Game Thread: Xavier vs. St. Johns (1/6/2021)

[paulxu]

https://www.brickeconomy.com/resources/images/sets/lego-8804-3_large.jpgVS. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b1/c6/05/b1c605655ed48fc42fb287ae56a0713f.png

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (8-2, 1-2 BIG EAST)
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY RED STORM (6-4, 1-3 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6, 2021 AT 8:00 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: CBS Sports Network with play-by-play from Tom McCarthy and analysis from Steve Lappas.
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). XU radio broadcast also available on Sirius XM channel 388 and Internet 978.
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[GoMuskies]

All these long breaks after losses is unhealthy. We need a game (and a win!) badly.

[Masterofreality]

I’m actually glad that we aren’t having 5 home games in a row. That would have back loaded the schedule with roadies.
At least we’ll have a bit of a mix now.

[drudy23]

Hopefully we have a different plan tonight. If we struggle to look competent tonight, it's another step to the Big East being too big of a hill for Steele to climb.

I've heard "we're going to figure it out" and "we have to be tougher" from Steele before. I see better than I hear.

[GIMMFD]

I hope we just come out and roll St. John's, line opened at -7, is down to -6.5 right now, but I still have good faith that we'll get it done at home.

[xukeith]

Hopefully we have a different plan tonight. If we struggle to look competent tonight, it's another step to the Big East being too big of a hill for Steele to climb.

I've heard "we're going to figure it out" and "we have to be tougher" from Steele before. I see better than I hear.

We need some t-shirt made quoting Steele as , "That's on me."

[paulxu]

Will there be fans at our game tonight?

[XUGRAD80]

Just caught that it’s an 8:00 start! Been thinking it was at 7 all day.

[Lloyd Braun]

Condolences to Joe Sunderman, as his mother passed away today. He will not be on the radio call and will be missed.

[XUGRAD80]

Condolences to the Sunderman family.

Dionte Miles out...hip injury.

[Muskeagle]

Dang...sorry to the Sundermans. Meanwhile....good thing the only thing interesting going on in the country tonight is a good ol' Xavier Basketball game.



(disclaimer: not trying to start a political discussion....but it's weird switching over from the news to a basketball game)

[Lloyd Braun]

It feels weird and uneasy watching the game. Almost like it shouldn’t be played but I can’t explain why.

[nuts4xu]

What is the line tonight?

[xu82]

Dang...sorry to the Sundermans. Meanwhile....good thing the only thing interesting going on in the country tonight is a good ol' Xavier Basketball game.



(disclaimer: not trying to start a political discussion....but it's weird switching over from the news to a basketball game)


Condolences to the Sunderman’s family and friends.

This basketball game will be a welcome redirection of my attention.

[Lloyd Braun]

What is the line tonight?

-6.5

[stammina0721]

I was literally coming in here to ask that. First game listening to on the radio cause I don't get CBS Sports. Hope the Sunderman family is getting through this fine.

[SkyWalker]

Where is Tandy

[KabeX]

Joe Sunderman is one of the nicest people you'll meet. I'm certain his mother was the same. Condolences and RIP.

[XUBison]

I’m listening to the radio broadcast. Who is the guy calling the game with Byron? I live out of the area and don’t recognize him.

[xudash]

Joe Sunderman is one of the nicest people you'll meet. I'm certain his mother was the same. Condolences and RIP.

+1

God bless Mrs. Sunderman.

[Xville]

With each passing moment, this year is starting to just look more like the last two years....just average mediocre basketball. At some point, it's not the players...hope things improve quickly.

[Xville]

Would love to know what kunkel does to get so much playing time, if this continues, we can kiss tandy goodbye. Not saying that tandy is all world, but his ceiling is way beyond kunkel and right now, hes still better than kunkel.

Kunkel must have the same compromising pictures of Steele that carter has

[drudy23]

Nothing like constantly playing to our opponent's strengths. I just don't get it.

[Lloyd Braun]

Someone make a shot please.

[KabeX]

this is painful

[drudy23]

Hey, how about we try to run with an obviously more athletic team.

PLAY INSIDE OUT and freakin SLOW DOWN

[X Factor]

The improved three point shooting was fools gold.

[Xville]

Nothing like constantly playing to our opponent's strengths. I just don't get it.

My trust in Steele is going further and further down. I was his biggest cheerleader the first two years and thought it was just a roster problem.

[KabeX]

The improved three point shooting was fools gold.

0 - 7 from 3 and they have blocked 7 of our shots. Not a recipe for success.

[bjf123]

The improved three point shooting was fools gold.

We’re o-fer at the moment from 3.


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[X Factor]

0-8 from three

[drudy23]

SJU has been the same team since we entered the BE. Super athletic but terrible in the half-court. Execute some half-court sets, stick to it, and they will mistake their way to a loss.

Instead, we try to run and play uptempo with them and jack up a bunch of 3's, all of which we've missed.

Just don't get it.

[X Factor]

St. John's hasn't played in 17 days...X looks like they haven't played all year.

[xudash]

0-8 from 3.

Yikes.

[X Factor]

Great job Paul...way to take points off the board.

[drudy23]

Wow, look what happens when you make a transition team play a halfcourt game.

[Xville]

Blocked 8 times in a half? Geezus our guys are a punch of pussies who have no clue how to draw a foul

[boozehound]

How can a team with this many shooters suck so bad at shooting for 3 straight games?

[drudy23]

Maybe Steele will learn something from the last 5 minutes.

Stupid long distance shots gets them out in transition. Stop doing that.

They hate playing half court basketball - keep doing that.

Stick with it and they will fold like they always do.

[X Factor]

Steele not instilling confidence for Xavier fans right now.

[KabeX]

Couldn't play much worse and still tied. We'll see about the halftime adjustments.

[XUGRAD80]

When was the last time that X set a screen for a shooter? Next time will be the 1st time. SJU isn’t going to just freely give up open 3 point shots and X isn’t going to make many with hand in their face.

[stammina0721]

To those of you crazies who wanted better defense I present you exhibit #1. Give me higher scoring basketball any day over this unwatchable and unlistenable junk heap

[Blue Blooded-05]

Xavier is 13/64 from three the past 2.5 games.

[drudy23]

18 points in the paint - 0-8 from 3 - hmmmm.......

[X Factor]

Xavier is 13/64 from three the past 2.5 games.

What's Nate Johnson?

[drudy23]

To those of you crazies who wanted better defense I present you exhibit #1. Give me higher scoring basketball any day over this unwatchable and unlistenable junk heap

Neither team has played good defense in this game - they're also just not good at offense.

[xu82]

0-8 from 3.

Yikes.


That means we are due, right? :-)

BIG half coming up!

(Or not, but I remain hopefull.)

[drudy23]

Life is much better when shots go in.

[drudy23]

John Rothstein just laid out the truth on the Muskies and Steele.

[stammina0721]

Neither team has played good defense in this game - they're also just not good at offense.

Never said they played good D. Was just addressing the crazies out there who want to complain about winning games 90 something to 80 something. Now we get this garbage.

[Xville]

To those of you crazies who wanted better defense I present you exhibit #1. Give me higher scoring basketball any day over this unwatchable and unlistenable junk heap

Um. Is it possible to have both good offense and good defense? There are teams out there that have both.

[whopper]

i dont like Scruggs bringing it up as that seemed to be the problem last year. Once Zach gets a wasted foul everything changes. Hope he has a better second half. I see Dunn as a world beater whenever i have seen him play. Lets hope for a better second half

[drudy23]

Never said they played good D. Was just addressing the crazies out there who want to complain about winning games 90 something to 80 something. Now we get this garbage.

I don't think there's anyone on this board who would complain if we won every game 90-80.

[Xville]

John Rothstein just laid out the truth on the Muskies and Steele.

What did he say?

[Blue Blooded-05]

What's Nate Johnson?

2/13

[Xville]

i dont like Scruggs bringing it up as that seemed to be the problem last year. Once Zach gets a wasted foul everything changes. Hope he has a better second half. I see Dunn as a world beater whenever i have seen him play. Lets hope for a better second half

Agreed..that experiment needs to freaking die. Hes not a point guard

[drudy23]

What did he say?

Basically:

* We've lost all momentum from an 8-0 start
* We weren't making the tournament last year
* A loss today would start to put question in our bid this year
* 3 years under Steele and no tournament is problematic
* Time to man up

[drudy23]

Carter fucking standing on the 3 point line again!!!!!

[Xville]

Good to see carter shoot a 3 and miss...he must have felt weird having not done that yet.

[Xville]

Basically:

* We've lost all momentum from an 8-0 start
* We weren't making the tournament last year
* A loss today would start to put question in our bid this year
* 3 years under Steele and no tournament is problematic
* Time to man up

3 years and no tourney and his seat would be on fire if it were up to me. If that isnt the case, I'd seriously question x's administration, and wonder if donor money was their only concern

[Xville]

I dont see tandy staying after this year, if things continue this way.

[bjf123]

0-10 from behind the arc is ridiculous.


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[Xavier]

Freemantle is so soft on defense. He’s terrible on that end.

[xavierj]

This team just plays with no energy or emotion. Just sleep walking through another game. Kind of sad to see. And have no idea how they forgot how to shoot a basketball.

[Lloyd Braun]

St John’s is not good whatsoever... what’s rock bottom with this team? I like Jones and don’t know Odom’s health situation but the lineups pre-Covid may be better suited to run together.
Kyky riding pine to Kunkel is a head scratcher.

[xavierj]

I dont see tandy staying after this year, if things continue this way.

Maybe Tandy should be out there. Can’t be any worse than this crap.

[whopper]

if Gillespie gets called for foul on Naj we make torunament in 19, if we stop balwin shot we make non existant tournament. However neither of those thing happened

[Xville]

Maybe Tandy should be out there. Can’t be any worse than this crap.

Kunkel playing so much over him seems like a practice champion thing which is utterly ridiculous. Roster management is a real issue with Steele, it's been that way for 3 years now.

[boozehound]

Was that Kunkel’s 3rd airball?

[drudy23]

Was that Kunkel’s 3rd airball?

Yes

[boozehound]

Yes

Sweet. Lookin good.

[paulxu]

This would be like Dayton losing to Fordham.
Except we're at home.

[drudy23]

We lose today, we have to scratch, claw, and grind just to get to 9-9. How we lookin?

[AviatorX]

Kunkel playing so much over him seems like a practice champion thing which is utterly ridiculous. Roster management is a real issue with Steele, it's been that way for 3 years now.

Tandy is not exactly demanding minutes with his play either. They both need to be better.

[Lloyd Braun]

These officials blow. A bad call or no call on both ends maybe every possession.

[AviatorX]

We lose today, we have to scratch, claw, and grind just to get to 9-9. How we lookin?

And then have 2 games to play?

[XBR1]

We need someone to create their own shot. Put in Kyky.

[drudy23]

Hopefully just knee to knee

[Xville]

Tandy is not exactly demanding minutes with his play either. They both need to be better.

I agree that tandy hasnt looked great, but I think a lot of it is that he is pressing a ton when he is out there because hes trying so hard to show coach something in the 5 minutes a game he is getting. The guy has a high freaking ceiling, way beyond what kunkel would ever hope to be.

[AviatorX]

I agree that tandy hasnt looked great, but I think a lot of it is that he is pressing a ton when he is out there because hes trying so hard to show coach something in the 5 minutes a game he is getting. The guy has a high freaking ceiling, way beyond what kunkel would ever hope to be.

I hear you, but to me that’s more on KyKy than Steele. And I think we can agree Kunkel has a higher floor because Tandy has a huge all of nothing tendency.

Roster management isn’t going to look good when your best two players are playing like shit whether you’re John Wooden or Brian Gregory.

[KabeX]

Good to see those halftime adjustments

[HAAS_U]

16 turnovers so far... ugly

[muskiefan82]

I am finding this deja vu shooting from last year painful

[xu82]

Carter with 12 RB’s is offering something better than his 3 pointers.......

[Xville]

Nice to see some fire from Carter, at least someone on the team has a pulse..these refs are atrocious.

[Xavier]

Carter has been the best big on the day....not a high bar but he has grabbed some tough boards too. Granted it comes with a few tough plays from him

[drudy23]

Outside of his stupid 3 point shooting, Carter has played pretty well this year. You just can't put him in a position where he's shouldering too much.

[stammina0721]

Um. Is it possible to have both good offense and good defense? There are teams out there that have both.

No it's not. You want too much if you want that. Michigan State has gotten close to achieving that but it's nowhere near expected at this level

[drudy23]

No it's not. You want too much if you want that. Michigan State has gotten close to achieving that but it's nowhere near expected at this level

Huh?

[Xville]

I understand odom is still recovering, but he needs to be paying 30 plus minutes a game when hes at full strength

[Xville]

No it's not. You want too much if you want that. Michigan State has gotten close to achieving that but it's nowhere near expected at this level

What the hell are you talking about? I sincerely hope you are kidding. Almost every single championship team amd final four participant are top 20 in o and d in kenpom every year. Great basketball teams have both, that's why they are great basketball teams

[xavierj]

I am finding this deja vu shooting from last year painful

This is painful to watch

[xavierj]

That was easier to watch.

[stammina0721]

It's just not expected to have a team that is awesome at both. Sorry but if you find a team that can exert in your face D and has the energy to be a top 20 offensive efficiency offense then you have a national title team. Otherwise you are either an offensive or defensive team.

[Lloyd Braun]

Hopefully Johnson can get his stroke back too. He was money. Big bully lineup seems to be working now. Odom is so good!

[xudash]

Carter with 12 RB’s is offering something better than his 3 pointers.......

Yes. Credit where credit is due. He needs to be more solid at the free-throw line.

[xavierj]

I understand odom is still recovering, but he needs to be paying 30 plus minutes a game when hes at full strength

Yes. Him and Jones are proving they have a bright future. Now need to build around them.

[xudash]

That was easier to watch.

Now keep it that way till 0:00.

[Lloyd Braun]

Yes. Credit where credit is due. He needs to be more solid at the free-throw line.

It’s just so difficult for many to compliment Carter and be done. I get it, he’s clunky and makes some negative plays but cmon! Everyone is missing free throws!

[KabeX]

No more lead changes!

[boozehound]

Hopefully Johnson can get his stroke back too. He was money. Big bully lineup seems to be working now. Odom is so good!

Johnson has really fallen off lately. Not sure what the problem is.

[Xville]

Carter has been the best big on the day....not a high bar but he has grabbed some tough boards too. Granted it comes with a few tough plays from him

Yeah I'll give it to him, hes done some stupid shit tonight too, but I applaud the toughness he has shown.

[Lloyd Braun]

Yeah I'll give it to him, hes done some stupid shit tonight too, but I applaud the toughness he has shown.

Again, backhanded compliments. He has been near flawless relatively speaking.

[drudy23]

Carter is a crucial part of this team if he doesn't have to carry a heavy offensive load. Just do the dirty work big fella.

[stammina0721]

It's the way it is. You don't get teams great on both ends of the floor very often. If you don't agree that's perfectly fine but to just expect good O and good D isn't the norm for most teams on a yearly basis. So I'd prefer to just be a good offensive team as opposed to a defensive team.

Some of you guys probably missed the conversation that prefaced this. Was talking about the first half and how unwatchable it was. Was just making comments to the people who were complaining 3-4 games ago that we were giving up 70-80 pts a game while scoring 90.

[Xville]

Again, backhanded compliments. He has been near flawless relatively speaking.

Complimenting him in any way is a big step for me lol

[AviatorX]

On the plus side of Steele’s roster management, Odom and Jones are two extremely impressive freshman. They look comfortable.

[Blue Blooded-05]

It’s just so difficult for many to compliment Carter and be done. I get it, he’s clunky and makes some negative plays but cmon! Everyone is missing free throws!

Carter derangement syndrome!

[drudy23]

I love Steele when shots go in.

[xavierj]

Yep they have been the reason the lead has grown. Both very smart players. Odom can get to the rim.

[AviatorX]

I don’t think there’s some big mystery to why the team looks so meh the last couple games. They aren’t going to be that good if their best player is terrible. Fremantle needs to pull it together. I think he will.

[boozehound]

On the plus side of Steele’s roster management, Odom and Jones are two extremely impressive freshman. They look comfortable.

You could almost see Jones get more comfortable as the game went on. He’s looking better and better.

[Xville]

It's the way it is. You don't get teams great on both ends of the floor very often. If you don't agree that's perfectly fine but to just expect good O and good D isn't the norm for most teams on a yearly basis. So I'd prefer to just be a good offensive team as opposed to a defensive team.

Some of you guys probably missed the conversation that prefaced this. Was talking about the first half and how unwatchable it was. Was just making comments to the people who were complaining 3-4 games ago that we were giving up 70-80 pts a game while scoring 90.

There was complaining because there were obvious holes in the defense which came home to roost when the shooting fell off. I dont want Xavier to "be like most teams," I want them to be solid on both ends of the floor. They dont have to be "awesome" just good and with toughness, effort.

[KabeX]

Clearly Steele heeded my call to make the appropriate halftime adjustments.

[Xville]

On the plus side of Steele’s roster management, Odom and Jones are two extremely impressive freshman. They look comfortable.

Yes they do, 25 plus minutes for both of them moving forward and odom back in the starting lineup which I would guess will happen once he is fully recovered.

[xudash]

Do not write about fans complaining about Carter at the line again.

[Xville]

So that odom guy is a little bit athletic lol

[AviatorX]

Impressive effort by Steve Lappas to be the worst part of what has been a terrible game.

[stammina0721]

There was complaining because there were obvious holes in the defense which came home to roost when the shooting fell off. I dont want Xavier to "be like most teams," I want them to be solid on both ends of the floor. They dont have to be "awesome" just good and with toughness, effort.

I'm not being hard but it doesn't matter what you want. Jason Carter and Freemantle just are not going to be good defensive players. Seton Hall showed that. They just don't have the footwork or athleticism. It is what it is

[KabeX]

This Freshman class might turn out to be pretty good.

[muskiefan82]

Zero for 3 pointers and still won. How bad is St. John's?

[Xville]

I'm not being hard but it doesn't matter what you want. Jason Carter and Freemantle just are not going to be good defensive players. Seton Hall showed that. They just don't have the footwork or athleticism. It is what it is

Great, but there are other guys on the roster that can fill holes. Coaching plays a part here. Switch up the d, have help come from the other side, scheme based on opponent.

[HAAS_U]

Impressive effort by Steve Lappas to be the worst part of what has been a terrible game.

That guy is awful... failed A10 coach. I’m listening on the radio so I’m spared right now.

[xudash]

Impressive effort by Steve Lappas to be the worst part of what has been a terrible game.

Public reps!

[AviatorX]

My memory tells me Xavier is always absolutely awful against St. John’s. So naturally this is the 12th straight over them.

[Xville]

Zero for 3 pointers and still won. How bad is St. John's?

Do you really want that question answered? Lol.

[KabeX]

So game plan for the rematch - zone em , don't turn the ball over and ... uh ... make some freakin shots.

[XUGRAD80]

I’ll take an ugly win over a pretty loss....but man!

[whopper]

every game will be a struggle and every game will be winnable. Nice to see Griffin contribute well and hope Stanley OK. Zach has to find himself and maybe he has read his press clippings? Seems moody and needs to understand that he is a target of game planning. Carter so squirrelly at end of game but we need him. Odom and JOnes made a bid difference and of course we would love to see a little more from Tandy and Kunkel although they both scored..

[muskiefan82]

I’ll take an ugly win over a pretty loss....but man!

This may be blasphemous, but I sometimes feel like I'm watching a cronin UC team out there

[Xville]

Glad x got the win, but this performance did not quell my worries for the rest of the conference season. Hopefully sunday they can start to get back into a groove and get the shooting back just a bit.

Covered by what, 1? Those vegas guys are pretty good

[drudy23]

Any W is a good W - name of the game is piling up Ws

[Xville]

Ya know who looks like crap tonight like they usually do? Seton hall...cant believe x got taken to the woodshed by that team, they are an extremely medicore basketball tean

[KabeX]

This may be blasphemous, but I sometimes feel like I'm watching a cronin UC team out there

Yep. That is indeed blasphemous. Please contain your inner gnome.

[Xavier]

Overall not a ton to be happy about- but the biggest thing people wanted X to work on during that break was rebounding and defense. Rebound margin was huge and D held them to 60. Helps you’re playing St. John’s but was happy with the rebounding effort.

[JTG]

Everybody who bitched about Carter, 16 rebounds, Stfu. Is he limited, yes. But he doesn't play with his head up his ass on defense like Freemantle.

[boozehound]

We won without hitting a 3. That’s about the only positive thing I have to say about that.

[Xville]

Overall not a ton to be happy about- but the biggest thing people wanted X to work on during that break was rebounding and defense. Rebound margin was huge and D held them to 60. Helps you’re playing St. John’s but was happy with the rebounding effort.

True..ugly as hell but the defebse and rebounding effort were there. Hopefully that continues, and the outside shooting starts to come back a bit on Sunday. Glad to get the w, cant lose against st johns

[bobbiemcgee]

Carter derangement syndrome!

11 pts and 16 boards. We don't win w/o him.

[KabeX]

0 - 12. Maybe they were saving them all for the upcoming Nova game. Oh wait ...

[Xville]

11 pts and 16 boards. We don't win w/o him.

True...along with Jones and odom, they were certainly the mvps.

Scruggs is frustrating at times...he should be a lot more consistent as a senior

[GIMMFD]

Didn't get to watch, but looked at the box score, and saw we covered, 0-12 on threes, Carter with 16 rebounds, and Colby Jones and Dwon Odom along with Jason Carter as our leading scorers huh? Sounded whacky as hell. Have it saved on replay to watch later, but some "not watching the game thoughts" off the top of the head post a couple Blue Moons, A. awesome to win a game when you literally shoot 0% from 3pt land, how often does that happen?? B. 51-38 rebounding advantage is great, especially after the last game, C. 19 turnovers is wayyyy too many. Seems like a sloppy game I'm going to be hate watching, but covered the spread, won by 8, scored the "nice" number, and again, winning a game while shooting 0% from 3pt land is absolutely ridiculous. I'll take an ugly win everyday of the week.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I can’t believe that X can change from a hot 3pt-shooting team into the team that I saw to-night........0-12? 37% overall shooting is not good either. Good job rebounding, though.

[xavierj]

True...along with Jones and odom, they were certainly the mvps.

Scruggs is frustrating at times...he should be a lot more consistent as a senior

I think Paul needs to be more aggressive. He only took 7 shots and 1 three and scored 10 points. He is good when he attacks in the lane and then once he succeeds, gets some room to take some threes when they worry about him driving. He needs to be dialed in to attack and get his for the team to be good. If he is on the team will be on. He needs to be shooting At least 4 threes a game in my opinion.

[paulxu]

My crack cable provider would require me to go up a tier to get CBSSN, so I can't watch a couple games.
But the box score shows Colby Jones as our leading scorer, and I'm glad to see he must have gotten a little more aggressive on the offense side.

[boozehound]

I think Paul needs to be more aggressive. He only took 7 shots and 1 three and scored 10 points. He is good when he attacks in the lane and then once he succeeds, gets some room to take some threes when they worry about him driving. He needs to be dialed in to attack and get his for the team to be good. If he is on the team will be on. He needs to be shooting At least 4 threes a game in my opinion.

Paul seems to really struggle with pressure. Thank God we have Odom.

[XUGRAD80]

I wonder if Free was sick? Even though he got 10 rebounds, he really didn’t look like he was into the game.

On the other hand, X scored 42 points in the 2nd half and shot 52%. They showed they could win without having to rely on making 3 pointers. That may mean they will relax a little and they will start falling again.

[mid major]

Didn't get to watch, but looked at the box score, and saw we covered, 0-12 on threes, Carter with 16 rebounds, and Colby Jones and Dwon Odom along with Jason Carter as our leading scorers huh? Sounded whacky as hell. Have it saved on replay to watch later, but some "not watching the game thoughts" off the top of the head post a couple Blue Moons, A. awesome to win a game when you literally shoot 0% from 3pt land, how often does that happen?? B. 51-38 rebounding advantage is great, especially after the last game, C. 19 turnovers is wayyyy too many. Seems like a sloppy game I'm going to be hate watching, but covered the spread, won by 8, scored the "nice" number, and again, winning a game while shooting 0% from 3pt land is absolutely ridiculous. I'll take an ugly win everyday of the week.

Don't forget 21/34 from the FT line for 61.8%. That's not good either.

[KabeX]

Don't forget 21/34 from the FT line for 61.8%. That's not good either.

True but it's also a big reason (getting to the line) that we won. The Johnnies really stepped up their FT defense late.

[stammina0721]

Great, but there are other guys on the roster that can fill holes. Coaching plays a part here. Switch up the d, have help come from the other side, scheme based on opponent.

Now that I won't argue. Why did it take so long to go zone tonight?

[xavierj]

Now that I won't argue. Why did it take so long to go zone tonight?

Didn’t they go zone about midway through the first half? I believe they did when Paul and Zach picked up two fouls. They held St. John’s well below their averages in both the first and 2nd half. Xavier won the game when they decided to start attacking the basket.

[xudash]

I wonder if Free was sick? Even though he got 10 rebounds, he really didn’t look like he was into the game.

On the other hand, X scored 42 points in the 2nd half and shot 52%. They showed they could win without having to rely on making 3 pointers. That may mean they will relax a little and they will start falling again.

Maybe it also showed some toughness.

[mid major]

Any updates on Stanley? He never came back.

[xavierj]

Any updates on Stanley? He never came back.

Travis said he was fine. Sore but ok.

https://mobile.twitter.com/AdamJBaum/status/1347010804739031044

[D-West & PO-Z]

Havent read the thread and I am sure this has been mentioned but I love the Scruggs/Odom/Jones lineup. I think we are going to see a lot more of that lineup moving forward especially if our shooters aren't knocking down shots. That lineup with Carter and Griffin changed the game and won the game.

Also big leadership moment by Jones getting Carter away from the ref when Carter was upset and screaming about that block call. He was very close to a tech and if Jones didn't get him away I think he would have got one. That would have been a terrible moment for one and would have hurt our comeback at the moment.

[WestToBest]

I’m listening to the radio broadcast. Who is the guy calling the game with Byron? I live out of the area and don’t recognize him.
Mike Schmaltz filled in for Joe - he was one of the two that filled in for that emergency broadcast back in November. Been the women's broadcaster since around 2002, great to see him get the chance to do a men's game.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Mike Schmaltz filled in for Joe - he was one of the two that filled in for that emergency broadcast back in November. Been the women's broadcaster since around 2002, great to see him get the chance to do a men's game.

The woman have a broadcaster? I assume like he does the PA during the games?

[WestToBest]

The woman have a broadcaster? I assume like he does the PA during the games?

Nope, Mike is not the PA, he is their broadcaster, and has been since about 2002 with Coach McGuff. Sometimes they're audio streams, many times they're video streams, but he's done it all for them over the years. Absolutely fantastic human.

[XUBison]

Mike Schmaltz filled in for Joe - he was one of the two that filled in for that emergency broadcast back in November. Been the women's broadcaster since around 2002, great to see him get the chance to do a men's game.

Thanks. He did a really nice job.

[XUGRAD80]

Nope, Mike is not the PA, he is their broadcaster, and has been since about 2002 with Coach McGuff. Sometimes they're audio streams, many times they're video streams, but he's done it all for them over the years. Absolutely fantastic human.

How do you listen/watch them? I’d be interested.

[bleedXblue]

We are witnessing some brutally ugly basketball.

Odom and Jones are contributing and playing major roles and that's a great sign for the future.

[XUGRAD80]

Where are all the Carter bashers? He certainly earned his pay last night. 11 points and 16 rebounds (3 offensive). :flex:

However, Freemantle...c'mon man! 21 minutes, 5 points (all from the line), 10 rebounds, 2 fouls, 0 assists. After picking up the 2 early fouls he seemed to really go into a shell. Saw him watching and not rotating to help on defense many times. Has to learn that there is depth behind him and that he can afford to be more aggressive and bang a little more, especially defensively. Maybe he wasn't feeling well?

[bleedXblue]

Where are all the Carter bashers? He certainly earned his pay last night. 11 points and 16 rebounds (3 offensive). :flex:

However, Freemantle...c'mon man! 21 minutes, 5 points (all from the line), 10 rebounds, 2 fouls, 0 assists. After picking up the 2 early fouls he seemed to really go into a shell. Saw him watching and not rotating to help on defense many times. Has to learn that there is depth behind him and that he can afford to be more aggressive and bang a little more, especially defensively. Maybe he wasn't feeling well?

Zach struggles against shot blocking athletic teams. He's gotta learn how to draw more fouls and create some contact. I think he had his shot blocked at 3-4 times last night.

[bleedXblue]

Where are all the Carter bashers? He certainly earned his pay last night. 11 points and 16 rebounds (3 offensive). :flex:

However, Freemantle...c'mon man! 21 minutes, 5 points (all from the line), 10 rebounds, 2 fouls, 0 assists. After picking up the 2 early fouls he seemed to really go into a shell. Saw him watching and not rotating to help on defense many times. Has to learn that there is depth behind him and that he can afford to be more aggressive and bang a little more, especially defensively. Maybe he wasn't feeling well?

He played a whale of a game. Only took maybe 1 bad shot IMHO.

[XUGRAD80]

He played a whale of a game. Only took maybe 1 bad shot IMHO.

Assume you mean Carter? He took the one 3-pointer which he missed, but then passed up that shot many times afterward, even though he was open. Good on his part.

[markchal]

Loved the play of the frosh...my only problem with the Jones-Odom-Scruggs lineup is we have no 3 shooting there outside Scruggs. Wouldn't mind seeing Tandy play off the ball a little, see if that gets him going any better than what he's been doing lately (which is nothing).

[Smails]

Damn..The Odom/Jones tandem was really good in the last 10 minutes of the game last night. I think if it wasn't for his Covid vacation, Odom would be turning major heads right now. He just seems like a kid that needs to play a game every 3 days. His comfort level and confidence were gushing in the 2nd half last night. Jones was really good for most of the game, but it looked like something really clicked between the two towards the end.

[noteggs]

Very impressed with Colby Jones. Missed first 5 noncon games his freshman year and basically started playing against BE schools. Bright future with/for this young man.

[JTG]

Probably not a popular opinion, but I would have given Miles a few minutes, and instructed him to block shots. Give St johns some of their own medicine. The Johnnies big didn't look much bulkier than Miles, and was causing havoc for awhile. If after 5 minutes there are no results, take him out.

[XUGRAD80]

Probably not a popular opinion, but I would have given Miles a few minutes, and instructed him to block shots. Give St johns some of their own medicine. The Johnnies big didn't look much bulkier than Miles, and was causing havoc for awhile. If after 5 minutes there are no results, take him out.

Has a hip injury and was not available.

[JTG]

Has a hip injury and was not available.

Oops, didn't realize that. The way they show the benches now, it's sometimes hard to tell. Nevertheless, I would let him try a few minutes when healthy. I'm guessing he got hurt in practice ? Or is it some type of Ramsey lingering malady ?

[Xville]

Speaking of Ramsey, is he just getting into game shape or is he just not that good? Just seems like length and bulk wise, he could grab some minutes from a pretty average frontcourt

[XUGRAD80]

Oops, didn't realize that. The way they show the benches now, it's sometimes hard to tell. Nevertheless, I would let him try a few minutes when healthy. I'm guessing he got hurt in practice ? Or is it some type of Ramsey lingering malady ?

Going to GUESS it was practice, they didn’t say in the pregame. However, they also mentioned that he wasn’t available for SH either, so if might be more serious then they are letting on.

[Xville]

Hip injury to a guy that big doesnt sound promising to me

[AviatorX]

Speaking of Ramsey, is he just getting into game shape or is he just not that good? Just seems like length and bulk wise, he could grab some minutes from a pretty average frontcourt

Seems like the chances of Ramsey (basically 0%) and Miles ever having a real impact on the floor at X are very low. No inside info, but with Ramsey it seems obvious something else is up.

[xukeith]

Oops, didn't realize that. The way they show the benches now, it's sometimes hard to tell. Nevertheless, I would let him try a few minutes when healthy. I'm guessing he got hurt in practice ? Or is it some type of Ramsey lingering malady ?

Miles jumped off one foot.

[xavierj]

Seems like the chances of Ramsey (basically 0%) and Miles ever having a real impact on the floor at X are very low. No inside info, but with Ramsey it seems obvious something else is up.

With Miles I think he will be ok. I think the plan with him all along was a few years down the road. He just turned 19 and is a project. Bulk up and learn and be ready by year three in the program. He has shown some flashes and can’t teach his height, length and speed for a big guy. Heard he is around 230 now and was around 200 when he arrived. With Ramsey I heard this year it’s not his leg issues why he was out. Heard he had another issue possibly covid related from late summer and he was just cleared to play. Now have no idea if he will ever play but this most recent time away from playing had nothing to do with the issues from last year

[X-band '01]

Nope, Mike is not the PA, he is their broadcaster, and has been since about 2002 with Coach McGuff. Sometimes they're audio streams, many times they're video streams, but he's done it all for them over the years. Absolutely fantastic human.


Thanks. He did a really nice job.

Schmaltz also does volleyball, soccer and baseball games for Xavier.