Game Thread: Xavier vs. Marquette (12/20/2020)

[paulxu]

https://www.brickeconomy.com/resources/images/sets/lego-8804-3_large.jpgVS. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81hqXmhFW7L._AC_SS350_.jpg


THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (7-0, 0-0 BIG EAST)
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN EAGLES (5-3, 1-1 BIG EAST)
SUNDAY, DEC. 20, 2020 AT 2:00 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Eric Collins and analysis from Dickey Simpkins.
Radio: 700 WLW-AM with play-by-play from XU Hall of Famer and former XU standout Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU Hall of Famer and all-time leading scorer Byron Larkin ('88); broadcast also available on Sirius XM 389 and Internet 979.
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[xu82]

Up against the NFL is rough, but the Bills play on Saturday at Denver! Maybe the best damn thing that’s happened in all of 2020.


Pretty sad, I know.......

[Lloyd Braun]

Up against the NFL is rough, but the Bills play on Saturday at Denver! Maybe the best damn thing that’s happened in all of 2020.


Pretty sad, I know.......

Yes and Americas Team (Browns) against D-West’s Giants for Sunday night. Should be a great day of sports.

Marquette is tough to figure out. I’ve watched two games and don’t have a great feel for them.

[usfldan]

Yes and Americas Team (Browns) against D-West’s Giants for Sunday night. Should be a great day of sports.

Marquette is tough to figure out. I’ve watched two games and don’t have a great feel for them.

And our hometown Bengals on Monday Night. No, not because of Covid forced them to play that day. Someone actually scheduled them for national TV in December.

[GIMMFD]

Yes and Americas Team (Browns) against D-West’s Giants for Sunday night. Should be a great day of sports.

Marquette is tough to figure out. I’ve watched two games and don’t have a great feel for them.

Beat Wisconsin, lost to UCLA, then beat Creighton, then lost to Seton Hall, and also lost to Okie State, definitely a weird team, they have some good pieces, I like Dawson Garcia a lot, then DJ Carton, McEwen, etc. but man, really weird team to get a read on. Either way, I think we're well equipped to handle them.

[D-West & PO-Z]

https://www.brickeconomy.com/resources/images/sets/lego-8804-3_large.jpgVS. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81hqXmhFW7L._AC_SS350_.jpg


THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (7-0, 0-0 BIG EAST)
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN EAGLES (5-3, 1-1 BIG EAST)
SUNDAY, DEC. 20, 2020 AT 2:00 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Eric Collins and analysis from Dickey Simpkins.
Radio: 700 WLW-AM with play-by-play from XU Hall of Famer and former XU standout Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU Hall of Famer and all-time leading scorer Byron Larkin ('88); broadcast also available on Sirius XM 389 and Internet 979.
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

Dickey Simpkins?? Ugh, it's hard to make me wish we had Dakich.

[D-West & PO-Z]

So based on pcitures at practice, and the rumor that the COVID positive player is not a walk-on, then the player who is out is one of the following:

Dwon
Kyky
Kunkel
Griffin
Miles

Again, you never hope it is anyone, but of order of importance to the team I would hope it is not one of those guys in that order I have listed.

[Lloyd Braun]

So based on pcitures at practice, and the rumor that the COVID positive player is not a walk-on, then the player who is out is one of the following:

Dwon
Kyky
Kunkel
Griffin
Miles

Again, you never hope it is anyone, but of order of importance to the team I would hope it is not one of those guys in that order I have listed.

He will be out all week and perhaps next week too. Thankfully the depth is solid. Unfortunately for him he could be odd man out upon return.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Kyky and Kunkel pictured at practice today on twitter. So if a scholarship player it is Griffin, Miles, or Dwon.

[Olsingledigit]

I have posted this before but Miles had COVID two or three months ago.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I have posted this before but Miles had COVID two or three months ago.

Ah thanks.

I have heard it is Dwon. We shall see though tomorrow.

[xuphan]

Ah thanks.

I have heard it is Dwon. We shall see though tomorrow.

Dwon is out for today’s match against Marquette.

[JTG]

Dwon is out for today’s match against Marquette.

Ouch, he's an important part of the offense.

[Lloyd Braun]

Line opened at X -5, currently -2.5.

[paulxu]

There goes sneaking up on 'em.

[X-man]

Ouch, he's an important part of the offense.

Time for Kyky to step up.

[SM#24]

Time for Kyky to step up.

This !!

[paulxu]

Even though there are few, if any fans, I'm glad we're staring BE play at home.

[Masterofreality]

Up against the NFL is rough, but the Bills play on Saturday at Denver! Maybe the best damn thing that’s happened in all of 2020.


Pretty sad, I know.......

No issues here. Browns have Sunday night football after Xavier.

A full drinking day!! Yaaaaaaaaaay!!

PS. Theo John is a poser tough guy. Can't wait for Ben Stanley to eat his lunch.

[GIMMFD]

Line opened at X -5, currently -2.5.

I took Xavier -2.5, I think even without Dwon we'll handle them, sure Marquette is a weird team with talent, but I think our guys will be up to the challenge. Not to mention we have a lot of depth even with Dwon out, if it means more KyKy, Colby Jones, Knunkel, and Nate Johnson, I'm okay with it.

[Masterofreality]

Yes and Americas Team (Browns) against D-West’s Giants for Sunday night. Should be a great day of sports.


Yowza!! America's and Jim Rome's Team!! On that Lloyd we have common ground. Go X!! Go Browns!!

[Masterofreality]

Dickey Simpkins?? Ugh, it's hard to make me wish we had Dakich.

Turn down the volume. Fire up the X app, synch the broadcast and listen to Joe & Byron. By is not afraid to coach from the booth.

[X-band '01]

Yowza!! America's and Jim Rome's Team!!

#NotMyAmerica

[xuphan]

#NotMyAmerica

Anyone luck enough to get a ticket for the game today?

[KabeX]

Byron just mentioned Colby starting at PG

[HAAS_U]

Brian O’Connell is the worst

[Jesuit4Life]

Starting on FS2. You should be able to watch on the Fox Sports app too.

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[paulxu]

Hmm. I've got OT for UConn/Creighton. Has our game started?

[paulxu]

Of course FS2 which I don't get. Crap.

[xu82]

Quick 3’s are just fine.


When they go in!

Scruggs made one between his two travels. OUCH!


.

[bobbiemcgee]

10-8 m

[Lloyd Braun]

Of course FS2 which I don't get. Crap.

Can logon the Fox Sports app and stream to TV as well while waiting

[noteggs]

Not much D underneath at this point

[Jesuit4Life]

Of course FS2 which I don't get. Crap.Try logging into your TV provider here:
https://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/boxscore?id=222838


If you have a chromecast, Roku, etc, you can get their app here: https://www.foxsports.com/mobile

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[bjf123]

Ice cold at the moment


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[paulxu]

Thanks! That one guy from Marquette has a short story tattooed on one arm.

[XU 23]

White haired ref is ripping Travis+Xavier coaching staff right now.... not sure why.

[paulxu]

I can always tell when Scruggs decides at half court that he's just going to take a shot.
Much better when we pass around and get him a clean look.

[noteggs]

Theo John has been there 10 years

[xu82]

I don’t remember us ever going this deep into the roster. Or having this many shooters.

[paulxu]

I love when Scruggs gets it in a play.

[noteggs]

I don’t remember us ever going this deep into the roster. Or having this many shooters.

And yet we’re down one

[paulxu]

Scruggs/Johnson/Jones seems to be working well.

[Lloyd Braun]

Scruggs/Johnson/Jones seems to be working well.

Interchangeable parts...

[paulxu]

Hard to imagine Zach 0-5. Hope he's saving it for the second half.

[X-band '01]

Xavier dominating the glass, but Marquette's shooting overall is the only reason they're up a point.

[bleedXblue]

Turn down the volume. Fire up the X app, synch the broadcast and listen to Joe & Byron. By is not afraid to coach from the booth.

Not sure how you do that? The app is about 10 seconds behind the broadcast on You Tube TV.

[whopper]

Theo John has been there 10 years

so have Cain and Elliot..i can remember both playing well against Trevon, JP etc..
Man we have to rebound, stop penetration or something to prevent us getting hurt bad inside. Zach correctly seems to be protecting self from fouls..others need to step up

[D-West & PO-Z]

Didn't love that second lineup we had in early. We got behind there, didn't feel like we had enough offense on the court.

Much better looking as half went on. I am optimistic about the second half going much better. Need to get Free going.

[D-West & PO-Z]

5 of our 6 turnovers are travels.

2 were very questionable calls.

[paulxu]

Interchangeable parts...

I like them being out there together.

[xu82]

And yet we’re down one

So many coming and going, it took me a while to notice!

[xu82]

Kunkel looks like a sophomore.

In high school.

[HAAS_U]

The backdoor has been there a few times... nice pass from Johnson.

[XU 23]

Outrebounding them 20-12 even though they have a clear size advantage.

[GIMMFD]

Oooh Kunkel, behave with that and one, man he has a pretty looking shot.

[bjf123]

Kunkel looks like a sophomore.

In high school.

The older I get, the more they all look like high school sophomores.


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[Strange Brew]

Can't put my finger on why but I really dislike MU.

[HAAS_U]

Ref show

[Lloyd Braun]

Ticky tack fouls on us seem to be accumulating while they don’t call the same on them. I’d rather neither be called but it’s getting a bit silly...

[Strange Brew]

Ticky tack fouls on us seem to be accumulating while they don’t call the same on them. I’d rather neither be called but it’s getting a bit silly...

Agree.

[Strange Brew]

Another one on Paul....

[xu82]

Heard from a buddy at the game - a fan yelled something and refs took it to be the bench resulting in the Technical. Total BS!!!

[xu82]

What the hell is a “team foul”. If you can’t tell me who did it, you got nuthin’!

[noteggs]

Heard from a buddy at the game - a fan yelled something and refs took it to be the bench resulting in the Technical. Total BS!!!

Wondering what was going on

[Blue Blooded-05]

13-16 from the line

12-21 from three

What a difference a year makes!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Kunkel then Carter!!!

LETS GO!!!

[X-band '01]

Kunkel looks like a sophomore.

In high school.

Brad Redford agrees then and Brad Redford agrees now.

[XU 23]

Bam!

[HAAS_U]

A couple of big threes made! Let’s go boys!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Can't put my finger on why but I really dislike MU.

Easy for me.....Wojo.....can't stand that guy all the way back to being a player at Duke.

[X-band '01]

Heard from a buddy at the game - a fan yelled something and refs took it to be the bench resulting in the Technical. Total BS!!!

How did they know it was a fan and not a cutout?

[whopper]

Damn what a good run but we must find a way to defend inside. I remember McEwen getting 15 in a row last year.

[X-band '01]

Hope the failure to land a dagger on that possession does not haunt.

[xu82]

How did they know it was a fan and not a cutout?

The cutouts only speak Spanish and the refs wouldn’t have known enough to take offense.

[xudash]

I know it is not kosher to complain about the refs, but these refs are, shall we say off today.

[Strange Brew]

I know it is not kosher to complain about the refs, but these refs are, shall we say off today.

Refs suck!

[xu82]

Refs suck!

They are the reason my son (AAU & HS PG) calls basketball “a flawed sport”.

[Lloyd Braun]

I know it’s hard for the ref to believe Carter stuffed Johns but it was clean!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Have these announcers not looked at last season’s stats that show Freemantle shot 78.9% from the line?

[HAAS_U]

I know it’s hard for the ref to believe Carter stuffed Johns but it was clean!

Agreed. All ball


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[paulxu]

The court is 6" wider at Belmont.

[bjf123]

C’mon Jason.


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[Strange Brew]

No travel?

[paulxu]

Ugh.

[HAAS_U]

Total bs foul call

[Lloyd Braun]

Lol but of course

[Strange Brew]

Refs giving this one to MU. Garbage.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Omfg

[X-band '01]

Karma for that fucking flop from McEwen.

[HAAS_U]

Ice water in his veins!!!

[bjf123]

ADAM KUNKEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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[Lloyd Braun]

I took Xavier -2.5, I think even without Dwon we'll handle them, sure Marquette is a weird team with talent, but I think our guys will be up to the challenge. Not to mention we have a lot of depth even with Dwon out, if it means more KyKy, Colby Jones, Knunkel, and Nate Johnson, I'm okay with it.

Never a doubt

[Section 200]

Holy cow!!!!

[paulxu]

Nice shot Kunkel !

[Blue Blooded-05]

Legendary

[Blue Blooded-05]

Adam Jimmy Chitwood Kunkel

[UCGRAD4X]

King Kunkel!

[IM4X]

Wow. Just wow!

[noteggs]

8 - 0

[XUGRAD80]

Welcome home Mr. Kunkel!

[xu82]

Kunkel for President!!!

[IM4X]

Got to say.... what is Odom thinking hugging Kunkel with his mask off.

[XU_Lou]

Kunkel looks like a sophomore.

In high school.

This didn't age well...

[Lloyd Braun]

Got to say.... what is Odom thinking hugging Kunkel with his mask off.

He’s cleared from covid but not cleared for sports. Has to go through return to play protocol.

[UCGRAD4X]

Another baller to add to the mix. It keeps on getting better and better,

Whose night next time? Step up. You too can be a star.

[noteggs]

Going out on a limb here, Johnson and Kunkel were pretty good pickups

[Jesuit4Life]

https://twitter.com/PaulFritschner/status/1340767708518916097

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[xu82]

This didn't age well...

He still looks like a kid.

But he plays like a MAN!

It aged just fine.

Belmont, BTW, is a beautiful and quality school.

[UCGRAD4X]

I love how he wanted that ball. He was not going to be denied.

[KabeX]

A. F. KUNKEL. Glad that waiver was approved.

[X-band '01]

Got to say.... what is Odom thinking hugging Kunkel with his mask off.

I promise he'll do a polite golf clap by himself the next time Xavier wins at the buzzer.

[whopper]

i am 65 and i cant take many more like these. We all know if carter hits 2-4 and does not foul this is a routine Big East win. I love the guy (he is my double as far as style of play and demeanor) but he needs a sports psychologist and so did I. I watched Stanley and saw him get a couple of contested rebounds(dont know why he only got credi for 1) and looked like he can play. Nate was great and came up with some man sized long rebounds. Zach was protectiing self from fouls and i think Carter/Griffin needs to take the low post threat to protect Zach. Colby good, Kyky good and Kunkel..there are no words. The only prooblem is that he is a marked man and will probably be ESPN top 5

[UCGRAD4X]

i am 65 and i cant take many more like these. We all know if carter hits 2-4 and does not foul this is a routine Big East win. I love the guy (he is my double as far as style of play and demeanor) but he needs a sports psychologist and so did I. I watched Stanley and saw him get a couple of contested rebounds(dont know why he only got credi for 1) and looked like he can play. Nate was great and came up with some man sized long rebounds. Zach was protectiing self from fouls and i think Carter/Griffin needs to take the low post threat to protect Zach. Colby good, Kyky good and Kunkel..there are no words. The only prooblem is that he is a marked man and will probably be ESPN top 5


Good. Open up the middle. Xavier certainly expected to spread the defense. Need to take advantage either way.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Wow! We have so much weapon. X will go a long way.

[UCGRAD4X]

Prosser used to say, I just want to be close near the end of the game, and somebody willing to take that shot. It might go in, it might not. But I want guys that want that ball.

Kunkel wanted that ball.

[xudash]

i am 65 and i cant take many more like these. We all know if carter hits 2-4 and does not foul this is a routine Big East win. I love the guy (he is my double as far as style of play and demeanor) but he needs a sports psychologist and so did I. I watched Stanley and saw him get a couple of contested rebounds(dont know why he only got credi for 1) and looked like he can play. Nate was great and came up with some man sized long rebounds. Zach was protectiing self from fouls and i think Carter/Griffin needs to take the low post threat to protect Zach. Colby good, Kyky good and Kunkel..there are no words. The only prooblem is that he is a marked man and will probably be ESPN top 5

I do not enjoy picking on Carter, but he missed 4 straight free throws, costing us the cushion you mentioned, while setting the stage for the Hollywood script at the end.

As a fifth year senior, he cannot step to the line like that and be that unproductive moving forward.

Overall, including being down Odom, everyone here has to be impressed with how these guys responded after an 11 day layoff. I believe we have a great developing coaching staff and a great, deep team.

[Section 200]

I do not enjoy picking on Carter, but he missed 4 straight free throws, costing us the cushion you mentioned, while setting the stage for the Hollywood script at the end.

As a fifth year senior, he cannot step to the line like that and be that unproductive moving forward.

Overall, including being down Odom, everyone here has to be impressed with how these guys responded after an 11 day layoff. I believe we have a great developing coaching staff and a great, deep team.

Agree - wasn't Carter's day today. Foul on 3 point unforgiveable. Hope Jason forgets this one - on to Creighton

[markchal]

not for nothing, it was pretty big for him to make those two after missing 4 in a row...would've been easy to let it affect him and completely blow it, but those 2 helped. He played a fine game, just a bad two minutes at the end. Steele should've gone to Jones earlier.

[UCGRAD4X]

I do not enjoy picking on Carter, but he missed 4 straight free throws, costing us the cushion you mentioned, while setting the stage for the Hollywood script at the end.

As a fifth year senior, he cannot step to the line like that and be that unproductive moving forward.

Overall, including being down Odom, everyone here has to be impressed with how these guys responded after an 11 day layoff. I believe we have a great developing coaching staff and a great, deep team.


Maybe having Carter in there was not the best move, especially second time around.

[XUBob]

Steele made a great point in the postgame, right now Paul is playing as well as any Big East guard. We have all, and rightfully so, questioned his leadership abilities. So far he has worn that mantle well. Adam was the hero but let’s not forget what Paul did and has been doing. Carter is a damned if you do and damned if you don’t. He does a ton of little things that help you win. I think that is why he is on the floor in end game situations. Usually reliable at the line, today, not so much. Fouled a jump shooter, cardinal sin, thankfully it didn’t ruin a great team effort. Lots of weapons totally different than the last two years.

[Smooth]

It seems to me that X made more back door cuts today than they have since I started watching them in 1988. Combined.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Steele made a great point in the postgame, right now Paul is playing as well as any Big East guard. We have all, and rightfully so, questioned his leadership abilities. So far he has worn that mantle well. Adam was the hero but let’s not forget what Paul did and has been doing. Carter is a damned if you do and damned if you don’t. He does a ton of little things that help you win. I think that is why he is on the floor in end game situations. Usually reliable at the line, today, not so much. Fouled a jump shooter, cardinal sin, thankfully it didn’t ruin a great team effort. Lots of weapons totally different than the last two years.

We have all questioned Paul's leadership ability?

Not this year. This is 100% his team as I think most of us hoped it would be after the departure of Naji, Q, and Jones.

I was so excited to see what Scruggs could do coming into this year without Naji on the team. Just for Paul to be the guy and flourish like I think most of us knew he could.

[whopper]

Carter has not been reliabile in the clutch and I like the guy..he gets nervous and honestly there are articles in psychologytoday(a great web site)on mental performance. Same with 4 pt play..do what the people who guard James Hardin do with their hands. I am hist biggest fan too and (maybe) having dodged a bullett will improve that part of his performance.
Steele made a great point in the postgame, right now Paul is playing as well as any Big East guard. We have all, and rightfully so, questioned his leadership abilities. So far he has worn that mantle well. Adam was the hero but let’s not forget what Paul did and has been doing. Carter is a damned if you do and damned if you don’t. He does a ton of little things that help you win. I think that is why he is on the floor in end game situations. Usually reliable at the line, today, not so much. Fouled a jump shooter, cardinal sin, thankfully it didn’t ruin a great team effort. Lots of weapons totally different than the last two years.

[XUBob]

I meant in year’s past.

[GIMMFD]

Psht, wasn't even remotely worried about X covering -2.5, never in doubt.

[whopper]

Jimmy Chitwood?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdT_PiRLsaI

[xavierj]

It seems to me that X made more back door cuts today than they have since I started watching them in 1988. Combined.

You can thank MOR for that. I think he had a sit down with Travis...

[KabeX]

We have all questioned Paul's leadership ability?

Not this year. This is 100% his team as I think most of us hoped it would be after the departure of Naji, Q, and Jones.

I was so excited to see what Scruggs could do coming into this year without Naji on the team. Just for Paul to be the guy and flourish like I think most of us knew he could.

This.

[xuphan]

Jimmy Chitwood?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdT_PiRLsaI

Kunkels shot was way more impressive than Chitwoods.

[Jesuit4Life]

https://twitter.com/XavierGameday/status/1340792280580411393

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[Xville]

Adam mfin kunkel. Something very special about this team

[bleedXblue]

Maybe having Carter in there was not the best move, especially second time around.

He's normally pretty solid at the line, but he is not what I would call a clutch player in those situations.

[N67ER]

Maybe having Carter in there was not the best move, especially second time around.

You’re the coach. Coming into this game, he was shooting 83.3% from the line. And you don’t want him in the game to get fouled? Are you serious?

[SC in DC]

It's going to hurt when Kunkel transfers to sUCks next year!

[N67ER]

Went back and watched last 2 fouls called on Carter. The first, against Theo, was in no way, shape or form a foul. He had his hand in the middle of the ball, no flesh at all. And plenty of body separation as well. And he wouldn’t have had to contest that shot if Freemantle had simply maintained his block out on Theo instead of leaving before X had the rebound.

On second foul, the three point shot, from the angle we had on TV, he clearly did not body the shooter and you can’t see him touch his shooting arm either. I’ll give that one to the ref, but the first one was a bad call in a critical situation.

[Masterofreality]

It seems to me that X made more back door cuts today than they have since I started watching them in 1988. Combined.

You are correct. Steele is getting it.

[X Factor]

Does Xavier crack the Top 25?

[Masterofreality]

Does Xavier crack the Top 25?

Yes

[bjf123]

You’re the coach. Coming into this game, he was shooting 83.3% from the line. And you don’t want him in the game to get fouled? Are you serious?


Went back and watched last 2 fouls called on Carter. The first, against Theo, was in no way, shape or form a foul. He had his hand in the middle of the ball, no flesh at all. And plenty of body separation as well. And he wouldn’t have had to contest that shot if Freemantle had simply maintained his block out on Theo instead of leaving before X had the rebound.

On second foul, the three point shot, from the angle we had on TV, he clearly did not body the shooter and you can’t see him touch his shooting arm either. I’ll give that one to the ref, but the first one was a bad call in a critical situation.

Agreed. Carter has been one of the best FT shooters, so it makes sense for him to be in there.

I missed the first foul on him, but on the second against the 3 point shooter, I sure didn’t see any contact, even though the guy ended up on the floor.


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[JEHARDI]

You are correct. Steele is getting it.

Too funny, you are so full of it.... can you tell us again how you coached up those middle schoolers.

[Olsingledigit]

It's going to hurt when Kunkel transfers to sUCks next year!

What does this have to do with anything?

[xu82]

What does this have to do with anything?

Is it even a REAL thing?

Sorry, maybe I’m missing something?

[XUBob]

The Kunkel transfer is a joke among Muskie fans that read the UC board. Long story short, the UC fans were convinced that Adam wanted to go there but couldn’t. UC had no open scholarships because of the Madden brothers. Everyone knew the transfer rule was changing. There were some on that board that believed Adam would use a sit out year at X and then transfer to UC and be immediately eligible. Hence the joke among X fans.

[Xavier]

Too funny, you are so full of it.... can you tell us again how you coached up those middle schoolers.

If you don’t think some of the coaching has improved then I don’t know what you’re watching.

Some love to attack MOR when things go well for Steele....as if he isn’t rooting for the same thing.

[JEHARDI]

Clearly, all young coaches should grow and get better. MOR had a hard on over Travis the last two seasons that was irrational given what he was left with in addition to the fact that he was a head coach for the 1st time in at the Division I level.

[xu82]

The Kunkel transfer is a joke among Muskie fans that read the UC board. Long story short, the UC fans were convinced that Adam wanted to go there but couldn’t. UC had no open scholarships because of the Madden brothers. Everyone knew the transfer rule was changing. There were some on that board that believed Adam would use a sit out year at X and then transfer to UC and be immediately eligible. Hence the joke among X fans.

Thank you! Somehow I was unaware of that background.

[paulxu]

Kunkel's 22 pts only had 2 3's. Would have somehow thought it was more (probably last shot hangover).
With 6-6 at the line and 5 2pt shots, he had a great game.

Scruggs was again great, and loved his 6 assists. He and Colby each had 3 steals.
Many of his drives into traffic were successful. But some weren't, and I wish when he was really crowded he would kick out.
Of course I would be yelling at him to do that when he drove into 3 guys...and then he'd sink the shot.

We had 11 TO-'s, but Marquette only recorded 1 Steal. Maybe we walked, stepped on the side line, or whatever 10 times.

I'm enjoying the hell outta this year.

[Xuperman]

Kunkel looks like a sophomore.

In high school.

Fell free to wash your mouth out with soap. :shutup:

[GIMMFD]

The Kunkel transfer is a joke among Muskie fans that read the UC board. Long story short, the UC fans were convinced that Adam wanted to go there but couldn’t. UC had no open scholarships because of the Madden brothers. Everyone knew the transfer rule was changing. There were some on that board that believed Adam would use a sit out year at X and then transfer to UC and be immediately eligible. Hence the joke among X fans.

Lmfao I had no idea that was a thing, imagine transferring to X, a great program in the Big East to transfer down to a mediocre AAC team the year after, he'd be absolutely insane.

[xuwin]

Kunkel's 22 pts only had 2 3's. Would have somehow thought it was more (probably last shot hangover).
With 6-6 at the line and 5 2pt shots, he had a great game.

Scruggs was again great, and loved his 6 assists. He and Colby each had 3 steals.
Many of his drives into traffic were successful. But some weren't, and I wish when he was really crowded he would kick out.
Of course I would be yelling at him to do that when he drove into 3 guys...and then he'd sink the shot.

We had 11 TO-'s, but Marquette only recorded 1 Steal. Maybe we walked, stepped on the side line, or whatever 10 times.

I'm enjoying the hell outta this year.

2 bad traveling calls (Griffen, Johnson) included in the turnovers.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Does Xavier crack the Top 25?

I am guessing #24

[AviatorX]

2 bad traveling calls (Griffen, Johnson) included in the turnovers.

Yep, I bet there were less than 3 live ball turnovers. 5 travels, 2 offensive fouls I believe, and Kunkel stepped on the sideline off an inbound. Only really bad one that comes to mind was Scruggs giving it up crossing midcourt.

[SM#24]

Zach was protecting self from fouls and i think Carter/Griffin needs to take the low post threat to protect Zach.
I think the plan has been for Zach to take the lesser of the low post threats yesterday included. I think the staff felt Garcia was the bigger threat which is why Carter had him (and rightfully so). Theo John's offensive play yesterday I think was a surprise to anyone who has watched him play the past couple years.

[boozehound]

What a game! I thought it looked like two good teams both playing well. Xavier came out on top. Both teams shot the ball very well, and ran efficient offenses with good passing. I didn't see a lot of significant defensive lapses, either. Just a good basketball game. Marquette made a lot of well defended shots, particularly from Mid-range. I think we missed Odom a bit when they pressed us. Scruggs has developed tremendously as a player, but he still doesn't have a super-tight handle and neither does KyKy.

This Xavier team is as deep as I can remember and might be our best overall shooting team ever (if this continues). Almost everyone on the floor can get a 3. It's a great thing to watch. They also play pretty solid defense. With the amount of shooters we have there are a lot of different places we can go if someone is having an off night shooting.

Steele definitely seems to prioritize shooting more than Mack did, which I think is a good thing.

[nuts4xu]

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/referee-brian-oconnell-during-a-game-between-the-st-johns-red-storm-picture-id639921134?s=2048x2048

Brian O'Connell is terrible, and was the ref that made the last foul call on Carter. He couldn't even throw the ball up straight to start the game. The guy is a total loser and a horrible ref.

[paulxu]

Separated at birth? And he's now in charge of BE officials.

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/referee-john-cahill-looks-on-during-a-georgetown-hoyas-college-game-picture-id95896491?s=612x612

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think the plan has been for Zach to take the lesser of the low post threats yesterday included. I think the staff felt Garcia was the bigger threat which is why Carter had him (and rightfully so). Theo John's offensive play yesterday I think was a surprise to anyone who has watched him play the past couple years.

Theo John has definitely improved offensively. I couldn't believe his touch. Wonder if that has been typical this year or if it was just a good game for him? I havent watched any Marquette games this year.

[murray87]

I'm glad Kunkel survived the big pile on after the game! Great way to start off Big East play!!

[boozehound]

https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/referee-brian-oconnell-during-a-game-between-the-st-johns-red-storm-picture-id639921134?s=2048x2048

Brian O'Connell is terrible, and was the ref that made the last foul call on Carter. He couldn't even throw the ball up straight to start the game. The guy is a total loser and a horrible ref.

I actually thought it was John Cahill at first just based on the hair. I agree that it was not a particularly well officiated game. The stretch where they called traveling in Xavier like 3 times in 5 possessions was a bit maddening, and I didn't see a lot of obvious traveling. Then they missed clear travel on Marquette late in the game that could have decided the ending.

[Xavier]

What a game! I thought it looked like two good teams both playing well. Xavier came out on top. Both teams shot the ball very well, and ran efficient offenses with good passing. I didn't see a lot of significant defensive lapses, either. Just a good basketball game. Marquette made a lot of well defended shots, particularly from Mid-range. I think we missed Odom a bit when they pressed us. Scruggs has developed tremendously as a player, but he still doesn't have a super-tight handle and neither does KyKy.

This Xavier team is as deep as I can remember and might be our best overall shooting team ever (if this continues). Almost everyone on the floor can get a 3. It's a great thing to watch. They also play pretty solid defense. With the amount of shooters we have there are a lot of different places we can go if someone is having an off night shooting.

Steele definitely seems to prioritize shooting more than Mack did, which I think is a good thing.

They do?

[Xville]

Yeah I'd say defense is a weakness of this team right now, not major weakness, but they have work to do. As good as Colby is, he got worked several times yesterday and Free is kind of a liability on d. They will get better on that side of the ball.

[stammina0721]

Who cares. Watching 90 something to 80 something games is fun. Won't complain about losing a game where both teams are on fire. Much better to watch than a Virginia game

[Xavier]

Who cares. Watching 90 something to 80 something games is fun. Won't complain about losing a game where both teams are on fire. Much better to watch than a Virginia game

It is definitely more fun to watch than the last two years where X needed to defend and turn the game into a fight in order to win. It is also the reason X lost as a 1 seed and 2 seed- you can't just rely on heavy offense to advance in March.

Defense is easier to improve throughout the season than offense and it will need to improve, IMO. But I am damn happy to have a lot of offensive options.

[xufan2020]

It is definitely more fun to watch than the last two years where X needed to defend and turn the game into a fight in order to win. It is also the reason X lost as a 1 seed and 2 seed- you can't just rely on heavy offense to advance in March.

Defense is easier to improve throughout the season than offense and it will need to improve, IMO. But I am damn happy to have a lot of offensive options.
Correct on 2018 team, tho the 2016 2 seed team was actually good defensively. This team has the personnel to be better defensively than the 2018 team

[X-man]

I actually thought it was John Cahill at first just based on the hair. I agree that it was not a particularly well officiated game. The stretch where they called traveling in Xavier like 3 times in 5 possessions was a bit maddening, and I didn't see a lot of obvious traveling. Then they missed clear travel on Marquette late in the game that could have decided the ending.

I think that Kunkel may have traveled on that last shot. If he did, I'm glad that they missed it.

[Lloyd Braun]

It was not a travel, it was a step back jumper which allows an additional step to gather the ball. There are a hundred articles on the internet since James Harden made this famous.

Scruggs also got hit on the forearm which caused him to miss the floater. Pretty obvious call too which they called on the other end when X was leading.

Edit: here’s a video clip (https://twitter.com/brosspix/status/1340858767827677186?s=21) showing Scruggs get hit on the floater. Ball was still in his hand when Garcia hit his forearm. Glad they didn’t call it...

[Smails]

I think that Kunkel may have traveled on that last shot. If he did, I'm glad that they missed it.

Not a travel..just a step back. Completely legal in today's basketball

[D-West & PO-Z]

It was not a travel, it was a step back jumper which allows an additional step to gather the ball. There are a hundred articles on the internet since James Harden made this famous.

Scruggs also got hit on the forearm which caused him to miss the floater. Pretty obvious call too which they called on the other end when X was leading.

Edit: here’s a video clip (https://twitter.com/brosspix/status/1340858767827677186?s=21) showing Scruggs get hit on the floater. Ball was still in his hand when Garcia hit his forearm. Glad they didn’t call it...

Yes I saw that Scruggs got hit. Luckily they also missed Freemantle's moving screen. Didn't look like Freemantle's fault though, think Scruggs may have left earlier than planned.

[X-man]

Not a travel..just a step back. Completely legal in today's basketball

Thanks for the info, fellow Muskie fans. BTW, a Marquette fan on one of their boards also thought there was a travel. But he said that was his impression live but on replay, decided tat there was no travel. Good to know.

[drudy23]

I think that Kunkel may have traveled on that last shot. If he did, I'm glad that they missed it.

No travel - in fact, it was a high IQ play as he likely wouldn't have got it off without the step-back (it would have been blocked) with the two defenders closing in.

[mid major]

You are correct. Steele is getting it.

It took some MOR, but I believe you are correct; he's getting it. :)

[mid major]

The Kunkel transfer is a joke among Muskie fans that read the UC board. Long story short, the UC fans were convinced that Adam wanted to go there but couldn’t. UC had no open scholarships because of the Madden brothers. Everyone knew the transfer rule was changing. There were some on that board that believed Adam would use a sit out year at X and then transfer to UC and be immediately eligible. Hence the joke among X fans.

I believe it was on Bearcat Talk where it was mentioned and once Kunkel decided that Xavier was going to be his school it then became apparent that he was garbage. It's comical.

[bobbiemcgee]

Dickey Simpkins seemed to love this game, as did all BB fans.

[mid major]

Dickey Simpkins seemed to love this game, as did all BB fans.

Lost in all this was the play calling from Eric Collins for Fox. It seemed like he was rooting for his team. He went completely bonkers when Kunkul's shot went in.

[xuwin]

Theo John has definitely improved offensively. I couldn't believe his touch. Wonder if that has been typical this year or if it was just a good game for him? I havent watched any Marquette games this year.

It was his best game of the year. He went scoreless in one of his games last week. Xavier just didn't make defending him a priority.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It was his best game of the year. He went scoreless in one of his games last week. Xavier just didn't make defending him a priority.

If what you mean by that is we didn't double him then yeah I agree. But we had a man on him at all times down in post, I think usually Freemantle, and he hit a ton of baby hooks. Freemantle had a rough game and was kind of the opposite, couldn't get much to fall down low.

Thanks for the info on his other games though. Kind of thought that might be the case.

[xuwin]

If what you mean by that is we didn't double him then yeah I agree. But we had a man on him at all times down in post, I think usually Freemantle, and he hit a ton of baby hooks. Freemantle had a rough game and was kind of the opposite, couldn't get much to fall down low.

Thanks for the info on his other games though. Kind of thought that might be the case.

I think Stanley will help against guys like John. He's strong enough to push him a little further from the basket. Freemantle is just a sophomore and needs to get stronger.

[Xuperman]

If what you mean by that is we didn't double him then yeah I agree. But we had a man on him at all times down in post, I think usually Freemantle, and he hit a ton of baby hooks. Freemantle had a rough game and was kind of the opposite, couldn't get much to fall down low.

Thanks for the info on his other games though. Kind of thought that might be the case.

Hey man,
Those Theo John post points could not be defended by ANYONE. Beautiful form and nothing but twine.

For some reason Free is being called out here for weak defense......I strongly disagree.
:sign-wtf:

[Muskeagle]

As for Kunkel's travel....if McEwen's move on the previous shot was not a travel...then Kunkel was no where near a travel.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hey man,
Those Theo John post points could not be defended by ANYONE. Beautiful form and nothing but twine.

For some reason Free is being called out here for weak defense......I strongly disagree.
:sign-wtf:

I agree, I didn't think we didnt try to defend John well. Those were tough shots with a lot of touch. I was just replying to the comment that Xavier didnt make it a priority to defend him.

Freemantle is not great defensively imo but there wasn't anything glaring against John I noticed.

Free did have a rough game offensively down low at least.