Game Thread: Xavier vs. Providence (February 16, 2019)

[paulxu]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kBAAAOSwqfNXkU44/s-l300.jpg VS. https://ih0.redbubble.net/image.358642286.1941/st%2Csmall%2C215x235-pad%2C210x230%2Cf8f8f8.lite-1u1.jpg

Xavier University Musketeers (12-13, 4-8 BE) vs. Providence College Friars (14-11, 4-8 BE)
Saturday, February 16, 2019 2:00 PM EST
Dunkin Donuts Center (12,410) Providence, RI

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

Notes and Stats (https://goxavier.com/news/2019/2/14/mens-basketball-hits-the-road-for-a-tough-big-east-test-at-providence-on-saturday.aspx?path=mbball)

Television: FOX National, including FOX 19 in Cincinnati, with play-by-play from Justin Kutcher and analysis from Donny Marshall.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW-AM, including via iHeart Radio, TuneIn and via Sirius XM (387) and Internet (978) 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).

National Radio: Westwood One Radio with Scott Graham and Austin Croshere.

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

[GoMuskies]

X +6

[D-West & PO-Z]

X +6

I'll take the points!

[Xuperman]

It’s gonna be fun to watch Jones and Watson go at it....they have very similar games. We didn’t see Reeves at Cintas, so I am just hoping we don’t get torched by 2 freshman guards like we did at GU. Q and Paul need to bring defensive heat for all 40 and TAKE CARE OF THE BALL....18 TOs last time.

[UCGRAD4X]

I guess it's safe to say, and I'm sure it has been said if not thought, every game from here on out is a must win. Probably was several games ago but tonight we really mean it. Unless we lose, then the Hall game will be. But we aren't gonna...Snipe says so.

[xu koop scoop]

As my 3 Musketeer buddies always say, Just give us a chance to win in the last 2 minutes. Worked last ��

[skyking]

Anyone craving a donut?

[scoscox]

castlin does nothing for us. bring in elias or welage before castlin please

[UCGRAD4X]

offensive foul?...uh, yeah!

[UCGRAD4X]

scruggs picking up where he left off

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

We don’t have anyone on the team that is an above average ball handler.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

castlin does nothing for us. bring in elias or welage before castlin please

This is a very typical Steele substitution about which I have no clue. The other team is playing zone so bring in Castlin?

[UCGRAD4X]

three tunovers just on passes to bigs

[Xville]

5 turnovers in 6 minutes? That's impressive. I was singing Paul's praises earlier in the year. Lately, he has been terrible.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

The bigs need to be able to catch the ball and keep it high. I don’t think Hankins even needed to put it on the deck right there

[UCGRAD4X]

welage gets one then gives one...grumble

[scoscox]

Hankins playing soft as baby shit so far

[xudash]

Hankins is nothing to write home about either. No authority down low.

[noteggs]

Not sure why but we seem to always have one our big four off

[Xville]

Naji looking pretty darn good day...get on his back. I like eli out there too...just doesnt do anything stupid and plays solid d which is something different for the guards.

[UCGRAD4X]

press release; hedge causes turnover

[UCGRAD4X]

this just in; goodin misses first FF

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Nice play by Eli on the help D. Castlin seems to be doing decent on diallo

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Eli. Yes.

[noteggs]

Nice 3 and block by Eli

[XfansinKy]

Duke shouldn't break Q down like that. It's just wrong. Hope Eli makes about 5 in a row.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Man Qs closeouts are frustrating.

[UCGRAD4X]

Block out

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Quit making stupid fucking passes.

[X Factor]

Goodin is not a PG

[XfansinKy]

Goodin is not a PG
He's not a 2 guard either. What is he? 3?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Goodin is not a PG

Nope. He is god awful at breaking down anyone off the dribble and can’t finish through any sort of contact.

[UCGRAD4X]

So much for the great emergence of goodin

[mistabeecee41]

Q, Paul and Zack are all playing like they belong at Ferris state. Also how does Steele not call a timeout during that abysmal stretch?

[X Factor]

Nope. He is god awful at breaking down anyone off the dribble and can’t finish through any sort of contact.

Yeah, he's too slow to get into the lane off the dribble on a consistent basis. He makes a lot of dumb passes, and his defense is below average.

[xufan2020]

What was goodin last year when he had shooters to pass to? Not a pg?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Chances Naji gets a charge to pick up his third?

[xudash]

Watching this is a rather amazing experience.

One of the key criticisms of Steele is the lack of development of these players individually and playing as a team over the course of the season. Watching these kids play basketball, I don't think there is a damn thing Steele can do above and beyond what is already trying to do to make them play better.

Case in point: Quinton Gooden. Just awful.

[XfansinKy]

What was goodin last year when he had shooters to pass to? Not a pg?

Laughable!��

[KabeX]

Ugh. Wellage has to help on D

[X Factor]

Great defense

[UCGRAD4X]

So much for the re-emergence of goodin

[XfansinKy]

Tyrique can play though. He's improved a bunch.

[Xville]

What does goodin do to get so many minutes? I guess nothing, Steele just loves him for some reason.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Watching this is a rather amazing experience.

One of the key criticisms of Steele is the lack of development of these players individually and playing as a team over the course of the season. Watching these kids play basketball, I don't think there is a damn thing Steele can do above and beyond what is already trying to do to make them play better.

Case in point: Quinton Gooden. Just awful.


Yeah. Steele has to learn and grow in his own right but I just think his hands are rather tied with this roster. Just not any really good basketball players. Athletes, sure.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

What does goodin do to get so many minutes? I guess nothing, Steele just loves him for some reason.

I don’t think Steele loves, or even likes Q, but Steele has nobody else to put in right now. Paul would have undoubtedly picked up his third. Eli can’t play point, and keonte literally can’t play anything.

[xufan2020]

Laughable!��
Maybe when you all comprehend he’s playing with a bad shoulder and knee, you guys will understand his drop in performance

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Elias Harden. Your leading scorer at the guard position at half.

[XfansinKy]

I just don't see as many holes in Eli's game that some see. He's got those long arms too.

[AviatorX]

What was goodin last year when he had shooters to pass to? Not a pg?

Honestly impressive that he is a terrible PG (or even not a PG) but on pace to be the schools all time assists leader. Make you think.

[X Factor]

Maybe when you all comprehend he’s playing with a bad shoulder and knee, you guys will understand his drop in performance

Quit making excuses. Anytime a Xavier players doesn't play well, it's always something has to be physically wrong with him, he has to be hurt, etc.

[noteggs]

Honestly impressive that he is a terrible PG (or even not a PG) but on pace to be the schools all time assists leader. Make you think.

Agree there’s a lot of PG’s that would struggle with this team

[RoseyMuskie]

The experienced guys just can’t seem to click at the same time. Thought Marshall had a decent half, but Scruggs MIA. Jones playing well, Hankins not.

I’d have Harden play extended minutes in the half. Think he’s doing a better job of sticking to his role, and frankly, don’t need to see Castlin on the court much more.

[XfansinKy]

Maybe when you all comprehend he’s playing with a bad shoulder and knee, you guys will understand his drop in performance

I like Q as a player, but his strengths when healthy are his size, strength, and hops. When he dribbles off a jab step etc he mostly spends up any quickness he has chasing his dribble. Don't take this personal though.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Honestly impressive that he is a terrible PG (or even not a PG) but on pace to be the schools all time assists leader. Make you think.

Serious question that I think has a pretty high probative value, out of the last, day 8, xavier point guards, who would you take him over?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

2 weak teams playing each other. Not very exciting to watch. X is capable of winning this one.

[mistabeecee41]

Q is still 3rd in the league in assists. He may have turnovers but his PG play isn’t his problem.

The issue is he came into college as a big, strong, athletic guard but 3 years into his career, he’s still awful at finishing near the rim

[xukeith]

What does goodin do to get so many minutes? I guess nothing, Steele just loves him for some reason.
his leadership and experience.

Scruggs brought 0 today...oh wait..turnovers!

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Maybe when you all comprehend he’s playing with a bad shoulder and knee, you guys will understand his drop in performance

That HAS to be the answer here. While Q wasn't great last year AND he had better shooting talent with whom he was playing, I cannot explain the decline in his performance (this year vs. last) as anything other than injury.

[xufan2020]

Quit making excuses. Anytime a Xavier players doesn't play well, it's always something has to be physically wrong with him, he has to be hurt, etc.
Lol it’s not me fishing for excuses, it’s a fact. I have plenty of friends at Xavier in Goodin’s grade that are well aware of his health problems. I don’t get why it’s so hard for everyone to understand

[xukeith]

Serious question that I think has a pretty high probative value, out of the last, day 8, xavier point guards, who would you take him over?

he is tough and injured but smart and experienced. We fans expect Tu Holloway or Chris Paul. His first step and drives are good to get past his defender.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Q is still 3rd in the league in assists. He may have turnovers but his PG play isn’t his problem.

The issue is he came into college as a big, strong, athletic guard but 3 years into his career, he’s still awful at finishing near the rim

This is a really good take. You don’t need to be able to shoot the three. But if you can’t, you need to be able to the rim and finish, and get to the free throw line. Which means you need to be able to dribble effectively. If he was a better dribbler, he would greatly cut his turnovers.

[X-band '01]

Xavier just flipped the switch.

[X Factor]

Heckuva start to the second half!!

[UCGRAD4X]

Don't know why they don't call intentional foul oN those.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

he is tough and injured but smart and experienced. We fans expect Tu Holloway or Chris Paul. His first step and drives are good to get past his defender.


Clearly, they aren’t. He doesn’t effectively get into the lane all that much. And I’m not saying Tu. I would rather have Ed, Dee, Semaj. The list goes on.

[RoseyMuskie]

Nice start to the half. Jones has been great in establishing position, and Marshall has been a solid distributor today.

[xudash]

Would one of you please care to explain what we are now witnessing?

[xukeith]

great start. good defense and solid Q job.

[RoseyMuskie]

Clearly, they aren’t. He doesn’t effectively get into the lane all that much. And I’m not saying Tu. I would rather have Ed, Dee, Semaj. The list goes on.

Of course you’d prefer Ed and Semaj. They are NBA caliber players. I would not take Dee over Q. I think he’d be struggling more than Q with this roster.

[UCGRAD4X]

this is a really good take. You don’t need to be able to shoot the three. But if you can’t, you need to be able to the rim and finish, and get to the free throw line. Which means you need to be able to dribble effectively. If he was a better dribbler, he would greatly cut his turnovers.

and make your free throws

[xukeith]

Would one of you please care to explain what we are now witnessing?

remember all the blown leads and turnovers. Don't get too happy.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Entirely new starting 5 for providence. Wow

[D-West & PO-Z]

10-0 run! Lets go X!!!

[AviatorX]

Serious question that I think has a pretty high probative value, out of the last, day 8, xavier point guards, who would you take him over?

This is a really good question that would require some thought - could be a great thread. That said, I'm sure you can predict who would have him higher and who at #8 lol.

PS: I'm sure there are some serious gems from posters on Dee's games that would now have him ranked up there. PG is a really specific team by team thing in my opinion.

[UCGRAD4X]

Cooley putting in five new players after after TO. Maybe next year?

[X-band '01]

Would one of you please care to explain what we are now witnessing?

Tyrique Jones found his happy place.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

This is a really good question that would require some thought - could be a great thread. That said, I'm sure you can predict who would have him higher and who at #8 lol.

PS: I'm sure there are some serious gems from posters on Dee's games that would now have him ranked up there. PG is a really specific team by team thing in my opinion.

Yeah, honestly, the only true PG I can think of off the top of my head in that span is Dee, and I really liked Jr and Sr Darwin. Semaj, Ed, Q, Tu aren’t really PGs in the true sense of things. Very specific team by team

[X Factor]

There we go Q!

[KabeX]

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Huge start to half!!! Up 11

[AviatorX]

The guys look like they're actually having fun out there. Love it.

[X Factor]

Boom! What did Steele say at halftime?

[Xville]

Great job boys keep it up!!!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Qs stroke isn’t fundamentally broken by any means (changed from freshman year for sure). If he can get to be a 35% shooter for the remainder of his career just by better shot selection, it would make a big difference. It still does just come off his hand a bit funky.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

X is getting HOT. Go X!

[X-band '01]

https://youtu.be/3SHp96pOCzA?t=50

[xukeith]

Qs strike isn’t fundamentally broken by any means (changed from freshman year for sure). If he can get to be a 35% shooter for the remainder of his career just by better shot selection, it would make a big difference.

amen.

[D-West & PO-Z]

4 fouls to none right now. That could be big.

[D-West & PO-Z]

4 fouls to none right now. That could be big.

5 fouls to none now.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Would like to see Eli in for Welage after this break. Think we get more out of his D than Welage’s O up 10.

[RoseyMuskie]

4 fouls to none right now. That could be big.

Until the refs start to balance it out. The trailer to that show started by calling a travel vs. a foul.

[bjf123]

The guys look like they're actually having fun out there. Love it.

They’re playing as a team, which doesn’t always happen.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xudash]

remember all the blown leads and turnovers. Don't get too happy.

Not happy.

In shock.

And asking why they can't look like this more often. Totally agree with you.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Would like to see Eli in for Welage after this break. Think we get more out of his D than Welage’s O up 10.

Nevermind

[D-West & PO-Z]

Welly bomb!

[X Factor]

This could be the best 10 minutes of basketball Xavier's played all year.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Q has had a really good second half. Love to see it.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Why the two big lineup?

[KabeX]

Nice play McSpanky

[noteggs]

This could be the best 10 minutes of basketball Xavier's played all year.

Without a doubt the best 10!

[X Factor]

Wow!

[KabeX]

I don't that this is but bottle it up and take it with you ... everywhere!

[AviatorX]

PC fans have to be really disappointed with how much they suck this year. They're worse than Xavier.

[KabeX]

Lots of time left but I like what I see

[X Factor]

PC fans have to be really disappointed with how much they suck this year. They're worse than Xavier.

There's still 8 minutes left, and they already beat X on the road.

[xudash]

Why Castlin!?!?!?

[KabeX]

Why Castlin!?!?!?
Was asking the same thing

[paulxu]

Playing so well, why go to a slowdown and then heave up desperation shot as clock expires?

Didn't bother running a play. Sorry...just don't understand that type of basketball

[D-West & PO-Z]

Bonus here on out.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Playing so well, why go to a slowdown and then heave up desperation shot as clock expires?

Didn't bother running a play. Sorry...just don't understand that type of basketball

Yeah, need to keep playing and feeding the post.

[noteggs]

I don't that this is but bottle it up and take it with you ... everywhere!

Definitely gives Steele some great film

[KabeX]

And Young with 4 PF. He doesn't score but he is their leading RBr

[AviatorX]

There's still 8 minutes left, and they already beat X on the road.

Yeah, shockingly I wasn't super impressed with them at Cintas. Weren't they supposed to be solid this year? I could be wrong.

[KabeX]

Oh my Scruggs!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Paul fucking Scruggs.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Big front end here

[AviatorX]

Good timeout by Steele here. Let's finish this one out.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Do you take Q out here? Who do you bring in for him?

[xudash]

FT TIME! Got to make them from here on out.

[X-band '01]

What could have been potential disaster turns into a Tyrique Jones thunderdunk. Really looking like Xavier's day today.

[KabeX]

And that'll do it. Wow. Hopefully that big ole light switch stays in the ON position!

[xufan2020]

What is going on

[XUBison]

Lol it’s not me fishing for excuses, it’s a fact. I have plenty of friends at Xavier in Goodin’s grade that are well aware of his health problems. I don’t get why it’s so hard for everyone to understand


Fact? I’m sorry, but this is dumb. I suppose it’s plausible that Q is telling people this. I’m sure he’s embarrassed by his play, so perhaps he’s advancing the injury narrative to save face around campus.

But get serious. It makes no sense that he has not one, but two injuries so severe that they have precipitated a major decline in his ability to play basketball. Steele would have to be a real tyrant to put a kid with such “health problems” on the floor for 30+ mpg.

And wow! We are really playing well right now. Scruggs!

[paulxu]

Yeah, need to keep playing and feeding the post.

They finally figured that out.

[AviatorX]

Would love a nice gratuitous exclamation point dunk at the end of this one. Gotta get that in for the season and this might be the only chance.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How can we not break a press!!??

[paulxu]

Hah! Let's try to throw it away. Jeez

[X-band '01]

Too many missed FTs from Providence is keeping this from really becoming interesting. X has this.

[RoseyMuskie]

Most enjoyable half of basketball we’ve watched this year. The pint of Guinness I’m about to have is going to taste good.

[xufan2020]

Fact? I’m sorry, but this is dumb. I suppose it’s plausible that Q is telling people this. I’m sure he’s embarrassed by his play, so perhaps he’s advancing the injury narrative to save face around campus.

But get serious. It makes no sense that he has not one, but two injuries so severe that they have precipitated a major decline in his ability to play basketball. Steele would have to be a real tyrant to put a kid with such “health problems” on the floor for 30+ mpg.

And wow! We are really playing well right now. Scruggs!
It clearly isn’t severe enough that he can’t play, but they’re nagging. He’s still been capable of having good stretches. I think he should get some credit for playing on an undermanned team

[paulxu]

We don't have Burrell or Bernard in the locker room.

So...maybe these guys read Snipe's rant and decided to wake up !

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

What a second half. Q played a pretty nice game, and Paul was much improved in the second half. Seems like everyone was involved for X in this one.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Two in a row!

14 point roadkill!

[D-West & PO-Z]

How does Cooley end that game with a TO in his pocket? We had so many big runs that second half. X fans would be losing their shit if Steele did that in that position.

[Olsingledigit]

Great game for the Muskies.

[JTG]

Wow, where has this intensity been all year ?
Nice game. Fun to watch.

[XfansinKy]

It clearly isn’t severe enough that he can’t play, but they’re nagging. He’s still been capable of having good stretches. I think he should get some credit for playing on an undermanned team

He dam sure had a good stretch there. Credit is due.

[XfansinKy]

Most enjoyable half of basketball we’ve watched this year. The pint of Guinness I’m about to have is going to taste good.

Yes!!!

[Xville]

Boom!!!!!! Let's go!!!!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Since going 1-7 from three at Nova, Naji Marshall has shot 43% (15-35). Really nice 7 game stretch from three for him.

[xufan2020]

He dam sure had a good stretch there. Credit is due.
Really hope it only gets better from here. I’m not saying he’s ever going to be Tu, Ed, or semaj.
I just have reason to believe that he should play well next year with more shooters and hopefully better health.

[UCGRAD4X]

Wow. Just wow!

[X Factor]

That was enjoyable. Congrats to Coach Steele and the players for today's victory.

Let's do that again.

[scoscox]

How does Cooley end that game with a TO in his pocket? We had so many big runs that second half. X fans would be losing their shit if Steele did that in that position.

I’m not a fan of Cooley at all. He can’t coach offense to save his life. No coach has ever been more gassed up by the media tho

[UCGRAD4X]

Like to get the post game player interviews after this one.

[XU88]

We don't have Burrell or Bernard in the locker room.

So...maybe these guys read Snipe's rant and decided to wake up !

Actually, Bernard was in the locker room. Local news reported that Malcom is in town to rehab a torn achilles and he addressed the team some time before the Creighton game. Let's hope this is history repeating itself.

Edit: Thought I saw on Fox19 or Channel 5 that Bernard talked to the team. A Shannon Russell interview with him says he hasn't talked to them yet. Oh well. Maybe just having him in the building for the Creighton game was good enough. LOL

[MKE_Muskie2021]

Run. The. Table.

[xukeith]

Wow, where has this intensity been all year ?
Nice game. Fun to watch.

Maybe drilling coaching finally paid off. Plus a bad Providence team that did challenge Villanova.

[UCGRAD4X]

Actually, Bernard was in the locker room. Local news reported that Malcom is in town to rehab a torn achilles and he addressed the team some time before the Creighton game. Let's hope this is history repeating itself.

I think I heard that two. I wonder if he gave them the "when the Germans bombed Pearl" speech.

[XUGRAD80]

It may be a small fish, but it’s a fish. Good to be catching fish again. Go get the next one!

[GIMMFD]

So that's how you hold on to a lead, huh? Answered strong out of the half, and never looked back. Rique was incredible today, really has grown over the course of his Xavier career, would never think we'd win a game by 14 when Scruggs was only held to 6. Good stuff today, and on to Seton Hall!

EDIT: Also incredible to see 57% from the 3 might I add.

[GoMuskies]

Well, of COURSE this is the game I have to miss for a gymnastics meet. Fan-fucking-tastic! First round BET bye still in sight.

[bjf123]

Well, of COURSE this is the game I have to miss for a gymnastics meet. Fan-fucking-tastic! First round BET bye still in sight.

Nothing personal, Go, but maybe you should stay the hell away the rest of the year! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bobbiemcgee]

Well, of COURSE this is the game I have to miss for a gymnastics meet. Fan-fucking-tastic! First round BET bye still in sight.

replay tonite 2 am in Denver anyway.

[xudash]

13 - 13.

Pulled even away from home. 2 in a row.

I believe we also witnessed passion and joy.

These guys have made us pull our hair out and we question Steele - a lot - but I give Steele credit for holding this thing together.

[scoscox]

Up 16 spots in KP from 111th to 95th. Went up from 74th to 65th in offensive efficiency. Moved from 165th to 142nd in defensive efficiency. All good signs. Need to keep improving.

[scoscox]

Another really good game from Q aside from the horrible turnover on the pass to Tyrique in the first half. Good to see. That no look pass to Hankins in the post and the kick out to Naji were beautiful and he finished well around the rim. Still too many TO's from Naji, Q, and Paul. Good games from Welage and Elias. Still wish we saw more elias and welage in the second half. Great games from Tyrique and Hankins after he woke up. Jonas Hayes has done a good job with both of them.

[GIMMFD]

13 - 13.

Pulled even away from home. 2 in a row.

I believe we also witnessed passion and joy.

These guys have made us pull our hair out and we question Steele - a lot - but I give Steele credit for holding this thing together.

It could have gotten bad if we didn't stop the bleeding against Creighton, but you're right, they looked really refreshed, and actually like they were having some fun out there for the first time this season. Steele's been criticized heavily, but getting these two wins was very important, if they can string up another one against Seton Hall, it could get interesting for the last 5 games.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Another really good game from Q aside from the horrible turnover on the pass to Tyrique in the first half. Good to see. That no look pass to Hankins in the post and the kick out to Naji were beautiful and he finished well around the rim. Still too many TO's from Naji, Q, and Paul. Good games from Welage and Elias. Still wish we saw more elias and welage in the second half. Great games from Tyrique and Hankins after he woke up. Jonas Hayes has done a good job with both of them.

Q had a really good game. But he did not finish well at the rim. He was 5-11 overall, 2-4 from three, and 1-1 on dunks. That puts him at 2-6 on the other shots from the floor. I’m nitpicking here, but I just think that’s an area of his game that he needs to improve, and given his physical attributes, he should be able to improve upon.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Disagree on Cooley. I think he is a hell of a coach who sucks in the dance. But reg season the guy gives X fits and he always does well it seems at MSG. I like Cooley a lot and I think he is an excellent
Offensive minded coach

[whopper]

was at the game , many X fans there..Great game. Sitting with Providence people when Castlin came in with 8 min to go I said I guarantee you won't be able to turn him over. He played 8 min, great safety valve, great handle, spacing, sure passes and did not even look at the rim. Perfect play for that situation. Well done by all

[noteggs]

It could have gotten bad if we didn't stop the bleeding against Creighton, but you're right, they looked really refreshed, and actually like they were having some fun out there for the first time this season. Steele's been criticized heavily, but getting these two wins was very important, if they can string up another one against Seton Hall, it could get interesting for the last 5 games.

From what I’ve seen on Twitter, his halftime talk and demeanor was much different. More upbeat and positive. Obviously the team responded. This (IMO) is where Travis will grow the most over time. Knowing when to push or pull.

[Xville]

So when we win out the last 5 games and are 18-13, 10-8 in conference, are we on the right side of the bubble? Also, are we the 12 with louisville being the 5, or 6 and 11?

[xudash]

was at the game , many X fans there..Great game. Sitting with Providence people when Castlin came in with 8 min to go I said I guarantee you won't be able to turn him over. He played 8 min, great safety valve, great handle, spacing, sure passes and did not even look at the rim. Perfect play for that situation. Well done by all

This is where I rightfully concede knowledge of the game to others. When I saw Castlin come into the game, I became very concerned about where we were headed at that point (second half). You make a great point about ballhandling and spacing.

[xu koop scoop]

So when we win out the last 5 games and are 18-13, 10-8 in conference, are we on the right side of the bubble? Also, are we the 12 with louisville being the 5, or 6 and 11?

Wow! Trying to match up seeds with Louisville. We need an 8 game win streak (2 we have + next 5 + 1 BE Tourney win). I'd just think about getting to 3 vs Seton Hall. Enjoy this cake while it continues to bake. Not time to think about eating the Big Mack

[Xville]

Wow! Trying to match up seeds with Louisville. We need an 8 game win streak (2 we have + next 5 + 1 BE Tourney win). I'd just think about getting to 3 vs Seton Hall. Enjoy this cake while it continues to bake. Not time to think about eating the Big Mack

Yeah I know....that post was about 5 percent serious. I would want this team to play the Ill fitting suit douche though if possible. Realistically though With the upcoming schedule, I'd think 3-2 would be a hell of a record.

[xu koop scoop]

18 turnovers today was my only negativity. Defense is coming around. Castlin last few minutes helped avoid turnovers. That must be the key to why he plays

[GreatWhiteNorth]

This is the only game this year that I watched the whole game on FOX. So happy for the outcome. The performance in the 2nd half was unexpected but so exciting to see. Keep it up and continue the streak.

[xu82]

I caught this on DVR, as we were celebrating our 34th anniversary with stuff we don’t usually make time for. (Get your minds out of the gutter!) Just finished watching and I loved a lot of what I saw. Still lots of work to do, but I love seeing progress. I’m pleased after any BE win, especially on the road. Back to back, baby!

[paulxu]

The Fox guy with Lavin said this is the game that made the team Steele's.
Or, he made his bones.
Or some damn thing I don't remember.
(there is a downside to too much bourbon)

[xudash]

The Fox guy with Lavin said this is the game that made the team Steele's.
Or, he made his bones.
Or some damn thing I don't remember.
(there is a downside to too much bourbon)

That Fox guy was a former OSU Cowboy and credit card thief.

But he made a good point!

[xu82]

That Fox guy was a former OSU Cowboy and credit card thief.

But he made a good point!

I kinda hate it when things make me like him more. Does that make me a bad person? All I needed to hear was “credit card thief”, and I’m pretty certain despite having sped through the DVR. I pray he’s right about Steele. We need to be building and gaining momentum, even if it’s a bit late.

[GIMMFD]

I kinda hate it when things make me like him more. Does that make me a bad person? All I needed to hear was “credit card thief”, and I’m pretty certain despite having sped through the DVR. I pray he’s right about Steele. We need to be building and gaining momentum, even if it’s a bit late.

Eh I despise Gottlieb, I think he's an idiot, but I do agree in hoping he's right. I'm hoping that upbeat half time talk was a positive and got the guys to buy into Coach Steele. If they believe in the system, and believe in themselves, they'll play much better down the stretch. It would be a great time to go on a winning streak, would love to see them get #3 against Seton Hall. There was a lot more positivity at the end of this game than I've seen all season.

[scoscox]

Disagree on Cooley. I think he is a hell of a coach who sucks in the dance. But reg season the guy gives X fits and he always does well it seems at MSG. I like Cooley a lot and I think he is an excellent
Offensive minded coach

Did you mean defensive minded? He usually is pretty good on defense, but he's a horrific offensive coach. They haven't been better than 100th in offensive efficiency in 3 years. That's really bad.

[scoscox]

Q had a really good game. But he did not finish well at the rim. He was 5-11 overall, 2-4 from three, and 1-1 on dunks. That puts him at 2-6 on the other shots from the floor. I’m nitpicking here, but I just think that’s an area of his game that he needs to improve, and given his physical attributes, he should be able to improve upon.

Good point. I meant he finished well by his standards. He went in under control, made some nice interior passes. It was an improvement and hopefully he keeps improving. The best thing he's doing is playing good defense. He's staying locked in all game and that's huge for us. Everyone takes their cue on defense from the point guard.

[Xuperman]

This was are best defensive effort of the year by far AND bonus points for it happening on the road. Q, Naj and Paul really put the clamps on their guards and never allowed them to get any rhythm. To be able to freeze up Diallo like that is one helluva feat. 2 for 10 from him is freakin’ crazy. Guy had scored double figs in every game but one!

[SC in DC]

Gottlieb is the tool that went on ESPN radio after Nova lost by 100 or so to Oklahoma in an airplane hanger and just ranted and raved about the BE and how it didn't compare to the B12 and how Nova was so over-rated cuz they played in the BE. After Nova won the National Championship that yr by crushing Oklahoma and beating Kansas, I don't remember him saying too much good about the BE, He is a TOOL!

[OTRMUSKIE]

Did you mean defensive minded? He usually is pretty good on defense, but he's a horrific offensive coach. They haven't been better than 100th in offensive efficiency in 3 years. That's really bad.

Well I wasn’t going by stats I was just going buy what I have seen and Cooley can flat out coach. Offensive defensive doesn’t matter he flat out wins. Unfortunately not in the dance.

[vee4xu]

Two in a row! And I ain't kiddin'.

[scoscox]

Well I wasn’t going by stats I was just going buy what I have seen and Cooley can flat out coach. Offensive defensive doesn’t matter he flat out wins. Unfortunately not in the dance.

Ha well pretty much every time I watch them I come away thinking they're much worse on offense than they should be and the stats seem to bear that out. I don't think he's a bad coach, but I get put off by the fawning praise. people talk about him like he's john wooden

[GIMMFD]

Ha well pretty much every time I watch them I come away thinking they're much worse on offense than they should be and the stats seem to bear that out. I don't think he's a bad coach, but I get put off by the fawning praise. people talk about him like he's john wooden

I do agree that Cooley gets a lot of praise for not the most amazing of records, kind of crazy that with Kris Dunn he only won 1 game in the NCAA Tournament, but I think he's not a bad coach by any means either. I think a lot of it has to do with how personable, and well kept he is. It's pretty hard to hate him, and I feel that way about a lot of our Big East opponent coaches. I think he has a great demeanor, and that leads to more favorable views of him.

[bobbiemcgee]

My totally unqualified observations:
1. Bottle up whatever Steele said at halftime. Team came out with steam coming out of their ears.
2. Way too many TO's especially late. Errant passes that just had NO CHANCE of being successful. Take care of the ball we win by 30.
3. Still have trouble with the press. Turn and drive the ball up court quickly (don't get trapped) or call a time out.
4. We made mistakes but they were "errors of enthusiasm", just giving it our all in that second half.
5. Put together this effort for 40 minutes the rest of the season and see where we're at.

[JTG]

Gottlieb is the tool that went on ESPN radio after Nova lost by 100 or so to Oklahoma in an airplane hanger and just ranted and raved about the BE and how it didn't compare to the B12 and how Nova was so over-rated cuz they played in the BE. After Nova won the National Championship that yr by crushing Oklahoma and beating Kansas, I don't remember him saying too much good about the BE, He is a TOOL!

Think about what you just wrote. He was on ESPN, where all their people are paid to talk down the BE. Gottlieb is with FOX now. He's on our side. Even if he is being paid to be on our side.

[whopper]

I was at game and watched warm ups. I was pleased that Welage only practices 3s and runners in lane with each hand and if he misses is almost life a golfer at a putting range trying to read the green and why he missed. Again, not a world beater but I like his attitude as an old school basketball person. This may benefit us as we finish the season and go to MSG.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Think about what you just wrote. He was on ESPN, where all their people are paid to talk down the BE. Gottlieb is with FOX now. He's on our side. Even if he is being paid to be on our side.

Gottlieb left ESPN in 2012, so he wasnt with ESPN.

Gottlieb is horrible on twitter. He is like the hot takes that no one agrees with guy just to drum up comments and attention. He is very anti player when it comes to NCAA and players.

I think he is better/more tolerable as an analyst on TV than he is on twitter or his radio show, but he is pretty bad all things considered.

[bleedXblue]

Gottlieb left ESPN in 2012, so he wasnt with ESPN.

Gottlieb is horrible on twitter. He is like the hot takes that no one agrees with guy just to drum up comments and attention. He is very anti player when it comes to NCAA and players.

I think he is better/more tolerable as an analyst on TV than he is on twitter or his radio show, but he is pretty bad all things considered.

Gottlieb having a job and getting paid to do any kind of college basketball analysis is amazing. The guy offers next to nothing yet he keeps fooling someone enough to get paid.....

[SemajParlor]

One of my hottest takes is that I actually don't hate him as an analyst.

[SemajParlor]

Was at the game Saturday and wow what a second half. This is my 6th year ( I believe) in a row for an X PC game at the Dunk and haven't experienced a great win like that there yet. Nice support from X fans as well!

[noteggs]

Didn’t want start a new thread, but looks like Kennedy is taking a leave from the team (per Shannon on Twitter)