Game Thread: Xavier v. Towson (November 21, 2019) Charleston Classic

[Muskie]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kBAAAOSwqfNXkU44/s-l300.jpg

Xavier University Musketeers (4-0,0-0) vs. Towson (2-2,0-0)
Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Charleston, South Carolina

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



Television: ESPNU






Xavier Radio: Xavier Gameday App (available in your phone's app store) with play-by-play from XU Hall of Famer and former Musketeer standout Joe Sunderman ('79). Analysis will be provided by Xavier Hall of Famer and XU all-time leading scorer Byron Larkin ('88).









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

______

Xavier defeated Missouri State to improve to 4-0 on the season. (Link (https://goxavier.com/news/2019/11/15/mens-basketball-no-21-xavier-closes-four-game-homestand-with-59-56-win-over-missouri-state.aspx))
Towson lost to Florida to drop to 2-2. (Link (https://towsontigers.com/news/2019/11/14/mens-basketball-towson-edged-by-no-15-florida.aspx))

Tiger Media:
Missouri State Athletics Homepage (Link (https://towsontigers.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule))
Missouri State on Twitter (Link)

[GoMuskies]

HUGE game tonight. A win and we're presumably with the Florida/UConn bracket. A loss and we're likely in for two games of dreck.

[AviatorX]

Really need to start looking the part tonight, at least in spurts. Per Steele it sounds like they've had a few good practices and with another night of shooting like they have been, there's a real chance X will be dead last in D1 from 3 (currently at 344th).

[American X]

there's a real chance X will be dead last in D1 from 3 (currently at 344th).

Have we tried underhand?


https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FuKhEeyC 24wNbi%2Fgiphy.gif&f=1&nofb=1

[Muskie]

Have we tried underhand?


https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FuKhEeyC 24wNbi%2Fgiphy.gif&f=1&nofb=1


Alright, boys, this is the last shot we got! We're gonna run the picket fence at 'em! Jimmy, you're solo right! Everett, Merle should be open on the other side of that fence! Now, boys, don't get caught watchin' the paint dry!

[GIMMFD]

Really need to start looking the part tonight, at least in spurts. Per Steele it sounds like they've had a few good practices and with another night of shooting like they have been, there's a real chance X will be dead last in D1 from 3 (currently at 344th).

They have to start hitting eventually right?? I'm hoping we take care of business tonight, favored by 9.5, but Towson seems to be sneakily tough. I agree, we need to start looking like a Top 25 team, though we're 4-0, it has been un-inspiring so far. Hoping we come out early and jump on them, let's see if they can handle a couple blows to begin the game with, the more they hang around, the more difficult it'll be for us.

[XU 87]

Alright, boys, this is the last shot we got! We're gonna run the picket fence at 'em! Jimmy, you're solo right! Everett, Merle should be open on the other side of that fence! Now, boys, don't get caught watchin' the paint dry!

"After Ollie makes his second shot, and you will make your second shot, get back on defense."

[Xuperman]

Lots of early action. MSU Bears charging back late vs Miami in Charleston....fun rooting for the Bears!

[American X]

"After Ollie makes his second shot, and you will make your second shot, get back on defense."


...and they did not get back on defense and the other team almost hit a buzzer beater.

[SemajParlor]

Have a feeling offensive floodgates open tonight.

[AviatorX]

Have a feeling offensive floodgates open tonight.

I'm with you, subject to two caveats:

1) I wish I had an actual reason to think this beyond pure optimism

2) The floodgates may be 72 points on 7 made threes

[paulxu]

I hope somebody has a streaming link as I don't get ESPNU

(Thanks in advance)

[GoMuskies]

I hope somebody has a streaming link as I don't get ESPNU

(Thanks in advance)

Why the hell would you need a streaming link?!? This game is being played in South Carolina. Get in your car!

[xu82]

Have a feeling offensive floodgates open tonight.

I love your optimism! We need some good vibes, and some better rolls......

[X-band '01]

Have we tried underhand?


https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FuKhEeyC 24wNbi%2Fgiphy.gif&f=1&nofb=1

"Their fancy uniforms"

[GIMMFD]

I hope somebody has a streaming link as I don't get ESPNU

(Thanks in advance)

http://123tvnow.com/watch/espn-u-espnu/ - Here ya go bud, I'll edit this link out later.


I love your optimism! We need some good vibes, and some better rolls......

I'm with them on this one, I have a feeling we're gonna come out strong and get the offense going today, we definitely need some confidence builders.

[paulxu]

Thanks.

I would be at the game but I've got a broken water line coming into the house and have been without water since Sunday.

[Jesuit4Life]

Let's Go X

[xu82]

Thanks.

I would be at the game but I've got a broken water line coming into the house and have been without water since Sunday.

All the more reason to find a hotel in Charleston where you can catch a shower and flush the toilet! :-)

Sorry for your troubles. That would suck!

[Smooth]

That's gonna kill Jones' shooting pct

[xu82]

That's gonna kill Jones' shooting pct

But pad his RB stats!

[AviatorX]

Great start absent the Naji pick six.

[KabeX]

D looking good. I wish we could shoot.

[bjf123]

The floor must be slick by that TD Ameritrade logo. Our guy has slipped 3 or 4 times on defense.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xudash]

Paul, good luck with your own issues.

We are looking much sharper so far across the board.

[Smooth]

Dear America,

Keep putting Naji on your highlights, but this is Scruggs' team.

[Smooth]

The floor must be slick by that TD Ameritrade logo. Our guy has slipped 3 or 4 times on defense.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's Paul's water leak.

[KabeX]

wow. Looked like he bumped him pretty good there

[xudash]

Bishop!

[KabeX]

Great confidence booster for Bishop. Hope that really gets him going.

[RoseyMuskie]

Have to say, when you don’t focus on the ball when Xavier is defending, and focus on the ability to switch 1-5, it makes this team more enjoyable to watch. Their shooting start certainly helps though too.

[GIMMFD]

I like when we start making threes, that's fun, this is fun, let's keep doing this.

[Xville]

Look by far the best we have all season...love the ball in Scruggs' hands...need to continue running the offense thru him.

[Muskeagle]

Did that guy just say they have a packed house? Lol...just went to break and I think I saw 30 fans in the stands!

[xu82]

I see a couple empty seats.

I really do LOVE Charleston and might have tried this one, but family arrives tomorrow for holiday and my mom’s 92nd BDay.

[AviatorX]

Have to say, when you don’t focus on the ball when Xavier is defending, and focus on the ability to switch 1-5, it makes this team more enjoyable to watch. Their shooting start certainly helps though too.

Great point. And it's a ton of fun to watch after years of watching guys like Frease and Stainbrook (who were great players) stumble around hedging screens.

[xu82]

Rebound, maybe?

[scoscox]

what do we have to do to get a foul call?

[Smooth]

Scruggie!

[Xville]

Of course now that I praised the offense, they have looked like absolute crap since.

[xu82]

Q should be pulled if he tries another deep 3 like that. He and Naji need to be smarter. It seems like they feed off of each other. NOT in a good way.

[KabeX]

Q should be pulled if he tries another deep 3 like that. He and Naji need to be smarter. It seems like they feed off of each other. NOT in a good way.

Yep. Yep. Freakin Yep.

[paulxu]

How do you ever call a "carry." Everybody palms the ball.

[X Factor]

Goodin should be the 7th or 8th option on offense.

[KabeX]

Now I want to see the lead extended in the last 4 min.

[paulxu]

Just imagine how good this team would be if they could hit a 3.

[AviatorX]

Goodin's first three attempts were bad. His last miss from three is the type of look I'm fine with him taking.

[scoscox]

if we could shoot at all, we'd be up 30 by now. if we ever put it together on that end, look out. in every facet of the game otherwise we're utterly destroying them

[scoscox]

bad charge there by carter. gotta be smarter

[SemajParlor]

I think this is starting to look like the defense we all imagined this team could be.

[scoscox]

bishop has got to start hitting his free throws. this should be a 20 point lead. 12 straight stops

[xu82]

I think this is starting to look like the defense we all imagined this team could be.

Well, we’ve allowed 15 points with 2 minutes left in the half. I think our D is as good as their O is bad. I’m just guessing......

[KabeX]

Nice look by the freshman!

[bjf123]

Is it just me, or is the play by play guy adding a syllable to Xavier and saying Zay vee ur?


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[whopper]

Damn, I have an uneasy feeling even though we totally outplayed them

[Smooth]

Gotta work on that half-court defense.

[KabeX]

Ugh. You could just see it. They had extended the lead by 1 then that garbage. But I'll take it.

[AviatorX]

Moore had a foul to give there, but kinda a BS delay of game that let Towson get set anyway. If anything, Naji saved them some time by collecting the ball.

Good half.

[bobbiemcgee]

Well, we’ve allowed 15 points with 2 minutes left in the half. I think our D is as good as their O is bad. I’m just guessing......

Defense is terrific. Agree we should be up by 25

[X Factor]

We're actually shooting below our season average from 3 if you can believe it.

[scoscox]

Defense is terrific. Agree we should be up by 25

if we could shoot at all we'd be up 30. it's a freak shot, but i don't know why we just ole'd him there. just hold him up a half a second and don't let him shoot.

[scoscox]

We're actually shooting below our season average from 3 if you can believe it.

and here i thought we were torching the nets

[SemajParlor]

Gotta work on that half-court defense.

Are we watching same game?

[XBR1]

All Q needs to do is pass the ball and take the occasional layup. He needs to quit shooting.

[AviatorX]

All Q needs to do is pass the ball and take the occasional layup. He needs to quit shooting.

Damn - great contribution here. No one has mentioned this over the course of the last two seasons.

[AviatorX]

We're actually shooting below our season average from 3 if you can believe it.

That's amazing.

Bishop looks like he's putting it together a little bit. Like his feel so hopefully he can start knocking a few more in.

[X Factor]

Damn - great contribution here. No one has mentioned this over the course of the last two seasons.

It's true. His offensive rating is dead last by far. He really can't even get into the lane and make a bucket anymore. I feel bad for him, but he's not helping Xavier AT ALL on the offensive end.

[AviatorX]

It's true. His offensive rating is dead last by far. He really can't even get into the lane and make a bucket anymore. I feel bad for him, but he's not helping Xavier AT ALL on the offensive end.

I'm with you, but we both know this has been beat into the ground.

Fobbs on Towson is 0-19 for the year from deep. Midseason grad transfer?

[scoscox]

what are the odds this halftime crew ever mentions our game?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

18% from 3pt is bad, but sad to say, that’s close to our norm so far.

[X Factor]

That's amazing.

Bishop looks like he's putting it together a little bit. Like his feel so hopefully he can start knocking a few more in.

His stroke looks good, but he's 1-7 from the FT line on the year, and 2-12 from three. :sick:

[AviatorX]

what are the odds this halftime crew ever mentions our game?

I know I just like Fox better because they're contractually obligated to know about the Big East, but ESPN productions are really, really bad. Fortunately these tournaments and road Crosstown Shootouts (for now, who knows what the future holds considering UC's exempt tournament is being televised by the same app that streamed X's games in Spain) are all we have to live with.

[XBR1]

I'm with you, but we both know this has been beat into the ground.

Fobbs on Towson is 0-19 for the year from deep. Midseason grad transfer?

So nobody should bring it up? Please tell us what you want us to talk about.

[scoscox]

I know I just like Fox better because they're contractually obligated to know about the Big East, but ESPN productions are really, really bad. Fortunately these tournaments and road Crosstown Shootouts (for now, who knows what the future holds considering UC's exempt tournament is being televised by the same app that streamed X's games in Spain) are all we have to live with.

lol we just went through the entire halftime report without so much as mentioning the current game. unreal

[AviatorX]

So nobody should bring it up? Please tell us what you want us to talk about.

Literally anything else. Everyone knows the deal, don't think we need a flurry of posts every time he misses a shot.

[AviatorX]

His stroke looks good, but he's 1-7 from the FT line on the year, and 2-12 from three. :sick:

Haha I know, but the touch was there a little more in the first half, no? Maybe just wishful thinking on my part.

[XBR1]

Literally anything else. Everyone knows the deal, don't think we need a flurry of posts every time he misses a shot.

Did I post after he missed a shot? You just said Bishop looks good...really?

[scoscox]

Haha I know, but the touch was there a little more in the first half, no? Maybe just wishful thinking on my part.

his first shot looked good, but his next couple threes and both free throws missed badly

[XBR1]

Haha I know, but the touch was there a little more in the first half, no? Maybe just wishful thinking on my part.

Nice contribution

[KabeX]

They're gonna have to show that one on Sportscenter!

[xu82]

Would someone please tell Naji he’s not LeBron.

[Smooth]

Are we watching same game?

In the game I'm watching our opponent is shooting 100% from half-court.

[X Factor]

Nice D by Goodin and dish to Tyrique for the viscous dunk.

[scoscox]

is naji gonna contribute anything positive in this game? he's been so bad

[xu82]

In the game I'm watching our opponent is shooting 100% from half-court.

They should probably go with that MORE!

[Smooth]

Nice D by Goodin and dish to Tyrique for the viscous dunk.

I like the word viscous.

[scoscox]

In the game I'm watching our opponent is shooting 100% from half-court.

lol good one. i didn't put that together at all

[Smooth]

Scoring drought all of a sudden.

[scoscox]

defense is sloppier and the offense is still horrific. not liking this start

[KabeX]

That's a little better.

[Smooth]

Marshall found his range!

[XBR1]

is naji gonna contribute anything positive in this game? he's been so bad

Come on now. Only positive thoughts. Aviator will get mad.

[AviatorX]

Nice contribution

You are fun!

[scoscox]

paul scruggs is our best player and it's not close

[Xville]

It's not going to happen, but I wish we could see scruggs run the show for a year. I think he would average around 20 and 5 and think our offense would look ten times better. I'm assuming hes either nba or europe this time next year.

[AviatorX]

The counting stats are there for Tyrique, but it really feels like when the team makes a concerted effort to play through him it just doesn't go well in stretches.

[Smooth]

paul scruggs is our best player and it's not close

I positively agree with you................ but I like Jones too.

[scoscox]

Marshall found his range!

i was nervous he was gonna turn it over all the way until it went through the bottom of the net

[Smooth]

New name - Notji

[KabeX]

That Moore dude can sure D it up!

[xu82]

You are fun!

Not to be petty, but I think you started that. Let’s all just be X fans tonight, even if it hurts my eyes to watch them shoot. I know, it’s frustrating.

[SemajParlor]

If you're going to go through a historic shooting slump might as well have it in November I guess. Just a slump... right?

[AviatorX]

Not to be petty, but I think you started that. Let’s all just be X fans tonight, even if it hurts my eyes to watch them shoot. I know, it’s frustrating.

Oh I'm fine for it to keep going. I don't think I made some sweeping decree we can only be positive, just that we dont need 10000 more negative Q posts.

[JTG]

This is some hideous basketball.

[xu82]

If you're going to go through a historic shooting slump might as well have it in November I guess. Just a slump... right?

That’s what I keep telling myself!

It helps me sleep.....

[scoscox]

dan gavitt did not inherit any of his dad's legendary charisma

[XBR1]

Oh I'm fine for it to keep going. I don't think I made some sweeping decree we can only be positive, just that we dont need 10000 more negative Q posts.

I made one post. It’s all good. I don’t think Q brings much to the team. A lot of people are down on Naji but I don’t think he looks that bad.

[KabeX]

Q looking to break into the scoring column there. Not his best night.

[AviatorX]

I made one post. It’s all good. I don’t think Q brings much to the team. A lot of people are down on Naji but I don’t think he looks that bad.

Fair enough man. Not personal, I've just gone back and forth with Xville and a few other so many times on Q.

[SemajParlor]

Yup, that's a poster.

[Smooth]

I made one post. It’s all good. I don’t think Q brings much to the team. A lot of people are down on Naji but I don’t think he looks that bad.

Notji is fine inside the arc. Somehow he hasn't figured that out yet.

[X Factor]

If you're going to go through a historic shooting slump might as well have it in November I guess. Just a slump... right?

Unfortunately, this will be a historically bad shooting team. I don't see anyone outside of Scruggs shooting anywhere near 30%.

[bobbiemcgee]

That Moore dude can sure D it up!

Like to see him shoot more 3's. Nice smooth shot.

[XBR1]

Notji is fine inside the arc. Somehow he hasn't figured that out yet.

Naji’s threes are at least in rhythm and in the offense. Q on the other hand...

[Smooth]

Naji’s threes are at least in rhythm and in the offense. Q on the other hand...

I'm not a fan of Q's shooting, I just don't have a nickname for him yet. Maybe I'll call him M for miss.

[scoscox]

any lineup that doesn't include paul scruggs gives me great concern

[KabeX]

I would submit that Mr. Moore should be the one shooting beyond the arc. Gotta keep up my rep as Capt. Obvious!

[GoMuskies]

This is going to be a solid win. Surely we can shoot better than this at some point. If so, we'll be scary good.

[XBR1]

This is going to be a solid win. Surely we can shoot better than this at some point. If so, we'll be scary good.

This is far from over.

[KabeX]

This is going to be a solid win. Surely we can shoot better than this at some point. If so, we'll be scary good.
Little early GO but I hope so

[scoscox]

the refs are killing me

[SemajParlor]

paul scruggs is our best player and it's not close

Someone needs to tell him that.

[xu82]

We need more Moore.

[Smooth]

Fobbs is like the old MCC power forward point guard.

[scoscox]

somehow we can't get the calls against towson lol

[Xville]

Whoa..we might now have TWO healthy guys that can shoot!

[paulxu]

This is going to be a long game.

[X Factor]

Wow, 3 point barrage

[KabeX]

Ooohhh yeah. We need more B Moore!

[SemajParlor]

Scruggs - Moore back court is looking interesting.

[scoscox]

This is going to be a long game.

at the rate they are calling fouls, yes it's gonna drag on forever

[bobbiemcgee]

Ooohhh yeah. We need more B Moore!

Tell the Coach

[KabeX]

Fu$kin refs are now whistle happy.

[scoscox]

this is ridiculous

[KabeX]

Tell the Coach

He knows. Q has been out for a while. Be interesting if he's back in after the TO. You're not taking Moore out. Prob in for Bishop if at all.

[KabeX]

Q still sittin

[KabeX]

Little Bronx Cheer from our fans on that last foul call.

[Smooth]

Carter popped his cherry

[KabeX]

That looked like a 3 to me.

[scoscox]

we are torching the nets!

grad transfers coming in clutch

[paulxu]

Sounds like we have nice representation there. Snipe's Army.

[SemajParlor]

Naji has made some very nice passes tonight.

[KabeX]

Wow. Zebras having a tough 2nd half.

[xu82]

Naji has made some very nice passes tonight.

He’s got great vision and makes some great passes. He just needs a “Whoa button” at times.

[paulxu]

I could swear Freemantle or Carter had a 3 just few minutes ago. But ESPN still shows us with 6.

[SemajParlor]

He’s got great vision and makes some great passes. He just needs a “Whoa button” at times.

Oh for sure. When he starts spinning I start praying.

[KabeX]

OK GO I think we're good now.

[Smooth]

Shit. Now Q is gonna shoot more.

[X Factor]

Goodin!

[X Factor]

Shit. Now Q is gonna shoot more.

Hahaha.

[Smooth]

Who the hell is James?

[KabeX]

We need mo SCHRAND!

[xudash]

I could swear Freemantle or Carter had a 3 just few minutes ago. But ESPN still shows us with 6.

Me, too.

Shrand!

[Smooth]

Schredding it

[xu82]

That’s a pretty solid “LET’S GO X!!!” from the crowd! Well done!!!

[KabeX]

I gotta say, despite a somewhat grating voice, Debbie A was pretty darn good on the commentary tonight.

[SemajParlor]

5-0.

[scoscox]

I gotta say, despite a somewhat grating voice, Debbie A was pretty darn good on the commentary tonight.

yea, she was good.

[XU after dark]

Let’s hope we get to see Lshrand at the end of the crosstown caus we are up 20.

[scoscox]

georgetown is putting a whooping on texas

[Smooth]

I gotta say, despite a somewhat grating voice, Debbie A was pretty darn good on the commentary tonight.

Debbie beats Dickie. Both of them. Both analysts by that name who do college basketball.

[Xville]

Good win!! Did what they should against a team like that. Big opportunities tomorrow and sunday!

[whopper]

she is an excellent analyst and does not sugar coat it. Great balance tonight we 4 double figure and Naj with 9 and 16 more points. Really not much to complain about tonight..the other team was no pushover so these are kind of real numbers. As the #1 X fan in Conn and a UConn grad(but not a fan of men or women) I will be on pins and needles tomorrow if UConn there

[noteggs]

I gotta say, despite a somewhat grating voice, Debbie A was pretty darn good on the commentary tonight.

Thought the same. Insightful at times

[KabeX]

Debbie beats Dickie. Both of them. Both analysts by that name who do college basketball.

LOL. Yeah. Maybe that should be her tag line.

[bobbiemcgee]

Game turned for good on Moore's 3's.

[scoscox]

missouri state lost to miami by 4

[XUGRAD80]

Amazing what hitting some outside shots does for an offense. I’m sure that’s going to be the big story most take from the game....outside shooting and spreading the scoring around 10 players.

However, I’m going to point out that they had another great defensive showing and opponents are only averaging 57 points a game! It’s been a long time since Xavier had such a good stretch of defensive play game after game.

Great showing by the Xavier faithful too!

[GIMMFD]

Amazing what hitting some outside shots does for an offense. I’m sure that’s going to be the big story most take from the game....outside shooting and spreading the scoring around 10 players.

However, I’m going to point out that they had another great defensive showing and opponents are only averaging 57 points a game! It’s been a long time since Xavier had such a good stretch of defensive play game after game.

Great showing by the Xavier faithful too!

Yup, agreed, hard to complain at all about the performance tonight, shots finally fell, moved the ball around, and played some great defense. These guys definitely look like they enjoy playing for each other, you see the bench reaction on Scruggs drive to the rim? Awesome stuff there. Hopefully we can continue the good shooting tomorrow!

[bobbiemcgee]

39% from 3

[D-West & PO-Z]

B Moore out of nowhere!

Really hoping this 3 games in 4 days stretch helps out team gel and take the next step. If we get some 3's to start dropping look out.

Still think we look best with the ball in Scruggs hands and he is running the show. Maybe Steele will think so too and give that some more opportunity.

[GoMuskies]

OK GO I think we're good now.

We were good then. Towson wasn't coming back from 14 down.

[KabeX]

We were good then. Towson wasn't coming back from 14 down.

I didn't think so either but then I am a rather superstitious dude.

[JTG]

Looked & sounded like Cintas South on tv.

[noteggs]

Wow, that D we’re playing is amazing. If shooting continues to improve, this will be a special team. I mean D is down right nasty!

[bobbiemcgee]

Wow, that D we’re playing is amazing. If shooting continues to improve, this will be a special team. I mean D is down right nasty!

Damn if we didn't play a COMPLETE game!

[xukeith]

Best game yet this year. Better tomorrow!(If X wins)

Nice seeing Georgetown crush ranked Texas tonight too! Go BE!!

[bobbiemcgee]

ESPN
Seth Greenberg- "The Big East. LOADED.

Sean Farmham- "The Big East top to bottom you can say is the best conference in America"

somebody getting fired?

[kellernr]

ESPN
Seth Greenberg- "The Big East. LOADED.

Sean Farmham- "The Big East top to bottom you can say is the best conference in America"

somebody getting fired?It's part of his resume for his interview with Fox

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[IM4X]

Damn if we didn't play a COMPLETE game!

On defense... Yes... 40 minutes of superb defense.

less than 20 minutes of good offense... but they started clicking at the end when they had better ball movement and got the ball into the hands of better shooters when shooting 3s. There were a lot of guards standing around after making passes for long stretches. Don’t understand it. The transfers are starting to look like very valuable complementary pieces now. I also would like to see James get some more time during games. He looks like a might be one of the answers to the three point issues. Moore + Scruggs + James + Kyky (when he returns) shooting the majority of 3s wouldn’t be a bad way to go.

[IM4X]

Notji is fine inside the arc. Somehow he hasn't figured that out yet.

I’m with you.

[IM4X]

Man-oh-man... those two transfers were oh-so-crucial pick ups for this team.

Kudos to Steele and his staff. Moore and Carter might just be the difference between an 18 win team and a 25+ win team with a deep run in the NCAA tournament... at least that’s what it looks like after tonight... stay tuned.

[scoscox]

Man-oh-man... those two transfers were oh-so-crucial pick ups for this team.

Kudos to Steele and his staff. Moore and Carter might just be the difference between an 18 win team and a 25+ win team with a deep run in the NCAA tournament... at least that’s what it looks like after tonight... stay tuned.

“I am just doing my job,” said Moore. “I came here for a reason, and I am just trying to do my job on both ends of the court. I just try to do my job and knock down shots and play defense.”

I love this man

[sirthought]

Goodin's usage was at an all time low this game. Freemantle and Bishop actually were more active. His Box Plus Minus is still in the crapper, because he can't score and his assists are down, but Goodin's offensive rating moved higher and he had zero turnovers! I'd say it was an improvement, but he might actually do better coming off the bench and having plays run for him instead of Marshall or Jones. It would be nice to see him convert something more often, but it's hard when Jones is getting work done for the most part.

One thing I find interesting with our offense is that we tend to do better when we slow down the pace (defensive fast-breaks excluded). I would have thought the push would be to speed up. I'd like to see more screens and ball movement (something that never seems to happen enough with Xavier), but more taking their time to find opportunities to attack the hoop. They obviously have guys that can score on a drive if the opportunity is there, but shot selection is still a work in progress. I know free throw shooting has been kind of rough, but they aren't getting to the line enough.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I want to see Q adopt a Stanley Burrell attitude. I’m going to get the ball to my guys and I’m
Going to play shut down defense. If Q would limit his shots to 5 a game this team will go far. Just get the ball to the guys who can shoot.

[UCGRAD4X]

Man-oh-man... those two transfers were oh-so-crucial pick ups for this team.

Kudos to Steele and his staff. Moore and Carter might just be the difference between an 18 win team and a 25+ win team with a deep run in the NCAA tournament... at least that’s what it looks like after tonight... stay tuned.

Two leading scorers (Moore tied with Tyrique w/ 12).

Moore making three point % respectable for once. Schrand's 100% also inching that stat up! (w/ Q's 25% and only one shot inside the arc - a gargantuan scoring night of 4 - dragging it down)

[XUGRAD80]

Carter had 13 points, he was the leading scorer. First time this year he showed what he is capable of.

He, and the other newcomers, provide X with great depth. Not just bodies, but actually talented players that can come in and score, play defense, and rebound (he had 9). They also give players like Ramsey and KyKy the chance to heal up and allow a player like Miles the opportunity to redshirt. Depth is something that even the great team of 2 years ago didn’t have so abundantly.

[bleedXblue]

I want to see Q adopt a Stanley Burrell attitude. I’m going to get the ball to my guys and I’m
Going to play shut down defense. If Q would limit his shots to 5 a game this team will go far. Just get the ball to the guys who can shoot.

Q's minutes are going to continue to decrease. Especially when Tandy comes back. His best asset to this team would be as a true bona fide leader. Because honestly he can't do anything else consistently enough to really help this team. Hope his figures it out sooner than later.

[IM4X]

“I am just doing my job,” said Moore. “I came here for a reason, and I am just trying to do my job on both ends of the court. I just try to do my job and knock down shots and play defense.”

I love this man

Make that two of us. I hope what has is very contagious and it keeps spreading through the rest of the team like wildfire. The team seems complete bought in on defense. That was the most disruptive X defense I believe we may have seen since the Jamal Walker / Stan Kimbrough days. Now just gotta keep working on that offense... but a great finish at the end to pull away - something we also haven’t seen in quite some time.

[IM4X]

Two leading scorers (Moore tied with Tyrique w/ 12).

Moore making three point % respectable for once. Schrand's 100% also inching that stat up! (w/ Q's 25% and only one shot inside the arc - a gargantuan scoring night of 4 - dragging it down)

It really should not be a surprise that the guy who shot the best from three last year would help this team if he was taking more shots than the guys who really have never been all that great.

I do think more screens will help Q, Naji, Scruggs and (even the bigs) find the space they need to score. They are still standing around a little too much
at times.

[Final4]

Q's minutes are going to continue to decrease. Especially when Tandy comes back. His best asset to this team would be as a true bona fide leader. Because honestly he can't do anything else consistently enough to really help this team. Hope his figures it out sooner than later.

I hope Travis has the stones to make some player personnel moves. Specifically, IMHO, if he wants to continue to start Q that's find but he needs to limit his minutes to 10 or less. Naji needs to work the baseline and back and forth across the lane 10' from the basket. He doesn't need the ball in his hands 30' from the basket trying to initiate offense. The only players who should be floating around the perimeter and thus open for 3's should be Scruggs, Moore, Carter and Tandy. As far as initiating offense the ball needs to be in Paul's hands a lot more and in Naji's hands less.

[GoMuskies]

10 minutes for Goodin? Yeah, pretty sure he's going to play a lot more than that. I could get on board with 20ish. But 10 is far less than reality.

[xufan2020]

I hope Travis has the stones to make some player personnel moves. Specifically, IMHO, if he wants to continue to start Q that's find but he needs to limit his minutes to 10 or less. Naji needs to work the baseline and back and forth across the lane 10' from the basket. He doesn't need the ball in his hands 30' from the basket trying to initiate offense. The only players who should be floating around the perimeter and thus open for 3's should be Scruggs, Moore, Carter and Tandy. As far as initiating offense the ball needs to be in Paul's hands a lot more and in Naji's hands less.

10 minutes or less ahahahahahhaha. Some of you are just too much. If you don't think Naji is capable of initiating the offense and should just stick to working off the ball 10' from the basket, I seriously question if you actually watched Xavier much last season.

[X-man]

Make that two of us. I hope what has is very contagious and it keeps spreading through the rest of the team like wildfire. The team seems complete bought in on defense. That was the most disruptive X defense I believe we may have seen since the Jamal Walker / Stan Kimbrough days. Now just gotta keep working on that offense... but a great finish at the end to pull away - something we also haven’t seen in quite some time.

This is the first X team I can remember that appears to have an effective press when they use it. Defense is the heart of this team, and the part of the game that they can most control. Once the offense gets untracked, and IMHO it will, this is going to be a very dangerous team.

[AviatorX]

10 minutes for Goodin? Yeah, pretty sure he's going to play a lot more than that. I could get on board with 20ish. But 10 is far less than reality.

Well if you pencil in KyKy for 40...

Obviously I'm a staunch Q defender, but even I can recognize he has not been good at all this year. Still, this isn't fantasy basketball, I think people don't realize benching him like that would really throw off the dynamic of the team, the guys like him believe it or not.

[UCGRAD4X]

Well if you pencil in KyKy for 40...

Obviously I'm a staunch Q defender, but even I can recognize he has not been good at all this year. Still, this isn't fantasy basketball, I think people don't realize benching him like that would really throw off the dynamic of the team, the guys like him believe it or not.

They probably like Schrand and some other walk-ons. It's not a popularity contest, it's D1 basketball.

[AviatorX]

They probably like Schrand and some other walk-ons. It's not a popularity contest, it's D1 basketball.

That's not the same thing at all. The point is Q is a leader of this team (like it or not), so it's a delicate situation and not just a numbers game of reallocating minutes or putting a hard cap on his shot attempts. Q used 11% of the possessions last night, played solid defense and did not turn the ball over. I think if he's more in the 25 minute than 35 minute range and plays that role, it will be fine.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Q has been rough this year for sure. I was much more optimistic and defending him last year and more critical of him so far this year. But 10 mins? That is laughable. He's averaging around 29 this year so far. I think Scruggs needs to play the PG position more and with KyKy coming in, somewhere around 22mins give or take is more the range Q might/maybe should be in.

[AviatorX]

Q has been rough this year for sure. I was much more optimistic and defending him last year and more critical of him so far this year. But 10 mins? That is laughable. He's averaging around 29 this year so far. I think Scruggs needs to play the PG position more and with KyKy coming in, somewhere around 22mins give or take is more the range Q might/maybe should be in.

Travis has spoken about Q being the head of the snake on defense. So it will be interesting to see how they mix and match lineups when KyKy is healthy because he obviously offers an offensive upgrade, but seems pretty clear this team's calling card is going to be on the defensive end.

[American X]

Naji has made some very nice passes tonight.


7 assist Naji versus 1-7 from three Naji would make this team much more dangerous. He can be an elite passer. And watch some Semaj tape on finishing shots.

[GoMuskies]

You still get the sense from Naji if he hasn't bee involved in a couple of plays that once he gets the ball he's bound and determined to make something happen whether it's open or not. I wish he would let the game come to him and not force things so often (5 TOs yesterday to go along with a few questionable shots). The talent is just leaking out of the guy if he can more consistently harness it for good.

[American X]

This elite defense paired with a competent offense will result in a good season.

I will forgive a number of bad threes if they are paired with 12 defensive stops in a row.

Is Tyrique trying to rival Zack Hankins' hair? Because it is not going to work.

[IM4X]

Defense is the heart of this team, and the part of the game that they can most control. Once the offense gets untracked, and IMHO it will, this is going to be a very dangerous team.

Agree.

Nice to see Q finally slow down to a controlled pace, set his feet, square his shoulders and followed through with out rushing, when he made that 3 late in the game last night. Until then, Q Just always seemed a hair too anxious... trying to make something happen- he didn’t look like he was dialed in to a good rhythm or simple shooting fundamentals.

I love that Steele keeps telling them to slow down- which is already starting to pay dividends with Scruggs and some others, though harder for Naji and Q - they seem a little stuck in the old faster pace offense. They both need to avoid pushing hard to try to make a big play when it is not necessary or a favorable situation has not presented itself.

Hoping they work out a few more of the kinks on offense today. Would love to see them continue to slow it down, cut more often after making a pass and include more screens to catch defenders out of position. Think it would work wonders for Q, Naji and the team as a whole.

Even borrow the Wright philosophy on offense of being patient and be willing to pass up a potential good shot for a better one.

Finally... His approach in this video may seem a little elementary... but no one can deny that his players all seem to become better shooters from year to year.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FnSMStne-5A

[Final4]

10 minutes or less ahahahahahhaha. Some of you are just too much. If you don't think Naji is capable of initiating the offense and should just stick to working off the ball 10' from the basket, I seriously question if you actually watched Xavier much last season.

The 10 minutes were generous on my part. I think we're better when Q is NOT on the floor. He's shooting 26% from three, 44% from the line and his assist to turnover ratio is roughly 1.2 to 1. We're nearly 20% of the way through the season.......I've seen enough. Let Scruggs, Moore and KyKy handle the PG minutes by committee. And Naji, if you think that him driving the lane, dribbling above his waist, and blindly spinning into a double or triple team (and turning the ball over) is effective then we'll just have to agree to disagree. I'd much rather see Paul doing that and every time Naji does it it's one less opportunity for someone else.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

The 10 minutes were generous on my part. I think we're better when Q is NOT on the floor. He's shooting 26% from three, 44% from the line and his assist to turnover ratio is roughly 1.2 to 1. We're nearly 20% of the way through the season.......I've seen enough. Let Scruggs, Moore and KyKy handle the PG minutes by committee. And Naji, if you think that him driving the lane, dribbling above his waist, and blindly spinning into a double or triple team (and turning the ball over) is effective then we'll just have to agree to disagree. I'd much rather see Paul doing that and every time Naji does it it's one less opportunity for someone else.

I happen to like a lot of what Quentin brings, minus his three-point shooting (notably), but even I have to admit his turnover rate of 25.2% of his possessions is ridiculous. That puts him 61st out of the 66 qualifying players in the Big East. Really shocking and unfortunate, especially for a senior who has been getting plenty of minutes for four seasons.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

The 10 minutes were generous on my part. I think we're better when Q is NOT on the floor. He's shooting 26% from three, 44% from the line and his assist to turnover ratio is roughly 1.2 to 1. We're nearly 20% of the way through the season.......I've seen enough. Let Scruggs, Moore and KyKy handle the PG minutes by committee. And Naji, if you think that him driving the lane, dribbling above his waist, and blindly spinning into a double or triple team (and turning the ball over) is effective then we'll just have to agree to disagree. I'd much rather see Paul doing that and every time Naji does it it's one less opportunity for someone else.

I happen to like a lot of what Quentin brings, minus his three-point shooting (notably), but even I have to admit his turnover rate of 25.2% of his possessions is ridiculous. That puts him 61st out of the 66 qualifying players in the Big East. Really shocking and unfortunate, especially for a senior who has been getting plenty of minutes for four seasons.

[GIMMFD]

I happen to like a lot of what Quentin brings, minus his three-point shooting (notably), but even I have to admit his turnover rate of 25.2% of his possessions is ridiculous. That puts him 61st out of the 66 qualifying players in the Big East. Really shocking and unfortunate, especially for a senior who has been getting plenty of minutes for four seasons.

He didn't have any turnovers yesterday though which I think is really important. To echo the thoughts of other people in this thread, if he can just manage the game, play tough defense, and drive and kick, he's a great asset. His start to the season hasn't been great, but as Shannon mentioned in her article on The Athletic, Lionel Chalmers started his senior campaign off not so hot either, and then turned it on as a key piece to a Elite 8 run. There's still plenty of time, nobody wants to peak in November. I think last game is a good stepping stone into putting together better performances.