The Year Is Not Over - So Lets Go Down Swinging.

[Snipe]

Thank You Sir May I Have Another!

Last time we lost 6 games, we went to the Elite 8. It was fantastic.

Now that wouldn't satisfy me, only because I always want more.

You can argue that the last team that lost 6 in a row was much better. But you have history as your guide. You know those incredible results, how that team came together after losing 6 to make that incredible journey.

I remember watching and reading this board at the time. People were not confident and the season was over. Of course those posters were and still are a bunch of pussies that tuck tail and run. I was a Champion. And I had Champions in that locker room!

As I say every year, and as Skip used to say, A Season Is A Lifetime.

Mid February, a lot can happen between now and then. This is just the right time to ramp up.

I love this team and our players, and we have come so close many times and fail to get over the hump. Well the last game, we managed to get over the hump. And Hell Yeah!

We won 4 straight A-10 Championships, but they weren't all regular season. You can mix and match.

We are the current defending Big East Champions, and I am still game to defend the title. In fact, you can take my fucking Title when you pry it from my cold dead hands. Cause I am going to fight until the end, and every Xavier team goes down swinging.

Outside the NIT or whatever the CBI was, every team in college basketball ends their season with a loss. As a fan I will admit this lends a negative aspect to the game, but it is what it is. Xavier has never won the National Championship, but we tend to go down swinging.

I predict that this team is going to make us proud, and go down swinging.



It has to start somewhere
It has to start sometime
What better place than here,
what better time than now?
-Rage Against the Machine



Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
-Dylan Thomas

[GIMMFD]

Haha love the call to get behind the team, they definitely need some support moving forward, and glad they stopped the skid. The next two games could be interesting into seeing how this team will respond and rally in the late stages of the season, Providence should have been a win the first time around, and Seton Hall is beatable as well. If they can win these two heading into Nova, I'll have a lot more confidence, but for now I'm still skeptical. There's a lot of issues this team still has, hopefully Q with a decently solid game last game is a turning point, if they can pick up intensity on defense, then anything is possible. Games aren't played on paper, but the last 4 are going to be brutal with Nova, Johnsies twice, and Butler. I'd love to see us trending upwards heading into the Big East tournament, but I'm not ready to jump on the bandwagon just yet.

[xudash]

Play well together - no more off nights for anyone - and play all 40 minutes.

And let the damn game come to you: stay in the moment and don't panic your way into bad decisions.

Do all that and let the chips fall where they may, but hopefully on our side of the table.

[IM4X]

Yep... I think there weren’t specific expectations for this coaching staff and team other than to give their best.

Practice hard.

Keep working to get better each day... to play smarter... to continue to build chemistry.

Remember the importance of finding your rhythm and leaving it all out there on the floor.

[scoscox]

Not to nitpick but we won 5 straight a-10 titles. 6 if you count tournament titles.

Forget it he’s rolling

[WCWIII]

1000% behind this thread of Snipe (can't believe I'm saying this). I'm very much part of the silent majority here that loves this team and any Xavier team. Full support from me from Hawaii through New York and beyond. We are in the Big East ... the biggest negative has been some of fans seem still stuck in the A-10 mentality. I was embarrassed when former great Darnell Williams called out the "haters." How do we best be part of something that still has hope from 10th place to possibly be 3rd place? Or to play ourselves in out of nowhere come a Wed in New York - it's to get behind this coach and hard working team. Or would you rather be in third place right now ..... in the - it was right for us at the time, no disrespect - A-10?

[nuts4xu]

No one can rally the troops like Snipe. His optimism is contagious, even if it is fueled by Jobu's rum.

This thread would be incomplete if someone didn't say it...

SMELL THE GLOVE!!

[paulxu]

Well...just because...why not?


https://cdn.store-assets.com/s/20236/i/36012.jpeg

[OTRMUSKIE]

I love how one win can change attitudes!! This team is competitive as hell and if they can somehow avoid nova and Marquette it’s possoble they could
Win the tournament.

[profson]

I don't see an appropriate thread for this question so here goes: I am planning to attend tomorrow from CT, is there a pre-game meeting place for Xavier fans in Providence?

[SemajParlor]

I don't see an appropriate thread for this question so here goes: I am planning to attend tomorrow from CT, is there a pre-game meeting place for Xavier fans in Providence?

I am making a similar drive as well. I'm not positive if there's another place but I'm planning on heading to Union Station Brewery for the official Alumni meet up.
https://www.evensi.us/boston-pregame-men-game-union-station-brewery/287673857

[UCGRAD4X]

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor! (since we're making Animal House references)

Besides - we got 'em right where we want them. The old Xavier sneak attack! Classic.

[Snipe]

Not to nitpick but we won 5 straight a-10 titles. 6 if you count tournament titles.

Forget it he’s rolling

I am not one to let facts get in the way of my argument, but I think your facts actually help my argument!! So I am with you brother.

DEFEND THE TITLE!!!

[Snipe]

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor! (since we're making Animal House references)

Besides - we got 'em right where we want them. The old Xavier sneak attack! Classic.

For all the references of Xavier sneaking up on people over the years, well this is the most appropriate time. I personally don't believe that anyone takes us lightly, but what the hell, lets sneak up on some people!

[xu koop scoop]

We can all think of similar sneaky runs in our history. We are 5-8 & to go 4-1 to end 9-9 may be my best Cinderella hope. Then at least 1 BE Tourney win. At 9-9 we should avoid Wed game. To the rah rah crowd thinking we can keep streaking to a 10- 8 finish - 🌟😉

[Snipe]

1000% behind this thread of Snipe (can't believe I'm saying this). I'm very much part of the silent majority here that loves this team and any Xavier team. Full support from me from Hawaii through New York and beyond. We are in the Big East ... the biggest negative has been some of fans seem still stuck in the A-10 mentality. I was embarrassed when former great Darnell Williams called out the "haters." How do we best be part of something that still has hope from 10th place to possibly be 3rd place? Or to play ourselves in out of nowhere come a Wed in New York - it's to get behind this coach and hard working team. Or would you rather be in third place right now ..... in the - it was right for us at the time, no disrespect - A-10?

Sometimes I like to think that with pure will and courage, and a tremendous ingestion of rum, that I can spur the troops to victory with my dramatic broadsides.

Well seeing as how we just played our best half of basketball of the season in our road win against Providence, it only encourages such behavior.

So I want to extend a deal to our players from the Xavier fanbase.

Not the Xavier fanbase that says you guys suck, or that this year is a disaster or is already over. If you want you can read some of that trash on many other threads. This isn't one of them.

I want to extend a deal from the REAL Xavier fanbase, the "silent majority" spoken about by WCWIII.

If you guys can beat Seton Hall, which is a big deal, I promise that I can deliver you the best home crowd of the season against Nova. From tip to finish, from head to tail, you will get a home crowd that is off the hook.

Now you guys probably knew this anyway. And you would get a great home crowd either way, because Xavier basketball is what we do, and we fans like to do our part. But you win against the Hall, it will ratchet it up a notch, and this becomes a huge game.

Xavier fans are hungry for a huge game. Two games in a row is good, but three games in a row is a winning streak. Seton Hall is huge. You come back into the Cintas on a winning streak to go up against Nova for what would become a statement game? OFF THE HOOK!!

We want to help you in any way we can. We can't help you at Seton Hall. You guys have to find a way to do that on your own. If you do, my compact with you is that I will deliver the best Xavier Home Crowd of the season. And I guarantee it.

OFF THE HOOK. NO HOLDS BARED. TIP TO FINISH

We will deliver this for you. Beat Seton Hall. Do This Now.

This Season Is Not Over.

DEFEND THE TITLE!!!

[UCGRAD4X]

Sometimes I like to think that with pure will and courage, and a tremendous ingestion of rum, that I can spur the troops to victory with my dramatic broadsides.

Well seeing as how we just played our best half of basketball of the season in our road win against Providence, it only encourages such behavior.

So I want to extend a deal to our players from the Xavier fanbase.

Not the Xavier fanbase that says you guys suck, or that this year is a disaster or is already over. If you want you can read some of that trash on many other threads. This isn't one of them.

I want to extend a deal from the REAL Xavier fanbase, the "silent majority" spoken about by WCWIII.

If you guys can beat Seton Hall, which is a big deal, I promise that I can deliver you the best home crowd of the season against Nova. From tip to finish, from head to tail, you will get a home crowd that is off the hook.

Now you guys probably knew this anyway. And you would get a great home crowd either way, because Xavier basketball is what we do, and we fans like to do our part. But you win against the Hall, it will ratchet it up a notch, and this becomes a huge game.

Xavier fans are hungry for a huge game. Two games in a row is good, but three games in a row is a winning streak. Seton Hall is huge. You come back into the Cintas on a winning streak to go up against Nova for what would become a statement game? OFF THE HOOK!!

We want to help you in any way we can. We can't help you at Seton Hall. You guys have to find a way to do that on your own. If you do, my compact with you is that I will deliver the best Xavier Home Crowd of the season. And I guarantee it.

OFF THE HOOK. NO HOLDS BARED. TIP TO FINISH

We will deliver this for you. Beat Seton Hall. Do This Now.

This Season Is Not Over.

DEFEND THE TITLE!!!

:perfect10:

[Xville]

I know its basically cliche to say this since it is said every year, but the bubble is incredibly weak this year. According to Lunardi, Florida is in right now, Butler is just barely out. Xavier can very well play itself into the tournament over these next few weeks...5-0 and heck even 4-1 could possibly get it done.

Regardless, I feel a lot better about the direction of this team going forward due to the last two wins. If the effort continues thru the next 5 games, I'm going to tell myself the results are second with eyes on the positive future of the program.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

I know its basically cliche to say this since it is said every year, but the bubble is incredibly weak this year. According to Lunardi, Florida is in right now, Butler is just barely out. Xavier can very well play itself into the tournament over these next few weeks...5-0 and heck even 4-1 could possibly get it done.

Regardless, I feel a lot better about the direction of this team going forward due to the last two wins. If the effort continues thru the next 5 games, I'm going to tell myself the results are second with eyes on the positive future of the program.

If we’re playing this game. (I think best case scenario over the next 5 is 3-2). But let’s say 4-1, to get us to 17-14 with a win over Nova. We get the 4 or 5 seed in the tournament. Beat Hall in the first game. Marquette in the second game, lose to nova. That puts us at 19-15, with marquee wins over Nova, Marquette, and next best being SJU. Maybe that would do it. Who knows. But let’s just win 3 in 3 days

[GoMuskies]

I know its basically cliche to say this since it is said every year, but the bubble is incredibly weak this year.

Indiana was still in the Tournament until they lost their 10th game in 11 outings. So yeah, it's weak.

[Xville]

Indiana was still in the Tournament until they lost their 10th game in 11 outings. So yeah, it's weak.

what an odd team they are. Beat Marquette, Michigan State and Louisville...the amount of teams that have 3 wins like that are probably pretty small.

[JAPER]

Thank You Sir May I Have Another

[XUGRAD80]

They be swinging....they be connecting with just enough....keep swinging!

[xdude]

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor! (since we're making Animal House references)

Besides - we got 'em right where we want them. The old Xavier sneak attack! Classic.

This is getting a little weird. Snipe's rousing start to this thread included. Three win streak and a wounded or exposed Nova coming in Sunday. Enjoy the ride folks!

[Xville]

Let's go!!! Run Deuce...villanova? Dead. St John's? Dead. Butler? Dead. 21-13 play ill fitting suit man and tea bag him.

[UCGRAD4X]

Anything can happen in this league this year. Nova has had our number and logic says a big Nova win.

However...if Xavier cuts down on the turnovers (under 10...could happen....has happened...once upon a time) this game is winnable. If they shoot their free throws...very winnable.

[noteggs]

This is getting a little weird. Snipe's rousing start to this thread included. Three win streak and a wounded or exposed Nova coming in Sunday. Enjoy the ride folks!

Amen!

[xudash]

This is getting a little weird. Snipe's rousing start to this thread included. Three win streak and a wounded or exposed Nova coming in Sunday. Enjoy the ride folks!

Here Kitty, Kitty.

[GIMMFD]

Alright Snipe, fuck it, I'm all in. Let's do this. Time to beat Nova, and really get the wheels turning on this.

[IM4X]

Anything can happen in this league this year. Nova has had our number and logic says a big Nova win.

However...if Xavier cuts down on the turnovers (under 10...could happen....has happened...once upon a time) this game is winnable. If they shoot their free throws...very winnable.

I am just dumbfounded as to some of the costly turnovers due simply to players moving lackadaisically on offense or players making decisions on offense that are so obviously unwise. For that reason, one has to think Steele and his staff are not working enough with his players on how to break the press or making it clear which decisions they make on offense are smart ones and which ones are not. Practice- practice - practice - drill it in coach

[xudash]

I am just dumbfounded as to some of the costly turnovers due simply to players moving lackadaisically on offense or players making decisions on offense that are so obviously unwise. For that reason, one has to think Steele and his staff are not working enough with his players on how to break the press or making it clear which decisions they make on offense are smart ones and which ones are not. Practice- practice - practice - drill it in coach

I believe Steele is all over them about it and they - Q in particular - can't seem to stay focused ALL THE TIME.

[scoscox]

Q was actually pretty good with his decision making aside from that turnover near the end. paul was awful though. just dreadful. we need to get him going again. he looks like he's lost confidence

edit - nvm looking at the box score Q had five TO's. way too many

[Lloyd Braun]

Sometimes I like to think that with pure will and courage, and a tremendous ingestion of rum, that I can spur the troops to victory with my dramatic broadsides.

Well seeing as how we just played our best half of basketball of the season in our road win against Providence, it only encourages such behavior.

So I want to extend a deal to our players from the Xavier fanbase.

Not the Xavier fanbase that says you guys suck, or that this year is a disaster or is already over. If you want you can read some of that trash on many other threads. This isn't one of them.

I want to extend a deal from the REAL Xavier fanbase, the "silent majority" spoken about by WCWIII.

If you guys can beat Seton Hall, which is a big deal, I promise that I can deliver you the best home crowd of the season against Nova. From tip to finish, from head to tail, you will get a home crowd that is off the hook.

Now you guys probably knew this anyway. And you would get a great home crowd either way, because Xavier basketball is what we do, and we fans like to do our part. But you win against the Hall, it will ratchet it up a notch, and this becomes a huge game.

Xavier fans are hungry for a huge game. Two games in a row is good, but three games in a row is a winning streak. Seton Hall is huge. You come back into the Cintas on a winning streak to go up against Nova for what would become a statement game? OFF THE HOOK!!

We want to help you in any way we can. We can't help you at Seton Hall. You guys have to find a way to do that on your own. If you do, my compact with you is that I will deliver the best Xavier Home Crowd of the season. And I guarantee it.

OFF THE HOOK. NO HOLDS BARED. TIP TO FINISH

We will deliver this for you. Beat Seton Hall. Do This Now.

This Season Is Not Over.

DEFEND THE TITLE!!!

Time to deliver. I will be down for my first home game this year.... (just the) Tip to finish!

[Snipe]

50 Degrees! I will be on the deck at The Dana Gardens. I intend to go into battle well lubricated!

Be there!!

[94GRAD]

50 Degrees! I will be on the deck at The Dana Gardens. I intend to go into battle well lubricated!

Be there!!

Remember, it's not BYOB! :laugh:

[WCWIII]

Coming in from Chicago! Go X!

[JAPER]

Thank You Sir May I Have Another

[Snipe]

Thank You Sir May I Have Another

Damn straight JAPER.

Thank You Sir May I Have Another!!

Huge win for the team. Huge win for Travis Steele. If anything rode Chris Mack out of town it was the inability to beat Nova. Travis Steele has to be feeling pretty good right now.

Our kids are playing their best basketball of the season. They are feeling it, and what is best is that they are having fun out there. It is a joy to see.

I F-ing love this team, and I love the way they are coming together.

I feel so good for those kids. It is what we are all about.

Thursday at 6:30, we have a game at St Johns. If we win we will have gone from last place to third place, or at least a tie for third. What a huge game. I love the college game.

We beat St Johns at SJU, and this team could run the table.

This season is not over! Hell No.

BRING ON THE JOHNNIES!!!

DEFEND THE TITLE!!!!!

[Snipe]

I should also add and am glad to say that the Xavier fanbase delivered as promised. That was the best home crowd of the season and I think our players enjoyed it. I know I did. Thank you to the players, coaches and the fans for an incredible Cintas experience.

The Cintas was rockin and we beat the Defending National Champions. It is a day I will not soon forget. I hope we can look back on history as the day we ended the curse and turned the tide. Well done gentlemen.

[xeus]

I should also add and am glad to say that the Xavier fanbase delivered as promised. That was the best home crowd of the season and I think our players enjoyed it. I know I did. Thank you to the players, coaches and the fans for an incredible Cintas experience.

The Cintas was rockin and we beat the Defending National Champions. It is a day I will not soon forget. I hope we can look back on history as the day we ended the curse and turned the tide. Well done gentlemen.

Thank you for your leadership.

[WCWIII]

Off the hook! Now that was just fun. Go X!

[GIMMFD]

Where were you when Snipe willed us to The Run part 2 in 2019?

A 30 for 30 story:

[cutterX]

Snipe you are crazier than a shithouse rat but you know of what you speak when it comes to the Muskies! You called them out on this mini run and so far they have answered! Keep it up my crazy ass friend!! Snipe for MVP!!

[Strange Brew]

2327

Just a hair below ludicrous speed. This team may have to go to plaid.

[xudash]

I should also add and am glad to say that the Xavier fanbase delivered as promised. That was the best home crowd of the season and I think our players enjoyed it. I know I did. Thank you to the players, coaches and the fans for an incredible Cintas experience.

The Cintas was rockin and we beat the Defending National Champions. It is a day I will not soon forget. I hope we can look back on history as the day we ended the curse and turned the tide. Well done gentlemen.

You are an inspirational son of a bitch.

As has been stated in the game thread, we. Hold not have asked for a better day to have recruits in the house.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Snipe has this thread and the start Jones and Hankins idea. Man, if Steele doesnt end up working out... I dunno.... keep up the motivation and great ideas Snipe!

[bjf123]

2327

Just a hair below ludicrous speed. This team may have to go to plaid.

Public reps for the gratuitous Space Balls reference!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Snipe]

I am nervous and excited. I have been thinking about this game all week. Toughest game left on the schedule. If our kids can pull this one off Watch Out!



Man what a huge game.

[Masterofreality]

I am nervous and excited. I have been thinking about this game all week. Toughest game left on the schedule. If our kids can pull this one off Watch Out!



Man what a huge game.

Absolutely!! First time I've had butterflies all year...and they feel, errrrrrrr GOOD!!!!

[UCGRAD4X]

Hope they get up early and go from there building it throughout. I know that is a lot to expect, I don't have high blood pressure and I don't want it. I would say"expect the unexpected" but I expect them to win. So that would actually be counter productive.

[Strange Brew]

http://i.imgur.com/KTKaSbp.gif

We can’t stop. It’s too dangerous!

[XUGRAD80]

Change the title to the thread....X AIN’T GOING DOWN! THEY ARE RISING UP!


It’s official....I BELIEVE!!!

[GIMMFD]

I am nervous and excited. I have been thinking about this game all week. Toughest game left on the schedule. If our kids can pull this one off Watch Out!



Man what a huge game.

In Snipe I trust.

[BMoreX]

Hop on fellas. This bus ain't stopping!

[Snipe]

Man that was a solid game. We basically controlled that game from start to finish. That was downright impressive.

Big game at Butler next Tuesday. I went last year and my youngest is already on me to go again.

It will be weird to have a weekend without hoops but it sure helps to be streaking! We are in third place gentleman.

I am really impressed and proud of what our kids are doing right now. I was nervous about going into the Carn. We passed that test with flying colors.

Man do I want to beat Butler now.

[JAPER]

Thank You Sssir May I Have Another (hic)

[WCWIII]

Man, that was a tough game in a tough place to play and how great for us to be the tougher team on the road. Loved the composure and focus. OTH

[Snipe]

I am a big fan of the composure as well. I was very nervous going into that game but the boys gave us quite a performance.

The win had me giggling the whole next day. People starting talking about the bubble, and I have never been so glad to be on the bubble, even at the very fringe of it.

We beat Butler and we set up a hot ticket for Senior Night against SJU. Saturday Night Cintas and we can run the table. I want that experience. We have to beat Butler!

I am loving this streak! It makes every facet of my life better! I am thinking about this run every single day.

[Snipe]

On Saturday, February 9th, I went to a home game at the Cintas where Xavier played DePaul.

We were leading by 8 points in the second half. Then eventually by 4 points with 5 minutes left, where we were subjected to a 16-0 run that pushed the score to a 74-62 DePaul victory. We had turned another victory into a loss, and not just a loss, but a blowout according to the NET ratings. We had done that before.

The Xavier season had reached its nadir. Thanks to that home loss against DePaul, who we owned a 9 game winning streak against, we were now in last place in the Big East Conference. The Defending Big East Champions were now alone in last place.

After 6 straight losses the Defending Champions were 11-13 and in last place with a bullet.

That was what the standings said on February 9th. That was 23 days ago.

The season was over. Now we just had to figure out who to blame and who to cut down. “Xavier Family” and all that. Honestly, that can be very entertaining, if that is your thing I guess. “Sunshine Soldiers” as Skip used to say.

Then something funny happened on the way to the funeral:

Wed, Feb 13 Vs Creighton W64-61 OT 12-13 (4-8)

Sat, Feb 16 @ Providence W75-61 13-13 (5-8)

Wed, Feb 20 @ Seton Hall W70-69 14-13 (6-8)

Sun, Feb 24 Vs 17 Villanova W66-54 15-13 (7-8)

Thu, Feb 28 @ St. John's W84-73 16-13 (8-8)

Like the Phoenix rising from the Ashes, Xavier has won five straight. It has been an incredible ride. The amazing thing about this streak is that we have done it during what any reasonable man would consider the toughest stretch of our entire schedule.

Today at Butler will mark our fourth game out of the last five that we have played on the road. Before this streak, we had won one road game in the entire season. Now we are on a three game road winning streak looking to run the road table at Butler tonight.

We are so close to bringing this whole damn thing home. I have this nervous energy that just won’t end. For the better part of a month, we have been playing with our backs firmly against the wall. We are flying without a net, and no one can catch us if we fall. But our kids keep coming through.

ESPN gives us a 27.2% chance to win this game in the matchup predictor. I think that is worse than what they said for Nova. Once again I take pause to consider our situation.

If we can win this one game, we bring the whole season back home for Senior night next Saturday Night. Now I like our chances in the Cintas, and the Will of the CINTAS fanbase will not be denied. What a smoking hot ticket that is going to be. Which means if we can win this game, I believe that we will Run The Table. If fact I deem it so.

We win this game, this team will Run The Table.

TONIGHT WE RIDE!!!

DEFEND THE TITLE!!

[Snipe]

And I just won't say it, I am going to do it.

I am taking off of work today and heading northwest, with my two sons and Fred Garvin (The Pastor) for his blessings. It is my youngest sons 16th birthday. Today he will become a Man.

For his birthday he wants to spill some Butler Blood as part of the sacred Blood Rite of Manliness Xavier Ritual. As he is becoming a man, it is his rite to Butler Blood, and that I cannot deny. I fully support his endeavor. Garvin claims he is going to arrive dressed as a damaged water fountain. I told him I will bring my stop watch to help the scorers keep an accurate account of time. I cant possibly see anything that could go wrong here.

TO THE SACRED RITE OF BUTLER BLOOD! TO MANLINESS!

TONIGHT WE RIDE

[XUGRAD80]

Snipe.....you’re one of a kind! Preach it brother, preach it!

[UCGRAD4X]

Can I have an AMEN!!!!

[bjf123]

Can I have an AMEN!!!!

AMEN!!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[surfxu]

In Snipe, Fred Garvin, Coach Steele and Team 97 we trust!!! Let the butler blood flow #LetsGoX

[OTRMUSKIE]

Isnthe team 97 etc a Mack thing? I always hated that team # not sure why it bothers me. Either way gontram 97 and beat the Sh$T out of Butt tonight

[GoMuskies]

I always hated that team # not sure why it bothers me

Same. This is why God created a calendar.

[Xavier]

He is doing it over at Louisville, too. I don't really care one way or another. I also think that whole bus hat and what not is kinda dumb (I'm sure I'd be giving UC fans a hard time about it) but just like the #team97, if it works then go for it. This seems to be working so far.

[paulxu]

Team #2018-2019 ???

[scoscox]

He is doing it over at Louisville, too. I don't really care one way or another. I also think that whole bus hat and what not is kinda dumb (I'm sure I'd be giving UC fans a hard time about it) but just like the #team97, if it works then go for it. This seems to be working so far.

I don't like the team # stuff, but I do like the energy bus and conductor hat

[xu koop scoop]

He is doing it over at Louisville, too. I don't really care one way or another. I also think that whole bus hat and what not is kinda dumb (I'm sure I'd be giving UC fans a hard time about it) but just like the #team97, if it works then go for it. This seems to be working so far.

Here's what else going on at Louisville thru Mon Mar4. U of L is 4-9 vs Quad 1 & 4-2 vs Quad 2 = 8 -11 vs Q1&2. XU 3-8 Quad 1, 6-2 vs Quad 2 = 9-10 vs Q1&2. Steele can play tougher than Mack vs quality teams. My opinion

[Snipe]

I will give Reps to every dirty M-Fer that says

TONIGHT WE RIDE!!!!

[Masterofreality]

I will give Reps to every dirty M-Fer that says

TONIGHT WE RIDE!!!!

TONIGHT WE RIDE......and DIRTY!!!!

You and Garvin bring that M-Fer HOME!!!!!

[Masterofreality]

Oh, and a Reality prediction.

Paul "WaterBug" Scruggs has the game of his year back in his hometown and burns the BullsheetDawgs with big points and assists.
Tonight is Paul's night. I can't wait to see it!!!

[Muskie91]

I will give Reps to every dirty M-Fer that says

TONIGHT WE RIDE!!!!

Tonight we ride. Flagship!

[chico]

2332

Get ready, Butler, to Smell the Glove!

[paulxu]

https://media.makeameme.org/created/TONIGHT-WE-RIDE.jpg

[Snipe]

Losses are always hard to take. Every one is deflating in their own way.

First off, I would like to give credit to the Butler Bulldogs. They had a great game plan, and they attacked us aggressively on defense. They found a way to take us out of our game and disrupt us, and they kept taking the fight to us. They deserve credit.

During this magical run, Naji has been the straw that stirs the drink. When I saw him hopping and hobbling out there obviously injured, my first response was "You need to get him off the court right now". The reaction of fans around me were like "This game is the season, we have to win it, and Naji has to play". I get that. I think that Naji was thinking that. I think that coach was thinking that. We had to try to suck it up and win. And it wasn't like we didn't have any chances....

It hurt to watch him play like that and I didn't like it at all. I salute the fact that he is such a warrior and didn't come out of the game. I hope that he is healthy for St. Johns.

If he isn't healthy for St. Johns you have an interesting question. Do you sit him and try to get him healthy for the Big East Tournament? At this point, I think a healthy way to approach the season is that we need to win the whole damn thing and screw everyone else. And why not? Over the past month we have proven we are good enough to win the whole damn thing. And we can. This season is not over.

I want to beat SJU. I want to get a bye in the Big East Tournament. I want to extend the 37 year streak of not having a losing season in conference play. Just weeks ago we basically had written that off, but after winning 5 of 6 we have a chance of extending a proud streak that spans generations of Xavier basketball fans. It is important. We need to win the next game.

I am really proud of what the kids have done so far. I want to show them that pride on Senior Night. We aren't going down without a fight, and a win on Senior Night against a very good and very desperate St Johns team would be huge. And a win will right the ship and set the stage for Madison Square. It is important that we do this.

We can get a bye, we can go in winning 6 out of 7. We will be everyone's Darkhorse candidate.

[Snipe]

We need to win the whole damn thing. I always wanted to be back to back Champions anyway, so that was honestly my plan all along. SJU isn't a Big East Tournament game but it is Senior Night, so we might as well start right now. Let's do this. I think in the past month we have shown we are capable. Lets do this!

[UCGRAD4X]

If we had bettered Butler, it would be almost impossible for SJU to win in a frenzied Cintas. I still think there is enough at stake to make the place rock. With it being the last home game of the year and Senior Night, for some players who have, although brief in their participation, given us reason to hope, cheer and get excited in a season that, at times, seemed lost, I think the Xavier faithful will bring their A game and cheer the men on to victory.

[Snipe]

I am going crazy with nervous excitement. Bring on the Big East Tournament.

I have the kids in school today. After school we are watching the game. The car is already packed. After we watch the win we are headed to MSG.

I am so proud of what our kids have done. They deserve all of our respect. Coach does too. March is largely about dreams, and this team has let me dream some fantastic dreams in the last month.

Creighton is a fantastic opponent. This game is between the two hottest teams in the Conference. It is going to be a battle.

In fact I would say the winner of this game is my favorite to win the whole tournament. I honestly believe that.

Which means if we can find away today boys, we can defend the title.

So find a way boys! You find a way to do this in Madison Square, and people will be talking about this run for decades. You guys win today, and I think you are going to win the whole damn thing.

Make it happen!

DEFEND THE TITLE!!!

[paulxu]

Wait...what about the Mega Bus?

[drudy23]

We don't have to win 3, we have to win 1. Just win baby.

[bjf123]

And that’s not looking likely so far.


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[GoMuskies]

Have fun in NYC! Bring us home a championship!

[paulxu]

Snipe in NYC !

(what could go wrong)

[Snipe]

I wanted to thank our Seniors and the rest of our kids for this season. I love you kids, and Seniors, I would like to wish you the best of all possible worlds. You will always be welcomed back here. You are Xavier Men, and we are proud of you. Go out and make the world a better place.

I am bitter about the loss. I was sure we were going to take them. We led and controlled the game. Nova went on a late run, and being the defending National Champions and current league Champions, they are prone to runs.

It stung. Still not over it. Every season ends with a loss. I seem to remember all of them too well. Only 1 team gets to win. March is largely about dreams. Today, we were probably eliminated (hey! a 1% chance still happens 1 out of a 100!). It is the end of our season. Other teams were eliminated today and many more will be eliminated tomorrow on Selection Sunday. After next Thursday and Friday the field will be 32, and after next weekend the field will be 16. It is amazing how much effort is put forth to play past the next 7 days. Only 16 teams will do it.

I love our Seniors. It is their last go round and I wanted to personally thank them for their service.

It makes me emotional. It makes me irrational. I tried to drink the pain away. I passed out and went to bed and woke up and the replay was on FS1. It is 5:00 in the morning, the kids are asleep, and dad just drank some rum and is in the hotel lobby. It is not a pretty picture when I describe it factually. I could be a better dad, but alcohol is very useful in numbing the pain. I think we can all agree upon that. I gave up alcohol up for the entire year of 2018, and I now appreciate its medicinal qualities. Last years tournament loss without alcohol was the worst on record. I can't take that stuff sober. When these kids end their careers, it is a finality. It is a All in one goodbye, whether you like it our not.

So why am I talking about me in a post about our Seniors? Because I am an idiot.

We were so close. Many people thought that with one more win we would have been in the Big Dance. That is the hardest part of it. That is what it cost our seniors. They played their balls off and in the end they were one game away. It is life, it is reality, and it is fucking brutal. And I don't care for it. I know it will never be any other way, but it just rips me apart for those kids.


This hotel computer is timing out so I am just going to post this drunk ramblings without editing

I love Xavier. I love our kids. I lover our Seniors.

Thank You Seniors.

[Snipe]

I made an appeal a month ago in this thread that no matter what, we have to go down swinging, because EVERY Xavier team goes down swinging. That appeal was answered In the affirmative. It was our best month of basketball. I loved watching you guys. We came together and were playing at a high level. Thank you for that. Thanks to all of the players.

I am so proud of you. You left it all on the floor. That is Xavier basketball. Extending the 37 year streak is also Xavier Basketball. You came so close, and that part hurts the most, and it probably should, but that doesn't make it any better right now.

Nobody will ever say you didn't go down swinging. God Bless you. You took the fight to the very end. I am proud to say that even when the entire nation gave up on you, the Xavier Nation was still selling out games during the rough patches. Social Media amplifies assholes with "hot takes", but the fans were always there for you, and we still are. My heart is with you tonight. You fought the good fight. You did your best. The fact that we were playing so well and were so close just makes it all the more emotional and bitter for it to end like this.

Keep your heads up high. You are Xavier Men. You went down swinging. You made us all proud. You are a credit to our University. You upheld a tradition that is 37 years old. You were beaten and kicked down on social media and the national press, but you still found a way to come together to play like one of the best teams in the nation during the last month. And you were and you actually are one of the best teams in the nation. Maybe you came together too late, can't worry bout that now. But you came together. And our team was tough as nails through the stretch.

I need to go back to bed. I love this team

Maybe I should say this:

I don't think we are in the NCAA. Yes, a 1% chance is still a chance, and we are playing like one of the best teams in the nation.

The NIT doesn't like to take teams like us anymore. We likely won't get an NIT bid either. I fear this really is the end, and that is why I thank you.

If this team is offered and NIT bid, I would hope and like that they accept it and treat it like a business trip. Lots of. teams go to the NIT and lose because they just aren't into the NIT. If we get invited to the NIT. We need to accept the indentation and then go full bore.

[American X]

Amen.

Xavier is a tournament team, just too late.

[Xville]

Next morning and this still effing sucks. If they had figured it out a week earlier, they are 20-13 and going to the dance and last night would not have sucked as much as it did.

[whopper]

nice tribute and agree. Honestly, if we win last night we have 3 more games, 4 if a miracle sweet 16. We actually can have that many more games against very good teams in a single elimination enviornment. I hope we do and think that last night solidified that we belong..Imagine if it was a St John v Marquette showing..that could kill the NIT

[bjf123]

Amen.

Xavier is a tournament team, just too late.

We’re clearly one of the best 68 teams in the country right now. Sadly, I don’t think the committee cares.


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[xukeith]

Top 30 baby!! I'm happy to see them play so great.
Hope those frosh learn defense FAST!!

[Xville]

Top 30 baby!! I'm happy to see them play so great.
Hope those frosh learn defense FAST!!

Unfortunately right now that is one knock on tandy..his high school coach emphasized it for him this year, but he still needs to greatly improve in this area...hopefully he buys in quickly once on campus.

[XUGRAD80]

We’re clearly one of the best 68 teams in the country right now. Sadly, I don’t think the committee cares.


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With all of the automatic spots taken by league tourney winners, the top 68 never get in. But I still like it. I hate it when the #7-8 team out of the Big10 or ACC gets in and a team that wins 25 games in a “lesser” league gets left out because of a stumble in a league tourney. The kids should be rewarded, or punished, for what they accomplished over a whole year, not just what they did over a 3-4 day tourney.

[GIMMFD]

With all of the automatic spots taken by league tourney winners, the top 68 never get in. But I still like it. I hate it when the #7-8 team out of the Big10 or ACC gets in and a team that wins 25 games in a “lesser” league gets left out because of a stumble in a league tourney. The kids should be rewarded, or punished, for what they accomplished over a whole year, not just what they did over a 3-4 day tourney.

See, I'm kind of conflicted with that, granted it may being incredibly biased, but I feel like a team as hot as we were at the end should get a look, because we could win a game or two in the NCAAs. The statistics for the last 10 games or so are off the charts, and not many other teams were playing as good basketball as X was. It blows that we let 4 games or so slip outta our hands, otherwise we would be in, but the Big East having everybody go .500 or better is a testament to the level of programs in it, even in a down year. But then again, I see your point of a "lesser" team getting 25 wins deserving a chance. Imagine if Loyola didn't get into the tournament last year, and how many special runs we've seen from these types of teams, you can see how much it means to those guys to get an opportunity to play on college basketball's biggest stage.

[Snipe]

This team would have punched someone in the face and gone to Sweet 16

[Snipe]

It is St Patty’s Day in NYC!


#worstdadever

[XUGRAD80]

I just think that a team should NEVER be allowed into the NCAA tourney without having finished in the top 1/2 of their league. The mere fact that a team like ST. Johns is being considered is a joke.

Meanwhile, back to X!

I believe that X will go into the NIT with a chip on their shoulder and a desire to prove something. I’ll take 4-5 wins there over 1 in the NCAA tourney. I also think that will leave the returners wanting to prove something next year, and realizing that going to the NCAA tourney is not an automatic, but has to be earned.

[GIMMFD]

It is St Patty’s Day in NYC!


#worstdadever

You are all I aspire to be as an adult one day.


I just think that a team should NEVER be allowed into the NCAA tourney without having finished in the top 1/2 of their league. The mere fact that a team like ST. Johns is being considered is a joke.

Meanwhile, back to X!

I believe that X will go into the NIT with a chip on their shoulder and a desire to prove something. I’ll take 4-5 wins there over 1 in the NCAA tourney. I also think that will leave the returners wanting to prove something next year, and realizing that going to the NCAA tourney is not an automatic, but has to be earned.

I agree, it's the first time in a while it seems like other than that one weird year that we went .500 in Big East play as well, but I think they're gonna be pretty pissed off that it was so close but so far. We are blessed with having a successful program, and one that always makes the NCAA Tournament. Coming in, I think we knew it was going to be a tough year, but really was a roller coaster I couldn't have imagined. I'm proud of the fight at the end, and I'm interested to see what our NIT pairings will be.

[stammina0721]

This team would have punched someone in the face and gone to Sweet 16

Absolutely

[scoscox]

https://twitter.com/John_Fanta/status/1106693329339797504

we would've had this stat all to ourselves had we won after unc lost

[D-West & PO-Z]

UGH! Still upset, might be more so than last night.

I am going to be at our home NIT game cheering hard as hell for these guys. If we gotta be in it might as well win the whole damn thing!

[American X]

This year, our NCAA bid dream, however slim, was stolen by a crime-against-humanity offensive foul call.

Last year, our culmination-of-decades dreams were crushed by three phantom foul calls against J.P. Macura.

It makes me want to not watch basketball.