Game Thread: Xavier vs. Seton Hall (12/30/2020)

[paulxu]

https://www.brickeconomy.com/resources/images/sets/lego-8804-3_large.jpgVS. https://icon2.cleanpng.com/20180804/bjw/kisspng-seton-hall-university-seton-hall-pirates-men-s-bas-assistant-men-amp-apos-s-and-women-amp-apos-s-swim-5b664ca9c29cc6.3959924015334309537971.jpg

THE MATCHUP

RV / NO. 20 XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (8-1, 1-1 BIG EAST)
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY PIRATES (6-4, 3-1 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 30, 2020 AT 7:15 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Lane Grindle and analysis from Dickey Simpkins.
Radio: 55KRC-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).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[X-band '01]

We really need Seton Hall to bring back their old logo if they're going to stick with their 80s unis.

[GIMMFD]

Listen guys, no matter what the line opens at tomorrow in X's favor, hammer it.

[94GRAD]

Listen guys, no matter what the line opens at tomorrow in X's favor, hammer it.

Opened at -4 143.5, currently at -2.5 144

[GIMMFD]

Opened at -4 143.5, currently at -2.5 144

Hit it at -3 X, with the 100% profit boost that Draft Kings is offering right now. We win big tonight boys.

[Xuperman]

So...are we finally at 100% full strength?

[JTG]

So...are we finally at 100% full strength?

It's a good problem to have, but I think we may have too much talent for not enough minutes.

[Xuperman]

It's a good problem to have, but I think we may have too much talent for not enough minutes.

Obviously Ol' Scruggy is a must at 30+, but there is 200 minutes total....170 up for grabs. If we're rolling hot, ZFree gets his and 15ish minutes each for who Coach perceives productive in the flow of the game, UNLESS Sir Carter continues to clog the timeline.

[Drew]

How soon until we get the option to watch the TV broadcast with Byron and Sunderman as the announcers? You would think with today's tech this should be an easy enough option.

[Xville]

X by 20....should absolutely dominate the hall.

[GoMuskies]

Listen guys, no matter what the line opens at tomorrow in X's favor, hammer it.

I am sitting in a Vegas sportsbook with a healthy X ML bet. Don't love the juice, but I don't want to be pissed about a Xavier win either!

[Lloyd Braun]

Why should we roll again? Not saying we won’t just have a hard time seeing it unless there’s another shooting performance like OU

[GoMuskies]

Would be a real "shame" if Carter gets in early foul trouble.

[xu82]

Would be a real "shame" if Carter gets in early foul trouble.

But not until AFTER he makes the and one!

EDIT: A guy can hope......

But the THREE!!!

[Lloyd Braun]

And right on cue Carter with the and-1 stuff and 3 bomb

[GoMuskies]

Ok, looks like Carter came to play!

[bjf123]

And then drains the 3.


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[Lloyd Braun]

Ok, looks like Carter came to play!

Your reverse jinx powers are second to none.

[RoseyMuskie]

I absolutely want to eat crow on Carter. Great start.

[HAAS_U]

Carter off to a hot start

[xu82]

We REALLY need to keep up the Carter hate! It’s WORKING!!!

[bjf123]

At the TV timeout, it’s Carter 9, Seton Hall 8.


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[noteggs]

We REALLY need to keep up the Carter hate! It’s WORKING!!!

Live by the Carter die by the Carter

[Lloyd Braun]

I love these unis. Wasn’t as down on the previous greys as other were but damn these are real nice, Clark. Real nice.

[whopper]

i thoughn mamu slipped on the first foul on carter. This guy samuel looks good frrom what i ha seen. Early stanley siting and a potential 3 ptr

[noteggs]

Great block but don’t throw it under the basket. Caught a break

[Xville]

Why should we roll again? Not saying we won’t just have a hard time seeing it unless there’s another shooting performance like OU

Because seton hall isn't that good and x is.

[Three Point Pete]

Hello Ben!

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[noteggs]

How about the and 1 with Stanley! Missed by the ref

[GoMuskies]

How can Steele sit Carter for so long?!?

[Strange Brew]

We REALLY need to keep up the Carter hate! It’s WORKING!!!

Carter is killing us!

[IM4X]

We REALLY need to keep up the Carter hate! It’s WORKING!!!

Ha... agree!

I’ll admit to being one of the posters frustrated with his decision making (not a hater of the person - just the decisions).

Love his confidence and decision making today.

Keep it up Mr. Carter!!!

[bjf123]

3s not falling tonight.


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[Xville]

Tandy gets body checked in mode air and no call? Interesting

[IM4X]

Okay boys- let’s work it inside and make a little contact- I’m looking at you Kyky.

[Xville]

Gotta give it to carter tonight...great half so far. On the other side, the team cant hit the broad side of a barn this half

[GoMuskies]

Not our night from the perimeter.

[IM4X]

Thanks for hearing me- way to draw the foul.

[HAAS_U]

Can’t get any shots to fall right now


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[HAAS_U]

Carter is literally bleeding for the team and still playing defense

[IM4X]

Free got it on two sides of the head pinball style -ouch!

[Lloyd Braun]

Friendly fire

[xu82]

We broke our Magic Carter!!!

[Lloyd Braun]

Because seton hall isn't that good and x is.

I have seen them play twice this year- lost to Louisville first game and they really should have won. And at Marquette, they looked pretty decent. Agree X is better and deeper.

[noteggs]

Carter playing with one arm...damn impressive!

[RoseyMuskie]

Kudos to Carter. Earned respect with that toughness.

[Lloyd Braun]

Have our guards scored yet?

[bjf123]

Ice cold.


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[bjf123]

Have our guards scored yet?

No


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[Strange Brew]

Ice cold.


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Cut me Mick!

[Smooth]

Odom and smile.

[Xville]

I have seen them play twice this year- lost to Louisville first game and they really should have won. And at Marquette, they looked pretty decent. Agree X is better and deeper.

Seen them play 3-4 times and not been impressed once...I didnt see them against Marquette so I'll say that. I didnt expect x to shoot like this though lol

[IM4X]

Bad guard play the past few minutes until Odom. Love that we have options.

[IM4X]

Love the hustle by X... before that travel.

[IM4X]

TO coach!

[Xville]

Defense is pretty terrible.

[HAAS_U]

This is brutal to watch

[bjf123]

Well this sucks. Horrible play on both ends of the court.


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[GoMuskies]

Where's that fire Steele thread? Kidding, kidding. Mostly.

[paulxu]

I'm guessing 75% of their points are from layups.

[IM4X]

Our guards are playing like crap on offense and defense!

[Xville]

Look absolutely terrible. Horrible decision making, bad defense. Getting absolutely punked at home

[X Factor]

This is a joke

[XU20]

Gotta get these defensive rebounds

[xu82]

I’m really happy the Bills are playing well.

[whopper]

we are not clearing any rebounds..we have lost 3 for dunks that we had secured i thought. This was awful the past 4 minutes and why was Freemantle the only big player in the last 3 minutes, Jones, Tandy, Kunkel and Scruggs a very tough team.. Damn

[bjf123]

Stick ‘em with a fork. I think we can say this one is over.


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[Lloyd Braun]

Woof

[Xville]

This team deserves to get absolutely screamed at...that was an absolutely embarrassing last 15 minutes of the game. Freaking pathetic.

[X Factor]

Lost the game in a span of 5 minutes...

[XU20]

I’m really happy the Bills are playing well.

Go Bills!!

[kellernr]

Jones is getting too many minutes tonight. Way too many 3s from him.

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[KabeX]

Well 8 - 2 doesn't sound bad on the surface. We aint coming back in this one.

[Xuperman]

Ok,
We have been exposed. Why are all our guys playing out of character? Why is Johnson putting up contested drives? Where are the spot up 3's? Why is Tandy going Alpha?
We look REALLY GREEN.

[Smooth]

That scene in Stripes where Bill Murray loses his job, loses his girlfriend, has his window broken and then Harold Ramis comes over and asks "Mind if I drink your last beer?" and opens it before Bill can answer. That is how the first half ended for Xavier.

[Xville]

It is very apparent that X's frontcourt is a weakness...stanley is built like a linebacker but plays like a kicker

Hope they were embarrassed by that half because I sure was.

[whopper]

lets just see what kind of team shows up this half.. I dont see how you have Kunkel AND Tandy in there.. Now is character time

[xu82]

Shoot 50% instead of 10% from 3, and take about 30 of them.

Either that or maybe rebound a bit.

Both would be great!

[X Factor]

We just might finish 7th in the BE if they keep playing like this. Can't play like absolute crap at home.

[paulxu]

I'm not sure what happened, but it wasn't good.
Like to see some fire in the second half. They got inside way too often.

[xu82]

Go Bills!!


X was my focus when the Bills sucked. It helped my psyche. Apparently I can’t have both at the same time.......

I still like our general direction, but you hate to have nights like these at home.

[Xuperman]

We just might finish 7th in the BE if they keep playing like this. Can't play like absolute crap at home.

Pretty sure we can sweep Futler....which is nice.

[Xville]

I know odom is still recovering from covid, but man we need much more of him and less kunkel.

[IM4X]

Not sure if this team is just getting worse or if it’s simply that I’ve been watching the last two games on a different tv.

Going upstairs to watch the 2nd half on the other tv. Let’s see if that does it.

[drudy23]

Not a fan of the lineup the last 5-6 minutes. Don’t do that again.

The time for tinkering with lineups has passed. It’s winning time.

[KabeX]

Shoot 50% instead of 10% from 3, and take about 30 of them.

Either that or maybe rebound a bit.

Both would be great!

We're boxing out a lot like my 6th graders. We haven't won a game yet (and yes, it's certainly not due to a lack of coaching brilliance).

[bjf123]

It is very apparent that X's frontcourt is a weakness...stanley is built like a linebacker but plays like a kicker

Hope they were embarrassed by that half because I sure was.

Our guards made a total of 2 baskets for 4 whole points in that half. Also had 5 turnovers and went 0-7 from 3.


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[KabeX]

I'd sure like to see a lot more toughness in the 2nd half. And I don't mean knocking heads. Take the GD rock to the hole. Get some fouls on the big oaf. I know we need to start making shots but man we look soft (and slow).

[chico]

With such a deep team, Steele should have the luxury of stressing defense and benching guys who don't give effort on the defensive end. Wasn't much effort the defensive end at all.

[Lloyd Braun]

Money line is up to +575 for Xavier... What the hell, let’s do this!

[drudy23]

That lineup for the entirety of their run is yet another reason Trav always gives me doubt. Damn you Trav.

Very short bench in second half, they can handle it.

[Xville]

Not a fan of the lineup the last 5-6 minutes. Don’t do that again.

The time for tinkering with lineups has passed. It’s winning time.

Not a fan of the 10 man depth...its nice if you need it in a game or two, but otherwise it is way too much and guys cant get in a groove. Nova never has more than 8 and it is usually 7. Bench needs to be shortened a bit in my opinion.

[drudy23]

Our guards made a total of 2 baskets for 4 whole points in that half. Also had 5 turnovers and went 0-7 from 3.


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Alot easier to force tough perimeter shots when your post guys aren’t real scoring threats.

[Smooth]

Our guards made a total of 2 baskets for 4 whole points in that half. Also had 5 turnovers and went 0-7 from 3.



So you're saying it wasn't all bad?

[Xuperman]

This has to be a complete FLAMING BARRAGE from distance in the next 20.

Otherwise the Coach Steele threads will inevitably catch that flame.

[Xville]

Alright these first 4 minutes will say a lot.

[drudy23]

This has to be a complete FLAMING BARRAGE from distance in the next 20.

Otherwise the Coach Steele threads will inevitably catch that flame.

As they should. Sick of looking like an NIT team every time we get into Big East play.

[Xville]

What the f was that carter? Geezus christ

[Xuperman]

I'd sure like to see a lot more toughness in the 2nd half. And I don't mean knocking heads. Take the GD rock to the hole. Get some fouls on the big oaf. I know we need to start making shots but man we look soft (and slow).

X doesn't play to contact anymore.....Allergic to the FT line. Didn't you get the memo?

[paulxu]

This is one ugly basketball game.
Come on X. Play better...please.

[Xville]

Just keep chucking 3s guys geezus fuck. This team is soft soft soft

[Xville]

Well the first 4 minutes showed me this team doesnt care about getting embarrassed. Still playing like a bunch of pussies

[Lloyd Braun]

The 3s they’re taking aren’t exactly bad shots. Many wide open. They are just flat and cold. They have had two long layoffs between the last couple games.

[whopper]

lets see if we can play well to set us up for next game. Need to clear some defensive boards, stop transition and (maybe) hit some shots. the law of averages SHOULD even out a little

[drudy23]

Don’t even blame this crap on a “layoff”

[xu82]

On a somewhat related note, our puppy has some serious gas issues and it’s killing us!

[bjf123]

On a somewhat related note, our puppy has some serious gas issues and it’s killing us!

So you’re saying things stink everywhere?


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[IM4X]

Goodness. Imagine how bad this game would be if Free and Carter weren’t scoring.

[drudy23]

Get some stops and make this interesting. Getting stops is the hard part.

[Xville]

Wow nice scruggs!

[drudy23]

We’re scared to death of the 9 footer in the paint.

[Smooth]

Don’t even blame this crap on a “layoff”

Layoff? You're talking about a layoff?

[X Factor]

No help defense

[RoseyMuskie]

I want to see a 2-3 zone for the remainder of this game and the next matchup vs. Hall.

It’s clear Hall’s front court is too strong for Xavier. So then it comes down to whether you can outshoot them. Have to take that chance.

[Xville]

Stop effing shooting 3s gawd....you arent making them...stop!

[Blue Blooded-05]

This 14 point deficit feels like 40

[drudy23]

I want to see a 2-3 zone for the remainder of this game and the next matchup vs. Hall.

It’s clear Hall’s front court is too strong for Xavier. So then it comes down to whether you can outshoot them. Have to take that chance.

At this point, it’s worth a shot.

[KabeX]

Shots aren't falling. That happens. Being afraid to take it to the hoop even if the dude is huge CAN'T happen. They had a nice sequence there but kicked it out for a Carter clanker (and for the record, the kid is playing his arse off tonite and I'm glad to see it). All that but what concerns me the most is the freaking parting of the red sea defense. That has to get fixed and quick.

[drudy23]

We’re only down 14. - lot of game left.

[Xville]

I want to see a 2-3 zone for the remainder of this game and the next matchup vs. Hall.

It’s clear Hall’s front court is too strong for Xavier. So then it comes down to whether you can outshoot them. Have to take that chance.

Or stop playing like a bunch of pussies. They are acting like this frontline is a bunch of nba prospects

[drudy23]

It’s obvious the game plan was the plant Free at the 3 point to draw out a big guy. It ain’t working.

[Xville]

If I'm steele, the next time I see free or carter shoot a 3 they are being pulled immediately. I'm sick of seeing these idiots shoot 3s

[IM4X]

Okay... carter relax with the threes

[bjf123]

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, STOP SHOOTING 3s!!!!!!!!


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[Xville]

Another fucking 3...what a bunch of pussies

[drudy23]

If I'm steele, the next time I see free or carter shoot a 3 they are being pulled immediately. I'm sick of seeing these idiots shoot 3s

Every fucking player is standing on the 3 point line. There is ZERO chance to beat this team without an inside post presence.

[IM4X]

Open to seeing a little bit of Miles in there.

heck, even Wilcher.

[Lloyd Braun]

They played 7 games in 2 weeks to start the season adm have played 2 games since December 9th while having several lineup changes. Not saying that’s the only reason they’re flat or blaming the shitty effort on the layoff but it can explain some rhythm issues. They weren’t missing wide open 3s like this the first 2 weeks of the season

[Lloyd Braun]

Open to seeing a little bit of Miles in there

He’s not available today

[Xville]

Were these guys never taught how to go at a shot blocker? Like good gawd this is grade school shit. What an embarrassing display of basketball. Willard eating Steele's lunch just like he used to against mack.

[drudy23]

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, STOP SHOOTING 3s!!!!!!!!


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I guarantee you Steeles game plan was to put Free and Carter on the perimeter to draw out big men. Seton Hall said “lol, ok”

Steel thinks he’s Jay Wright and the team is Villanova. Not there yet bud.

[Smooth]

Those folks in Pike County killed the wrong Rhoden.

[bjf123]

I’m done. Think I’ll watch some Big Bang Theory reruns. Anything is better than this.


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[Xville]

They played 7 games in 2 weeks to start the season adm have played 2 games since December 9th while having several lineup changes. Not saying that’s the only reason they’re flat or blaming the shitty effort on the layoff but it can explain some rhythm issues. They weren’t missing wide open 3s like this the first 2 weeks of the season

Carter was and still is...yet just keeps chucking them

[Blue Blooded-05]

This is embarrassing. I bet Steele is drawing up a play to get Carter an open look from 3

[Xavier]

This defense is just so bad.

[Xville]

Tough Xavier team? What the hell is this announcer smoking. Word is out on this team..soft

[Lloyd Braun]

Yea, Carter is far from the problem on this team cmon

[drudy23]

There are indeed a lot of good coaches in the Big East. Not sure we have one of them.

Consistently out coached by the top half of coaches in the league.

[Xville]

Good thing stanley didn't get in until now..I was excited to see carter chuck 3s all half

[Xville]

Yea, Carter is far from the problem on this team cmon

There's plenty of problems to choose from, cater continuing to shoot 3s is one of them.

[xu82]

So you’re saying things stink everywhere?


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There’s a double stink going on in my family room!

[drudy23]

Why did we go away from the paint? We scored our first 20 points there, they go on a run, and we start shooting nothing but 3s and playing no basketball in the paint.

[X Factor]

Embarrassing. Men vs boys out there.

We never get to the FT line anymore.

Defense is Charmin soft.

[Xavier]

Good thing stanley didn't get in until now..I was excited to see carter chuck 3s all half

I don’t remember but I think Carter is the only guy to hit a 3 tonight. *just remembered Freemantle has one too.

[X Factor]

Can't wait to play at Seton Hall...that should be fun.

[paulxu]

Say what you want about last year's team, but they never lost a game by more than 20.

[drudy23]

I can’t wait for the “I told these guys this was coming” postgame presser.

Hopefully he blames himself because the game plan sucked balls.

[xu82]

Embarrassing. Men vs boys out there.

We never get to the FT line anymore.

Defense is Charmin soft.

Well, sometimes we stand there as they drive by us, but........

[IM4X]

He’s not available today

Of course.

[Smooth]

Stanley is killing it. We haven't had that point-a-minute scoring ability since Andre Smith.

[paulxu]

Listen guys, no matter what the line opens at tomorrow in X's favor, hammer it.

This did not age well.

[drudy23]

You mean we aren’t going to be able to go out and just make a bunch of 3s in Big East games? Hmmm....

[xu82]

What would it take to get to play Oakland again next???

[IM4X]

BREAKING NEWS!

Xavier sucks at defense.

[drudy23]

Taking jerseys - pulling it off himself?

[xu82]

This did not age well.


I was highly skeptical on the first read, but at least this time I laughed!

[Xville]

I'm sure it will be the same lame milk toast presser from Steele tonight. How about an I need to do better for once.

[Xville]

Good news that nova got delayed...cant take two asswhuppins in a row.

[Xville]

Colby jones you are effing 6'6 stop being a pussy and go up with the ball

[drudy23]

I'm sure it will be the same lame milk toast presser from Steele tonight. How about an I need to do better for once.

He will mean mug and tell us all how pissed he is as if we care how pissed he is. Figure it out.

[whopper]

i dont see why we dont see Miles at all..we have nothing in shot blocking. Zach is too light to be in the middle and CArter too unathletic
Honestly we would not have this game anyway. Still not a great effort

[drudy23]

i dont see why we dont see Miles at all..we have nothing in shot blocking. Zach is too light to be in the middle and CArter too unathletic
Honestly we would not have this game anyway. Still not a great effort

Miles would have been chucked into the 4th row tonight.

[drudy23]

The walk ons are in - on our floor.

[IM4X]

Wilcher should have been given some more playing time earlier.

[Smooth]

Good news that nova got delayed...cant take two asswhuppins in a row.

Bad news, we have another "layoff."

[Xville]

Wilcher should have been given some more playing time earlier.

Griffin, stanley, odom all should have played way more than they did. Lineups were crap tonight

[Smooth]

Miles would have been chucked into the 4th row tonight.

In his defense, there would have been no one in the first three rows to stop him.

[paulxu]

Jones, Scruggs, Johnson and Kunkel for 0-9 from 3. Something was just not right tonight.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Sadly, back to reality.

[drudy23]

Hold the presses!!!

Willard just said the layoff was really, really good for them.

[IM4X]

Griffin, stanley, odom all should have played way more than they did. Lineups were crap tonight

agree.

[drudy23]

Griffin, stanley, odom all should have played way more than they did. Lineups were crap tonight

Triple agree - it’s conference season, the time for experiments is over.

[xu82]

Sadly, back to reality.

I can’t go there yet. I just tuned into some Andy Griffith Show therapy. I should be feeling better in a day or two.

[Lloyd Braun]

I would hope to expect Odom back in starting lineup soon... the current lineups seem to lack flow. Oh and the Defense sucks donkey dick

[Lloyd Braun]

Hold the presses!!!

Willard just said the layoff was really, really good for them.

Yes because they weren’t playing well before the layoff. I doubt Travis wanted a layoff after OU game.

[IM4X]

How many wide open threes did X give up?

It’s hard to point to just about anything our guards did well today (except maybe Odom).

[KabeX]

How many wide open threes did X give up?

It’s hard to point to just about anything our guards did well today (except maybe Odom).
How many "red carpet, let me show you to the rim" buckets did X give up?

[chico]

Watching the Cotton Bowl now. Never thought I'd see the day Oklahoma played better defense than Xavier.

[bleedXblue]

Alot easier to force tough perimeter shots when your post guys aren’t real scoring threats.

WINNER WINNER CD...........Williard is a damn good coach and put a lot more pressure on the ball mid way through the first half. Brilliant move, forcing Xavier interior guys to make things happen and it worked brilliantly.

[IM4X]

How many "red carpet, let me show you to the rim" buckets did X give up?

I don’t know. I lost count - ran out of fingers and toes.

[bjf123]

So how soon will we see the obligatory “Fire Steele” thread?


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[drudy23]

WINNER WINNER CD...........Williard is a damn good coach and put a lot more pressure on the ball mid way through the first half. Brilliant move, forcing Xavier interior guys to make things happen and it worked brilliantly.

Our bigs just moved to the 3 point line and shot a bunch of bricks. Just like they wanted.

[IM4X]

This team needs to learn how to press better and start doing it earlier in the second half when we have games like this where we are off from outside and find ourselves down by 10 or more.

[Olsingledigit]

I would hope to expect Odom back in starting lineup soon... the current lineups seem to lack flow. Oh and the Defense sucks donkey dick

Supposedly they were easing Odom back and limiting his minutes. Enough of that. Get him on full throttle again.

[bleedXblue]

Great game by Travis tonight. He went to a zone, down 18 with 9 minutes left in the game. Granted, it was likely over anyway and we couldn't stop them man v man, but what the hell was that? No press, no token pseudo press, very little effort to double the ball up to create TO's. Wake the hell up.

Right now, the best defensive team needs to be on the floor. Good luck figuring that out beyond Odom and Scruggs and Griffin in the post more.

[Xville]

Lots of warts exposed tonight. Defense is crap, plain and simple..hope it gets better but there are quite a few guys who dont seem to have the want to which is a major red flag.

Coaching and lineups were garbage.

This team falls in love with the 3 way too easily which I think is also a coaching issue. Just because you are open, shouldn't mean chuck it...unless you are kyky or johnson and I guess kunkel but he shouldn't be playing as much as he is. The rest of this team are not pure shooters enough to be chucking it like they are.

Rebounding is embarrassing.

[xavierj]

How many wide open threes did X give up?

It’s hard to point to just about anything our guards did well today (except maybe Odom).

Seton Hall hit 30%, 7 of 23. Kind of what you would want. Problem was Xavier is soft and got punked at the rim and shot 20% from 3 and this team just can’t win without knocking down threes. Not sure what they can do to be better when shots are not falling. Just don’t have any toughness inside, both on offense and defense.

[bleedXblue]

This team needs to learn how to press better and start doing it earlier in the second half when we have games like this where we are off from outside and find ourselves down by 10 or more.

we waited until we were down 25 with 4 minutes left in the game.

[drudy23]

I’m convinced Trav wants us to be Villanova.

Not sure I understand his identity at this point, because we’re certainly not that.

[IM4X]

we waited until we were down 25 with 4 minutes left in the game.

Yup. That was just brilliant on Steele’s part.

[whopper]

our defense must start with the guards stopping penetration even if we pick up fouls, we don't have shot blocking and Zach if a 4 not a 5 and we can't afford him in foul trouble. If you said our front line would have 50 points tonight I would have thought we won. Sad to see Providence beat Seton Hall at NJ(though I don't think road/home is as meaningful this year). I don't think you will see Johnson and Kunkel have zero anymore and I did see improvement with Odom in there

[Lloyd Braun]

Seton Hall hit 30%, 7 of 23. Kind of what you would want. Problem was Xavier is soft and got punked at the rim and shot 20% from 3 and this team just can’t win without knocking down threes. Not sure what they can do to be better when shots are not falling. Just don’t have any toughness inside, both on offense and defense.

Seems on point to me...

Once things started going south at the end of the first I was surprised we didn’t see Scruggs reign it in. Most everyone was off tonight....

[bleedXblue]

our defense must start with the guards stopping penetration even if we pick up fouls, we don't have shot blocking and Zach if a 4 not a 5 and we can't afford him in foul trouble. If you said our front line would have 50 points tonight I would have thought we won. Sad to see Providence beat Seton Hall at NJ(though I don't think road/home is as meaningful this year). I don't think you will see Johnson and Kunkel have zero anymore and I did see improvement with Odom in there

In fairness to Odom he played most of his minutes when we were down a bunch of points. He's a good defender and why he started in front of Tandy. Right now, we need guys who defend and take make good decisions with the ball. That's Odom.

[IM4X]

Not sure what they can do to be better when shots are not falling. Just don’t have any toughness inside, both on offense and defense.

The guards could have actually played some defense and contested some threes. Seton Hall had more than a dozen wide open looks.

[Xuperman]

I’m convinced Trav wants us to be Villanova.

Not sure I understand his identity at this point, because we’re certainly not that.

No panic in my house....X is just very GREEN.

You have to love this group. They have a good amount of Nova style pieces.

The Hall WILL do that to most.
Hats off...very impressive team.

[Xavier]

I’m convinced Trav wants us to be Villanova.

Not sure I understand his identity at this point, because we’re certainly not that.

When the shots were falling a few games ago- everyone thought it was Villanova like. I’m good with building a team wanting to be like nova..

[Xville]

When the shots were falling a few games ago- everyone thought it was Villanova like. I’m good with building a team wanting to be like nova..

Villanova teams are tough, good decision makers, and always have a great floor general. Very little about this team is nova like

[IM4X]

Needed to get a real answer from Steele at the post press conference about why he didn’t press earlier.

[drudy23]

These games happen to good teams. However, it’s very telling the meltdown this board goes into (myself included) after one loss from a very successful season so far. And it’s pretty obvious most of us don’t have full faith in Steele. We’ve seen this before - will we see it again?

I really hope he figures out the beast of our conference this year. It may be his last chance.

[Dblue]

Was it just me, or was it odd how many jump shots bounced off the front of the rim. Even my 11 year old son noticed it.

It almost looks like they are "tired". I'm hoping it is just the impact of the off time and will get back into the flow and pace.

[drudy23]

Was it just me, or was it odd how many jump shots bounced off the front of the rim. Even my 11 year old son noticed it.

It almost looks like they are "tired". I'm hoping it is just the impact of the off time and will get back into the flow and pace.

Now layoff = tired

Lol

[xavierj]

The guards could have actually played some defense and contested some threes. Seton Hall had more than a dozen wide open looks.

Again that wasn’t the problem. Seton Hall shot 30% from three. Xavier got pounded on the glass and let Seton Hall run layup lines throughout the game. If someone told me Seton Hall would go 7-23 from three before the game I would have taken that,
Open or not. But tighten up the freaking lane and put a body on someone.

[Xavier]

Villanova teams are tough, good decision makers, and always have a great floor general. Very little about this team is nova like

Good points all around. Just in terms of spacing- and when all those shots were falling I certainly fell into the trap that it was nice having 6 guys being able to hit open 3s like Nova. Mentality and toughness is far from it, though. No question. And unfortunately the shooting may have just been a few hot games.

[xu82]

These games happen to good teams. However, it’s very telling the meltdown this board goes into (myself included) after one loss from a very successful season so far. And it’s pretty obvious most of us don’t have full faith in Steele. We’ve seen this before - will we see it again?

I really hope he figures out the beast of our conference this year. It may be his last chance.

Please forgive me, but I’m going to use an NFL analogy here. As you may know, I’m a Buffalo Bills fan. MANY Bills fans were ALL OVER our HC, Sean McDermott for all kinds of decisions the first few years. Even when we won, he didn’t do enough to make people happy. But year after year he has become a better coach. We went from missing the playoffs or sneaking into the playoffs, to a #2 or 3 seed and 12-13 wins.

A lot of this had to do with building a roster. There is only one player on the active roster from when he arrived. BUT, a LOT of it has to do with him learning to be a better HC, and he will tell you that.

The opposite approach is the Browns. How many HC’s have they had in the last 10-20 years? Sadly, it’s way too close to 10-20 coaches! While they are finally putting something together this season, excessive turnover means you will never establish anything. Especially in college hoops, where you start over recruiting with every new regime.

I’m in the camp where you ride this out and give them every opportunity to grow into what they can be. The players and the coaches. Not forever, but you give it plenty of time rather than employ the Browns model over the last couple of decades. I bet they wish they had held onto Belichick until he got a QB and figured things out.

Just one guy’s opinion.

[IM4X]

Again that wasn’t the problem. Seton Hall shot 30% from three. Xavier got pounded on the glass and let Seton Hall run layup lines throughout the game. If someone told me Seton Hall would go 7-23 from three before the game I would have taken that,
Open or not. But tighten up the freaking lane and put a body on someone.

They certainly need to tighten up the lane, but had the guards given a little effort against the 3 and X may have had that down to under 20%. The guards struggled at everything tonight.

Johnson - 0 points in 19 minutes
Kunkel... 0 points in 14 minutes
Jones... 2 points in 28 minutes
Scruggs... 6 points in 30 minutes

Ouch!

[X-band '01]

So, how did last night go?

[TUclutch]

Supposedly they were easing Odom back and limiting his minutes. Enough of that. Get him on full throttle again.

The kid was out for over a week and is recovering from a virus that while extremely survivable does have the risk for side effects well after you “beat” the virus. Look into the speculation as to why the Florida player collapsed with a heart issue months after having covid. They absolutely should ease him back in. Anything else would be irresponsible to what is best for Dwon short and long term.

[drudy23]

Here’s the bottom line. The past 3 years, we’ve played a relatively mediocre non conference schedule. We have some success, think we are pretty good, then wonder what the hell happened when we get into Big East play. The reality is that there’s not a team we’ve played this year that would sniff the top half of this conference. Big East play is a completely different animal. Every team we play in conference is going to be better than every team we’ve played so far, save maybe Georgetown and maybe St John’s.

Every team has a couple bad games a year. That’s fine. But I’ve seen a pattern over 3 years now of Steele getting outcoached by the top half of coaches in this league on several occasions. Not end of game miscues outcoached, but game planning where the opposition has developed a strategy that he was ill prepared for. I saw that again last night.

Willard took away our shooters with massive perimeter pressure and dared us to beat him with our post guys. Problem was, our post guys never played at the same time, or were standing at the 3 point line all night after the first 5 minutes of the game. And we STILL shot a ton of terrible 3s. How many times last year did our offensive philosophy play right into the gameplan of the other team? We scored the first 20 points in the paint and completely abandoned it after they went on a run, with plenty of time to spare. Same as last year where we just start chucking stupid shots when we get down. Reign that shit in from the bench and put a stop to it. Instead, he just keeps putting in more shooters? Wtf man?

It was obvious very early it wasn’t going to be our night. The shots didn’t fall because the gameplan sucked. So GTFOH with your high and mighty “we don’t need you” crap. I call it like I see it, I’m sorry it hurts your feelings.

At year 3, there has been no other coach in the past 40 years at X that has had this much uncertainty as Steele at this point of their tenure. I realize the expectations are higher and the league is tougher. But it’s the truth. Be honest and ask yourself if you believe in Steele like you believed in Miller, Matta or Mack? Anyone being honest knows the answer to that question. I would love to be a believer - but I’m just not there.

[Xville]

You’re the definition of the type of fan we don’t need that Scruggs called out for inappropriate bashing of players. Find another team douchebag

You are the type of fan who tells other fans how they should fan...i.e. the worst type of fan. If you have a problem with someone criticizing your boyfriends, do me a favor and skip over my posts, or better put me on ignore

[bleedXblue]

Here’s the bottom line. The past 3 years, we’ve played a relatively mediocre non conference schedule. We have some success, think we are pretty good, then wonder what the hell happened when we get into Big East play. The reality is that there’s not a team we’ve played this year that would sniff the top half of this conference. Big East play is a completely different animal. Every team we play in conference is going to be better than every team we’ve played so far, save maybe Georgetown and maybe St John’s.

Every team has a couple bad games a year. That’s fine. But I’ve seen a pattern over 3 years now of Steele getting outcoached by the top half of coaches in this league on several occasions. Not end of game miscues outcoached, but game planning where the opposition has developed a strategy that he was ill prepared for. I saw that again last night.

Willard took away our shooters with massive perimeter pressure and dared us to beat him with our post guys. Problem was, our post guys never played at the same time, or were standing at the 3 point line all night after the first 5 minutes of the game. And we STILL shot a ton of terrible 3s. How many times last year did our offensive philosophy play right into the gameplan of the other team? We scored the first 20 points in the paint and completely abandoned it after they went on a run, with plenty of time to spare. Same as last year where we just start chucking stupid shots when we get down. Reign that shit in from the bench and put a stop to it. Instead, he just keeps putting in more shooters? Wtf man?

It was obvious very early it wasn’t going to be our night. The shots didn’t fall because the gameplan sucked. So GTFOH with your high and mighty “we don’t need you” crap. I call it like I see it, I’m sorry it hurts your feelings.

At year 3, there has been no other coach in the past 40 years at X that has had this much uncertainty as Steele at this point of their tenure. I realize the expectations are higher and the league is tougher. But it’s the truth. Be honest and ask yourself if you believe in Steele like you believed in Miller, Matta or Mack? Anyone being honest knows the answer to that question. I would love to be a believer - but I’m just not there.

Pretty much dead nuts right on point.

[paulxu]

It seems like the last couple of years was marked by our "defense" and what we lacked were shooters.
So, the coach said he went out and recruited shooters. When they have an off night, bad things happen.
What I hate to see is trading that skill for a lack of our traditional tough defense, which seemed to be the case last night.
Way too many lay-ups. Just over and over. Was very depressing.

[bleedXblue]

It seems like the last couple of years was marked by our "defense" and what we lacked were shooters.
So, the coach said he went out and recruited shooters. When they have an off night, bad things happen.
What I hate to see is trading that skill for a lack of our traditional tough defense, which seemed to be the case last night.
Way too many lay-ups. Just over and over. Was very depressing.

Its been happening a bunch this year, not just last night. We get beat off the dribble and there is little to no help side defense or rim protector's to compensate.

[drudy23]

It seems like the last couple of years was marked by our "defense" and what we lacked were shooters.
So, the coach said he went out and recruited shooters. When they have an off night, bad things happen.
What I hate to see is trading that skill for a lack of our traditional tough defense, which seemed to be the case last night.
Way too many lay-ups. Just over and over. Was very depressing.

Would our defense have been better with better lineups?

Odom and Griffin played limited minutes, as did Carter. Freemantle was basically on an island in the paint, when he was actually there. He spent most of the game at the 3 point line. SH shot 66% from 2 point range - our answer to that was more Kunkel and Tandy - huh?

Griffin with 6 minutes in a game like this is head scratching for sure.

[AviatorX]

Here’s the bottom line. The past 3 years, we’ve played a relatively mediocre non conference schedule. We have some success, think we are pretty good, then wonder what the hell happened when we get into Big East play. The reality is that there’s not a team we’ve played this year that would sniff the top half of this conference. Big East play is a completely different animal. Every team we play in conference is going to be better than every team we’ve played so far, save maybe Georgetown and maybe St John’s.

Every team has a couple bad games a year. That’s fine. But I’ve seen a pattern over 3 years now of Steele getting outcoached by the top half of coaches in this league on several occasions. Not end of game miscues outcoached, but game planning where the opposition has developed a strategy that he was ill prepared for. I saw that again last night.

Willard took away our shooters with massive perimeter pressure and dared us to beat him with our post guys. Problem was, our post guys never played at the same time, or were standing at the 3 point line all night after the first 5 minutes of the game. And we STILL shot a ton of terrible 3s. How many times last year did our offensive philosophy play right into the gameplan of the other team? We scored the first 20 points in the paint and completely abandoned it after they went on a run, with plenty of time to spare. Same as last year where we just start chucking stupid shots when we get down. Reign that shit in from the bench and put a stop to it. Instead, he just keeps putting in more shooters? Wtf man?

It was obvious very early it wasn’t going to be our night. The shots didn’t fall because the gameplan sucked. So GTFOH with your high and mighty “we don’t need you” crap. I call it like I see it, I’m sorry it hurts your feelings.

At year 3, there has been no other coach in the past 40 years at X that has had this much uncertainty as Steele at this point of their tenure. I realize the expectations are higher and the league is tougher. But it’s the truth. Be honest and ask yourself if you believe in Steele like you believed in Miller, Matta or Mack? Anyone being honest knows the answer to that question. I would love to be a believer - but I’m just not there.

You must have been really high on Sean Miller after his first two years. At least higher than I remember anyone else being at the time. I mean you would have been completely right, so can't knock it. 17-12 with no postseason and 21-11 with a miraculous run through one of the worst Atlantic 10's Xavier was ever a part of (on basically a home court) to earn a 14 seed.

[American X]

Great grumpy MOR, how did Seton Hall lose 4 games? They look like a top 3 Big East, Sweet Sixteen team.

[AviatorX]

Great grumpy MOR, how did Seton Hall lose 4 games? They look like a top 3 Big East, Sweet Sixteen team.

We're getting toward January/February/first week of March. That's when Seton Hall really shines.

[drudy23]

You must have been really high on Sean Miller after his first two years. At least higher than I remember anyone else being at the time. I mean you would have been completely right, so can't knock it. 17-12 with no postseason and 21-11 with a miraculous run through one of the worst Atlantic 10's Xavier was ever a part of (on basically a home court) to earn a 14 seed.

Every new coach has a rough go at it in their first couple of years. The point being, they've figured it out much sooner than Steele has. Does being in the Big East elongate that learning curve? Probably.

I know people shun Mack because he left us, but i thought he was a very, very good college basketball coach. I don't think Steele is even close to his coaching acumen, even at comparable tenures.

[SkyWalker]

I’m convinced Trav wants us to be Villanova.

Not sure I understand his identity at this point, because we’re certainly not that.

We could be a lot closer to Villanova if he Travis could coach like Jay Wright.

[AviatorX]

Every new coach has a rough go at it in their first couple of years. The point being, they've figured it out much sooner than Steele has. Does being in the Big East elongate that learning curve? Probably.

I know people shun Mack because he left us, but i thought he was a very, very good college basketball coach. I don't think Steele is even close to his coaching acumen, even at comparable tenures.

Mack is one of the best there is, same with Miller. It's unlikely (but not impossible) that Travis Steele will be as good or better of a coach than either of those two guys. I mean they are currently coaching Arizona and Louisville, two of the best college basketball programs in the world. IMO, that statement would have been true of literally anyone Xavier hired when Mack left. There's no point in comparing coaches as if we decided to part ways with them. That's not what happened (or likely will happen in the future at Xavier).

I do think you're overstating the confidence the fan base had in both of those guys at this point in their X tenure. Can't disagree with you that Mack had more early on the court success, but there was a serious dip that came on the heels of that where I imagine most in the fan base questioned whether he was the right guy. I'm not sure what you saw in Miller's first two years that inspired bundles of confidence, but obviously it's easy to look back and find a few things knowing how it turned out.

I'm just not ready to be down on this team. I didn't expect them to be anything more than a bubble-ish team and so far they have exceeded expectations (at least mine).

[drudy23]

Mack is one of the best there is, same with Miller. It's unlikely (but not impossible) that Travis Steele will be as good or better of a coach than either of those two guys. I mean they are currently coaching Arizona and Louisville, two of the best college basketball programs in the world. IMO, that statement would have been true of literally anyone Xavier hired when Mack left. There's no point in comparing coaches as if we decided to part ways with them. That's not what happened (or likely will happen in the future at Xavier).

I do think you're overstating the confidence the fan base had in both of those guys at this point in their X tenure. Can't disagree with you that Mack had more early on the court success, but there was a serious dip that came on the heels of that where I imagine most in the fan base questioned whether he was the right guy. I'm not sure what you saw in Miller's first two years that inspired bundles of confidence, but obviously it's easy to look back and find a few things knowing how it turned out.

I'm just not ready to be down on this team. I didn't expect them to be anything more than a bubble-ish team and so far they have exceeded expectations (at least mine).

I'm not down on the team - I like the team. I don't have faith the coach puts them in the best position to win in the Big East. He hasn't proven that to me yet. I'm quite sure he doesn't care what I think. But to each his own.

Last night needed in game adjustments. We never saw them. In fact, imo, he did the opposite of what was necessary. I don't expect anyone to think I know what I'm talking about, nor am I a college coach, or think I should be one. I just find myself constantly scratching my head at some of his strategies, decisions on personnel, and inability to make necessary changes as the season evolves. It's been that way since he started for me.

[xavierj]

Every new coach has a rough go at it in their first couple of years. The point being, they've figured it out much sooner than Steele has. Does being in the Big East elongate that learning curve? Probably.

I know people shun Mack because he left us, but i thought he was a very, very good college basketball coach. I don't think Steele is even close to his coaching acumen, even at comparable tenures.

Sean Miller was very good for Xavier and would have taken us farther than Mack did had he stuck around. But it took him awhile. Even In his third year he started out 8-4 with a loss to Bucknell and that team figured it out toward the end of the year. Mack was average. 5 years of 13 losses or more and underachieved with his best teams when it counted. He’s still average and he is also an ego maniac. Don’t like the guy.

I see some things I like with Travis but time will tell. I like the guys he has brought in the first two classes but he needs a big who wants to mix it up inside and bring some toughness. Looks like the two guys coming in have skill, but he needs to find someone who won’t let guys just get easy lanes to the basket. Also will be interesting to see what happens with the lineups moving forward. I believe he needs to shorten the rotation to 8 guys at some point because running with 10 is too many and guys can’t get in a flow. As the year goes on I think he needs to roll with his guys and shorten the time with guys who probably won’t be here next year, except Paul of course. Was Johnson’s early season success an aberration? His last two games were not good. If he doesn’t show some fire power against St John’s it may be best to cut his minutes. I think it’s important to make sure that Odom, Jones, Tandy and even wilcher get a lot of time to develop and build confidence. I would rather keep Tandy and Wilcher happy and around because the plan has to be a contender in two years. Build it the right by getting older with your guys, not the transfer portal.

[AviatorX]

I'm not down on the team - I like the team. I don't have faith the coach puts them in the best position to win in the Big East. He hasn't proven that to me yet. I'm quite sure he doesn't care what I think. But to each his own.

Last night needed in game adjustments. We never saw them. In fact, imo, he did the opposite of what was necessary. I don't expect anyone to think I know what I'm talking about, nor am I a college coach, or think I should be one. I just find myself constantly scratching my head at some of his strategies, decisions on personnel, and inability to make necessary changes as the season evolves. It's been that way since he started for me.

Got it. I don't disagree with you really, the next few months will definitely be telling. I guess the difference for me is at least he has the horses now, so that excuse is out the window for the most part, whereas I was staunchly in that camp in years 1 and 2.

[drudy23]

Sean Miller was very good for Xavier and would have taken us farther than Mack did had he stuck around. But it took him awhile. Even In his third year he started out 8-4 with a loss to Bucknell and that team figured it out toward the end of the year. Mack was average. 5 years of 13 losses or more and underachieved with his best teams when it counted. He’s still average and he is also an ego maniac. Don’t like the guy.

I see some things I like with Travis but time will tell. I like the guys he has brought in the first two classes but he needs a big who wants to mix it up inside and bring some toughness. Looks like the two guys coming in have skill, but he needs to find someone who won’t let guys just get easy lanes to the basket. Also will be interesting to see what happens with the lineups moving forward. I believe he needs to shorten the rotation to 8 guys at some point because running with 10 is too many and guys can’t get in a flow. As the year goes on I think he needs to roll with his guys and shorten the time with guys who probably won’t be here next year, except Paul of course. Was Johnson’s early season success an aberration? His last two games were not good. If he doesn’t show some fire power against St John’s it may be best to cut his minutes. I think it’s important to make sure that Odom, Jones, Tandy and even wilcher get a lot of time to develop and build confidence. I would rather keep Tandy and Wilcher happy and around because the plan has to be a contender in two years. Build it the right by getting older with your guys, not the transfer portal.

You make some solid points, but I disagree on Mack. He's the best X and O guy and basketball mind Xavier has ever had, imo.

We need a balanced team. I think Steele gets enamored with Freemantle being the stretch 4's he's always dreamed of. Free needs to be in the paint, and shoot the occasional 3 when the matchup dictates it. Carter, Free, Griffin, and Stanley need to be the front-line in the paint this teams needs to open up perimeter success.

The coaches in the Big East are too good just to think you can go out and shoot 25-30 3's and win.

[xavierj]

You make some solid points, but I disagree on Mack. He's the best X and O guy and basketball mind Xavier has ever had, imo.

We need a balanced team. I think Steele gets enamored with Freemantle and Carter being the stretch 4's he's always dreamed of. Free needs to be in the paint, and shoot the occasional 3 when the matchup dictates it. Carter, Free, Griffin, and Stanley need to be the front-line in the paint this teams needs to open up perimeter success.

The coaches in the Big East are too good just to think you can go out and shoot 25-30 3's and win.

I agree on Free being in the paint. Or someone in the paint, either him or Carter. Carter is actually more Physical than Zach, which probably isn’t ideal. I like what Stanley brings offensively, but man with his body he needs to be more physical. Can’t believe he scored 12 last night, yet didn’t get a rebound. Not sure this team can afford to play both Griffen and Stanley. I think it has to be one or the other, unless foul trouble.

[Xuperman]

I agree on Free being in the paint. Or someone in the paint, either him or Carter. Carter is actually more Physical than Zach, which probably isn’t ideal. I like what Stanley brings offensively, but man with his body he needs to be more physical. Can’t believe he scored 12 last night, yet didn’t get a rebound. Not sure this team can afford to play both Griffen and Stanley. I think it has to be one or the other, unless foul trouble.

C'mon people. Here's the obvious and glaring problem. We may not win anymore games if Scruggs takes only 9 shots, with zero attempts from the line. That's just unacceptable.

Look at how he carved up Marquette. 11-19 and 5-8....scoring in just about everyway possible. One announcer kept saying "now he's just showing off"!

So, what the hell prevented Steele from just spreading the floor and have Paul drive and thrive? What am I missing here?

[xukeith]

Looking at the remailing schedule, I see a brutal difficult schedule again this winter. I see Nova beating X twice. Seton Hall beating X again (They are way advanced in talent and experience).I see X beating twice SJU, Hoyas, and Butler. One win @ Providence, and @Uconn. Add the BE wins and I see no more than 10 or 11 at best. They play the games but it will be brutal. Better than last year but next year will be the best with frosh guards turning up the talent and experience.

[Xuperman]

Here’s the bottom line. The past 3 years, we’ve played a relatively mediocre non conference schedule. We have some success, think we are pretty good, then wonder what the hell happened when we get into Big East play. The reality is that there’s not a team we’ve played this year that would sniff the top half of this conference

You don't think Oklahoma will finish in the top half of the B12? They would compete nicely here. The B12 is one of the top 2 conferences in the country....OU would sniff.

[drudy23]

C'mon people. Here's the obvious and glaring problem. We may not win anymore games if Scruggs takes only 9 shots, with zero attempts from the line. That's just unacceptable.

Look at how he carved up Marquette. 11-19 and 5-8....scoring in just about everyway possible. One announcer kept saying "now he's just showing off"!

So, what the hell prevented Steele from just spreading the floor and have Paul drive and thrive? What am I missing here?

C. Jones - 1-5 from the floor / 0-3 from 3
P. Scruggs - 3-9 from the floor / 0-2 from 3
N. Johnson - 0-5 from the floor / 0-3 from 3
K. Tandy - 1-5 from the floor / 1-3 from 3
A. Kunkel - 0-1 from the floor / 0-1 from 3

What do all of these players have in common? They are guards. The SH game-plan was to make their perimeter lives very hard. They executed.

Now look at the lines of our big guys and ask yourself why we shot so many 3s? We got out-coached, plain and simple.

[Xavier]

I mean, they are the 3rd tallest team in CBB. Our bigs haven’t succeeded in the paint against much bigger teams at all. Game plan was to draw their bigs out of the paint which is why our bigs shot so many 3s. They tried playing the only advantage they had against their bigs. I don’t think Freemantle or carter are great with post moves, even worse against taller/stronger defenders.

[drudy23]

I mean, they are the 3rd tallest team in CBB. Our bigs haven’t succeeded in the paint against much bigger teams at all. Game plan was to draw their bigs out of the paint.

Again, we're not Villanova. We have 4s that can shoot occasional 3's, not consistent stretch 4's. Seeing Carter and Freemantle spend 80% of the game on the 3-point line was pretty dumb. We even had great success in the paint early.

Also, how many times did their behemoth big guy follow anyone out to the perimeter? ZERO

To think Seton Hall was scared of Freemantle or Carter beating them from the 3 point line is funny. They probably thought so too.

[Xville]

I mean, they are the 3rd tallest team in CBB. Our bigs haven’t succeeded in the paint against much bigger teams at all. Game plan was to draw their bigs out of the paint which is why our bigs shot so many 3s. They tried playing the only advantage they had against their bigs. I don’t think Freemantle or carter are great with post moves, even worse against taller/stronger defenders.

i wouldn't call Carter or Free being at the 3 point line an advantage, which is what is concerning about Steele. That's a horrible gameplan with the wrong horses. Carter is not an athletic 4 man, even though Steele for some reason thinks he is, and Free (although a good player) isn't either. If X had the horses for that gameplan, it might have made sense, X doesn't.

If I'm an opposing coach, I wouldn't even have someone guard Carter until he is within the circle, and laugh every time he shoots from outside of it.

[drudy23]

i wouldn't call Carter or Free being at the 3 point line an advantage, which is what is concerning about Steele. That's a horrible gameplan with the wrong horses. Carter is not an athletic 4 man, even though Steele for some reason thinks he is, and Free (although a good player) isn't either. If X had the horses for that gameplan, it might have made sense, X doesn't.

Exactly.

[markchal]

We were definitely exposed. It's concerning that we're a team that can only be successful by making a lot of 3s and that we have yet to do that against a good team. Starting to think we were just really hot for a couple games, instead of thinking that's who we actually are. Share a lot of the same concerns about coaching, thought his postgame presser was uninspiring. If this isn't a huge wakeup call for this team, I don't know how they seriously compete for an NCAA tournament bid.

[Xville]

We were definitely exposed. It's concerning that we're a team that can only be successful by making a lot of 3s and that we have yet to do that against a good team. Starting to think we were just really hot for a couple games, instead of thinking that's who we actually are. Share a lot of the same concerns about coaching, thought his postgame presser was uninspiring. If this isn't a huge wakeup call for this team, I don't know how they seriously compete for an NCAA tournament bid.

was it another milk toast presser from milk toast Steele? Not saying the guy needs to be Huggy or Bob Knight, but im tired of not seeing any emotion from the guy...get mad, throw a jacket...i mean freaking something.

He also needs to start taking some damn responsibility in his pressers...it is not only on your players, it is on you for not putting your players in the best position to win and making the needed adjustments. Just once I want him to stop sounding like mick freaking cronin with his "tough" crap and put some blame on himself.

[drudy23]

was it another milk toast presser from milk toast Steele? Not saying the guy needs to be Huggy or Bob Knight, but im tired of not seeing any emotion from the guy...get mad, throw a jacket...i mean freaking something.

From what I heard, it was "we got exposed", "they" have to realize, "they" have to do, "they" have to .....

And then at the very end said "that's on me" - which is the first time I've heard him say that, but he always talks about what "they" have to do - dude, you control that.

"They have to understand they have to be ready every night in this league" - you don't know that by now? It's always a theme of "I told these guys, they just didn't do it". It seems to be an obvious defense mechanism as it's the same theme after every loss, and especially after every bad loss.

He should have led with "this one is on me" - I would have had respect for that at least. At least he showed up.

[bleedXblue]

Not being ready to play and not bringing the toughness mentality that's needed is a head scratcher for me. We played so badly that I think it really deflated the team. Making shots and seeing them go in certainly helps.

This team is going to shoot it better. What remains a big question mark is defense and rebounding. Both have been subpar the whole year. Gotta get better in those two areas if we are going to compete in the BE. This should lead to shorter rotation. Stanley looks like hes gonna be a load offensively, but he has to buy in to playing D and rebounding the ball. He's still only 3 games in........

[Xavier]

i wouldn't call Carter or Free being at the 3 point line an advantage, which is what is concerning about Steele. That's a horrible gameplan with the wrong horses. Carter is not an athletic 4 man, even though Steele for some reason thinks he is, and Free (although a good player) isn't either. If X had the horses for that gameplan, it might have made sense, X doesn't.

If I'm an opposing coach, I wouldn't even have someone guard Carter until he is within the circle, and laugh every time he shoots from outside of it.

Saw a stat in that Freemantle thread that he was shooting 45% from 3 through the first 7 games of the season. I don't know how many he took, but it appeared to me though the first part of the season that he was going to be a threat from 3 this season. Without looking at the stats I bet he and Carter made more 3's last night then the starting guards.

[Xavier]

From what I heard, it was "we got exposed", "they" have to realize, "they" have to do, "they" have to .....

And then at the very end said "that's on me" - which is the first time I've heard him say that, but he always talks about what "they" have to do - dude, you control that.

"They have to understand they have to be ready every night in this league" - you don't know that by now? It's always a theme of "I told these guys, they just didn't do it". It seems to be an obvious defense mechanism as it's the same theme after every loss, and especially after every bad loss.

He should have led with "this one is on me" - I would have had respect for that at least. At least he showed up.

Yep, he still reminds me of Mick in the post game comments. That is concerning. The one thing the team showed the last couple years was solid toughness, they never gave up. I thought it reflected coach well....but this year the team has very little toughness, can't rebound and can't play defense. Alarming

[drudy23]

Saw a stat in that Freemantle thread that he was shooting 45% from 3 through the first 7 games of the season. I don't know how many he took, but it appeared to me though the first part of the season that he was going to be a threat from 3 this season. Without looking at the stats I bet he and Carter made more 3's last night then the starting guards.

People - does anyone besides Xville and bleedxblue understand what actually happened last night? There's a reason Carter and Free were open the most on the perimeter.

Also, yes, Freemantle can make 3's - but he's not a true stretch 4....yet. He could develop into that, but he's not there yet. He's certainly not good enough at that skill to develop a game-plan around it.

The problem isn't with him shooting them, the problem was the gameplan to have him out there pretty much the whole game.

[Xavier]

Also, yes, Freemantle can make 3's - but he's not a true stretch 4....yet. He could develop into that, but he's not there yet. He's certainly not good enough at that skill to develop a game-plan around it.



To be clear, Zack is shooting 41% from 3 this year. It is the 2nd best on the team. I would certainly say that qualifies for a stretch 4 and a good threat from 3. I don't know that you can ask much more from anyone, let alone a stretch 4.

[drudy23]

To be clear, Zack is shooting 41% from 3 this year. It is the 2nd best on the team. I would certainly say that qualifies for a stretch 4 and a good threat from 3. I don't know that you can ask much more from anyone, let alone a stretch 4.

In certain match-up situations, absolutely.

Perching him out there for most of the game to draw out their big guys (which didn't work), absolutely not. There's a difference.

It was the wrong strategy last night in a situation where we got abused in the paint, and for where our guards couldn't get good looks.

[xavierj]

Yep, he still reminds me of Mick in the post game comments. That is concerning. The one thing the team showed the last couple years was solid toughness, they never gave up. I thought it reflected coach well....but this year the team has very little toughness, can't rebound and can't play defense. Alarming

I read his comments and have no issue with what he said. It was all accurate, said it was on him what happened and was excited to get to practice today to fix the issues. I mean you can’t blame the coach for everything. The players also need to show some leadership and pull the team together when things get tough. So far the last two games the teamed appeared to lack that leadership guy to show the way, be tough and make some plays. I don’t need the coach to start cussing and be a show. We all saw what happened, as did he. Being an ass and putting on a press conference show isn’t going to change what happened. I would rather the coaches focus on practice and improving so last night shows to be an aberration and not the norm. Besides press conferences are for fans, the players don’t care about that crap. Need to find a way to win these next three at home and all will be ok.

[Blue Blooded-05]

How many charges has X drawn this year (does anyone keep track of that stat)?

Seton Hall was getting past the perimeter defender and the help defense would either olé or foul and send them to the line where they shot 100% on the night.

Is there a reason we’re not drawing charges?

[drudy23]

I read his comments and have no issue with what he said. It was all accurate, said it was on him what happened and was excited to get to practice today to fix the issues. I mean you can’t blame the coach for everything. The players also need to show some leadership and pull the team together when things get tough. So far the last two games the teamed appeared to lack that leadership guy to show the way, be tough and make some plays. I don’t need the coach to start cussing and be a show. We all saw what happened, as did he. Being an ass and putting on a press conference show isn’t going to change what happened. I would rather the coaches focus on practice and improving so last night shows to be an aberration and not the norm. Besides press conferences are for fans, the players don’t care about that crap. Need to find a way to win these next three at home and all will be ok.

I don't know that even fans care about press conferences. If you're a tenured coach, it all becomes the same answer eventually. I'm sure it's part of the job that they absolutely loathe.

[drudy23]

Is there a reason we’re not drawing charges?

Was Seton Hall jumping off of one foot or two?

[X-band '01]

You don't think Oklahoma will finish in the top half of the B12? They would compete nicely here. The B12 is one of the top 2 conferences in the country....OU would sniff.

Considering that the top half of the Big 12 will likely be Baylor, Kansas, Texas Tech, West Virginia and Texas, I can safely say no. I'd even say Oklahoma State is better, but they're at least better than the other remaining 3 teams in that conference. Would they be a top 4 team in a conference like the SEC or Pac-12? Sure.

[bleedXblue]

It obvious to me that its either not being stressed or taught at all or the team simply isn't embracing it. I'm not enamored (and haven't been) of Steele's defensive philosophy which appears to be man to man and keep your guy in front of you. There's very little ball pressure ever, very little emphasis on creating steals and hope we block out an grab missed shots. He's mixed in zone a few times but only b/c we were getting torched at the time.

This team is in love with itself and their ability to shoot (at times) and its clear we aren't a defensive minded team. That's fine I guess until we aren't hitting shots.

[AviatorX]

It obvious to me that its either not being stressed or taught at all or the team simply isn't embracing it. I'm not enamored (and haven't been) of Steele's defensive philosophy which appears to be man to man and keep your guy in front of you. There's very little ball pressure ever, very little emphasis on creating steals and hope we block out an grab missed shots. He's mixed in zone a few times but only b/c we were getting torched at the time.

This team is in love with itself and their ability to shoot (at times) and its clear we aren't a defensive minded team. That's fine I guess until we aren't hitting shots.

This roster would be very bad as a defensive minded team, considering the lack of talented defensive players. We tried that the with the roster from the last two years and it really sucked. There's definitely room for improvement and balancing it our for sure. That's where Steele will be judged over the next 17 (in theory) games.

[drudy23]

Being extremely efficient on offense is much preferred over great defense. Always.

Most teams strive for being "good enough" on defense, and work to improve their offensive flow and efficiency. You will find very few coaches at the D1 level that value defense first. Most of them don't last very long unless they are great at it (Bennett, Cronin).

This team is never going to be defense first, nor should they be. Mack's last and best team may have been his team with the most defensive holes. But they were superb in offensive efficiency.