Game Thread: Marquette v. Xavier (January 29, 2020) Big East Conference Game

[paulxu]

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kBAAAOSwqfNXkU44/s-l300.jpg VS. https://userscontent2.emaze.com/images/e65e6ccf-8cfe-406f-8d2f-aa01f028df8e/180e9b7f9796db4d9dda57f287b47f70.jpeg


XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (13-7, 2-5 BIG EAST)
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN EAGLES (14-6, 4-4 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29, 2020 AT 8:30 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER (10,224) IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

Television: FS1 play-by-play from Thom Brennaman and analysis from Nick Bahe.
Radio: 700 WLW-AM 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). Broadcast is also available via Sirius XM (392) and Internet (982).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[paulxu]

Thought I'd start one to give everyone a place to rant!

[Xville]

Really need this one tonight...let's start a streak right here, right now

[bjf123]

The starters are Paul, Tyrique , Naji, Jason, and Zach.


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[Xville]

The starters are Paul, Tyrique , Naji, Jason, and Zach.


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Not a huge fan of this lineup and really dont understand what jason carter does to get so much love from Steele. But, whatever.

I know kyky had a bad game, but him and zach should be playing 25 plus a game and need to be able to play thru freshman mistakes.

[xu82]

Seton Hall/DePaul keeping me from viewing. Get this stuff over with!

OR, maybe go triple OT? I have mixed emotions about watching X this year.

[noteggs]

Seton Hall/DePaul keeping me from viewing. Get this stuff over with!

OR, maybe go triple OT? I have mixed emotions about watching X this year.

Hopefully it’s not another slow start

[Xville]

And the game switches over and I see x give up a wide open 3 and then turn the ball over. Yep, same shit

[IM4X]

Freemantle needs to be smarter... very predictable moves in the paint that are easy to defend.

like Q taking it inside and getting a foul though

[Xville]

Alright q nice shot.....I like the 4 out lineup

[IM4X]

Moore driving and making sure contact is made...this is more like it fellas.

[Xville]

Very locked in defensively...I smell a win

[IM4X]

Good start- very solid on defense side. Aside from a few bad passes offense, the boys are looking good on that side. A few fouls that Marquette got away with... Let’s Go X!

[GoMuskies]

Not getting to watch yet, but sure enjoying the score so far.

[IM4X]

Oh Freemantle needs to learn not to lay it up over the front of the iron. Ugh.

[IM4X]

We need Q back in there... yes you heard that right!

[Xville]

Seriously what does Jason carter do well to earn playing time?

[Xville]

Well, it was fun for a while

[IM4X]

Bad... bad lineup Steele... took out two of the hot players and replaced them with two struggling players
and now Marquette went on a big run

[Xville]

The four out one in was working great and Steele goes away from it...I just dont get it.

[X Factor]

Watching our upperclassmen make stupid mistakes game after game is so frustrating.

[Xville]

Does Steele not effing see that naji cant guard howard? How.juch more evidence do you need?

[IM4X]

Got to get points with Markus sitting

[X Factor]

Marquette's not even good. Yes, they have Howard, but the rest of the team is very average.

[xavierj]

Does Steele not effing see that naji cant guard howard? How.juch more evidence do you need?

Xavier was looking good up 5 and Goodin playing well and then he takes a charge and he takes him out and then Marquette takes over and puts the game away. WTF?

[xavierj]

Marquette's not even good. Yes, they have Howard, but the rest of the team is very average.

Agree

[IM4X]

Hello Naji. There is a game going on. How about joining in?

[Xville]

Down 6 at half at home...seen this movie this season way too much

[xavierj]

Xavier’s great defense getting torched. Marquette shooting over 50% from three and overall.

[X Factor]

We're 20 minutes from losing our 3rd home conference game of the year. That is depressing.

[bjf123]

Marquette's not even good. Yes, they have Howard, but the rest of the team is very average.

The rest of them don’t have to be that good. They just have to try not to suck.


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[Xville]

I keep waiting for this team to turn on the switch..looked like they had the first ten minutes, then reverted back to the team we have seen most of the season.

[whopper]

Brendan Bailey and Anim are good players. Anim actually played in Big East tournament for Marquette(with Ellenson Fischer, etc) and must have lost a year to injury as it would seem to be impossible. I just double checked the box score and see Abel, Farr, Austin, London in game.

[X Factor]

This is the most underachieving team...picked 3rd in the BE. Going to finish anywhere from 7th to 10th.

[drudy23]

What's the deal with Steele subbing out Naji when he got fouled? How can he not know the rule? He's yelling at the ref like it was the ref's fault. Hey dummy, don't take out a free throw shooter if he isn't hurt.

[AviatorX]

What's the deal with Steele subbing out Naji when he got fouled? How can he not know the rule? He's yelling at the ref like it was the ref's fault. Hey dummy, don't take out a free throw shooter if he isn't hurt.

I’m just watching on TV, but it looked like he was frustrated Wojo picked Goodin first and then switched to Jones. Goodin was on the line and all.

[bjf123]

What's the deal with Steele subbing out Naji when he got fouled? How can he not know the rule? He's yelling at the ref like it was the ref's fault. Hey dummy, don't take out a free throw shooter if he isn't hurt.

He had to come out because the trainers went out to him on the court. Wasn’t an option.


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[drudy23]

He had to come out because the trainers went out to him on the court. Wasn’t an option.


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Oh - I didn't see anyone out there.

[xavierj]

What's the deal with Steele subbing out Naji when he got fouled? How can he not know the rule? He's yelling at the ref like it was the ref's fault. Hey dummy, don't take out a free throw shooter if he isn't hurt.

Not to mention taking out Q when he was actually playing good and we had the lead. He took a dumb shot, took a charge to make up for it, Travis takes him out and then all down hill. These guys don’t seem to like playing for Travis. Take Marquette 2nd half. This will get ugly. Travis is fighting and over coaching his own team.

[paulxu]

Marquette shooting 50%. I'm thinking that means our defense may have some holes.

Also, please Tyrique, save the flex for when we are ahead.

[drudy23]

And more of the "this is what I need", "this is what I want", "I need you to do this", "I need more of this"

I hate it when coaches think the players are playing for them. It's their team.

[xukeith]

Seton Hall/DePaul keeping me from viewing. Get this stuff over with!

OR, maybe go triple OT? I have mixed emotions about watching X this year.

If you don't watch, will you not read the X messageboard? Take 6 months off.

[xukeith]

Why was Naji benched the last 3 minutes of the half?

[xu82]

If you don't watch, will you not read the X messageboard? Take 6 months off.

I’m watching, and texting a buddy in Cintas. What’s your point?

[drudy23]

Thom gets so excited watching Howard dribble into missed shots.

[Xville]

What a response coming out of the lockerroom... there you go boys!

[whopper]

And more of the "this is what I need", "this is what I want", "I need you to do this", "I need more of this"

I hate it when coaches think the players are playing for them. It's their team. That is a good point..it would be one think if Patrick Ewing was the coach (and even then it would not be great) but it may be a slight turn off to the players.. The "I" should be taken out of it..I knew there was something that rung a little hollow

[DART87]

What a response coming out of the lockerroom... there you go boys!

YES!

Get this game!

[AviatorX]

Thom gets so excited watching Howard dribble into missed shots.

More XU turnovers or Thom “all of the sudden”’s this half?

[drudy23]

Good Naji.

[DART87]

Good Naji.

Naj WOW!

[Xville]

Naji has a really solid mid range game...needs to utilize more but go easy on the over dribbling.

Team really responded coming out of the locker room. I will certainly give Steele some props for that

[xu82]

Good Naji.

Good Naji is our very dear friend. I may have made promises during the UC game that were a bit overboard. I have to always be kind now.....

[xu82]

How does that dunk NOT go down???

[drudy23]

That probably hurt - no way that can be an intentional foul though.

[xu82]

Awesome pass by Naji! He knew where the shooter was! No holding out on the Frosh.

[xu82]

That probably hurt - no way that can be an intentional foul though.

No way, that’s just life under the basket!

[X Factor]

Awesome pass by Naji! He knew where the shooter was! No holding out on the Frosh.

That was a smart play by Naji finding an open Tandy. Big shot.

[xu82]

I hope Howard feels better.......in time for his NEXT game.

[xu82]

Q is my favorite player! :-)

[Xville]

Great shot q! I have hated on the kid for about a year and a half but he is having a heck of a game

[Lloyd Braun]

Tweaking knee = slump buster

[Xville]

My gawd carter come to the ball.

[AviatorX]

Quad 1 win right there for the taking. Got to fucking finish this.

[xu82]

Howard is OUT. That don’t hurt......

[Xville]

Ok come on...marquette gifting it to us with howard not in, win the damn game

[drudy23]

No way you can lose this game. Have to find a way.

[X Factor]

How does Tyrique miss the rim from 5 feet away?

[drudy23]

Bad Naji is trying to make a comeback.

[xu82]

MAKE your FT’s! That may be the difference!

[drudy23]

Tight game execution is not our strong suit.

[Xavgrad08]

We are so bad at half court offense. Missing foul shots does not help the cause.

[Xville]

Again...what does carter do well? Have to have a shooter out there...dont care if its moore or kyky.

[drudy23]

We are so bad at half court offense. Missing foul shots does not help the cause.

Especially when the game is close.

[xu82]

Fouling with one second left on the shot clock is a very bad idea. It’s becoming a habit.

[AviatorX]

Well X has definitely played to their identity or whatever other corny phrase Steele used this week. So if they don’t grind out these final 3 minutes, there’s just no excuse.

[Xville]

Win this one, take our beating in Jersey and win two next week. Come on!

[drudy23]

Why on earth the ball isn't in Scruggs hands in every late game situation is beyond me.

[Xville]

Great job scrugggy!

[AviatorX]

Win this one, take our beating in Jersey and win two next week. Come on!

I don’t care what happens in Jersey as long as Thom Brennaman isn’t on the call. He is awful.

[DART87]

X needs a bucket...what will coach do?

[Xville]

Shit

[drudy23]

Give the ball to fuckin Scruggs!!!!!

[DART87]

really?

[Xville]

Absolutely terrible lineup last 4 minutes by Steele. Absolutely no reason to not have moore or tandy in the game. Inexcusable

[drudy23]

Cannot have your dumbest players in at crunch time!!!!!!

[DART87]

Lol

[Lloyd Braun]

Was that foul Steele’s fault too?

[DART87]

Not sure about those last 2 calls

[Xville]

Our team is a bunch of fucking morons. There goes the season. This is on Steele and the players the last 4 minutes was absolute garbage basketball.

Steele is an absolute vagina for having that lineup in the last 4 minutes...fucking joke

[coasterville95]

Banging head against concrete wall


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[Lloyd Braun]

Cannot have your dumbest players in at crunch time!!!!!!

So what is the smart guy lineup?

[drudy23]

Absolutely terrible lineup last 4 minutes by Steele. Absolutely no reason to not have moore or tandy in the game. Inexcusable

YOU CANNOT HAVE NAJI AND Q IN THE GAME IN CRUNCH TIME.

Sick of the same shit every game.

[DART87]

MU blocks it ob and they get the ball?

[HenryMuto]

Wow how stupid

[IM4X]

Rocks for a brain.

[drudy23]

There is absolutely no excuse to not have the ball in Scruggs' hands the last 2 minutes.

No excuse.

[Lloyd Braun]

Villanova play for OT

[AviatorX]

Couldn’t sum up the core four any better than that.

Same set as Missouri and UCONN

[drudy23]

Naji giveth, Naji taketh away.

[DART87]

Again with that play...OK!

[HenryMuto]

Marquette tried to foul ref didn't call it

[SM#24]

Then there’s that !

[Xville]

Whatever..no reason x should have even been in this position. This game should be over with an x win but Steele doesnt know what his lineup should be in crunch time and some of our classmen have the worst bb IQ I have ever seen.

[stammina0721]

No reason to go 7-17 from the free throw line. Nothing about that is coaching and is the reason the game is where it's at

[HenryMuto]

30 footer for the tie too bad it was only for the tie and not the win.

[xu82]

I don’t blame the coach. The player needs to be smarter than that. He’s often not, and now celebrating after the make, but it was NOT smart basketball.

[drudy23]

This will likely just lead to 5 more minutes of stupidity.

[whopper]

Naji giveth, Naji taketh away.

I am not even happy as it NEVER should have one to this..but hope to make best of it

[xu82]

Whatever..no reason x should have even been in this position. This game should be over with an x win

Make a high school level of FT’s and it would have been over.

[GoMuskies]

Naji owed us that shot. He was a poor man's Jeff Robinson down the stretch before that shot.

[Xavgrad08]

We have executed poorly down the stretch, but let’s win in OT. Home game and Marquette is without Howard. Let’s go.

[IM4X]

Come on. Smart ball boys. Finish strong!!!!!!

[Lloyd Braun]

Most surprising part of that sequence is Marquette not scoring while Naji and company were celebrating the tying 3

[drudy23]

That was one hell of a shot by McEwen

[Xville]

Steele: well, this lineup couldnt throw it in the ocean the last 4 minutes of the game..but eff it I'll throw them back out there for ot

[KabeX]

Good God Thom is awlful

[drudy23]

3 impossible shots go in.

[xu82]

8/19 on FT’s is a reason to lose, unfortunately

[Xville]

Mcewen making an absolute joke of this team.

[Lloyd Braun]

Refs bailing out the road team here a bit.

[Xville]

That's x ball

[Xville]

Steele for fuck sake bring a shooter in

[xu82]

Tyrique looks just sad, or tired, or both. That’s not a good thing.

[xu82]

Have I mentioned FT’s are kinda important?

Naji is 1/4 so far, so he’s due, right?

[drudy23]

Steele for fuck sake bring a shooter in

It's evident that he's going to live or die with his core. Unfortunately.

[Lloyd Braun]

Steele for fuck sake bring a shooter in

Umm... I know you aren’t new here but those types of players are not on this roster.

[Xavgrad08]

I love the announcer saying X needs to move the ball on offense. The same thing Tim Miles said about X’s offense earlier in the year. Hmm.

[Lloyd Braun]

Is the flop rule just not a thing anymore?

[drudy23]

I like it when Thom said "nothing but net", and it hit the rim hard like 4 times and made a really loud noise.

[letskeepitreal]

Wow, nervous. We need this game

[drudy23]

Wow, they're dumb too.

[Lloyd Braun]

I’m not sure Carter belongs on the Brain Team either. Wtf was that.

Double OT we go

[KabeX]

Wow, they're dumb too.

My exact thought too.

[Xville]

This is bad basketball

[KabeX]

The good thing is they're dumb and we have new life. The bad thing is 5 more min of T. Brenn.

[X Factor]

That was unclutch by Carter on the offensive rebound put back attempt. Could he have any less touch?

[IM4X]

Carter is seriously struggling tonight. I mean come on man.

[Xville]

Double ot and still haven't hit 70 points lol

[DART87]

Ok we miss a shot but get a rebound with 10 seconds left and don't call a TO? just shoot it and miss and givre MU a chance to win?

[xu82]

My exact thought too.

We need them to “out-dumb” us! You knew the last shot would be Naji, but I was OK with Scruggs too. Or any GOOD shot.

[xu82]

Double ot and still haven't hit 70 points lol


This is playing into my pick the score, but I didn’t count on double OT.

[KabeX]

Anyone know the last time Q made a 3?

[Xville]

Nice q!!!

[drudy23]

Xavier basketball, hell in a cell.

[Xville]

How many low bb IQs can fit on a court at one time?

[drudy23]

So now we want Tyrique to stay in the game to shoot free throws?

We think backwards.

[Xville]

Um hey idiot players you dont want jones taking the foul shots

Geezus this team is f stupid

[Lloyd Braun]

Don’t think it matters who shoots FTs

[KabeX]

So now we want Tyrique to stay in the game to shoot free throws?

We think backwards.

But if he can't see out of one eye...

[xu82]

So now we want Tyrique to stay in the game to shoot free throws?

We think backwards.

But....since he’s likely to miss.....and he’s our best rebounder......huh?

[drudy23]

How on earth is that a flagrant foul?

[Xville]

Good call...there was zero play on the ball.

[Lloyd Braun]

How on earth is that a flagrant foul?

Ref has the over

[KabeX]

Oh my

[drudy23]

What in the hell was that JC? JFC

[Xville]

Carter is seriously completely worthless

[xu82]

Did that FT stroke look quick or what?

[KabeX]

So, anyone know the last time Q made a 3?

[xu82]

Q broke the dam?

[drudy23]

This is the weirdest game of all time.

[Xville]

Q!!!!!!!!

[Xavgrad08]

Was Carter mumbling come on as he shot those foul shots. My gosh. Q came to play.

[IM4X]

Good to see Goodin back to playing good ball!

[xu82]

Did he walk AND 3 seconds?

[Lloyd Braun]

Guy calls a foul from 35 feet away

[drudy23]

That call was so bad.

[SM#24]

Got doubly fucked there.

[KabeX]

I refuse to comment on these pathetically bad inept refs who are stealing the game away from us. They're dumb.

[Xville]

Naji being out of this game is not the worst thing in the world

[mistabeecee41]

I refuse to comment on these pathetically bad inept refs who are stealing the game away from us. They're dumb.

Ah yes, the old refs are costing us the game argument. Forgot about our FTs already?

[drudy23]

Does either team deserve to win this one?

[Xville]

Ah yes, the old refs are costing us the game argument. Forgot about our FTs already?

Or the completely inept offense the last 4 minutes of regulation

[KabeX]

You could see it coming a mile away

[drudy23]

Thom is intolerable.

[IM4X]

No forced 3s

[SM#24]

Of course, we can’t use our end of the game play now.

[Xville]

Oh goody jones is shooting fts. Wojo should be thrilled, even the coaches are fucking stupid

[KabeX]

Ah yes, the old refs are costing us the game argument. Forgot about our FTs already?
God no. See my previous 29 comments

[XU 23]

11/24 from the FT line. Travis, please recruit some shooters. Please

[drudy23]

Great decision Q.

[drudy23]

No Howard - and we blow this mess.

[Xville]

Hahaha saw that coming a mile away. X didnt deserve to win...this team is so stupid and the coach doesnt have an effing clue as to what he is doing.

[XU 23]

No discipline from Q there. None.

[X Factor]

Marquette without Howard for over 30 minutes and we can't beat them at HOME!!

[Xville]

No Howard - and we blow this mess.

I have never seen a worse 4 minutes of basketball than at the end of regulation. Steele doesnt have a clue and our players are even dumber

[Blue Blooded-05]

So many what the @#$& moments. This team is hopeless.

[xu82]

11/24 from the FT line. Travis, please recruit some shooters. Please

What? That’s not horrible.

For a middle school team.

[drudy23]

Steele is kinda clueless, and I think the rest of the staff might be too.

[drudy23]

Omfg

we are the dumbest basketball team in the world!!!!

[Lloyd Braun]

Fitting end.

[KabeX]

And I didn't think we could get any dumber. Unreal

[Xville]

Hahahahahaha completely personifies how dumb this team is

[X Factor]

Hahahahahaha!!! This is so sad its funny.

[IM4X]

1. some serious mistakes at the end.

2. The free throw shooting has been a joke (even 50% would have won us the game)

3. Carter was just atrocious.

4. Jones doesn’t shoot with an open shot.

Good Grief.

[drudy23]

What on earth has this program turned into.

[Xavgrad08]

This X team is tough to watch. We got Marquette at home without Howard for most of the game. Couldn’t get it done. Abysmal offense the last 5 minutes of regulation.

[goldiewilson]

Lol what a dumb team. Going to be weird not having either Xavier or UC in the dance, barring a conference tourney run.

[SM#24]

It’s a team that finds ways to lose.

[drudy23]

I'm legit concerned about the next few years.

[AviatorX]

Steele could be a horrible coach, but this group just doesn’t have it. This roster sucks.

[GIMMFD]

For fuck sake.

[X Factor]

I'm legit concerned about the next few years.

Who knows, maybe a lot of roster turnover will do this program good. Bring in some young guys who are hopefully smarter than the guys we have now. Hopefully Steele's not part of the larger problem. It's hard to tell with a bunch of guys who have 5th grade level bball IQ's.

[Lloyd Braun]

They fought til the very end just like always!

Maybe Steele is a bit of a spaz and not a calming presence? A poor mans Kevin Willard perhaps.

[xukeith]

YOU CANNOT HAVE NAJI AND Q IN THE GAME IN CRUNCH TIME.

Sick of the same shit every game.

Marshall, Scruggs and Goodin were the only offensive weapons. A team that is poor offensively must need to compensate that with good free throws. Ehh. Pop goes X's season unless a hot Quinton leads X to a championship

[drudy23]

They fought til the very end just like always!

Maybe Steele is a bit of a spaz and not a calming presence? A poor mans Kevin Willard perhaps.

That might have been the worst close game of all time.

There's nothing to feel good about after that one.

[Xville]

Steele could be a horrible coach, but this group just doesn’t have it. This roster sucks.

You put moore or tandy in at any point the last 5 minutes of regulation, and x comes home with a win. The chicken shit Steele of living and dying with the crap starting lineup that's basically done nothing all year for the last 5 minutes of regulation and ot is some of the dumbest coaching I have ever seen.

[SM#24]

We shot better from 3 than from 1.

[drudy23]

I can hear it now - Q and Naji are "my guys"

OK Trav

[GoMuskies]

Our guys played hard. They're just not very good.

[KFX]

This team sucks Embarrassingly poor team. Steele should do the right thing and resign. He is without a clue.

[drudy23]

KyKy sat 10 more minutes than he played.

WHY?????????????

[whopper]

It was really all about foul shots sad to say. Anim has such a clean game compared to the complicated games of Naj and Paul. McEwen first name Kobe (surprised nobody mentioned it)..when he it the 3 with X up 5 with a minute to go beginning of the end and we actually were glad that he was shooting for a minute until we realized how good he was. I feel for Carter(although he is is own worst enemy) as he is a spare wheel on this team but damn it he should have gone 2-4 not 0-4 and 40 years ago I had the same thing happen to me..moved up to higher level with strangers on a set team and it sucked and I still remember every screw up. I hope we can be representative the rest of the year as we are like a wounded zebra now with a pride of lions

[Xville]

KyKy sat 10 more minutes than he played.

WHY?????????????

Because carter needs to play because hes so good at??????

[Lloyd Braun]

Speaking of Carter ... can’t wait to watch him next year too.

[whopper]

if he is like me it will be the most sleepless night of his life and I think he is too sensitive like I was

[Masterofreality]

It was really all about foul shots sad to say. Anim has such a clean game compared to the complicated games of Naj and Paul. McEwen first name Kobe (surprised nobody mentioned it)..when he it the 3 with X up 5 with a minute to go beginning of the end and we actually were glad that he was shooting for a minute until we realized how good he was. I feel for Carter(although he is is own worst enemy) as he is a spare wheel on this team but damn it he should have gone 2-4 not 0-4 and 40 years ago I had the same thing happen to me..moved up to higher level with strangers on a set team and it sucked and I still remember every screw up. I hope we can be representative the rest of the year as we are like a wounded zebra now with a pride of lions

Well, foul shots, and apparently Steele can't recognize that no body else on Marquette could score but McEwen, so he just lets the guy play 1 on 1, doesn't try a zone until too late, and has no clue about a Box and 1 or Triangle and 2. JUST TO STOP 1 GUY!!!

And, man. Does that Xavier Way Practice points work!!! Jason Carter gets all these minutes, but can't rebound (4), gives up all kind of second shots, can't play Defense, misses 4 free throws and scores a huge 5 points!! Damn, so glad that practice earns game playing time!!! #MACPracticePlayer

[X-band '01]

I wonder how much gas will be left in the tank for a morning game at Seton Hall on Saturday. It would be one thing coming off of a win, but a demoralizing loss? Yeet.

[drudy23]

I still don't understand how a team can be this dumb with several upperclassmen.

[SM#24]

Best part of the game was the shot Howard made at the end of the 1st half.

[drudy23]

I wonder how much gas will be left in the tank for a morning game at Seton Hall on Saturday. It would be one thing coming off of a win, but a demoralizing loss? Yeet.

They're not gong to win that game.

And they likely won't win in Chicago. There's a decent chance we come in last place.

[Masterofreality]

I still don't understand how a team can be this dumb with several upperclassmen.

Because they've been Coached Down. And the lineups are ridiculous.

[AviatorX]

This team just sucks. No one is enough of a difference maker that the minutes allocation is worth litigating, the way I see it.

The FSU tournament loss broke me. I posted after that game that it really sucked X blew that chance because who knows when (if ever) they’ll be in that position again. It really feels like the “if ever” part of that sentence is in play, and I still just can’t bring myself to get that worked up. I guess two years of awful basketball (results and optics wise) will do that.

[Masterofreality]

I wonder how much gas will be left in the tank for a morning game at Seton Hall on Saturday. It would be one thing coming off of a win, but a demoralizing loss? Yeet.

Spoiler. There will be none. Dead.

[drudy23]

Anyone listen to postgame with Byron and Joe and/or the presser?

[Strange Brew]

Ah yes, the old refs are costing us the game argument. Forgot about our FTs already?

I hate bs like this. Just stop. Yeah, we missed FTs but the officiating was so ridiculous it’s damn criminal. Travy needs to sack up and take a T for the team. Atrocious down the stretch. I’d throw a chair on the court..

[KFX]

Well, foul shots, and apparently Steele can't recognize that no body else on Marquette could score but McEwen, so he just lets the guy play 1 on 1, doesn't try a zone until too late, and has no clue about a Box and 1 or Triangle and 2. JUST TO STOP 1 GUY!!!

And, man. Does that Xavier Way Practice points work!!! Jason Carter gets all these minutes, but can't rebound (4), gives up all kind of second shots, can't play Defense, misses 4 free throws and scores a huge 5 points!! Damn, so glad that practice earns game playing time!!! #MACPracticePlayer

This. Carter can’t shoot worth a damn - those two late misses were big. The kid misses two then has a wide open three which he hesitates on because his confidence is gone. He gets way too many minutes. Tandy should be a regular in this team by now and he gets spot minutes. Steele put the kid in late in the last game and drew up a shot for him right off the bench. The guard rotation makes no sense whatsoever. So many big possessions and piss poor decisions. Steele ain’t going to make it.

[xavierj]

Anyone listen to postgame with Byron and Joe and/or the presser?

Nope. Why? This is rock bottom. Don’t need any more torture.

[xu82]

Our guys played hard. They're just not very good.

We will be more talented next year. I have faith.

Long term.

[drudy23]

Nope. Why? This is rock bottom. Don’t need any more torture.

Just wondering if Steele showed up.

[Strange Brew]

Nope. Why? This is rock bottom. Don’t need any more torture.

You’re weak. Do you remember Miller blowing a 20 point lead at home against GW? GW, let that sink in. Or how about when Evansville was a rival?

[XUBison]

Anyone listen to postgame with Byron and Joe and/or the presser?

I listened to the last few minutes of regulation on the radio. It went like this, almost verbatim…

Joe: “ What can the Musketeers do to get some offense going here? Maybe put Freemantle in?”

Byron: “Yes! I don’t want Carter in there. And Naji, he’s got to stop taking terrible shots!”

[IM4X]

We will be more talented next year. I have faith.

Long term.

I wish I did. I really wish I did. We are talking about a team that will have lost its best (and most consistent) post player and maybe even its best 3 or 4 scores. I am just having real trouble seeing it.

[SM#24]

I just hope we make enough of a run to get in the NIT with preferably a high seed for a home game. I’ve never been to an NIT game. I can knock that off my bucket list.

[XUBob]

Guys,
I’ve been less than happy with Travis this year but I have a hard time putting this one on him. I will agree Carter gets too many minutes,but, for those asking for Tandy he made two weak passes when X was up eight that resulted in live ball turnovers and gave Marquette 4 points. He didn’t guard anyone either. Let’s talk about the last five minutes of offense. Three turnovers and a phantom offensive foul on Q didn’t help. When X was up five with a minute left, Naji yelled switch, Paul didn’t and Marquette hits a three. Can’t go 11-25 at the line and win. Now do I there are areas that Travis can improve in absolutely but I’m not in that camp tonight. This is a hard group to watch for sure. Feel free to blast me cause I know it is coming.

[KFX]

13-8. With 7 wins in November. 4 in December and two all month. Doesn’t bode well. This team does nothing well. Ill discipline in every facet of the game including coaching. The free throw shooting is grade school quality. Unacceptable at this level. Just unacceptable.

He actually said to his team tonight “no three point shots and no layups”. Ok coach.

[Masterofreality]

Anyone listen to postgame with Byron and Joe and/or the presser?

Yup. Nothing to hear here. Byron just gave him some softball questions that ...."You know, Man...." he could just blithely answer like. "We've just gotta shoot better from the foul line" (uh, like it hasn't been a problem for 2 years?) and "Yeah, Man. We gotta stop giving up second shots" (no mention of Milquetoast Jason Carter who, despite being taller than all Marquette starters and, save one guy, the whole team, who got 4, count 'em FOUR total rebounds.) and "Yeah, man. McEwen was pretty good out there". (uh he was the only guy who scored and had 17 in a row for 7 minutes, but until the last 30 secs when you went zone, finally you didn't change a freaking thing..even though there was no Howard on the floor.)

But Props to Steele for showing up after a tough loss. :facepalm:

[xu82]

I wish I did. I really wish I did. We are talking about a team that will have lost its best (and most consistent) post player and maybe even its best 3 or 4 scores. I am just having real trouble seeing it.

Looooong term.

I won’t upset myself by seeing it any other way. What’s to be gained?

[drudy23]

I listened to the last few minutes of regulation on the radio. It went like this, almost verbatim…

Joe: “ What can the Musketeers do to get some offense going here? Maybe put Freemantle in?”

Byron: “Yes! I don’t want Carter in there. And Naji, he’s got to stop taking terrible shots!”

For real? That's awesome.

I knew he was pissed. I love Byron.

[Masterofreality]

Guys,
I’ve been less than happy with Travis this year but I have a hard time putting this one on him. I will agree Carter gets too many minutes,but, for those asking for Tandy he made two weak passes when X was up eight that resulted in live ball turnovers and gave Marquette 4 points. He didn’t guard anyone either. Let’s talk about the last five minutes of offense. Three turnovers and a phantom offensive foul on Q didn’t help. When X was up five with a minute left, Naji yelled switch, Paul didn’t and Marquette hits a three. Can’t go 11-25 at the line and win. Now do I there are areas that Travis can improve in absolutely but I’m not in that camp tonight. This is a hard group to watch for sure. Feel free to blast me cause I know it is coming.


Bob, it is on Steele. He couldn't even recognize that A) The only guy who could score on Marquette without Howard was McEwen, and he just let the guy play 1 on 1 for 7 freaking minutes and score 17 in a row. Never changed defense until the last minute or so when he finally tried a zone. Apparently there are no junk defenses taught like a Box and 1 or Triangle and 2 to cut one guy off. Must not be enough practices in yet. B) Leaving Jason Carter in that game for all those 2nd half minutes while Freemantle was on the bench was ludicrous.
Those are just two things about the game. But glad that they get those Xavier Way Practice points in- especially awarding apparently nothing for free throws.

[KFX]

How does he not account for mcewan during his hot stretch. Hell he got a gift with Howard out and that kid torched us. And a minor matter but this “war” and “kills” shit has got to go. IMHO

[XUBob]

MOR,

I guess we will agree to disagree tonight. Don’t want to get in a pissing match, you are too good of a friend and offered much needed support in a time of need. Life is bigger than basketball. One thing I think you are 100% correction is Jason Carter. I have a good friend that keeps saying give him time. In frustration tonight I texted him “My name if Jason Carter and I suck at basketball.” Bad roster for many reasons, in the same boat a year from now Christopher may have todo something.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This has to have been mentioned but I did not read threat yet.

Steele had an enormous coaching failure tonight sending Carter to the FT line for those flagrant foul shots. I was screaming what are you doing? He had no confidence tonight. Was already 0-2 from the FT line, passed up open threes. And missed that bunny floater at end. That was just an inexplicable mistake by Steele. And Carter's FT % on the year doesnt matter, it was clear Carter had nothing to give tonight not even from line.

[SemajParlor]

I miss Trevon and JP. Boy does that feel like a decade ago.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I miss Trevon and JP. Boy does that feel like a decade ago.

Hell I even miss Ryan Welage!

But yeah seriously that was a golden age of Xavier basketball. Felt like we'd always be there at the time. We are light-years from there now.

[XUBob]

Steele did not send Carter, Wojo did. The opposing coach gets to choose the free throw shooter when the player that was fouled has to leave the game.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Steele did not send Carter, Wojo did. The opposing coach gets to choose the free throw shooter when the player that was fouled has to leave the game.

It was a flagrant foul though which is like a technical. I am 99% sure that Steele got to pick in that situation unlike when Wojo picked Jones earlier in the game due to Naji injury.

[waggy]

You guys are a bunch of pansies. This team can and will get it figured out.

I say they make the tourney.

[goldiewilson]

It was a flagrant foul though which is like a technical. I am 99% sure that Steele got to pick in that situation unlike when Wojo picked Jones earlier in the game due to Naji injury.


You are 100% correct. If it is a normal foul and the player is unable to shoot the free throws, the opposing coach picks from the four remaining players that are on the floor. If it is a flagrant foul the head coach of the injured player decides who shoots the free throws for his team.

[Xville]

I have never been more pissed off about a xavier game than this one, even the tournament losses. Once howard goes out, it is absolutely inexcusable to lose to marquette at home. These players have the worst bb IQ I have ever seen, and Steele was a gawd awful coach last night
That was a complete abomination of a job by both parties. So excited to watch this crap team and crap staff lose by 20 on saturday.