Game Thread: Xavier vs. Providence (March 4, 2020) BE Conference Game

[paulxu]

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

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (19-10, 8-8 BIG EAST)
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE FRIARS (17-12, 10-6 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 AT 6:30 P.M. ET
DUNKIN' DONUTS CENTER (12,400) IN PROVIDENCE, R.I.

TV, RADIO AND LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Brian Custer and analysis from Andy Katz.
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). The broadcast will also be available on Sirius XM (381) and Internet (971).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[flatspat]

X 4 point dog

[bjf123]

X 4 point dog

4.5 on ESPN, but I don’t know the source for their line.


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[drudy23]

Win by 30 or win by 1. Ugly or pretty. Just win.

[GoMuskies]

4.5 on ESPN, but I don’t know the source for their line.


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I saw 4.5 at my book when i checked last night.

[Lamont Sanford]

Reports are that Alpha Diallo is questionable for tonight. Hope he sits this one out.

[bjf123]

Reports are that Alpha Diallo is questionable for tonight. Hope he sits this one out.

If that’s the case, I’ll be changing my score prediction.


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[noteggs]

Something to do with a scratched eye. Game time decision.

[bjf123]

Guess I’ll be checking Shannon’s and Adam’s Twitter feeds right before the game.


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[AviatorX]

I'd be shocked if Diallo didn't play.

Also, let's keep in mind that if Xavier loses, we need to have a rigorous discussion around Steele's future and whether the reason the team went 5-23 from 3 is scheme or talent.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I say why wait! Let’s fire Travis now!!! He clearly got out coached tonight. One of their studs had a scratched eye and didn’t play and we still lost! Fire the man

[D-West & PO-Z]

Reports are that Alpha Diallo is questionable for tonight. Hope he sits this one out.

Wow that would be big.

[bleedXblue]

I'd be shocked if Diallo didn't play.

Also, let's keep in mind that if Xavier loses, we need to have a rigorous discussion around Steele's future and whether the reason the team went 5-23 from 3 is scheme or talent.

I think we are past that....at least I hope. We actually have been shooting it better in league play from deep.

[GIMMFD]

I think we are past that....at least I hope. We actually have been shooting it better in league play from deep.

I think we are too, we've definitely been shooting a lot better recently, granted I don't think you can get much worse than what we were shooting before, and it seems we've kind of ironed out the rotation that works for us. I really don't think we need to have a discussion of Steele's future until year 4, that's a full recruiting cycle of only his guys, I know that there's not much patience in college athletics these days, but firing someone before they get a chance to leave their individual mark on a program is silly. Plus, if we fire Steele early after him being an assistant here for what? 9 years, what coach in their right mind would want to take that?

[Xavier]

Scruggs is out tonight with a leg injury, per Xavier twitter

[GoMuskies]

Scruggs is out tonight with a leg injury, per Xavier twitter

No worries, we can just plug in.......oh.

[noteggs]

Ouch...on the Travis Steele show yesterday, Joe mentioned Bryce was in a walking boot. Bryce was interviewed and said it was a precaution. Kind of makes you wonder why he didn’t play Sunday tho.

[xcellentx]

Ouch...on the Travis Steele show yesterday, Joe mentioned Bryce was in a walking boot. Bryce was interviewed and said it was a precaution. Kind of makes you wonder why he didn’t play Sunday tho.

Yeah, it doesn't sound terrible for Moore but is also not good. Hopefully sitting out Sunday was what he needed to get some playing time today.

Hopefully we get a Western Carolina game from Q...

[AviatorX]

Plenty of guys in walking boots when not playing this time of the season. I suspect Moore's lack of PT is not injury related. We'll see a heavy dose of him tonight, so would be cool if he could knock in a couple corner threes.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Scruggs is out tonight with a leg injury, per Xavier twitter

Not good..

Can we get a signature senior moment from Q tonight?

[JTG]

Dontarious plays and drops 12 on the Friars. Don't laugh, it could happen, maybe, well probably not, but maybe. Crazier things have happened.

[drudy23]

Sounds like a great opportunity for KyKy.

[stammina0721]

Goodin is gonna have to step up and play like he actually cares

[XUMIOH12]

Not good..

Can we get a signature senior moment from Q tonight?

Nope.

[AviatorX]

Goodin is gonna have to step up and play like he actually cares

There's a million options if you're looking to criticize Goodin, but I really don't get this one. Has Q given any indication he doesn't care? He's accepted being relegated to spot minutes in stride.

[GIMMFD]

Sounds like a great opportunity for KyKy.

Yeah, I'm thinking KyKy's gonna have to carry a scoring threat moving forward with Scruggs out, hopefully the shot is falling from deep. Not a good time to be missing Scruggs against probably the hottest team in the Big East right now.

[Muskie91]

Found myself in Providence for work. Just scored a ticket several rows behind the team towards basket.

[noteggs]

Not like us losing Scruggs for the game, but former starter Mailek White is out for PC. Averages 8 pg

[bleedXblue]

Not like us losing Scruggs for the game, but former starter Mailek White is out for PC. Averages 8 pg

what about Diallo?

[Muskie]

Is Diallo playing tonight? There were things on twitter that suggested he may be out?

[paulxu]

whether the reason the team went 5-23 from 3 is scheme or talent.

You clearly left out practice.


I really don't think we need to have a discussion of Steele's future until year 4,

You may not "think" that...but it's an annual game we play. It's on the frigging schedule.

[Xavgrad08]

Is Diallo playing tonight? There were things on twitter that suggested he may be out?

providence writer tweeted out that Diallo is in warmups with the rest of the team. If he plays hopefully he is not effective.

[AviatorX]

You clearly left out practice.



You may not "think" that...but it's an annual game we play. It's on the frigging schedule.

Let's not forget how focused the team looked in pregame warmups.

[xudash]

20 turnover pace. Consistency.

[bjf123]

5 turnovers in 4 minutes. Hell of a way to start the game guys.


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[paulxu]

Here's a novel idea. Let's did a big hole to climb out of.

Also, I know Naji is our best player. But...playing hero ball, 1 on 5 in the paint, is just not smart basketball.
Why can't he understand that?

[xu82]

20 turnover pace. Consistency.

More like 40....breaking new ground!

[Xville]

Why kyky did not start makes zero sense...yeah let's start the guy who has been completely worthless all year.brilliant move steele

[X Factor]

Great move by Steele starting Q. We're without Scruggs, so let's put Q in there who has given this team zero production for the past 2 months.

[xu82]

Watching the news about Coronavirus or the election is sounding like better fun so far....

[xu82]

Naji is nice and casual on the inbound pass, then throws up a long airball to make up for it. Thanks.

[paulxu]

Nice inbound play.

[AviatorX]

I don't know what people expect from Naji...there's not a lot of options out there.

Freemantle still nowhere near being a BE defender and Tyrique always struggles with plus size. Could be a long night.

[xudash]

It’s games like this that remind me of Loyola of Chicago’s improbable run to the F4.

“Smart“ guys.

Playing together at a high-level.

This looks nothing like that.

[SM#24]

What a fucking shitshow so far. Continue to pad our nation lead in WTF turnovers.

[coasterville95]

Bus ride home taking a long time - just stopped off at Listermanns. I was doing fine then I saw this thing called a television. Not pretty at all.




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[X Factor]

Welp, this one's over. Goodin cant even throw in in bounds. That's 2 turnovers on inbounds passes.

[stammina0721]

Naji has the worst body language ever. Way to step up. Guess I'm not watching this game long lol

[bjf123]

WTF turnovers.

You should copyright that.


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[stammina0721]

I don't know what people expect from Naji...there's not a lot of options out there.

Freemantle still nowhere near being a BE defender and Tyrique always struggles with plus size. Could be a long night.

No shooting air balls or having shit body language would be nice. Well if I'm a coach I point that out on film, smack Naji in the face early and he will give up on his team.

[xudash]

More like 40....breaking new ground!

I like to focus on one half at a time!

[xu82]

Naji has the worst body language ever. Way to step up. Guess I'm not watching this game long lol

Thanks! That may give us a chance!

Worked last time! Take one for the team! Love it.


:-)

[bjf123]

Gift blocking call there. Thought for sure they were going to call a charge on Naji.


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[AviatorX]

No shooting air balls or having shit body language would be nice. Well if I'm a coach I point that out on film, smack Naji in the face early and he will give up on his team.

Yeah man, this describes the guy who is basically playing 40 minutes a night while routinely guarding the other team's best player and carrying the offense for a bulk of the season.

There's still 30 minutes to go.

[Go Go Golston]

Honestly. Wonder if these clowns work on inbounds plays at all. It's all so disorganized.

[paulxu]

I don't know what people expect from Naji...there's not a lot of options out there.

Freemantle still nowhere near being a BE defender and Tyrique always struggles with plus size. Could be a long night.

I expect two things, which are fairly basic:
1 - Somebody, somewhere run something that remotely resembles a basketball play. (double screens, back cuts, etc.) Not just stand around and not move. Watch the Providence players for some examples.
2 - When Naji drives and ALL 5 defenders are in the box with him...just EVERY NOW AND THEN pass it back out for an open shot.

[X Factor]

Bryce got away with a travel.

[GoMuskies]

Is 8 turnovers in 11 minutes good?

[AviatorX]

I expect two things, which are fairly basic:
1 - Somebody, somewhere run something that remotely resembles a basketball play. (double screens, back cuts, etc.) Not just stand around and not move. Watch the Providence players for some examples.
2 - When Naji drives and ALL 5 defenders are in the box with him...just EVERY NOW AND THEN pass it back out for an open shot.

I mean if you don't think this team runs sets, I don't know what to tell you. You're just not watching.

The offense is bad. This is not a new development and is made worse by the team's clear second best offensive option not in action tonight.

[X Factor]

Moore and Goodin on the court together. Just waive the white flag Steele.

[xu82]

It would be nice if they didn’t shoot 71% from 3. Just a thought.....

[xu82]

Is 8 turnovers in 11 minutes good?


It’s less than one per minute, so it’s actually an improvement?

[Xville]

I know that there arent a lot of options but playing goodin this much is fucking asinine. Kyky and moore should be playing 30 plus minutes with q getting about 10 at most.

[GoMuskies]

Dontarius James hit a three pointer. I mean, we should win when that happens!

[xudash]

It would be nice if they didn’t shoot 71% from 3. Just a thought.....

Exactly. Especially with Reeves dropping one in from 60 feet away.

[Xville]

Pretty much ballgame and there is 27 minutes left. I didnt expect a win tonight but geezus not even show up.

[shucker]

The struggle is real. Looking like a long night for the X-Men tonight. Struggling offensively and giving up too many easy baskets with the lack of D.
Naji out of control on the offensive end with 2 charge calls and a gift block call.

[xavierj]

If we lose and they shoot 60% from 3 tip your cap.

[IM4X]

Nice steal.

need to keep pressing

[drudy23]

Defense hasn't been good, but they've pulled some shit out of their assess too.

[X Factor]

Why is Goodin still in?? Seriously what does he give this team?

[xavierj]

Weather the stupid 3% shooting and keep fighting.

[drudy23]

This Aaron Carter guy sucks.

[kellernr]

Fremantle is killing X with his weak hands

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[drudy23]

Why is Goodin still in?? Seriously what does he give this team?

It's gotten to the point of unbelievable that he gets the minutes he does.

When he's in, there is an obvious drop off.

[drudy23]

I know that there arent a lot of options but playing goodin this much is fucking asinine. Kyky and moore should be playing 30 plus minutes with q getting about 10 at most.

There is no rationale for it. None.

[X Factor]

Screw Steele tonight.

[kellernr]

How many times a game does naji throw an ill advised football pass that gets intercepted?

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[xavierj]

Screw Steele tonight.

Why?

[xudash]

How is this: we find a way to go in at the half down by no more than 10.

Then, assuming fewer moments of stupidity on our part, can Providence find a way to cool off and make this a game late?

[X Factor]

Why?

Because KyKy scores a quick 5 points, but he plants his ass on the bench and gives Q 18 minutes this half.

[AviatorX]

PC would be leading every team in the country right now. Sure, X spotted them a couple possessions with dumb plays, but that's what this team does.

People really need to chill - if X never makes a run, feel free to bitch and moan away but I'm just not sure how you can be whining about Steele tonight. He has made several adjustments and even played James! They're just getting beat by one of the hottest teams in the country.

[noteggs]

This Aaron Carter guy sucks.

Heard that and Cooley one of the best coaches in the country. Boy his tournament record reflects it?

[xu82]

I briefly went to the news of pandemics and politics to cheer myself up. Back now....yay.

[AviatorX]

I'm really looking forward to a post about how great of a coach Cooley is in this thread. As if this board's standards wouldn't have had him fired from X 5 years ago.

[paulxu]

I mean if you don't think this team runs sets, I don't know what to tell you. You're just not watching.

The offense is bad. This is not a new development and is made worse by the team's clear second best offensive option not in action tonight.

Every now and then I see a set play. But mostly in the first 10 minutes it was pass it around the rim, one high screen and that was it.

[GIMMFD]

I briefly went to the news of pandemics and politics to cheer myself up. Back now....yay.

Coronavirus is over-hyped and is a big deal to fuel the media with something to talk about. Boom.

[Xville]

Playing q is fucking stupid that's why screw Steele tonight

[X Factor]

PC would be leading every team in the country right now. Sure, X spotted them a couple possessions with dumb plays, but that's what this team does.

People really need to chill - if X never makes a run, feel free to bitch and moan away but I'm just not sure how you can be whining about Steele tonight. He has made several adjustments and even played James! They're just getting beat by one of the hottest teams in the country.

So why doesn't keep James on the court. He's played a hell of a lot better than Carter tonight. And KyKy still on the bench? That's just stupid.

[GIMMFD]

Can we play KyKy the entire second half please??

[Xville]

Kyky is the man...leave q on the bench the whole game

[IM4X]

Unbelievable we are only down by 9.

feels like we should be down by 27.

[xu82]

In believable we are only down by 9.

feels like we are should be down by 27.

....or 28


Keep chipping away, hope there come back to earth shooting and the tide turns.

[Xville]

Being down by less than 10 at the half is a miracle...maybe they do have a chance tonight.

[X Factor]

Being down by less than 10 at the half is a miracle...maybe they do have a chance tonight.

Not if Q plays 15 minutes in the second half

[paulxu]

How is this: we find a way to go in at the half down by no more than 10.

Then, assuming fewer moments of stupidity on our part, can Providence find a way to cool off and make this a game late?

I second this motion. And then we foul a 3 pt shooter with .2 seconds. Crap.

[bjf123]

Why Dontarius?


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[Xville]

Hahaha you cant make this shit up.....we are the dumbest team in basketball

[chico]

All things considered begin down 9 isn't so bad. We're actually shooting slightly better than them from the field, but they've been unconscious from the 3.

[XU 23]

We have so many weaknesses that have still not been fixed.

[xavierj]

Being down 9 with the way Providence played is actually a win in my opinion.

[AviatorX]

Not if Q plays 15 minutes in the second half

Who should be playing?

I worry about your sanity when you don't have Q to vent about in game threads next season.

Side note - Dontarious James with the classic "I'm not seeing a meaningful minute the rest of the season" move on that foul. Christ.

[paulxu]

Seriously, I don't know the minutes of Q vs Tandy.
But we have 3 3pointers, and Kyky has 2 of them.
They have 8. That's why we are down.
None of our starters have made one.

[kellernr]

Because KyKy scores a quick 5 points, but he plants his ass on the bench and gives Q 18 minutes this half.I want kyky to play more but as bad as Q is on d he is still a better defender than kyky. Tandy will hopefully develop into a good defender but for now he is offense only.

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[bjf123]

Being down 9 with the way Providence played is actually a win in my opinion.

Agreed. After the way the game started, it looked like we’d be down 25.


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[bleedXblue]

We gave up a couple of offensive boards (where they made 3's on a second chance shot) and of course we handed the ball to them with 10 times.

The TO's just arent going to stop.

[kellernr]

Unbelievable we are only down by 9.

feels like we should be down by 27.Should be 7 but a stupid foul on a 3pt shot

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[IM4X]

Why Dontarius?


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Never ever ever understand that foul. We must do it more than any other D1 team.

[scoscox]

I want kyky to play more but as bad as Q is on d he is still a better defender than kyky. Tandy will hopefully develop into a good defender but for now he is offense only.

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q is awful on defense. awful. kyky is a better defender. he should be getting as many minutes as we can give him

[bleedXblue]

Seriously, I don't know the minutes of Q vs Tandy.
But we have 3 3pointers, and Kyky has 2 of them.
They have 8. That's why we are down.
None of our starters have made one.

KyKy isn't a good defender AND when we press he's so easy to pass over.

[kellernr]

Seriously, I don't know the minutes of Q vs Tandy.
But we have 3 3pointers, and Kyky has 2 of them.
They have 8. That's why we are down.
None of our starters have made one.Marshall will hit a few in the 2nd half. Kyky hits 2 more. Fremantle and Moore each hit 1.

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[chico]

Where the hell is Leighton Schrand????

[IM4X]

If Steele ever says “turnovers are not the problem” to Shannon or any other reporter again, someone needs to throw a shoe at him.

[X Factor]

KyKy isn't a good defender AND when we press he's so easy to pass over.

And Pipkins dribbled right through Naji and Tyrique so there's that. Don't act like our press is super important.

There is NO excuse for giving Q more minutes than KyKy in the first half.

[bleedXblue]

And Pipkins dribbled right through Naji and Tyrique so there's that. Don't act like our press is super important.

There is NO excuse for giving Q more minutes than KyKy in the first half.

The press turned over the ball several times and got us some easy baskets? Did I say it was super important?

[bjf123]

Seriously, I don't know the minutes of Q vs Tandy.
But we have 3 3pointers, and Kyky has 2 of them.
They have 8. That's why we are down.
None of our starters have made one.

Tandy played 9 and Q played 14.


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[AviatorX]

q is awful on defense. awful. kyky is a better defender. he should be getting as many minutes as we can give him

This is comically untrue.

[bleedXblue]

Seriously, I don't know the minutes of Q vs Tandy.
But we have 3 3pointers, and Kyky has 2 of them.
They have 8. That's why we are down.
None of our starters have made one.

sometimes the other team just shoots it well

Most of their 3's were well behind the arc and/or were well defended

[X Factor]

This is comically untrue.

It's untrue, but Goodin isn't some sort of elite lockdown defender, AND he give us NOTHING on offense. At least KyKy can make some shots.

[AviatorX]

It's untrue, but Goodin isn't some sort of elite lockdown defender, AND he give us NOTHING on offense. At least KyKy can make some shots.

Goodin is a plus defender, Tandy is a minus defender. It's that simple.

Playing them together isn't illegal. I'd like to see Q/KyKy/Naji/Carter and rotate Tyrique/Free (Free really struggling to guard tonight).

[IM4X]

How many bad passes is Naji going to throw?

[bleedXblue]

Goodin is a plus defender, Tandy is a minus defender. It's that simple.

Playing them together isn't illegal. I'd like to see Q/KyKy/Naji/Carter and rotate Tyrique/Free (Free really struggling to guard tonight).

some people just dont even come close to understanding the game....at all

[IM4X]

Qqqqqqqqqqqqq!!!

[bjf123]

Qqqqqqqqqqqqq!!!

No! No! No! YES!!!!!!!!


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[AviatorX]

I know X Factor is a good sport, so I can only assume he is laughing his ass off right now.

This team kinda sucks, but they sure as hell fight.

[noteggs]

While you guys fight in the back, X only down 3 with the ball

[chico]

Qubed?

[SkyWalker]

Goodwin is our best player. He should be playing 40 minutes a game.

[D-West & PO-Z]

LETS GO X!!!! Great WAR!

[X Factor]

Who came out in the #3 jersey? Oh, that's Goodin! :yahoo:

[noteggs]

I changed TVs at the half

[X Factor]

This would be a monumental win boys! Keep fighting!

[paulxu]

Keep it up. No more fouling off balance 3 pt shooters.

[IM4X]

Love that we are playing hard but still dumb as rocks sometimes.

[scoscox]

This is comically untrue.

q is an awful defender

[paulxu]

I wasn't watching when they cut it to 1.
My fault for the last couple of bad mistakes.
I'm not going to watch for a while.

[drudy23]

4 possessions to get even or take the lead and we make a mistake on all 4 possessions.

[AviatorX]

q is an awful defender

If you say so.

[KabeX]

So much for the under.

[scoscox]

If you say so.

yes

[D-West & PO-Z]

q is an awful defender

He isnt great but he is definitely not awful.

Now offensively he is pretty awful, despite hitting a couple threes this half.

[xavierj]

Time for Q to dominate. This game is there for the taking.

[AviatorX]

Watch Tandy's lack of understanding of the system consistently lead to overhelping and chasing on Pipkins (who is automatic from the FT line).

He will get there, but it's not there yet. You just have to watch. That's the difference between him and Q.

[noteggs]

I wasn't watching when they cut it to 1.
My fault for the last couple of bad mistakes.
I'm not going to watch for a while.

Hey a man has refresh his bourbon glass from time to time.

[bjf123]

Carter can make the bunny!


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[xu82]

At least it’s still worth watching. Didn’t look like that would be the case early.

[drudy23]

good naji

[AviatorX]

Dontarious James is not a BE caliber player. I get why he's playing, but just evidence for how Steele will have this thing going once he has his roster.

[drudy23]

Watch Tandy's lack of understanding of the system consistently lead to overhelping and chasing on Pipkins (who is automatic from the FT line).

He will get there, but it's not there yet. You just have to watch. That's the difference between him and Q.

Stop.

We all know this. Tandy should still be getting more minutes.

[xudash]

Hey a man has refresh his bourbon glass from time to time.

Keep refreshing Paul!

[xudash]

Dontarious James is not a BE caliber player. I get why he's playing, but just evidence for how Steele will have this thing going once he has his roster.

+1

[X Factor]

This is crazy...can't take this.

[IM4X]

Naji... that was glorious.

[AviatorX]

+1

OK, I was a bit harsh on him - just frustrated he fumbled that drive that should have been a lay in.

[xavierj]

Reading this board you would think Xavier is getting thumped. Keep fighting.

[smileyy]

Remember when someone compared Dontarius James to Naji Marshall last year?

[xavierj]

These refs are brutal

[kellernr]

Jones looked directly at a wide open kyky and proceeds to slam it off the bottom of the rim instead of passing

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[xudash]

Have to make FT’s

[smileyy]

...and get some more stops.

[smileyy]

...or some at all.

[AviatorX]

You know Steele has one in his back pocket here for a Tandy corner 3.

[xudash]

This isn’t over yet and I want it as much as anyone, but we are going to paste Butler on Saturday.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jones doesnt really have it today not sure I like the play to keep feeding him down low. Not like he is a great passer from down there. But he could turn it around I guess.

[HenryMuto]

28 footer is what we drew up out of the timeout ?

[Xville]

Come on boys!!!! Man one thing about this team...they sure as hell fight

[HenryMuto]

Every time we get it down to 1 we can't get a stop. Need one now back to 1 again.

[kellernr]

Not sure what type of leg injury but Scruggs looks to be moving and jumping pretty well on the sideline.

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[xu82]

28 footer is what we drew up out of the timeout ?

It was between that and the 30 footer. Wise choice I think......

[smileyy]

World Z. Free!

[AviatorX]

Can't play these last 90 seconds in man with Tyrique checking Diallo. Just can't.

[xu82]

Not sure what type of leg injury but Scruggs looks to be moving and jumping pretty well on the sideline.

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“Load management”, it’s all the rage.

[xudash]

Need a little luck.

[AviatorX]

28 footer is what we drew up out of the timeout ?

Yeah, that's what Steele drew up. Definitely not that PC denying the first two actions.

[kellernr]

Every time we get it down to 1 we can't get a stop. Need one now back to 1 again.Had stops multiple times and chances for the lead. Q got rejected and James had a wide open layup and ended up falling over with no one around him.

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[smileyy]

Need a little luck.

And defense that leads to a stop.

[kellernr]

It was between that and the 30 footer. Wise choice I think......30 would have been better. Long on the 28 footer

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[KabeX]

Not confident but man it would be great to steal this one.

[Xville]

Q had one hell of a beginning 2nd half....I gotta give it to him...probably the best hes been since western Carolina or whatever crap team that was

[bjf123]

Ballgame


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[kellernr]

Naji leaves pipkins wide open then comes down and throws up an airball.

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[Xville]

Ugh...onions

[KabeX]

Not confident but man it would be great to steal this one.
Really should've kept to myself there.

[HenryMuto]

Just could not get that key stop then we got the air ball.

Hell of a game though and a good fight back.

[xudash]

Need a little luck.

The other kind of luck.

[AviatorX]

Absolutely hated going press and then zone there. You are one of the best defensive teams in the nation. Play and coach like it. Would you have gone to the 4 corners offense late with 2018's offense?

Tough one but Scruggs would have really helped stem the tide early, IMO. On to Butler.

[kellernr]

Need to beat butler or X will be sweating on selection Sunday

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[AviatorX]

Uhhhhhh why did X play that possession out in the 1 and 1? This is not the first time Steele has done that. I'm staunchly in Travis' corner, but he was bad out of the last timeout tonight.

[KabeX]

We had better destroy buck futler

[Xville]

Well, never thought we were going to win this one before the game anyways, but that sucked. Really think they have to win Saturday now.

[xu82]

Beat Butler.

Just beat Butler.

[drudy23]

Saturday must win.

[AviatorX]

I know we're going to see a bunch of "have to win Saturday" takes now. I won't say that's not true, but it goes against what pretty much every "expert" (heavy emphasis on the quotes) thinks.

Xavier is safely in.

[bleedXblue]

Need 20 wins to be safe IMHO

[xudash]

I know we're going to see a bunch of "have to win Saturday" takes now. I won't say that's not true, but it goes against what pretty much every "expert" (heavy emphasis on the quotes) thinks.

Xavier is safely in.

I agree with you. It is just that I want to ruin every Butler fan’s weekend this coming Saturday!

[xavierj]

Need 20 wins to be safe IMHO

20 wins means nothing any more but yeah beat Butler.

[AviatorX]

Tandy played 25 minutes to Q's 20, so I trust many on here will rest easy tonight.

[GoMuskies]

Well that was disappointing. I had no expectations for that game. Essentially expected us to get run out of the gym. Then they drew me in there in the second half. Oh well. Just need to Buck Futler.

[kellernr]

I know we're going to see a bunch of "have to win Saturday" takes now. I won't say that's not true, but it goes against what pretty much every "expert" (heavy emphasis on the quotes) thinks.

Xavier is safely in.With UCLA, Texas, and other making late season runs no one on or near the bubble is safe. Would rather beat Butler and lock it up.

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[paulxu]

Proud of the comeback and fight.
Thought we had it when we got it to one.
On to the next game. Got to keep the streak alive.

[GoMuskies]

I know we're going to see a bunch of "have to win Saturday" takes now. I won't say that's not true, but it goes against what pretty much every "expert" (heavy emphasis on the quotes) thinks.

Xavier is safely in.

We need to win for my peace of mind. And avoiding Dayton is also advisable (the play in game, I mean).

[xudash]

Well that was disappointing. I had no expectations for that game. Essentially expected us to get run out of the gym. Then they drew me in there in the second half. Oh well. Just need to Buck Futler.

Exactly.

[AviatorX]

With UCLA, Texas, and other making late season runs no one on or near the bubble is safe. Would rather beat Butler and lock it up.

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Obviously. But let's not act like it's win or they're out. It's not even remotely that situation.

[Xville]

I know we're going to see a bunch of "have to win Saturday" takes now. I won't say that's not true, but it goes against what pretty much every "expert" (heavy emphasis on the quotes) thinks.

Xavier is safely in.

You tell me you wouldnt be squirming on selection sunday if x loses Saturday and then loses to depaul to finish 19-13 and 8-10 in conference?

[kellernr]

Obviously. But let's not act like it's win or they're out. It's not even remotely that situation.I said they would be sweating. Didn't say they would be out. Bracket matrix has them in 135 of the 136 brackets so it's looking good. If C wins saturday don they avoid DePaul on Wednesday? DePaul is due for a win over X.

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[SM#24]

DePaul is due for a win over X.

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No they’re not; they’ve beaten us at least once in the past. That’s plenty for them.

[bleedXblue]

The foul on Freemantle on the missed PC free throw was criminal. I don't complain about fouls much at all. But that was pure larceny

[AviatorX]

You tell me you wouldnt be squirming on selection sunday if x loses Saturday and then loses to depaul to finish 19-13 and 8-10 in conference?

I would be, but no one said I was rational.

Is Butler still a Q1 win at home? I’m behind on the NET.

[Xville]

I said they would be sweating. Didn't say they would be out. Bracket matrix has them in 135 of the 136 brackets so it's looking good. If C wins saturday don they avoid DePaul on Wednesday? DePaul is due for a win over X.

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Marquette would also have to lose.

[bleedXblue]

20 wins means nothing any more but yeah beat Butler.

What?

It means a hell of a lot for this team in this situation. X can't lose 3 straight and not be squarely on the bubble.

[drudy23]

You tell me you wouldnt be squirming on selection sunday if x loses Saturday and then loses to depaul to finish 19-13 and 8-10 in conference?

In this scenario, they're likely out, and that's before we even know of any bid stealers.

[Xville]

I would be, but no one said I was rational.

Is Butler still a Q1 win at home? I’m behind on the NET.

Yeah it would be. I know the big easts metrics are great this year but 8-10 and 19-13 just doesn't seem in to me...even if its pig that's not really in anyways. Please just win Saturday so we dont have to worry about it

[xu82]

Serious bummer, because we could have won that game. Keep in mind, it was a close loss on the road to one of the hottest teams in the country. We did ourselves no favors, but no shame in that. Lost opportunity for a great win.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We need to win for my peace of mind. And avoiding Dayton is also advisable (the play in game, I mean).

Same. I'm not sure we need to win again but I'd be really sweating if we lose to Butler and Depaul, and expecting Dayton if we got in in that scenario.

Plus lets keep the conference streak going.

[noteggs]

The foul on Freemantle on the missed PC free throw was criminal. I don't complain about fouls much at all. But that was pure larceny

It looked that but haven’t watched the replay. What got me was the ref who called it from backcourt? Inside ref said nothing.

[bjf123]

On to the next game. Got to keep the streak alive.

Bingo


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[OTRMUSKIE]

Oh man if losing the next two games guarantees a matchup vs VD Then let’s lose 2!!! I’m not sure X would beat VD but I can tell you right now if there was one team I would def want to see it would be the overrated VD Flyers and their no top 25 wins (ap, coaches) That team will be going out early. Wouldn’t surprise me if they lose first game. BEAT BUTT FUK Saturday that’s all that matters.

[GIMMFD]

Man, I will say with all the deficiencies this team has, they really don't quite, I can respect the hell out of that. Definitely a good site to see them fight and claw back but it just wasn't enough. Senior night is upon us, hopefully we can send off Tyrique and Q properly by beating the shit out of Butler, and keeping our conference .500 streak alive. I think we're in as of now, but let's just put it all to bed and FEED. THE. STREAK. Plus, nobody likes Butler anyways.

[xu koop scoop]

Any problem FOULING to try to salvage or win games. A few games back we were down 3 or 4 with about a minute to go, but let the opponent run the entire shot clock without failing. Same thing tonight. Also, at end of GTown game we're ahead 3 & let GTown get a 3 pt attempt just before the buzzer.

[GIMMFD]

Any problem FOULING to try to salvage or win games. A few games back we were down 3 or 4 with about a minute to go, but let the opponent run the entire shot clock without failing. Same thing tonight. Also, at end of GTown game we're ahead 3 & let GTown get a 3 pt attempt just before the buzzer.

In The Athletic article for the recap of the G'Town game, Shannon said that Steele asked his upperclassmen if they wanted to foul or play them straight up, and Naji, Tyrique, and Q said they wanted to play them straight up. I don't hate it, shows that he's trusting the guys on the team to deliver and they did, especially with us being a poor free throw shooting team as has been beaten to deaths, it happened to work out for us.

[stammina0721]

In The Athletic article for the recap of the G'Town game, Shannon said that Steele asked his upperclassmen if they wanted to foul or play them straight up, and Naji, Tyrique, and Q said they wanted to play them straight up. I don't hate it, shows that he's trusting the guys on the team to deliver and they did, especially with us being a poor free throw shooting team as has been beaten to deaths, it happened to work out for us.

Now that I get. When I was an OC we were playing our rival and was driving for the winning TD with about 35 seconds left on the 2 yard line. Coming off a TO I called 35 zone lead and my right tackle just said Fuck coach run behind me. I said alright if you are calling your shot I'm going to trust you. Then I switched it to 34 zone lead and he stepped up and we won the game.

So if her report is true then I don't blame Steele for trusting his guys calling their shot

[Lloyd Braun]

There’s a greater chance of losing the game if you attempt to foul. Especially with this team, a 4 point play would shock nobody who watches them play regularly. Even 2 free throws and a foul on the miss FT is viable at that point. If you don’t foul, worst case scenario is OT. Game tying 3s under 5 seconds left are not high percentage shots so I think it’s the right move for this team.

Side note: Steele knows what his team would say. If you ask me if I want to foul or man up to win the game I am saying “man up” 100% of the time. As a coach it’s a strategy to motivate the guys to be accountable and play better D than if they were to just take orders to do so.

[Xavier]

I know we're going to see a bunch of "have to win Saturday" takes now. I won't say that's not true, but it goes against what pretty much every "expert" (heavy emphasis on the quotes) thinks.

Xavier is safely in.

The top bracketologist said X was a last four bye before the game. I think if they lose out at best we are a PIG- probably out.

[xavierj]

The top bracketologist said X was a last four bye before the game. I think if they lose out at best we are a PIG- probably out.

Who is the top bracketologist?

[paulxu]

Who is the top bracketologist?

Probably Bracketville, and he still has us as a last four bye.

https://bracketville.wordpress.com/bracketology/

Oops, he hasn't updated yet.

[GIMMFD]

There’s a greater chance of losing the game if you attempt to foul. Especially with this team, a 4 point play would shock nobody who watches them play regularly. Even 2 free throws and a foul on the miss FT is viable at that point. If you don’t foul, worst case scenario is OT. Game tying 3s under 5 seconds left are not high percentage shots so I think it’s the right move for this team.

Side note: Steele knows what his team would say. If you ask me if I want to foul or man up to win the game I am saying “man up” 100% of the time. As a coach it’s a strategy to motivate the guys to be accountable and play better D than if they were to just take orders to do so.

Yeah, I do agree that Steele definitely knew what the answer was and it was a motivation tactic, but I still like it none the less. Challenge your guys to step up, and put faith in them, and they'll reward you by putting faith in you. I think anybody that is a competitor at a level like D1 P5 basketball would say "man up." I appreciate the use of analytics in sports, but it's becoming too much of a thing at times. I like the decision to not foul, not like Georgetown was at full strength of a roster either, tired legs + the pressure of a game tying three? I'd take my chances too.

[scoscox]

I don’t feel good about butler at all. They were killing us before Thompson went down. I think they’re a worse matchup for us than providence

[GoMuskies]

I don’t feel good about butler at all. They were killing us before Thompson went down. I think they’re a worse matchup for us than providence

Have you felt good about any Big East games this year? I know I haven't. Amazing that this will be an opportunity for us to win our 9th one!

[AviatorX]

This is an awesome defensive team, so I have no issue at all going against analytics in specific scenarios where it's "we need to get one stop here no matter what" (like foul/not fouling end of game up 3). That said, it's a little annoying when that mindset isn't applied consistently, like last night where they went trapping press into a zone in the last two minutes needing one stop. Just play straight up man to man defense - it's basically the only thing this team does at a high level.

Realistically, we're going to be on here in two weeks getting ready to watch Xavier play in an 8/9 game in Sacramento that tips off at 11:00pm, so no point in nitpicking like this on my end. Just frustrating.

[drudy23]

Butler is not Villanova, Seton Hall, or Creighton.

They're likely a slight step above us, but we can certainly beat them at home. Doesn't mean we will however. I think we win.

[scoscox]

This is an awesome defensive team, so I have no issue at all going against analytics in specific scenarios where it's "we need to get one stop here no matter what" (like foul/not fouling end of game up 3). That said, it's a little annoying when that mindset isn't applied consistently, like last night where they went trapping press into a zone in the last two minutes needing one stop. Just play straight up man to man defense - it's basically the only thing this team does at a high level.

Realistically, we're going to be on here in two weeks getting ready to watch Xavier play in an 8/9 game in Sacramento that tips off at 11:00pm, so no point in nitpicking like this on my end. Just frustrating.
Yea wasn’t a fan of the zone at all especially with how they were shooting even if they cooled off

[scoscox]

Butler is not Villanova, Seton Hall, or Creighton.

They're likely a slight step above us, but we can certainly beat them at home. Doesn't mean we will however. I think we win.

I just keep hearing people discuss it as if it’s a sure fire win and that’s not the case. We’ll be very fortunate to win

[scoscox]

Have you felt good about any Big East games this year? I know I haven't. Amazing that this will be an opportunity for us to win our 9th one!

Very few. Providence is one of the games I felt best about because we match up well. Hurt to not have paul for that one. We still should’ve won anyway

[OTRMUSKIE]

Any road game against a good team scares me and I was expecting a total blowout by providence and it started off that way. There is no reason to feel comfortable Saturday against butler. This team has proven they can play terrible basketball at home. It’s an 8:30 game so I want to see at least 5k drunk fans ready to cheer all game long. This will not be an easy game and not because Butler is that good but because Xavier will make sure it’s not an easy game.

[paulxu]

It’s an 8:30 game so I want to see at least 5k drunk fans ready to cheer all game long.

That's a pretty low bar. Doesn't Cintas hold 10,000+?

[OTRMUSKIE]

Yes but you got to think 5k won’t drink bc they look at their body as a temple. Those will be the boring people sitting in their ass the whole game. The other 5k who realizes life is short and Alcohol is so much fun need to be there ready to yell.


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[GIMMFD]

Yes but you got to think 5k won’t drink bc they look at their body as a temple. Those will be the boring people sitting in their ass the whole game. The other 5k who realizes life is short and Alcohol is so much fun need to be there ready to yell.


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My type of people, alcohol and loud noises make the world go round.

[UCGRAD4X]

Maybe the other half are the designated drivers.

[noteggs]

The foul on Freemantle on the missed PC free throw was criminal. I don't complain about fouls much at all. But that was pure larceny

Well here’s the evidence and gotta say you are correct! At the end of the game as well

https://twitter.com/downtheparkway/status/1235379735359864833

[smileyy]

Boxing out is considered a foul? That's to going to be an adjustment...

[shucker]

Have to agree that is a pretty bogus call. Fremantle doesn't really touch the providence player and he doesn't even box him out because the providence player is standing there and Fremantle steps in front of him. Pretty terrible call in a 2 point game.

[whopper]

I was at game, normally am not a homer but did not have the slightest sense it was a push live, and they NEVER showed the replay which was one of very few plays they did not show. Damn but of course only one play
Well here’s the evidence and gotta say you are correct! At the end of the game as well

https://twitter.com/downtheparkway/status/1235379735359864833

[bjf123]

I’d love to hear the ref’s explanation as to how that’s a foul on Zack.


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[shucker]

I’d love to hear the ref’s explanation as to how that’s a foul on Zack.


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I agree with you 100%. I really want to hear the justification for this call when the Ref that makes the call is the farthest from the ball and the Ref under the basket doesn't even attempt to make a call on this play!

[GIMMFD]

Maybe the other half are the designated drivers.

Uber exists for this particular reason haha.


I agree with you 100%. I really want to hear the justification for this call when the Ref that makes the call is the farthest from the ball and the Ref under the basket doesn't even attempt to make a call on this play!

I mean I don't think we'll get justification unfortunately, and it was just that, a bad call. That's probably happened to a lot of teams throughout the season that we haven't paid attention to. It was a big moment, and completely unfortunate, but it happens. It sucks because they fought their hearts out to try to win that game, and I think if we could have just taken the lead once, that would have given us the momentum to win.