Game Thread: Xavier vs. Providence (2/24/2021)

[paulxu]

https://www.brickeconomy.com/resources/images/sets/lego-8804-3_large.jpgVS. https://sports.winningfreepicks.com/assets/article-photos-2019/01/_resampled/PadWyIzMjAiLCIyNDAiLCJGRkZGRkYiLDBd/Providence-Friars-12619.jpg

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (12-4, 5-4 BIG EAST)
AT PROVIDENCE COLLEGE FRIARS (11-11, 7-9 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24, 2021 AT 9:00 P.M. ET
ALUMNI HALL IN PROVIDENCE, R.I.

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Kevin Fitzgerald and analysis from Nick Bahe.
Radio: 55KRC-AM with play-by-play from XU Hall of Famer and former XU standout Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU Hall of Famer and all-time leading scorer Byron Larkin ('88). XU broadcast also available on Sirius XM channel 381 and internet 971.
Live Stats: Stats available at GoXavier.com and friars.com.

[paulxu]

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.

[Xville]

Hate to say must win, but this game is uuuuuuugggge, Really need this one to give the team a bit of a cushion in terms of a tournament invite. Lose this one, and sound the alarms.

Gotta keep Watson off the boards as much as possible, and hopefully Duke doesn't go off like he did the last time. They keep them to their averages, X will win.

[GoMuskies]

Hate to say must win, but this game is uuuuuuugggge, Really need this one to give the team a bit of a cushion in terms of a tournament invite. Lose this one, and sound the alarms.

Yeah, this one is probably the key game. Win and we're almost definitely getting in. Lose, and it starts to get real tough.

[drudy23]

Yeah, this one is probably the key game. Win and we're almost definitely getting in. Lose, and it starts to get real tough.

We need to win, but I don't think it puts us in lock status.

[xavierj]

Xavier is favored by 1.5. Not sure how that is based off they way they have played and the fact that they got really lucky to beat them at home. Here is hoping that Xavier makes shots and can hold their own inside. Can’t let Duke go off.

[HenryMuto]

Near must win if they lose this they better beat Creighton. The 12-4 record is nice but only Oklahoma is a team that is making the dance for sure that they have a win against.

Really need to win 3 of the last 4 that is a tall ask for this team with 3 road games and the home game is a team already beat you.

[Double Down]

Friars are 8th in the league in 2pt defense. They’re 1st in the league in 3pt defense. There is your scouting report coach Steele. It’s not rocket science. Go X!

[GIMMFD]

Friars are 8th in the league in 2pt defense. They’re 1st in the league in 3pt defense. There is your scouting report coach Steele. It’s not rocket science. Go X!

Let's hope it's not a repeat of St. John's then..

[D-West & PO-Z]

Griffin back, Nate Johnson is out though. Kyky get some more run??

[GoMuskies]

Miles is out, too.

[JTG]

Miles is out, too.

More PT for Ramsey :)

[Xville]

Why are miles and Johnson out? Injuries or something else?

[Xville]

Griffin back, Nate Johnson is out though. Kyky get some more run??

Only if we won enough yellow Jersey points this week

[profson]

Why are miles and Johnson out? Injuries or something else?

Miles was out last game too - injury. Nate also injury - leg apparently.

[xuphan]

Miles was out last game too - injury. Nate also injury - leg apparently.

Hopefully more playing time for Tandy and Ramsey.

[Lloyd Braun]

Currently the team shoots 34.2% from 3, which is 151st nationally. Without Johnson the team 3pt % drops to 30.6% which would be good for 295th.

This could be a big deal...

[profson]

Hopefully more playing time for Tandy and Ramsey.

I see it differently - hopefully more time for Odom and Jones.

[Xville]

Currently the team shoots 34.2% from 3, which is 151st nationally. Without Johnson the team 3pt % drops to 30.6% which would be good for 295th.

This could be a big deal...

I think if Steele allows Tandy to actually play, I don't think it will be an issue offensively, defensively it may be somewhat an issue.

[Xville]

I see it differently - hopefully more time for Odom and Jones.

I'm assuming Odom will be in the starting lineup with Scruggs moving over to the 2. So, dont think that will be an issue.

[Mrs. Garrett]

I'm assuming Odom will be in the starting lineup with Scruggs moving over to the 2. So, dont think that will be an issue.

I think Travis likes Kunkle too much for this to happen.

[Lloyd Braun]

I think if Steele allows Tandy to actually play, I don't think it will be an issue offensively, defensively it may be somewhat an issue.

Unless Travis has a revelation Tandy is not going to assume the majority of minutes lost by Johnson. As you and others eluded to above it will likely be Odom and Kunkel. I could even see Tandy somehow getting less playing time because of “needing someone better on D.”

[xukeith]

Unless you are Markus Howard, shooting guards in BE tend to be 6'3-6'5. Usual defenders are also 6'3-6'5. Tandy would have to shoot further away like Redford to see good looks. Hope Tandy makes 5 threes tonight and steals 6 passes. Probably not going to happen.

I imagine Griffin will play but he might be out of game shape being out with Covid protocol .

[xavierj]

Unless you are Markus Howard, shooting guards in BE tend to be 6'3-6'5. Usual defenders are also 6'3-6'5. Tandy would have to shoot further away like Redford to see good looks. Hope Tandy makes 5 threes tonight and steals 6 passes. Probably not going to happen.

I imagine Griffin will play but he might be out of game shape being out with Covid protocol .

You do realize Tandy is 6’2” right? He also played a lot last year and had no problem getting his shot off. There is no comparison between him and Redford. He also has the highest vertical on the team so again no Redford. In two years he has shot 142 threes and hit 37% so his looks are plenty good and he can get his shot off.

[drudy23]

great start - two guys on the perimeter at once they dont have to guard.

[noteggs]

Scruggs has made the first shot in the last 3 games. But after...

[Xville]

Why does free turn away from the basket when posting up so much? Drives me nuts. Carter can’t guard Watson.... might as well get him out of there.

[drudy23]

Not sure why Providence is playing us so tight on the 3 point line and giving us layups.

[profson]

What terrible camera angles. Almost unwatchable.

[Xville]

Odom looked a little shell shocked at the beginning but think he has settled in now

[xudash]

Why does free turn away from the basket when posting up so much? Drives me nuts. Carter can’t guard Watson.... might as well get him out of there.

Absolutely.

Nothing against Carter, but tonight is an athletes’ game.

[xuphan]

Why does free turn away from the basket when posting up so much? Drives me nuts. Carter can’t guard Watson.... might as well get him out of there.

We need to go zone because Carter can’t guard in the block.

[noteggs]

Not sure why Providence is playing us so tight on the 3 point line and giving us layups.

Thought same and announcer thought Cooley would pack it in because Johnson is out

[Xville]

Ahh coach by numbers Steele....gotta get his unathletic white guy in.

What the fuck kinda of lineup is this...

Carter and kunkel have to have something on Steele. There is no way he’s this stupid

[xuphan]

Ahh coach by numbers Steele....gotta get his unathletic white guy in.

What the fuck kinda of lineup is this...

Carter and kunkel have to have something on Steele. There is no way he’s this stupid

This one could get ugly quick. Not sure what offense we are trying to run.

[Xville]

Outstanding d and sweet layup by kunkel....Steele doesn’t have a clue

[IM4X]

Where is Johnson?

[paulxu]

What's the point of having Carter way out beyond the 3 pt line, and then stand their watching when someone goes to the rim?
Baffling.

[drudy23]

this looks familiar

[drudy23]

What's the point of having Carter way out beyond the 3 pt line, and then stand their watching when someone goes to the rim?
Baffling.

he's been out there all year - it makes no sense.

[Xville]

Again this lineup makes no sense....kunkel and Tandy shouldn’t be on the floor together.

[paulxu]

Freemantle takes a 3, and there's not one X uniform within 20 ft of the basket.
Hurts my eyes.

[xu82]

he's been out there all year - it makes no sense.

That’s where the pump fake has to happen.

[xavierj]

Freemantle takes a 3, and there's not one X uniform within 20 ft of the basket.
Hurts my eyes.

Yep. Have no idea why Zach is constantly out at the 3pt line. Have to attack the basket, it’s there but also have to finish. This game isn’t looking good and really not all that surprising.

[drudy23]

Yep. Have no idea why Zach is constantly out at the 3pt line. Have to attack the basket, it’s there but also have to finish. This game isn’t looking good and really not all that surprising.

Because Free and Carter are our stretch 4s, just like Trav wants.

[Xville]

I’m more and more convinced that it’s coaching. Steele is not putting his players in the best chance to win.

[drudy23]

these lineups are so random

[drudy23]

jfc

[X Factor]

How was X -1 1/2 tonight?

[xu82]

Ouch.....

It sounds like an AAU gym. It’s just so strange.....and ugly. And I’m an optimist.

[paulxu]

Tandy is trying way to hard. Almost feel sorry for him.
It's like he needs to go off to get more playing time.

[HenryMuto]

Covid really destroyed Xavier's season.

[XBR1]

We look bad.

[Xville]

How was X -1 1/2 tonight?

Guess they didn’t factor in steele

[stammina0721]

I'm done. Three years in to the travis steele experiment and we have seen 3 February collapses. We hit for 30 years on coaches. This one is a whiff. Call me when I get something new to watch

[IM4X]

Okay just see someone posted he is out... that sucks.

[GIMMFD]

Well.. the positive here is at least we aren't just jacking up a bunch of threes I guess?

[HAAS_U]

I feel like I’m watching the St. John’s game all over again.

[xuphan]

I'm done. Three years in to the travis steele experiment and we have seen 3 February collapses. We hit for 30 years on coaches. This one is a whiff. Call me when I get something new to watch

Just so I have this correct, you are done with Xavier as long as Steele is still the coach?

[X Factor]

We look amazingly awful...thanks Travis.

[drudy23]

we literally have 4 guys just standing and watching on the 3 point line

[Xville]

How many wide open 3s have they given up so far?

[KabeX]

How many layuos ? .. ah the hell with it.

[Xville]

Leave Odom in the game for the rest of the half please.

[stammina0721]

Just so I have this correct, you are done with Xavier as long as Steele is still the coach?

Yup. I'll watch if it's interesting. If it's not i won't. This is entertainment. If I'm not entertained I am not going to partake. Simple as that.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Odom’s 3 stroke looks like Charles Barkley’s golf shot

[X Factor]

Nice box out Carter...

[bjf123]

This is just fugly basketball.


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[drudy23]

Might wanna guard Duke - yes, even if he's 25 feet out.

[XU 87]

Yup. I'll watch if it's interesting. If it's not i won't. This is entertainment. If I'm not entertained I am not going to partake. Simple as that.

And why are you on a Xavier message board? To tell us how much you don’t care?

[xuphan]

Yup. I'll watch if it's interesting. If it's not i won't. This is entertainment. If I'm not entertained I am not going to partake. Simple as that.

I hate to say this but I have a feeling Steele will be here at least a couple more years regardless of his performance. Hopefully see you on the other side when Dante Jackson becomes head coach.

[XBR1]

Carter’s ass needs to be in the bench.

[xuphan]

This is just fugly basketball.


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At least we get to see Ed Cooley with his pink mask. Thanks Fox Sports

[Xville]

Kunkel and carter can make 50 mistakes, Tandy makes one and he never sees the court again

[Xville]

Carter’s ass needs to be in the bench.

Hey! That’s Steele’s BFF you’re talking about

[xavierj]

Kunkel and carter can make 50 mistakes, Tandy makes one and he never sees the court again

Yep. Kunkel just can’t make wide open threes. Crazy.

[bjf123]

I hate to say this but I have a feeling Steele will be here at least a couple more years regardless of his performance. Hopefully see you on the other side when Dante Jackson becomes head coach.

He definitely gets another year due to the scheduling challenges with COVID this year, but his seat will be very hot if we miss the tourney this year and next.


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[XBR1]

What is going on with Kunkel? He is supposed to be an elite shooter.

[XUBob]

Right now we are a bad basketball team. Jacking up bad shot after bad shot, playing no defense. Teams shoot way over their yearly percentage from three against us because we don’t guard it. As I’ve stated before the problem is in the head coaching chair. We all know that he will be here for awhile. With this talent there are no excuses for this type of play. I never mind getting beat but it’s hard to watch a college team play jr. high bball. I’m afraid the glory days of Xavier hoops are fading. BTW if we come back and miraculously win this game I’ll stand by this post.

[xuphan]

Kunkel and carter can make 50 mistakes, Tandy makes one and he never sees the court again

Kunkel missed a wide wide wide open 3. Wasn’t he know for his shooting at Belmont?

[paulxu]

Carter is 0-1 with 0 rebounds. Anyone would be at least someone who would get a rebound.

Every game it seems we get down 10+ early, and spend the rest of the game trying to catch up. Depressing.

[Xville]

What is going on with Kunkel? He is supposed to be an elite shooter.

A lot easier to shoot against mediocre competition vs athletic biggest guys flying at ya.

[xuphan]

Carter is 0-1 with 0 rebounds. Anyone would be at least someone who would get a rebound.

Every game it seems we get down 10+ early, and spend the rest of the game trying to catch up. Depressing.

Why didn’t Kunkel redshirt anyways. Seems like he could have used a year to gain some strength and quickness for the Big East.

[bjf123]

Well that was an embarrassing half of basketball.


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[Blue Blooded-05]

Carter isn’t even trying to do anything on the offensive end. It’s 4 on 5

[xuphan]

Carter is 0-1 with 0 rebounds. Anyone would be at least someone who would get a rebound.

Every game it seems we get down 10+ early, and spend the rest of the game trying to catch up. Depressing.

Are we 1-9 from 3?

[Xville]

Steele is a bum.

[XUBob]

Three years—no tournament— unacceptable.

[Xville]

Are we 1-9 from 3?

Oh don’t worry Steele says not to worry about the offense, it’s coming! #croninism

[drudy23]

Carter is 0-1 with 0 rebounds. Anyone would be at least someone who would get a rebound.

Every game it seems we get down 10+ early, and spend the rest of the game trying to catch up. Depressing.

Sigh...

Some of these decisions are just unfathomable

[HAAS_U]

Time to rally the troops at halftime Travis! Glad that focus on defense is really paying off!

[xavierj]

Kunkel missed a wide wide wide open 3. Wasn’t he know for his shooting at Belmont?

He was last year. His freshman year he shot 27%.

[KabeX]

This one is pretty much done. Put KyKy, Ramsey and CJ in. Let 'em play. Kunkle should not see the floor in the 2nd half.

[stammina0721]

And why are you on a Xavier message board? To tell us how much you don’t care?

Because I felt like it. If you don't like it you can go suck eggs for all I care. I'll come on when I want, comment when I want and if you don't like it oh well. I don't need to rationalize anything with you or anyone else.

[xavierj]

A lot easier to shoot against mediocre competition vs athletic biggest guys flying at ya.

His shots couldn’t be more open at any level. He is just missing as good of looks as you can get. Been that way all year. Probably had worse looks last year because he was the focus.

[HAAS_U]

Three years—no tournament— unacceptable.

Agree. Fire Steele. Time for Greg Christopher to correct his mistake... unfortunately I think we’re going to suffer through another season of Steele next year before that happens.

[SemajParlor]

The tempo needs to change. I don't understand why we run a methodical half court offense with this personnel to begin with, let alone against grinders like Providence and Uconn. I'd run out 4 guards and Zach and try to outscore them. Try anything.

[xuphan]

Carter isn’t even trying to do anything on the offensive end. It’s 4 on 5

I feel bad for Carter. He is trying but he is not a Big East type player. He should not be out there.

[drudy23]

Carter:
2 points
Everything else ZEROs
No rebounds, no assists, no steals, no blocks
What on earth are we doing????????

[XUGRAD80]

Why didn’t Kunkel redshirt anyways. Seems like he could have used a year to gain some strength and quickness for the Big East.

Because this year doesn’t count. He’s lost nothing by playing, and has gained several minutes of experience. Considering how little they’ve been able to actually train or practice this year, it wouldn’t have gained him anything to have spent the season as a redshirt.

[LOLmickcronin]

They always say “depth is a good problem to have.”

Not when you have a coach that isn’t willing to play the hot hand or at least focus on the guys that are the right match ups and sit the carters/kunkels of the world that don’t belong in a game like this.

[Xville]

Looking at the box score, free should not be leading the team in 3 point shot attempts....that’s unacceptable. Get your ass down low (I know Steele doesn’t want that but he’s clueless) where you are good and score.

[SemajParlor]

We need a KyKy Tandy storybook bail out game to turn this game and season around.

[markchal]

This board is obsessed with Tandy...who cares who the seventh man is on a bad team, which is what this is. And we lose two of our only three scoring options at the end of the season, so can’t see how we are even the same level next year. Move on from Steele already. Let’s not let our Cronin stick around for years

[AviatorX]

I’d like to apologize to drudy. I went on a crusade about how based on percentages and shot allocation, Xavier actually shot the right amount of 3’s. Since that point, they have gone about 3-500.

This team sucks. Blame whoever you want but they just aren’t good.

[drudy23]

"I'm not worried about the offense, we're gonna score points"

[KabeX]

13-7 / 6-7. Just reiterating my prediction and demonstrating how damn smart(assed) I am.

[drudy23]

I’d like to apologize to drudy. I went on a crusade about how based on percentages and shot allocation, Xavier actually shot the right amount of 3’s. Since that point, they have gone about 3-500.

This team sucks. Blame whoever you want but they just aren’t good.

They actually haven't been horrible in the last 2 games in their shot selection, but damn, you have to make some!!!

[Xville]

We need a KyKy Tandy storybook bail out game to turn this game and season around.

0 chance we see him in the 2nd half, it’s not in steeles coloring book. Gotta play his two unathletic all star white guys

[SemajParlor]

I know we're all rightfully down (including me). Only a 10 point game. Let's get this under 5 at the under 12 mark. Gotta come out firing

[Xville]

Makes zero sense to not try 4 guards and speed them up.

[X Factor]

Remember when Xavier teams used to get to the FT line all the time?

[drudy23]

Remember when Xavier teams used to get to the FT line all the time?

We're all phoo phoo and finesse now - this isn't Xavier basketball.

Identity destroying.

[LOLmickcronin]

Makes zero sense to not try 4 guards and speed them up.

Because carter needs his minutes!!

[Xville]

Lol carter good gawd lol

[Xville]

Great job coming out of the half overall...like Scruggs and odoms aggressiveness.

[drudy23]

Their white guy is more athletic than our white guy.

[X Factor]

Horchler abusing Jason Carter

[KabeX]

Their white guy is more athletic than our white guy.
And he's got such a head of pretty boy hair.

[LOLmickcronin]

Their white guy is more athletic than our white guy.

Tough sequence for carter getting swatted on one end then immediately posterized on the other.

[xavierj]

Game will come down to these next 4 minutes. Get stops and score. Get it down to 2 or less by next timeout and anything can happen. If Xavier loses this next sequence it will be lights out.

[Xville]

Free needs to hit the weight room big time

[LOLmickcronin]

I wonder if we’re going to consider doubling watson since we have no shot at all of guarding him?

[xu82]

I remember when I used to enjoy X games a LOT more. If we can get some stops we CAN do this.

[IM4X]

Zero ability to stop anyone driving inside.

[SemajParlor]

This is a massive play in this game

[xavierj]

That’s unfortunate.

[Xville]

Come on flagrant 2!! A guy can dream

[Lloyd Braun]

He’s done.

[xavierj]

Tech on Travis it looks like.

[KabeX]

Adriene!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Tech on Travis it looks like.

Hope he gets another one

[xu82]

Kunkel looks like he needs a date for the Junior Prom.

[xu82]

Adriene!


“Cut me”

[RoseyMuskie]

Getting the T, horrible move by Steele.

[Xville]

Ha nice announcer like kyky is getting off the bench this half.

[xavierj]

Come on Paul.

[KabeX]

“Cut me”
Unfortunately he did.

[drudy23]

Carter may cry himself to sleep tonight

[xavierj]

This team is a joke.

[Xville]

Put carter on a poster!

[bjf123]

We need some stick ‘em on our shoes. Too many slips.


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[Xville]

Only way x wins this is if Scruggs just goes off

[Xville]

Good thing carter is out there for his incredible d.

Please kunkel foul out so we don’t have to see you anymore this game

[IM4X]

Carter is an absolute liability... on offense and defense... like it’s 4 on 5

[xavierj]

Take Carter and Kunkel out. This game is over.

[LOLmickcronin]

I’ve never seen a team with so many sequences like that... scruggs spins to a wide open rim then slips and falls over.... then a dunk over two defenders on the other end.

[Blue Blooded-05]

8 point deficit feels like 48

[xuphan]

Only way x wins this is if Scruggs just goes off

Team is 1-10 from 3.

[Xavier]

This is the softest Big men Xavier has had as long as I remember. Freemantle is extremely fake tough.

[KabeX]

I really don't like ragging on young college players .. but this is a chat board so I will.

CARTER AND KUNKLE SUCK MAJOR ASS. Sit em down. Duck tape their ass to the bench. Oy.

[IM4X]

Either put Griffin in or play small and put in Wilcher

[LOLmickcronin]

Either put Griffin in or play small and put in Wilcher

This is a perfect griffin game he’s not polished offensively but would play grown man ball against watson and the white guy

[xuphan]

Either put Griffin in or play small and put in Wilcher

The are also shooting 50% from the field. Our defense has been pretty poor tonight.

[Xville]

They are playing effing zone, maybe put in your effing shooter that is available who can make open shots....why in the fucking hell is carter playing

[Xville]

Onions!

[xuphan]

They are playing effing zone, maybe put in your effing shooter that is available who can make open shots....why in the fucking hell is carter playing

We are shooting a whopping 9.1% from 3

[IM4X]

This is a perfect griffin game he’s not polished offensively but would play grown man ball against watson and the white guy

At least he might help stop Providence from scoring at will inside.

[drudy23]

We've basically had 3 guys score. 43 of our 49.

[SemajParlor]

Because when a team is in a 2-3 Zone you run Scruggs, Odom , Colby Jones and Carter for extended minutes. Yep!

[IM4X]

The are also shooting 50% from the field. Our defense has been pretty poor tonight.

Pretty poor? More like abysmal.

[XUBob]

The last play was typical of the Steele years. Play good defense, end of shot clock don’t guard the three, let a bad shooter hit a dagger. Wash rinse repeat.

[xu82]

The weather was lovely here today. A touch of spring, a sense of hope and brightness. I got my first Covid shot. Very efficient, a nice day for a long drive. The roses I got my wife for our anniversary have set a record for how long they have lasted. The puppy barked from her crate in the middle of the night because she had some stomach issues and had to go outside. Beats having to clean the crate again. Even better? I never heard it and the wife got her out. Life is GOOD!

[Xville]

Yes kunkel is back in! Thank gawd!!!!!!

[Xville]

He made one!!!! Holy shit

[xuphan]

Yes kunkel is back in! Thank gawd!!!!!!

Boom! Zip em up Kunkel

[IM4X]

Love how well Steele has this team defending the three.

[SemajParlor]

3 absolute back breakers

[drudy23]

Another thing we haven't done in 3 years - defend the 3

[LOLmickcronin]

At least he might help stop Providence from scoring at will inside.

Totally agree. He actually had a block on watson in one of his couple of first half possessions

[IM4X]

Yes kunkel is back in! Thank gawd!!!!!!

And now back out

[XBR1]

F’ing Horckler? Seriously? We have zero three point shooting.

[LOLmickcronin]

Another thing we haven't done in 3 years - defend the 3

Pretty wild how this particular Xavier team consistently had our “great shooters” throwing up bricks while the 4th guy off the oppositions bench is drilling Three after three

[markchal]

This is not a tournament team. Another season with a February collapse.

[xuphan]

The weather was lovely here today. A touch of spring, a sense of hope and brightness. I got my first Covid shot. Very efficient, a nice day for a long drive. The roses I got my wife for our anniversary have set a record for how long they have lasted. The puppy barked from her crate in the middle of the night because she had some stomach issues and had to go outside. Beats having to clean the crate again. Even better? I never heard it and the wife got her out. Life is GOOD!

Life is good.

[bjf123]

21% vs 53% from 3 ain’t gonna cut it.


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[GoMuskies]

Torched by some scrub from UNF.

[Xville]

So glad a guy averaging 5 has 17 points because x refuses to play d

[IM4X]

Carter makes a nice play... Glory Be!

[GoMuskies]

Also, do we lead the nation in getting dunked on? At least in the last 10 days we must.

[Xville]

Please be on kunkel

[GoMuskies]

Foul the UNF scrub on a three. Smart.

[xuphan]

Carter makes a nice play... Glory Be!

Hope we have some reinforcements coming in to replace Nate Johnson and Paul Scruggs next year.

[stammina0721]

Noone can name 2 big east coaches they would put Travis Steele above. He is has been outcoached in February for three years now. He was a miss. If you don't see that then you have blinders on

[drudy23]

A guy from Eastern Florida St College is smoking us.

Maybe we should scout The Mount.

[Xville]

So excited to hear steeles awesome press conference...probably will blame Tandy and Ramsey...certainly won’t take any accountability for his garbage coaching

[drudy23]

Fuck this shit

[bjf123]

This one’s over. Hello bubble.


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[IM4X]

Hope we have some reinforcements coming in to replace Nate Johnson and Paul Scruggs next year.

Nate Johnson literally has to stick around next year by using the “free year” rule. Has to or we are toast next year.

[XU 23]

Why does no X team ever defend the 3 ball? This has been an issue for at least 5+ years.

[XBR1]

I honestly don’t know why KyKy isn’t in the game. We need three point shooting in the worst way.

[SemajParlor]

We haven't looked like a tournament team since the lay off.

[GoMuskies]

I honestly don’t know why KyKy isn’t in the game. We need three point shooting in the worst way.

No worries. Carter is in there.

[xuphan]

Nate Johnson literally has to stick around next year by using the “free year” rule. Has to or we are toast next year.

Figured he would go overseas and get paid.

[KabeX]

Hummnn. I just had a thought - Travis Steele. Zac Taylor. Could they be the same person???

[IM4X]

So excited to hear steeles awesome press conference...probably will blame Tandy and Ramsey...certainly won’t take any accountability for his garbage coaching

At least it will be a loss to a team with a winning record... oh wait.

[drudy23]

I repeat - fuck this shit

[XU 23]

Lol of course that one drops.

[Xville]

Lol this lineup is effing hysterical. Someone fire his little man syndrome ass

[IM4X]

Way not to draw contact there Scruggs

[xu82]

We have a contractor and our designer coming in the morning to go over our master bath renovation. The last thing in the house that needs attention. LOVE the finishes we’ve picked out. It’s going to cost WAY too much, but the wife just got a very healthy bonus. They will do the work while we are in the NC mountains for a few weeks in the hot summer months. I’m excited about getting this done, and maybe getting the wood floors refinished at the same time.

As a Buffalo Bills fan since the 60’s I am well versed in coping with disappointment.

[Xville]

Transfer kyky and go to a big east school and every time you drain a three tell Steele he an idiot

[IM4X]

Yup that’s the shot you want - a three by a big with no one down low to get the rebound.

[drudy23]

And Creighton next - looooooong off-season with no post-season again.

[KabeX]

Oh what the hell? One more time ... 13-7 / 6-7.

[drudy23]

Uh oh - Trav is mean muggin on the sideline - must be getting close to post game presser time.

[GoMuskies]

Good that Carter got a chance to miss a three. Traditions are important.

[RoseyMuskie]

This team has the identity of its front court.

A four, who was an offensive liability, and now a full scale liability.

And a five, who’s a nice player, but with a finesse game.

[Xville]

Fire him. Sick of the love affair with the white stiffs on this team and whatever stubborn bullshit he has against kyky

This is the third year...it’s extremely apparent it’s the coach and not the players, and even if it was the players, almost all of them are his guys

[drudy23]

You could see it coming.

He's just not the answer.

[drudy23]

Legit risk of digging a hole you can't dig out of in this conference.

[XU 23]

Wow. That was bad.

[bjf123]

I’m rapidly approaching the same attitude towards X basketball that I have with the Bengals. I just expect them to lose and continue to disappoint.


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[xavierj]

This team won’t win another game. The coach is fine rolling out the same guys and getting the same results. I am okay with Odom but to keep running Carter and Kunkel out there is why the coach appears to have lost the team. They are not having fun and the coach isn’t helping them. I mean if you are going to lose at least try something different.

[IM4X]

I don’t mind a coach who isn’t perfect, but a coach who doesn’t recognize his own mistakes so he can’t improve is a bad, bad thing.

[drudy23]

There is ZERO logical explanation for the minutes Carter gets. ZERO.

We're going to have 3 guys graduate and 3 guys transfer. It's not looking good boys and girls.

We're on the verge of some very bad things.

[KabeX]

I’m rapidly approaching the same attitude towards X basketball that I have with the Bengals. I just expect them to lose and continue to disappoint.
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I don't know. Those post game pressers with Travis and Zac. They sure do inspire me. Changing the culture. Getting better on D. Same as it ever was.

[XU 23]

3pt defense has been a Xavier issue for 5+ years. I thought Travis would fix it and it's only gotten worse.

[Xville]

Steele will probably take their jerseys off tonight and get nice and fake tough

[SkyWalker]

I've been a season ticket holder for over twenty five years. I can take losses. But I'll be damned if I renew my tickets next year if Travis is still coach (and he will be). This is not even entertaining.

[Xville]

Can someone be a dear and link the press conference? I’m excited to hear all the coach speak bs

[KabeX]

I'll save you the trouble. It was short:

"Our 3 pt defense stunk"
"Couldn't throw it in the ocean"
"We gotta figure it out man"
"Free was great tonight"

[drudy23]

Can someone be a dear and link the press conference? I’m excited to hear all the coach speak bs

I listened - it was very vanilla.

No tough guy talk, but no accountability either.

Byron and Joe are way too nice.

[Xville]

I'll save you the trouble. It was short:

"Our 3 pt defense stunk" —-because you play the wrong people
"Couldn't throw it in the ocean"——because you let free and carter shoot 3s and don’t let Tandy play
"We gotta figure it out man" ——- you never change anything, ever. Next game if Johnson is healthy, you’ll get your coach by numbers coloring book out and play the same starting lineup like you have almost all year., and you’ll continue to have carter and free stand around the three point line.
"Free was great tonight" ——-yeah he scored...I thought it was important that they played good d? I guess that’s only for Tandy. (Yes I know he rebounded, that’s only one part of playing d)



Fire steele

[Backyard Champ]

There is ZERO logical explanation for the minutes Carter gets. ZERO.

We're going to have 3 guys graduate and 3 guys transfer. It's not looking good boys and girls.

We're on the verge of some very bad things.

Carter is a role player, I’m not sure what people want from him. He’s absolutely not the reason we got killed tonight.

Our team defense is primarily the reason for our poor play. We simply aren’t playing together, defensively. Too many times opposing teams have wide open looks, and our players are wondering how it happened. Maybe it’s poor communication, poor scheme, or lack of reps. Either way, it’s bad. It’s not even just one player, Freemantle is absolutely a defensive liability. He’s great on offense, but is lost defensively.

Scruggs may have put up some points tonight, but he is not the leader he was to start the season. There was a time where he was looking like he would be 1st team all big east. He’s fallen off quit a bit. If we want to turn things around, I believe it starts with Scruggs.

[drudy23]

Carter is a role player, I’m not sure what people want from him. He’s absolutely not the reason we got killed tonight.

Our team defense is primarily the reason for our poor play. We simply aren’t playing together, defensively. Too many times opposing teams have wide open looks, and our players are wondering how it happened. Maybe it’s poor communication, poor scheme, or lack of reps. Either way, it’s bad. It’s not even just one player, Freemantle is absolutely a defensive liability. He’s great on offense, but is lost defensively.

Scruggs may have put up some points tonight, but he is not the leader he was to start the season. There was a time where he was looking like he would be 1st team all big east. He’s fallen off quit a bit. If we want to turn things around, I believe it starts with Scruggs.

I agree he's a role player - then he should be playing role player minutes.

Scruggs was the best player on the floor tonight - well besides the surfer dude.

Scruggs is the least of this team's worries.

[Backyard Champ]

Watching the game Scruggs did not dominate. He missed buckets at the rim, dribbled out of control, and did not lead in any way. Just a completely different player than he was 2 months ago. He got his points tonight, but he certainly isn’t leading the team the way he was when we were clicking. I don’t think he’s been the leader we desperately need since our Covid breaks.

We’ve seen the potential this team has, which is why this is frustrating. I’d like to say more games together would have made a difference, but I’m not sure that’s the case.

[xavierj]

I agree he's a role player - then he should be playing role player minutes.

Scruggs was the best player on the floor tonight - well besides the surfer dude.

Scruggs is the least of this team's worries.

Paul was ok and he wasn’t the reason they lost for sure, but he was 8-21 from the floor, 0-4 from 3, had 3 assists and 2 turnovers. If he had help from a wing that would have been ok. But the way this game was going Paul needed to be more efficient. I also think he is beat for whatever reason and does not seem to be fully engaged. This team definitely lacks a leader on the floor. The good news I think for the future is that I think Odom and Jones will bring leadership on the floor.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I listened - it was very vanilla.

No tough guy talk, but no accountability either.

Byron and Joe are way too nice.

Probably a tough spot for Byron and Joe though. They arent reporters/journalists.

[IM4X]

Let’s hope things can get turned around but right now a few things are as clear as a sunny day:

We currently have only one proven BE caliber big and even he is a below average defender right now.

Scruggs is not as good (nor is the team) when Johnson is out of the lineup.

The defense is not getting any better, despite Travis continually promising everyone that it will.

Travis still struggles miserably to understand which lineups work well.

Steele seems to think his coaching choices are not part of the reason this team is not playing up to their potential.

Travis believes hard work in practice trumps talent or the hot hand when it comes to extended playing time in a game.

Steele doesn’t see his bigs living out on the perimeter and shooting threes at will hurts the team, even when there are clearly better 3 point shooting guards on the floor.

There is no truly good defender in the paint on the current roster and no one coming in next year who looks to be able to change that glaring issue.

Hearing Travis push the “I’m not worried about the offense” narrative during the past 4 games and then today hearing him say his players “Couldn’t throw it into the ocean” is not giving fans confidence that they can trust what he says at this point.

“We gotta figure it out” are not exactly the words you want to hear from the head coach with so few games left in the season. If he hasn’t paid enough attention to “figure it out” by now... especially when one of the things he and his staff haven’t “figured it out” is how to teach his team to play solid defense and when one of the thing he hasn’t figured out is that HE continues to make the type of bad decisions (horrible lineups, waiting too long to call timeouts, allowing bigs to shoot 3s at will, etc) that ultimately cripples his team and puts them in the kind of holes that are almost impossible for them to crawl out of and win games.

[Xavier]

Not reading through the thread so it may have been said- but the team put up 40+ in the 2nd half. Mainly by attacking the rim- we even saw a handful of players that cut without the ball well. Everything is better as we move to the hoop. It was a completely different offense than the 1st half. I guess that is at least a good sign for half time adjustments but why was it so bad in the 1st half.

[xavierj]

Not reading through the thread so it may have been said- but the team put up 40+ in the 2nd half. Mainly by attacking the rim- we even saw a handful of players that cut without the ball well. Everything is better as we move to the hoop. It was a completely different offense than the 1st half. I guess that is at least a good sign for half time adjustments but why was it so bad in the 1st half.

I think in the first half it’s just they didn’t make shots. Paul and Colby both missed a lot of first half shots at the rim and Zach missed a couple as well. In addition, they also missed a ton of really good look threes in the first half as well. So if they make a couple of more threes and Paul and Colby make a couple of easy shots at the rim, then they score 35 or 36 first half points and the offense would have looked much better. They had plenty of good looks in the first half, but you have to make the freaking shots. Also since they struggle to offensive rebound the ball it’s another reason for more Griffin and less Carter. Carter just struggles to get offensive rebounds so one and done doesn’t help the offense either. Zach was better getting offensive rebounds but other than him Xavier only had one other offensive rebound.

[murray87]

33 minutes for Carter with 2 points and 2 rebounds. 7 minutes for Griffin, zero for Ramsey and Miles. Why??............and 4 minutes for Tandy? Come on man!

[markchal]

Griffin is the only one of him/Miles/Ramsey that isn’t totally lost on D and he still isn’t good. Problem with him is conditioning too, he didn’t have the gas after missing so much time to play much more than he did.

[xavierj]

33 minutes for Carter with 2 points and 2 rebounds. 7 minutes for Griffin, zero for Ramsey and Miles. Why??............and 4 minutes for Tandy? Come on man!

Miles wasn’t dressed so he couldn’t play. He’s not ready and also not practicing so that doesn’t help. But yes Griffin, Tandy and Wilcher getting zero second half minutes is a joke when the guys on the floor couldn’t get anything going. I can see staying with Paul, Odom and Zach because they were producing but, Kunkel, Carter and Jones just didn’t get anything done. Should have played Griffin and Wilcher and Tandy and took out either Jones, Carter and Kunkel. At least try Griffin or wilcher and take Carter out. Him being on the floor isn’t helping on defense or offense and he isn’t rebounding.