Game Thread: Xavier v Virginia Tech (11/26/2021)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.http://hokiesports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=0&image_path=/images/2018/4/19/hokiebird_stand.png


THE MATCHUP

NO. 25/RV XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (4-1) VS.
RV/RV VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES (5-1)
UPSIE NIT SEASON TIP-OFF
FRIDAY, NOV. 26, 2021, 7:00 PM, AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN, N.Y.

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: ESPN2 with play by-play from Rich Hollenberg and analysis from Fran Fraschilla.
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). Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[Xville]

I know it’s only November, but this game seems big for a lot of reasons.

[drudy23]

How many times have we felt Steele and Co. might have turned the corner only to see them fall back to bad habits. Another turning point moment today.

[bjf123]

How many times have we felt Steele and Co. might have turned the corner only to see them fall back to bad habits. Another turning point moment today.

It’s deja vu all over again.


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[Xavier]

Yep. Just feels so important to get a win here. Maybe last game was still trying to turn corner and X is more like OSU game than Iowa state. (optimistically hoping so). Let’s get a good bounce back win against a team who was just outside top 25 (27) coming into the week

[slysyl]

Everyone talks about Iowa State going 2-22 last year. This is a new year, that whole team was selected by choice from the portal, plus some good recruits, and a holdover or two. X was surprised by a different team than they expected, plus X played very bad. Iowa State is now like 5-0. This is on the coach.

[GoMuskies]

I'll probably put a few bucks on Xavier ML tonight. 4 point dogs and +155.

[paulxu]

I think I posted this in my original thread (that I had to delete and start over due to covid brain).

The coach of VT is Mike Young, who I watched for many years here at Wofford. Very good coach.
Took a couple of his Wofford players to VT (Aluma and Storm Murphy). He played here a very fast paced game.
Constant push on offense off of a missed shot/defensive rebounds. Required 8-9 players to constantly rotate to keep up the pace.
Would expect more of the same and we may need to play additional guys to keep up.

Time to right the ship.

[bjf123]

In case you missed it https://twitter.com/AdamJBaum/status/1464331466465333256

Think I’ll be adjusting my pick the score entry.


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[Xville]

In case you missed it https://twitter.com/AdamJBaum/status/1464331466465333256

Think I’ll be adjusting my pick the score entry.


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so im assuming the flu? if so, at least it would explain some of the lethargy wednesday night if some of them were starting to feel it already

[GoMuskies]

Good to see that BEFORE making the wager on X. Not great.

The line is up to 5, presumably in that news.

[paulxu]

Those who wanted to see Kyky get more playing time, may be about to get their wish.

I really hope whatever the bug is they've got is regular flu and not covid.

[xu82]

NOTE: First post says game is on ESPN2, but on my channel guide it says ESPNU. This may have been an act of mercy on Paul’s part if he was assuming they will play like the last game I fortunately missed.

[paulxu]

ESPN's schedule still shows us on the deuce.
Maybe there's been a mercy killing and they moved us to the U.

[JTG]

so im assuming the flu? if so, at least it would explain some of the lethargy wednesday night if some of them were starting to feel it already
Just what I was thinking. Colby kind of disappeared at halftime. Chances are tonite will be brutal.

[Xville]

Just what I was thinking. Colby kind of disappeared at halftime. Chances are tonite will be brutal.

and while that sucks, at least it can be understood why. I promise to be easy on them tonight lol.

[whopper]

sometimes having no one behind you is a freeing experience. We shall see and I am hopeful that Kyky and Stanley without looking at a quick hook can show us some of the skills we have seen at X and Hampton. Also Edwards would have to play as Nunge is not an Ironmanl. Damn this could be interesting and kind of a "freebie" with all these players out.

[bleedXblue]

If the rest of the team is feeling ok, we have enough talent to hang in there and win.

Sort of a no lose situation for X.........hopefully they play loose and disciplined

[xuphan]

If the rest of the team is feeling ok, we have enough talent to hang in there and win.

Sort of a no lose situation for X.........hopefully they play loose and disciplined

Big chance for X to add a good resume win tonight. Big chance for Steele to show how good of a coach he is.

[GoMuskies]

There's nothing "no lose" about tonight for Xavier. There won't be an asterisk by this result in our NCAA Tournament resume. And we aren't likely to have a ton of wiggle room come selection time.

[xu82]

My channel guide LIES!!!

[GIMMFD]

Have a $10 bet with a Virginia Tech alum, so really hoping we can pull this one off, at least the start is much better than against Iowa State.

[whopper]

feel a little for Stanley as the pace of the game is a little fast to ease into it

[IM4X]

Nunge shooting 3s and hanging on the perimeter on offense. Ugh. Come on Coach. Big man needs to be near the bucket. Work it inside

[bjf123]

A 3 from KyKy! Good to see.


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[GIMMFD]

Loved seeing Kunk just grab Tandy there, that three had to feel good for him.

[HAAS_U]

Let’s go Kyky! About damn time

[noteggs]

Loved seeing Kunk just grab Tandy there, that three had to feel good for him.

This ^^^

[xudash]

My channel guide LIES!!!

Same here.

[xu82]

Same here.

Spectrum?

[paulxu]

I'm streaming Spectrum and it's on the deuce.

[xuphan]

Nunge shooting 3s and hanging on the perimeter on offense. Ugh. Come on Coach. Big man needs to be near the bucket. Work it inside

So are we playing 5 out 0 in offense?

[bjf123]

My guide for Fioptics says the game on ESPN2 should be a different tourney from Orlando and ESPNU should be Memphis / Iowa State. The X game isn’t listed anywhere. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[GIMMFD]

Not a bad first half, the positives were: Nate Johnson, Nunge, good defense, offense looked much more competent at times, the bad stuff was the turnovers.. another half like that and we'll be in business.

[xuphan]

Not a bad first half, the positives were: Nate Johnson, Nunge, good defense, offense looked much more competent at times, the bad stuff was the turnovers.. another half like that and we'll be in business.

I agree with most of what you said but I don’t think we will continue to shoot plus 50% from 3. We need some interior scoring in the second half.

[Xville]

Hunter not playing is an addition right now.

[GIMMFD]

I agree with most of what you said but I don’t think we will continue to shoot plus 50% from 3. We need some interior scoring in the second half.

Yeah I agree, would like to see them pound the ball with Nunge more, and some more drives. Though if it's Nate shooting, I'm not going to hate the shot, when he's on, he's very scary, could be this season's Oklahoma game.

[noteggs]

This is the only line up that I’m not crazy about

[GoMuskies]

Well, the second half is so far real bad.

[GIMMFD]

Let Nate Johnson eat.

[KabeX]

Yes, please feed Nate

[GoMuskies]

This is a painful half of basketball.

[BandAid]

Slow motion train wreck right now

[GoMuskies]

Time for KyKy to come out. Nate is great. Everyone else? Someone else do something on offense please.

[xuphan]

Time for KyKy to come out. Nate is great. Everyone else? Someone else do something on offense please.

We need to run the offense better!

[noteggs]

Time for KyKy to come out. Nate is great. Everyone else? Someone else do something on offense please.

Rewatched charge and not seeing it

[GoMuskies]

This stall ball strategy is a disaster.

[paulxu]

Do we have any plays besides throw the ball around the circle for the entire shot clock...then heave up a prayer.

I mean like an "actual" play or set?

[bjf123]

C’mon guys!


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[KabeX]

And here we go...

[GIMMFD]

Alright, 5 minutes left, let's have a response like we did against Ohio State please.

[GoMuskies]

This second half is as bad as I've seen. It's not like we're playing a bunch of walk ons.

[xuphan]

This stall ball strategy is a disaster.

Stall ball? We are trying to bleed the clock up 5 with 7 minutes to go?

[HAAS_U]

Come on Travis

[GIMMFD]

This second half is as bad as I've seen. It's not like we're playing a bunch of walk ons.

Can't buy a shot at this point, thought pounding Nunge inside was a good call, he couldn't hit, Kunk with a clean look couldn't hit, outside of Nate, nobody has really showed up on offense.

[KabeX]

Well it's clearly still Deer season

[Strange Brew]

Stall ball? We are trying to bleed the clock up 5 with 7 minutes to go?

Steele trying to enjoy every fleeting second of his coaching career?

[xudash]

Nunge missed a bunny. Kunkel missed at close range.

They’re players are making shots.

[BandAid]

Slow motion train wreck right now

The train is speeding up

[GoMuskies]

More Nate

[GIMMFD]

Was just going to ask when Nate was going to get the ball considering nobody else on offense can do anything

[GoMuskies]

He has more than half our points.

[GoMuskies]

Nunge's 3 was no, no, YES!

[xuphan]

Nunge's 3 was no, no, YES!

Travis Time. Come on coach. Get us this win!

[bjf123]

Nunge's 3 was no, no, YES!

Said the same thing to my wife.


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[Strange Brew]

Travis Time. Come on coach. Get us this win!

Nice switch coach…

[Xville]

What the f kind of defense was that

[Xville]

Thank you baby Geezus for nate

[GoMuskies]

Thank God for Nate

[xuphan]

Thank you baby Geezus for nate

Travis needs to set up this defense for the last shot.

[GoMuskies]

Travis Ford is nice to help out Travis Steele apparently.

[HenryMuto]

Great win tonight !

[GoMuskies]

Whew.

[noteggs]

Hell yeah!

[Xville]

Whew..stole one thanks to nate

[GIMMFD]

Good win being short handed over a tournament team, VT is so slouch. Nate was simply amazing, and the team showed a lot of heart being down 4 with a couple minutes left and pulling it out. Whew.

[xuphan]

Whew.

Terrible defending at the end. Nobody boxed out. Got lucky there. Good win with the players who were missing.

[Xville]

Just horrid d there at the end but I’ll take some luck

[KabeX]

Terrible defending at the end. Nobody boxed out. Got lucky there. Good win with the players who were missing.

Exactly what I just said to my son. We got really freakin lucky on that. It was a well designed play. Buy hey, we'll take it.

[whopper]

Odom was tremendous today that assist made Nate's job easier...honestly Edwards, Tandy, Stanley helped out and that was a trial by fire. They showed all the time on Scruggs so Nate made them pay. Scruggs did not play great but he drew a crowd that made others jobs easier. Scruggs had 7 assists and I bet 5 were to Nate.. We had 6 turnovers in first 5 min so ended up with 14 so not bad

[GoMuskies]

I think that's going to be a very important win.

[xudash]

Good win being short handed over a tournament team, VT is so slouch. Nate was simply amazing, and the team showed a lot of heart being down 4 with a couple minutes left and pulling it out. Whew.

Could not have put it any better.

[kxblue]

File this whole tournament in the dumpster and be happy to escape 1-1. Great performance by Nate.

Have to give Steele a bit of a pass if Miles was sick in H2 vs Iowa St (and why Hunter was kept in).

Tough to have any confidence in the offense (like the last 3 seasons) but Nunge def been impressive (and his defense has been very solid so far!). The team clearly better with Nunge on the court so hope we see Nunge and Free both in the post (and not shooting 3s) together. Should open the offense a bit too if it forces teams to collapse on the post.

Those last 3 mins def saved some heartache but at least we go to bed happy!

[paulxu]

It'll be a W in somebody's big book.

[xukeith]

I admit I didn't give X a chance at all after Wednesday. Huge win. Great time for Edwards and Nunge with so much experience.

Johnson was clearly the best player on the team. Odom had some sloppy play BUT he made up for it.

Travis Ford clearly coached a great game missing 4 starters.

[XUGRAD80]

Gutsy win for the players.

[bjf123]

When I heard who all was missing, I figured we would either get smoked, or the guys would pull together, play a great game, and somehow get a win. I admit that I was expecting the former. Quite happy to get the latter!


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[boozehound]

Exactly what I just said to my son. We got really freakin lucky on that. It was a well designed play. Buy hey, we'll take it.

That’s what I saw too. VT got the shot they wanted, then they got another 2 chances at the tip in after they missed. They just didn’t execute. Thank God.

[Xavier]

With everyone missing fresh off a very disappointing loss, I didn’t care how they won, I’m impressed they were able to. If they want to make the tournament that win will be big in helping the cause. Don’t care how it looked, that’s a win vs a top 50 team without key players. I’ll take it…xavier may very well have wins over 2-3 tournament teams already.

[bobbiemcgee]

VTCasey
@VTCasey
·
1h
This fucker from Xavier just doesn’t miss

[whopper]

Iowa state up 5 at half.. Our loss bad as it was may not have been the turkey we thought

[bobbiemcgee]

Heard Free is cleared to practice and play. Can't wait to see a game with Kunk with 8 3's, Nate 10 3's, Nunge and Free in the middle, Colby and Paul getting back to form. Oh well, I can dream.

[bobbiemcgee]

Iowa state up 5 at half.. Our loss bad as it was may not have been the turkey we thought

up 22 - 3 mins.

[GIMMFD]

I think that's going to be a very important win.

Agreed, VT is good, they were awesome to watch in the tournament last year, it's a good win for the resume.

[xukeith]

Man that Iowa State coach clearly will be in the running for B12 coach of the year. He has some solid transfers and good frosh.

[whopper]

just watched the youtube summary of the game..Paul was being met hard at every switch but had 7 assists and only 2 turnovers(which think were early as we had 6 in first 5 min and only 8 after). Nate and Nunge got good looks as a result of that. Great job by all esp Edwards, felt a little for Stanley as he had a start but rebounded, Ded and passed out of lane(2 TOs early were rust ), Kyky did his job and his day will come.

[paulxu]

Shout out to Nate Johnson.
Played all 40 minutes. Carried the team with over half the total points.
Took the shots that Hunter didn't (shouldn't) take and made enough.
Thanks Nate!

[American X]

Credit Steele for a tough quality win. Pretty smart strategy to tell Johnson to score 30, especially the last shot.

Just left wondering where the effective offense against Ohio State and Norfolk State went...

[94GRAD]

Credit Steele for a tough quality win. Pretty smart strategy to tell Johnson to score 30, especially the last shot.

Just left wondering where the effective offense against Ohio State and Norfolk State went...

It was under the weather like half the team.

[Muskie in dayton]

It was under the weather like half the team.
Only 1 of the 3 guys under the weather has any offensive effectiveness. And another 1 of the 3 is addition by subtraction. I won’t name names.

[XUGRAD80]

Only 1 of the 3 guys under the weather has any offensive effectiveness. And another 1 of the 3 is addition by subtraction. I won’t name names.

I can think of 2 players out there yesterday that quite probably were not 100% at any point over the last week. In addition VT is a MUCH better defensive team than Norfolk. The offense wasn’t all that great against OSU either, and X was at almost full strength for both those games. But I don’t expect the offensive that was there for Norfolk to be the norm either. I’m afraid that this will never be a consistently pretty offensive team, even with Free.

[xukeith]

I think Scruggs will always be inconsistent offensively. I know he was sick last night and he is gamer but his game is making clutch shots and finding open people.

We do well offensively depending on Johnson, Freemantle, Odom, Jones, Kunkel and Nunge.

[xuwin]

Only 1 of the 3 guys under the weather has any offensive effectiveness. And another 1 of the 3 is addition by subtraction. I won’t name names.

Let's not designate a whipping boy this early in the season. 5 games do not define a player.

[BandAid]

I thought taking the air out of the ball around the seven minute mark was incredibly stupid. I recognize why we did it, but the lead quickly evaporated and stifled our energy. Play to win the game - not to “not lose” the game.

I’m elated we won. Nate played like a basketball demigod.

[drudy23]

I won't complain after wins. We won - YAY!

[xukeith]

I won't complain after wins. We won - YAY!

So negative...

[stammina0721]

You people really are insufferable. We know the deficiencies be happy with beating a will be NCAA tournament team as a nice resume win. Sorry it couldn't be the perfect game assholes

[GoMuskies]

Are there people here who aren't happy Xavier beat VPI?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I was traveling back from LA during the game. Got back late but was looking forward to watching recording. Apparently ESPN2 didnt have the X game listed even though they were on so my youtubetv didnt record.

Anyway what a game by Nate Johnson. Freaking 30! Carried a short handed team, amazing.

[JTG]

Are there people here who aren't happy Xavier beat VPI?

Probably. There are always a few you can never please. People bitching about the last play....how many times have we had the last shot and it didin't drop. Ever hear the saying "sometimes it's better to be lucky than good" ? I'm sure most of us have had the stomach flu. Who would want to play full court basketball for 40 minutes, most would be unable to get out of bed. We won, shut the f*ck up!

[XUGRAD80]

There are people that seem to think that we should settle for nothing less than PERFECTION out of this team. A team made up of young men and led by coaches that are not that much older than some of them. Nothing short of perfection will make them happy, so they spend their whole lives unhappy. I totally understand the desire for perfection, but totally do not understand the reluctance to accept anything short of it. To refuse to be happy with anything short of it.
Vince Lombardi had a saying that he wanted his players to try to reach perfection…with the knowledge that they never would….in hopes that by reaching for perfection they might attain exceptional. I see the same thing over on the UC Football board. Seems ironic to me that at a time of year when we celebrate Thanksgiving, that there are people that don’t seem to grasp that despite all the flaws that there is a lot to be thankful for.

Some people are only happy when they have something to complain about.

[noteggs]

Some people are only happy when they have something to complain about.

Either that or they’re happy trying to bring others down with them. Think most of us have been to work meetings and there are those who will complain about everything. Especially with management and the direction of the company. As they do this, they are trying to find allies which brings them some kind of weird happiness. Misery loves company I guess.

Oh well, back to basketball…

[whopper]

my wife started watching games(no knowledge at all)when both girls at X the Wisconsin year so saw a 2 seed, elite 8 and 1 seed. Last 3 have been below those special times and last year when she asked "why is this happening" , "why are we losing" i told her "the other team wants to win too". We forget that sometimes

[Strange Brew]

For me it’s exhaustion with Steele. Chucking threes and not much of an inside game. That said, they have been trying to change the last couple of games and that VaTech win was a must for March. Really want to see these guys put it together and it can be frustrating to see the team fall back into bad habits.

Good and very necessary win! Let’s go X! Who’s up next!?!

[bobbiemcgee]

Hopefully get everyone healthy this week.

[UCGRAD4X]

You people really are insufferable. We know the deficiencies be happy with beating a will be NCAA tournament team as a nice resume win. Sorry it couldn't be the perfect game assholes

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP. G-mIEtu6ShDDGRWNzohJ9gHaCa%26pid%3DApi&f=1

[kxblue]

There are people that seem to think that we should settle for nothing less than PERFECTION out of this team. A team made up of young men and led by coaches that are not that much older than some of them. Nothing short of perfection will make them happy, so they spend their whole lives unhappy. I totally understand the desire for perfection, but totally do not understand the reluctance to accept anything short of it. To refuse to be happy with anything short of it.
Vince Lombardi had a saying that he wanted his players to try to reach perfectionÂ…with the knowledge that they never wouldÂ….in hopes that by reaching for perfection they might attain exceptional. I see the same thing over on the UC Football board. Seems ironic to me that at a time of year when we celebrate Thanksgiving, that there are people that donÂ’t seem to grasp that despite all the flaws that there is a lot to be thankful for.

Some people are only happy when they have something to complain about.

I don’t really see anyone who isn’t happy we beat VT? I’m thankful for a ton in my life, I will admit Steel coaching Xavier basketball isn’t very high on the list. I also wish Xavier basketball would return to playing in the 2nd weekend of the ncaa tournament. I’m sure the university does too, it’s great for Xavier when basketball is good.

This team def has the pieces to be very, very good. I highly doubt anyone wants Steele to fail, that would be pretty depressing. I also think if he misses the tournament with this team, he probably shouldn’t be coaching here next year. Is that unfair?

X has missed the tournament 3 years in a row, that’s a far cry from perfection. At what point are we allowed to stop accepting that from a coach who is paid to achieve better results?

[XUGRAD80]

I don’t really see anyone who isn’t happy we beat VT? I’m thankful for a ton in my life, I will admit Steel coaching Xavier basketball isn’t very high on the list. I also wish Xavier basketball would return to playing in the 2nd weekend of the ncaa tournament. I’m sure the university does too, it’s great for Xavier when basketball is good.

This team def has the pieces to be very, very good. I highly doubt anyone wants Steele to fail, that would be pretty depressing. I also think if he misses the tournament with this team, he probably shouldn’t be coaching here next year. Is that unfair?

X has missed the tournament 3 years in a row, that’s a far cry from perfection. At what point are we allowed to stop accepting that from a coach who is paid to achieve better results?

I agree with everything you’re saying. No argument. The problem isn’t that people want the team to play consistently well and to be successful. Nor is the team above criticism, nor is the coaching staff. The problem that annoys many of us is the consistent bitching and moaning over every little deficiency that comes up before, during, and after every single game. Even when they win easily some people find something to complain about. Like, “so and so didn’t get any playing time”, or “so and so missed all their free throws”. Wow, we can’t all see those things? Even more annoying is the complaining that comes up when the team pulls out a win that they probably shouldn’t have. Like in the VT game. X was an underdog even before the players got sick. They could play that game with those lineups 10 times and X might win twice. Yet they won! Instead of concentrating on what went wrong, why not just this time concentrate on what went right!? What they did well? There will be plenty of times where X loses this season and where the reasons for those loses will be discussed and complained about ad nauseam. But it seems that virtually every thread on here becomes a bash Steele thread at some point, even after a good and unexpected win. We get it. This season is probably a make or break season for Steele ( however since none of us are the ones that make that decision it’s not really up to what we think, is it?) and we ALL want to see the program back at the heights it was before. All I’m saying is to not to forget to enjoy the journey as much as we can and to not dwell so much on the destination that one fails to realize and celebrate the small victories and steps along the way.

[Xavier]

Well, I try to remind myself every season is different. After losing to what I thought was a bad loss in Iowa state, I had to remind myself it’s a long season and we will have tough games. It’s just hard when we’ve seen same issues from past 3 years, that’s the frustrating part. Beating VT on short turn around without two starters and their 6th man was a great bounce back though- I don’t care how that win looks….that’s solid.

[Xville]

Pretty sure we are all happy that x won this game. The worry is for the rest of the season, specifically big East conference play because the offense is essentially the same offense it has been for the last three seasons and that’s not been a formula that gets the team into the tourney. In other words, we have some serious scars over the last three years of watching mediocre basketball. my opinion, this team needs to come out every game with a concerted effort to pound the paint and be physical at the beginnng of the game, like they did against Ohio state, which then opens up the other facets of the offense.

I’m very interested to see how the team looks if and when free is completely healthy and ready to roll.

Another musing, Oklahoma state is probably going to be really tough for x on Sunday…they are long, athletic, and play outstanding defense. Not a great matchup on a Sunday afternoon, but a win would be absolutely gigantic for the resume since I believe it’s the only true road game in the non con

[bleedXblue]

Pretty sure we are all happy that x won this game. The worry is for the rest of the season, specifically big East conference play because the offense is essentially the same offense it has been for the last three seasons and that’s not been a formula that gets the team into the tourney. In other words, we have some serious scars over the last three years of watching mediocre basketball. my opinion, this team needs to come out every game with a concerted effort to pound the paint and be physical at the beginnng of the game, like they did against Ohio state, which then opens up the other facets of the offense.

I’m very interested to see how the team looks if and when free is completely healthy and ready to roll.

Another musing, Oklahoma state is probably going to be really tough for x on Sunday…they are long, athletic, and play outstanding defense. Not a great matchup on a Sunday afternoon, but a win would be absolutely gigantic for the resume since I believe it’s the only true road game in the non con

Some only live in the present and some look back at the last 3 years and see the same offense being run at times.

My concern too is Big East play when Steele has to go up against Hurley, Wright, Williard etc.

This team has too many weapons and too much talent.......

[boozehound]

Pretty sure we are all happy that x won this game. The worry is for the rest of the season, specifically big East conference play because the offense is essentially the same offense it has been for the last three seasons and that’s not been a formula that gets the team into the tourney. In other words, we have some serious scars over the last three years of watching mediocre basketball. my opinion, this team needs to come out every game with a concerted effort to pound the paint and be physical at the beginnng of the game, like they did against Ohio state, which then opens up the other facets of the offense.

I’m very interested to see how the team looks if and when free is completely healthy and ready to roll.

Another musing, Oklahoma state is probably going to be really tough for x on Sunday…they are long, athletic, and play outstanding defense. Not a great matchup on a Sunday afternoon, but a win would be absolutely gigantic for the resume since I believe it’s the only true road game in the non con

Right. We are on our first 3 year stretch of missing the tournament in like 40 years, so that has some of us (myself included) less than optimistic. I think we want to see a more significant change in offense vs the past 3 years. It's early in the season, but that fact that we have already seen the 'take 30 3 pointers and make 3 of them' offense rear it's ugly head is a bit worrisome.

Point taken though that we should try to focus on the positive. Iowa State doesn't look like the bad loss we thought it was, and beating VT with a depleted roster was a big win. Nate Johnson had a monster game, and Nunge continued to play well. We need that to continue, especially from Johnson, since I don't think this offense will be able to score enough points in Big East play without a few shooters getting (and staying) relatively hot. I think that the odds of Johnson being that guy are much higher than Kunkel or Tandy at the moment. We need Nate to stay healthy, and keep shooting the ball well. It obviously doesn't have to be quite as well as he did against VT (although that would be nice).

[D-West & PO-Z]

Speaking of Kyky, how did he look? I didn't get to watch the game but I saw he played some significant minutes with the depleted roster. Doesnt look like much in the box score, but wondering how he actually looked out there?

[drudy23]

Speaking of Kyky, how did he look? I didn't get to watch the game but I saw he played some significant minutes with the depleted roster. Doesnt look like much in the box score, but wondering how he actually looked out there?

He was officially 1-3 from 3, but did make a second shot that was waved off because of a foul or something.

Didn't seem to hurt them I don't think. He got a few open looks and knocked a couple down (one which didn't count).

[XUGRAD80]

In my opinion he looked not exactly lost, but certainly unassertive.

[xavbball]

Some only live in the present and some look back at the last 3 years and see the same offense being run at times.

My concern too is Big East play when Steele has to go up against Hurley, Wright, Williard etc.

This team has too many weapons and too much talent.......

This. We have a coach who has a lot to prove this season. He's yet to produce a 20 win season, a winning BE record, and make the tournament. He hasn't accomplished any of this yet, and I guess we aren't allowed to criticize when we still see the same offense that has failed for three seasons...

[xukeith]

Right. We are on our first 3 year stretch of missing the tournament in like 40 years, so that has some of us (myself included) less than optimistic. I think we want to see a more significant change in offense vs the past 3 years. It's early in the season, but that fact that we have already seen the 'take 30 3 pointers and make 3 of them' offense rear it's ugly head is a bit worrisome.

Point taken though that we should try to focus on the positive. Iowa State doesn't look like the bad loss we thought it was, and beating VT with a depleted roster was a big win. Nate Johnson had a monster game, and Nunge continued to play well. We need that to continue, especially from Johnson, since I don't think this offense will be able to score enough points in Big East play without a few shooters getting (and staying) relatively hot. I think that the odds of Johnson being that guy are much higher than Kunkel or Tandy at the moment. We need Nate to stay healthy, and keep shooting the ball well. It obviously doesn't have to be quite as well as he did against VT (although that would be nice).

You forgot about the one X player who has not even played a minute for this team. It is kind of a big deal.

[xukeith]

In my opinion he looked not exactly lost, but certainly unassertive.

He did play strong defense. That was very impressionable. First time for him.

[X-band '01]

The starting lineup of Johnson/Nunge/Odom/Scruggs/Stanley just might have been the biggest miracle of the season.

Not having Freemantle and Hunter in the lineup at all might have been the only stroke of genius from the Tin Man this year. Granted, it took injuries and illness for this to be even remotely possible.

[paulxu]

As I noted a couple times, I've got season tickets to Wofford and have watched the development of Mike Young under Richard Johnson, through his years as head coach of the Terriers, to now coaching Virginia Tech.
The unassuming guy knows how to coach, and to watch his team on TV with their constant motion offense is a thing of beauty. Wish we could do that.
Happy for him, but sad he knocked us out of the dance.
Hokies started the season struggling, but soon righted the ship onto and through the ACC tournament.
Great article here if you can see it:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/03/13/virginia-tech-duke-acc-tournament/