Game Thread: Xavier v. Providence (February 8, 2020) Big East Conference Game

[Muskie]

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



XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (15-8, 4-6 BIG EAST) v.
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE FRIARS (13-10, 6-4 BIG EAST)
SATURDAY, FEB. 8, 2020 AT 8 P.M. ET
Cintas Center




Television: FS1
Radio: 55KRC-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 (388) and Internet (970).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[Muskie]

Fans will see the throwback logos for both teams, including the Musketeer Running Man, and both teams will be wearing throwback uniforms for this game as part of the ongoing celebration of the 40-year anniversary of the BIG EAST Conference. Xavier will also be honoring its first-ever NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 team at halftime, the 1990 team that defeated Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo and the Georgetown Hoyas in the NCAA Second Round to earn XU's spot in the Sweet 16.

[xu 89]

How short will the shorts be?

[paulxu]

These?

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1361/0845/products/IMG_8470_grande.JPG?v=1563806840

[X-band '01]

How short will the shorts be?

Let's just say you can buy them at Victoria's Secret.

[xukeith]

I know I am in the minority of X fans on decor but as I lived thought the Gillen and early Prosser years, those uniforms were damn ugly. Thank God for tha A 10 and changing the logo to be crisp and sharp.

[XUBob]

XUKeith, I know we are in the minority but I’ve never been a fan of those unis. That being said let’s get a win.

[IM4X]

Hope our guys don’t take Providence too lightly.

They just had two very impressive back to back wins over Butler and Creighton.

Gotta get it going early once again and crank up that lead.

[scoscox]

providence is playing as well as anyone in the league. it will take our best

[xu koop scoop]

A key to this or any BE game is avoiding your star players getting 2 quick fouls in the 1st few minutes of the game. In the second half, avoid getting 4 fouls on your star players prior to the last minute or two of regulation. We don't have the depth to survive more than one player in these bad foul situations. We don't have consistent depth to survive even one player in bad foul situations. We need 8 players to produce near their peak to win games like Providence this Saturday.

[UCGRAD4X]

A key to this or any BE game is avoiding your star players getting 2 quick fouls in the 1st few minutes of the game. In the second half, avoid getting 4 fouls on your star players prior to the last minute or two of regulation. We don't have the depth to survive more than one player in these bad foul situations. We don't have consistent depth to survive even one player in bad foul situations. We need 8 players to produce near their peak to win games like Providence this Saturday.

I'm not disagreeing with your premise at all, but I just think it is interesting that one of the biggest difference this year was that we would finally have some depth. I guess there is just never enough.

Go Muskies.

Fry the Friars.

[whopper]

very true and Providence is 2 deep at every position so it will effect them less. I don't know why but I would not be surprised to see Dontarius James play a few minutes if our front line gets saddled with fouls as they will attack anyone with 2 fouls in first half or 3 fouls with less than 10 min to go. Their flex offense and offensive rebounding get front lines into foul trouble.
A key to this or any BE game is avoiding your star players getting 2 quick fouls in the 1st few minutes of the game. In the second half, avoid getting 4 fouls on your star players prior to the last minute or two of regulation. We don't have the depth to survive more than one player in these bad foul situations. We don't have consistent depth to survive even one player in bad foul situations. We need 8 players to produce near their peak to win games like Providence this Saturday.

[paulxu]

Respecting my personal streak.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kBAAAOSwqfNXkU44/s-l300.jpg VS. https://ih0.redbubble.net/image.358642286.1941/st%2Csmall%2C215x235-pad%2C210x230%2Cf8f8f8.lite-1u1.jpg

[Xville]

Feed the streak....friars by 20

[GIMMFD]

Feed the streak, not picking a score. But rocking the Running Man shorts I bought from the bookstore <3

[GoMuskies]

I prefer a Xavier win.

[GoMuskies]

That was a long time between whistles. Well done by the zebras.

[GoMuskies]

A black guy named David Duke? That's unfortunate.

[GoMuskies]

The Goodin 3 that clanged off the backboard followed by him going after the rebound and not getting it leading to no court balance and a fast break wasn't ideal.

[XUBison]

A black guy named David Duke? That's unfortunate.

oh no, not this conversation again…

[paulxu]

I'd like to see the team that beat Seton Hall here.

[GoMuskies]

Tandy bad on offense and excelling on defense is not what I've cone to expect. More of that. Except good offense, too!

Tough game. Fun to watch, though.

[XUBison]

Tandy bringing some big-time energy.

[GoMuskies]

Quickest half ever. Which means the second half will crawl with about 45 free throws.

[X-band '01]

Which means that if you're watching the Duke-North Carolina practice on ESPN, you've already missed a back-and-forth half.

[xudash]

Could 2 fouls each on Duke and Watson loom large?

[noteggs]

Weird, Tyrique leading team in assists. Nice but need to change

[GoMuskies]

Tyrique can't just fall down on defense.

[GoMuskies]

Tandy makes us different.

[paulxu]

Team just looks out of sync to me. Don't want to say they're playing to the level of the competition.
But they don't look as smooth as the other night.

[kellernr]

Bad things happen when Q touches the ball.

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[GoMuskies]

This is about as tight a game as I've seen. It's been a one possession game almost the entire game.

[GoMuskies]

We're still due our stretch of fire from Naji.

[noteggs]

Team just looks out of sync to me. Don't want to say they're playing to the level of the competition.
But they don't look as smooth as the other night.

Completely agree. Something not right. Can change tho.

[scoscox]

Bad things happen when Q touches the ball.

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we just can't afford to give him minutes. just can't

[IM4X]

Q can not be shooting a 3 when no X players is within 15 feet of the basket.

[IM4X]

Tandy has really grown up today. Love the aggressiveness... the fearlessness!

[GoMuskies]

Thought it was slipping away. Huge 5-0 run.

[X-band '01]

Neither team is capable of getting separation. Currently Xavier's momentum.

[XUBison]

Q can not be shooting a 3.

fix that for you.

[GoMuskies]

Carter found a shot he can make! Here we go!

[IM4X]

Goodness do I like Mr. Jones... absolute stud!!!

[GoMuskies]

Jones is man.

[IM4X]

Bad bad call

[GoMuskies]

I think our own kmcrawford just got a five from Tyrique courtside. Nice.

[XUBison]

Core 3 tonight... Jones, Freemantle, and Tandy.

[HenryMuto]

Left 4 potential pts at the line just now missing 2 front ends............

[paulxu]

Come on Muskies. Get this one.

[GoMuskies]

The free throw shooting is just insane.

[GoMuskies]

Core 3 tonight... Jones, Freemantle, and Tandy.

Add Scruggs for a core 4.

[XUBison]

We made two free throws!

[HenryMuto]

PHEW I thought that 3 was going in to tie it. Now make FT's.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Naji shooting 0-0 inside the 3-point arc tonight

[GoMuskies]

Looking good now!

[KabeX]

T. F. Jones.

That is all.

[Xville]

Looking good now!

That's a winnah!!!!! Did exactly what they needed to...won 3 of 4. Go at least 4-3 rest of way and we dancin

[GoMuskies]

Streeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaakkkkkk!

[smileyy]

In the old days of the NBA Tyrique would be a first round pick like Tyrone Hill. Sadly (kind of...I love the modern NBA) there's little room for those junkyard dogs rebounding monsters with no range anymore.

[HenryMuto]

Good win. Sure wish X had beat Marquette. Got a lot of tough games coming up.

[KabeX]

In the old days of the NBA Tyrique would be a first round pick like Tyrone Hill. Sadly (kind of...I love the modern NBA) there's little room for those junkyard dogs rebounding monsters with no range anymore.

Yes, but he will make lots of $$$ doing what he loves (and is really good at). Would love to have him come back and coach the big guys some day.

[paulxu]

Thank you Tyrique.

[GoMuskies]

Let's go get Butler.

[GoMuskies]

We might get top 25 votes this week. Crazy.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Thank you guys! Good win.

[X-band '01]

Is Tim Miles auditioning to be a Xavier assistant next season? I swear I've seen him do more broadcasts of Xavier games than B1G games this season.

[X-band '01]

Let's go get Butler.

If Marquette beats Butler tomorrow, Xavier could end up tied with the Bulldogs in the Big East standings.

A season really is a lifetime.

[whopper]

great balance and no need for Naj explosion. Nobody played poorly and Moore really helped. Fremantle could get tougher but certainly contributed on offense. Carter actually bothered them more than I thought he would.

[GIMMFD]

Winning is fun, I like when we do that winning thing. I hope we beat the living breaks off of Butler.

[KabeX]

Is Tim Miles auditioning to be a Xavier assistant next season? I swear I've seen him do more broadcasts of Xavier games than B1G games this season.

I gotta be honest when I turned the game on I wasn't sure who the color person was - thought it might be the woman who's done some of our games (who is pretty good IMO).

[Lloyd Braun]

A season is indeed a lifetime

[X-band '01]

I gotta be honest when I turned the game on I wasn't sure who the color person was - thought it might be the woman who's done some of our games (who is pretty good IMO).

Nope, not Lisa Byington (who is actually an occasional PxPer along with sideline duties during the Big East Tournament).

[xukeith]

Freemantle is good on offense BUT yikes is he behind on defense. Maybe experience and gaining 30 pounds of muscle will help. Human Foul machine.

[xudash]

Rest up and takeout the Huckleberries in their leaky zeppelin.

[chico]

Only 2 games out of second place.

[scoscox]

Nope, not Lisa Byington (who is actually an occasional PxPer along with sideline duties during the Big East Tournament).

Could also be referring to Sarah Kustok, who does color.

[Backyard Champ]

Freemantle is good on offense BUT yikes is he behind on defense. Maybe experience and gaining 30 pounds of muscle will help. Human Foul machine.

Hear all the time that defense is the hardest thing for freshman to pick up- Especially at his position.

[xukeith]

Hear all the time that defense is the hardest thing for freshman to pick up- Especially at his position.

Just saw Steele post game press conference. He said he rarely looks at points scored by X players. He looks at plays and praises Carter who was +14 on the night. I guess he beilieves points simply come when defense stops others

[IM4X]

Have to say I agree with Steele. Carter looked comfortable out there and played solid ball.
Nice effort Jason!

[Backyard Champ]

Just saw Steele post game press conference. He said he rarely looks at points scored by X players. He looks at plays and praises Carter who was +14 on the night. I guess he beilieves points simply come when defense stops others

Been a fan of carter all year. The fact he plays so many minutes and isn’t necessarily noticeable is actually.. good. Especially for the needs of this years team.

Not exactly sure how that relates to Freemantles struggle on D. He’s a freshman, freshman are know to have a hard time picking up defense. Even more so if you’re a freshman Big.

[X Factor]

Freemantle is good on offense BUT yikes is he behind on defense. Maybe experience and gaining 30 pounds of muscle will help. Human Foul machine.

That will forever be Will Caudle's nickname. That's like bringing a number out of retirement!

[X-band '01]

What about the Human Traffic Cone?

[Xuperman]

Freemantle is good on offense BUT yikes is he behind on defense. Maybe experience and gaining 30 pounds of muscle will help. Human Foul machine.

I think we all can get in that warm/comfy place in regards to JELLY and ZFree...these guys are ALL BE FRESHMAN and future ALL BE first team. Let Coach continue to assemble his vision and we be rolling!

[KabeX]

Nope, not Lisa Byington (who is actually an occasional PxPer along with sideline duties during the Big East Tournament).
Thanks. Again I think she's pretty good.

[X Factor]

What about the Human Traffic Cone?

Pretty sure that is reserved for former UD "legend" Jimmie Binnie.

[smileyy]

Is anyone calling him "World Z Free" besides me?

[scoscox]

Is anyone calling him "World Z Free" besides me?

Aye sir

[bjf123]

Pretty sure that is reserved for former UD "legend" Jimmie Binnie.

I think he’d also the guy from Dayton that had the most painful to watch free throw shot. I cringed every time he went to the line.


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[whopper]

I think he should watch film of Laimbeer. He is chasing blocks and if he does not get the block(he has had a few) his firm base is lost and he is easily moved out. He can improve.
What about the Human Traffic Cone?

[vee4xu]

Three in a row for X is great. Doing a nice climb into the second tier of the BE standing. Butler is getting their asses handed to them in Milwaukee today. So, hopefully, X can keep them reeling, while they keep streaking on Wednesday.

[Masterofreality]

Ok, I'm here...late but here.

My observations on the PVD game.
1) Steele is finally acting the role of Head Coach. He's less concerned with some canned sub pattern and no longer concerned with hurting feelings. Q Goodin only played 11 minutes in the game Saturday, because that's all he deserved to play. He was lost on defense most of the time and he bricked shots again (Backboard ball). Meanwhile, KyKy is coming into his own and gives this team the ingredient it has needed. Travis is now coaching more by feel than formula, which gives me much more comfort.
2) KyKy is showing out now. That "dive on the floor" effort that he and Scruggs turned into a Tyrique lay in happened at a crucial time in the first half with about 3:30 left when Providence had taken a 2 point lead. His threat outside is also now getting guys to run at him to close out which allows him to drive by them to the hoop, and he's proving fearless. Man, am I excited for his future.
3) I still don't see what Jason Carter brings to the table, except maybe a little bit of defense, but whatever.
4) Tyrique has assumed the mantle of Malcomb Bernard from 2017- Leadership. "Hey Boys. Just climb on my back and I'll take you for a ride to the Dance". Somebody had to emerge, and it obviously was not going to be Q. I just don't know what's gone on in his head the last two years, but something ain't right. Anyway, Tyrique is a Manimal and he hasn't been doing this rebounding exhibition vs dwarfs. Just guys like Reed, Watson, Gill and other mammoths, but he could care less. Dude is snagging every bound.
5) I thought Cooley was for sure going to do a Hack -A- Ty every time down Saturday night doen the stretch, because he's a great tactician. Luckily there was enough other stuff going on where he couldn't employ that too much.

Welp, the team did what I said they needed to do to get me back on full board after the Seton Hall game. And after watching Butler the other day, I think we can beat their ass at the barn. All these players that *some* were calling so "Stupid" a few games ago, have all of a sudden become smarter. I'm still not fully all the way with Steele, but signs are there that he's getting it. plus he had a beautiful sport coat on Saturday night that was perfect for the Runningman Color scheme.
Go X!

[bjf123]

3) I still don't see what Jason Carter brings to the table, except maybe a little bit of defense, but whatever.

FWIW, in this morning’s paper, Steele is quoted as saying “Jason, he does a lot for us defensively. He understands our system. He can move. He’s versatile. He can guard inside outside. He sees things happen. He’s been grading out as the best defender on our team in our system probably over the last five games.”


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[scoscox]

FWIW, in this morning’s paper, Steele is quoted as saying “Jason, he does a lot for us defensively. He understands our system. He can move. He’s versatile. He can guard inside outside. He sees things happen. He’s been grading out as the best defender on our team in our system probably over the last five games.”


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that steal he had in the paint when he intercepted the entry pass was a great anticipation play, as was his play to knock it free from alpha diallo. those were big plays down the stretch.

[X Factor]

Carter has played some good defense; hopefully the rest of game follows quickly. Nothing wrong with being a well-rounded player.

I swear he has to lead the BE in air balls from three point range.

[scoscox]

Carter has played some good defense; hopefully the rest of game follows quickly. Nothing wrong with being a well-rounded player.

I swear he has to lead the BE in air balls from three point range.

i think he's really improved recently. he's cut his turnovers down and has played great d. if the offense comes around he'll be really dangerous. bryce moore has started to settle down into his role as well. he played his role to perfection against providence

[paulxu]

. "Hey Boys. Just climb on my back and I'll take you for a ride to the Dance".

https://media1.tenor.com/images/29822f6c27fda82868755349fc7deddc/tenor.gif?itemid=13004481

[xudash]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/29822f6c27fda82868755349fc7deddc/tenor.gif?itemid=13004481

Paul, that is funny as hell - so long as he makes it to the river and loses those three idiots. I will always believe he makes it to the river.

[IM4X]

Paul, that is funny as hell - so long as he makes it to the river and loses those three idiots. I will always believe he makes it to the river.

Ha. I thought there were 3 at first too. Actually there are four of them. Kind of looks like the one behind comes around and jumps on top until you realize the one in the back has a mane.

I too believe he’s gonna make it.