric outlier. It will be interesting, every game, up to MSG and beyond. You will see good teams out Wednesday and even Thursday at MSG. Hopefully we will benefit

[BandDad]

Villanova is able to get shots for their three point shooters because they have three to four good shooters on the court at all times. XU only has one or two (Welage and Scruggs) so the opponents are able to shade their defense on the perimeter to those two guys. They sag off of the remaining players on the perimeter and try to bait them (Goodin, Marshall) into shooting open three's. They need to develop a couple of more shooters but it doesn't look like Kennedy and Hardin looks completely lost in the last couple of games. His shot has multiple steps to it - kind of like the Jim Furyk of the basketball world.

[xukeith]

Villanova is able to get shots for their three point shooters because they have three to four good shooters on the court at all times. XU only has one or two (Welage and Scruggs) so the opponents are able to shade their defense on the perimeter to those two guys. They sag off of the remaining players on the perimeter and try to bait them (Goodin, Marshall) into shooting open three's. They need to develop a couple of more shooters but it doesn't look like Kennedy and Hardin looks completely lost in the last couple of games. His shot has multiple steps to it - kind of like the Jim Furyk of the basketball world.

When, if ever, will X have good-great shooters every year?

[JTG]

When, if ever, will X have good-great shooters every year?
Probably never. We always seem to go after athletes, not shooters. We also seldom recruit high bball IQ guys. Whereas Nova and Butler have at least 2 and often 3 shooters, and they both usually get high IQ guys. It's the future of the game, and if we don't get with it, we're going to be left behind.

[GoMuskies]

Probably never. We always seem to go after athletes, not shooters. We also seldom recruit high bball IQ guys. Whereas Nova and Butler have at least 2 and often 3 shooters, and they both usually get high IQ guys. It's the future of the game, and if we don't get with it, we're going to be left behind.

Did I dream that we won the Big East and had a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament last year?

[Juice]

Probably never. We always seem to go after athletes, not shooters. We also seldom recruit high bball IQ guys. Whereas Nova and Butler have at least 2 and often 3 shooters, and they both usually get high IQ guys. It's the future of the game, and if we don't get with it, we're going to be left behind.

Blueiett, JP, Gates, Ridder, Harden. Here are five guys X has recruited as shooters that I can think of off the top of my head. Some have obviously been more successful than others but it's incorrect to say that X doesn't recruit shooters.

Add Welage this year. Redford and Myles if you want to take it back further.

On Nova's roster alone X recruited at least three of those guys.

[94GRAD]

Did I dream that we won the Big East and had a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament last year?

Is it a coincidence that you had a dream on MLK Day?

[AviatorX]

Probably never. We always seem to go after athletes, not shooters. We also seldom recruit high bball IQ guys. Whereas Nova and Butler have at least 2 and often 3 shooters, and they both usually get high IQ guys. It's the future of the game, and if we don't get with it, we're going to be left behind.

The worst take of the season is going to be hotly contested this year. Does make you wonder if the man who was X’s top assistant while they brought in guys like Bluiett, Macura, Gates and Kanter recognizes the direction of the game if shooting.

[xu koop scoop]

Did I dream that we won the Big East and had a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament last year? Virginia won ACC, got a 1 seed & didn't make it as far as us. Enjoy your Conference Title. You can get dumped at the Dance way too quickly

[paulxu]

Did I dream that we won the Big East and had a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament last year?


Is it a coincidence that you had a dream on MLK Day?

Bourbon!

[GoMuskies]

Virginia won ACC, got a 1 seed & didn't make it as far as us. Enjoy your Conference Title. You can get dumped at the Dance way too quickly

So you're saying that Xavier and Virginia weren't good last year? Xavier didn't have any good shooters or high IQ players?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Xavier is almost always going to have to make the choice on a sliding scale between athletic upside and high IQ/High basketball skill (of which shooting is one). If you’ve got both of those, they are going to be top 15-20 recruits. So our best shot is finding a mixture of both in a class and sort of just getting lucky on some. If Trevon were a better athlete he would’ve been a top 20 player in his class instead of top 40. If Quentin good shoot better or have a higher B-ball feel/IQ he would’ve been top 40 instead of top 100. We’ll see how the cards fall for the next few classes.

[bleedXblue]

Man we had some real beauties on this board........

[xudash]

Is it a coincidence that you had a dream on MLK Day?

HINT: I will be seeing you in person shortly and will be buying you a drink at your institution for that one

Paul and nuts, please be advised. I'm going to watch us get even with Marquette in person. Why else leave Florida for such balmy temps.

[JTG]

Bluiett and Macura were shooters, which was a rarity for us to have 2 high power shooters, plus Kanter, who was a one year bonus. But usually we aren't blessed with that kind of shooting. And it was our combined stupidity that lost us the FSU game.

[scoscox]

The reason we don't have shooting on this roster and maybe had less on previous rosters is due to a number of factors.
1. myles quits
2. kaiser leaves early
3. ridder transfers
4. elias isn't actually a good shooter
5. all of our main shooting targets went elsewhere last year in recruiting (swider, bey, noah locke, etc.)

all those things contribute (except myles)

[scoscox]

Bluiett and Macura were shooters, which was a rarity for us to have 2 high power shooters, plus Kanter, who was a one year bonus. But usually we aren't blessed with that kind of shooting. And it was our combined stupidity that lost us the FSU game.

most people don't have that much shooting. that was a great shooting team and one of the best offensive teams in the country. expecting that every year is ridiculous with the amount of turnover we had this year

[paulxu]

HINT: I will be seeing you in person shortly and will be buying you a drink at your institution for that one

Paul and nuts, please be advised. I'm going to watch us get even with Marquette in person. Why else leave Florida for such balmy temps.

Have one for me Dash! Wish I could be there.