Game Thread: Xavier vs. UConn (2/13/2021)

[paulxu]

https://www.brickeconomy.com/resources/images/sets/lego-8804-3_large.jpgVS. https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m4Zx2UEnlKcrhNaUXyMM06NL8Ig=/1400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9182597/ennuihusky.png


THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (11-2, 4-2 BIG EAST)
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT HUSKIES (8-5, 5-5 BIG EAST)
SATURDAY, FEB. 13, 2021 AT 12 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FOX national, including FOX 19 in Cincinnati, with play-by-play from Brandon Gaudin and analysis from Donny Marshall.
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.

[noteggs]

Thanks Paul!

Wow what a mystery this game will be. Who are the X players out? Will Bouknight return? Guess we’ll find out.

[Lloyd Braun]

X -2.5, 134.5

¯\_(ツ)_/¯


7am Update: -3.5, 135.5

[xu82]

Basketball? Are we still doing that?

Strangest damn year EVER!

[GIMMFD]

It's been far too long, hope we come out guns blazing, brother-in-law went to UConn and his birthday is on Valentine's Day, been telling him how X is gonna ruin his birthday weekend all day.

[Xville]

Already moved to 3.5 x should win this going away but doesn’t mean they will. Been a long time.

[UCGRAD4X]

If we come out of the layoff like we did against Butthole (minus the 8 min meltdown) it will be worth the wait.

[Lloyd Braun]

Already moved to 3.5 x should win this going away but doesn’t mean they will. Been a long time.

Up to 4... may see that come down if there’s news released we have a key pieces missing or on limited time.

11:20am now 4.5.

[Xville]

Thinking of hitting this one hard...layoff is the only reason I’m questioning it

[Lloyd Braun]

B. Griffin still out from covid... frontline depth may be thin. Will Miles get some run?

[HenryMuto]

Xavier finally comes back to play and plays at the same time Ohio State plays. Kentucky plays at 1 PM. Selection Show at 12:30 PM.

UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

I want to watch all 4 and have to do it all at once !

[Xuperman]

Watching Andre Jackson the other night, he's an impressive freshman. It is REMARKABLE how he and Colby Jones look in stature.....and even more amazing their game seems to be a carbon copy!!!

[RoseyMuskie]

Great intensity to start.

Really like this starting lineup too. High ceiling. If Johnson and Kunkel make shots, this team is dangerous.

[Xville]

X looks great when making 3s, but aside from that, UConn kinda sucks without bouknight

[paulxu]

Good start. Keep it up.

(those announcers look like Mutt and Jeff)

[stammina0721]

Are any of the postponed games getting made up or no?

[bjf123]

B. Griffin still out from covid... frontline depth may be thin. Will Miles get some run?

Here’s your answer.


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[IM4X]

Steele making a huge mistake putting too many non-starters on the floor at once and not calling a timeout about two buckets ago


This is exactly how you drain all of your team’s confidence. Come on coach.


only on

[Xville]

Jason carter missing a layup? Shocking. What a stupid lineup that’s in right now.

[HenryMuto]

Damn that lead went away quick.

Must win game

[bjf123]

Sloppy play on D.


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[Xville]

4 straight trips down and Scruggs hasn’t touched the ball once. That’s unacceptable

Make that 5

[bjf123]

Ice cold


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[noteggs]

UConn can’t possibly keep up this pace with made 3’s. Can they?

[IM4X]

Steele’s two very bad decisions gave this UCONN team the confidence they needed. We’d very likely be up by 12 now instead of being down had he not decided to take out so many starters at once and then just let UConn go on a huge run without a TO. Two muy bad move.

[RoseyMuskie]

Poor substitution patterns by Steele.

Way too many non-shooters on the floor led to the slump.

No reason the starting lineup wasn’t on the court quicker. We’ve hit the point in the season where you need to play your 8 key guys and roll.

[bjf123]

UConn can’t possibly keep up this pace with made 3’s. Can they?

33.3%? Maybe.


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[Xavier]

Came out on fire everything clicking. Steele decides mass sub and UConn takes control

[Xville]

Steele’s two very bad decisions gave this UCONN team the confidence they needed. We’d very likely be up by 12 now instead of being down had he not decided to take out so many starters at once and then just let UConn go on a huge run without a TO. Just a bad bad move.

After 3 years Steele is still really awful at this.

[Xville]

Really sick of seeing Fremantle getting punked. Get in the effing weight room and be more aggressive.

[noteggs]

Where’s the replay on the Scruggs charge? Was probably a bad decision but just need proof.

[Xville]

This would be the game that would make sense for x to go 4 guards and a big...spread out their big men and go to work.

[bjf123]

Where’s the replay on the Scruggs charge? Was probably a bad decision but just need proof.

I ran it back. The defender looked set.


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[IM4X]

After 3 years Steele is still really awful at this.

If you’re going to put Miles in who hasn’t played in forever... put him in with the rest of the starters. You don’t take out your three hottest players in the game at once and add three new, non-starters with Carter and Johnson and expect everything to continue smoothly.... and then on top of that just let the other team roll up 10+ points on you. That just kills your team’s confidence and momentum and gives the other team (who was starting to lose confidence) to gain it all back and then some. We can still win this but damn coach- be smarter.

[Xavier]

I’ve noticed Travis absolutely loves saving his time out for end of first half. (Use or lose time out). No matter what. It’s bizarre

[Lloyd Braun]

I don’t want to pile on substitution patterns BUT the first half hockey line sub and predictable the 2nd half short bench is just not smart.

Oh and still no Tandy

[xukeith]

This would be the game that would make sense for x to go 4 guards and a big...spread out their big men and go to work.

Maybe but bigs need to defend.UConn’s Cole is strong

[HenryMuto]

Was up what like 9 or something now down 6 you can't lose at home against a team without its best player.

[Xville]

Maybe but bigs need to defend.UConn’s Cole is strong

We don’t have bigs that can defend, especially against athletic bigs.

[bjf123]

Our bigs seem to get shoved around and have the defender over their backs with no call.


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[bjf123]

33.3%? Maybe.


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They went from 33% to 40% and we fell from 50% to 33%.


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[bjf123]

How many times has Zach come up short on the hook shot? I think at least three.


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[Xville]

Starting to feel a run coming, just gotta tighten up the d

[KabeX]

Statistically a very even game except getting outrebounded by 4. Free has to hit the bunnies. Spread em out and let the fouls mount up b/c they will foul.

[bjf123]

Statistically a very even game except getting outrebounded by 4. Free has to hit the bunnies. Spread em out and let the fouls mount up b/c they will foul.

They might foul, but they don’t seem to get called for it.


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[Xville]

Can carter go to the bench and stay there please? Good gawd

[Xville]

Holy shit Steele finally figured out that 4 out 1 in is a good idea against this team! Only took him 27 minutes of game time to figure it out

[Lloyd Braun]

They might foul, but they don’t seem to get called for it.


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I would rather them let them play as long as it’s consistent. Have to adjust and if they call the handsy stuff on you then gripe. We need to be way more physical...

[bjf123]

I would rather them let them play as long as it’s consistent. Have to adjust and if they call the handsy stuff on you then gripe. We need to be way more physical...

Agree completely.


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[KabeX]

they're starting to foul. Keep it up. Make FTs. Get stops. Easy peasy.

[Xville]

Hell yeah...here we f go!!!

[Lloyd Braun]

Agree completely.


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I think they’ve adjusted a bit. Scruggs got hacked on the fast break and nothing called. They seemed to have responded with some aggression. Could get tough from a ref perspective to reel it in if it is a close game down the stretch. I fully expect a ticky tack foul at some point that could change the game one way or another.

[noteggs]

Hopefully the switch turned one. Look like a different team. Not playing back on their heels.

[KabeX]

X now outrebounding them by 1. Their 2 best (scorers anyway) players both with 3 PF. Much better situation than a few min ago. Not don't get too cute with the rotations and let your best players make plays. Like I said. Easy - at least it's easy from my couch ;)

[profson]

Is it me but does Scruggs look tired and out of sorts today.

[Xville]

I like that we have three freshmen and a sophomore out there, and feel really good about it...says a lot about the future.

[Xville]

Is it me but does Scruggs look tired and out of sorts today.

He looks a bit out of it for sure...like the bb iq isn’t firing on all cylinders

[KabeX]

Is KyKy still hurt or in the doghouse (or hurtin in the doghouse)?

[KabeX]

He looks a bit out of it for sure...like the bb iq isn’t firing on all cylinders
Maybe. He's been so good but a couple of those TOs weren't good. Does have 8 assists tho.

[Xville]

My gawd Marshall shut the eff up. He’s insufferable today.

[Xville]

Jones needs to be touching the ball a lot these last 8 minutes

[Xville]

What is Scruggs doing? Geezus that’s awful d...and carter misses a layup? Shocking...what’s the point of him being out there?

[Strange Brew]

Carter needs to sit. Brings nothing today.

[IM4X]

Is it me but does Scruggs look tired and out of sorts today.

Yes. Has looked tired the second half- exerting energy at times when unnecessary and not having enough energy when he needs it most causing him to be a little out of sync in the 2nd half.

[XU Fan in DC]

In addition to the nonstop chatter from these announcers, there were two fouls called on UConn early in the second half with no mention of what they were. Not impressed.

[kellernr]

Why is Naji out there playing in Paul's jersey? Absolute garbage today.





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[stammina0721]

Seeing the results of 2 games in a month right now

[KabeX]

UConn just looks better today. Still can pull this out but need to be smart and stiffen up the D. Not all that confident tho. We'll see.

[Xville]

UConn just looks better today. Still can pull this out but need to be smart and stiffen up the D. Not all that confident tho. We'll see.
Yeah they do...and steels sub pattern is driving me insane

[IM4X]

Freemantle has got to stop with the threes. Let the guards shoot it and stay inside big fella.

[Strange Brew]

Ballgame folks.

[bjf123]

UConn just looks better today. Still can pull this out but need to be smart and stiffen up the D. Not all that confident tho. We'll see.

Wish I shared your guarded optimism.


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[Lloyd Braun]

UConn looks more physical which is not shocking. Just need to weather storm and make some shots.

[KabeX]

Might want to try a little boxin out there

[whopper]

man we needed that scruggs steal. Just a flat effort and if not Freemantle i shudder to think of the score. They have punked us a bit on the boards even though the numbers are equal. Cole just stepping into 3s.

[Xville]

Agree on free and the threes. Don’t mind him taking a few here and there but sometimes he needs to take that open lane and drive it to the hoop

[paulxu]

Would be nice if Kunkel had tried more shots.

[IM4X]

Why is Johnson not in the game. We need 3s

[Lloyd Braun]

Going under screens with RJ Cole has not quite worked out well

[Xville]

That’s the ballgame. Let’s just keep giving cole open shots Scruggs..geezus

[bjf123]

Dagger. Stick ‘em with a fork. They’re done.


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[HenryMuto]

This is a very bad loss today. If you can't win this game what can you win. They were off for like ever on covid pause so you have to give them a break but this was a must win game. Their chances of making NCAA tournament just went way down with that upcoming schedule.

[Xville]

Scruggs shouldn’t be out there right now..yeah I know he’s had some assists but he’s been garbage defensively and had a ton of mistakes. Lots of blame to go around today including Steele.

[Strange Brew]

X makes the tourney or it's Steele's last year in my opinion. These sub patterns are dumb.

[RoseyMuskie]

This one is on Steele.

First half substitution patterns were horrific.

And not playing a mid week game, against anyone, was a poor decision.

[KabeX]

Well this one's done. We'll see how they respond against the Johnnies on the road (if it actually happens).

[Xavier]

I mean Xavier is just fine for making the tournament. Sheesh.

[Xville]

This is a very bad loss today. If you can't win this game what can you win. They were off for like ever on covid pause so you have to give them a break but this was a must win game. Their chances of making NCAA tournament just went way down with that upcoming schedule.

It’s not a bad loss. It’s not DePaul, Marquette, butler or Georgetown. UConn is a top 5 team in the league.

[stammina0721]

If Steele wants to keep running 15 lineups a game then this will be the result. Nate Johnson being off the floor as much as he was just isn't smart

[Xavier]

This one is on Steele.

First half substitution patterns were horrific.

And not playing a mid week game, against anyone, was a poor decision.

They had about 36 hours to try and schedule someone. Not easy. That was more on DePaul and big East not canceling earlier despite knowing the DePaul protocol

[KabeX]

Don't think it's a bad loss. But it sure aint good nor is it acceptable. Makes Wed really important. They can play their way right out of the dance very quickly.

[drudy23]

I thought I remember Steele in a press conference with his mean mug saying we won’t be out worked and out toughed again (he’s said this like 5 times in 3 years).

Completely soft on defense.

[xukeith]

Defense beats offense today.

X bench played poorly with Scruggs being silenced. Colby Jones is secure BUT he needs to be more aggressive on offense.

[Xville]

What the hell was that shot kunkel...ok Steele does he get pulled now or does that only happen to Tandy?

[UCGRAD4X]

one missed opportunity after another

sucks big time

[bjf123]

Absolutely horrible effort today.


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[Strange Brew]

Embarrassed for the second time at home this season. Steele doesn't have it. Move on.

[Xville]

I thought I remember Steele in a press conference with his mean mug saying we won’t be out worked and out toughed again (he’s said this like 5 times in 3 years).

Completely soft on defense.

The team is certainly soft...carter blows, free needs to hit the weight room, kunkel is 100 soaking wet, and it’s reflective of the coach. The toughness that this program used to have is long gone

[drudy23]

Long gone

[Xavier]

They have had a handful of strong comebacks to win this year. Showed a lot of toughness in those games.

[xavierj]

Embarrassed for the second time at home this season. Steele doesn't have it. Move on.

I don’t know about that but it was definitely some bad coaching today. Game plan was awful. Supposedly he hasn’t scheduled extra games because he would rather practice but it looks like practice is helping. Fremantle took almost have the shots today including 7 threes. That can’t happen. He scored a lot but took 24 shots to do it. And not playing Tandy at all is also a bad coaching decision. You need scorers and they didn’t have any today.

[Lloyd Braun]

At least they went over 135.5

[Strange Brew]

I don’t know about that but it was definitely some bad coaching today. Game plan was awful. Supposedly he hasn’t scheduled extra games because he would rather practice but it looks like practice is helping. Fremantle took almost have the shots today including 7 threes. That can’t happen. He scored a lot but took 24 shots to do it. And not playing Tandy at all is also a bad coaching decision. You need scorers and they didn’t have any today.

This is his third year. X deserves better.

[UCGRAD4X]

1st half up nine, Steele playing the air guitar - announcer made the Petty comment - and I immediately thought - "Don't Back Down!" Guess what... they did and we got "Breakdown" instead.

[Xville]

I don’t know about that but it was definitely some bad coaching today. Game plan was awful. Supposedly he hasn’t scheduled extra games because he would rather practice but it looks like practice is helping. Fremantle took almost have the shots today including 7 threes. That can’t happen. He scored a lot but took 24 shots to do it. And not playing Tandy at all is also a bad coaching decision. You need scorers and they didn’t have any today.

Steele loves practice...giving out his gold jerseys to those great practice players like kunkel, while Tandy who could have helped today sits because he doesn’t practice hard enough for Steele even though he played outstanding at the beginning of the year when given minutes

[drudy23]

Has Steele really grown as a coach? Have we seen much difference in his first 3 years?

[AviatorX]

Is there a game Steele could lose that wouldn’t turn into a fire the coach thread? Xavier was bad today. They’re also 11-3 and have barely practiced let alone played games in the past month. Let’s see how they look the next time out before we declare the season over.

[Xavier]

Remember saying how frustrated I’ve been with the subbing earlier in the year and a lot of posters saying how they loved it because of the depth. Crazy

[RoseyMuskie]

I agree re. toughness.

And when the team chooses to practice, the lack of toughness just remains in perpetuity.

[Xville]

There’s another soft ass move by free. Go up strong and try to dunk the ball. Stop playing like a bitch

[UCGRAD4X]

Another big opportunity missed.

[Strange Brew]

Is there a game Steele could lose that wouldn’t turn into a fire the coach thread? Xavier was bad today. They’re also 11-3 and have barely practiced let alone played games in the past month. Let’s see how they look the next time out before we declare the season over.

Year 3. He better improve fast.

[Strange Brew]

Good thing Johnson was on the bench for so much of this game coach....

[AviatorX]

I agree re. toughness.

And when the team chooses to practice, the lack of toughness just remains in perpetuity.

Who would you have liked to see them play on Thursday? Do you think that would have helped today considering they wouldn’t have practiced for weeks prior to that game? Honest questions because I can see it both way. Hopefully this is the only season we have to think about considerations like this.

[drudy23]

Is there a game Steele could lose that wouldn’t turn into a fire the coach thread? Xavier was bad today. They’re also 11-3 and have barely practiced let alone played games in the past month. Let’s see how they look the next time out before we declare the season over.

It’s year 3 seeing the same patterns of behavior. It’s warranted criticism.

[IM4X]

Why did Steele ever take Johnson out of the game.

[xavierj]

Is there a game Steele could lose that wouldn’t turn into a fire the coach thread? Xavier was bad today. They’re also 11-3 and have barely practiced let alone played games in the past month. Let’s see how they look the next time out before we declare the season over.

I agree but he is too set in his ways. He needs to reign freemantle in a bit. Allowing him to keep chucking threes isn’t good. He also refuses to give Tandy a Chance and then continues to let Carter play when the game dictates to go small and put shooters on the floor. I like Travis but something is missing with him.

[AviatorX]

Year 3. He better improve fast.

You don’t think the roster is improving?

[Strange Brew]

You don’t think the roster is improving?

Nice recruiter. Losing too many games he shouldn't.

[Xavier]

It’s year 3 seeing the same patterns of behavior. It’s warranted criticism.

I think this year the offense has shown more motion, more play designs. He has had some good timing showing zone on defense throughout year as well. Bad game for sure but I think I’ve seen some coaching improvement. Still is a horrible in game adjuster for the most part

[drudy23]

You don’t think the roster is improving?

I’m not quite sure the roster is the problem.

[RoseyMuskie]

Who would you have liked to see them play on Thursday? Do you think that would have helped today considering they wouldn’t have practiced for weeks prior to that game? Honest questions because I can see it both way. Hopefully this is the only season we have to think about considerations like this.

I’m not privy to discussions but The Skinny Pod alluded to a few MAC teams. It sounds like X didn’t want to play a game that wasn’t Quad 1 or 2.

I’m not sure there’s anything to that, just going off what I heard.

[AviatorX]

It’s year 3 seeing the same patterns of behavior. It’s warranted criticism.

No doubt he deserves some criticism. He’s not an amazing coach at this stage no question (no one is in year 3 with an entire roster turnover). That said, the tone on here is that this season is some kind of disaster. That’s a mystery to me. I expected this team to be a 7-10 seed and seems like they’re right on track to me all COVID things considered.

[drudy23]

No doubt he deserves some criticism. He’s not an amazing coach at this stage no question (no one is in year 3 with an entire roster turnover). That said, the tone on here is that this season is some kind of disaster. That’s a mystery to me. I expected this team to be a 7-10 seed and seems like they’re right on track to me all COVID things considered.

I think people have seen the Big East collapse the past 2 years and are expecting the same this year. I know I am.

[AviatorX]

I’m not privy to discussions but The Skinny Pod alluded to a few MAC teams. It sounds like X didn’t want to play a game that wasn’t Quad 1 or 2.

I’m not sure there’s anything to that, just going off what I heard.

I think it’s a really tough spot. Is it more helpful to play a MAC team Thursday on zero practice and turn around and play UCONN today? God forbid you lose that MAC game. Like I said, I see arguments both ways. I just don’t think it’s fair to say they chose practice in some pejorative way.

[XU 87]

Is there a game Steele could lose that wouldn’t turn into a fire the coach thread? Xavier was bad today. They’re also 11-3 and have barely practiced let alone played games in the past month. Let’s see how they look the next time out before we declare the season over.

It's quite the phenomenon, particularly for a team that has played once in the last 5-6 weeks and just starting practicing again on Thursday.

[AviatorX]

I think people have seen the Big East collapse the past 2 years and are expecting the same this year. I know I am.

That’s fair and if that happens obviously I’ll be right there with everyone. This team feels different to me. Way more high powered which is a good way to avoid huge skids.

[Xavier]

No doubt he deserves some criticism. He’s not an amazing coach at this stage no question (no one is in year 3 with an entire roster turnover). That said, the tone on here is that this season is some kind of disaster. That’s a mystery to me. I expected this team to be a 7-10 seed and seems like they’re right on track to me all COVID things considered.

I anticipated another bubble team- they are better than that. 11-3, with a win over the best team they’ve played (Oklahoma). Right in line with a 7-10 seed still.

[IM4X]

Is there a game Steele could lose that wouldn’t turn into a fire the coach thread? Xavier was bad today. They’re also 11-3 and have barely practiced let alone played games in the past month. Let’s see how they look the next time out before we declare the season over.

If there was ever a game this season to point the finger at the coach - it might be this one.

I don’t want him fired- just to wake up and learn to not mess with your teams positive momentum. He took all the confidence and momentum today from his players earlier in the first half and handed right it to other team with his bad subbing and lack of timeouts. He owns this loss.

[Xville]

You don’t think the roster is improving?

Than 2 years ago? Yeah a bit in the backcourt, I guess but who is playing forward next year outside of free? Miles? One of the freshmen? Yeah I know they are 11-3 but it has taken some miracles to get to that record.

I keep wanting to see Steele improve and I really haven’t seen it. He’s horrible at sub patterns and I’m sick of his fake toughness regarding Tandy and the way he treated him that’s different than almost everyone on the roster.

[KabeX]

I think the biggest thing today was the rotations starting in the 1st half. Not sure why Johnson ever saw the bench. This one's done. UConn played well especially after the initial X run. We helped them play well to be sure. Toughness starts with the coach. We need more of it both physically and mentally. Need more JP like mindset. Very concerned with how they respond on Tuesday. Johnnies should have beat Futler. I know Futler is garbage but SJ playing better and we better damn well talk care of the ball. Need that W Tuesday or it gets way too interesting.

[markchal]

Yeah Steele just not getting it done. We had them on the ropes and he takes out everyone who had scored essentially to let them right back in it. His great class from last year will end up being just Freemantle after Tandy transfers. I liked the minutes Wilcher gave today but we just get our butts kicked against physical teams like Seton and UCONN.

Really disappointing performance against a team without their stud. Oh well. We are probably a fringe NCAA team, but we better steal one Tuesday or our window gets a loooooot tighter

[AviatorX]

FWIW, and I recognize Xavier's sloppiness played a role in this for sure, I thought UConn looked pretty solid. If they sneak into the tournament I would not want to see them as a lower seed with Bouknight.

Hurley will definitely have it rolling there.

[AviatorX]

I know predicting the tournament this year is basically impossible, but is Xavier even close to the bubble right now bracketology-wise? I haven't been following that as closely this season (because what is the point) but it doesn't seem like that's the case. Now if the argument is the resume is going to be light because of number of games played, I totally get that. But seems like they are safely in as of today.

[Xavier]

No, they aren’t. I’m assuming most who think X is in trouble in this thread is just predicting an end of season collapse. Almost everywhere X is 7/8 seed, with a favorable schedule to finish.

[AviatorX]

Than 2 years ago? Yeah a bit in the backcourt, I guess but who is playing forward next year outside of free? Miles? One of the freshmen? Yeah I know they are 11-3 but it has taken some miracles to get to that record.

I keep wanting to see Steele improve and I really haven’t seen it. He’s horrible at sub patterns and I’m sick of his fake toughness regarding Tandy and the way he treated him that’s different than almost everyone on the roster.

I can definitely see the argument to tighten the rotations. This season more than ever it's getting late early so no time to tinker with new lineups. It's a weird spot because some of the pieces I think we all like have been more or less available at certain points (for instance, seems like Wilcher has a lot to bring in my view).

[Xville]

No, they aren’t. I’m assuming most who think X is in trouble in this thread is just predicting an end of season collapse. Almost everywhere X is 7/8 seed, with a favorable schedule to finish.

Yep nervous about a collapse...6 games left... 2 at home creighton, butler 4 on the road at. John’s, providence, grown and Marquette.


Feel good about winning any of those? I do about butler and that’s about it, even though I think the Hoyas and Marquette suck, think x can easily lose both of those

[Xavier]

I feel good about butler, Georgetown, St. John’s, Marquette. I don’t think they beat Creighton and providence is toss up. I see 4-2, finishing at 15-5.

[AviatorX]

Yep nervous about a collapse...6 games left... 2 at home creighton, butler 4 on the road at. John’s, providence, grown and Marquette.


Feel good about winning any of those? I do about butler and that’s about it, even though I think the Hoyas and Marquette suck, think x can easily lose both of those

Well, X already beat Butler, St. John's, Marquette and Providence in case you missed it. Georgetown is terrible so I like X's chances there. Didn't exactly look super overmatched at Creighton either. This is not some tremendous gauntlet ahead of Xavier.

If they collapse down the stretch it will be a totally different story than last year when they did the same but without Scruggs. I'll be right there with everyone calling for Steele's head at that point.

[RoseyMuskie]

I think it’s a really tough spot. Is it more helpful to play a MAC team Thursday on zero practice and turn around and play UCONN today? God forbid you lose that MAC game. Like I said, I see arguments both ways. I just don’t think it’s fair to say they chose practice in some pejorative way.

I agree to an extent. It’s an easy way to play MMQB.

But none of us thought his substitutions were sharp. And that’s saying something.

[IM4X]

I would love to see Johnson take advantage of the rule that makes him eligible to comes back next season.

[KabeX]

I feel good about Butler and maybe G-Town. That's it. Don't feel good about Tuesday on the road. SJ has road wins over UConn, Marquette and Providence. Oh yeah, they also beat Nova. Not trying at all the be a negative nellie but I would not be surprised at a double digit loss on Tuesday.

[xavierj]

I feel good about Butler and maybe G-Town. That's it. Don't feel good about Tuesday on the road. SJ has road wins over UConn, Marquette and Providence. Oh yeah, they also beat Nova. Not trying at all the be a negative nellie but I would not be surprised at a double digit loss on Tuesday.

Yeah I don’t know. St. John’s is ok but they just lost to Butler. Xavier has also owned them for a long time. I think St.John’s is just a really good matchup for Xavier. Providence and Marquette are worse matchups for this team.

[xavierj]

I would love to see Johnson take advantage of the rule that makes him eligible to comes back next season.

Yeah that would be helpful but doubt it. He can probably play in the G-League or definitely overseas with the way he shoots it and he’s not short and very solid build. He will get paid. So assuming he is gone and if Tandy leaves, all I can say is yikes. Yes Wilcher seems to be a good shooter but other than that no one else is very consistent. Kunkel can get hit but he is streaky, Jones is a good player but more of a driver and is suited for the 3/4. So let’s say Tandy is gone and then you have Odom and I guess Kunkel as your only point options? So that could be ugly because if Odom has to play 30 plus minutes then teams will just not guard him and it will be tough to score. I think Travis needs to re-think his handling of Tandy because Tandy playing the point with Kunkel, Jones, Wilcher and Freemantle would score a lot of points. Defense may suffer but this day and is Basketball is a scorers game. And if you have 4 other guys on the floor that are capable defenders than you can live with a guy not being a great defender if he can put the ball in the basket.

[Xville]

Well, X already beat Butler, St. John's, Marquette and Providence in case you missed it. Georgetown is terrible so I like X's chances there. Didn't exactly look super overmatched at Creighton either. This is not some tremendous gauntlet ahead of Xavier.

If they collapse down the stretch it will be a totally different story than last year when they did the same but without Scruggs. I'll be right there with everyone calling for Steele's head at that point.

Yeah I know they beat those teams, just saying...you feel comfortable about any of them? I know there isn’t a home crowd, but they are still games on the road.

[xavierj]

As I watch other teams play I just don’t see many teams playing with a guy like Carter on the floor when you have another big in the game. The majority of college teams have at least 4 guys on the floor that are athletic and can also shoot. Watching Iowa, they play one big inside and have 4 guys on the three line that can shoot. Gonzaga is the same way with how they play. Spread it out and have at least 4 guys that can shoot the three. I think Travis would be smart to stop starting Carter if he wants this team to reach its potential. Play 4 out and get guys wilcher and Tandy on the floor more. I mean if you had a lineup of say Scruggs, Johnson, Kunkel and either Jones, Wilcher or Tandy with Free, then you are going to have a ton of scoring options. Carter god love him but he just isn’t going to help you when points are needed. My ideal lineup would be Scruggs, Jones, Johnson Kunkel and Free and then the bench would be in this order, Tandy, Wilcher, Carter/Griffin to spell Free and then Odom for a bit. Love Odom but he just can’t score right now so he isn’t helping much when you are trying to avoid long scoring droughts, same with Carter. Need to make sure guys on the floor are capable of scoring the ball.

[whopper]

this is not a knock as i love the guy and he is my doppleganger but Carter is not a power forward on a good division 1 team. He has hardly scored in weeks it seems and does not eat boards. He is a nice 15 min a game guy and probably no better than Griffin. He had no pts and 1 reb today and needs to look in the mirror, practice foul shots as he should have been able to draw a foul on at least 2 of those shots. If we did not have Freemantle today (like if he had covid and Griffin played) we would have lost by 30. It pains me to say that as i love slow hustling white guys. and i pray he can finish better. i have been there and he has lost his confidence which is needed if your skill is marginal (he is a great player no doubt but high level D1 is a different animal these days.

[Xavier]

Kunkel can get hit but he is streaky, Jones is a good player but more of a driver and is suited for the 3/4. So let’s say Tandy is gone and then you have Odom and I guess Kunkel as your only point options? So that could be ugly because if Odom has to play 30 plus minutes then teams will just not guard him and it will be tough to score. I think Travis needs to re-think his handling of Tandy because Tandy playing the point with Kunkel, Jones, Wilcher and Freemantle would score a lot of points. Defense may suffer but this day and is Basketball is a scorers game. And if you have 4 other guys on the floor that are capable defenders than you can live with a guy not being a great defender if he can put the ball in the basket.

I think Jones will run the offense a lot next year as well. I agree that Tandy will be useful to the team next year, though everyone complains about the defense and toughness and neither are exactly Tandy strong suit. Still I think he is an important piece to the future, hopefully he shows the toughness everyone wants and doesn’t back away from the challenge. Wouldn’t blame him for doing so- and I’ve seen playing time was a big thing for him during recruitment so I expect him to leave.

[Xavier]

As I watch other teams play I just don’t see many teams playing with a guy like Carter on the floor when you have another big in the game. The majority of college teams have at least 4 guys on the floor that are athletic and can also shoot. Watching Iowa, they play one big inside and have 4 guys on the three line that can shoot. Gonzaga is the same way with how they play. Spread it out and have at least 4 guys that can shoot the three.

I mean...that just isn’t the case. The majority of teams might want four guys who are athletic and can shoot, but it’s most definitely not what’s out there. I’m not defending Carter just saying that most college teams don’t have that at all.

I know two of the best teams in the country do- but majority don’t. And you don’t have to have that to win, either.

[X-man]

I had the distinct displeasure of attending the game today. They guarded the perimeter, and we didn't. They had energy, and we didn't. Our movement on offense was nonexistent, no screens and little attempt to capitalize inside when they packed the perimeter. They set screens, which greatly helped them being wide open most of the game. They also had far more energy (and height) in rebounding the ball. And Carter just needs to sit. I also agree with the posters calling out the sub patterns....strange and counter-productive. All in all, an awful game and effort even though we had some students and some cheerleaders present for the first time this season I am told.

[xavierj]

this is not a knock as i love the guy and he is my doppleganger but Carter is not a power forward on a good division 1 team. He has hardly scored in weeks it seems and does not eat boards. He is a nice 15 min a game guy and probably no better than Griffin. He had no pts and 1 reb today and needs to look in the mirror, practice foul shots as he should have been able to draw a foul on at least 2 of those shots. If we did not have Freemantle today (like if he had covid and Griffin played) we would have lost by 30. It pains me to say that as i love slow hustling white guys. and i pray he can finish better. i have been there and he has lost his confidence which is needed if your skill is marginal (he is a great player no doubt but high level D1 is a different animal these days.

I don’t know about thank god for Freemantle. Yes the line looks great but he took 26 shots, 7 threes to accomplish that and only got to the line three times. I mean how does a center take 26 shots and only get to the line three times. He needs to be drawing fouls and her guys in foul trouble. Plus when he misses it’s like a turnover. First of all he missed a ton of easy hook shots with minimal pressure, like a turnover and then missed 5 of 7 threes, which we basically had no prayer of an offensive rebound. So when you center misses 13 shots, that’s not good. With the looks Free was getting, he should have scored 40 plus.

[xavierj]

I mean...that just isn’t the case. The majority of teams might want four guys who are athletic and can shoot, but it’s most definitely not what’s out there. I’m not defending Carter just saying that most college teams don’t have that at all.

I know two of the best teams in the country do- but majority don’t. And you don’t have to have that to win, either.

Right because some teams do not have an option. Xavier does have options that would Help them score the ball. I mean when Carter is on the floor it’s like playing 4 on 5 on offense. Same with Odom right now. Odom can’t shoot the three and can’t make close shots either. So basically you are playing guys that the majority of the time the other team does not have to really guard them so what they do is attack Paul and hope that he passes the ball to Carter and hope he shoots. Teams also are just fine with Free chucking up 7 threes. I just think for Xavier to reach it’s potential they need to really go to a 4 out offense and make the defense respect everyone. You do that and it will do wonders for Zach. He will get some many looks and then when teams start doubling down you will have 4 guys on the perimeter that he can pass to that can knock down shots. Travis needs to make a change quickly.

[IM4X]

I think Travis needs to re-think his handling of Tandy because Tandy playing the point with Kunkel, Jones, Wilcher and Freemantle would score a lot of points.

That’s a very small lineup. I would like to see some Kyky and I do like the progress of Wilcher.

I would like to see Miles get more minutes with the starting lineup (in place of Carter) instead of him being put in with several others coming off the bench. The more minutes he gets with the starters the quicker he will elevate his game. Carter pretty much has reached his ceiling and he seems to play better with fewer minutes anyway.

[xavierj]

That’s a very small lineup. I would like to see some Kyky and I do like the progress of Wilcher.

I would like to see Miles get more minutes with the starting lineup (in place of Carter) instead of him being put in with several others coming off the bench. The more minutes he gets with the starters the quicker he will elevate his game. Carter pretty much has reached his ceiling and he seems to play better with fewer minutes anyway.

I am fine with that too. The key is that when you do that you don’t have him playing with another big. Let him play with Paul, Johnson, Kunkel and Jones. Right now when you have another big on the floor with Free it makes him being able to score difficult because the opponent doesn’t really have to guard the other big. Opposing big east coaches know exactly how to stop Xavier. Make it tough on Free inside, ignore the other big and crowd Paul.

[xukeith]

I don’t know about that but it was definitely some bad coaching today. Game plan was awful. Supposedly he hasn’t scheduled extra games because he would rather practice but it looks like practice is helping. Fremantle took almost have the shots today including 7 threes. That can’t happen. He scored a lot but took 24 shots to do it. And not playing Tandy at all is also a bad coaching decision. You need scorers and they didn’t have any today.
You better give up on Tandy, he can't play

[UCGRAD4X]

I don’t know about thank god for Freemantle. Yes the line looks great but he took 26 shots, 7 threes to accomplish that and only got to the line three times. I mean how does a center take 26 shots and only get to the line three times. He needs to be drawing fouls and her guys in foul trouble. Plus when he misses it’s like a turnover. First of all he missed a ton of easy hook shots with minimal pressure, like a turnover and then missed 5 of 7 threes, which we basically had no prayer of an offensive rebound. So when you center misses 13 shots, that’s not good. With the looks Free was getting, he should have scored 40 plus.

UConn got way too many second and third chances today and the perimeter D was almost non-existent. I agree with the ZFree criticism. I swear, with all of the points he scored, I spent a lot of the game cursing his name. He displayed a boatload of stupid. Should have been a 40+ point game.

[IM4X]

I don’t know about thank god for Freemantle... only got to the line three times. He needs to be drawing fouls... Plus when he misses it’s like a turnover... missed 5 of 7 threes, which we basically had no prayer of an offensive rebound.

Free is certainly a solid 3 point shooter for a big but he should not be launching so many threes when we have plenty of guards who shoot it even better that if they short it would allow X to have a better chance of grabbing offensive rebounds if they (the guards) were to miss it. I agree that it is like an automatic turnover when he takes some of those 3s with no one near the bucket.

[xavierj]

You better give up on Tandy, he can't play

Lol. What? He was voted to the all Big East freshman team I guess because he can’t play. He was averaging 15 points a game and the team was undefeated and had 24 against a good Toledo team. He also had 6 in limited minutes in games against Creighton and Oklahoma. Last season as a freshman he scored in double figures in 8 Big East games. But yeah he can’t play. Whatever. He also shit roughly 36% from three last year and is shooting over 38% from three this year. The coach is not being smart in my opinion with his handling of him. Unless there is something else going on off the court that we do not know about.

[xukeith]

Why didn't Hurley make it tough on Freemantle?
Zach was exceptional outside and in. Miles plus a an other transfer next year will help out!

[xavierj]

Why didn't Hurley make it tough on Freemantle?
Zach was exceptional outside and in. Miles plus a an other transfer next year will help out!

Huh? They were fine with what Free did. He missed freaking 13 shots, including missing 5 of 7 threes. They were probably laughing at all the easy inside looks he was missing. Their game plan was obviously let Free take shots, ignore Carter and crowd Paul. It worked. The way they guarded Zack he should have had a David West vs Dayton type of day. Their Inside guys went for 48 and 29.

[markchal]

Honestly that's probably the best way to defend us. Any time Zach is taking 7 or 8 threes, probably not a great day for us. He definitely missed some bunnies too, but for a guy who has been MIA all conference play, today was a great performance for him.

Having Wilcher on the floor instead of Carter should change the equation a bit, since he's got a strong shot too.

[IM4X]

Disappointed that Steele didn’t make one mention about his hand in the loss and how he changed the positive momentum of the game when he took so many starters off the floor early on (who were hot) and then did nothing as UConn went on a 10+ point run.

If you are going to talk about mistakes coach - first bring up how your decisions crippled your team which had been dominating until that point.

[xavierj]

Honestly that's probably the best way to defend us. Any time Zach is taking 7 or 8 threes, probably not a great day for us. He definitely missed some bunnies too, but for a guy who has been MIA all conference play, today was a great performance for him.

Having Wilcher on the floor instead of Carter should change the equation a bit, since he's got a strong shot too.

I agree for the most part. Yes zach had a lot of points and rebounds but when you take 26 shots to score 30, that can’t be very efficient. And for a center who takes 26 shots and only 3 free throws, that’s mind boggling.

[xavierj]

Disappointed that Steele didn’t make one mention about his hand in the loss and how he changed the positive momentum of the game when he took out so many starters off the floor who were hot early on and then watched with any timeouts while UConn went on 10+ point swing.

If you are going to talk about mistakes coach - first bring up how your decisions crippled your team which had been dominating until that point.

Yeah he might want to take some blame. I mean how do you take out Paul, Johnson, Kunkel and Zach all at the same time? And then you keep in Carter and have Odom on the floor and no Tandy? I mean you basically rolled out a group that was going to really struggle to score. Yes he brought in Jones, who I really like, but he hadn’t played in over a month and it was going to take time. When you sub do it by taking a guy here and there, not freaking 4 new guys when you are playing really well. That let them back in it and it was game on and over.

[drudy23]

There just haven't been many adjustments on the offensive end. Early in the year, we looked great on offense with great ball movement and great shooting. Coaches have figured that out and adjusted how they defend our strengths. There really hasn't been an adjustment on Xavier's end to counter it. The offense doesn't look as bad as it did last year, but it's certainly not humming either.

Also, it seems that every team goes off from the 3 point line against us. Our 3 point defense is not good, and it's been consistently not good.

Have the coaches put this team in the best position to win with gameplanning and in-game decision making? Today, the sub pattern in the first half completely flipped momentum, and X never really got it back. The reliance on 3 point shooting is not going to cut it in Big East play. You need somewhat of a balanced attack.

We continue to try to be Villanova without Villanova personnel. I think our woes are much more coaching related than personnel related.

[Xville]

I’m really starting to get worried about Steeles ability to be a coach at this level. He is making some pretty basic mistakes in year 3. That’s very concerning.

[drudy23]

Yeah he might want to take some blame. I mean how do you take out Paul, Johnson, Kunkel and Zach all at the same time? And then you keep in Carter and have Odom on the floor and no Tandy? I mean you basically rolled out a group that was going to really struggle to score. Yes he brought in Jones, who I really like, but he hadn’t played in over a month and it was going to take time. When you sub do it by taking a guy here and there, not freaking 4 new guys when you are playing really well. That let them back in it and it was game on and over.

Exactly - it's these types of decisions that kill my confidence in the coaching staff. It's mid February - the time has passed to tinker with lineups. You need to solidify a bid to the tournament. I'm sorry covid killed the momentum of the season, but missing the tournament for the third year in a row is unacceptable.

Every single person watching the game today was thinking or shouting "what are we doing" when that lineup was in. A 9 point lead vanished and the same lineup was still on the floor when it was evident what was happening.

[IM4X]

Yeah he might want to take some blame. I mean how do you take out Paul, Johnson, Kunkel and Zach all at the same time? And then you keep in Carter and have Odom on the floor and no Tandy? I mean you basically rolled out a group that was going to really struggle to score. Yes he brought in Jones, who I really like, but he hadn’t played in over a month and it was going to take time. When you sub do it by taking a guy here and there, not freaking 4 new guys when you are playing really well. That let them back in it and it was game on and over.

Exactly. If I were Steele that would have been the first statement I would have made.

“That was a good team but we should have won- we were steamrolling them until I made the decision to take out too many starters who were hot- and when the new lineup wasn’t working and UConn started a run, I let their run continue and their confidence build when I should have called an earlier time out. Had I not done that we may have had a different result today...”

[xavierj]

There just haven't been many adjustments on the offensive end. Early in the year, we looked great on offense with great ball movement and great shooting. Coaches have figured that out and adjusted how they defend our strengths. There really hasn't been an adjustment on Xavier's end to counter it. The offense doesn't look as bad as it did last year, but it's certainly not humming either.

Also, it seems that every team goes off from the 3 point line against us. Our 3 point defense is not good, and it's been consistently not good.

Have the coaches put this team in the best position to win with gameplanning and in-game decision making? Today, the sub pattern in the first half completely flipped momentum, and X never really got it back. The reliance on 3 point shooting is not going to cut it in Big East play. You need somewhat of a balanced attack.

We continue to try to be Villanova without Villanova personnel. I think our woes are much more coaching related than personnel related.

The fact that teams kill Xavier from three is how I am confused as to why Tandy doesn’t at least get a chance to get some run and get in a flow. It’s not like the guys playing are lighting up and playing lock down defense. Only thing I can figure is that something else is going on with Kyky.

[whopper]

The fact that teams kill Xavier from three is how I am confused as to why Tandy doesn’t at least get a chance to get some run and get in a flow. It’s not like the guys playing are lighting up and playing lock down defense. Only thing I can figure is that something else is going on with Kyky.

Was Kyky even on the bench? I was looking and saw Ramsey and some walk ons. It was limited viewing for sure. Div I hoops is a tough business that most of the posters(myself included) would love to experience but the reality can be different.

[UCGRAD4X]

Exactly. If I were Steele that would have been the first statement I would have made.

“That was a good team but we should have won- we were steamrolling them until I made the decision to take out too many starters who were hot- and when the new lineup wasn’t working and UConn started a run, I let their run continue and their confidence build when I should have called an earlier time out. Had I not done that we may have had a different result today...”

Skip Prosser: When we win it's the players. When we lose it's the coaches.

[xavierj]

Was Kyky even on the bench? I was looking and saw Ramsey and some walk ons. It was limited viewing for sure. Div I hoops is a tough business that most of the posters(myself included) would love to experience but the reality can be different.

Yes he was. Had a new fresh cut, Smile on on his face before the game giving Johnson a handshake before he went on the floor.

[drudy23]

KyKy was at one time one of our leading scorers. His high was like 25 points.

It seems very odd you go from that to no time at all.

We're very much trending to around .500 in the league. That's going to put us on the bubble.

[XU 87]

KyKy was at one time one of our leading scorers. His high was like 25 points.

It seems very odd you go from that to no time at all.

We're very much trending to around .500 in the league. That's going to put us on the bubble.

Kunkel took Kyky’s spot. You can only play so many players.

And I like Kyky.

[xavierj]

Kunkel took Kyky’s spot. You can only play so many players.

And I like Kyky.

Right I get that but when you take Kunkel and Scruggs out why don’t you put Kyky in? I am pretty sure Kyky will give them more than Odom is right now. Like Odom but he is bringing nothing lately. Misses easy shots and just is zero threat from three. Too be honest Kyky should probably be getting his minutes and play the point.

[JEHARDI]

Right I get that but when you take Kunkel and Scruggs out why don’t you put Kyky in? I am pretty sure Kyky will give them more than Odom is right now. Like Odom but he is bringing nothing lately. Misses easy shots and just is zero threat from three. Too be honest Kyky should probably be getting his minutes and play the point.

Kyky is not a PG and plays no D.

[xavierj]

Kyky is not a PG and plays no D.

Actually he was playing PG and did some last year and this year. And who exactly was playing defense today? When you are playing as bad as Xavier did for large stretches then you try something different.

It’s weird that Xavier was a great defensive team last year and he still managed to play roughly 19 minutes a game and he shot 36% from three. Team was 5-0 this year with him starting and playing about 28 minutes a game then Kunkel becomes eligible and he goes to not playing at all. The whole thing is weird. And before you say that team Is better this year, I am not so sure about that. The only thing I can think of is that something else is going on more than basketball. If not then the coach might be clueless.

[Lloyd Braun]

Actually he was playing PG and did some last year and this year. And who exactly was playing defense today? When you are playing as bad as Xavier did for large stretches then you try something different.

It’s weird that Xavier was a great defensive team last year and he still managed to play roughly 19 minutes a game and he shot 36% from three. Team was 5-0 this year with him starting and playing about 28 minutes a game then Kunkel becomes eligible and he goes to not playing at all. The whole thing is weird. And before you say that team Is better this year, I am not so sure about that. The only thing I can think of is that something else is going on more than basketball. If not then the coach might be clueless.

Tough to argue any of this. I like Scruggs, Kunkel, Jones, and Odom, etc... but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for 10 Kyky minutes when we need a spark. I think Scruggs at 35 minutes is a bit much. Today was a scheme issue. UConn went small and we just kept feeding Zach. Zach is great but he is not 26 shots a game great. He’s a stretch 4 that can play the 5 in a pinch and unfortunately when the ball goes in the post everyone else just stands there and watches. Cut to the hoop! Set a screen! I don’t know how many times I screamed “fucking move!” when the ball was being pounded into the floor.

Hopefully they can continue to shake off some rust and find a groove. I think Kyky needs more run and also... I enjoy watching him play.

[IM4X]

Skip Prosser: When we win it's the players. When we lose it's the coaches.

I did like that approach Skip had.

When a coach does says it’s their fault, it comes across much more sincere and actually gives others the impression they are on top of things when they say why it was their fault. Losses are often at least partly on the coach and they ought to be able to explain the specific mistakes that they made to contribute to the loss. It sounds like lip services when a coach who decides to take some blame gives the same canned response “We need to get better and it start with us doing a better job as coaches first ” I am not against coaches pointing out mistakes on the court- mentioning things like “bad shots taken” or “players leaving too much space for open shots” but I am with Skip about not throwing individual players under the bus.

Ultimately, we want to see that our coach recognizes and owns the glaring mistakes he did during a game that hurt his team - so we know he knows it and will not do it again. Steele, apparently thought his decision to substitute a bunch of non starters in together when X was up by 11 and then allow the opponent to go on a huge run without any timeouts which completely flipped the momentum and confidence of each team and turned a huge lead into a deficit didn’t hurt the team’s chance of winning. Otherwise, he would have mentioned it during the post press conference. That is a bit of a concern
seeing as it might just be the biggest reason they lost. He needs to pay attention to every detail that lead to wins and losses - including the decisions that lead to huge momentum swings and putting his team in a better or worse position to win.

[markchal]

Team was 5-0 this year with him starting and playing about 28 minutes a game then Kunkel becomes eligible and he goes to not playing at all. The whole thing is weird. And before you say that team Is better this year, I am not so sure about that. The only thing I can think of is that something else is going on more than basketball. If not then the coach might be clueless.

We were 5-0, but that also included wins just baaaaarely eeked out again Bradley, Eastern Kentucky and Toledo. All by 3pts or less. So it's not like we were rolling with Kyky in, I think we look a LOT better with Kunkel and Jones getting his minutes (Jones coming back when he did def played a big part in it too). I'm not saying he shouldn't be getting ANY minutes, but he needs to learn how to be productive and play hard when he's only getting 5-7 minutes, so he can earn his way back in.

[xavierj]

We were 5-0, but that also included wins just baaaaarely eeked out again Bradley, Eastern Kentucky and Toledo. All by 3pts or less. So it's not like we were rolling with Kyky in, I think we look a LOT better with Kunkel and Jones getting his minutes (Jones coming back when he did def played a big part in it too). I'm not saying he shouldn't be getting ANY minutes, but he needs to learn how to be productive and play hard when he's only getting 5-7 minutes, so he can earn his way back in.

I don’t know if we do look better. The best game we had all year was against Oklahoma and have not duplicated that. Toledo may be as good as any of the other teams Xavier has beat. All I know is Kyky was productive last year the last 10 games of big East play getting a lot of minutes and productive the first 5 games when he was getting a lot of minutes. Maybe he just isn’t built to play 5 minutes a half. Sometimes the coach has to give up a little to get more production. I really like Jones and think he should play more and I like Kunkel too. I just think Xavier needs to play guards more and Carter less. You just can’t afford to play 4 against 5 on offense. Take Carter out and go 4 out then you make it more difficult for the other team to match and guard you.

[drudy23]

Outside of one game where we boat-raced Oklahoma, there's not much reason to think we won't be around .500 for the remaining games we have left. Alot of good teams still to play.

[AviatorX]

Outside of one game where we boat-raced Oklahoma, there's not much reason to think we won't be around .500 for the remaining games we have left. Alot of good teams still to play.

Xavier already beat 4/6 teams left on the schedule, and one of the other 2 is against one of the teams in the league no one would argue is better than Xavier. Those are a couple reasons.

[drudy23]

Xavier already beat 4/6 teams left on the schedule, and one of the other 2 is against one of the teams in the league no one would argue is better than Xavier. Those are a couple reasons.

We're all going to find out here shortly.

[bleedXblue]

Until we guard and guard consistently well, we will have a mixed bag of results. Captain Obvious........right?

[GoMuskies]

That game really sucked. Like, a lot.

[drudy23]

Until we guard and guard consistently well, we will have a mixed bag of results. Captain Obvious........right?

Also, our offensive philosophy can't be "I hope we make alot of shots". Coaches are too good to just give us what we want.

[XUGRAD80]

Also, our offensive philosophy can't be "I hope we make alot of shots". Coaches are too good to just give us what we want.

Unfortunately I believe that’s exactly what this roster is capable of giving. If this team doesn’t make shots, they are going to struggle offensively. They aren’t overall good enough free throw shooters to rely on that, and aren’t big enough to just pound it inside. Nor are they going to start relying in pressing and trapping to get turnovers, not this late in the season they aren’t. So that basically leaves relying on the outside shooting with a mix of dribble drives and some midrange from Zac as their primary weapons. It will look great and be successful when the shots are falling, but when they aren’t they will look bad.

[drudy23]

Unfortunately I believe that’s exactly what this roster is capable of giving. If this team doesn’t make shots, they are going to struggle offensively. They aren’t overall good enough free throw shooters to rely on that, and aren’t big enough to just pound it inside. Nor are they going to start relying in pressing and trapping to get turnovers, not this late in the season they aren’t. So that basically leaves relying on the outside shooting with a mix of dribble drives and some midrange from Zac as their primary weapons. It will look great and be successful when the shots are falling, but when they aren’t they will look bad.

Completely agree - that's why I don't see this team pulling off 3-4 wins in a row at any point.

I think we're going to be sweating on Selection Sunday again because I think we're going to see consistent ups and downs the rest of the season. We can beat most teams, and we can lose to most teams.

[bleedXblue]

Completely agree - that's why I don't see this team pulling off 3-4 wins in a row at any point.

I think we're going to be sweating on Selection Sunday again because I think we're going to see consistent ups and downs the rest of the season. We can beat most teams, and we can lose to most teams.

Exactly like the last two years........

[drudy23]

Exactly like the last two years........

I think if anyone is being completely honest, they see some vast similarities down the stretch with this team.

Feel pretty damn good about them in non-conference play, but then realize that they're not quite as physical, consistent and well-coached enough in Big East play. And then a falter down the home-stretch when they've put the pressure on themselves to perform for a bid.

[Xville]

I think if anyone is being completely honest, they see some vast similarities down the stretch with this team.

Feel pretty damn good about them in non-conference play, but then realize that they're not quite as physical, consistent and well-coached enough in Big East play. And then a falter down the home-stretch when they've put the pressure on themselves to perform for a bid.

The unfortunate part is that I don't see that changing next year either....I miss the days of X being physical, driving the lane to get fouled etc. Although shooting the 3 is fun, I don't like the finesse style of play that is coming along with it. Nova shoots the 3 but is also physical, defends well and is tough with the ball.

[drudy23]

When is the last time we made more free throws than our opponents shot? Used to be a hallmark stat of the program.

We're trying to copy this new age style of basketball - it's likely the sales pitch Steele went all-in on to get the job.

I don't necessarily dislike the style, we just don't have the recruiting profile to make it happen on a consistent basis.