Game Thread: Xavier vs. Cincinnati (12/6/2020)

[paulxu]

https://www.brickeconomy.com/resources/images/sets/lego-8804-3_large.jpgVS. https://magazine.uc.edu/editors_picks/recent_features/baby_baehr/jcr%3Acontent/MainContent/responsiveparsys_1/1446130870923/textimage_0/image.img.png/1539867752697.png


THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (5-0, 0-0 BIG EAST)
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI BEARCATS (1-0, 0-0 AMERICAN)
SUNDAY, DEC. 6, 2020 AT 3 P.M. ET
FIFTH THIRD ARENA IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: ESPN with play-by-play from Jason Benetti and analysis from Dan Dakich.
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 will also be available on Sirius XM Internet channel 981.
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[paulxu]

Escalate!

[D-West & PO-Z]

If you havent already you need to start lisetneing to the xavier 100 years podcast hosted by Redford. I have only heard two episodes so far but the one last night I listened to was about the Crosstown in the 2000's and Redford interviewed JP and Dee Davis. Both had amazing stories, JP's about the Cronin altercation and Dee Davis about his motivation in the "Dee Davis crosstown game". Spoiler alert Dee was motivated by an Oscar Robertson slight.

[bjf123]

I have a funny feeling Cronin would have a different recollection of his interaction with JP in the 2017 game. I do believe JP when he says Mick was cussing him out the whole game. I’m not sure I buy JP’s saying he wasn’t doing the same thing from the start. I’m sure he did say something to Mack early on who probably gave a little heads up to the refs.


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[xu 89]

Where can I find that podcast?

[bjf123]

I googled Xavier 100 podcast. There are 9 episodes. The Shootout one is #7 I think.


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[bobbiemcgee]

If you havent already you need to start lisetneing to the xavier 100 years podcast hosted by Redford. I have only heard two episodes so far but the one last night I listened to was about the Crosstown in the 2000's and Redford interviewed JP and Dee Davis. Both had amazing stories, JP's about the Cronin altercation and Dee Davis about his motivation in the "Dee Davis crosstown game". Spoiler alert Dee was motivated by an Oscar Robertson slight.

Got my own Big O story as I played in a pickup game with him at the YMCA somewhere in Clifton late 60's. It didn't go well. I remember one of my buddies getting open and yelling " Hey, Big O".

[bobbiemcgee]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H4WjdksWY8&feature=youtu.be

Cut or twirl?

[94GRAD]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H4WjdksWY8&feature=youtu.be

Cut or twirl?

Cut is the only correct way!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Cut is the only correct way!

Yeah disappointed to hear Travis is a twirl guy. Cut is a must.

[TUclutch]

I have a funny feeling Cronin would have a different recollection of his interaction with JP in the 2017 game. I do believe JP when he says Mick was cussing him out the whole game. I’m not sure I buy JP’s saying he wasn’t doing the same thing from the start. I’m sure he did say something to Mack early on who probably gave a little heads up to the refs.


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Chris Mack made it very clear in the post game press conference following that incident that the refs confirmed Mick was the problem. Which is why Mick got T’d up from what I remember.

[bjf123]

Cut is the only correct way!

Agreed!


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[MauriceX]

Not my video, but I saw this posted on Reddit and thought it was pretty awesome. Well done to Mr. Cliff Jenkins if he is on here for making this video.

Shootout Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoD1HLZ-xTI&list=WL&index=18&ab_channel=CliffJenkins)

[Xuperman]

I was thinking this news would crash this site but surprisingly that's not the case.

JONES, WILCHER AND KUNKEL eligible to start kicking ass!!!

[xu82]

https://www.brickeconomy.com/resources/images/sets/lego-8804-3_large.jpgVS. https://magazine.uc.edu/editors_picks/recent_features/baby_baehr/jcr%3Acontent/MainContent/responsiveparsys_1/1446130870923/textimage_0/image.img.png/1539867752697.png


THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (5-0, 0-0 BIG EAST)
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI BEARCATS (1-0, 0-0 AMERICAN)
SUNDAY, DEC. 6, 2020 AT 3 P.M. ET
FIFTH THIRD ARENA IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: ESPN with play-by-play from Jason Benetti and analysis from Dan Dakich.
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 will also be available on Sirius XM Internet channel 981.
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.


Based upon the size of the mascots, I think we’ll be quicker, but I worry about rebounding.

[bobbiemcgee]

Dan Dakich ugh

[mid major]

I was thinking this news would crash this site but surprisingly that's not the case.

JONES, WILCHER AND KUNKEL eligible to start kicking ass!!!

+1. I guess propagate the hate is more fun.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Dan Dakich ugh

Yes, ugh. And he already tweeted that the game tomorrow might as well be an infomercial for why IU football should be in the CFP. Greeeeaaatttt. Like it wasnt bad enough it was him and now hes going to drone on about IU football during the game.

[XUBison]

Yes, ugh. And he already tweeted that the game tomorrow might as well be an infomercial for why IU football should be in the CFP. Greeeeaaatttt. Like it wasnt bad enough it was him and now hes going to drone on about IU football during the game.

Turn on Byron and Joe. They’re the best.

[Snipe]

Turn on Byron and Joe. They’re the best.

Always the best idea

[D-West & PO-Z]

Turn on Byron and Joe. They’re the best.

I always have trouble synching the radio to where the game is at. One is always ahead of the other by a bit. But I will probably try again tomorrow.

[XUGRAD80]

Turn on Byron and Joe. They’re the best.

Agreed...it’s what I do every time.

Even if it’s not aligned perfectly I’d still rather listen to them than ANY of the national broadcasters. They stick to the game and don’t go off on wild tangents that have nothing to do with what is happening in front of them.

[X-band '01]

Based upon the size of the mascots, I think we’ll be quicker, but I worry about rebounding.

There may also be a delay to change their diapers.

[American X]

GAMEDAY! If 3:00pm on a Sunday in December does not scream Crosstown Shootout, then I don't know what does!

Yes, I already cracked a beer, thanks for asking, a nice Bell's Porter. Advantage of already going to 7am Mass. Prepare the way of the Lord and victory for the Xavier faithful!

[Masterofreality]

A perfect day.

-Mass Done
-Browns at 1.
-By 3 Browns will be up by 48 points in the late 3rd quarter.
-at 3, Shootout where X will be up by 48 points by Halftime

Beard: Grizzled
Beer: Cold
Sackcloth: On
Attitude: Bad
Disgust for Clifton Community College: Off The Charts

It's 11:44am, on December 6, 2020. And Clifton Community still SucKS

[paulxu]

12:07.

Bourbon Time!

[GoMuskies]

I have to coach a baseball practice right after the game, so I'll be the one watching the game sober. At least mostly.

[paulxu]

I have to coach a baseball practice right after the game, so I'll be the one watching the game sober. At least mostly.

No worries. I'll handle it for you. (takes another sip)

[bourbonman]

There is something extremely comforting that a game thread started 31 hours and 21 minutes prior to tip-off, halftime scores have been predicted, bourbon and beer is already being consumed and the visceral hatred for that Clifton School of Lower Learning has been declared.

Can I get a “uc sUCks”?

[xu82]

There is something extremely comforting that a game thread started 31 hours and 21 minutes prior to tip-off, halftime scores have been predicted, bourbon and beer is already being consumed and the visceral hatred for that Clifton School of Lower Learning has been declared.

Can I get a “uc sUCks”?

I’ll add a little story by way of explanation. I’m in town for my annual game a couple years ago. Post-game I head to Arthurs for dinner with a buddy, both wearing X gear. Some drunken UC A-hole a few seats down the bar with his wife starts giving us shit. We ignore him, which apparently pisses him off even more. We finally acknowledge him and say we just want to have a quiet dinner, have a nice evening. Now he’s REALLY pissed. Apparently he’s a regular who lives in walking distance and the bartender is just letting it go. Right before it appears to get physical we tell her “if you don’t call the cops, we will”. This got the wife’s attention, like maybe it’s happened before and it didn’t end well. She drags his ass out of there in a hurry!

I never really understood the UC hate before that night (my sister married one of “them”), but I see the whole thing in a new light now.

[MauriceX]

There is something extremely comforting that a game thread started 31 hours and 21 minutes prior to tip-off, halftime scores have been predicted, bourbon and beer is already being consumed and the visceral hatred for that Clifton School of Lower Learning has been declared.

Can I get a “uc sUCks”?

uc sUCks!

[American X]

Can I get a “uc sUCks”?

uc sUCks, verily!

F'em. Really, f'em.

[GoMuskies]

-By 3 Browns will be up by 48 points in the late 3rd quarter.


Looks like this part of the prediction could come true.

[X Factor]

-By 3 Browns will be up by 48 points in the late 3rd quarter.

That's looking pretty accurate

[Muskeagle]

Trying to get some work done before the game....not going well. Very excited for the game! It sort of creeped up on me...helped that I saw the twitter thread last night that had a ton of video recaps from previous games. Bring on the Bearcats. UC sUCks!

[Muskeagle]

by the way....watching the 'Nova game in the background. Those unis rock!

[UCGRAD4X]

Giving the Kittens a spanking will erase a lot of the negativity that has crept in the early season.

Lets get this done. Can't spell sUCk without UC (or yUCk or fUC' or stUCk or mUCk or lame dUCk...)

[KabeX]

No idea what to expect today but let's GO!

[GIMMFD]

It's show time, let's do this.

[GoMuskies]

Random: why does Covid mean no suits for the coaches?

[GIMMFD]

Random: why does Covid mean no suits for the coaches?

I *THINK* it's more of a "no crowd, no fans, no reason to dress up" thing, I haven't read anything scientific on why they aren't wearing suits.. even in health care, I knew a lot of hospitalists that wore business casual, but now everyone's in scrubs because God knows it's way more comfortable when moving around.

[bobbiemcgee]

Random: why does Covid mean no suits for the coaches?

I could never figure this out for years. Makes absolutely no sense. Especially for Miller who sweat thru everything.

[RoseyMuskie]

I think a nice team polo/pullover looks so much more appropriate too. Sometimes less is better.

[Lloyd Braun]

Neck ties have been linked to disease spread in doctor’s offices. That’s not the reason however.

[GIMMFD]

Yup, I'm gonna like Kunkel and Jones a lot.

[RoseyMuskie]

Okay, maybe this team was short handed. Great start for Colby and Kunkel.

[xu82]

I could never figure this out for years. Makes absolutely no sense. Especially for Miller who sweat thru everything.

THAT was a significant part of the entertainment!

[bobbiemcgee]

X 16-11 acc to google

[xu82]

Random: why does Covid mean no suits for the coaches?

Seriously? Everybody knows Covid is attracted to ties like flies to shit......

Or something like that......

[XUGRAD80]

Wide open game might favor X.

[RoseyMuskie]

I think Steele is going to be challenged to balance the depth of this team.

[XUGRAD80]

Turnovers are killing them. Unforced turnovers too!

[Double Down]

Are we really wearing black uniforms?

[kellernr]

Tandy looks lost

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[paulxu]

Flashes of good play, and some stupid turnovers.
Will need Kunkel's 3's this year for sure. And Johnson's.

[paulxu]

Nice to lead at the half.

[GIMMFD]

Decent half, Kunkel can definitely knock em down, Nate Johnson is quietly becoming one of my favorite guys on this team as well.

[waggy]

They should win this game. Hope they don't piss it away.

[waggy]

And yeah Nate Johnson is a fine player.

[X-band '01]

More of Scruggs, Kunkel and Johnson next half please.

[kellernr]

Decent half, Kunkel can definitely knock em down, Nate Johnson is quietly becoming one of my favorite guys on this team as well.UC fan at work asked who is unknown or new X player that will knock down 5+ 3s today. I told him Johnson.

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[Section 200]

Really glad Johnson made that shot - Steele was gonna be really pissed if he missed it!

[GIMMFD]

UC fan at work asked who is unknown or new X player that will knock down 5+ 3s today. I told him Johnson.

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Either Johnson or Kunkel seems to be a good bet, I thought Nate had some balls in OT the other game hitting both of those 3s, I like his game, seems like he plays without much fear, and we need that going forward.

[RoseyMuskie]

Lineup should mainly be
-Odom
-Scruggs
-Johnson
-Carter
-Freemantle

-Griffin spells Free
-Kunkel / Tandy spell Scruggs and Odom
-Jones spells Johnson

[paulxu]

I think Colby Jones will also be a nice addition.

[KabeX]

Get an early 3rd PF on Vogt if for no other reason it gets him out of the game and I don't have to listen to dackish mispronounce and then apologize. Almost rather have him talk about IU football.

[noteggs]

I think Colby Jones will also be a nice addition.

Agree. Looks to have a good skill set on both sides of the court.

[Lloyd Braun]

UC fan at work asked who is unknown or new X player that will knock down 5+ 3s today. I told him Johnson.

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I would have told him to go f himself but that’s just me in shootout week

[jhelmes37]

UC fan at work asked who is unknown or new X player that will knock down 5+ 3s today. I told him Johnson.

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Proper response: "Which UC all-star player will shit the bed today?"

[N67ER]

Really glad Johnson made that shot - Steele was gonna be really pissed if he missed it!. I never mind a good shooter taking a 3 when he is open and moving toward the rim. Good shooters will hit that shot 60-70 percent of the time. And he is a good shooter. His first 3 was a rise up and shoot jumper. Not a real high percentage shot for most players.

[xudash]

That ad for UC is not good - bias aside.

[GoMuskies]

Glad we came out of the locker room ready to play.

[paulxu]

Sometimes it seems we just go to sleep.

[Xville]

Shot selection has been pretty bad. Just because you are open, does not mean you need to shoot a 3. Yes I know they are shooting 50%, but the way uc is playing defense, it could be much highee.

[XUGRAD80]

Need to run the offense, not just jack up shots.

[GoMuskies]

Nice block!

[Xville]

Nice d griffin

[noteggs]

Looks like Miles is odd man out with new rotation. However, might change with Zach with 3 fouls.

[Xville]

Think colby is someone whose ability did not.match his recruiting ranking...guy should have been top 75 easily. Stole one there.

[IM4X]

Two offensive possessions In a row ending with bad decisions

[xu82]

I’m somewhat surprised by how many minutes Colby is getting, honestly. Nice steal! I worried about fitness, not ability

[GoMuskies]

What the fuck are we doing on offense? Brutal.

[paulxu]

I know how important Scruggs is to our team.
But when he goes hero ball, leaving guys open on the perimeter as he disappears in 4 white shirts will dry me nuts.

[GIMMFD]

Dakich might be the most annoying announcer I've ever had to hate listen to.

[Xville]

Really beating ourselves mentally this game...ton of unforced errors

I'll take any announcer Vitale and Walton included over dakich any time...guy is a disaster.

[xu82]

Shut up Dakich and the fool who is chuckling at him.

[IM4X]

I really like what I am seeing out of Colby Jones and Griffin.

[Smooth]

I didn't know Colby Jones was a point guard.

[KabeX]

What the fuck are we doing on offense? Brutal.

I know. What, is this 2019? C'Mon.

[xudash]

Freemantle has to step up his game.

[xu82]

I know. What, is this 2019? C'Mon.

It’s 2020, not a treat! Don’t challenge 2020 or we might ALL be regretting it!

[paulxu]

I still think we ought to get the presidents' cut outs for the VD arena.

[GoMuskies]

Freemantle is not doing well right now.

[IM4X]

Freemantle needs to be more physical down low On offense - too much finesse.

[paulxu]

These announcers sUCk.

[GoMuskies]

This is going poorly.

[IM4X]

Why is Kunkel playing so much? Wouldn’t mind seeing a little more Johnson.

[Xville]

Freemantles defense is getting exposed this game...hes been absolutely awful on that end of the floor this game.

[kellernr]

More Griffin. Less Freemantle

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[XUGRAD80]

The turnover bug is still killing them.

[Xville]

Why is Kunkel playing so much. Wouldn’t mind seeing a little more Johnson.

Yeah dont understand that either...he can shoot and that's about it.

[kellernr]

Why is Kunkel playing so much? Wouldn’t mind seeing a little more Johnson.Johnson should be on the court as much as possible.

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[waggy]

More Griffin. Less Freemantle

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This

[X-band '01]

I'm even getting fed up enough to fire this Spectrum spokeswoman into the sun.

[GoMuskies]

I bet Kunkel would have been amazing our last two games. Since we played OVC teams.

[whopper]

we have zero offensive rebound

[Xville]

Carter!

[GoMuskies]

Wasn't counting on a Carter three!

[X-band '01]

Scruggs refusing to lose and Xavier now up to 6 kills today.

[Xville]

Scruggy! Playing like a senior in a big game!

[xu82]

Making FT’s wins games!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Scruggs plays so much better without the man bun

[xu82]

Carter got a little net there, so there’s that.......

[Lloyd Braun]

That Carter airball lol

[GoMuskies]

There's our Carter!

[Xville]

What in the flying hell was that carter

[X-band '01]

This is clutch free throw defense!

[KabeX]

Box out and we win. That looked like my 6th graders staring at the shot.

[XUGRAD80]

This may well go into OT or come down to the last shot.

[xu82]

Here’s a sincere question: Is UC supposed to be any good?

[Xville]

Nice sign douchey cheerleader

[X-band '01]

Yes, with the caveat that it will be in two seasons.

[paulxu]

It may work out that driving 1 on 3 will be OK. But I'd love to see some kick outs.

[Lloyd Braun]

Here’s a sincere question: Is UC supposed to be any good?

Sincerely, they aren’t good. I wish they were but they aren’t. Luckily they’re a mid major that can win a decent chunk of games.

[GoMuskies]

Sincerely, they aren’t good. I wish they were but they aren’t. Luckily they’re a mid major that can win a decent chunk of games.

I'm glad they're not good. We'd be in trouble if they were. We're gonna be okay, but not yet.

[paulxu]

Why not, just once, kick it out Paul?

[GoMuskies]

Why not, just once, kick it out Paul?

Yeah, that was terrible. we cannot stand prosperity.

[Xville]

Sincerely, they aren’t good. I wish they were but they aren’t. Luckily they’re a mid major that can win a decent chunk of games.

I mean...they are probably better than anyone x has played up to this point so there's that.

[GoMuskies]

We're working really hard to blow this.

[xu82]

Make them PAY for pressing!!!!! Awesome!

[X-band '01]

And that, my friends, is how you break a press.

[Xville]

Free! Haha uc is so stupid

[Blue Blooded-05]

FreeMANtle!!

[xu82]

Did I mention FT’s count?????

A LOT!

[xudash]

I was ready to say sit Carter forever until he made that second free-throw.

[Xville]

Garbage call

[GoMuskies]

Both teams have excellent FT defense late.

[xudash]

These freakin refs.

[GoMuskies]

Nice. I hate UC.

[Xville]

Ballgame...beating uc, a xavier tradition.

[paulxu]

All district team?

[GoMuskies]

Let it die guys!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

It is over! W

[IM4X]

I love Johnson. Smart. Disciplined. Never gets flustered. Can shoot the 3. Can drive. Has been pretty solid on defense. Always plays hard.

[GoMuskies]

Dakich is turning me into a Kentucky fan. Thought that was impossible.

[paulxu]

Dana's props!

[noteggs]

Maybe those close games earlier games helped?

[GoMuskies]

Dana's is open!

[Lloyd Braun]

Dakich makes up for it by plugging Dana’s.

[xu82]

Dana’s gets a mention, so THAT is cool!

[xudash]

Bj gets some free advertising !

[Lloyd Braun]

“MUSKATEERS” makes an appearance at the end. Can’t win em all...

[paulxu]

Does Covid mean they don't do handshake lines anymore?

[Xville]

Scruggy came up huge today..playing the way a senior should play in these.. great job! On to oklahoma and a perfect non-con record

[bjf123]

Does Covid mean they don't do handshake lines anymore?

Yep. Just kind of wave and walk away.


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[KabeX]

Does Covid mean they don't do handshake lines anymore?

Y but did they at least wave at each other or was this going to be the infamous no wave game?

[paulxu]

We made more FT's than they attempted. Always a good sign.

[kellernr]

I said carter would out rebound Vogt and he came through. Didn't think it would 2-1 though

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[KabeX]

And now it's time for the Victory Beer

[MADXSTER]

“MUSKATEERS” makes an appearance at the end. Can’t win em all...

I saw that too. Had to do a double take.

[XUGRAD80]

And now it's time for the Victory Beer

D*#m good idea! But mine will be a bourbon! Victory tastes good! Go X!

[bobbiemcgee]

80% ft!!

[XUGRAD80]

52% from the field and 39% from 3. They stopped turning the ball over and rolled UC over the last 5 minutes.

[BMoreX]

I love winning this damn basketball game.

[Muskie in dayton]

X owns UC. Even the weirdness of 2020 can’t change that.

[bjf123]

In the post game radio show, Steele said that David West talked to the team yesterday and said that they’ll always remember their record in the Shootout. Steele said he looked at Paul and said it was his chance to go 3-1.


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[xukeith]

Steele just was interviewed by Byron and Joe. Steele said Johnson is as good as any guard at X for the past 13 years. I don't know about that BUT he is a relief to watch. He is poised, and he rebounds, great from 3 point land too.
Not happy about the 12 turnovers but happy to see Vogt only got one rebound.
This happy feeling means NOTHING if X lays an egg against Oklahoma. Go X!

I thought UC and X played mirror games. They outrebounded X at many times in second half. Maybe they ran out of gas in late second half. Waves and waves of talented X men!

[xudash]

Inform me where I am wrong, but I witnessed a mostly well played game and a good game played by both teams. It’s college basketball, so a few bumps and hiccups here and there. However, overall, a very entertaining, clean game.

Coach Steele? Is he growing into the job, or where do you see micro or macro problems with this game plan?

Lastly, Kunkel, Jones and Wilcher WILL make this a different team than the one that stumbled their way to a 5-0 record.

[Xavier]

Johnson is huge for this team. What a transfer. He wears #10 and reminds me a little of Sato.....

*Wish Sato number was retired.

[paulxu]

DFW in the city? Good things will happen.

[xukeith]

Agree here. We got lucky and Vogt fouled out *(Thanks Dwon!).
Freemantle is good but he got exposed 3-4 times today.
Is UC supposed to be 2,3,or 4th place in AAC?

[whopper]

Griffin has been an excellent contributor..he rebounds like a 5 and scores tough baskets..he really is our backup center and will be needed. Overall a good effort and Jones looks as good as advertised. Kunkel will be a contributor..Steele should have no problem sitting a cold player this year like we did not the past 2 years. I was not aware until i just read on Banners that Griffen has 2 years so all the better

[xu82]

And now it's time for the Victory Beer

Well, it’s far too late for the pregame warmup beer, or the “we’re hanging in in the first half” beer, or the halftime beer, or any other beer. But the VICTORY Beer is by far the BEST beer!

[xukeith]

I listened to 550 krc with the ESPN clown show muted. I watched delay and didn't mind it at all'

[drudy23]

Let's go!!!!!!!

Scruggsy!!!!! Leader!!!

Colby Jones gonna be a huge glue guy.

Kunk gonna knock down shots.

Griffin grown ass man!!!

No Crosstown hangover on Wednesday - tough game.

Alot of weapons in the arsenal.

[muethibp]

Johnson is huge for this team. What a transfer. He wears #10 and reminds me a little of Sato.....

*Wish Sato number was retired.

It's a close call, and I can understand those that say "no," but I agree with you.

[XUGRAD80]

Just looked at the box score....Jones with 17 minutes and Kunkel with 15. Witcher with 3. Does X win if Jones and Kunkel don’t play? How much better is this team with the amount of depth they now have?

My prediction is that Steele continues to juggle the lineup and minutes all year long and goes with who ever is playing well in that particular game. There is so much young talent I don’t see how X settles on a 7-8 player rotation. And what about when Stanley gets eligible!? Wow!

I’m getting excited about the potential of this team. I’m also drinking, so I may be just a little overly optimistic. LOL But it sure feels good!

[KabeX]

Well, it’s far too late for the pregame warmup beer, or the “we’re hanging in in the first half” beer, or the halftime beer, or any other beer. But the VICTORY Beer is by far the BEST beer!
And now it's time for the "guilty pleasure browsing Bearcat Journal annual meltdown game thread" beer. Tasty. Very Tasty.

[American X]

The Paul Scruggs Game - Crosstown Shootout Legend

Paul Scruggs went out of his last Crosstown Shootout like a G. What a fantastic senior game.

No matter what the season, situation or records are, winning the Crosstown Shootout is pure joy. Winning at uc is ecstasy. Victory Whiskey is poured.

Best of luck to uc the rest of the way. Kidding. They can all go choke on reindeer poop.

[SkyWalker]

I am still in shock from today's game. Both teams, especially X, have been mediocre in the early season (5 games). But today, that was a Total Quality Game from both sides. I give UC credit and I give X credit and I give the coaches credit. That appeared to be two top notch teams playing in mid-season form. I do have three questions. 1) Where did that effort come from on the X side? 2) Will this continue and make us a contender in the Big East? 3.) Who was wearing the Paul Scruggs uniform today? That was simply amazing.

[Xville]

Great game and what a performance by scruggy. Lots of good stuff but my main concern moving forward is rebounding and physicality. I think that's one weakness this team has, but hopefully if griffin continues to evolve, that weakness could be minimized.

[Xville]

On another note, Kentucky getting steam rolled by a josh pastner coached team brings me pure joy. What a great day.

[xudash]

If you are now sitting there with a nice, tall drink, then do yourself a favor and visit the bearcat message board. Pure entertainment!

On one page, there is a tweet from someone who is a UC fan who admitted that UC is Xavier’s little brother. The next tweet up is from Gary Clark, who babbles on about this game meaning so much more to us than them.

Overall, a number of them are losing it over there, and the messages posting over there do not warrant them taking the position that the game means much more to us than them.

Losing to Xavier drives them insane!

[xavierj]

What I saw from jones is that he will be a stud. Game wasn’t too big for him. Guy comes off quarantine and plays like an upperclassman I thought. Played good defense, had a couple of steals. Broke the press, distributed the ball and his pump fake step in 15 footer was smooth. Glad we got him.

[IM4X]

We made more FT's than they attempted. Always a good sign.

In the words of the Mandalorian, “This is the way.”

[XUGRAD80]

If you are now sitting there with a nice, tall drink, then do yourself a favor and visit the bearcat message board. Pure entertainment!

On one page, there is a tweet from someone who is a UC fan who admitted that UC is Xavier’s little brother. The next tweet up is from Gary Clark, who babbles on about this game meaning so much more to us than them.

Overall, a number of them are losing it over there, and the messages posting over there do not warrant them taking the position that the game means much more to us than them.

Losing to Xavier drives them insane!

Of course it means more to us, than it does to them. WINNING always means more than LOSING, doesn't it? :clap:

[X-band '01]

If you are now sitting there with a nice, tall drink, then do yourself a favor and visit the bearcat message board. Pure entertainment!

On one page, there is a tweet from someone who is a UC fan who admitted that UC is Xavier’s little brother. The next tweet up is from Gary Clark, who babbles on about this game meaning so much more to us than them.

Overall, a number of them are losing it over there, and the messages posting over there do not warrant them taking the position that the game means much more to us than them.

Losing to Xavier drives them insane!

I thought this game didn't matter to them now that they're good at foosball again.

[xukeith]

As Xavier goes to its bench, there is a drop of talent with exceptions to Griffin and Jones. Tandy needs to drive to the hoop but maybe he doesn’t have that Scruggs and Odom first step. Seeing KyKy launch 3’s just because he can is not helping anyone. Jones was very impressive. He is everywhere. I wonder if he was out of breath for not exercising 10 days. I hope X can bury Oklahoma and Providence. Good game today.

[JTG]

Maybe those close games earlier games helped?

This!! Playing in 3 nailbiters a week ago had to help.

[xavierj]

https://mobile.twitter.com/xubarstool/status/1335735786545836035?s=10

[GIMMFD]

What I saw from jones is that he will be a stud. Game wasn’t too big for him. Guy comes off quarantine and plays like an upperclassman I thought. Played good defense, had a couple of steals. Broke the press, distributed the ball and his pump fake step in 15 footer was smooth. Glad we got him.

Yup, Jones looks like a stud in the making, I can see why Steele raved about him, he looked like he handled it very well, like you said, comes off quarantine, first college game, and looked really sharp, I think this team is miles better with Jones, Kunkel, and Wilcher.

[xu82]

https://mobile.twitter.com/xubarstool/status/1335735786545836035?s=10

That’s awesome! I bet BJ handed out 10-15 free drafts from that cash!


I kid, I kid! That tells you how everything Xavier always comes back to Dana’s. My parents may have invested more there than in my tuition. Sad, I know!

[xukeith]

Can you imagine the outrage if Travis announces tomorrow, "I have covid". ?

I watched his post game. He might like this team more than me. He says this X team has the "IT" factor.

[bjf123]

That’s awesome! I bet BJ handed out 10-15 free drafts from that cash!


I kid, I kid! That tells you how everything Xavier always comes back to Dana’s. My parents may have invested more there than in my tuition. Sad, I know!

Only saw one person not wearing a mask in the video.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[DexterBailey84]

Only saw one person not wearing a mask in the video.


You mean the guy standing right next to him?

[bjf123]

You mean the guy standing right next to him?

Yep.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Smails]

As Xavier goes to its bench, there is a drop of talent with exceptions to Griffin and Jones.

Are you saying there there's a talent drop when XU gets to its 8th, 9th and 10th players? That's kinda how it goes...right?

[xu82]

Are you saying there there's a talent drop when XU gets to its 8th, 9th and 10th players? That's kinda how it goes...right?

Clearly, somebody needs to be fired!

:-)

[xavierj]

Useless trivia. Today was the 2nd largest margin of victory on UC’s campus for Xavier, dating back to 1927. In 2008 Xavier won by 10 in Clifton.

[X-Expert]

If you are now sitting there with a nice, tall drink, then do yourself a favor and visit the bearcat message board. Pure entertainment!

On one page, there is a tweet from someone who is a UC fan who admitted that UC is Xavier’s little brother. The next tweet up is from Gary Clark, who babbles on about this game meaning so much more to us than them.

Overall, a number of them are losing it over there, and the messages posting over there do not warrant them taking the position that the game means much more to us than them.

Losing to Xavier drives them insane!
Gary Clark's comments are taken right out of the mouth of Mick Cronin. Even though he had a horrible record vs X, he still said it was more important to X. Mick had one S-16 in 10+ years and Gary Clark wasn't on that team. Sounds like he has plenty of reason to pound his chest.

[xukeith]

Griffin has been an excellent contributor..he rebounds like a 5 and scores tough baskets..he really is our backup center and will be needed. Overall a good effort and Jones looks as good as advertised. Kunkel will be a contributor..Steele should have no problem sitting a cold player this year like we did not the past 2 years. I was not aware until i just read on Banners that Griffen has 2 years so all the better

I’m guessing Bryan has one more year. That is huge if true. X’s stock just gets better. As good as a shootout win is, next 2-3 seasons look like lots of wins. Let’s get Tandy in control of delivering his game and then e can celebrate.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Random: why does Covid mean no suits for the coaches?

Ha, I wondered this as well. I mean I think suits are kinda over the top for a basketball coach anyway but I dont get the correlation.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Looks like Miles is odd man out with new rotation. However, might change with Zach with 3 fouls.

I posted in another thread a couple days ago but I think the last game before this one was the last mins of any significance that Miles sees this year.

[X-band '01]

I am still in shock from today's game. Both teams, especially X, have been mediocre in the early season (5 games). But today, that was a Total Quality Game from both sides. I give UC credit and I give X credit and I give the coaches credit. That appeared to be two top notch teams playing in mid-season form. I do have three questions. 1) Where did that effort come from on the X side? 2) Will this continue and make us a contender in the Big East? 3.) Who was wearing the Paul Scruggs uniform today? That was simply amazing.

On the other hand, it is very weird watching a UC team that has an offense-first mentality. I can't recall the last time their defense looked like Swiss cheese during a game. At least they were also hospitable hosts and did something Xavier usually does - miss front ends of 1-and-1s. That opened the door for a late KO.

[D-West & PO-Z]

DFW in the city? Good things will happen.

Was thinking probably zoom.

[D-West & PO-Z]

My thoughts:

1. LET'S FUCKING GO!!!!

2. Scruggs doing what great Xavier seniors generally do in this game. Take it over, make it theirs, and win.

3. Our depth...man we can legit go 10 deep. Kunkel wasn't great but his shooting ability is clear and that second 3 when we were down 4 in the 2nd half was huge.

4. Jones was IMPRESSIVE for his first game and after not being able to play or practice for over a week.

5. Nate Johnson, what a pickup from the transfer portal. Supremely confident which I love. Thought he should have maybe have played a few more mins. Maybe take a few of Kunkels 15 mins he played.

6. Griffin was really good in his 11 mins. 2-2 from the floor and the line, 5 rebounds in that short time. Think we could/should see him get a few more mins. Probably should have spelled Free a few more mins today.

7. Freemantle had good numbers if you just look at the box score but he was off today. Some bad turnovers and didn't finish well.

8. Kyky is going to be hit and miss all year I think. And he will not see a ton of mins on those nights he is off with our depth. Hope he can keep his head in the game even when he isnt playing much at times and be ready for when we really need his offense or when hes getting more playing time.

9. We had 0 offensive rebounds. When was the last time that happened? I can almost guarantee the last time it did happen we didnt win. Thats amazing honestly.

10. Glad Wilcher got a few minutes and got some game action. Will be interesting to see what his role is once he gets some practice time and back in the thick of things. Think he is probably number 10 in the rotation.

ALWAYS ALWAYS, A GREAT DAY WHEN WE BEAT sUCks.

GO X!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Gary Clark's comments are taken right out of the mouth of Mick Cronin. Even though he had a horrible record vs X, he still said it was more important to X. Mick had one S-16 in 10+ years and Gary Clark wasn't on that team. Sounds like he has plenty of reason to pound his chest.

Exactly right. I thought the exact same thing, he was just spewing what Mick told him for 4 years. Mick HATED the shootout.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I’m guessing Bryan has one more year. That is huge if true. X’s stock just gets better. As good as a shootout win is, next 2-3 seasons look like lots of wins. Let’s get Tandy in control of delivering his game and then e can celebrate.

I wasn't sure how many year Griffin has left originally when he first came here, however this year doesnt count for anyone's eligibility so even if he only had one he can still come back again if he wanted and X wanted him to.

I still think that will be fascinating to see. Literally everyone on the team could return next year if they wanted to and Steele wanted them to.

[UCGRAD4X]

Dana's makes the early news today covering coach Trav's generous house call. X grad Bob Herzog says "Dana's is a special place" through an awkward grin.

Nice pub?

[XUGRAD80]

I wasn't sure how many year Griffin has left originally when he first came here, however this year doesnt count for anyone's eligibility so even if he only had one he can still come back again if he wanted and X wanted him to.

I still think that will be fascinating to see. Literally everyone on the team could return next year if they wanted to and Steele wanted them to.

Although it’s WAY TO EARLY to begin thinking about who comes back and who doesn’t NEXT YEAR, I’ll play along. Possibly this needs its own thread.

I think Scruggs, Johnson, and Carter are gone for sure. And that’s OK, they still be big losses but X is pretty stacked with guards for the next couple of years and they have a freshman power forward/center and a wing already signed. Griffin is a big question mark at this point. I think it depends on how much playing time he gets this year. If he gets enough to catch the eye of overseas clubs and gets offers to play professionally, I can’t see him staying. Stanley is another question mark. If he gets eligible this year, I think he plays a lot and possibly starts taking some of Griffin’s and Carter’s minutes. He might decide at that point that he’s played enough college ball and wants to move on. BUT, he wants to go to law school from what I’ve read. I can easily see him staying another year to get a masters degree and further prepare for law school. I can’t see both Griffin or Stanley either leaving or staying, one of them will stay and one will go, is my guess. If 4-5 of them leave, then look for the transfer portal to be X’s solution again. (And we haven’t even talked about Ramsey yet or what happens with Miles in the future) I think that there will be LOTS of really good players to choose from, players that are eligible right away and that are looking for an opportunity to play right away. IF Tandy sees his minutes cut over the course of the season, it would not surprise me to see him leave. His father is known to be a bit “pushy” when it comes to wanting his son to play/start.

Seems like an eternity since X has had a roster where an over abundance of good QUALITY depth was the problem. I’d love to see all of the players come back, especially since this seems to be a group that really get along and pulls for each other. But I fear that the days of watching a group of players all come in, and all leave, together are gone. It’s probably going to be a situation where coaches are rebuilding their rosters every year.

[XU 87]

Griffin played three full years in D2. He actually played in 5 games his freshman year, but ended up taking a redshirt. So I don't think he can come back next year.

[xavierj]

Griffin played three full years in D2. He actually played in 5 games his freshman year, but ended up taking a redshirt. So I don't think he can come back next year.

Everyone can come back next year. This year doesn’t count for anyone regardless even if it’s your 6th if that was granted. The freshman will still have 4 more years and am so on it’s like a redshirt year for everyone. That is why Kunkel went for the waiver because he knew it was a free year. The change was made due to covid.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Seems like an eternity since X has had a roster where an over abundance of good QUALITY depth was the problem. I’d love to see all of the players come back, especially since this seems to be a group that really get along and pulls for each other. But I fear that the days of watching a group of players all come in, and all leave, together are gone. It’s probably going to be a situation where coaches are rebuilding their rosters every year.

Moving on, for those who have eligibility remaining, may also depend on their playing time this year. At the beginning of the season we, on this board, talked about the potential depth in this year's team. Now, it seems, we have it. Steele has an embarrassment of riches, so to speak. He is going to have to manage expectations for eleven players today and twelve if Stanley is allowed to play.

All of us, I'm sure, loved watching Steele have the ability to substitute in waves yesterday. But depth, as exciting as it is, can have negative consequences. Tandy played just twelve minutes and attempted three shots yesterday. His playing time was marginally more than last year's Shootout. Admittedly, television provides limited insight but I saw a couple of shots of Tandy on the bench and he did not appear all that enthusiastic. I say that knowing that it is a stretch to draw any conclusion based on a couple of screen shots. I am speculating---I have no real insight into what Tandy was thinking or feeling about his role. But, it seems safe to assume he might have expected to have more playing time yesterday.

With so many options available to Steele, the roles of players (like Tandy, Carter and Miles) must change. That change could be dramatic and the players involved may react in unexpected ways. We should not assume all will happy about reduced playing time even if the result is a stronger team.

Additionally, with all the waivers granted by the NCAA, it seems fair that Stanley be allowed to play. But, adding Stanley to an already jumbled mix will dramatically complicate Steele's job.

Sure is different from last year.

[bleedXblue]

really complicates recruiting for next year doesn't it?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Griffin played three full years in D2. He actually played in 5 games his freshman year, but ended up taking a redshirt. So I don't think he can come back next year.

This year does not count against anyone's eligibility.

[D-West & PO-Z]

really complicates recruiting for next year doesn't it?

Yeah. I dont follow our recruiting all that closely so I don't know what we have coming in, and I know not everyone will come back, but everyone seemingly having the ability to come back has to make roster management tough. Even the guys who are younger will be able to get that 5th year if they wanted.

[markchal]

I thought Griffin was a grad transfer though? Won't he pretty much be out of eligibility if he already has the degree he came for?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I thought Griffin was a grad transfer though? Won't he pretty much be out of eligibility if he already has the degree he came for?

He can sign up for more classes.

[xukeith]

If you were Tandy, would you appreciate your dwindling playing time? Would you cheer on competition that perform better than yourself?

Tandy might like his role if he actually scored when he was playing 11 minutes.

[nuts4xu]

I thought Griffin was a grad transfer though? Won't he pretty much be out of eligibility if he already has the degree he came for?

This year does not count against the years of eligibility. He will have one more year after this, regardless of how many degrees he will have next summer. He can enroll in school for another degree and play next season.

[Xavier]

All of us, I'm sure, loved watching Steele have the ability to substitute in waves yesterday. But depth, as exciting as it is, can have negative consequences.



I don't know if this was sarcastic but I did think Steele was over complicating things with all the substitutes going on. Felt like it was hard to get players into a rhythm.

Still- really exciting having the depth and options. KyKy will have his games and will be important piece to the success but I am sure he won't be thrilled at his diminished role.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't know if this was sarcastic but I did think Steele was over complicating things with all the substitutes going on. Felt like it was hard to get players into a rhythm.

Still- really exciting having the depth and options. KyKy will have his games and will be important piece to the success but I am sure he won't be thrilled at his diminished role.

Really? I didn't feel that way at all. It was great we had options to put out there when guys werent performing. I like KyKy but when he isnt hitting shots he is pretty brutal to watch. He doesnt play great D and he has some dumb turnovers usually. When he is on offensively he is great but he just didn't have it yesterday I dont think it was at all due to lack of playing time or opportunity.

[drudy23]

KyKy looked out of it yesterday. Didn't seem as amped as the other guys. So he sat.

He needs to bring it full-time or guys are going to take his minutes. That much is pretty clear.

[xavierj]

KyKy looked out of it yesterday. Didn't seem as amped as the other guys. So he sat.

He needs to bring it full-time or guys are going to take his minutes. That much is pretty clear.

I agree he needs to learn to play his role and accept that in order to play, but his demeanor is always like that. I don’t think I have ever seen him amped, even when he is on fire. He seems like a very even keeled kid.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Really? I didn't feel that way at all. It was great we had options to put out there when guys werent performing. I like KyKy but when he isnt hitting shots he is pretty brutal to watch. He doesnt play great D and he has some dumb turnovers usually. When he is on offensively he is great but he just didn't have it yesterday I dont think it was at all due to lack of playing time or opportunity.

Also I should have noted, this was Steele's first game with all his weapons at his disposal. The Crosstown shootout game is a tough one for that to happen for the first time. So I am sure he wasn't even 100% sure how things would shake out and who would step up etc. I think over the next several games he will get more comfortable with the lineups he likes and situational lineups etc.

I thought Steele coached a great game yesterday and seemed to hit on several lineup choices.

[xavierj]

Also I should have noted, this was Steele's first game with all his weapons at his disposal. The Crosstown shootout game is a tough one for that to happen for the first time. So I am sure he wasn't even 100% sure how things would shake out and who would step up etc. I think over the next several games he will get more comfortable with the lineups he likes and situational lineups etc.

I thought Steele coached a great game yesterday and seemed to hit on several lineup choices.

I agree. I feel he thought rest the guys he wanted to finish the game as much as possible and this is who I am going with the last 6 minutes. All of those guys were fresh instead of gassed.

[bobbiemcgee]

KyKy looked out of it yesterday. Didn't seem as amped as the other guys. So he sat.

He needs to bring it full-time or guys are going to take his minutes. That much is pretty clear.

Had to keep Carter and Z in the whole game to protect against Vogt taking over down low. Had to get Kunk in to shoot a couple of block 3's. Really wasn't a good time to play 4 g's. Plus Odum is darn good frosh.

[novachap]

GREAT GREAT win folks, congrats on owning the town again for another year! Lots of weapons on your team, will be fun to watch this year.

[XUGRAD80]

Had to keep Carter and Z in the whole game to protect against Vogt taking over down low. Had to get Kunk in to shoot a couple of block 3's. Really wasn't a good time to play 4 g's. Plus Odum is darn good frosh.

It was moving to the 4 guard lineup that won the game for X. UC couldn’t match up and Vogt ended up fouling out trying to keep up with driving guards.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I don't know if this was sarcastic but I did think Steele was over complicating things with all the substitutes going on. Felt like it was hard to get players into a rhythm.

Still- really exciting having the depth and options. KyKy will have his games and will be important piece to the success but I am sure he won't be thrilled at his diminished role.

No intent to be sarcastic. I thinks that its great for Steele that he has capable bench depth. It was fun to see the new faces play and they were impressive. Yes, Tandy wasn't having a good game but he didn't get many minutes. He didn't play well initially and his game, as has been noted, has defensive and ball handling deficiencies. So, with other options available, Tandy sat.

Still, Tandy is a scorer---he finds a way to get the ball in the basket. Its nice that we have other scorers too. But, we need Tandy. That's my point. We need all players to remain fully engaged and that could (hopefully not) become difficult if some are dissatisfied with minutes. If it happens, Steele will have to find a way to manage through it. As XGRAD80 noted in a couple of posts in this thread.....its a good "problem" and one we haven't seen in awhile.

[drudy23]

One thing I did notice about Kunkel is that he's going to have a hard time getting open against super physical and athletic teams (conference play). But if they can find some plays for him and find him in fast break situations, he's going to make them.

He can get his own shot better than Redford could, but it will be tough against those Big East guards.

[xukeith]

With X having many large pieces of this current roster, what pieces need to be improved or dumped to win the Big East and/or National Championship?

First thoughts, more athletic and taller big man will be needed against bigger and more athletic teams with superstars down low.
Having 2 guards with heights of 6'0-6'2 might need another tall guard with athletic capabilities to beat Tandy, or Odom when shooting.

I am liking the 3 spot with large X guards and versatile big men.

[xudash]

One last visit to the UC board provides the following gem from our old douchebag friend eastside:

Eastside__J
Posted on 3 hrs, , User Since 115 months ago, User Post Count: 1,623
3 hrs
115 months
1,623
This is my last on the Eggs game.

Yeah it is a bummer we lost, even if I expected it given the completely ridiculous prior game experience mismatch. What is far more of a bummer is the meltdown here. Partly because its hard to believe people would meltdown for ANY game two outcome but the worst part is hearing people actually sound like X is some kind of yardstick to UC, which is a complete joke.

Put the shootout aside and find me ANY objective measure that says X is better. Go ahead. How quickly people forget this was an A10 team 5 years ago. Top of the A10 bubble team then, Middle of the pack BE team now. Don't believe me?

Try Kenpom - how many years has X been end of season ranked higher than UC in the last 5 years? Answer 1. You think it gets better if you go back 10 years? Nope - answer is 2. In a lot of those years not only is UC ranked better - its 20-30 points difference. How many years has X NOT been sweating the bubble on selection day? Well you could count that on one hand and still have fingers in reserve.

Why? Well you are nuts if you don't think they want it worse. There is literally nothing else going on at X. I am not just talking the fact that UC has FB, there is nothing going on period.

Xaviers fortunes in the game improved when they went to being a zone team. The "fudge pack line" zone, I believe they call it. It really does pack in the interior and is amazingly easy to teach. It takes very little time to install and practice. But there is a reason the majority of top teams in college BB don't use it - teams tend to figure out how to bust zones and your players often end up with limited defensive skills that end up biting you in the backside later in the season. Man to man, learning switches, help d is hard and takes lots of practice time and repetition. We tend to get better and better defensively as the year goes on - X is usually about as good as they are going to be right about now.

History tells us there is little takeaway to be had regarding how good (or not so good) we will be this season based on this game. I actually think we have a lot of positives that will gel as we progress. X will pound there chests now and end up cold-sweating selection day - guaranteed.

Current facts tell us that UC is a mid-major stuck in a crappy conference with a bleeding athletic department and a totally meaningless football program.

Facts tell us, among other things, that X will not rely on zone defense all year or that our defense will be our undoing.

Facts tell us that X is not a yardstick for UC. UC's yardstick is has to be a program that they have a reasonable shot at aspiring to, say like Memphis.

Fact is the crybaby brings up our time in the A10 blah, blah blah. Sorry J, but we're in the Big East now, have had success in the BE, will have a lot of success in the BE moving forward, and all while UC becomes a maybe mid-pack team in a truly irrelevant, crap conference.

Oh, there is plenty going on at Xavier outside of basketball, given that Xavier is a great school that also happens to reside in Cincinnati. Xavier students have the same access to everything that UC students have access to in Cincinnati, without having to live in Clifton while attending a large state school.

I'm not sure about the cold sweating thing. I do know that Xavier's success in the NCAAT dwarfs UC's success in recent years.

You poor silly fool, it kills you that we switched seats - Xavier now being in a major conference and UC residing in the cast of throw aways and wannabe's.

It's not that we want the UC game more every year, it's that we are generally the better program and win the game most often now. Deal with it.

[paulxu]

When you resort to Kenpom for comparisons, you may not have done well in the tournament for a while.

[XUBob]

I usually read the other teams boards, win or lose, I’ve been on BCJ and I’m sorry it’s hilarious. This might be the most irrational post I’ve ever read

And I Quote.—-The two minutes good and two minutes bad really stood out to me as well. Other than the two or three 7-0 runs, the 6-0 run to end the half, early run to start game, and big run at end (which I get is a lot of runs) UC really beat X up the rest of the game. UC had the chance to put them away and kept the door open. Laziness on Defense led to really quick 7-0 runs and then they tightened. If the D could have tightened after any 4-5 point lead this game would have ended differently.

So in effect when X wasn’t playing well UC kicked ****. If you take away all the points X scored UC did well. I usually don’t comment on other teams posts but this time I couldn’t help myself. Call Rod Serling the Twilight Zone exists.

[XUGRAD80]

I usually read the other teams boards, win or lose, I’ve been on BCJ and I’m sorry it’s hilarious. This might be the most irrational post I’ve ever read

And I Quote.—-The two minutes good and two minutes bad really stood out to me as well. Other than the two or three 7-0 runs, the 6-0 run to end the half, early run to start game, and big run at end (which I get is a lot of runs) UC really beat X up the rest of the game. UC had the chance to put them away and kept the door open. Laziness on Defense led to really quick 7-0 runs and then they tightened. If the D could have tightened after any 4-5 point lead this game would have ended differently.

So in effect when X wasn’t playing well UC kicked ****. If you take away all the points X scored UC did well. I usually don’t comment on other teams posts but this time I couldn’t help myself. Call Rod Serling the Twilight Zone exists.

So he’s saying that UC played great, except when they didn’t. And that UC would have won if they had just outscored X.

Yeah, and if a frog had wings he wouldn’t land on his butt every time he jumped.

[bobbiemcgee]

This guy seems to have a lot of "runs". I blame too much Skyline.

[paulxu]

If the D could have tightened after any 4-5 point lead this game would have ended differently.

If you take away all the points X scored UC did well.

They had one 5 point lead that lasted for 24 seconds.

Also, would not recommend UC if you need to take a statistics course. It sort of reminds me of the election thread. Take away all the votes one guy got, and the other guy would win.

[noteggs]

Also I should have noted, this was Steele's first game with all his weapons at his disposal. The Crosstown shootout game is a tough one for that to happen for the first time. So I am sure he wasn't even 100% sure how things would shake out and who would step up etc. I think over the next several games he will get more comfortable with the lineups he likes and situational lineups etc.

I thought Steele coached a great game yesterday and seemed to hit on several lineup choices.

Definitely agree. Let’s face it, that game was the first time he had an expanded bench during his career as HC. Should be fun and interesting to see how he handles playing time and lineups.

[X-band '01]

They had one 5 point lead that lasted for 24 seconds.

Also, would not recommend UC if you need to take a statistics course. It sort of reminds me of the election thread. Take away all the votes one guy got, and the other guy would win.

It's too bad that the one coach who could claim that the scores would be rigged is at UCLA now. Sad!

[bjf123]

When you resort to Kenpom for comparisons, you may not have done well in the tournament for a while.

Haven’t we gone deeper in March Madness compared to UC over the last 10-15 years?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xville]

One last visit to the UC board provides the following gem from our old douchebag friend eastside:

Eastside__J
Posted on 3 hrs, , User Since 115 months ago, User Post Count: 1,623
3 hrs
115 months
1,623
This is my last on the Eggs game.

Yeah it is a bummer we lost, even if I expected it given the completely ridiculous prior game experience mismatch. What is far more of a bummer is the meltdown here. Partly because its hard to believe people would meltdown for ANY game two outcome but the worst part is hearing people actually sound like X is some kind of yardstick to UC, which is a complete joke.

Put the shootout aside and find me ANY objective measure that says X is better. Go ahead. How quickly people forget this was an A10 team 5 years ago. Top of the A10 bubble team then, Middle of the pack BE team now. Don't believe me?

Try Kenpom - how many years has X been end of season ranked higher than UC in the last 5 years? Answer 1. You think it gets better if you go back 10 years? Nope - answer is 2. In a lot of those years not only is UC ranked better - its 20-30 points difference. How many years has X NOT been sweating the bubble on selection day? Well you could count that on one hand and still have fingers in reserve.

Why? Well you are nuts if you don't think they want it worse. There is literally nothing else going on at X. I am not just talking the fact that UC has FB, there is nothing going on period.

Xaviers fortunes in the game improved when they went to being a zone team. The "fudge pack line" zone, I believe they call it. It really does pack in the interior and is amazingly easy to teach. It takes very little time to install and practice. But there is a reason the majority of top teams in college BB don't use it - teams tend to figure out how to bust zones and your players often end up with limited defensive skills that end up biting you in the backside later in the season. Man to man, learning switches, help d is hard and takes lots of practice time and repetition. We tend to get better and better defensively as the year goes on - X is usually about as good as they are going to be right about now.

History tells us there is little takeaway to be had regarding how good (or not so good) we will be this season based on this game. I actually think we have a lot of positives that will gel as we progress. X will pound there chests now and end up cold-sweating selection day - guaranteed.

Current facts tell us that UC is a mid-major stuck in a crappy conference with a bleeding athletic department and a totally meaningless football program.

Facts tell us, among other things, that X will not rely on zone defense all year or that our defense will be our undoing.

Facts tell us that X is not a yardstick for UC. UC's yardstick is has to be a program that they have a reasonable shot at aspiring to, say like Memphis.

Fact is the crybaby brings up our time in the A10 blah, blah blah. Sorry J, but we're in the Big East now, have had success in the BE, will have a lot of success in the BE moving forward, and all while UC becomes a maybe mid-pack team in a truly irrelevant, crap conference.

Oh, there is plenty going on at Xavier outside of basketball, given that Xavier is a great school that also happens to reside in Cincinnati. Xavier students have the same access to everything that UC students have access to in Cincinnati, without having to live in Clifton while attending a large state school.

I'm not sure about the cold sweating thing. I do know that Xavier's success in the NCAAT dwarfs UC's success in recent years.

You poor silly fool, it kills you that we switched seats - Xavier now being in a major conference and UC residing in the cast of throw aways and wannabe's.

It's not that we want the UC game more every year, it's that we are generally the better program and win the game most often now. Deal with it.

So much blind stupidity in one post by him. He doesnt even know what a pack line defense is...guy is literally a fucking moron.

[paulxu]

Haven’t we gone deeper in March Madness compared to UC over the last 10-15 years?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes we have. They haven't been to an E8 this century.

[XU 87]

Everyone can come back next year. This year doesn’t count for anyone regardless even if it’s your 6th if that was granted. The freshman will still have 4 more years and am so on it’s like a redshirt year for everyone. That is why Kunkel went for the waiver because he knew it was a free year. The change was made due to covid.

I think you're correct.

[XU 87]

One last visit to the UC board provides the following gem from our old douchebag friend eastside:

Eastside__J
Posted on 3 hrs, , User Since 115 months ago, User Post Count: 1,623
3 hrs
115 months
1,623
This is my last on the Eggs game.

Yeah it is a bummer we lost, even if I expected it given the completely ridiculous prior game experience mismatch. What is far more of a bummer is the meltdown here. Partly because its hard to believe people would meltdown for ANY game two outcome but the worst part is hearing people actually sound like X is some kind of yardstick to UC, which is a complete joke.

Put the shootout aside and find me ANY objective measure that says X is better. Go ahead. How quickly people forget this was an A10 team 5 years ago. Top of the A10 bubble team then, Middle of the pack BE team now. Don't believe me?

Try Kenpom - how many years has X been end of season ranked higher than UC in the last 5 years? Answer 1. You think it gets better if you go back 10 years? Nope - answer is 2. In a lot of those years not only is UC ranked better - its 20-30 points difference. How many years has X NOT been sweating the bubble on selection day? Well you could count that on one hand and still have fingers in reserve.

Why? Well you are nuts if you don't think they want it worse. There is literally nothing else going on at X. I am not just talking the fact that UC has FB, there is nothing going on period.

Xaviers fortunes in the game improved when they went to being a zone team. The "fudge pack line" zone, I believe they call it. It really does pack in the interior and is amazingly easy to teach. It takes very little time to install and practice. But there is a reason the majority of top teams in college BB don't use it - teams tend to figure out how to bust zones and your players often end up with limited defensive skills that end up biting you in the backside later in the season. Man to man, learning switches, help d is hard and takes lots of practice time and repetition. We tend to get better and better defensively as the year goes on - X is usually about as good as they are going to be right about now.

History tells us there is little takeaway to be had regarding how good (or not so good) we will be this season based on this game. I actually think we have a lot of positives that will gel as we progress. X will pound there chests now and end up cold-sweating selection day - guaranteed.



"I don’t care who keeps winning the game every year, or who had the better season- we’re better than you. Our Kenpom is higher than yours!!!!!”