Game Thread: Xavier vs. Marquette (January 26, 2019)

[paulxu]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kBAAAOSwqfNXkU44/s-l300.jpg VS. https://userscontent2.emaze.com/images/e65e6ccf-8cfe-406f-8d2f-aa01f028df8e/180e9b7f9796db4d9dda57f287b47f70.jpeg


Xavier University Musketeers (11-9, 3-4 BE) vs. No. 12/11 Marquette Golden Eagles (17-3, 6-1 BE)
Saturday, January 26, 2019, 2 PM, EST
Cintas Center (10,224) Cincinnati, OH

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

Notes and Stats (https://goxavier.com/news/2019/1/24/mens-basketball-hosts-no-12-11-marquette-on-saturday.aspx?path=mbball)

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Thom Brennaman and analysis from Doug Gottlieb.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW-AM, including via iHeart Radio, TuneIn and via Sirius (103), XM (201) and Internet (965) 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]

Starting early.

Suits and Sneakers !

[BMoreX]

Rumor is we're getting the home running man's tomorrow.

[xu koop scoop]

Rumor is we're getting the home running man's tomorrow.

Lost me on that comment

[XUBison]

Naji may be out tomorrow w/shoulder. > Shannon on Twitter.

[kellernr]

Naji may be out tomorrow w/shoulder. > Shannon on Twitter.That dude is injury prone. The play where he went down I didn't see anything that would affect his shoulder. I thought he caught the dudes knee with his head

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[kellernr]

Naji is out there in the layup lines.

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[BMoreX]

Ugh gottleib

[GoMuskies]

Nice D to start.

[paulxu]

Running Man!

Run 'em outta the building.

[Xville]

Maybe vegas knew that xavier was going to play intense d today??

[Xville]

Team and the crowd are on an effing mission today.

[noteggs]

Scruggs is a STUD!

[HenryMuto]

Maybe guard the 3 ? They are 4/5 already JFC

[BMoreX]

Locked im!

[GoMuskies]

That’s a start. Wow.

[xufan2020]

I hate tv timeouts so that was fun

[X Factor]

Can't wait to watch Paul Scruggs next year. Kid has taken his game to the next level.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Paul is just an absolute stud. There’s nothing he isn’t doing well right now.

[GoMuskies]

Combined 8 of 9 from 3. And fuck Wojo.

[BMoreX]

Shut the fuck up Gottleib

[BMoreX]

WHEELAGE! Lmao Doug

[X Factor]

The one area this team hasn't impoved at all is on defense.

[noteggs]

WHEELAGE! Lmao Doug

He does distract from the game

[GoMuskies]

Yeah, I knew we couldn’t keep up the pace. And I know they can.

[xufan2020]

Scruggs having a rough stretch. Q’s looked fine so far

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Need to end this last war the best we’ve had all season.

[SemajParlor]

Welage swinging an open look to a corner Naji 3. Probably not the best strategy.

[GoMuskies]

Shot selection has gone to shit.

[X Factor]

WHat a terrible shot by Castlin...I think there's a crack in the backboard now.

[noteggs]

Why didn’t Welage just shoot vs passing it to Naji?

[kellernr]

Offense is non existent with Q out here running point. Him and Catlin being the 2 guards out there means naji and hankins are our only offensive threats

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[paulxu]

We've gotta do better than one basket in 6 minutes.

[SemajParlor]

Sweating out the 1H Moneyline X here...

EDIT: Ugh.

[paulxu]

Q could have passed it back to Welage for the wide open 3. But no...let's only get 1 pt.

[noteggs]

Is Steele sporting the Chucks?

[SemajParlor]

Welp, after all that we are tied with a top 15th team in the nation. Gut check time for this crew. Let's get this W

[X Factor]

If this team could just play a little defense...

[SemajParlor]

To be fair to Xavier , Marquette is making some really difficult shots. Which they are known to do. A couple of lapses but overall the defense has been pretty solid to me.

[bjf123]

Is Steele sporting the Chucks?

Someone tweeted they’re Nikes.


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[RoseyMuskie]

Relatively pleased with the defensive performance. Scruggs walling up in the post, as was Welage on the last Howard miracle three. And Naji did a nice job fighting through multiple screens.

Some poor shot selection in the last third of the half, but overall, I’ll take it.

[xufan2020]

Q could have passed it back to Welage for the wide open 3. But no...let's only get 1 pt.
Q had a good half and your dogging him as if it’s his fault Welage has been cold recently.

[kellernr]

To be fair to Xavier , Marquette is making some really difficult shots. Which they are known to do. A couple of lapses but overall the defense has been pretty solid to me.Nova is sharing some of thier 3pt luck with Marquette. Howard's last 3 he just threw I up with Scruggs all over him and still drained it.

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[SemajParlor]

Nova is sharing some of thier 3pt luck with Marquette. Howard's last 3 he just threw I up with Scruggs all over him and still drained it.

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Some of these Hauser(s) shots are what in the hell worthy.

[noteggs]

Someone tweeted they’re Nikes.


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That makes more sense

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

That makes more sense

Nike owns converse, FWIW. And Mario has chucks on. It looks like Steele also has chucks on.

[kellernr]

Q had a good half and your dogging him as if it’s his fault Welage has been cold recently.Watch the beginning of the game. Offense was running plays and making baskets.

Scruggs gets a breather and Q runs the pi in not and the offense turns into 3 guys passing it back and forth around the 3 pt line with no attempts to dump it down low. I like Q but he is not the same player that he was the past 2 years. He doesn't look confident at all running the offense. Dont get me started on his lazy defense either.

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[JTG]

If this team could just play a little defense...

Seriously, we're playing D, Marq is hitting miracles.

[kellernr]

Some of these Hauser(s) shots are what in the hell worthy.Haha. Yeah. The one touched every part of the rim and backboard and still dropped

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[AviatorX]

Q had a good half and your dogging him as if it’s his fault Welage has been cold recently.

The Q hate and Welage love is seriously out of control.

[SemajParlor]

The Q hate and Welage love is seriously out of control.

Ha, both here and the announcers have said hes been cold lately. By my count he's 3 of his last 6 over 3 games. Keep shooting !

[X Factor]

Seriously, we're playing D, Marq is hitting miracles.

There's a reason Xavier is ranked 151st in the nation defensively. There's a reason Xavier has one of the worst defenses of any Power Conference team in the nation. Teams always hit miracles against Xavier...

[GoMuskies]

The Mexican frisbee dog caravan made it to Cintas?!?

[noteggs]

Nike owns converse, FWIW. And Mario has chucks on. It looks like Steele also has chucks on.

Ok I get it! Thanks since I just got on Twitter and saw they were Chucks. Case solved!

[bjf123]

The Mexican frisbee dog caravan made it to Cintas?!?

Sí.


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[Xuperman]

We are not that bad....go low and play physical and score just 1 more point....PHYSICAL!!
These guys are SOFT

[Xville]

Alright boys twenty more minutes...let's git r done

[XUBison]

The Q hate and Welage love is seriously out of control.


What??? LOL.

[GoMuskies]

That’s when Naji should shoot threes. With shot clock running down.

[Xville]

Scruggs keeps playing like this and he very well may not be here next year.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Naji is doing really well on Howard right now

[paulxu]

These announcers can bite me.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

And Naji with a really smooth, clean three

[GoMuskies]

If Naji hits that regularly, we’re Duke.

[X Factor]

If Naji hits that regularly, we’re Duke.

Hahaha...any three he makes is a bonus.

[SemajParlor]

Up by 9 with 15 minutes left at home. Come on fellas, let's get this big win.

[noteggs]

these announcers can bite me.

lmao!

[noteggs]

If Naji hits that regularly, we’re Duke.

Just keep him out of the corner

[paulxu]

hah! That's the Cov Catholic guy there in a Marquette jersey!

[letskeepitreal]

Wow, can we withstand the run that Marquette will make? Howard is being held in check but the Hausers are doing a job.

[xufan2020]

The Q hate and Welage love is seriously out of control.
Welage is 5/22 over the last 5 games at the ONE thing he’s supposed to be good at.

[XUBison]

Scruggs keeps playing like this and he very well may not be here next year.


Yep, thinking the same thing. And isn’t he already like 29 or something?

[GoMuskies]

Who are these guys?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Most engaged Naji has been on defense since last year. Don’t get where this has been all year.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Two possessions in a row Hankins is the one to pick up Howard. Uhhh...

[Xville]

Well, here comes the xavier team that we have seen a lot of the year...careless, selfish basketball with turnovers.

[SemajParlor]

Interesting decisions drinking game featuring Naji Marshall may end early.

[kellernr]

If the guards would hustle back on defense hankins wouldn't get stuck on howard. Q stood 3 ft from Hankins guarding no one. He should have run up on howard and let hankins get back under the rim.

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[X Factor]

Two possessions in a row Hankins is the one to pick up Howard. Uhhh...

Seriously...how do we let Howard get isolated on Hankins on consecutive possessions?

[RoseyMuskie]

Have the ball up 11 and Q forces a play. Need better from an upperclassman.

[letskeepitreal]

Marshall doing a decent job on Howard and making him work for his points.

[whopper]

We needed that time out. Why do we get out of control with a lead and slight momentum. I know it is lack of patience and confidence. If you think you are going to "steal" you way from an 11 to 15 pt lead against a good team you are nuts.

[kellernr]

Have the ball up 11 and Q forces a play. Need better from an upperclassman.Naji threw the ball away on an impossible drive then air balled a wide open 3. One day he looks like he could play in the league and the next game he looks like he should be a walk on

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[letskeepitreal]

Don’t know why Hankins is on Howard the last couple of possessions. Perhaps the switch on the ball screens.

[Xavier]

Q killed momentum with that horrible lob. Best game Xavier has played all year and just need Q to not screw it up.

[Xville]

Q killed momentum with that horrible lob. Best game Xavier has played all year and just need Q to not screw it up.

Q sitting the rest of the half would not upset me.

[XUBison]

We needed that time out. Why do we get out of control with a lead and slight momentum. I know it is lack of patience and confidence. If you think you are going to "steal" you way from an 11 to 15 pt lead against a good team you are nuts.


But... that was a beautiful air ball by Naji.

[Xville]

Absolutely selfish stupid basketball by q on that drive. Epitome of what he has been this year. Sit his butt on the bench.

[XUBison]

OMG... Q is just... ugh.

[SemajParlor]

Up by 9 with 15 minutes left at home. Come on fellas, let's get this big win.

Up 6 with 8 minutes left at home. Come on fellas, let's get this big win.

[BMoreX]

Really wanted a second look at Nani’s “foul” there, FS1...

[SemajParlor]

Poor Q. Man.

[X Factor]

Our guards have very poor court vision

[kellernr]

For the love of God! Please bench Q. He is awful on the offensive end.

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[MITTENMUSKIE16]

2 bad possessions by Q. Come on man

[HenryMuto]

Should have won this game.

[SemajParlor]

There's never been a 2 point game that's felt like this.

[Xville]

Stop playing q!!!!!! For the love Steele freaking bench him...he is killing this team

[whopper]

for some reason I am optimistic. We will need to make foul shots though

[RoseyMuskie]

We have an upperclassman point guard palming the ball in crunch time. That’s just so bad.

[GoMuskies]

What can you say about Q? Hope he’s studying hard.

[AviatorX]

Should have won this game.

Don’t you have some fake bracketology to do or 35 other board to visit? It’s a 2 point game...

[Xavier]

Q shouldn’t see floor rest of game. Probably too late. Just not playing well and he will cost us this game- so frustrating

[xufan2020]

Q I’m trying to defend you come on

[kellernr]

It baffles me how we can have 4 guys down low to Marquette 1 and they get the rebound. Marquette does what nova does. 4 guys chilling on the 3pt line and thier 5th guy manages to out rebound our 4 guys

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[Mrs. Garrett]

Q is garbage.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

On the palm ball call, Paul didn’t get the ball to q right away, Q was stomping his foot and pouting. You knew when he got the ball he was likely to do something stupid. And he did.

[paulxu]

Time to man up.

[X Factor]

If we can't win on a day when we hit 8 threes, shoot over 50% from the field and 75% from the FT line, at HOME, it shows just how flawed this team is.

Hopefully we can pull this one out.

[XUBison]

We need one of those cheerleader-lead chants where half the crowd yells one thing, then the other side chants back...

MORE SCRUGGS! - LESS Q!
MORE SCRUGGS! - LESS Q!
MORE SCRUGGS! - LESS Q!

[kellernr]

Q shouldn’t see floor rest of game. Probably too late. Just not playing well and he will cost us this game- so frustratingI wouldn't be mad if he decided to transfer out after the season. He play.s like he thinks he cant miss.

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[GoMuskies]

Brutal

[noteggs]

Can we petition to have Gottlieb never do a X game again!!!

[paulxu]

Make good

[AviatorX]

I wouldn't be mad if he decided to transfer out after the season. He play.s like he thinks he cant miss.

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Incredible. The starting PG of an elite 8 team and the best team in school history and you’re posting this trash.

[SemajParlor]

Are you kidding me

[GoMuskies]

Incredible. The starting PG of an elite 8 team and the best team in school history and you’re posting this trash.

But he HAS been atrocious of late.

[Xville]

It's time for q to sit the rest of the year. Hes caused us to lose several games this year and I'm beyond frustrated with him.

[paulxu]

Good effort...I guess.

[SemajParlor]

This is what if must've felt like for everyone playing us last year.

[GoMuskies]

Fun while it lasted.

[Xavier]

Incredible. The starting PG of an elite 8 team and the best team in school history and you’re posting this trash.

Agreed. Frustrated with Q (who cost Xavier the game) but he has shown to be good for the team.

[Strange Brew]

NM

[AviatorX]

But he HAS been atrocious of late.

Ok...so we’re just wishing him off the roster now? Absolutely ridiculous. The hate is wayyyy oversized.

[whopper]

Ii am sad after this..I really am. I think we are snakebit. Some of those threes were very well defended.

[X Factor]

Going to turn into a double digit loss, and Xavier played about as well as they could on offense.

[SemajParlor]

I'm stunned.

[xufan2020]

It's time for q to sit the rest of the year. Hes caused us to lose several games this year and I'm beyond frustrated with him.
You are fucking delusional

[AviatorX]

It's time for q to sit the rest of the year. Hes caused us to lose several games this year and I'm beyond frustrated with him.

This is the last post of yours I’m going to respond to, but please point to the “several games” Q has caused X to lose. The whole team has sucked 90% of the season.

[Xville]

Ii am sad after this..I really am. I think we are snakebit. Some of those threes were very well defended.

Yeah but reason we lost is because offense all of a sudden turned to low IQ hero ball.

[mistabeecee41]

were all pointing the finger at Q. naji has had MULTIPLE bad turnovers down the stretch. Paul has been invisible.

its simple. none of them are good enough to be the guy down the stretch.

[X Factor]

Ii am sad after this..I really am. I think we are snakebit. Some of those threes were very well defended.

The stats don't lie. Xavier has been a terrible defensive team ALL YEAR! We're not snakebit. We're a poor defensive team, and Marquette has a plethora of shooters.

[letskeepitreal]

Wow, the scoring droughts are a killer

[kellernr]

Incredible. The starting PG of an elite 8 team and the best team in school history and you’re posting this trash.He going to be a senior next year. They cant have him being a leader if hes going to play like he has. He might be the starting PG the 1st 10 games next year but Tandy will take that job away from him quickly.

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[Xavier]

Going to turn into a double digit loss, and Xavier played about as well as they could on offense.

If everyone played like they did today (-Q), x would be a lock for tournament. Happy with how rest of team played

[GoMuskies]

Ok...so we’re just wishing him off the roster now? Absolutely ridiculous. The hate is wayyyy oversized.

It’s over the top, but he’s been a major, major disappointment.

[Xavier]

were all pointing the finger at Q. naji has had MULTIPLE bad turnovers down the stretch. Paul has been invisible.

its simple. none of them are good enough to be the guy down the stretch.


I legitimately think Xavier wins today if Q didn’t play

[X Factor]

This is the last post of yours I’m going to respond to, but please point to the “several games” Q has caused X to lose. The whole team has sucked 90% of the season.

At least you admit that much.

[GoMuskies]

were all pointing the finger at Q. naji has had MULTIPLE bad turnovers down the stretch. Paul has been invisible.

its simple. none of them are good enough to be the guy down the stretch.

But Paul and Naji also made positive contributions.

[Xville]

This is the last post of yours I’m going to respond to, but please point to the “several games” Q has caused X to lose. The whole team has sucked 90% of the season.

No thanks...I know you think q is wonderful and nothing he does this year is going to change your mind so why should I bother. Good day

[AviatorX]

He going to be a senior next year. They cant have him being a leader if hes going to play like he has. He might be the starting PG the 1st 10 games next year but Tandy will take that job away from him quickly.

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I’m very excited for the realistic expectations the anti-Q crowd has for Tandy. Feel bad for the guy already. Nothing points to him being a substantial contributor right off the bat (ie the case for almost every freshman X has ever brought in). Especially considering the worst player in school history was a higher rated recruit.

[xukeith]

good game. cream rose to the top. X is hamstrung.

Wait for 2021! loaded talent.

[KFX]

Steele cannot hold a lead. Timeout was two minutes late You dont steady a team after they lose the lead. You call the TO five points before The technical was ridiculous. The guy is in over his head. They have three scorers today. Decent job on Howard first half and then the kid is over his average. Didn’t even bother with the brothers. Game was eminently winnable.

[XUBison]

Incredible. The starting PG of an elite 8 team and the best team in school history and you’re posting this trash.


Q’s mom, is that you?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Incredible. The starting PG of an elite 8 team and the best team in school history and you’re posting this trash.

He has been average to slightly below average in 2 out of 3 years here. He had a pretty solid year last year based on assist to TO, FT%, but, a lot of that could’ve been how little he really was asked to do. Who cares if he was one of 5 starters on an elite 8 team. That’s 3 games compared to 3 seasons.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Steele cannot hold a lead. Timeout was two minutes late You dong steady a team after they lose the lead. You call the TO five points before The technical was ridiculous. The guy is in over his head.

Steele isn’t as good as Mack, yet. But Mack was equally horrible at using timeouts to quell runs.

[Xavier]

He has been average to slightly below average in 2 out of 3 years here. He had a pretty solid year last year based on assist to TO, FT%, but, a lot of that could’ve been how little he really was asked to do. Who cares if he was one of 5 starters on an elite 8 team. That’s 3 games compared to 3 seasons.

Tough to come in as a freshman after Ed’s injury and do anything positive. I was happy with Q his freshman year

[Xuperman]

He going to be a senior next year. They cant have him being a leader if hes going to play like he has. He might be the starting PG the 1st 10 games next year but Tandy will take that job away from him quickly.

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When will this fucking nonsense stop?

[paulxu]

I hope I don't have to listen to these announcers any more this year.

[SemajParlor]

Ahh, the inevitable scape goat for the 11-10 team.

[KFX]

Mack was horrible at using TOs and Steele not as good as Mack yet. Great.

[KFX]

I want Steele to win. I really do. But he doesn’t seem to be able to do the basics. Like holding a lead at home

[SemajParlor]

Imao what?

[paulxu]

Also, I know I'm a broken record, but they should somehow get Welage more than 2 shots.

[X Factor]

Steele is going to be a very good coach. Sure he's probably experiencing some growing pains being a first year head coach, but the guys he currently has aren't helping. You won't see any more Castlin's, Welage's, Harden's, James', and Kennedy's.

He is bringing in kids that will get Xavier back to the top of the BE and a chance at a FF.

[XfansinKy]

Incredible. The starting PG of an elite 8 team and the best team in school history and you’re posting this trash.

He had a little help on that team though. Maybe that's why he hardly ever shot the ball then.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Steele is going to be a great coach. X played their ass off today. Marquette just played better. I can tell u right now I take Travis over Wojo anyday. Marquette is 2nd round good bc of him. I have no facts to back that up I just think he isn’t that good of a
Coach. But Travis did a great job today seeing that he has bandaid talent

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

It’s over the top, but he’s been a major, major disappointment.

This.

[AviatorX]

Ahh, the inevitable scape goat for the 11-10 team.

It’s amazing. But I guess it’s easy to forget that the losing streak two years ago brought out the classic “maybe Bluiett is not athletic enough to play in the BE.”

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Tough to come in as a freshman after Ed’s injury and do anything positive. I was happy with Q his freshman year

Average as a freshman is definitely fine. But it doesn’t entitled you to a pass as a junior captain just because you “started on an elite 8 squad”

[mistabeecee41]

why are people still getting mad at this point?

it's steeles first year.
our 2 best players are sophomores who ideally would be the 3rd best player on a legit team.
we have 2 solid juniors who again, should be role players - not your 3rd and 4th best players.
we have 3 TRANSFER seniors. one of them has proven to be a high major D1 contributor. the other 2 clearly were better suited for lower level competition.
we have 3 scholarship players who aren't contributors.

it is what it is. get your heads out of your asses.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I hope I don't have to listen to these announcers any more this year.

Gottlieb I agree he is awful!!! But Thom is one of
The best in the biz. Also Mack sucked at coaching that’s why our best team ever lost 2nd round. Duck Mack. His name should be erased from
Xavier history. I respect Beak nose more then that sunken eye monster. I may be bitter 😶

[AviatorX]

Average as a freshman is definitely fine. But it doesn’t entitled you to a pass as a junior captain just because you “started on an elite 8 squad”

No one is saying Q gets a pass. We’re saying he hasn’t “cost this team several games” and that people shouldn’t be wishing him to transfer. Q is obviously many people’s chosen fall guy, that’s fine.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

It’s amazing. But I guess it’s easy to forget that the losing streak two years ago brought out the classic “maybe Bluiett is not athletic enough to play in the BE.”

Didn’t the losing streak 2 years ago happen when bluiett was hurt for 4 of those 6? Odd.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

No one is saying Q gets a pass. We’re saying he hasn’t “cost this team several games” and that people shouldn’t be wishing him to transfer. Q is obviously many people’s chosen fall guy, that’s fine.

Agree on this. Q has been pretty poor this year, somewhat regularly. But so has pretty much everyone not named Scruggs. The team, not Q as an individual, has cost itself several games. And we shouldn’t be wishing for him to transfer.

[kellernr]

It’s amazing. But I guess it’s easy to forget that the losing streak two years ago brought out the classic “maybe Bluiett is not athletic enough to play in the BE.”The losing streak where he tried to play injured and finally had to sit? I remember people saying he wasnt athletic enough for the NBA but not the big east

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[GIMMFD]

why are people still getting mad at this point?

it's steeles first year.
our 2 best players are sophomores who ideally would be the 3rd best player on a legit team.
we have 2 solid juniors who again, should be role players - not your 3rd and 4th best players.
we have 3 TRANSFER seniors. one of them has proven to be a high major D1 contributor. the other 2 clearly were better suited for lower level competition.
we have 3 scholarship players who aren't contributors.

it is what it is. get your heads out of your asses.

I'm not even angry, I just kind of feel sad for them. Like Q, Naji, Rique, Scruggs.. those guys probably aren't used to losing, and it's coming in pretty crappy ways, I'm sure you'd agree that the last two games were both winnable, and this board would have been a lot more optimistic sitting at 5-3 in conference other than 3-5. As I said, if they can improve from the beginning of the season to the end it's the best we'll get out of this season. We have seen a couple promising things, especially how good Scruggs has developed, he's definitely living up to his high recruiting ranking. I think he could develop into someone that would be a top 2 guy on a legit team, but in the landscape of the one and done era, it just isn't right now, but I don't want to undersell him because he's been pretty damn good at times this year. We'll get there, we have a lot of reinforcements coming in next year, and I'm sure as recruiting continues to go well, we'll win games.

Side bar though, how nice would it have been if we would have just gotten 1 or 2 of those guys that had us in the final 3 last year, we could use another scoring weapon, or just some depth even. Not hitting well on that last class has hindered this team probably more than it should have, it's always tough depending on grad transfers, but it's the nature of the beast.


Gottlieb I agree he is awful!!! But Thom is one of
The best in the biz. Also Mack sucked at coaching that’s why our best team ever lost 2nd round. Duck Mack. His name should be erased from
Xavier history. I respect Beak nose more then that sunken eye monster. I may be bitter ��

I mean I absolutely hate the fucking guy, but you can't deny what he's done at Louisville this season is pretty impressive. It's annoying, and I don't want to have to acknowledge that, but he is, regardless, I have full faith in Steele to figure this thing out and improve as the years go on, just as every other head coach X has had has done.

[AviatorX]

why are people still getting mad at this point?

it's steeles first year.
our 2 best players are sophomores who ideally would be the 3rd best player on a legit team.
we have 2 solid juniors who again, should be role players - not your 3rd and 4th best players.
we have 3 TRANSFER seniors. one of them has proven to be a high major D1 contributor. the other 2 clearly were better suited for lower level competition.
we have 3 scholarship players who aren't contributors.

it is what it is. get your heads out of your asses.

Yep. Those who are most vocal about how much this team sucks seem to also be the most surprised when the team is sucking live in game threads.

[bjf123]

Also, I know I'm a broken record, but they should somehow get Welage more than 2 shots.

There were a few times he was wide open and Q or Tyrique looked right at him and didn’t pass it.


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[chico]

Disappointing loss to be sure, but our guys just were dead tired the final 5 minutes of the game. You could see it in the lack of movement on offense and lack of help on defense with Howard. Shots that were falling earlier in the game either were no longer (lack of movement due to fatigue) open or weren't falling. Only 7 guys had any minutes today. Marshall and Scruggs played 38 minutes, Jones 37. Hankins needs to take more than 4 shots.

Nobody can question the effort today. Naji played well, Scruggs played well, Jones and Hankins played well. Q was his usual maddening self. We just don't have the horses this year to play with a team with weapons like Marquette has.

[Masterofreality]

Just reviewed the game again.
Another blown game by Xavier after playing a solid 35 minutes. Lousy sub patterns where guys who need a blow for a minute don’t get it and a Coach tech when you’re down TWO!! PLUS!! Paul Scruggs didn’t see the ball for a shot for 10 minutes from 11:25 to 1:35 in the second half when X went from 8 up to 8 down. He did assist on two nice post passes. But meanwhile Q ( and Naji to a lesser extent) played hero ball badly with bad shots & turnovers while Scruggs can’t get a shot. Steele can’t get ahold of his emotions or control this team WHEN IT COUNTS!! I’d have had Goodin OFF the floor, but Steele left him in to the team’s demise.
I’m bothered by a lot of things with this Staff and Steele. Things that many casual fans don’t notice but are happening...or NOT happening.
Q should be on the bench except to give people rests. No more than 15-18 mins per game. He’s killing this team, and Steele isn’t helping.
Sorry for my rant, but I’m steamed after the last two games!!!

[Masterofreality]

No one is saying Q gets a pass. We’re saying he hasn’t “cost this team several games” and that people shouldn’t be wishing him to transfer. Q is obviously many people’s chosen fall guy, that’s fine.

No, it’s not fine. Q is messing this up to the detriment of Paul Scruggs not getting to control this team, and Steele is letting it happen. Scruggs didn’t get a shot for 10 minutes- between 11:25 and 1:35 in the second half while Q took 7, most of them bad. And he IS costing this team games. Watch the games!

[SemajParlor]

It’s amazing. But I guess it’s easy to forget that the losing streak two years ago brought out the classic “maybe Bluiett is not athletic enough to play in the BE.”

"Is JP Macura coachable??" was an all time classic. I just laughed out loud. This board is the best.

[BandDad]

Weighing in with the plus minus from today: Hankins +9, Castlin +1, Welage 0, Jones -3, Scruggs -6, Marshall -6, Goodin -17.

Over the last three games that makes the following: Welage -1, Hankins -3, Jones -4, Marshall -4, Scruggs -13, Castlin -18, Goodin -50.

Now I am not taking sides on anything, but the numbers speak for themselves. It makes you wonder why Welage doesn't get more minutes, even with his defensive deficiencies. Hankins as well. Not saying anything on the negative side.

Will say the boys were dog tired at the end of the game today, same as Seton Hall. You can play guys lots of minutes if you are playing lots of zone, but not when they are chasing those three shooters all over the court.

Will say the defense was not bad today. Marquette made numerous contested three point shots and you can't really guard from outside 25 feet.

[XUBison]

Hope this just makes Steele better in the long run, but I am not optimistic that next year’s frosh and this core will be any better, at least not next year. Then Q and Jones are gone. And do we really expect both Naji and Scruggs to be here for their senior seasons, even if it’s not the NBA itself calling? Think they are both already 21. This is a real rebuild, and it may take a few years. Hope Steele has the chops.

I don’t believe we’d be any better this year if Mack were still our coach. He bailed after putting the roster in this pathetic state. This shit-show should have been his to endure, and he’s the only one I really blame for it. That said, I’m so glad he’s gone.

[Xville]

Weighing in with the plus minus from today: Hankins +9, Castlin +1, Welage 0, Jones -3, Scruggs -6, Marshall -6, Goodin -17.

Over the last three games that makes the following: Welage -1, Hankins -3, Jones -4, Marshall -4, Scruggs -13, Castlin -18, Goodin -50.

Now I am not taking sides on anything, but the numbers speak for themselves. It makes you wonder why Welage doesn't get more minutes, even with his defensive deficiencies. Hankins as well. Not saying anything on the negative side.

Will say the boys were dog tired at the end of the game today, same as Seton Hall. You can play guys lots of minutes if you are playing lots of zone, but not when they are chasing those three shooters all over the court.

Will say the defense was not bad today. Marquette made numerous contested three point shots and you can't really guard from outside 25 feet.

Dont let aviator see this..he doesnt believe in stats or watching games when it comes to his love affair of q

[Xavier]

Hope this just makes Steele better in the long run, but I am not optimistic that next year’s frosh and this core will be any better, at least not next year. Then Q and Jones are gone. And do we really expect both Naji and Scruggs to be here for their senior seasons, even if it’s not the NBA itself calling? Think they are both already 21. This is a real rebuild, and it may take a few years. Hope Steele has the chops.

I don’t believe we’d be any better this year if Mack were still our coach. He bailed after putting the roster in this pathetic state. This shit-show should have been his to endure, and he’s the only one I really blame for it. That said, I’m so glad he’s gone.

To answer your questions: No, I expect Scruggs to play one more year and then go to the NBA. And I think Mack would have this team in position to still get an at large bid.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Next year should be objectively better, even if it isn’t a whole lot. Steele will be better, the returning players should improve, and the roster will fit better together with hopefully a handful of guys that can shoot. Hopefully that turns into at least making the tournament.


This team right now just isn’t built for modern basketball. They start two guys who haven’t ATTEMPTED a three all year. And two more guys in castlin and Naji that are below 30% from three, maybe even below 25%. That just doesn’t work. The team will improve next year.

[whopper]

I think it is odd that the three grad transfers have the best plus/minus. This does pass the eye test though. When they were up by 11 today I know they thought one more play would put the game away (lob from Q to Tyrique, Naj drive and pass to no one). I also remember a rebound that John and Tyrique fought for, jostled loose and Welage fell(sad ) and Bailey put in. Also he Heltdt off offensive rebound to Joe Hauser and a Heldt wide open rebound layup due to defense all covering Howard plus 2 tech fouls. That is 2 empty from us and 9 points for them all in a short period. Damn, usuallly a tech fires up the team. Heldt probably had a plus 16. The strange thing is that Welage was on the court during Butler, G Town, l comebacks so probably has a significant plus/minus advantage for past 5 games maybe plus 25

[XUBison]

Yep. Those who are most vocal about how much this team sucks seem to also be the most surprised when the team is sucking live in game threads.


Interesting... Are you actually charting this supposed correlation, or are you simply throwing around blanket generalizations to advance your narrative? That’s rhetorical, in case you didn’t get that. Pretty sure we all know the answer.

[Nigel Tufnel]

To answer your questions: No, I expect Scruggs to play one more year and then go to the NBA. And I think Mack would have this team in position to still get an at large bid.

You serious, Clark?

[XU 87]

The Hausers played 38 minutes each and Howard played 37. So I don’t agree with the “X was tired” argument.

[XUGRAD80]

When your opposition hits 14 three point shots, while shooting 56% from beyond the arc, it’s going to be pretty hard to out score them. X shot 44% from 3 in this game, which is much better than they usually do, and made 8, which is more than they usually do. That is the only area where Marquette had a significant lead over X. In virtually every other statistical category if was either a tossup, or X was better. I do think that next year X will possibly have some much improved outside shooters. I say possibly because we all expected Kennedy and Hardin to be good shooters this year, and they have been mostly either subpar or absent. Right now all of the next year players are just potential. But I am optimistic until proven otherwise.

[XU 87]

Marquette scored 48 points in the second half. XU scored 43. Marquette made a lot of shots, but X didn’t play very good D either.

[bleedXblue]

This team cant defend to save theirs lives.......EVERYONE shoots well against us. Which leads me to believe that our players and our scheme is easy to get shots off against and that teams feel very comfortable when they play us.

[bleedXblue]

I would LOVE to see Steele scrap this bend don't break, don't pressure and don't turn them over defense.....one that hope to "contain" and force tough shots.

It aint working

[GIMMFD]

Hope this just makes Steele better in the long run, but I am not optimistic that next year’s frosh and this core will be any better, at least not next year. Then Q and Jones are gone. And do we really expect both Naji and Scruggs to be here for their senior seasons, even if it’s not the NBA itself calling? Think they are both already 21. This is a real rebuild, and it may take a few years. Hope Steele has the chops.

I don’t believe we’d be any better this year if Mack were still our coach. He bailed after putting the roster in this pathetic state. This shit-show should have been his to endure, and he’s the only one I really blame for it. That said, I’m so glad he’s gone.

I like our class coming in next year, Tandy could be pretty legit, and Bishop has a skill set too, Freemantle, Ramsey and Miles are good additional pieces as well, I think just by having a year in these roles, Naji and Scruggs will take a leap forward. Jones has improved this year as well, Q is just where the headscratching begins. I don't expect our Freshman to be the "one-and-done" talent, but I think they'll have the ability to help out in a way. We'll need someone like Kennedy or Harden to take a leap forward somehow, I definitely could see Scruggs gone after next year if he keeps improving at the rate he is. It's definitely a rebuild, but one I think will be quicker than a few years. Steele is going to have growing pains, he's a first year head coach (see: Fire Chris Mack thread), but I believe with the knowledge of the game he has, he can get this sorted out. The good thing is our recruiting is improving, just getting better talent in through the door will help.

[mohr5150]

Our poor season is the direct result of a horrible job of recruiting over the past 2+ years by Mack. His swings and misses on players, guys who he recruited that never saw the court here, finally caught up to us. It didn't help he knew he wasn't coming back in August last year and, I'm sure, passed on that info, maybe not purposefully, to recruits we lost out on last year. Steele has his work cut out for him, but if next year's class is any indication, we are in good hands. This season just sucks, and Mack is mainly to blame.

[vee4xu]

It's very simple.

Xavier has 4 players: Scruggs, Jones, Marshall and Goodin and Marshall and Goodin have played banged up pretty much all year. So, really two good, healthy players.

They have three senior grad transfers: Hankins, Castlin and Welage. Hankins has spurts of offense, but no defense. Castlin and Welage each bring nothing on either side of the ball. In fact, all three are about three notches better than Xavier's walk-ons. Translation: Absolutely no help.

It hasn't clicked yet for Harden and Kennedy. The rest of the roster are practice squad players. Translation: Absolutely no help.

So, the team has played the season with essentially two healthy high quality players, two other high quality players playing injured and pretty much no other help. One has to look no further to understand why they are where they are at this point.

[X Factor]

This team cant defend to save theirs lives.......EVERYONE shoots well against us. Which leads me to believe that our players and our scheme is easy to get shots off against and that teams feel very comfortable when they play us.

I don't understand it. Steele told us when he got the job how this was going to be one of the best defensive teams at Xavier, and it's the exact opposite.

After today, Xavier's defensive efficiency is 165th in the nation!! You have to go back to 2005, Miller's first year, to find a Xavier team that bad on defense, but that team wasn't nearly as talented as this one.

It's mind-boggling how bad this team is on defense.

I like Steele and think he's going to be a great coach at X, but he HAS to fix the defense that we saw get worse and worse under Mack.

We play with an adjusted tempo that is 297th in the nation, a very slow pace, and this team still routinely gives up 70-80 points per game.

[XUGRAD80]

Didn’t see the 1st half at all, got to listen to the last 10 minutes of the 1st half on the radio. So I’ll only comment on the 2nd half....

Marquette made some .3 pointers that were 2-3 feet beyond the NBA line, at the end of the shot clock. You can’t really defend those shots.

Naji has some serious growing up to do. More than once he was really upset because of not getting passes when he was open, or because he thought he had gotten fouled and it wasn’t called. You can’t let those things eff do your defensive and you can’t play good defense if you’re down at the other end sulking or complaining to the refs. Saw a couple of other players do the same thing after no-calls. This team can’t afford to play 4 against 5 on defense. Needs to stop.

Several passes from the paint to players that were open beyond the arc, and the players don’t take the shot. Hopefully next year they have players that not only have the courage to take those shots, but also can make them. That is one of the huge differences between last year’s team and this year’s. Last year X had players that would take, and make, those shots. This year’s team has players that won’t take them, because they have learned that they can’t make them.

[Xville]

Didn’t see the 1st half at all, got to listen to the last 10 minutes of the 1st half on the radio. So I’ll only comment on the 2nd half....

Marquette made some .3 pointers that were 2-3 feet beyond the NBA line, at the end of the shot clock. You can’t really defend those shots.

Naji has some serious growing up to do. More than once he was really upset because of not getting passes when he was open, or because he thought he had gotten fouled and it wasn’t called. You can’t let those things eff do your defensive and you can’t play good defense if you’re down at the other end sulking or complaining to the refs. Saw a couple of other players do the same thing after no-calls. This team can’t afford to play 4 against 5 on defense. Needs to stop.

Several passes from the paint to players that were open beyond the arc, and the players don’t take the shot. Hopefully next year they have players that not only have the courage to take those shots, but also can make them. That is one of the huge differences between last year’s team and this year’s. Last year X had players that would take, and make, those shots. This year’s team has players that won’t take them, because they have learned that they can’t make them.

I agree with Naji in regards to late in the second half. He does need to grow up a bit when things do not go his way. However with that said, he played excellent defense the first half and a lot of the 2nd and was mainly guarding Howard.

As some others have said here though it is absolutely absurd that paul didnt get a shot up for ten minutes thru the second half. Hes our best player by far, and he isnt getting looks?

Lastly, I hope that whatever is going on with q whether it is injury, off court issues or chemistry issues with others on the team, whatever it is, is gone next year. Senior leadership is going to be pivotal next year and him and tyrique will need to get the team to gel quickly with all the new faces

[GIMMFD]

It's very simple.

Xavier has 4 players: Scruggs, Jones, Marshall and Goodin and Marshall and Goodin have played banged up pretty much all year. So, really two good, healthy players.

They have three senior grad transfers: Hankins, Castlin and Welage. Hankins has spurts of offense, but no defense. Castlin and Welage each bring nothing on either side of the ball. In fact, all three are about three notches better than Xavier's walk-ons. Translation: Absolutely no help.

It hasn't clicked yet for Harden and Kennedy. The rest of the roster are practice squad players. Translation: Absolutely no help.

So, the team has played the season with essentially two healthy high quality players, two other high quality players playing injured and pretty much no other help. One has to look no further to understand why they are where they are at this point.

Eh I don't necessarily agree with the statement being a notch above "a walk-on," I think Hankins, he is definitely capable of playing at this level, I like when him and Jones play together, I think we're much better as a team, he brings a decent rim protection aspect, and can score when necessary. Welage isn't getting shots unfortunately, so he can't bring much to the table in that regard because he's not getting the opportunities to do so, Castlin is not shooting well from 3 in which he was supposed to be our D and 3 guy, so that one really blows. I get what you're saying, this isn't the talent that should be a supporting cast in the Big East, but it's a little out of pocket to say they are walk on quality.

[Xavier]

I don't understand it. Steele told us when he got the job how this was going to be one of the best defensive teams at Xavier, and it's the exact opposite.

After today, Xavier's defensive efficiency is 165th in the nation!! You have to go back to 2005, Miller's first year, to find a Xavier team that bad on defense, but that team wasn't nearly as talented as this one.

It's mind-boggling how bad this team is on defense.

I like Steele and think he's going to be a great coach at X, but he HAS to fix the defense that we saw get worse and worse under Mack.

We play with an adjusted tempo that is 297th in the nation, a very slow pace, and this team still routinely gives up 70-80 points per game.

I think his comments over summer was an attempt to try and get the team to buy in to wanting to be one of the best defenses in Xavier history. Trying to change attitude- maybe knowing offense would struggle so much. Didn’t work

[XUBison]

Eh I don't necessarily agree with the statement being a notch above "a walk-on," I think he is definitely capable of playing at this level, I like when him and Jones play together, I think we're much better as a team, he brings a decent rim protection aspect, and can score when necessary. Welage isn't getting shots unfortunately, so he can't bring much to the table in that regard because he's not getting the opportunities to do so, Castlin is not shooting well from 3 in which he was supposed to be our D and 3 guy, so that one really blows. I get what you're saying, this isn't the talent that should be a supporting cast in the Big East, but it's a little out of pocket to say they are walk on quality.


This is 100% correct. I can’t imagine where this season would be without the grad tramsfers.

[Xville]

This is 100% correct. I can’t imagine where this season would be without the grad tramsfers.

True, but at the same time, they wouldnt be on the team had mack not left the team with what he did. I think the grad transfers are maxing out, and I feel bad for them in a way because this season is not their fault. The problem is our douchebag ex coach who recruited every other year, leaving the cupboard pretty damn bare this year and second, only 1 of the "core" 4 bringing it every game.

Let's really be honest with the talent level on this team...in a "normal" xavier year...how many on the scholarship roster would really be on the roster? 4, possibly 5? So, really I shouldn't get upset every time we lose but it's difficult not to when we just give games away like we have quite a bit this year. Providence, seton hall, San Diego st and this Marquette game all should have been wins, but this team continually beats itself when it comes to winning time and its incredibly frustrating.

[XUGRAD80]

The team gives them away because they have those lulls where they don’t score for 4-5-6 minutes. Not uncommon to have 1 per half. Lack of quality outside shooters is the sole cause for that. Teams pack it in, put someone in Welage’s face and dare the other players to beat them from the outside.

I will say one thing though.....this team plays hard, and they don’t give up. If they can continue to play hard and compete through February they are bound to win a few games.

[American X]

Those uniforms were the best thing to happen this season.

[UCGRAD4X]

Eh I don't necessarily agree with the statement being a notch above "a walk-on,".

He did say "three notches"....

[bjf123]

When was the last time we lost back to back games at Cintas? It’s been awhile.


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[Muskie]

Those uniforms were the best thing to happen this season.

The uniforms were great. I would buy one.

[X-band '01]

You're also forgetting that Xavier had a 6-game overall losing streak two years ago.

[whopper]

I remember it well but it was after we "thought" we had clinched the NCAA bid, Tre got hurt and we lost 6 including senior day at X by 20 to Marquette. That triggered Mal Bernard's lament that "we were playing selfish..I need you to follow me". Tre came back and won the Butler game at garden on Friday night that got us in..rest is history.

[GIMMFD]

He did say "three notches"....

Damnit, you're right, sorry Vee, reading comprehension is obviously not my forte, I would say 3 notches better than walk-ons can be a pretty fair argument, the only one I would say would be an absolute scholarship player is Hankins, remember he did have D1 interest until he got injured, and performed well against Michigan State at the D2 level. I think he brings enough to the table to where we can say he would be on this roster even a couple years ago. Granted, he wouldn't have the role he had now, but I think he would have been solid off the bench in most years. The Isaiah Philmore/Jeff Robinson years come to mind.


I remember it well but it was after we "thought" we had clinched the NCAA bid, Tre got hurt and we lost 6 including senior day at X by 20 to Marquette. That triggered Mal Bernard's lament that "we were playing selfish..I need you to follow me". Tre came back and won the Butler game at garden on Friday night that got us in..rest is history.

The thing is, I don't think we have a Malcolm Bernard in our locker room this year. I love our core 4, I think they're great players, and great guys, but I don't see a single one of them taking over and saying "hey guys, come on let's get this crap together." I think Q playing so poorly is also related to having to try to be a leader, I think that's why he's been playing hero ball as well, because we haven't had that person that has that "it" factor. Over the past few years we had Tre, JP, Tu, etc. that had it, when we needed a score, or needed to lock in, those guys lead by example. I just don't see anybody on this roster at this particular moment that can do that.

[Muskie]

Damnit, you're right, sorry Vee, reading comprehension is obviously not my forte, I would say 3 notches better than walk-ons can be a pretty fair argument, the only one I would say would be an absolute scholarship player is Hankins, remember he did have D1 interest until he got injured, and performed well against Michigan State at the D2 level. I think he brings enough to the table to where we can say he would be on this roster even a couple years ago. Granted, he wouldn't have the role he had now, but I think he would have been solid off the bench in most years. The Isaiah Philmore/Jeff Robinson years come to mind.



The thing is, I don't think we have a Malcolm Bernard in our locker room this year. I love our core 4, I think they're great players, and great guys, but I don't see a single one of them taking over and saying "hey guys, come on let's get this crap together." I think Q playing so poorly is also related to having to try to be a leader, I think that's why he's been playing hero ball as well, because we haven't had that person that has that "it" factor. Over the past few years we had Tre, JP, Tu, etc. that had it, when we needed a score, or needed to lock in, those guys lead by example. I just don't see anybody on this roster at this particular moment that can do that.

I think Paul Scruggs is becoming that player.

[scoscox]

Unfortunately Paul’s only a sophomore and still figuring it out himself. It’d be nice to have a little senior leadership

[xu82]

I think Paul Scruggs is becoming that player.

Last year I thought Naji was going to be that guy, which surprised me. Now he and Q seem to be pressing, and Scruggs is becoming the guy we need to lead us.

Until next week, when I’ll change my mind....again.

[xu82]

Unfortunately Paul’s only a sophomore and still figuring it out himself. It’d be nice to have a little senior leadership

All in good time.

[whopper]

I think Castlin and Welage have done OK..remember we had Kaiser and Evan Bordeaux on board until April 1. When Q, Marshall, or Tyrique have been out(sometimes more than one player)Welage has stepped up with a number of games in mid teens to 24(against IUPUI which beat Boston College which beat Florida State) but with 2 bigs, and Q, Scruggs, Naji all active it is hard for him (or Castlin who is a better defender/rebounder) to really get a rhythm. There is still time and I hope they find or keep their confidence. This season would be a lot worse without them