Game Thread: Xavier vs. Oklahoma (12/9/2020)

[paulxu]

https://www.brickeconomy.com/resources/images/sets/lego-8804-3_large.jpgVS. https://d1w8cc2yygc27j.cloudfront.net/-5551883250970887149/7225083072862136186_thumbnail.jpg

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (6-0, 0-0 BIG EAST)
UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA SOONERS (2-0, 1-0 BIG 12)
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9, 2020 AT 8 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Eric Collins and analysis from Steve Lavin.
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).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[Xuperman]

This appears to be a Quad 1 opportunity. The Sooners are very good. 2 different guys posted some crazy stats in their first 2 dubs.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401254058

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401253830

Will be interesting to see who shadows Manek as he is a proven sniper from distance. Reeves getting to the line 18 times isn't happening again but he is a baller and a game changer at point.

This one will look really good in the win column.:popcorn:

[GoMuskies]

We miss Austin Reaves around these parts. Hopefully he won't have one of his better outings tomorrow.

[Xuperman]

We miss Austin Reaves around these parts. Hopefully he won't have one of his better outings tomorrow.

No doubt. He has developed into one heck of a player! He does everything at an elite level and his size will present problems on both ends. Pretty sure Paul will draw the bulk of the defensive assignment and am confident it will turnout for X on the plus side.

Manek is going to get his, but hopefully a combination of Zach and Jason can keep a hand in his face.

This is a really BIG game for this team.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Will be interesting to observe Steele's substitution pattern now that the team is eleven deep.

[XU 87]

Will be interesting to observe Steele's substitution pattern now that the team is eleven deep.

Difficult to say the least, although I think it's currently and practically 10 deep as I'm not sure Miles will get much PT anymore. I don't think he played in the UC game. But now that Kunkel is eligible, how do you find time for a similar player like Wilcher? And what happens when Stanley becomes eligible?

Good problems to have as opposed to the latter.

[X-band '01]

This appears to be a Quad 1 opportunity. The Sooners are very good. 2 different guys posted some crazy stats in their first 2 dubs.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401254058

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401253830

Will be interesting to see who shadows Manek as he is a proven sniper from distance. Reeves getting to the line 18 times isn't happening again but he is a baller and a game changer at point.

This one will look really good in the win column.:popcorn:

That might be debatable given that is a home game for Xavier - I think OU has to be Top 30 in the NET for this to be Quad 1. Road games, for example, just require your opponent to be Top 75 in the NET. That's more likely for the Big East opener on Saturday at Providence.

[paulxu]

I wonder if these games should be considered to be on "neutral" court, as fans aren't there to influence the refs' calls.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Will be interesting to observe Steele's substitution pattern now that the team is eleven deep.


Difficult to say the least, although I think it's currently and practically 10 deep as I'm not sure Miles will get much PT anymore. I don't think he played in the UC game. But now that Kunkel is eligible, how do you find time for a similar player like Wilcher? And what happens when Stanley becomes eligible?

Good problems to have as opposed to the latter.

Yeah agree 87, we are really only 10 deep, Miles is done seeing any meaningful time.

I think Wilcher is probably #10 too as he is behind the 8 ball. Seems Jones talent is enough that the quarantine didnt set him back too much. I couldn't believe he played as well as he did in the shootout.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I wonder if these games should be considered to be on "neutral" court, as fans aren't there to influence the refs' calls.

Still at home though, get to sleep in your same bed, avoid travel, stick to your routine etc. That probably counts for a lot more these days given the stresses of travel right now.

Not to discount the impact fans can have on a game but just think there is still and advantage to being at home just a different one.

[Xavier]

Still at home though, get to sleep in your same bed, avoid travel, stick to your routine etc. That probably counts for a lot more these days given the stresses of travel right now.

Not to discount the impact fans can have on a game but just think there is still and advantage to being at home just a different one.

Also- practicing and shooting on your home court. It makes a difference IMO, playing on the court you shoot at every single day. It is one of the reasons why you see bad offense in those Final four games where the arena is huge. Backdrop is different and it isn't easy to get familiar with.

[nuts4xu]

It will be tough to beat this team, with Larry Bird's bastard love child...

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2018/10/02/PIND/ec743129-6aab-4bb3-9789-f92c605a80b1-Bird_collage.jpg?width=660&height=330&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

[atljar]

It will be tough to beat this team, with Larry Bird's bastard love child...

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2018/10/02/PIND/ec743129-6aab-4bb3-9789-f92c605a80b1-Bird_collage.jpg?width=660&height=330&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

Donatella Versace the mother???

[American X]

It will be tough to beat this team, with Larry Bird's bastard love child...

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2018/10/02/PIND/ec743129-6aab-4bb3-9789-f92c605a80b1-Bird_collage.jpg?width=660&height=330&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

But would Basketball Jesus really have a love child? I believe that Larry Bird may cause a spontaneous pregnancy, but nothing illicit.

[drudy23]

No Crosstown Hangover! No Crosstown Hangover! No Crosstown Hangover!

[Xuperman]

It will be tough to beat this team, with Larry Bird's bastard love child...

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2018/10/02/PIND/ec743129-6aab-4bb3-9789-f92c605a80b1-Bird_collage.jpg?width=660&height=330&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

I doesn't get any better than this!!!

[Xville]

gigantic game tonight...chance to get a great non-con win and finish the non-con with a perfect record. A win here will go a long way toward a tourney bid when all is said and done. Git R Done Muskies.

[Strange Brew]

But would Basketball Jesus really have a love child? I believe that Larry Bird may cause a spontaneous pregnancy, but nothing illicit.

Don’t know AmX. A mortal woman may not be able to handle his child. Perhaps Cheryl Miller? She gave Reggie all he could handle on the court growing up.


Disclaimer: The above was an attempt at humor. Apologies in advance if anyone is triggered or offended.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Disclaimer: The above was an attempt at humor. Apologies in advance if anyone is triggered or offended.

OMG. It has come to this hasn't it? Trigger warnings on the message board. I really think issuing such a warning is the responsibility of board moderators rather than individual contributors.

I like almost any attempt at humor so I'm not offended.

[Dblue]

Disclaimer: The above was an attempt at humor. Apologies in advance if anyone is triggered or offended.

This disclaimer offends me!

[muskiefan82]

Disclaimer: The above was an attempt at humor. Apologies in advance if anyone is triggered or offended.

I find the disclaimer humorous. Now I am confused....

[paulxu]

I heard somewhere that we are riding tonight.

Is someone going to pick me up here?

[Xville]

Freemantle has to get better on d...hes not good at it and that's an understatement.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Great start offensively. And good for my over bet!

[Xville]

Um great shooting but could we maybe play some d on manek please?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Um great shooting but could we maybe play some d on manek please?

Agreed!

[Lloyd Braun]

Balanced offense looks good. Defense looks like we would expect against a good shooting team. They don’t fight through screens well and the help D is sloppy...

Yes the OVER looks like a safe bet.

[GIMMFD]

Scruggs is a grown ass man, sheesh.

[paulxu]

Sruggs is so good. But still like a kick out if he's surrounded under the rim.

[Xville]

Yeah scruggs I think is starting to realize just how good he is.

Kunkel looks like this level might be too big for him at the moment...think he knew that which is why he wanted to sit out at first

[Strange Brew]

Not much movement inside on offense....

[paulxu]

Maybe rather see Jones than Wilcher. He got 3 assists and 2 boards in his couple of minutes.

[XUGRAD80]

Especially when nobody is playing inside?

Those offenses are built on outside movement and shooting, and both are playing at a high level right now.

[xudash]

When or lose, and believe me, I really want us to win, watching the ball drop through the hoop like this is very enjoyable. That is, for us.

[Xville]

My gawd Jones was a freaking steal

[paulxu]

Jones is smart. Drove into the lane, found open man on the edge for 3.

[Xville]

Wow odom!

[Roach]

Neither team seems very interested in playing defense thus far.

[paulxu]

ZFree is a baller.

[Xville]

Wow think we have ourselves a team here boys!

[D-West & PO-Z]

7/9 from three ��

[fellahmuskie]

Let's go!! I love seeing the energy, jumping passes, just playing hard.

[Roach]

7/9 from three ��

Shoot that well every game, and you’ll win a National Championship, lol.

[KabeX]

Keep the it up boys!

[KabeX]

C.F. Jones!

[GIMMFD]

This team is fucking fun.

[XUBison]

Neither team seems very interested in playing defense thus far.

Ummm... have you seen how many shots we‘re making? Hallelujah!

[Xville]

That was an enjoyable half..probably the most enjoyable half I have seen from a xavier team in a loooooong time

[xu82]

Wow! Great half, again seemed to go by quickly. Keep shooting like that and you’re hard to beat. Focus on the kills as shooting is never a sure thing. Defensive effort is a decision and a commitment.

[Lloyd Braun]

The future is bright. The youngsters complement each other’s skill sets so well.

Who does Colby F. Jones remind me of? I can’t put my finger on it. Help...

[X Factor]

I love watching smart basketball players that can shoot.

Been a while since we've seen this kind of basketball.

[xu82]

This team is fucking fun.


Think back to the pain of watching last year. Better yet, don’t.

[bjf123]

Neither team seems very interested in playing defense thus far.

I don’t think defense is allowed in the Big 12. It’s certainly optional in Big 12 football.


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[KabeX]

Need to handle this prosperity in the second half and finish.

[Xville]

The future is bright. The youngsters complement each other’s skill sets so well.

Who does Colby F. Jones remind me of? I can’t put my finger on it. Help...

Minus the hideous looking shooting form.. he kinda reminds me of shawn marion

[X Factor]

Also, this is the kind of the game where we would be getting blown out the past 2-3 years. OU shot the ball really well, yet X is up 9 points at halftime.

Colby Jones makes plays when he's on the court, and he defended the dirty 'stache from OU pretty well.

Freemantle is a total stud

[HAAS_U]

Great run to end the half! Really nice balance on offense.

[XUGRAD80]

Keep playing hard, keep sharing the ball 13 assists in the 1st half. Keep getting turnovers. OU doesn’t really play defense. Xavier has its edge there. Who gets hot in the 2nd half? Unlike last couple of years, it could be almost anyone.

[noteggs]

Nate Johnson is such a complete player! Love what he brings to this team.

[XUGRAD80]

The future is bright. The youngsters complement each other’s skill sets so well.

Who does Colby F. Jones remind me of? I can’t put my finger on it. Help...

Stanley Burrell before the knee injury.

In fact these young guards remind of the days of Burrell, Brown, and Lumpkin....but I’m giving away my age with that observation. LOL

[GIMMFD]

Think back to the pain of watching last year. Better yet, don’t.

Shhh, we don't bring that up

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I have not seen this potent offence from X for a long time. We have so many players who can shoot 3pt.;just don’t forget to play defence.

[xavierj]

The future is bright. The youngsters complement each other’s skill sets so well.

Who does Colby F. Jones remind me of? I can’t put my finger on it. Help...

Josh Hart or someone who would play for Gonzaga?

[X Factor]

Josh Hart or someone who would play for Gonzaga?

Denzel Valentine?

[HAAS_U]

Nate Johnson is such a complete player! Love what he brings to this team.

Agreed!

[GIMMFD]

Hang 100 on em

[Xville]

Nate m'fn' Johnson

[XUGRAD80]

Who’s gonna get hot? EVERYONE!

[Lloyd Braun]

Josh Hart or someone who would play for Gonzaga?

Yes Josh Hart thank you.

[XUBison]

Wish these kids had a roaring crowd behind them right now. They deserve it. Oh well, keep making it rain boys!

[X Factor]

I might shed a tear....this is beautiful. Its been so long since Xavier played basketball like this.

[paulxu]

My tv says 64-49, the ESPN box score on line says 64-50 ??

[xudash]

Is KyKy trying to hard?

Another thing that is a relief to see is that they no longer have those episodes of melting down before the end of the first half or screwing up coming out of intermission.

[GIMMFD]

Are we firing Coach Steele yet???

[XUBison]

Scruggs is flourishing now that he’s not surrounded by black holes.

[paulxu]

Yikes. The Larry Bird deal.

[paulxu]

No time to let up...please.

[xu82]

:Long, LOOOOOONG way to go!

[American X]

Shot clock violation. F'in hard core.

[Xville]

Became a little complacent for a bit but they are back now :)

[Lloyd Braun]

Carter’s got a nice booty for rebounding.

And Johnson is on fucking fire

[GIMMFD]

Nate Johnson for Heisman????

[American X]

Nate Johnson is the best guard to ever play for Xavier.

[Xville]

Again! Nate mfn Johnson

[HAAS_U]

Nate m'fn' Johnson

There goes that man again

[KabeX]

Nate F. Johnson - he can shoot a little.

[xu82]

Remember this night when we can’t buy a basket, but also know that we NOW have the horses to have more good nights than bad. THAT is a very good feeling!

[D-West & PO-Z]

OH. MY. GAWD.

Is Nate Johnson the best Muskie ever!!!??? LOL

LETS FUCKING GO!

[Roach]

This is, no joke, the most impressive shooting clinic I’ve ever seen.

[X Factor]

Nate Johnson!!!!!!!!!!!

Grown Ass Man!!!

[American X]

Is This Real Life?

[GIMMFD]

Screw it, let's go for 20 now.

[paulxu]

Johnson was shooting 51% from 3 before this game.
So far, 75% in this game.

[XUBison]

They set the X record for most 3s in a game. I am going to cry.

[GIMMFD]

Lmfao we've made as many 3's as they've attempted.

[Roach]

Just let Nate Johnson shoot a 3 every possession ...

[GreatWhiteNorth]

N. Johnson! Are you kidding me.

[muskiefan82]

I have passed happy, went right past giddy, and am now in the center of ecstatic. Wow. Just wow.

[xudash]

Snipe is responsible for this outcome.

We have ourselves a Team!

[KabeX]

Need to handle this prosperity in the second half and finish.

Well I guess that answers that. Oh My.

[XUGRAD80]

I’m going eat some crow here.....I never thought this team would be,playing like this, this early in the season. I had hopes that as the freshman learned how to play, and as the transfers started to jell with the returners that X would be pretty good by the end of the season. I never expect this.

bUT I LOVE IT!!

[X Factor]

I have passed happy, went right past giddy, and am now in the center of ecstatic. Wow. Just wow.

You're only at ecstatic? I'm delirious...

[Blue Blooded-05]

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am enjoying this

[XU 23]

Best team in X history?????

[GIMMFD]

https://twitter.com/SethDavisHoops/status/1331647933020717056?s=20

[whopper]

i am happy to see Tandy hit a second 3..I dont want to lose anybody for a second and i think a lot if asked of him to make his own shot all the time. Nate Johnson cant shoot like this every night.

[muskiefan82]

We're back!!!!! Thank God and recruiting for getting some shooters!

[xu82]

Is This Real Life?

Don’t wake up until 2021!!!!!!!!

[bjf123]

I’ll be Debbie Downer here. We shot lights out the first game and then had trouble getting to 50 the next two games. Let’s hope we don’t do the same against Providence.


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[XUBison]

But Gooden had so many assists...

[Blue Blooded-05]

Three point percentage just dropped below 60%. Fire Steele!

[GIMMFD]

Ugh, fire Steele, shoulda went for 100. Lame. LARRY BIRD IS SAD. ALL IS GOOD. ONLY 7-0 TEAM IN THE COUNTRY.

[XUGRAD80]

I freaking love this team!

[xavierj]

I’ll be Debbie Downer here. We shot lights out the first game and then had trouble getting to 50 the next two games. Let’s hope we don’t do the same against Providence.


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Different team.

[muskiefan82]

Vegas is loving this one

[GreatWhiteNorth]

What a clinic! We are HOT! So glad to see some action from Miles. How about 8 assists by Paul. Happiness is ..............

[Blue Blooded-05]

Their board is comparing this game to Nova Final Four game. That’s some lofty company

[muskiefan82]

28 assists on 36 shots. That's flippin outstanding. 19 3's? Holy crap these guys are ��

[XU20]

Brb, crying tears of joy


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[XUBison]

OK, what are we witnessing here? Regardless how the season plays out, the transformation of this team from the past two years is stunning.

[GoMuskies]

That wasn't all bad.

[muskiefan82]

Honestly, they looked like Villanova typically looks against us. This team has mad upside

[xavierj]

what happened to Odom? Did He play the game 2nd half?

[XU_Lou]

Holy shit - Nate Johnson - seriously, was that the best 3-point performance for a Muskie ever?

Clearly the best game during the TS era....

[MauriceX]

Remember when people were ready to bury this team 2 games ago?

That was a really fun game to watch, all around. Granted, I don't think we will hit 19 3's in every game going forward, but the assists, the ability to always find the open man... those skills will translate to wins. This TEAM is going to be tough to handle - everyone can be a threat.

[XU20]

Impressed by the awareness of driving and kicking the ball out, didn’t take as many forced shots. Jones played very well as a freshman, mistakes at times but that’s to be expected.


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[XUGRAD80]

what happened to Odom? Did He play the game 2nd half?

They just didn’t need him to score, and because X was enjoying a 20 pt lead for the last 9 minutes TS could get Jones and Witcher and Kunkel some playing time. Also, by putting Jones on their 6’9” Bird wanta be they forced him to drive and not just shoot from outside. He, Manik, only had 1 3-pointer in the 2nd half. Great defensive switch by Steele that was suggested by Johnson!

[XUGRAD80]

Impressed by the awareness of driving and kicking the ball out, didn’t take as many forced shots. Jones played very well as a freshman, mistakes at times but that’s to be expected.


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28 assists on 36 made shots. Almost every 3 pointer came off a drive and dish. What a great TEAM win!

[xudash]

Remember when people were ready to bury this team 2 games ago?

That was a really fun game to watch, all around. Granted, I don't think we will hit 19 3's in every game going forward, but the assists, the ability to always find the open man... those skills will translate to wins. This TEAM is going to be tough to handle - everyone can be a threat.

Maybe we won’t hit that many in a game again, but imagine having to watch that game film as an opposing coach, preparing to play Xavier.

[XU20]

Fremantle looked solid from the post (love his hook) as well as the 3, definitely concerned by his defense. However, it’s early and I have confidence he’ll get his feet under him.


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[xu82]

OK, what are we witnessing here? Regardless how the season plays out, the transformation of this team from the past two years is stunning.

Amen!

[IM4X]

Maybe we won’t hit that many in a game again, but imagine having to watch that game film as an opposing coach, preparing to play Xavier.

Yes. What a wonderful thought.

“Be afraid Big East. Be very afraid.“

[xavierj]

A couple of things. First this team can be even better if Tandy can focus and give the team 15 to 20 minutes of dialed in basketball. Don’t try to force it and let the game come to him. Shoot when he is open and stop with the unforced errors. If the team can improve defensively they will be really tough to beat. Zack, and KyKy are probably the two that need the most improvement on the defensive end.

Oh and does Mor still think he is a better coach than Travis?

[IM4X]

Looked like a solid opponent today-at least on offense. Not to take anything away from the absolutely superb shooting and ball movement by our guys tonight, but I can’t help but think that Oklahoma’s defense is not nearly as good as some of the defenses X we will face i the BE.

Still, bravo team and coaches. That performance deserves a stand ovation!

[xukeith]

28 assists on 36 made shots. Almost every 3 pointer came off a drive and dish. What a great TEAM win!

Who needs Trevon and JP?

[IM4X]

Lmfao we've made as many 3's as they've attempted.

“This is the way.”

[D-West & PO-Z]

Soooo many impressive performances and stats. But at one point in 2nd half we were up 19 and then they cut it to 10 on an and 1 (guy missed the FT) and I was getting a little nervous. How we responded to that and went on a big run was so impressive.

[D-West & PO-Z]

https://twitter.com/SethDavisHoops/status/1331647933020717056?s=20

That was from the Oakland game and when called out later after X's early struggles he claimed he was kidding but he might actually be right!

[OTRMUSKIE]

The kiss of death 10 mins into the year from Seth is never good.

[XUGRAD80]

Based on its first 3 games, Oklahoma has a loooong way to go before they will be thought of as a good defensive team. BUT, they are a VERY good offensive team because of the abilities of some of the players to go one on one and score against almost anyone. They are a solid team with lots of talent. They will win lots of games and this will still be an impressive win come next March. Xavier’s ball movement really exposed them, but I think they’ll get that corrected.

Here’s something for the rest of the BE to think about.....SIX different X players MADE a 3-point shot last night, and none of them were named Kunkel or Wilcher. Those 2 players are supposed to be the best shooters on the team, and they only attempted 3 shots from outside the arch combined, and made none.

So yeah. Johnson probably doesn’t for 7-9 again. Free probably won’t hit 4-6, nor Scruggs 4-5 in another game. At least not all 3 in the same game again. But I’ll bet right now that someone will go off like that again in ALMOST every game this year. I say almost because it was only a few games ago when they couldn’t throw it in the ocean from outside the arc against Bradley and Toledo. There are going to be cold shooting nights sometime during the season. But I’ll also remind the rest of the BE....they still found a way to win those games.

Sleep well.

[paulxu]

So yeah. Johnson probably doesn’t for 7-9 again. Free probably won’t hit 4-6, nor Scruggs 4-5 in another game.

What that does mean is, if the other team doubles up on one of them, and we play like we played last night, another will be open for an uncontested shot.

[XUGRAD80]

Yes it does....and there are several other players that could. That’s what will make this team so dangerous. Even when the subs come in there are several options.

[murray87]

That was a thing of beauty last night! Fantastic ball movement and obviously out of this world % made from 3. But when you're patient and find a shooter who is open and set for the shot, good things can happen rather than the helter-skelter offense of last year. And Nate Johnson??!! Big love for Nate and what he's brought to the team. ZFree really has taken his game up a level this season. Imagine what he'll be like in future years.

Now bring on Ben Stanley for conference play!! Go Muskies!!

[bleedXblue]

Man, that was fun! Amazing what happens when you have multiple shooters who can knock down shots. I think we need to clean up some defensive lapses as we give up way too many easy buckets at times. Loved Steele changing up the D last night and he also made an adjustment rotating Jones onto Bird Jr. which helped some. If this team can improve it's defense, we have a chance to be really good!

[Xville]

Awesome game. I was thinking to myself, they looked like one of the villanova championship teams, so I looked up their 2018 team....they hit 19 3pts in a game, twice. Challenge extended :)

[paulxu]

The Athletic writers picked UC and Okl to beat us.
This was their take pre-game last night:

OU and Xavier have similar stretch bigs in Manek and Zach Freemantle. Freemantle is off to a great start, but I’m not sure he’s at Manek’s level yet. The key for OU will be slowing Xavier point guard Paul Scruggs. While Kruger’s teams aren’t known for their defense, he has a defensive-minded point guard in De’Vion Harmon. The Sooners have the better talent and more experience, the latter of which is probably the most important ingredient in 2020. The pick: Oklahoma

Manek 17 pts
Freemantle 28 pts

[xavierj]

The Athletic writers picked UC and Okl to beat us.
This was their take pre-game last night:


Manek 17 pts
Freemantle 28 pts

Yeah guy was a little off on who the more talented team was. Xavier was clearly more talented and looked much stronger and more athletic from what I saw.

[Smails]

By biggest takeaway aside from the insane accuracy from behind the arc, was the fact that most of the 3 point attempts were relative clean looks. Not a whole lot of step-backs or highly challenged shots. You have to put some of that on Oklahoma not being great at closing out, but a larger part is the ball movement that leads to the open looks. It also doesn't hurt when everyone on the floor not named Griffin has the ability to knock down a 3. You often hear coaches scream 'find the shooter'...It's a tall task if the shooter is 4 or sometimes 5 people on the court.

[xavierj]

The last 5 minutes of the game we had guys on the floor that could start at a lot of programs. Nice when mop of time is guys that are still better than the guys on the other team. Hopefully Travis can keep everyone bought in because if he can they can be a special group.

[Xavier]

Spacing was great. Love the ball movement. We won't shoot like this again all year, but it is good to know we have a whole bunch of guys that can hit 3's. That you are comfortable with them shooting the shot. Way different then the last two years in so many ways.

Oklahoma defense was terrible, too. I think that certainly played a part in how good the offense was. Big opportunity Saturday, Win and we are ranked next week (top 20 is possible)

[boozehound]

Honestly, they looked like Villanova typically looks against us. This team has mad upside

I said the exact same thing to my wife during the game last night. Oklahoma did not play a bad game at all, but when a team has 4-5 guys all shooting well it's just a total buzzsaw. It's what we have been missing for a very, very long time. I can't

Now we know how well this team can play. It's pretty damn good. I don't expect them to repeat this performance, but the ceiling looks higher than we may have thought for this season. We will obviously need to see a few more games of them playing well to get really excited.

[boozehound]

By biggest takeaway aside from the insane accuracy from behind the arc, was the fact that most of the 3 point attempts were relative clean looks. Not a whole lot of step-backs or highly challenged shots. You have to put some of that on Oklahoma not being great at closing out, but a larger part is the ball movement that leads to the open looks. It also doesn't hurt when everyone on the floor not named Griffin has the ability to knock down a 3. You often hear coaches scream 'find the shooter'...It's a tall task if the shooter is 4 or sometimes 5 people on the court.

Exactly this. When 4+ guys on the court can shoot, and are shooting well, ball movement becomes easy and you start getting tons of open looks. It's a flywheel effect. It's exactly what Villanova's strategy is. The downside is that you can sometimes forget how to win a tough game when shots aren't falling (also see Villanova in the tournament pretty often).

[JTG]

Saturday should be a big test. The Friars will muscle things up inside, so Free is going to have a hard time inside. If we can keep Duke in check, and team rebound we should have a good chance. Carter and Griffin will have to help inside, and shooting at least half of what we did from 3 last night would help.

[American X]

Romain Sato thinks Nate Johnson is really cool raining threes in the #10 jersey.

That performance reminded me of the 2007-08 team tearing through Auburn, Kansas State and Virginia. This is a completely different team from last year.

[X Factor]

Saturday should be a big test. The Friars will muscle things up inside, so Free is going to have a hard time inside. If we can keep Duke in check, and team rebound we should have a good chance. Carter and Griffin will have to help inside, and shooting at least half of what we did from 3 last night would help.

Looking at PC's stats through their first 6 games...they don't look like a great defensive team. They aren't great at defending the three. They're not a good three point shooting team either.

I'm sure Cooley will have them ready to play though. It's going to be a tough game, but I like Xavier's chances.

[Xville]

If this team plays their game, they have no business losing to anyone outside of Nova or Creighton in conference. Providence is an average BE team, we should beat them by 10+ . I know it will be tough because it is an away game in conference, but this is a team that Xavier should sweep.

[markchal]

I know he's being worked into things slowly, but I think Kunkel is going to be a major piece of our success this year, and he wasn't even a factor last night, which shows you the crazy potential this team has.

Having shooters REALLY opens the lane up for Scruggs too. He's gotta love playing with this roster

[Xavier]

Relax with the expectation their. X isn't far from being 5-2. Hell of a game, potential is high....but team is young, expect some bumps.

[xavierj]

Relax with the expectation their. X isn't far from being 5-2. Hell of a game, potential is high....but team is young, expect some bumps.

In my opinion though, if Xavier had Jones and Kunkel available in the early games the results would not have been as close as they were. Up until quarantine, Jones was projected to start and the team would just have been different like you see now. Tandy went from having to play a lot to wondering if he will play much at all. Just so much depth and intangibles added over the past week. Get better on defense and rebounding and this team will be a really tough out.

[Xville]

Relax with the expectation their. X isn't far from being 5-2. Hell of a game, potential is high....but team is young, expect some bumps.

That was without X's full roster and yes there are some young pieces, but I wouldn't call the team young. There are 2 Seniors, and a 5th year in the starting lineup. Talent wise, there is no one else outside of Nova or Creighton that matches up.

[XUGRAD80]

I’ve not looked at other BE teams schedules, but I imagine that they are like the one X has. It has them playing every 3-4 days. That doesn’t leave much room for practice and/or rest between games. The good thing is that the depth this team looks to have should allow the players to not have to play expanded minutes and get worn out. The bad thing is that limited practice time means less time to get the rotations all set and to see who plays well with each other, in a controllable environment. X may not be too young, age and class wise, but they are still inexperienced in terms of playing with each other. Lots of new parts and players in new roles. Expect some bumps in the road. They aren’t going to sink a dozen+ 3 pointers in every game, so they shouldn’t rely on needing that to beat good teams.

[Muskie in dayton]

In one off-season, Xavier's offense went from that elementary school band concert we saw last year, to the beautiful symphony we witnessed yesterday.

[XU 87]

In one off-season, Xavier's offense went from that elementary school band concert we saw last year, to the beautiful symphony we witnessed yesterday.

I'm not sitting around anymore and commenting as the ball is being dribbled by one guy on the perimeter, "Well, it looks like Naji has decided to shoot on this possession."

[xudash]

I'm not sitting around anymore and commenting as the ball is being dribbled by one guy on the perimeter, "Well, it looks like Naji has decided to shoot on this possession."

You could have started your quote off with, “Well, They didn’t turn it over on the way down the court that time, so it looks like...”

[paulxu]

Larry Bird Jr. learning how to get better.

https://goxavier.com/images/2020/12/9/USATSI_15294757.png?width=1920&quality=80&format=jpg

[xu82]

In one off-season, Xavier's offense went from that elementary school band concert we saw last year, to the beautiful symphony we witnessed yesterday.

I agree it was a thing of beauty last night, especially after what we witnessed last season. I’ll temper my enthusiasm knowing that not every game is going to look like that (unfortunately). A season is indeed a lifetime, so I try not to get too high or too low.......but that sure was encouraging!

What a roster! Shooters make all the difference......but there will be nights where they are just not falling. I worry a bit about teams with a lot of quality bigs. Speaking of which, what the heck is going on with Ben Stanley?

[XUGRAD80]

..... what the heck is going on with Ben Stanley?

I think that on the 16th the NCAA is meeting and is expected to vote to give all of those that had asked for a waiver to be granted it for this year. So we probs lu won’t know anything more until then.

[GIMMFD]

In my opinion though, if Xavier had Jones and Kunkel available in the early games the results would not have been as close as they were. Up until quarantine, Jones was projected to start and the team would just have been different like you see now. Tandy went from having to play a lot to wondering if he will play much at all. Just so much depth and intangibles added over the past week. Get better on defense and rebounding and this team will be a really tough out.

I do think with Jones and Kunkel we would have cake walked earlier, but I'm not sure about Tandy, I think on days when he's hot and scoring, he'll carve out a lot of minutes, he still has a lot of talent. I'd be surprised to not see him as one of the key few guys, this is great for Scruggs and Johnson though, our backcourt is so deep guys will be well rested towards the end of the year.

[atljar]

Tandy is so talented, and so impatient. The game hasnt slowed down for him yet, which is a little frustrating considering the amount of minutes he played last year.

[MADXSTER]

Ky Ky is still playing like it's last year where if you pass the ball you'll never see it again. This year the players are passing the ball till they get an open shot. Ky Ky is playing like he has to create his own shot every time down the court.

[American X]

Tandy is so talented, and so impatient. The game hasnt slowed down for him yet, which is a little frustrating considering the amount of minutes he played last year.


Ky Ky is still playing like it's last year where if you pass the ball you'll never see it again. This year the players are passing the ball till they get an open shot. Ky Ky is playing like he has to create his own shot every time down the court.

KyKy Tandy can be all Big East, but he needs to graduate from high school. We still see too much I'm the best player on the court and will shoot anytime & all the time mentality. He can be a lethal part of this team if he allows it. He could be on the upswing of an incredible career arc if he completely buys in.

[bleedXblue]

KyKy Tandy can be all Big East, but he needs to graduate from high school. We still see too much I'm the best player on the court and will shoot anytime & all the time mentality. He can be a lethal part of this team if he allows it. He could be on the upswing of an incredible career arc if he completely buys in.

Interesting take.

Something just seems to be missing with him. I hope he does buy in and doesn't get discouraged.

If you wants 25+ minutes on this roster, you better show up every day in practice and play your ass off in games.

[markchal]

he's instant offense and great at creating his own shot, but too many possessions where he's the only one to touch the ball, and he seems very interested in playing defense.

I think he CAN be a key contributor this year, but we aren't nearly as dependent on him as I thought we would be, especially with how well Odom has played and with the fact that Jones can bring the ball up the court pretty well too.