NIT Game Thread: Xavier v. Texas March 24, 2019

[paulxu]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kBAAAOSwqfNXkU44/s-l300.jpg VS. https://i.pinimg.com/236x/9b/04/c1/9b04c19bcef73d9922758f0229e7c3a6--hook-em-horns-texas-longhorns.jpg

No. 3 Seed Xavier University Musketeers (19-15)
No. 2 Seed Texas Longhorns (17-16)
Sunday March 24, 2019 4:00 PM ET
NIT Second Round
Frank Erwin Center (16,540) in Austin, Texas

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

Notes and Stats (https://goxavier.com/news/2019/3/22/mens-basketball-heads-to-texas-this-weekend-for-a-sunday-showdown-with-the-longhorns.aspx?path=mbball)

Television: ESPN with play-by-play from Ted Emrich and analysis from Lance Blanks.
Radio: 55KRC-AM with play-by-play from XU Hall of Famer and former XU 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.

[X-band '01]

Lance Blanks - he was one cog of the BMW boys from 1990. Anyone know if he usually does Longhorn Network games?

[waggy]

X should get a little exposure today. Time slot is between other tourney games.

[HenryMuto]

Win this and get 1 final home game.

[UCGRAD4X]

Haven't been watching a lot of the NIT games yet. Any thoughts on the advantages of the court configuration in general and specifically how that might affect the game today?

[GoMuskies]

This Wichita State/Clemson game might last a while.

[UCGRAD4X]

show the f'in game already!!!

[xu82]

show the f'in game already!!!

show us getting stops and making f’in shots already!!!

(Hey, it worked for you!)

[scoscox]

Texas is getting the home whistle

[GoMuskies]

Show Naji taking fewer bad shots!

[scoscox]

I mean they are really getting the home whistle

[scoscox]

Bump to the home whistle

[XUBob]

X not getting any calls could be a long afternoon, officiating really poor so far.

[scoscox]

We have to listen to texas homer announcers and watch the refs give texas every call

[xu82]

Show Naji taking fewer bad shots!

Those quick, long 3’s should go in the turnover column.

[Grizzx12]

We have to listen to texas homer announcers and watch the refs give texas every call

I was just thinking these guys are pretty excited for anything Texas does and almost disappointed when they call a foul to put Xavier to the line. Also seems like we'll get the full season story of everyone on their roster before they mention where Xavier is located, what conference we're in, etc....

Oh well, beat these guys and get out of there.

[kellernr]

Naji has not connected on that half court pass all year but still tries it every damn game.

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[xu82]

Is anyone else tired of hearing someone brag about the success of Eggszavier? Be kind, and informed with more than stats some intern dug up.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

15 points off turnovers.

[scoscox]

the color guy played for texas. we have the equivalent of byron and joe calling the game. and the refereeing is horrendous. another phantom travel on jones.

[GoMuskies]

Nice of the team to go down to Austin and remind us why they're in the NIT in the first place.

[bjf123]

15 points off turnovers.

Been there. Done that.


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[GoMuskies]

Ok, THAT was awesome!

[scoscox]

this was never going to be an easy game. texas is 27th in kenpom and favored by 6 at home. we're going to have to play well. we haven't played well so far. defense has been terrible, too many turnovers, naji missing easy shots

[bjf123]

this was never going to be an easy game. texas is 27th in kenpom and favored by 6 at home. we're going to have to play well. we haven't played well so far. defense has been terrible, too many turnovers, naji missing easy shots

Yep. But this game is definitely winnable.


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[scoscox]

we've also gotten a brutal whistle

[scoscox]

Yep. But this game is definitely winnable.


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no doubt. all fixable

[scoscox]

we've been whistled for 11 fouls to their 6 so far. 5 players have 2 fouls. absurd refereeing so far. must be feeling the heat of their 500 fans

this despite us outscoring them by 8 in the paint and outrebounding them

[Lloyd Braun]

The double technical is one of the lamest calls in basketball. They should at least make them shoot FTs

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

All 4 Xavier guards have 2 fouls. Shouldn’t be a big deal for the 2nd half but geez.

[bjf123]

The double technical is one of the lamest calls in basketball. They should at least make them shoot FTs

Or make both guys take a seat. Something.


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[Grizzx12]

Nice start. Let's go!!!!

[Xuperman]

Agent ZERO is locked in.

[scoscox]

Paul is getting abused by kerwin roach

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

X with a nice offensive start, but definitely going to have to pick up the defense in the second half

[scoscox]

wtf is that pass????? good lord

[scoscox]

lol "let's talk about the 1990 sweet sixteen and ignore the sweet sixteen in 2004"

[scoscox]

Holy shit this refereeing is a joke

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Not challenging any fucking three point shots.

[scoscox]

these refs are a fucking joke

[scoscox]

no reason to stop throwing it in to tyrique and zach. all of a sudden we take 3 jumpers in a row and let them back in to it.

[noteggs]

Normally I try not to say things about refs but this is bullshit!

[scoscox]

quentin takes a mid range jumper like he's tre bluiett

[noteggs]

As Steele said against Nova “I just want a fair game”.

[bjf123]

these refs are a fucking joke

Just be consistent! Clearly, they’re not.


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[scoscox]

i mean were murdering them in the paint and somehow we're the ones in foul trouble. kinda ridiculous

[Strange Brew]

Refs = garbage

[scoscox]

lol now they give us two cheap ones

[noteggs]

Blanks is not making this game enjoyable

[scoscox]

giving no effort on d.

[xu82]

Naji pisses me off!!!

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

14-3 run, with absolutely no defensive effort over that span.

[KabeX]

Refs = garbage
Much like our shot selection

[KabeX]

Unfortunately we're in mid-season form.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Needed to switch to zone. Getting absolutely abused off the dribble by roach. Bad rotations leading to wide open threes. Unfortunately, sacrifice rebounding. I’d get Eli in for Castlin if you’re staying in the zone.

[xu82]

Unfortunately we're in mid-season form.

Yes, that is indeed unfortunate.

[Strange Brew]

Much like our shot selection

True but 5 on 8 is tough.

Stop being midwestern nice. This is bs.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Hankins and Rique with 4 with a lot of game left... not good at all.

[scoscox]

we definitely could've used a better whistle. and paul scruggs to get going.both our bigs have 4 fouls

[KabeX]

I guess they're not going to call that push off.

[scoscox]

texas has been getting away with that shit all game

[xu82]

I love our guys and their talent, but the mental lapses are killing me!

[bjf123]

I guess they're not going to call that push off.

Nope. Wife and I both yelled at the TV about the no call.


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[xu82]

I love it when Q makes a #3!!!!!

Have I mentioned that?

[Cincypunk.org]

I love it when Q makes a #3!!!!!

Have I mentioned that?

1 is good though. Keep pounding inside.

[KabeX]

I'd love it if anyone could hit a 8 - 10 ft. J but y, when Q takes and makes a good shot that is ... well ... good.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Get a stop here or get ready for the offseason. Come on

[KabeX]

What a travel call? Wow. Please go inside and don't settle for a 3

[KabeX]

What a travel call? Wow. Please go inside and don't settle for a 3
Never mind ;)

[scoscox]

our defensive recovery is way too slow

[scoscox]

we're way too slow on ball screens. they're killing us there

[scoscox]

man paul is killing us

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Team is 6-15 from the FT line... embarrassing effort from the stripe

[KabeX]

Got to get a 2 for 1

[KabeX]

Get a stop. Get a bucket. Get a W.

[scoscox]

free throws are gonna absolutely haunt

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Really didn’t want OT but damn. Also, Q has been really good the last 10 minutes. So bad collectively from FT line. 6-18 I think.

[KabeX]

Ugh. Didn't want OT. We're not good in OT. We're not going at shooting Ft's, which is why we get OT.

[xu82]

You want a PG who can shoot 80%+ form the FT line. Just sayin’........

[Strange Brew]

Garbage refs a Xavier tradition
Texas at the line....

[GreatWhiteNorth]

We could have won it in the last few seconds. DAMN!

[XUBison]

Did anyone really think Q was going to make both of those free throws?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

You want a PG who can shoot 80%+ form the FT line. Just sayin’........

I’d take a PG who shoots 70% from the FT line, sheesh

[xukeith]

Thought Hankins was fouled.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

That’s a bad bad call on Naji.


Edit... never mind.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Horrible FT shooting.

[scoscox]

That’s a bad bad call on Naji.


Edit... never mind.

nope. good call. bad rule

[xudash]

Thought Hankins was fouled.

He was.

[xu82]

Naji just complaining about not getting a RB, then getting a clear foul when he doesn’t get the next. Get it together between the ears.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

nope. good call. bad rule

57% Ft shooter is 4-5 from the line. God why do we suck from the free throw line

[xu82]

nope. good call. bad rule


Bad rule, clear foul.

[KabeX]

Lots of teachable moments in this game. Lots of work to do in the off season.

[scoscox]

wth is naji doing?

[scoscox]

we need to stop switching on sims

[xu82]

Lots of teachable moments in this game. Lots of work to do in the off season.

Is it OK if I’m proud of you?

:-)

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Rique. Let’s go baby. Come on

[KabeX]

Is it OK if I’m proud of you?

:-)
LOL. +1. Man keeping me down.

[scoscox]

the free throws are gonna haunt. not even gonna break 50%

[KabeX]

Get a stop. Get a bucket. Get a W.

[Lloyd Braun]

Over the back? Wtf

[scoscox]

i mean jericho sims has been over the back on almost every possession

[bjf123]

the free throws are gonna haunt. not even gonna break 50%

Shoot even 60% from the line and we win with no OT.


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[Lloyd Braun]

3 to win

[KabeX]

Normally I would say go inside. But I'm sick of this game. Double screen. Open 3. Swish. Get on the plane.

[xu82]

LOL. +1. Man keeping me down.

I think the man might be a Bearcat fan.

[xu82]

Tyrique had time for an easy dunk, but seeemd he was unsure of the time. Could have scored twice there. We might need to take a little air out of Naji’s confidence balloon.

[KabeX]

Appropriate end to a frustrating season.

[KabeX]

On a positive note, apparently we have a pretty good MLS team in Cincy.

[scoscox]

man so many chances to win this game

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Damnit that was a really good look drawn up by Steele. Not looking forward to the next 8 months without Xavier basketball

[BandAid]

Had plenty of opportunities. Team needs more discipline.

[IM4X]

Shame on Steele for not having Hankins in there.


Bad and bad coaching decision!!!!

[xukeith]

Sad way to end the season but summarizes the year with horrible outside shooting, turnovers, bad ref calls and blown layups.

RECRUIT RECRUIT RECRUIT.

Great last second play call by Steele. Naji missed a bunny.

[KabeX]

Shame on Steele for not having Hankins in there.


Bad and bad coaching decision!!!!
Same on all those missed FT's which would have won in regulation. But I see you point.

[scoscox]

got nothing from the bench and from paul. missed too many free throws and easy shots. tough. we win this game at a neutral or at cintas center

[xu82]

I just deleted everything I typed to reverse track and go with “teachable moments”. I hate overly negative people, but I also hated a lot of that game.

[xudash]

i mean jericho sims has been over the back on almost every possession

Absolutely. Unreal no call.

[xavierj]

Shame on Steele for not having Hankins in there.


Bad and bad coaching decision!!!!

Instead of Jones? He was dominating.

[GoMuskies]

Naji pisses me off!!!

This is from way back in the thread, but it's definitely what I was thinking in the end. Oh, well. Just the NIT.

[IM4X]

Same on all those missed FT's which would have won in regulation. But I see you point.

Yes. That too. But that shot by Marshall from 12 feet is a crapy low percentage shot. Just crap.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Give up 11 threes and 16 offensive rebounds. Shoot 9-21 from the FREE THROW line. Team will have potential next year but lots to clean up. Looking forward to it, though

[BandAid]

Shame on Steele for not having Hankins in there.


Bad and bad coaching decision!!!!


Instead of Jones? He was dominating.

Hankins rushed the FT put-back at the end of regulation. Jones missed the put-back at the end of OT. Both were great today. Both needed to taken an extra half second.

Free throws lost this game.

[AviatorX]

Yes. That too. But that shot by Marshall from 12 feet is a crapy low percentage shot. Just crap.

Lol. What would you have drawn up? Got your best player going toward the basket with a solid look from a dead ball BLOB with 1 second left.

[xukeith]

Now need a big man with experience for next year to compliment Jones.

[X Factor]

Marshall is the king of bad shot selection.

[scoscox]

Yes. That too. But that shot by Marshall from 12 feet is a crapy low percentage shot. Just crap.

he's been money on that all year. i thought it was good

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Yes. That too. But that shot by Marshall from 12 feet is a crapy low percentage shot. Just crap.


That last look was from about 6 feet, moment heading toward the basket, not sure what else could have been drawn up other than a three for Welage. Naji has also consistently (not today, but in general) hit those types of shots.

[scoscox]

Give up 11 threes and 16 offensive rebounds. Shoot 9-21 from the FREE THROW line. Team will have potential next year but lots to clean up. Looking forward to it, though

yep that hurts. still had chances to win too and honestly should have won if we hit 50% of our free throws

[KabeX]

I'm gonna go way out on a limb here but I really think that Jones fellow WILL BE A FREAKIN BEAST IN THE B-EAST next season. I'm glad he's on our team.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

he's been money on that all year. i thought it was good

Yep. Honestly, that’s where Najis bread is buttered. Like you said, money from that look most of the year.

[IM4X]

Instead of Jones? He was dominating.

Not an either or... both Jones and Hankins in. Only 1.3 seconds. Toss it up for one of those two and if they can’t dunk or if they miss a layup rhenother can tip it back in.

An outside low percentage shot is garbage. Less likely to go in and no chance to tip it in.

Just garbage Steele.

[xavierj]

Marshall is the king of bad shot selection.

Yes and he would be so good if he would just play within himself and let the game come to him. He forces so much and thinks he has to take over the game way too often. Team has some pieces and hopefully they learn a lot in the off season. Solid game by Goodin today. Only took 7 shots, made 5 and had 4 assists and only 1 turnover. They played well enough to win but can’t miss that many free throws.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Not an either or... both Jones and Hankins in. Only 1.3 seconds. Toss it up for one of those two and if they can’t dunk or if they miss a layup rhenother can tip it back in.

An outside low percentage shot is garbage. Less likely to go in and no chance to tip it in.

Just garbage Steele.

No way we were watching the same play. Outside shot? He was somewhere between the edge of the lane and the restricted circle.

[IM4X]

That last look was from about 6 feet, moment heading toward the basket, not sure what else could have been drawn up other than a three for Welage. Naji has also consistently (not today, but in general) hit those types of shots.

Really? You don’t know what else could have been drawn up- lookmat my response above.

[xu82]

On a positive note, apparently we have a pretty good MLS team in Cincy.

I’ll stick with the positive......I’m glad that we didn’t lose like that in an actually important basketball tournament!

(OK, that was half assed, but.....)

[xu koop scoop]

Damn overtimes. The OT loss to Auburn & to Nova cost us the Dance. Today's cost us NIT. Nova was just 2 games ago. Did we win any OT games

[xavierj]

Not an either or... both Jones and Hankins in. Only 1.3 seconds. Toss it up for one of those two and if they can’t dunk or if they miss a layup rhenother can tip it back in.

An outside low percentage shot is garbage. Less likely to go in and no chance to tip it in.

Just garbage Steele.

I see your point but don’t think it was garbage. I wish they would have just set up a play to get an open 3.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Really? You don’t know what else could have been drawn up- lookmat my response above.

Really? You think if Steele thought some basic action that would produce a tip in for a big would work he wouldn’t have drawn it up? Not like Texas doesn’t have a seven footer that blocked Hankins shot at the end of regulation... wait...

[IM4X]

No way we were watching the same play. Outside shot? He was somewhere between the edge of the lane and the restricted circle.

Did you really think he was going to make that shot? I certainly didn’t. That is not his shot- it is a low percentage shot for Marshall - and with no chance for a rebound.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

With our performance this afternoon, we might as well end the season today. This Texas team is not that strong and we should have won with relative ease. Our returning players better spend the summer improving on shooting foul shots. I like to thank our seniors for their contributions and wish them the best in the future.

[XUGRAD80]

“We was robbed”

[IM4X]

Really? You think if Steele thought some basic action that would produce a tip in for a big would work he wouldn’t have drawn it up? Not like Texas doesn’t have a seven footer that blocked Hankins shot at the end of regulation... wait...

God bless you if you honestly believe that play we saw had a greater chance of success.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Did you really think he was going to make that shot? I certainly didn’t. That is not his shot- it is a low percentage shot for Marshall - and with no chance for a rebound.

As I said, and others have reiterated, I’ve seen Naji make that shot multiple times a game regularly. I don’t think there’s much else you could ask for in that situation.

[KabeX]

208 Days until Musketeer Madness.
222 Days until 1st exhibition
233 Days until 1st game
356 Days until X cuts down the nets in the Big East Tournament Championship
377 Days until X plays in its first Final 4
379 Days until X wins its first NCAA Championship

[IM4X]

With our performance this afternoon, we might as well end the season today. This Texas team is not that strong and we should have won with relative ease. Our returning players better spend the summer improving on shooting foul shots. I like to thank our seniors for their contributions and wish them the best in the future.

This is a good post.

We had plenty opportunities.

I too want to thank the seniors/grad transfers and wish th the best!

[xu82]

208 Days until Musketeer Madness.
222 Days until 1st exhibition
233 Days until 1st game
356 Days until X cuts down the nets in the Big East Tournament Championship
377 Days until X plays in its first Final 4
379 Days until X wins its first NCAA Championship

SO MANY numbers! I was told there would be no math.....but I like the bottom line!

[CincyXavierFella]

I’m proud of Zach, Welly and Cast.
Xavier Shot 42% on free throws. We missed 12 free throws.
3 Turnovers in the 2nd. We shot 50% overall.

That killed me, this was a very winnable game.

If Q makes the free throw in regulation and Zach makes the tip in we win. Tyrique and Naji has chances on those shots too.

Let’s get excited for next season. ��

[scoscox]

Did you really think he was going to make that shot? I certainly didn’t. That is not his shot- it is a low percentage shot for Marshall - and with no chance for a rebound.

yes. he's made that shot countless times this year

[KabeX]

In other news - all of you (us) who have Duke winning it all ... they'll prob still win by 20 but it's close almost midway thru 2nd

[scoscox]

people saying texas isn't good... please. there's a reason they were favored by 6 in this game. they're 27th in KP to our 58th. they've beaten north carolina, kansas, kansas st., etc this year. there's a reason they were on the bubble.

[kellernr]

Scruggs, Q and Naji should be embarrassed with this loss. Those 3 lost this game at the stripe. How can you be a high D1 recruit and not be able to hit free throws? Noone expects hankins or Jones to make them so when they do it's an added bonus. Guards should be hitting 75-80% from the line.

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[xukeith]

Damn overtimes. The OT loss to Auburn & to Nova cost us the Dance. Today's cost us NIT. Nova was just 2 games ago. Did we win any OT games

We lost the NCAA dance because of SDSU, Missouri, UC and DePaul loss.

[xukeith]

208 Days until Musketeer Madness.
222 Days until 1st exhibition
233 Days until 1st game
356 Days until X cuts down the nets in the Big East Tournament Championship
377 Days until X plays in its first Final 4
379 Days until X wins its first NCAA Championship

Another day closer to our death

[KabeX]

I don't think Texas wasn't good. I think they didn't deserve a ticket to the dance but neither did we. What we got was 2 pretty good evenly matched teams. We could (should) have won but we didn't. Not reading anymore into it. Better days ahead for Xavier Nation.

[KabeX]

Another day closer to our death
Yep. I am not allowed to die until X wins it all.

[whopper]

I have had 5 months of compelling basketball. Thanks to the grad transfers, thanks to the Core 4, lets hope that we all improve over the summer and get Derrick Smits (one of my idols son). Kyky, Zach, Bishop, Ramsey(sp)..lots to look forward to. Damn this game today..I texted a friend of mine to grab a drink when Q was being iced for second shot and must have jinxed us

[Xville]

With our performance this afternoon, we might as well end the season today. This Texas team is not that strong and we should have won with relative ease. Our returning players better spend the summer improving on shooting foul shots. I like to thank our seniors for their contributions and wish them the best in the future.

Here's a dirty little secret, this xavier iteration isnt that strong. The way they regrouped after being 11-13 should be absolutely commended, and I think they maxed out in terms of what they could do with their talent at the end of the year. I think they are what they are. The influx of talent coming in next year is going to help quite a bit.

Texas isnt bad...outside of their two seniors, they have really young guys in their rotation. They should make the tourney next year. This is the same team that beat unc, kansas, Oklahoma, kstate when they were fully healthy, and Purdue. X didnt best anyone nearly that good.

[paulxu]

Admittedly I wasn't able to watch this game. And it'll be a long off season.
But looking at the stats bears out one of my favorite gripes.
The game has evolved into 3 pt shooting and layups/dunks with fouls.
Say what you want about our foul shooting, but when they shoot 48% from 3, and we shoot 29%...it takes a lot of extra possessions of 2 pt shots to make that up.
They scored 33 pts on 3 pt shots. We scored 15.
I hope we have some shooters coming in next year, because Q and Naji didn't crack 30% this year.

[bobbiemcgee]

Another day closer to our death

222 days to shoot ft's

[kellernr]

222 days to shoot ft'sNaji needs to work on his form. He looks like he has a 2x4 strapped to his back when he shoots. Maybe Q and Scruggs need lasik to improve there vision at the line.

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[xavierj]

Admittedly I wasn't able to watch this game. And it'll be a long off season.
But looking at the stats bears out one of my favorite gripes.
The game has evolved into 3 pt shooting and layups/dunks with fouls.
Say what you want about our foul shooting, but when they shoot 48% from 3, and we shoot 29%...it takes a lot of extra possessions of 2 pt shots to make that up.
They scored 33 pts on 3 pt shots. We scored 15.
I hope we have some shooters coming in next year, because Q and Naji didn't crack 30% this year.

Yes and it was a rough year shooting for both. Naji dropped 10% on his 2pt shots and 8% on his three’s. Q’s 2pt % went down 7%. Both also had drops in their free throw %. Crazy. I am fine though with the way Q played today. He only took 7 shots and only had one turnover. Next year if he only takes between 5 and 7 shots a game and doesn’t turn it over, and looks to make other players better, Xavier will win a lot.

[scoscox]

just kinda the nature of them going from role players to the center of the offense. tbh they both became much more reliable by the end of the year so i have hope for the future

[XU 87]

Scruggs, Q and Naji should be embarrassed with this loss. Those 3 lost this game at the stripe. How can you be a high D1 recruit and not be able to hit free throws?
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C'mon man.

[xukeith]

Yes and it was a rough year shooting for both. Naji dropped 10% on his 2pt shots and 8% on his three’s. Q’s 2pt % went down 7%. Both also had drops in their free throw %. Crazy. I am fine though with the way Q played today. He only took 7 shots and only had one turnover. Next year if he only takes between 5 and 7 shots a game and doesn’t turn it over, and looks to make other players better, Xavier will win a lot.

best post of the day