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

[Muskie]

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

Xavier University Musketeers (5-0,0-0) vs. Connecticut (3-1,0-0)
Friday, November 22, 2019 at 9:00 p.m.
Charleston, South Carolina

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



Television: ESPN (TBD)







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 Towson in the Charleston Classic to improve to 5-0 on the season. (Link (https://goxavier.com/news/2019/11/21/mens-basketball-jason-carter-leads-musketeers-in-73-51-victory-over-towson.aspx))
Connecticut defeated Buffalo. (Link (https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2019/11/22/mens-basketball-uconn-rides-dominant-second-half-to-79-68-win-over-buffalo.aspx))

Huskies Media:
Connecticut Athletics Homepage (Link (https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mens-basketball))
Connecticut on Twitter (Link (http://@UConnMBB))

[AviatorX]

This feels like a Naji game (the good kind).

[Xville]

Great early season opportunity tonight and sunday...win these two and maybe x vaults into the top 10.

[GoMuskies]

I need to get started on hating UConn. This should help.

[SemajParlor]

I need to get started on hating UConn. This should help.

Grew up surrounded by their fans. Give it time, you will.

[whopper]

I am an alumni from 77 but am not a fan. It used to be UConn used to get Conn players and you could have an element of pride in their success but for past 25 years essentially no Conn players.. In fact Hartford banks used to hire UConn players who graduated and you could play with them at lunch at YMCA (no more Hartford banks). They do look good, must give devil their due, and I am going to watch at my favorite bar with my Xavier basketball hoodie for luck and will bite my nails.. It is an all hands on deck game but last night we had all hands on deck and maybe Q will turn it around.

[AviatorX]

Grew up surrounded by their fans. Give it time, you will.

In their defense, I can only imagine how this (or any) fan base would act if we had won 4 titles in the last 20 years. Especially if we pulled two of them out of our ass.

[UCGRAD4X]

In their defense, I can only imagine how this (or any) fan base would act if we had won 4 titles in the last 20 years. Especially if we pulled two of them out of our ass.

Reason enough to start hating them, but not necessarily puffing out our chest and trashing them. Even if we beat them and they have a down year - respect as a program does not negate hatred.

[GoMuskies]

Grew up surrounded by their fans. Give it time, you will.

Visited Twitter. Ready to rescind their Big East invitation.

[GoMuskies]

I don't suppose it really matters given that the final isn't until Sunday, but it seems odd that one semifinal is played at 12:00 in the afternoon and the other one at 9:30 at night.

[SemajParlor]

In their defense, I can only imagine how this (or any) fan base would act if we had won 4 titles in the last 20 years. Especially if we pulled two of them out of our ass.

Oh for sure. Was at the Final Four in Houston in 2011. It was AMAZING seeing Uconn fans talk trash to Kentucky fans on the way out of the stadium. That was nice.

It was also be a nice change of pace to see Villanova fans not running their mouths wild and taking over MSG. Uconn fans pack the house at the Garden.

[GIMMFD]

My brrother in law is from Connecticut and so the shit talking should be pretty fun today, whoever said it feels like a Naji game, I agree. I'm really hoping Q or Scruggs can lock down Vital though, that guy does about everything for UCONN, another fun match-up might be Akok vs Tyrique. I think it's gonna be a good game, close for sure, but I have a feeling we'll pull away at the end if we play anything like we did yesterday.

[BigMoeMusketeer]

I'm already dreading having to watch Hurley's annoying antics for 2+ hours. He may be brilliant, but his sideline style and demeanor are so over-the-top, it just drives me crazy. I want to win this game as much to ruin his trip, as I do the benefits to Xavier.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier -5

[XU 87]

Is the game at 9:00 or 9:30?

[GoMuskies]

Is the game at 9:00 or 9:30?

I see 9:30

[BigMoeMusketeer]

I see 9:30

ESPNU says 9:00.

Xavier MBB on twitter for a game preview says 9:00.

Last night's broadcast said 9:30.

[American X]

Is the game at 9:00 or 9:30?


I see 9:30


ESPNU says 9:00.

Xavier MBB on twitter for a game preview says 9:00.

Last night's broadcast said 9:30.


20 minutes after end of 7:00pm game.

[GoMuskies]

20 minutes after end of 7:00pm game.

So more like 9:45.

[GIMMFD]

So more like 9:45.

Well Towson and Buffalo are still scheduled for 7, so if the Buffs run them off the court then it may be closer to 9:30 haha. We'll have to see, that's the only thing that sucks about tournament games.

[Jesuit4Life]

Let's Go X

[SkyWalker]

I don't suppose it really matters given that the final isn't until Sunday, but it seems odd that one semifinal is played at 12:00 in the afternoon and the other one at 9:30 at night.

I think it was for ESPN. Villanova was at 2:30.

[GoMuskies]

Thank God for Central time!

[scoscox]

Is anyone else not getting the game right now? i'm getting some LSU football show

[noteggs]

Same

[Xville]

Here we go!!!

[stammina0721]

Just in time

X 68
UConn 64

[scoscox]

espnu's stream is so trash

[Jesuit4Life]

It's on now. FINALLY.

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[GoMuskies]

This start is some bullshit.

[paulxu]

No shit.

[American X]

The other team scores off of every bad 3. Naji & Scruggs both start game with bad shots = two UConn baskets instantly.

[GoMuskies]

Got better quick.

[paulxu]

When UConn comes in the BE next year, Hurley will be like having to play Cronin twice a year.

[scoscox]

this is gonna be an ugly game

[Xville]

This start is some bullshit.

What's wrong? We're winning :) . I cant wait for uconn to join the conference.

[Xville]

When UConn comes in the BE next year, Hurley will be like having to play Cronin twice a year.

Except I think Hurley can coach and isnt a complete douchebag.

[scoscox]

isnt a complete douchebag.

ehh i would disagree

[American X]

Q says get that shit out of here, please.

[scoscox]

gotta finish those around the rim

[GoMuskies]

Freemantle is an eraser.

[xu82]

Freemantle doesn’t look like a Frosh.

[American X]

Zach Freemantle drinks UConn's milkshake.

[GoMuskies]

Zach Freemantle drinks UConn's milkshake.

Eww

[D-West & PO-Z]

LETS GO X!!!

Like the energy. Freemantle dont give a shit.

[bjf123]

Freemantle doesn’t look like a Frosh.

Nope. Looking good!


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[UCGRAD4X]

The worst 3 pt team jacking up the 3s.

[GoMuskies]

What the fuck is Goodin doing?

[xu82]

Back to back TO’s on Q. “Do your job” she says. So true! He has a lot to offer, and some to avoid.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Its raining threes!

[scoscox]

debbie antonelli dropping truth bombs on Q lol

[xu82]

What the fuck is Goodin doing?


Keeping it close and interesting?

[GoMuskies]

Bishop must shoot real well in practice, because he shoots like shit in games and Travis doesn't seem to mind.

[scoscox]

tyrique absolutely has to make that

[D-West & PO-Z]

debbie antonelli dropping truth bombs on Q lol

She's really good, dont know if I had ever heard her before but I like her.

[scoscox]

She's really good, dont know if I had ever heard her before but I like her.

i think we've had her before once. might've been last year's holiday tournament

[UCGRAD4X]

Nice move to the rim off the dribble by Tyrique,

[bjf123]

She's really good, dont know if I had ever heard her before but I like her.

Agreed. She’s doing a great job.


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[scoscox]

Bishop must shoot real well in practice, because he shoots like shit in games and Travis doesn't seem to mind.

travis doesn't seem to mind q shooting, why would he care about bishop?

[American X]

Bishop must shoot real well in practice, because he shoots like shit in games and Travis doesn't seem to mind.


MCL doesn't flinch at those shots

[scoscox]

this is a game i wish we had tandy for

[xu82]

She's really good, dont know if I had ever heard her before but I like her.

I rarely pay much attention, but she is MUCH better than most we hear. She seems on the money when she makes her points without blathering.

[scoscox]

I rarely pay much attention, but she is MUCH better than most we hear. She seems on the money when she makes her points without blathering.

the "without blathering" thing is very refreshing

[D-West & PO-Z]

I rarely pay much attention, but she is MUCH better than most we hear. She seems on the money when she makes her points without blathering.

Pretty much the anti Dickey Simpkins....

[GoMuskies]

She's no Bill Walton!

[xu82]

We could use for some of these and ones to roll in......

[American X]

So old and out-of-shape Xavier fans travel to these events. I can't wait to be one.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Shooting FTs from here on out.

[xu82]

She's no Bill Walton!


I heard she couldn’t get her bong on the plane.....maybe next time.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Travel??

[scoscox]

for all of the lamenting of Q's offensive shortcomings, he's getting after it on defense like never before. i love his effort

[scoscox]

Travel??

second really questionable travel call by that same ref

[xu82]

So old and out-of-shape Xavier fans travel to these events. I can't wait to be one.

People who don’t have to worry about work tomorrow, or how to pay for the trip. I have to be old and out of shape on my couch at home.

[bjf123]

She's no Bill Walton!

Thank God!


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[D-West & PO-Z]

Thank God!


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Ok she just said Naji never forces anything, she lost me, lol.

[xu82]

FINALLY, the and one goes IN!

[GoMuskies]

She was doing great until she said Naji does not force anything. False.

[American X]

I love Naji as much as the next fan, except less so, but the announcers saying he is completely unselfish and never forces anything???

[xu82]

Ok she just said Naji never forces anything, she lost me, lol.

Probably a blood clot, but it seems to have passed.....

[GoMuskies]

If Bouknight hangs around, he's going to be a problem.

[UCGRAD4X]

I laughed out loud at that too

[xu82]

I love Naji as much as the next fan, except less so, but the announcers saying he is completely unselfish and never forces anything???

I think it was a test. You pass. Those not paying attention got an F!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Man Jones doesnt miss those often. Ugh

[UCGRAD4X]

Got their bigs in foul trouble - time for a 'frique show

[GoMuskies]

Scruggs. Jesus.

[D-West & PO-Z]

10 seconds? Wow cmon!

[KFX]

The barking is embarrassing. ESP against the huskies.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Scruggs. Jesus.

Yes, this lol.

[UCGRAD4X]

UCONN counters with cheaters. You heard it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The barking is embarrassing. ESP against the huskies.

No one watching (who doesnt know about it) even notices it probably.

[American X]

Shit. Sorry I did not post within 10 seconds. My bad. I did a 'my bad' chest gesture too.

[KabeX]

the "without blathering" thing is very refreshing
Debbie No Dickies!

[American X]

Bill Murray's corpse is there! We are going to win!

[GoMuskies]

I suspect AmX has had a drink tonight.

[KFX]

Naj. So unselfish

[GoMuskies]

Good thing Naji didn't force that 3.

[xu82]

I suspect AmX has had a drink tonight.

I hope so! I’d like some virtual company!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ugh, I get the 2 for 1 but not with that shot.

[Xville]

It's so awesome watching this team defend. I screamed for a team like this all during Mack's tenure and it is quite frankly why I wasnt a fan of his. Loving me some steele.

[xu82]

Good thing Naji didn't force that 3.


He almost hit something. Does the baseline count?

[KFX]

Barking is the new screaming.

[GoMuskies]

That was a fun half. Let's have another.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Love that play!

[paulxu]

There's a WHOLE LOT of old Muskies like me in the stands. Nice.

[Xville]

That was enjoyable. Let's put the clamps down right out of the half, and make this a beat down.

[UCGRAD4X]

Love that play!

The one thing I can actually give 'what's his name' credit for

[noteggs]

when uconn comes in the be next year, hurley will be like having to play cronin twice a year.

lmao

[GoMuskies]

Will Hurley pretend to try to fight Freemantle in the handshake line?

[KFX]

Agreed. Keep what works.

[XBR1]

It's so awesome watching this team defend. I screamed for a team like this all during Mack's tenure and it is quite frankly why I wasnt a fan of his. Loving me some steele.

Chris never defended when he played. I loved it when he guarded me.

[paulxu]

Will Hurley pretend to try to fight Freemantle in the handshake line?

Yes.

[American X]

I suspect AmX has had a drink tonight.


The advantage of the 9:50 ET tip is that I have already switched to bourbon (per guidance from my life coach, paulxu). I make sure to drink within 10 seconds of crossing halfcourt (and everything else, really).

[D-West & PO-Z]

The one thing I can actually give 'what's his name' credit for

It's Judas, his name is Judas.

[XBR1]

Keeping it close and interesting?

Sometimes I wonder if Q is point shaving.

[KabeX]

The advantage of the 9:50 ET tip is that I have already switched to bourbon (per guidance from my life coach, paulxu). I make sure to drink within 10 seconds of crossing halfcourt (and everything else, really).

And that is one of the many reasons why you're a GREAT AMERICAN!

[American X]

Danny Hurley, with the buttoned-to-the-top shirt and glasses, has the 'special' band geek look.

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3YlvKQ65d0/T9VQj9rf2CI/AAAAAAAAB8U/sjr7jGBA0kc/s200/Paul+age+16.jpg

[American X]

The one thing I can actually give 'what's his name' credit for


It's Judas, his name is Judas.


It's spelled 'Douche'.

[GoMuskies]

Naji didn't force it on defense there.

[UCGRAD4X]

Tyrique's hair looks like a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.

[American X]

Good thing Naji did not force that selfish three which lead to a UConn dunk.

[Xville]

Naji has a horrible basketball iq and goodin is garbage on offense.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Big bucket by Paul.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We should be up by 15...ugh

[GoMuskies]

It's comforting and familiar when our offense is hot garbage. Feels like us.

[GoMuskies]

Oh no, not foul trouble for Goodin!!!!!!!

[scoscox]

man, i can't wait for kyky to get healthy just so we can atleast have the option of benching q. it's so frustrating that we haven't had a legitimate backup for him his whole career

[D-West & PO-Z]

Oh no, not foul trouble for Goodin!!!!!!!

HA Steele leaving him in secretly hoping he picks up his 4th.

[Xville]

Get the damn ball out of naji and q hands and let paul go to work. Those two can sit the rest of the game for all I care.

[xu82]

It’s not that Q and Naji have nothing to offer....they DO. They just don’t seem to know what that is.

[scoscox]

It’s not that Q and Naji have nothing to offer....they DO. They just don’t seem to know what that is.

wish naji could recapture just a little bit of that magic from the end of last year. needs to get his mojo back. he's been totally out of sorts

[UCGRAD4X]

I like double teaming the one guy you don't want to leave open and then both guys back off him. Nails a triple.

[IM4X]

Naji is killing this team’s positive momentum...creating a run by UConn... makes a bad foul on UConn player shooting a desperate shot ... 2 free throws

Then forces a 3 at the other end.... misses.. and UConn gets the quick rebound and scores...

[GoMuskies]

Nice of Steele to keep Jones out long enough for UConn to get all the way back.

[KabeX]

OK time to quite the crap.

[Xville]

Naji can't even effing dribble.

[GoMuskies]

Oh no, not foul trouble for Naji!!!!

[scoscox]

Naji wtf man give us something

[xu82]

Time for Naji to do something to make him worth the trouble.

[GoMuskies]

Core Two

[American X]

Paul Shruggs is good at basketball. The rest of the team needs to let him be good at basketball.

[Xville]

Time for paul to step up and be the alpha dog of this team and naji to take a back seat.

[bjf123]

Damn. They’re already in the bonus.


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[xu82]

We need a spell of lousy FT shooting for the guys in white.....

[Roach]

Seriously, does Steele even know how to call a time-out? Sheesh.

[XBR1]

It’s time for Travis to call a play to get the ball inside.

[UCGRAD4X]

UCONN's defense intensity seems to be picking up

[KabeX]

Keep pounding it in.

[whopper]

Conn now paying a lot of attention to Paul ..I am hoping that Naj can step it up as it may provide opportunies

[XBR1]

Not that

[bjf123]

WTF?!?!?


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[D-West & PO-Z]

Fouling them in the backcourt in the bonus is not a good strategy. FUUUU

[GoMuskies]

We are playing like creamed feces.

[Xville]

Get tougher with the damn ball..geezus

[XBR1]

Can we score?

[GoMuskies]

Can we score?

Not much

[Xville]

So sick of seeing naji dribbling 30ft away from the basket.

[xu82]

We are playing like creamed feces.

We will want a new food processor after this one.

[bjf123]

How many turnovers is that?


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[noteggs]

7 points in second half with 10 minutes left is not good

[D-West & PO-Z]

What is Carter doing??

[Xville]

Just let scruggs shoot no one else.

[scoscox]

7 points in second half with 10 minutes left is not good

we could use someone to take charge of the offense. i think the term is point guard

[American X]

Don't worry. MCL is going to unlock the secret offensive plan he worked on all offseason.

[scoscox]

seems like we're getting fouled a lot without getting the call

[GoMuskies]

Naji actually made a nice play. Freemantle just is not yet a good finisher.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Naji actually made a nice play. Freemantle just is not yet a good finisher.

Yeah he offers nothing offensively in a game like this unfortunately.

[KabeX]

We're good. I just found the (and depressed) the reset f'in button. Geesshh.

[scoscox]

weve missed so many layups it's painful. the threes i understand, but the layups are unbearable. finish!

[X Factor]

Jones struggles mightily when going up against bigger guys.

[Xville]

Naji actually made a nice play. Freemantle just is not yet a good finisher.

Kind of..but that was one naji actually should have taken himself. His bb iq is pretty low relative to the talent he has.

[scoscox]

Jones, Carter, and Freemantle are a combined 5-20. that's unacceptable with how we shoot otherwise. missing the big spank something fierce right now

[KabeX]

F1? That's horrible.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Flagrant foul??? Wow

[Xville]

Geezus what a terrible call.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Terrible foul on Scruggs. Just let him score

[KabeX]

Not feeling real good about this. Find a way boys.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Geezus what a terrible call.

Horrible

[GoMuskies]

13 points in 14 minutes. Is that good?

[X Factor]

Goodin can't keep his man out of the lane

[D-West & PO-Z]

For as good as we look defensively this year we still seem to get easily beat off the dribble at crucial points in the game.

[Xville]

I know this has been talked about ad nauseam but wouldnt miles be pretty useful in a game like this where carlton is just completely abusing us in the 2nd half?

[whopper]

and almost all by Scruggs. still hopeful as it could be worse now

[bjf123]

13 points in 14 minutes. Is that good?

In football.


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[Blue Blooded-05]

This 4 point deficit feels like 14. But fear not, I am sure Steele is drawing up the stand around and watch Naji dribble uncontrolled offensive set

[scoscox]

13 points in 14 minutes. Is that good?

it would be really nice to get something from naji. it's like he's completely forgotten how to play this year

[GoMuskies]

We have a Naji sighting!

[RoseyMuskie]

This team has a basketball IQ of 0. And it starts with the core (Scruggs is the lone exception).

[scoscox]

they've let that kind of contact go all game. i'll take it if they start giving us that

[GoMuskies]

Can Bishop redshirt?

[xu82]

Must be nice to make a shot.....

[Xville]

R u kidding me with that 3? Geezus.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Why is Bishop out there?

[scoscox]

Must be nice to make a shot.....

seriously

[GoMuskies]

Thank you Freemantle. Love the hustle in contrast to Carlton.

[xu82]

Zach is the MAN!

[scoscox]

Why is Bishop out there?

foul trouble

[D-West & PO-Z]

Airball layup after nice play by Goodin

[Xville]

Freshmen playing so scared in crunch time.

[GoMuskies]

foul trouble

Sure, but we have Moore. And Schrand (yes, I'd rather see Schrand).

[Xville]

Freshmen playing so scared in crunch time.

And then freemantle does that :)

[KabeX]

Lots of time. Be the better team. What's wrong with Ty?

[xudash]

It’s right now.

Stop and tie. M

Foul out their center.

[American X]

Zach Freemantle drinks UConn's milkshake.


Eww

Zach Freemantle:


https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftvrecappersanonymous.files.wordpre ss.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fi-drink-your-milkshake.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

[X Factor]

Is Bishop Elias Harden 2.0?

[noteggs]

Freemantle bad shot then great block and great bucket and hustle. You get that with freshman I guess

[GoMuskies]

Goodin 3. Great idea there.

[xu82]

Q shooting a 3 there is the LAST thing I want to see.

[scoscox]

Is Bishop Elias Harden 2.0?

elias would be better right now, but gotta give him a little time lol

[American X]

Why the fuck is Goodin jacking a 3 on that precious possession?

[KabeX]

not smart

[GoMuskies]

And I like Carter, but he's just bad tonight. Real bad.

[scoscox]

Q be smart come on

[KabeX]

Anybody's game

[GoMuskies]

Nice D again Carter.

[bjf123]

Why the fuck is Goodin jacking a 3 on that precious possession?

Shot clock was about 3.


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[scoscox]

And I like Carter, but he's just bad tonight. Real bad.

yea, can't shoot from anywhere

[Xville]

Difference between having guys that can shoot and not.

[xu82]

Why the fuck is Goodin jacking a 3 on that precious possession?

Naji made him do it!

[scoscox]

might be smart to put someone else on polley

[GoMuskies]

Shot clock was about 3.


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Shot clock violation is better than a Q 3.

[xu82]

A 3 point game with a minute left usually feels closer.

[RoseyMuskie]

This team is Virginia Lite. They’ll let too many mediocre teams hang in and will lose because of the variation.

[KabeX]

Need a 2 for 1 here

[GoMuskies]

Is there a way to score 3 points in one possession? Anyone know?

[Xville]

Now go to the effing rim this possession.

[xudash]

Go. Inside.

[scoscox]

A 3 point game with a minute left usually feels closer.

there is no spot on the floor we can score at. really incredible

[xu82]

I have nothing important tomorrow. OT is good with me!

[KabeX]

Pound it in quick and score. Get a stop. And Win. Simple.

[GoMuskies]

L oh L

[KabeX]

Noooooooooooooooooooo. Yesssssssssssssssss

[whopper]

Again!!!..

[xudash]

He made it

[D-West & PO-Z]

Naji loves end of game dramatics.

Cmon D!

[Xville]

Holy f naji...that was a no no no no no...ok yes

[American X]

Lock down, M-FERS.

[Blue Blooded-05]

That was Crawford range!!

[bjf123]

Noooooooooooooooooooo. Yesssssssssssssssss

^^This^^


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[GoMuskies]

Can he just pretend every three is a miracle prayer to force OT?

[KabeX]

Lookin for OT. Do not foul. Switch the screens. Win.

[Roach]

And I like Carter, but he's just bad tonight. Real bad.
Steele’s night has been even worse.

[GoMuskies]

Fuck

[KabeX]

Ot baybeeee

[xudash]

Just great

[KabeX]

It's a cramp.

[xudash]

He’s walking at least.

[xu82]

I’d rather we lose than Jones miss a lot of time. Praying for a cramp.

[GoMuskies]

It's a cramp.

Thank God

[Xville]

Holy shit what a play by Jones

[KabeX]

Frickin lovin T Freakin Jones.