Game Thread: Xavier v. Connecticut (November 22, 2019) Charleston Classic

[American X]

Tyrique Jones just be like FUCK NO.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Tyrique giving all his body for that block.

[GoMuskies]

OT more like the first half than the second please!

[bjf123]

It's a cramp.

Hope that’s all. The first camera angle I saw had his ankle a little too bent the wrong way.


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[Xville]

Old school Big east basketball

[KabeX]

OT more like the first half than the second please!

Yes!

[GoMuskies]

Think it's time to switch over to that Colorado State/Wyoming thriller.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hope that’s all. The first camera angle I saw had his ankle a little too bent the wrong way.


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I think that was bc of the cramp. Hoping at least.

[GoMuskies]

Well, that's appropriate for Q.

[KabeX]

Bring on Bryce

[scoscox]

man that's a bullshit foul on q

[D-West & PO-Z]

knock these down Naji!

[D-West & PO-Z]

knock these down Naji!

2/2 with the nice roll on the front end!

Phew!

[GoMuskies]

We should just pound it in the rest of OT.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Knock em down Ty!

[Xville]

Ugh free throws.

[KabeX]

N. Freakin Marshall!

[GoMuskies]

Thank God for Naji. Need to remember how awesome tonight was when he goes 1-9 on Sunday. :)

[xu82]

Is Naji just messin’ with us???

[UCGRAD4X]

Where are the damn threes all game?

Better late than never I guess.

[Xville]

Hell yeah naji!!!! Huge in the clutch.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Thank God for Naji. Need to remember how awesome tonight was when he goes 1-9 on Sunday. :)

HAHA, samesies!

[American X]

I am glad I have never doubted the three-point shooting ability of Naji Marshall.

[Blue Blooded-05]

I actually felt confident when that went up

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hell yeah naji!!!! Huge in the clutch.

No one can complain about Naji in the clutch that is for sure!

[KabeX]

Stop here would be beneficial

[Xville]

Is it just me or did our cheerleaders suddenly step up their looks game?? Maybe I'm just getting old.

[KabeX]

Stop here would be beneficial

That was beneficial

[GoMuskies]

Didn't Jones tackle their guy? Oh well, take the breaks where we can.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow, think we got lucky with that call!

[American X]

Even Carter plays awesome f'in defense.

[KabeX]

J Freakin Carter!

[xu82]

Is Carter the new Hankins?

[GoMuskies]

Back to back OT kills!

[KabeX]

Well OK that wasn't good

[GoMuskies]

Ok, can't have double OT with no Scruggs. Who can shoot FTs? Anyone?

[UCGRAD4X]

Are u freekin kidding me!

[Xville]

Yikes...ball handling going to be an issue.

[KabeX]

Bishop needs to play like a Soph

[xu82]

It’s nice that Scruggs made it to OT to foul out. That sounds bad, but I mean it sincerely. It’s progress. Love the guy!

[X Factor]

That's a good trainer. Offered water to Paul who punched the water bottle out of his hand. Trainer picked it back up and offered it again.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow that is horrible. Worst case scenario, turnover, foul, 2 shots coming, and Scruggs out.

Damn.

[KabeX]

Ugh. Down to a FT contest. Let's do it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Make FTs and take care of ball and we win.

[GoMuskies]

Just hit one here!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Lets go!!!

[KabeX]

MAKE FTs PLEASE

[Xville]

Make your fts jones and end this

[scoscox]

guys are leaving it on the line.

would be nice if uconn missed a free throw now and then

[X Factor]

Just make these FT's!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

FTs!

At least got 1.

Cmon D

[KabeX]

Do not foul

[D-West & PO-Z]

Do not foul

Ugh

[UCGRAD4X]

Do not foul

um

[scoscox]

freaking awful call

[GoMuskies]

Welp

[D-West & PO-Z]

No way! Fuck!

[KabeX]

Well maybe now you do foul - under 8

[xu82]

I haven’t barfed yet, but.................

[Xville]

Effing crap...again we need kyky bad

[GoMuskies]

Well maybe now you do foul - under 8

I wouldn't. Don't trust us to get the ball in.

[KabeX]

Keep em off the line and we'll see

[scoscox]

no ballhandlers are available

[D-West & PO-Z]

Our ball

[scoscox]

that's off polley

[D-West & PO-Z]

Our ball

Shoulda been

[GoMuskies]

Brutal.

[KabeX]

Where in hades is the foul?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Oh. My. God.

FUCK

[GoMuskies]

What the fuck Naji.

[KabeX]

Dumb. We could lose now.

[Xville]

How in the hell did they call that a foul? Such garbage...these refs suck.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ok Naji. what was that

[GoMuskies]

We should be fine. No Scruggs. Don't need him or anything.

[Xville]

What the fuck marshall Gawd damn it you fucking idiot

[Xville]

Really don't think there is a chance in heck we can win this in double or with no ballhandler

[bjf123]

What the hell was that, Naji?


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[UCGRAD4X]

Wtf naji!!!

[xu82]

Naji is an idiot. I’m sorry, I love our guys, but that was ridiculous!!!! Sit his ass next to Q and lose.

[X Factor]

Basketball IQ in the negative

[D-West & PO-Z]

We arent winning with zero ball handlers.

Wow, what a choke job,.

[American X]

Done everything we can to earn a loss. At least Naji did not force the last shot.

[HenryMuto]

Those were 2 of the worst foul calls I have ever seen not even touched and they get fouls called such complete BS.

[drudy23]

The dumbest 20 seconds in the history of Xavier basketball?

[Roach]

Why is Bouknight back in the game? I though he fouled out?!?!

[whopper]

they have missed zero foul shots in a long time..we have missed a few and every one of course counted. Lets go X and damn from Conn I was so psyched

[GoMuskies]

My attitude: we should have lost the game in regulation, so I'm pretty calm about all this. It's all gravy.

[UCGRAD4X]

Naji not the best BB IQ guy. Talent but not real smart.

[Blue Blooded-05]

My 1 year old is due to start crying in about 5 hours. I’m sure my wife will be cool with me sleeping in...

[Grizzx12]

We should be fine. No Scruggs. Don't need him or anything.

I'm still at a total loss how Paul can be trapped like he was in front of our coach and no timeout was called.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Why is Bouknight back in the game? I though he fouled out?!?!

Decided to let Uconn players have 6 fouls.

But seriously, no he didnt foul out, their big guy did.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I am feeling sick. All those missed FTs!

[bjf123]

Only reason we’re in OT and double OT is the free throws. 90% by them and 55% by us.


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[D-West & PO-Z]

My 1 year old is due to start crying in about 5 hours. I’m sure my wife will be cool with me sleeping in...

I have 7 month old triplets lol, but my wifes turn to get up in morning at least!

[stammina0721]

Only saying one thing. This team has no mental strength. It's been Xavier's downfall for quite a few years now. Make a free throw... Don't travel on an inbounds... Don't get a 10 second call cause you are walking up the court with no pressure. That type of mental weakness is just uncalled for and I don't know how you fix it.

[GoMuskies]

Bad Naji is back...and now he's gone.

[KabeX]

Fu$k it. Win anyway.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If we win this game it will be a miracle.

Who shoots?

Who handles the ball?

Will we see Schrand?

Unreal

[Xville]

At least the bb IQ shot up 100 points with naji on the bench

[GoMuskies]

Jones has to have the ball every possession. And needs to hit some FTs.

[xu82]

Are we building character?

Pound it in to Tyrique. End this shit!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jones has to have the ball every possession. And needs to hit some FTs.

Yeah they are going to have to hack him. Needs to make his FTs

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah they are going to have to hack him. Needs to make his FTs

2/2!!

Lets go!

[drudy23]

Unreal - so damn weak with the ball.

[GoMuskies]

Schrand for Bishop please.

[Grizzx12]

Jones has to have the ball every possession. And needs to hit some FTs.

Wat you said......Go X!

[UCGRAD4X]

If it goes to triple OT it will be walk-ons

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jesus Bishop!

Just play competently.

[N67ER]

It’s about hitting free throws.

[X Factor]

Wasn't Bishop a 4 star recruit?

[GoMuskies]

Ok Moore.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Grabbing jersey on rebound!!

Moore!!!

[KabeX]

Noooooooooooo. Yesssssssssssss. B Moreeeeeeeeeeee

[xu82]

“Shoot it before you turn it over!”

Ouch, but true!

[GoMuskies]

Wasn't Bishop a 4 star recruit?

He'll probably be fine. Just not tonight.

[KabeX]

A kill or 2 would be good here.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If we win this could be one of the most improbable recent wins I can remember. When just looking at circumstances in 2nd OT.

[scoscox]

Wasn't Bishop a 4 star recruit?

tweener 3/4

[GoMuskies]

Freemantle is so good on D.

[Grizzx12]

Am I the only person who saw someone holding Jones back by the jersey? Thank god for that shot from Moore

[X Factor]

He'll probably be fine. Just not tonight.

He's been awful this year.

[xu82]

Freemantle is our best new friend!

[KabeX]

Z. F. Freemantle!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Am I the only person who saw someone holding Jones back by the jersey? Thank god for that shot from Moore

I saw same thing. Terrible no call.

[UCGRAD4X]

Shoot it before you turn it over! Who says that?

[GoMuskies]

He's been awful this year.

Don't disagree, but its November 22 of his freshman season.

[scoscox]

Am I the only person who saw someone holding Jones back by the jersey? Thank god for that shot from Moore

nope. these refs have zero clue what they're doing right now

[X Factor]

Fremantle is a stud freshman

[xu82]

Hit the rim!!!

[xu82]

Has anyone looked up sunrise?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Bishop please make FTs!

[bjf123]

Make FTs and this game was over in regulation!


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[D-West & PO-Z]

Bishop please make FTs!

1/2 at least.

Fuck!

[GoMuskies]

Are we fucking kidding? We don't want to win, obviously.

[scoscox]

14-24 from the line

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jesus. Can they please miss a FT.

[X Factor]

I've never seen anything like this.

[Xville]

These refs cant help but call a foul every single trip down the court. So glad that the best uconn ft shooter is on the line

[drudy23]

More dumb plays. We've done 435 dumb things in the last 10 minutes.

[GoMuskies]

I'd like to see the win probability chart on this one. Must be insane.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jesus. Can they please miss a FT.

Guess not.

F

[scoscox]

they're hitting every free throw and we're not. painful

[GoMuskies]

Ok, now Moore is killing us.

[whopper]

I am saying a rosary now..all I can do

[D-West & PO-Z]

Why did Moore chuck that???

[drudy23]

Maybe we can have this game won and give it a way for a 3rd time.

[GoMuskies]

Why did Moore chuck that???

2 for 1! I'm kidding. I think.

[KabeX]

Dumb shot. Only good thing is the clock. If they score we have 15+ sec. DO NOT FOUL.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I mean, I actually have faith in our D to make a stop.

But no faith it will matter after we do and get sent to the line.

Cmon Muskies!!!

[Xville]

So many good things...so many bad things. Should have won it in last ot.

[xu82]

More dumb plays. We've done 435 dumb things in the last 10 minutes.

I think you missed a few.....

NOTHING worse than Naji jacking up a half court shot for no reason.

[UCGRAD4X]

436 that shot by moore

[D-West & PO-Z]

Who do we go to? They are triple teaming Jones.

Do they intentionally foul us and send us to the line, lol?

[Xville]

No confidence we get a good look here let alone make a shot....dont really have anyone left that can penetrate.

[D-West & PO-Z]

PS, the over hit lol

[GoMuskies]

Throw it off the backboard and let Jones go get it. Or ISO for Bishop. Whatever.

[GoMuskies]

Too much fucking time.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Cmon Carter, please make them!

[scoscox]

Throw it off the backboard and let Jones go get it.

this

[drudy23]

Let's see how many times we can stop play. JFC

[KabeX]

gotta make em. If he does ... NO FOULS

[xu82]

This is what makes college basketball so great.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Cmon Carter, please make them!

2/2!

Lets go D!

[GoMuskies]

Jesus. What a mess of a win.

[KabeX]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[drudy23]

Jesus Christ - I'll take it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Holy shit!!!
Lets GO!!!!

[Xville]

Fuckkkkkk yess!!!!!!!! Character effing win

[HenryMuto]

Shocked Xavier won tried to give that game away every which way but somehow a win and a win is a win.

[Jesuit4Life]

Never a doubt, right?

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[xu82]

Just the way you draw that up!

Good luck in the Finals. Get some rest, guys.

[Grizzx12]

Absolutely unbelievable!!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Anyone else notice that clock was running slow on that last possession?

[UCGRAD4X]

un freekin believable

[GoMuskies]

Looks like our fan bases are going to brawl in the streets of Charleston after. Granted, past the bedtime for most of our fans.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This thread may be fun to look back on later in the year!

Lets go X!!

Cant believe we won that game

[American X]

Jason Fucking Carter.

[X Factor]

Are you kidding me? HAHAHAHAHA!

That was a roller coaster.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Anyone else notice that clock was running slow on that last possession?

Its looks like a start stop thing. I dont think its actually taking longer, I have seen that before. Weird.

[Xville]

Amazing they found a way to win that game

[drudy23]

Sister Rose is ready for the bars.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Carter saved the day! It shouldn’t take us 2 OTs to win this game, but here we are......undefeated.

[xu82]

I wonder if Naji has ever seen Tin Cup? Might that be his favorite movie?

[whopper]

I am wearing my Xavier basketball hoodie ALL DAY tomorrow in Milford CT.. Now Bishop(who kind of stunk but had 6 rebounds), Moore, Carter and Freemantle know what a crucible is like... It will pay dividends. Damn am I proud of everyone

[D-West & PO-Z]

Looks like our fan bases are going to brawl in the streets of Charleston after. Granted, past the bedtime for most of our fans.

Yeah something tells me the guys in all the jerseys (Uconn, I mean they all wear jerseys right?) win.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jason Fucking Carter.

Yes sir!

Carter didnt let the announcer jinx him!

[bjf123]

Well, that was fun.


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[KabeX]

I gotta say 6 - 0 is far better than 5 - 1 or any other freakin record. LET'S GO X!

[XU 23]

Never in doubt!

[XUGRAD80]

I’m at a loss for words...just WOW! 6-0!

[noteggs]

My attitude: we should have lost the game in regulation, so I'm pretty calm about all this. It's all gravy.

Agree

[IM4X]

Love that the bench and Jones (and Carter) got to prove they can hold their own... Bishop needs some work still- Freemantle is ready for BE play

[GIMMFD]

That game took years off my life, so incredibly frustrating, yet exciting at the same time. Survival is all that matters, onto the finals against Florida. Sheesh.

[X-band '01]

Agree

They should have lost with Scruggs, Goodin AND Marshall fouled out. Tyrique was literally the last man standing should the game have been extended further.

Helluva win and time to get some hardware Sunday night.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That game took years off my life, so incredibly frustrating, yet exciting at the same time. Survival is all that matters, onto the finals against Florida. Sheesh.

Yeah exactly, survive and advance.

I know FLorida has struggled but they should get it going, so we have an opportunity for a signature non conference win now. Glad we get that opportunity and didnt blow it.

[scoscox]

Yeah exactly, survive and advance.

I know FLorida has struggled but they should get it going, so we have an opportunity for a signature non conference win now. Glad we get that opportunity and didnt blow it.

I'm a little worried, Florida figured it out today against Miami.

[UCGRAD4X]

Let's hope we figured out a few things today.

[whopper]

Strange but the turnovers by Bishop and Moore probably mean they will never make those types of mistakes again..and we won anyway. Tyrique hit the free throws when it counted and that willl be important. Man am I happy. Freemantle and Carter tempted the UConn guards to drive as the figured they would draw fouls or score but was a fruitless strategy. We scored more baskets, 3;s and took more freethorws ...they were 25-27 and we were 16-28 I believe. Must fix that

[Xville]

When we beat florida, what are we going to be ranked monday? 10-11??

[Roach]

Am I the only one who thought the zebras were atrocious? They were consistently atrocious in both directions, so I don’t mean to suggest bias. They were just getting calls wrong left and right. It was frustrating.

[drudy23]

Am I the only one who thought the zebras were atrocious? They were consistently atrocious in both directions, so I don’t mean to suggest bias. They were just getting calls wrong left and right. It was frustrating.

They were as bad as X was dumb.

[whopper]

I did not think UConn was that smart as their shot selection at times was poor but Bouknight is incredibly athletic and bailed them out. So happy now.. Gilbert and Vital combined for 4-29!

[UCGRAD4X]

The girly announcer went out of her way, several times to comment how consistent the reffing was, Maybe she meant consistently bad.

[bjf123]

The girly announcer went out of her way, several times to comment how consistent the reffing was, Maybe she meant consistently bad.

If they’re going to be bad, it’s better if they’re consistent in their ineptitude.


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[xudash]

Am I the only one who thought the zebras were atrocious? They were consistently atrocious in both directions, so I don’t mean to suggest bias. They were just getting calls wrong left and right. It was frustrating.

Yes. 46+ personal fouls called.

Worse for me, believe it or not, was the low IQ decision making and the lack of fundamental basketball. Lazy passes. Three point shot attempts from Savannah Georgia.

I am ecstatic that we survived this and won the game. It does show that these guys have grit.

I just hope we can really tighten things up and pray more intelligently and soundly.

[RoseyMuskie]

Am I the only one who thought the zebras were atrocious? They were consistently atrocious in both directions, so I don’t mean to suggest bias. They were just getting calls wrong left and right. It was frustrating.

No. Jeffrey Anderson is terrible. His strut says it all. He’s Ted Valentine Jr.

[stammina0721]

It was equally bad but good officiating is defined by consistency. Officiating was consistent so noone can complain. X has to figure out basketball IQ before conference play. I don't know how you do that but it has to happen. If I ever see an unforced 10 second call again I may stop watching basketball

[stammina0721]

Don't disagree, but its November 22 of his freshman season.

That doesn't excuse less than 20% from the free throw line. Hell shaq had that killed

[atljar]

Up to 13th in adjusted D via kenpom

[scoscox]

Up to 13th in adjusted D via kenpom

and down to 53 in offense

[Nigel Tufnel]

I will give the refs credit for one thing...hell, maybe they just wanted to get out of the arena....but I noticed and appreciated that they didn't mess around between timeouts and especially free throws after fouls.

[xudash]

It was equally bad but good officiating is defined by consistency. Officiating was consistent so noone can complain. X has to figure out basketball IQ before conference play. I don't know how you do that but it has to happen. If I ever see an unforced 10 second call again I may stop watching basketball

Great point about the ten second call.

I like Bishop, but I didn’t know loop passes were a thing in basketball.

Too many missed bunnies as well - not always going up with authority.

Why was Murray sitting around UCONN fans?

[scoscox]

Guys, just remember, we won a 1 point game over UConn on ESPNU tonight and UC won a 1 point game against Illinois State on FloHoops. Things could be worse

[scoscox]

Great point about the ten second call.

I like Bishop, but I didn’t know loop passes were a thing in basketball.

Too many missed bunnies as well - not always going up with authority.

Why was Murray sitting around UCONN fans?

per shannon - hurley invited him. he claims he watches "every xavier game" he can though

[WCWIII]

No. Jeffrey Anderson is terrible. His strut says it all. He’s Ted Valentine Jr.

Speaking of Ted Valentine Sr. .... just wait until tomorrow (i.e. Sunday as I'm back from libations after the awesome victory). Ted Sr. is one official we haven't yet seen.

[whopper]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HS5VZ3zgfo.
a nice summary and Paul had 11 in row including that end of shot 3 and crazy bounce 3, Naj had a ton in a row. 2 lazy cross court passes by Scruggs and Bishop COULD HAVE killed up. I think Zach's block and layup could have been in this video othewise no complaints

[paulxu]

Amex is a great American. Go you Mucking Fuskies!

https://whiskeybytheglass.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Makers-Rocks-glass-2.jpg

[XUGRAD80]

Nothing negative for me this morning. I’m just going to sit back and bask in the glow of a 6-0 record and the knowledge that this is not last year. I’m going to savor a victory that was all about guts and grit and desire. Players can be taught to shoot better, to pass better, or be smarter. But you can’t teach Heart and no team can be great without it. This team has it. I’m not going to worry about what they don’t have. I’ll let others do that.

[American X]

Praise be upon Jason Carter. My biggest pet peeve is jacking a terrible three when you need one point. All credit to Jason for actually going toward the basket, because refs LOVE to call fouls, and icing the game.

And Zach Freemantle going overtime with the stuffing just in time for Thanksgiving.

[JTG]

Winning a game with a team held together with band aids and chewing gum really showed me something. And Freemantle is the real deal. Gonna love watching that kid.

[Xville]

Nothing negative for me this morning. I’m just going to sit back and bask in the glow of a 6-0 record and the knowledge that this is not last year. I’m going to savor a victory that was all about guts and grit and desire. Players can be taught to shoot better, to pass better, or be smarter. But you can’t teach Heart and no team can be great without it. This team has it. I’m not going to worry about what they don’t have. I’ll let others do that.

I agree. I'm not going to complain after a huge win..I'll wait until they lose :) .

[xukeith]

Agree. Pumped up on X coverage, I slept maybe at 3am.
Wins do cover negative feelings.
I am happy with the defense. Offense is slowly getting better. Knucklehead decisions. It is still very early.
6-0 is a great start. Hope the team shuts everything down and eats tons of food to recover from that 250 deree hot gym.
Shooting s better. ll X needs now is make free throws at a 70-75% clip, and then I am cool.

[UCGRAD4X]

I'll stay positive as well and even say something nice about the refs (gulp!)

The last play of the game after the HUGE free's by Carter with seconds left, I would not have been surprised to hear a whistle, but they swallowed hard.

(Of course, if we were on the other side of that, I'm sure I could have seen multiple fouls not called......Thank You God!)

[Xville]

I will say that tomorrow will be the first game this year that we play someone with equal or better talent than us on paper. It will be interesting to see how we respond.

[xu 89]

I'll stay positive as well and even say something nice about the refs (gulp!)

The last play of the game after the HUGE free's by Carter with seconds left, I would not have been surprised to hear a whistle, but they swallowed hard.

(Of course, if we were on the other side of that, I'm sure I could have seen multiple fouls not called......Thank You God!)

that's what she said

[whopper]

Matthew love ball youtube channel. a 20 minute summary..you miss nothing. I just subscribed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzfsuY3AWIs

[JTG]

I will say that tomorrow will be the first game this year that we play someone with equal or better talent than us on paper. It will be interesting to see how we respond.

I'd say UCONN has pretty good talent. Definitely better shooters than us, and waaaay better FT shooters than us.

[bobbiemcgee]

Well we finished the game with 2 grad transfers, 2 freshman and Tyrique in pain from a rolled ankle. He told Coach he couldn't go then decided he could. That last play with Carter was supposed to be kicked out to Bishop for a shot but luckily Carter got fouled. Steele said he had 100% confidence that Bishop would make it. Not so much here.

[GIMMFD]

Love that Steele has used the "Villanova 21" to get Naji two looks from 3 in clutch situations, and that he's canned both of them. The most positive thing I've witnessed is our defense. We're really getting after it at that end, and that basically has the potential to keep us in any game, even when the offense isn't clicking. Also, Paul Scruggs is a bad bad man, he made numerous buckets that had no business going in, love when he's playing aggressive, and we'll need more of that on Sunday. Lastly, LOVED Naji's quote, someone asked him how they kept their intensity throughout two overtimes, and Naji responded, "We love each other, and we love Coach Steele. That's basically it." A team that plays for each other, and buys in is really important, if the offense gets it figured out, we could be in for a really fun season. One game at a time though, and hopefully we can challenge Florida tomorrow. Great win, still buzzing from it.

[bleedXblue]

Matthew love ball youtube channel. a 20 minute summary..you miss nothing. I just subscribed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzfsuY3AWIs

Went back and watched the end of the game. Specifically the foul call on Moore on the 3 PT shot. They go back and show the angle from the refs perspective. He didn't come within a foot of touching the UCONN player.

[bleedXblue]

I'd say UCONN has pretty good talent. Definitely better shooters than us, and waaaay better FT shooters than us.

they shot 33% for the game.......just sayin

[AviatorX]

Went back and watched the end of the game. Specifically the foul call on Moore on the 3 PT shot. They go back and show the angle from the refs perspective. He didn't come within a foot of touching the UCONN player.

I think he got him on the elbow early in the shooting motion. The Bishop foul on Bouknight that led to the and one at the end of OT was absolutely horrendous though.

[IM4X]

Gotta love how this team never gave up and how the bench players stepped up when the 3 starters all fouled out.

How many of us thought that might be it after Naji foiled out. No Q, Naji or Paul to bring the ball down or help break the press. While it wasn’t perfect- a turnover by Bishop and one by Moore (though that looked like a foul to me), that group really stepped up when leaned on. A beautiful thing to see. A wonderful test for that 5 (Moore, Bishop, Freemantle, Carter, Jones) to prove they can play together if needed... impressive not just because 3 where bench players, but also because 3 of them were bigs who played like agile, lockdown guards on defense. So impressive.

[Xville]

I'd say UCONN has pretty good talent. Definitely better shooters than us, and waaaay better FT shooters than us.

On paper, they are below what our guys were ranked overall. Most of their guys are 3 stars outside of bouknoght and gilbert. Think they have 2 or 3 4 stars on their roster, we have 6 or 7

[AviatorX]

On paper, they are far below what our guys were ranked overall. Most of their guys are 3 stars.

Bouknight, Gaffney, and Akok, three of this year's freshman, are 4 stars. Gilbert, although he hasn't really lived up to it, was rated higher than anyone on X's roster.

Agreed though, Ollie wasn't getting it done. Pretty clear that tide has turned with Hurley.

[Xville]

Bouknight, Gaffney, and Akok, three of this year's freshman, are 4 stars. Gilbert, although he hasn't really lived up to it, was rated higher than anyone on X's roster.

Agreed though, Ollie wasn't getting it done. Pretty clear that tide has turned with Hurley.

So as I said, florida will be the first team this year that will have equal or better talent than us ooverall on paper.

Not saying uconn was a slouch..dont think they are and think they could potentially be a tourney team. It is just in regards to florida, you are talking a mcdonalds all american, another 5 star, and 3 four stars...a little bit more talent on paper.

[IM4X]

Again... really proud of this team.

After patting these fellas on the back for their effort, Steele needs to point out the key stupid decisions that really hurt the team.

Naji’s inexcusably bad decisions were the main reason that UConn even got back into the game early in the second half. He did redeem himself a bit later with a huge 3, but Naji consecutive poor choices (bad foul on a UConn player shooting a 3 and then forcing a bad 3 on the other end resulting in an easy rebound and bucket for UConn) allowed UConn to go on a big run... a run that never should have happened. It also knocked his teammates out of rhythm and caused them to lose confidence.

I am convinced UConn never gets close in the game, if Naji makes different choices there. He really has to learn to refrain from making wildly aggressive decisions that are more likely to hurt his team than help them. The dude has proven to be a very good facilitator and needs to keep that going until the right opportunities for him become available (which he did for the most part late in the game other than that horrific 30 foot 3 in overtime when X just needed him to drive and get a foul).

This team could be truly special if they play together and feed off of each other on offense like they do on defense. Steele has to keep staying on them about how much better they are on offense when they share the ball... when they patiently pass it around until a truly good opportunity presents itself.

[Xville]

Again... really proud of this team.

After patting these fellas on the back for their effort, Steele needs to point out the key stupid decisions that really hurt the team.

Naji’s inexcusably bad decisions were the main reason that UConn even got back into the game early in the second half. He did redeem himself a bit later with a huge 3, but Naji consecutive poor choices (bad foul on a UConn player shooting a 3 and then forcing a bad 3 on the other end resulting in an easy rebound and bucket for UConn) allowed UConn to go on a big run... a run that never should have happened. It also knocked his teammates out of rhythm and caused them to lose confidence.

I am convinced UConn never gets close in the game, if Naji makes different choices there. He really has to learn to refrain from making wildly aggressive decisions that are more likely to hurt his team than help them. The dude has proven to be a very good facilitator and needs to keep that going until the right opportunities for him become available (which he did for the most part late in the game other than that horrific 30 foot 3 in overtime when X just needed him to drive and get a foul).

This team could be truly special if they play together and feed off of each other on offense like they do on defense. Steele has to keep staying on them about how much better they are on offense when they share the ball... when they patiently pass it around until a truly good opportunity presents itself.

Agreed...if the offense somehow catches up with the defense this year...the final 2% could happen, especially in a year where no team in march is going to be overwhelmingly above x talent wise

[OTRMUSKIE]

Even the shot Naji made to tie the game was way too far of a shot and we had 19 secs left. The guy is OOC. Steele has to reel him in or he is going to cost us during a big game

[bobbiemcgee]

Freemantle's 5 blocks were huge.

[noteggs]

Gotta love how this team never gave up and how the bench players stepped up when the 3 starters all fouled out.

Besides the W, my favorite part of the game.

[UCGRAD4X]

Besides the W, my favorite part of the game.

Agreed. There seems to be a consensus that the main difference in this team to recent past is the depth and the quality of that depth. This game is a real testament to that notion and one that we can build on.

The best is yet to come.

Go Muskies.

Beat Citrus Slurpers.

[noteggs]

Freemantle's 5 blocks were huge.

Favorite sequence of plays from Freemantle. He’s going to be a special player. Parts are already.

https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/28143308

[UCGRAD4X]

Favorite sequence of plays from Freemantle. He’s going to be a special player. Parts are already.

https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/28143308

I hesitate to ask...Which parts of him?

That sequence should be what they call "an instant classic" (an expression I have always considered quite odd....until now).

[paulxu]

Couple of FO's and Hurley will fake going after him.

[American X]

Akok Akok is a nice player, but he is no Romain Guessagba-Sato-Lebel.

[IM4X]

Favorite sequence of plays from Freemantle. He’s going to be a special player. Parts are already.

https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/28143308

Yes-Yes-Yes!!!!!

that was just beauty in motion... like a Russian ballet... a very manly version of one (not that there is anything wrong with a non-manly ballet).

[IM4X]

Besides the W, my favorite part of the game.

you know, I got to watch Freemantle play last year. He was always impressive, but I was not so sure he was quite ready to bring that D1 level of toughness and skill at the next level his freshman year.

I gotta say, the way he has grown and so quickly - especially on the defensive end - has been remarkable. Just wow!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Even the shot Naji made to tie the game was way too far of a shot and we had 19 secs left. The guy is OOC. Steele has to reel him in or he is going to cost us during a big game

That was a long shot with a lot of time but Steel said that he specifically called for that play. So dont take issue with Naji if you have a problem with it, take issue with Steele.

[D-West & PO-Z]

An underrated huge part of the game was Carter's defense. He had several times he was out top on a guard and hung with him and got a block at the basket. That was huge.