Game Thread: Xavier v OSU (11/18/2021)

[paulxu]

https://www.brickeconomy.com/resources/images/sets/lego-8804-3_large.jpgVS. https://cdn.drawception.com/images/panels/2017/1-2/kj3m1ZOYPW-4.png

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (2-0) VS.
NO. 19 OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY BUCKEYES (3-0)
THURSDAY, NOV. 18, 2021, 6:30 PM, AT CINTAS CENTER (10,224)
TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play by-play from Brandon Gaudin and analysis from Bill Raftery.
Radio: 55KRC with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from Xavier all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88). Xavier broadcast is also available on Sirius XM channel 389 and SXM App. 979.
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Raf on the call. Love it! Will have to watch when I get home (if we win..).

[UCGRAD4X]

Raf on the call. Love it! Will have to watch when I get home (when we win..).

fixed it for you

you're welcome

[Xville]

Game day! Time to get the hate train going

Greg oden? Dead
Stupid school that puts the in front of its name? Dead
One of the most boring cities in the world? Dead

F Ohio state

[D-West & PO-Z]

fixed it for you

you're welcome

Thank you, you are doing the Lord's work.

[American X]

Steele is running a false flag operation. He intentionally had his team play really mediocre basketball the first two games so as not to give OSU any game tape to prepare. He is going to tactically deploy the actual Xavier capabilities as needed tonight. Brilliant strategy.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Steele is running a false flag operation. He intentionally had his team play really mediocre basketball the first two games so as not to give OSU any game tape to prepare. He is going to tactically deploy the actual Xavier capabilities as needed tonight. Brilliant strategy.

Bold strategy Cotton.

[drudy23]

Revenge is best served cold.

Rage for Cage

Just win please.

[bleedXblue]

Actually think this is a good matchup for X. Liddell is going to have his way........just dont let anyone else beat us.

Of course, we need to be able to make some shots. Nate has to start delivering or we should seen some KyKy.

Rebound well and it should be a game that we can win.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Raf on the call. Love it! Will have to watch when I get home (if we win..).

Take it home Jerome!

[Xuperman]

Actually think this is a good matchup for X. Liddell is going to have his way........just dont let anyone else beat us.

Of course, we need to be able to make some shots. Nate has to start delivering or we should seen some KyKy.

Rebound well and it should be a game that we can win.

KyKy could influence this game, but wouldn't that mean Cintas is experiencing that "clanking" sound from 3 that is all too familar? Personally, I want to see a lot of Ben Stanley! Got to ratchet up the physicality in this one and he can certainly provide that in spades.....especially if anything close to 100%. Does anyone have any game time info on both he and Tandy healthwise?

As far the boards war goes, chances are really good that it will be at least a push. HOWEVER, the battle for points from the line is critical. X has strayed so far away from Byron Larkin's favorite "key to the game" that it appears Coach Steele has substituted that former hallmark with a lousy new one. DRIVE the freaking paint more Steele!!!

[markchal]

Is anyone else surprised at how bad our 3pt shooting is? Kunkel (in practice) is supposed to be lights out from 3. Johnson was literally one of the best in the country at shooting the 3 last year. Scruggs is solid, Jones isn't bad, and Tandy is supposed to be the best shooter on the team. In theory, we should be able to bomb against the 2-3 zone teams throw at us.

[drudy23]

Is anyone else surprised at how bad our 3pt shooting is?

No

[D-West & PO-Z]

KyKy could influence this game, but wouldn't that mean Cintas is experiencing that "clanking" sound from 3 that is all too familar? Personally, I want to see a lot of Ben Stanley! Got to ratchet up the physicality in this one and he can certainly provide that in spades.....especially if anything close to 100%. Does anyone have any game time info on both he and Tandy healthwise?

As far the boards war goes, chances are really good that it will be at least a push. HOWEVER, the battle for points from the line is critical. X has strayed so far away from Byron Larkin's favorite "key to the game" that it appears Coach Steele has substituted that former hallmark with a lousy new one. DRIVE the freaking paint more Steele!!!

I imagine it will be a bit until we see Stanley. It was just last week it was reported he asked Steele not to play him so he could continue to rehab since he didn't feel quite right.

No idea on Kyky.

[xukeith]

Both OSU starting guards are smaller than Johnson and Scruggs.

Stay out of foul trouble. Play the length and speed game on defense.

I don't think Miles or Nunge are strong enough to out muscle OSU big guys.

Maybe OSU will play slow walking molasses like basketball.

I feel good about our defense.

[IM4X]

Send it in, Jerome!

The actual phrase Raf made famous.

I will admit that the way you put it “Send it home Jerome” is the way most people probably remember it being said because it sounds like the more natural phrase that would roll off someone’s tongue at that moment in reference to that remarkable dunk made by that particular player.

[Strange Brew]

I'm very concerned with how Cup Snake will play tonight. Really provided a spark off the bench against Kent State. Love to see that level of intensity from our 6th option against OSU.

[nuts4xu]

I don't think Miles or Nunge are strong enough to out muscle OSU big guys.



Jack Nunge has played against Ohio State 3 times in his career:
1/4/18: 3 points, 2 rebounds
2/10/18: 18 points, 5 rebounds
2/4/21: 18 points, 6 rebounds

Based on actual evidence I expect Jack to hold his own in this game. It will be a good test for Miles.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Kyky is available tonight.

[IM4X]

Jack Nunge has played against Ohio State 3 times in his career:
1/4/18: 3 points, 2 rebounds
2/10/18: 18 points, 5 rebounds
2/4/21: 18 points, 6 rebounds

Based on actual evidence I expect Jack to hold his own in this game. It will be a good test for Miles.

That’s some good intel on Nunge. Thanks for sharing. Hope he’s given significant minutes tonight. Maybe he is hungry to match or exceed his previous best performance.

[paulxu]

https://media2.giphy.com/media/oboFxDrJ8krW8/200w.gif?cid=82a1493b2yivkirijaw50hqi0m83vvqoh66r6 lpb04thjh4r&rid=200w.gif&ct=g

[American X]

https://media2.giphy.com/media/oboFxDrJ8krW8/200w.gif?cid=82a1493b2yivkirijaw50hqi0m83vvqoh66r6 lpb04thjh4r&rid=200w.gif&ct=g

Hillary Clinton?

[xu82]

Hillary Clinton?

Bill just might have deserved it….just sayin’! :-)

[Xuperman]

Is this not the pinnacle game for T Steele?

ZERO Ranked wins NonCon for Steele.

[Xuperman]

Paul Scruggs.....period!

No Scruggs... No dub.

[Xville]

Well, strategy is definitely get the ball to the rack…love it!!!!

[American X]

Great start attacking the basket.....and Hunter jacking a 3 early in the shot clock not great.

[American X]

Easily the best basketball from Xavier this short season.

Still do not get Kunkel launching from 28 feet.

Everyone is rebounding.

[Xville]

Kunkel some good some bad

[IM4X]

Got to stick to the smarter passes.

[Xville]

Great d kunk!!

[xukeith]

On defense, it looks like OSU is struggling to sore on set plays and drives. X rebounding is pretty good. Good to see Johnson hit something. Kunkel with 2 threes. They are shutting Scruggs out.

Silly Miles (our secret weapon) 3 fouls darn!

[IM4X]

Kunkel some good some bad

Exactly. The ones he missed were bad, forced shots and the ones he made were ones you like him to take.

[IM4X]

Best movement I’ve seen on offense so far this season. That was an unselfish thing of beauty that ended with a nice three for Jones.

[Xville]

Some really great d… love the intensity… took three years but nice to see these last two games!

[American X]

Just slightly improve the shot selection and stop serving up delicious, juicy shots to be blocked...

[IM4X]

Completely okay with Nunge not stepping out to take those 3s and leaving no big down low.

[IM4X]

Nice to see when Scruggs is struggling,his teammates are stepping up in his place.

[Lloyd Braun]

Colby Jones = sticky icky glue.

[GIMMFD]

Man, we're fun to watch at times, I swear.

[American X]

It is nice to see you this season, Dwon Odom!

Jones to Johnson backdoor basket, the cut and pass!

Defense & rebounding all around!

[xukeith]

Defense is superb. I bet Chris Holtmann will make some adjustments. There small guard is capable of lightening it up from 3.

Keep rebounding and continue the drives to the hoop.

1st half X FG % is 47%. Best offense and defense of this young season.

Hunter, stop the threes.

[IM4X]

Really liking the line up of Scruggs, Odom, Jones, Johnson and Nunge. Nice job of those guys passing and getting it inside.

Wish Hunter would look to pass it a bit more often when he gets the ball. Too often when he gets it, he just takes the shot.

[Xville]

All in all a really good half..some mistakes here and there but can’t hate the intensity on defense and the concerted effort to get the ball inside

[xukeith]

Kunkel 8 points 3 assists

[Xville]

Great to see Johnson and Odom contributing as well. Welcome to the season!

[IM4X]

Lots of points in the paint. Good to see.

[JTG]

These type games make me more nervous than a 2 pt lead

[IM4X]

Johnson!

[xukeith]

Ohio State now deliberatly is pounding it inside.

Miles 4 fouls.

Getting offensive tip ins.

Johnson 3 looked smooth

[xukeith]

Not feeling very good about 2nd half defense vs these punks

[IM4X]

Nunge might be my new favorite player. He is at least the most pleasant surprise so far IMO.

[IM4X]

Bad decision by Scrugds two on one.

I wouldn’t mind fixing him a breather and seeing Odom in there instead.

[GIMMFD]

Nunge might be my new favorite player. He is at least the most pleasant surprise so far IMO.

He's working his ass off tonight, wish he woulda hit that 3, Cintas would have errupted, it's nice to have a 7 foot monster around.

[IM4X]

Enough with the threes Nunge. Stick to your game

[GIMMFD]

That's the Dwon Odom I know, killer.

[Xville]

Nunge taking threes is stupid, but I really do like the way he is playing outside of that!

[Xville]

Odom! Where you been my boy hell yeah!

[Lloyd Braun]

This game feels fishy

[IM4X]

Getting away front the game fellas: get it in to Nunge

[Xville]

Can Kunkel be taken out ffs

[Strange Brew]

Listening not watching. Do the refs look as back as they sound?

[XUBison]

Enough with the threes Nunge. Stick to your game

I was reliably informed that 3-pointers are his game.

[xu82]

YUGE 3 for Johnson!!!!

[Xville]

Nunge MVP!

Kunkel fades left or right on every single shot…that’s what is making him so inconsistent. He thinks he’s curry

[Strange Brew]

YUGE 3 for Johnson!!!!

Per Byron, it's winning time before that 3 from Nate.

[xukeith]

Only Johnson, Scruggs, Kunkel, Jones, and Tandy should be allowed to shoot threes.

[xukeith]

Nunge threes look like Carter's threes.

[Xville]

Listening not watching. Do the refs look as back as they sound?

I feel like they have been pretty fair to be honest..nothing egregious

[MauriceX]

Listening not watching. Do the refs look as back as they sound?

They have been pretty inconsistent, sometimes allow a ton of contact and no call, sometimes call the tiniest little touch. But the inconsistency has gone both ways pretty equally in my mind.

[Strange Brew]

They have been pretty inconsistent, sometimes allow a ton of contact and no call, sometimes call the tiniest little touch. But the inconsistency has gone both ways pretty equally in my mind.

Ok, fair enough. Really wanted to bag on the refs....darn.

[IM4X]

Honestly think Odom should have been in there instead of Scruggs. When one player is having an off game (no matter how good a player he is supposed to be) and someone else is playing well off the bench, you’ve got to go with the hot player.

[Strange Brew]

Honestly think Odom should have been in there instead of Scruggs. When one player is having an off game (no matter how good a player he is supposed to be) and someone else is playing well off the bench, you’ve got to go with the hot player.

Never underestimate Steele's ability to piss away a W....

[IM4X]

Work it inside guys

[IM4X]

Nunge for President!

[XUBison]

only johnson, scruggs, !*$%^&, jones, and tandy should be allowed to shoot threes.

fify.

[Strange Brew]

Only Johnson, Scruggs, Kunkel, Jones, and Tandy should be allowed to shoot threes.

No more 3s until they make one....:)

[Xville]

Nunge is so gassed. Guy has been a warrior tonight but damn the tank is on e

[Xville]

Hell yeah scruggy!

[xu82]

Nunge for President!

Scruggs for VP???

[XUBison]

Honestly think Odom should have been in there instead of Scruggs. When one player is having an off game (no matter how good a player he is supposed to be) and someone else is playing well off the bench, you’ve got to go with the hot player.

Maybe Odom should be playing, but not for Scruggs. No way you’re taking Scruggs out down the stretch of a game like this. Right on cue…

[xukeith]

Where the HELL is Justin Cage now? We need him now with the ball 25 seconds on shot clock!

[Xville]

Fuck yeah Scruggs!!!! Leader! Fuck your Columbus and fuck you ohio state

[IM4X]

Maybe Odom should be playing, but not for Scruggs. No way you’re taking Scruggs out down the stretch of a game like this. Right on cue…

Holy crap was that awesome by Scruggs!

[XUBison]

Maybe Odom should be playing, but not for Scruggs. No way you’re taking Scruggs out down the stretch of a game like this. Right on cue…

Like I said… Scruggs = onions!

[Strange Brew]

Holy crap was that awesome by Scruggs!

In yo face John Cahil...

[IM4X]

Like I said… Scruggs = onions!

Onions indeed!

[Xville]

Geezus how do you give up a wide open three in that situation? Give them the two..gawd damn time and situation guys time and situation

[Strange Brew]

This feels too much like the last time we played...

[IM4X]

Love the strong finish! So proud of these guys!

[GIMMFD]

Paul. Scruggs. Exactly what you want to see out of a seasoned vet to ice the end of a game, what a great last two minutes for him after not that great of a game. Want to see him take over like that more.

[paulxu]

Suck it O-lie-o.

[Xville]

Hell yes!!! Big statement win! Scruggs and nunge mvps…out fucking standing!

5-2 big East

[xukeith]

I will take that defense any night. Very well coached first half, Liddell could not be stopped but Nunge stepped up hugely. Scruggs scores last 8 points for Muskies.

Jason Carter's m3 point attempts were predictable tonight.

[MauriceX]

Paul Scruggs.

That is all.

[IM4X]

Paul. Scruggs. Exactly what you want to see out of a seasoned vet to ice the end of a game, what a great last two minutes for him after not that great of a game. Want to see him take over like that more.

Yes. A great leader finds a way to step up and deliver even when he is struggling. Not sure we saw anywhere near this level of leadership and nastiness in years past when he was struggling. And the game was on the line. Dare I say, this is the version of Scruggs that could lead his team to a Final Four (especially with this supporting cast and with Free back in the line up).

[XUGRAD80]

Before the season started I questioned if X had a player, or players, that would take over a close game at the end of the game….that question has been answered. Paul Scruggs, you are the man!

Ohhowihateohiostate….

[Strange Brew]

Yes. A great leader finds a way to step up and deliver even when he is struggling. Not sure we saw anywhere near this level of leadership and nastiness I years past when he was struggling. Dare I say, this is the version of Scruggs that could lead his team to a Final Four (especially with this supporting cast and with Free back in the line up).

And if they ever shoot more than 20% from 3.

[XUBison]

And if they ever shoot more than 20% from 3.

Only way to do that is to keep shooting ‘em!

[Strange Brew]

Only way to do that is to keep shooting ‘em!

You only miss the shots you don't take. Or something..

[XU_Lou]

Fuck your Columbus

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Anyone?

Hey, fuck your Witchita! Fuck your Louisville!

Is this the new "Lets Go Brandon"? Maybe an underhand way to cheer against the team you play? Good one!!

[Strange Brew]

Somewhere Justin Cage is smiling.

[XUBison]

There are those moments that make you so proud as a fan… I know that’s cheesy, but it’s why I love college sports. So proud of Scruggy tonight. #Legendary

And I don’t know why the guy with sunglasses is there, but I can’t seem to get rid of him…

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Congrats for a good win vs a ranked team. On paper, X should be shooting a lot better from 3. Maybe it will get better as the players get more confidence.
Paul and Nunge are mvps tonight. Now we know why OSU doesn’t want to play us.

[Xville]

There are those moments that make you so proud as a fan… I know that’s cheesy, but it’s why I love college sports. So proud of Scruggy tonight. #Legendary

True story. Lots of potential on this team if they can play like this on defense night in and night out. Shoot a bit better from 3, free gets healthy and this team can be really special.

Hats off to Steele setting the tone, especially in the first half!

[xukeith]

Just watched the last 2 minutes again. Huge steal by Scruggs but credit Nunge, he deflected the inbounds pass.

[IM4X]

And if they ever shoot more than 20% from 3.

True. If they are choosier about their threes, they should keep getting better… but it can’t just be about having a good look. These guys can’t be taking off balance shots or rushed shots or shots where they are releasing the ball as they are still moving laterally. Heck, I’m not so sure either Hunter or Kunkel has passed up a chance to take a three yet. Nunge need to pass on a three when no one is down low. Good night for the team otherwise though.

[Xville]

Just watched the last 2 minutes again. Huge steal by Scruggs but credit Nunge, he deflected the inbounds pass.

Nunge was an animal tonight…the progression that he has made in just three games is incredible!

[paulxu]

Great D tonight. Got to correct the 3 situation.
Last in the league at 25% going into tonight. 20% tonight.
The Big East will eat us up if we don't do a better job from behind the arc.

[boozehound]

Great defense, and I think the team played well to neutralize the size advantage. We rebounded from all positions, which I think we are going to have to do against teams with a legit big.

My only real frustration was the repeated bricking of 3 pointers from Kunkel in the second half. At some point you just have to figure it isn’t your night and stop shooting those. He had better be shooting 80% from 3 in practice to have that kind of green light…

This was a big win.

[Section 200]

Didn't remember how much I disliked OSU for that game in 2007 - was great to get the win! Will OSU ever play at Cintas again? I'm still amazed we got this game!

[KabeX]

Somewhere Justin Cage is smiling.

Somewhere Grandpa Oden should still be in jail for what he did 15 years ago. But hey, I'm over it. No really. I'm over it.

[JTG]

Somewhere Grandpa Oden should still be in jail for what he did 15 years ago. But hey, I'm over it. No really. I'm over it.
Oden had a front row seat. He's an OSU asst.

[KabeX]

Oden had a front row seat. He's an OSU asst.

I head that. Prob shoved the usher out of the way before sitting down.

[SemajParlor]

Well that was fun! Nice win for the fellas.

[bjf123]

I head that. Prob shoved the usher out of the way before sitting down.

Public reps!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xu82]

Oden had a front row seat. He's an OSU asst.

We could beat them every year for the next 100 years, and I’ll never be OK with him chucking Justin Cage into the second row and getting away with it.

[paulxu]

Cahill was the real culprit. Odom just made a foul that wasn't called correctly.

[X Factor]

That was an awesome game and team win! Scruggs was so good down the stretch. Nunge was huge and Odom is scary attacking the basket.

Kunkel might be the most overrated shooter in the history of college basketball though. Give me Redford any day of the week.

If this team can defend and rebound like they did tonight, they'll be tough to beat, even though they absolutely suck at shooting threes.

When will Steele actually have a good shooting team?

[UCGRAD4X]

Congrats for a good win vs a ranked team. On paper, X should be shooting a lot better from 3. Maybe it will get better as the players get more confidence.
Paul and Nunge are mvps tonight. Now we know why OSU doesn’t want to play us.

No. It won't.

[XUBison]

We could beat them every year for the next 100 years, and I’ll never be OK with him chucking Justin Cage into the second row and getting away with it.

I watched that game at a sports bar with, among others, my mother-in-law, who was an OSU alum. She’s a genuine OSU football fan, but I don’t know if she even realized OSU had a basketball team until that day. The whole game she kept squawking, “Go Bucks!”, like a turkey on Thanksgiving Day. My wife and I still deride her by doing our best shrill imitation of the phrase under our breaths whenever she annoys us. My wife was very eager to give her hell once the game was over tonight.

[hydmuskie]

Couple of observations...

Loved Nate Johnson he breaking our drought and with a 3 no less. I think he is much more important to us than Kunkel.

Colby needs to play with Odom's confidence. He deferred a little bit too much. He also attempted only 2 3s. If he takes and makes that at 30% - it will open up driving lanes for him.

Miles - love the enthusiasm - but needs to adjust his defense to how the refs are calling it

[markchal]

Kunkel might be the most overrated shooter in the history of college basketball though. Give me Redford any day of the week.


Shooting? Sure. But Kunkel had four assists and some great hustle on D, and is miles more athletic than Redford.

[SemajParlor]

You can tell this team enjoys playing with each other ON the court. A bit refreshing from the last few years. Good chemistry and solid depth. If we can get Zach back at full strength we might be on to something.

[bobbiemcgee]

“It means a lot,” Scruggs said. “This win was for us, but it’s also for the alumni. We won this game for them.”

Scruggs for President

[Backyard Champ]

Kunkel might be the most overrated shooter in the history of college basketball though. Give me Redford any day of the week.



Lol. Maybe, just maybe if it was only a 3 shooting (no one in the gym) competition. Otherwise, Kunkel is a far better player and it isn’t even close. Kunkel can do much more than catch and shoot, heck Kunkel can create his own 3 shot.

I’m sure you mean empty gym shooting so it’s a moot point, but I don’t think Redford would see minutes in the Big East.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Lets fucking go!!!!!

The 'tas was rocking tonight. What an atmosphere!

Paul "The Closer" Scruggs man.

Nunge! Huge down low tonight!

Colby 12 boards!

Odom! Welcome to 2021-2022 season my man!

Nate, ditto!

Great defense, great ball movement and getting to the rack.

If you would have told me we'd shoot 20% from three, I would have said game over for us.

That D! We could be elite defensively, love to see it.

Go X!!!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Before the season started I questioned if X had a player, or players, that would take over a close game at the end of the game….that question has been answered. Paul Scruggs, you are the man!

Ohhowihateohiostate….

Yeah Scruggs has been a killer closer. Amazing.

Paul "The Closer" Scruggs!

[MADXSTER]

Lets fucking go!!!!!

The 'tas was rocking tonight. What an atmosphere!

Paul "The Closer" Scruggs man.

Nunge! Huge down low tonight!

Colby 12 boards!

Odom! Welcome to 2021-2022 season my man!

Nate, ditto!

Great defense, great ball movement and getting to the rack.

If you would have told me we'd shoot 20% from three, I would have said game over for us.

That D! We could be elite defensively, love to see it.

Go X!!!

Colby's block on Liddell was HUGE

[bobbiemcgee]

presser;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwoaJPSSDt8

[D-West & PO-Z]

I head that. Prob shoved the usher out of the way before sitting down.

Ha, reps!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Colby's block on Liddell was HUGE

Yes, that was awesome!

[noteggs]

Obviously HUGE win and just watched recording. I know we have older players, but caught me off guard when announcer said Brunk was originally recruited by Holtman at Butler. Yes three schools later…

[IM4X]

If you would have told me we'd shoot 20% from three, I would have said game over for us.

And yet, if you knew Kunkel was going to shoot 8 threes, Nunge 4 threes and Hunter 3 threes , you probably would have expected X would shoot 20%. That is the problem. Get the right shooters taking the bulk of the threes and this is not as big a problem.

Still, a hell of an effort overall by the team.

[drudy23]

You saw the keys for WINNING tonight. Very similar to a Big East game.

Wasn't exactly pretty, but this is how this team WINS.

Gives me hope for Big East play where we will need a solid post and rebounding presence to compete. I fell better about this team after that.

Credit to Ohio State for making every shot to keep them in the game; HOWEVER - WTF was up with playing their fight song in the arena? I know it was likely to get us to boo the OSU fans, but don't play the opponent's fight song in our arena ever again.

[drudy23]

Also credit where credit is due.

We don't win tonight without Nunge and Odom. I've been hard on both early, but both played great tonight. Odom is SOOOO explosive. Nunje just needs to do what he did tonight consistently - a solid 10 and 8 every night.

Excited about this team especially when Free comes back.

[noteggs]

Also credit where credit is due.

We don't win tonight without Nunge and Odom. I've been hard on both early, but both played great tonight. Odom is SOOOO explosive. Nunje just needs to do what he did tonight consistently - a solid 10 and 8 every night.

Excited about this team especially when Free comes back.

Good post.

Last point is key…this was without one of our best players. Think it might be blessing in disguise to get Nunge involved early. Hopefully inside presence will loosen the outside shooters.

[94GRAD]

You saw the keys for WINNING tonight. Very similar to a Big East game.

Wasn't exactly pretty, but this is how this team WINS.

Gives me hope for Big East play where we will need a solid post and rebounding presence to compete. I fell better about this team after that.

Credit to Ohio State for making every shot to keep them in the game; HOWEVER - WTF was up with playing their fight song in the arena? I know it was likely to get us to boo the OSU fans, but don't play the opponent's fight song in our arena ever again.

I heard the Michigan fight song, not osu

[drudy23]

I heard the Michigan fight song, not osu

Well shit, that makes more sense.

[GIMMFD]

Yes. A great leader finds a way to step up and deliver even when he is struggling. Not sure we saw anywhere near this level of leadership and nastiness in years past when he was struggling. And the game was on the line. Dare I say, this is the version of Scruggs that could lead his team to a Final Four (especially with this supporting cast and with Free back in the line up).

Definitely, we were curious about that it factor, and Scruggs flashed it at times in the past, but tonight he looked like a man that refused to lose that game, and that's something I've been dying to see. The team plays for each other, has a lot of passion. Obviously we need to shoot better, but man Nunge looking like he shook off the rust from the injury, still missing Freemantle, yeah, we're very deep. I think parts of this game we can see what our peak may be, with Odom being explosive, Colby just being smooth and effortless, Scruggs taking over, and Nunge doing some dirty work inside and rebounding, I was very happy with the performance. When it got close, it felt different than in the past couple years where I had a feeling we'd blow it, I felt like we'd pull this one out and that was a great feeling.

Also sidebar, hilarious of the student section to chant Oral Roberts at Ohio State lol.

[paulxu]

Not sure what it was like in person, but watching from home the Cintas seemed to be rocking the entire game.
Energy level, especially of the students, came through as up, all the way to the buzzer.
Made it extra special to enjoy the W.
Did they do the cup snake thing?

[mid major]

Not sure what it was like in person, but watching from home the Cintas seemed to be rocking the entire game.
Energy level, especially of the students, came through as up, all the way to the buzzer.
Made it extra special to enjoy the W.
Did they do the cup snake thing?

Yes they did. The student section was jacked up.

[bleedXblue]

Cintas was rocking but missed a huge chance to chant "Justin Cage" at the end of the game. I know section 201 was trying like hell.

Great W.

Lots still to work on, but the "D" was solid and we rebounded well. If those two stay consistent, we will be in every game this year.

[bjf123]

Not sure if anyone from X reads Xavierhoops, but after the Kent State game, I posted how there was nothing on the scoreboard to indicate who had the possession arrow. Last night, there was a big yellow arrow on the ribbon board showing it. Thanks to whoever added that!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JTG]

So does Travis have a dilemma on his hands with Nunge's performance last night ? I think he proved he needs to be more than a spot player. His 3s left something to be desired, but inside he made a huge difference. That block to Scruggs in the corner under the OSU basket was both smart and beautiful. The next 7 days should be interesting.

[Masterofreality]

I have been hard on Travis Steele for the last 3 years, not going to rehash cause it’s documented on this site, but full credit today and it appears he’s finally figured it out. Good game plan, toughest team defense I’ve seen from his teams, judicious use of time outs, holding players accountable (pulling Hunter after a dumb shot) , giving the ball to the Alpha Dog at crunch and knowing when to call a solid set. All around awesome job.
So many positives. Colby is glue & smart, Nunge was big in MANY ways. Scruggy is crunch. Switching defenses kept OSU off balance.
Being there with Musketette Grad daughter & Future Muskie to be in a loud raucous Cintas was incredible.
This one will last into March!
(Now, let’s start shooting better than 20% from 3. Those, other than some referenced dumb ones, we’re good open shots tho. Gotta knock them down)

[markchal]

So does Travis have a dilemma on his hands with Nunge's performance last night ? I think he proved he needs to be more than a spot player. His 3s left something to be desired, but inside he made a huge difference. That block to Scruggs in the corner under the OSU basket was both smart and beautiful. The next 7 days should be interesting.

lol what would the dilemma be? I think it was assumed he'd either be starting or first big off the bench (with a healthy Freemantle) when it was announced he was coming here. He hasn't been practicing/playing long, so it's been about getting him in flow w/ the team and in good game shape. He won't keep playing 30 min a game, but Miles wont get 4 fouls in 8 minutes most games (two of those were duuuumb).

Once Freemantle (or Stanley??) comes back, I think we don't see much of Miles again. Maybe I'm wrong, and maybe his defense makes him at least a serviceable big off the bench, that could be huge for this team, but he's def behind Nunge and Freemantle, even if he continues to start in the short term.

[whopper]

I think it will be helpful to Zach to see a big win without him so he won't have the weight of the world on his shoulders. Could not have asked for a better performance and am looking for Zach(and Stanley(?)) to provide low post offense which Nunge provides to a degree(and is not that useful any more). Odam looked very good on defense and when he gets to his spot no guard his size can really contest his shot.

[Lloyd Braun]

That should have been a blowout, and I’m not complaining when I say this but regarding the 3 pt shooting- where they take the shots is something to look at. I don’t have a shot map of the team so I could be off but they don’t take nearly as many corner 3s as they should. Nate make a huge one late in the 2nd half but most 3s they take are in lower % spots. It’s traditionally tougher to get a corner 3 but there are enough penetrators on this team to park Johnson in the corner and make it rain.

[sgarcia]

Shooting? Sure. But Kunkel had four assists and some great hustle on D, and is miles more athletic than Redford.

He is better then Redford overall but he is not a good shooter at all. You can't be successful shooting a knuckleball from 22 feet. He had 1 outlier year and the other 2+ years he's been an absolutely horrible 3pt shooter. Someone teach that kid to get some rotation on his shot.

[sgarcia]

And yet, if you knew Kunkel was going to shoot 8 threes, Nunge 4 threes and Hunter 3 threes , you probably would have expected X would shoot 20%. That is the problem. Get the right shooters taking the bulk of the threes and this is not as big a problem.

Still, a hell of an effort overall by the team.

This right here. Public reps. I was telling a couple of friends that we seem to get a lot of open 3's except that they're all for the wrong guys. Run sets to get Johnson, Jones, Scruggs and Tandy (if he ever plays) open from 3. I don't need to see Hunter, Odom or Nunge to ever attempt another 3 pointer.

[Masterofreality]

That should have been a blowout, and I’m not complaining when I say this but regarding the 3 pt shooting- where they take the shots is something to look at. I don’t have a shot map of the team so I could be off but they don’t take nearly as many corner 3s as they should. Nate make a huge one late in the 2nd half but most 3s they take are in lower % spots. It’s traditionally tougher to get a corner 3 but there are enough penetrators on this team to park Johnson in the corner and make it rain.

Kunk had 2 wide ass open 3 threes from the corner in the last 6 minutes among the 3 that he missed. Those were good shots after a quality set up. I really didn’t have a problem with the shots other than Nunge & Hunter taking them

[murray87]

Sorry if this has been posted but who were the guys on the court representing the 84-85 team? I couldn't hear the PA at that point. I know one was Walt McBride.

[Smails]

Wow..the atmosphere, specifically the student section was incredible last night. They kept the energy up the entire game. I was pleasantly surprised at how few OSU fans were there. Not much red in the building at all. We were leaving out the side entrance and the steps were absolutely packed. One of the XU students stood at the top of the steps, turned around and screamed "have a fun drive back up 71 you fucking losers!" Good times...

[94GRAD]

Sorry if this has been posted but who were the guys on the court representing the 84-85 team? I couldn't hear the PA at that point. I know one was Walt McBride.

Andy Donnelly, Ralph Lee(I think), not sure who the 4th was

[xukeith]

Sorry if this has been posted but who were the guys on the court representing the 84-85 team? I couldn't hear the PA at that point. I know one was Walt McBride.

Dexter "Skywalker" Campbell. I forget the other 2.

Not Vic Fleming.

[XU_Lou]

True story. Lots of potential on this team if they can play like this on defense night in and night out. Shoot a bit better from 3, free gets healthy and this team can be really special.

Hats off to Steele setting the tone, especially in the first half!

Wow, that's some real insightful stuff there! You really went out on a limb, Captain Obvious! I said that before the season. Any rational person not blinded by hatred could see that X would have a great team this year. What, did Steele look thru your posts and suddenly realized how to coach? Hope you didn't break a leg jumping on the bandwagon last night....

[Lloyd Braun]

Kunk had 2 wide ass open 3 threes from the corner in the last 6 minutes among the 3 that he missed. Those were good shots after a quality set up. I really didn’t have a problem with the shots other than Nunge & Hunter taking them

I must have missed one of those, as most of his 3s (except the one he was fouled on) were not from the corner or top of key. It’s more the other guys that decide to shoot it from the lowest percentage spot on the floor. They’re open there for a reason and I hope they continue to make the extra pass. First two games that didn’t happen much….

How many times did Scruggs get mauled on a drive without a call? It’s plagued him his entire career. I hate promoting someone flop or act but I think that’s why you rarely see him get a favorable call in the paint. Tuff dude… I was looking for toughness on this team and I think it’s at the guard position.

[drudy23]

Wow, that's some real insightful stuff there! You really went out on a limb, Captain Obvious! I said that before the season. Any rational person not blinded by hatred could see that X would have a great team this year. What, did Steele look thru your posts and suddenly realized how to coach? Hope you didn't break a leg jumping on the bandwagon last night....

To be completely fair and honest, Steele has taken a new approach the last 2 games - and it's exactly what most posters on this board have encouraged the last 2 years.

[Xville]

Very early in the season, but I like how different the team looked and played strategically than in previous years. Yes they still took a decent amount of 3s (and some ill-advised), but it was apparent from the jump that the strategy was to pound it down low and make Liddell work on that side of the ball. It was refreshing to see the change in strategy, and I'm glad to see that Steele and staff have made the adjustments that are needed to win in the Big East.

I personally also like the shortness of the rotation but I know most of that is due to injuries---makes everyone more aware of their role and comfortable with their playing time etc. All in all good stuff.

I do hope that the Norfolk game gives X the chance to empty the bench.

[Xavier]

I’ll give credit to OSU. Either they have terrific help defense or we take a lot of wild shots that are easy to block. But I felt like they always had someone sliding over making our drives difficult- forcing to cut back into middle where they’d just get blocked. Would love to see some similar help defense from X.

[XU 87]

Great effort on defense and on the boards. Now if they could make some of those open threes......

I'm starting to think that Kunkel simply isn't a good shooter from the three.

[drudy23]

I’ll give credit to OSU. Either they have terrific help defense or we take a lot of wild shots that are easy to block. But I felt like they always had someone sliding over making our drives difficult- forcing to cut back into middle where they’d just get blocked. Would love to see some similar help defense from X.

That's the Liddell factor - he's really good.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

lol what would the dilemma be? I think it was assumed he'd either be starting or first big off the bench (with a healthy Freemantle) when it was announced he was coming here. He hasn't been practicing/playing long, so it's been about getting him in flow w/ the team and in good game shape. He won't keep playing 30 min a game, but Miles wont get 4 fouls in 8 minutes most games (two of those were duuuumb).

Once Freemantle (or Stanley??) comes back, I think we don't see much of Miles again. Maybe I'm wrong, and maybe his defense makes him at least a serviceable big off the bench, that could be huge for this team, but he's def behind Nunge and Freemantle, even if he continues to start in the short term.

Definitely think we'll see Miles (assuming he doesn't make dumb fouls). His paint presence has been just too good. It is Hunter who< i think, is playing himself out of minutes. There are pieces of his game I really like but he has forced too many shots. That horrible three - which stuck between the rim and the backboard - would have been a bad shot even back at Chrisman Park in Barberton, Ohio. Or, for that matter, on any playground.

[XU 87]

Hunter is long and athletic, but makes a lot of bad decisions on offense.

[xavierj]

Dexter "Skywalker" Campbell. I forget the other 2.

Not Vic Fleming.

Did you mean Dexter Bailey?

[Lloyd Braun]

Very early in the season, but I like how different the team looked and played strategically than in previous years. Yes they still took a decent amount of 3s (and some ill-advised), but it was apparent from the jump that the strategy was to pound it down low and make Liddell work on that side of the ball. It was refreshing to see the change in strategy, and I'm glad to see that Steele and staff have made the adjustments that are needed to win in the Big East.

I personally also like the shortness of the rotation but I know most of that is due to injuries---makes everyone more aware of their role and comfortable with their playing time etc. All in all good stuff.

I do hope that the Norfolk game gives X the chance to empty the bench.

I would be surprised if it does. The game is an example of great scheduling- a MEAC team that is likely going to contend for the title and go back to NCAAT.
Norfolk St is getting 8.5 points in bowling green tonight… I like Norfolk State. Perhaps a dabble in the +300 ML too.

[markchal]

I’ll give credit to OSU. Either they have terrific help defense or we take a lot of wild shots that are easy to block. But I felt like they always had someone sliding over making our drives difficult- forcing to cut back into middle where they’d just get blocked. Would love to see some similar help defense from X.

Their defense was good, but I think they are going to have a hard time winning a lot of games. Def wont finish as a top 30 team.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet (haven't read whole thread yet) when there was a couple mins left and OSU had cut the lead to 3 Steele called a timeout. I said to my buddies with me at the game, that Steele was quite possibly drawing up the most important out of timeout play of his head coaching career so far and that it better be a good one.

I don't think that was being dramatic either, and did he draw up a good one, Nunge got a wide open dunk (I believe off a slip screen). That was huge for Steele imo. It was a pivotal point in the game.

[drudy23]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet (haven't read whole thread yet) when there was a couple mins left and OSU had cut the lead to 3 Steele called a timeout. I said to my buddies with me at the game, that Steele was quite possibly drawing up the most important out of timeout play of his head coaching career so far and that it better be a good one.

I don't think that was being dramatic either, and did he draw up a good one, Nunge got a wide open dunk (I believe off a slip screen). That was huge for Steele imo. It was a pivotal point in the game.

Great point - numerous people around me said the same thing. Needed a bucket, great design, and great execution.

[bobbiemcgee]

I don't think that was being dramatic either, and did he draw up a good one, Nunge got a wide open dunk (I believe off a slip screen). That was huge for Steele imo. It was a pivotal point in the game.

Great pass from Paul.

[muskiefan82]

Sorry if this has been posted but who were the guys on the court representing the 84-85 team? I couldn't hear the PA at that point. I know one was Walt McBride.

Leroy Greenidge, Walt McBride, Andy Donnelly were there. It was the 83-84 team.

[American X]

Imagine how good this team could be without missing 20 three-point attempts a game!

The offense may have holes, but that defense & rebounding will keep Xavier in every game.

Credit due to the students drinking so much. So many students have a beer in their hand and many have two beers in their hands. Respect.

Ride The Snake!

[xu82]

Hunter is long and athletic, but makes a lot of bad decisions on offense.

You mean, like…….every 3 point attempt?

That left handed jam by Scruggs late in the game still gives me a warm feeling. I’m going to back and watch at least that part. That’s the best I recall them looking as a team in the Travis era. Hopefully we have the horses and the matured coaching to have a special year!

[muskiefan82]

You mean, like…….every 3 point attempt?

That left handed jam by Scruggs late in the game still gives me a warm feeling. I’m going to back and watch at least that part. That’s the best I recall them looking as a team in the Travis era. Hopefully we have the horses and the matured coaching to have a special year!

I am hopeful we just watched Mr. Scruggs become THAT guy for this team.

[xu82]

I am hopeful we just watched Mr. Scruggs become THAT guy for this team.

He didn’t dominate wire to wire, but when we needed it, he was THE MAN. That dunk will be remembered for years!

[Masterofreality]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet (haven't read whole thread yet) when there was a couple mins left and OSU had cut the lead to 3 Steele called a timeout. I said to my buddies with me at the game, that Steele was quite possibly drawing up the most important out of timeout play of his head coaching career so far and that it better be a good one.

I don't think that was being dramatic either, and did he draw up a good one, Nunge got a wide open dunk (I believe off a slip screen). That was huge for Steele imo. It was a pivotal point in the game.

We actually said the exact same thing only expanded it to be the “most important possession of the year”.
Rationale: If X blew that game the mentality goes back to playing scared of failure.

[xu82]

We actually said the exact same thing only expanded it to be the “most important possession of the year”.
Rationale: If X blew that game the mentality goes back to playing scared of failure.

Good point, and as we all know, confidence is critical to success. That could have been devastating, but it turned out to be a very positive building block. I just keep thinking about the Scruggs dunk. That was more than two points, it sent a message!

[xukeith]

Did you mean Dexter Bailey?

oops yes. What was I thinking?

[Xville]

I would be surprised if it does. The game is an example of great scheduling- a MEAC team that is likely going to contend for the title and go back to NCAAT.
Norfolk St is getting 8.5 points in bowling green tonight… I like Norfolk State. Perhaps a dabble in the +300 ML too.

Good call. I knew nothing of Norfolk state outside of the name.

Sidebar I didn’t realize bowling green is where samari Curtis ended up…..yikes. Third school in three years, committed to what three schools before going to college? What is up with him?

[Lloyd Braun]

Good call. I knew nothing of Norfolk state outside of the name.

Sidebar I didn’t realize bowling green is where samari Curtis ended up…..yikes. Third school in three years, committed to what three schools before going to college? What is up with him?

Moneyline hits as Norfolk wins 90-84… BG is not good though, I would expect a 14.5 ish point line. Guess we’ll see…

[xudash]

Not sure what it was like in person, but watching from home the Cintas seemed to be rocking the entire game.
Energy level, especially of the students, came through as up, all the way to the buzzer.
Made it extra special to enjoy the W.
Did they do the cup snake thing?

It was electric in there last night. We had floor seats, which made the action even better. Big-time basketball. Place was crazy.

[XUBison]

Good point, and as we all know, confidence is critical to success. That could have been devastating, but it turned out to be a very positive building block. I just keep thinking about the Scruggs dunk. That was more than two points, it sent a message!

That dunk was domination. Game, set, match.

[American X]

I just keep thinking about the Scruggs dunk. That was more than two points, it sent a message!

...which was FUCK YOU OSU.