Game Thread: Xavier v Marquette University (12/18/2021)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/xeEAAMXQya1Q8vgG/s-l500.jpg

THE MATCHUP

No. 22/25 XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (10-1, 0-0 BIG EAST)
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN EAGLES (8-3, 0-0 BIG EAST)
SATURDAY, DEC. 18, 2021 AT 4:00 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER (10,224) IN CINCINNATI, OHIO
TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play by-play from Brock Bowling and analysis from Dickey Simpkins.
Radio: 700 WLW-AM with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88). XU broadcast is also available on Sirius XM (385) and the SXM App. (975).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[atljar]

Petition to change the logo above to something more fluffy and soft, more representative of the competition.
https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Republic-Cuddlekins-Stuffed-Recycled/dp/B08479M8D1/ref=asc_df_B08479M8D1/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=533464150732&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11465246329334885164&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015730&hvtargid=pla-1059637088595&psc=1

[paulxu]

Done.

[atljar]

Well done sir!

[D-West & PO-Z]

-10.5 tomorrow. Wow

[American X]

I expect a superior Xavier team to beat Marquette, but will not be surprised if we drop an egg, especially after the massacre in Omaha last night.

It is well within the realm of imagination that around 6pm ET we will be looking at each other dumbfounded after a bunch of short Marquette guys dropped about 25 threes on us.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I expect a superior Xavier team to beat Marquette, but will not be surprised if we drop an egg, especially after the massacre in Omaha last night.

It is well within the realm of imagination that around 6pm ET we will be looking at each other dumbfounded after a bunch of short Marquette guys dropped about 25 threes on us.

Luckily they are a poor 3 point shooting team. But obviously teams can get hot. I think we take care of business!

[Xuperman]

Just as long as we see another solid defensive effort, this one will have a happy ending. I am hoping that Hunter gets plenty of action defending Lewis and Scruggy can gum up Morsell's game. Looks like Nunge and ZFree will be able to exploit match ups in the MU frontcourt for some big scoring/rebounding numbers.

[Muskie91]

I have 2 tickets for the game available if interested. PM me if you want them.

[IM4X]

I expect a superior Xavier team to beat Marquette, but will not be surprised if we drop an egg, especially after the massacre in Omaha last night.

It is well within the realm of imagination that around 6pm ET we will be looking at each other dumbfounded after a bunch of short Marquette guys dropped about 25 threes on us.

I hope we stick to working it inside to the big fellas. Now you’ve got me worried our guys come out flat. Even if Marquette doesn’t hit a lot of 3s, I could see our players slip back to the days of shooting an excessive amount of quick 3s and clanking 85% of them. I want to see Nunge and Free working their magic in the paint, not jacking up threes. Otherwise, we miss out on offensive rebounds and put backs.

If the players all need to stick to what they do best and getting the ball in the paint as much as possible, we should be good. Working the ball in the paint to Nunge so he gets hacked and ends up at the line is always a huge advantage for us.

[UCGRAD4X]

BEast is ours for the taking. We should actually be thankful we are actually playing today.

[UCGRAD4X]

Love ZFree's wife beater T during warm-ups

[Xville]

-10.5…x should win easily…we will see what happens though

[Xville]

Not a fan of free and hunter playing together. Don’t understand it.

[bjf123]

Shaka has hair? Who knew!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[IM4X]

Miles needs to come out. He is getting scored on left and right.

[IM4X]

Okay Hunter needs to come out too. bad passes. Quick three. Ugh.

[IM4X]

Nunge needs to be put back in… for as long as he can last.

[Xville]

This looks familiar

[UCGRAD4X]

I hope we stick to working it inside to the big fellas. Now you’ve got me worried our guys come out flat. Even if Marquette doesn’t hit a lot of 3s, I could see our players slip back to the days of shooting an excessive amount of quick 3s and clanking 85% of them. I want to see Nunge and Free working their magic in the paint, not jacking up threes. Otherwise, we miss out on offensive rebounds and put backs.

If the players all need to stick to what they do best and getting the ball in the paint as much as possible, we should be good. Working the ball in the paint to Nunge so he gets hacked and ends up at the line is always a huge advantage for us.
Defense needs to get more aggressive.

[GoMuskies]

Hunter is this year's Carter.

[bjf123]

-10.5…x should win easily…we will see what happens though

Not looking good so far.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[IM4X]

Scruggs
Nate
Jones
Nunge
Free (or Odom if fo smaller)

[GoMuskies]

X -4 live. I'm not touching that yet.

[paulxu]

It is well within the realm of imagination that around 6pm ET we will be looking at each other dumbfounded after a bunch of short Marquette guys dropped about 25 threes on us.

You're off to a good start.

[Xville]

Defense is garbage right now..Marquette is basically getting anything they want

[IM4X]

Hate these quick threes

[IM4X]

Free needs to get his game going inside before thinking about launching those threes.

[bjf123]

Shaka’s pressure defense has been tough for us to overcome every time we’ve played against him. Looking like that trend continues.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xville]

There ya go Odom! That’s the kind of scoring pg we need.

[GoMuskies]

Dwon is a freak.

[Xville]

Odom!!!! Coming out party big fella

[IM4X]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOdom!!!!!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Love Odom adding the Lavender-esque tear drop to his repertoire

It’s Dwonderful!

[GoMuskies]

Looks like Mack is going to lose to Western Kentucky. Sad

[xu82]

Hunter is this year's Carter.

I guess there’s always that guy…..

[GoMuskies]

This Marquette team is not good.

[bjf123]

This Marquette team is not good.

Then why have we been losing most of the half?

Also, what’s up with our FT shooting? 80% and 94% the last two games. Today, we’re 55% so far.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

We're playing bad. But we're not really in danger, because they are kinda bad.

[boozehound]

Then why have we been losing most of the half?

Also, what’s up with our FT shooting? 80% and 94% the last two games. Today, we’re 55% so far.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It’s conference play. Time to start shooting below 70% from the line!

[Blue Blooded-05]

The end of half play looked familiar...

[whopper]

I wish Zach would get the ball closer to the basket..his timing is still off. Him at 20 ft is kind of fool's gold.

[Xville]

That was a so-so half… crap the first ten minutes, better the last 10. I’d like to see a lot more pounding the middle and aggressive defense in the 2nd half..looking forward to seeing some adjustments.

[paulxu]

Marquette is in this game because
1 - we've only committed 4 fouls (and they're 2-2 from the line)
2 - we've had 13 foul shots...and only hit 7 of them
3 - they're 6-14 from behind the arc...and we're 3 for 10

I sure hope we fix 2 and 3 in the second half.
Odom is having a nice game.

[GoMuskies]

X -7.5 now. After watching the first half, I think I like it.

[RoseyMuskie]

The Zone has been excellent. X had to have held MU under 1 PPP once the switch was made.

[Xville]

Great start out of the half..Scruggs providing a spark.
Feeling comfortable about this one

[xu82]

Colby Jones is good at basketball.

[Xville]

Odom again and nice d hunter!

[Lloyd Braun]

The foul on Johnson was complete BS. Guy kicked his leg and it wasn’t close.

[Strange Brew]

The foul on Johnson was complete BS. Guy kicked his leg and it wasn’t close.

Let’s go X!
Let’s go X!

[Lloyd Braun]

Colby Jones is good at basketball.

+1

His rebounding is a good reason the zone D can work long term.

[bobbiemcgee]

Give it to Odum

[Strange Brew]

Welcome to the party Kunk!

[IM4X]

Our talented bigs need to get back to playing like dominant bigs men inside. No more threes big fellas. No more finesse.

[Strange Brew]

Our talented bigs need to get back to point like talented bigs inside. No more threes big fellas. No more finesse.

Except keep the Free school of footwork going :)

[IM4X]

Okay. Time for X to go on a a 10-0 run.

[Xville]

Thank goodness for Odom today

[RoseyMuskie]

Shaka looks like Tahj Mowry

[whopper]

Lewis is allowed to dribble it too much without help. He has gotten some lucky rolls tool. Our 3 defense has not been great. Morsell and lewis are bullying us

[boozehound]

I’m really liking Odom at the point. It seems like we turn the ball over less when he is initiating the offense

[GoMuskies]

Thank God for Odom. Everyone else has been kinda bad.

[Xuperman]

This is like "shit on your shirt sleeve".... they won't go away!!!

[paulxu]

Odom is keeping us in this one.
Boy what a team this would be if we could hit more than 26% of our 3's.

[xu82]

It’s FT crunch time!

[Strange Brew]

This is like "shit on your shirt sleeve".... they won't go away!!!

Ew. Haha!

[GoMuskies]

Hunter shooting 3s is very triggering.

[xu82]

What makes Hunter think he should shoot from 3????????

[boozehound]

Hunter shooting 3s is very triggering.

He’s a great shooter in practice!!!

[Strange Brew]

Hunter shooting 3s is very triggering.

He needs a reflection session.

[GoMuskies]

How on earth is Odom on the bench? Just why?!?

[Strange Brew]

How on earth is Odom on the bench? Just why?!?

Must not be doing enough in practice.

[paulxu]

We need to win the last 4 minute war.

[xavierj]

Defense was less than inspiring last two possessions. Need stops and they just let them get two easy looks. Paul played the one like they were dribbling the clock out.

[Xville]

Ugh if every conference game is like this, this season I’m gonna need a lot more booze

[IM4X]

Why the hell is Hunter in there… and then shooting the 3 ball…. Coach!!!!!

[GoMuskies]

Hunter really is Carter.

[Xville]

Why the hell is Jerome hunter in the game in crunch time?

[Strange Brew]

Why the hell is Hunter in there… and then shooting the 3 ball…. Coach!!!!!

Hmmm, wow.

[RoseyMuskie]

Why is Hunter shooting? The coach needs to put the red light on him at this point of the game.

[GoMuskies]

Odom please.

[Strange Brew]

Why the hell is Jerome hunter in the game in crunch time?

Welcome back to the Coach we know so well….

[boozehound]

Man. Fuck Jerome Hunter.

[xu82]

The best thing that happens when Hunter shoots a 3 is we reset the shot clock. Maybe.

[xavierj]

Travis Steele hung his hat on Jerome Hunter. Super.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Hunter in the last 2 possessions: missed a layup, missed 3, missed 2 free throws

[GoMuskies]

Hunter Carter

[Strange Brew]

Why is Hunter shooting? The coach needs to put the red light on him at this point of the game.

And bricked two FTs

[IM4X]

Coach! Hunter out!

[drudy23]

Big East Trav - better hold on.

Get him out!

[Xuperman]

Where is Paul Scruggs?

[kxblue]

Is the crowd groaning when Hunter touches the ball or am I hearing things?

I think it’s a bad look of it is. Hunters short comings are known, it’s not his fault he’s playing last 3 minutes of a game.

[GoMuskies]

No Hunter Carter, and things immediately got better!

[Strange Brew]

No Hunter Carter, and things immediately got better!

That’s weird…

[IM4X]

As soon as Hunter is replaced + Odom in… X goes on a run.

[drudy23]

Is the crowd groaning when Hunter touches the ball or am I hearing things?

I think it’s a bad look of it is. Hunters short comings are known, it’s not his fault he’s playing last 3 minutes of a game.

They should groan when Hunter is in and shooting in those situations.

It woke Trav up.

[Xville]

Odom bringing this home

[RoseyMuskie]

I actually understand why Hunter was playing to an extent. You want his rebounding and defensive effort. But if he isn’t going to show offensive discipline, he cannot be in at crunch time.

[Strange Brew]

They should groan when Hunter is in and shooting in those situations.

It woke Trav up.

I feel bad for him in the the same way I did for Carter when the coach is putting players in losing situations.

[kxblue]

They should groan when Hunter is in and shooting in those situations.

Idk, I don’t like blaming the players. He’s been jacking 3s all season. If Steele doesn’t want that, he should bench him every time he does it. He hasn’t been benched up until maybe today.

[GoMuskies]

Is the crowd groaning when Hunter touches the ball or am I hearing things?

I think it’s a bad look of it is. Hunters short comings are known, it’s not his fault he’s playing last 3 minutes of a game.

He could try being less bad.

[xu82]

Is the crowd groaning when Hunter touches the ball or am I hearing things?

I think it’s a bad look of it is. Hunters short comings are known, it’s not his fault he’s playing last 3 minutes of a game.

Are you sure that’s not the bench? UGH!

[paulxu]

Does he play Hunter to give Zach a breather?

[IM4X]

Work the clock and get it into Nunge.

[Xville]

What an effing find by Odom. Holy shit

[Blue Blooded-05]

Nate is such a good shooter

[IM4X]

What a heck of a pass from Odom.

[GoMuskies]

Odom being out in that stretch where Marquette rallied is just unreal.

[Lloyd Braun]

I’ve been begging for more corner threes. Thank you Trav! Johnson has some balls

[Strange Brew]

Dagger! Great pass.

[RoseyMuskie]

Dagger!

[Lloyd Braun]

Dickie Simpkins likes X to finish in the top 5 of the Big East!

[GoMuskies]

It's a win. Some bothersome things, but wins are good.

[xu82]

EVERY single BE win is a good game!

[Xville]

Whew….not the best basketball, but got it done! Odom kicked ass… that’s all

[xu82]

Dickie Simpkins likes X to finish in the top 5 of the Big East!

Did someone have us ahead of Nova? Was that for our benefit, or did somebody bump their noggin? I mean, history says that’s a pretty bold take.

[whopper]

with decent foul shots this is a clear win. Also Morsel and Lewis seemed to get every roll on some forces. That Elliot has been there forever. I remember him playing with Rowsey!

[IM4X]

Did someone have us ahead of Nova? Was that for our benefit, or did somebody bump their noggin? I mean, history says that’s a pretty bold take.

This might just be the year Nova doesn’t live up to their preseason hype.

[whopper]

This might just be the year Nova doesn’t live up to their preseason hype. Gillespie, even Scruggs look a little bored to me. They are playing against guys who were in 8th grade when they graduated high school. The Odem to Johnson dagger was identical to the Va Tech winner about 10 feet toward the corner. He just elevated, drew their whole team and looked for Nate J

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Is the crowd groaning when Hunter touches the ball or am I hearing things?

I think it’s a bad look of it is. Hunters short comings are known, it’s not his fault he’s playing last 3 minutes of a game.

At the game, you could actually hear a collective "no" when Hunter had a late open three at top of key. There were that many fans in Cintas all thinking and verbalizing the same thing at the same time. So much about Hunter's game I like but Jesus F. Christ, I don't want him jacking shots late in the game.

[UCGRAD4X]

Whenever Hunter had the ball at the arc (and Odom a bit too) there was definitely a pall in house.

[kxblue]

Whenever Hunter had the ball at the arc (and Odom a bit too) there was definitely a pall in house.

I def get it, I don’t want him shooting either and I 100% think he should be benched when he does it.

I just hate seeing people boo the players. They aren’t getting paid (yet) and the coach is. The fact that he is still doing this into conference play is on the coach imo.

Worst thing for him was making those 2 awful looking threes late in the game vs Cincinnati. Prob gave him a bit more confidence when it’s not his game at all.

Maybe I’m in the minority here, I just think college athletes (esp when they are clearly singled out and it’s not booing the collective performance) should be off limits. It’s not like he wasn’t playing with effort. He was just making dumb decisions which he has done fairly consistently all year. Why the coaching staff doesn’t fix it is beyond me.

[Xville]

I def get it, I don’t want him shooting either and I 100% think he should be benched when he does it.

I just hate seeing people boo the players. They aren’t getting paid (yet) and the coach is. The fact that he is still doing this into conference play is on the coach imo.

Worst thing for him was making those 2 awful looking threes late in the game vs Cincinnati. Prob gave him a bit more confidence when it’s not his game at all.

Maybe I’m in the minority here, I just think college athletes (esp when they are clearly singled out and it’s not booing the collective performance) should be off limits. It’s not like he wasn’t playing with effort. He was just making dumb decisions which he has done fairly consistently all year. Why the coaching staff doesn’t fix it is beyond me.

I mean, he’s 21 will be 22 in a few days. He’s been playing basketball I presume most of his life and this is his third year playing college ball. I’m not a fan of booing a single player either, but by now he should know what he is good/bad at and what helps/hurts the team. I do put some blame on Steele for saying nonsensical nonsense like “he’s a good shooter” at the end of one of the games early this season. He’s not a good shooter, so either you are just blowing smoke up the guys butt or hes not a good evaluator of strengths/weaknesses when it comes to “his guys.”

Anyways, it was a good win and looking forward to Tuesday!

[xuphan]

I mean, he’s 21 will be 22 in a few days. He’s been playing basketball I presume most of his life and this is his third year playing college ball. I’m not a fan of booing a single player either, but by now he should know what he is good/bad at and what helps/hurts the team. I do put some blame on Steele for saying nonsensical nonsense like “he’s a good shooter” at the end of one of the games early this season. He’s not a good shooter, so either you are just blowing smoke up the guys butt or hes not a good evaluator of strengths/weaknesses when it comes to “his guys.”

Anyways, it was a good win and looking forward to Tuesday!

I think this is again a situation where Steele seems to not have a clue with in game management and putting the best players on the court for situations like this when they arise. He did it last year with Carter and now this year with Hunter. Not Hunters fault as he is doing what the coach is asking him to do. Same with Carter. Steele should be the one getting booed for putting Hunter in that situation.

[xukeith]

I think this is again a situation where Steele seems to not have a clue with in game management and putting the best players on the court for situations like this when they arise. He did it last year with Carter and now this year with Hunter. Not Hunters fault as he is doing what the coach is asking him to do. Same with Carter. Steele should be the one getting booed for putting Hunter in that situation.

You have a choice. Play Hunter or Miles. Nunge and Freemantle need the blow.
Hunter is way better than Carter. At least rebounding and defense. He was our leading free throw shooter until today. I still have hope for Hunter. Not as good as Freemantle or Jones but he plays a good role.

[Xavier]

I get the frustrations over hunter at the end. Overall I think he does a lot of little things to help the team out, not to pick on Carter but hunter (even though he is the new Carter- everyone’s whipping boy) does much more for the team than Carter did.

As for the game, I’ll give credit to Steele bringing the zone back out. Had a few break downs but overall was a big reason X won. He had an interesting comment in post game radio- basically saying teams lean off Odom from 3 which actually helps get Odom to the best part of his game getting down hill in the paint and creating

[Strange Brew]

I get the frustrations over hunter at the end. Overall I think he does a lot of little things to help the team out, not to pick on Carter but hunter (even though he is the new Carter- everyone’s whipping boy) does much more for the team than Carter did.

As for the game, I’ll give credit to Steele bringing the zone back out. Had a few break downs but overall was a big reason X won. He had an interesting comment in post game radio- basically saying teams lean off Odom from 3 which actually helps get Odom to the best part of his game getting down hill in the paint and creating

Agree. My frustration is more with Steele than Hunter. Or Carter last year.

[kane79]

And bricked two FTs

to be fair, odom was already at the table to check in for hunter but he can't get in the game when hunter bricks both free throws

[Strange Brew]

to be fair, odom was already at the table to check in for hunter but he can't get in the game when hunter bricks both free throws

I know. More of a frustration with Steele.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Is the crowd groaning when Hunter touches the ball or am I hearing things?

I think it’s a bad look of it is. Hunters short comings are known, it’s not his fault he’s playing last 3 minutes of a game.

More of a Nooooo than a groan. You were definitely not hearing things though.

I think Hunter is very serviceable and much better than Carter but he is way too confident and needs to be reigned in to do what he does well. He was not good tonight. If Steele wont reign him in, the fans are happy to, ha.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Dickie Simpkins likes X to finish in the top 5 of the Big East!

Ha, hilarious. He is so bad.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I def get it, I don’t want him shooting either and I 100% think he should be benched when he does it.

I just hate seeing people boo the players. They aren’t getting paid (yet) and the coach is. The fact that he is still doing this into conference play is on the coach imo.

Worst thing for him was making those 2 awful looking threes late in the game vs Cincinnati. Prob gave him a bit more confidence when it’s not his game at all.

Maybe I’m in the minority here, I just think college athletes (esp when they are clearly singled out and it’s not booing the collective performance) should be off limits. It’s not like he wasn’t playing with effort. He was just making dumb decisions which he has done fairly consistently all year. Why the coaching staff doesn’t fix it is beyond me.

I think there is a big difference between booing and the whole crowd saying no to a guy shooting.

[noteggs]

The crowd doesn’t mind Hunter touching the ball, they just groan we he thinks about shooting a 3. At least that’s what I heard today at the game.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The crowd doesn’t mind Hunter touching the ball, they just groan we he thinks about shooting a 3. At least that’s what I heard today at the game.

Agreed.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Why did Freemantle not play down the stretch? I'm not making that up am I? I texted some friends not at the game to see if they remarked on him getting hurt or something on the broadcast. I distinctly remember realizing he wasn't in and seeing him on the bench with his warmup shirt on and wondering why he wasnt playing.

[xudash]

Why did Freemantle not play down the stretch? I'm not making that up am I? I texted some friends not at the game to see if they remarked on him getting hurt or something on the broadcast. I distinctly remember realizing he wasn't in and seeing him on the bench with his warmup shirt on and wondering why he wasnt playing.

I’m guessing it was a designed play for that personnel package.

Watch the replay of Johnson’s corner 3. As soon as he receives the ball, Paul is putting up his hand, signaling “three“ even before the ball leaves Nate’s hands.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I’m guessing it was a designed play for that personnel package.

Watch the replay of Johnson’s corner 3. As soon as he receives the ball, Paul is putting up his hand, signaling “three“ even before the ball leaves Nate’s hands.

Unless I am misremembering it was the last several minutes. I'll have to go back and check the replay of the game.

[noteggs]

Unless I am misremembering it was the last several minutes. I'll have to go back and check the replay of the game.

Asked the same question to my friend at the game and was somewhat concerned. Maybe Steele was going for a certain defense the last couple of minutes? Seemed to work so hats off to coaching staff.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I just went back and watched the replay. Freemantle checked out at 7:03 (the under 8 timeout) after commiting his 2nd foul and did not return to the game. He did not play the last 7 mins!

Hunter came in for him and then finally was subbed out at 2:04 when Steele called a timeout after Colby's bucket in the paint to put us up 3, but Odom subbed in for Hunter.

[Xavier]

I didn’t think Zach was great tonight. My guess is it was more player personal decision than any new injury (maybe just trying to get him up to game speed- with that type of press it probably wears him down quicker)

[D-West & PO-Z]

I didn’t think Zach was great tonight. My guess is it was more player personal decision than any new injury (maybe just trying to get him up to game speed- with that type of press it probably wears him down quicker)

It's hard to imagine a world where Hunter is a better player personnel decision than Freemantle. Maybe Steele wasn't loving his defense? Hustle? I don't know, just grasping at straws for why Hunter over Freemantle during a crucial stretch was better. It wasn't like it was Dwon for Freemantle (until Dwon checked in for Hunter I guess with 2 mins left).

[MADXSTER]

Hunter is a much much better defender than Freemantle.

[IM4X]

The Odem to Johnson dagger was identical to the Va Tech winner about 10 feet toward the corner. He just elevated, drew their whole team and looked for Nate J

Number 11 was unstoppable. I am ready for more of that from Dwon… and Johnson.

[Xavier]

Hunter is a much much better defender than Freemantle.

Yep, His defense is still pretty rough and frankly the zone seemed to neutralize Freemantle offensively too. I didn’t think anything of the decision, more so just wanted Odom out the rest of the game.

[GIMMFD]

I know. More of a frustration with Steele.

Idk, I didn't watch the whole game, watched the entire second half, majority of the first, but I thought Steele coached a good game, a lot of beautiful sets to get Nunge free looks at the basket, and even though Marquette had me sweating for some of the second half, thought we had them comfortably (wish we could knock down free throws, holy hell it was annoying tonight).. sure Hunter had a couple dumb shots that he put up, but overall, I think Steele outcoached Smart (I'm also not a huge Shaka Smart guy, and him with hair gave me the heebie jeebies tonight)... I don't know, I may be off base here, but I don't have too many complaints about the coaching tonight... I will say, I really like this group we have, I feel like they play tough and have somewhat of a "never die" attitude. Think the roster is gonna gel just fine, but then again, we were 11-2 or something like that last year. *sigh* hopium, never ends.

[XUGRAD80]

My take on it is that this team is deep and the talent is pretty even across the top 9. They are going to take turns being “the man” and everyone is going to have nights where they are on, and nights where they are off. Many times it is going to depend on the matchups and who is hot. Odom was not a good matchup for the Marquette defense. He was much to quick to be kept out of the lane. Free was a better matchup for them as he doesn’t have that great quickness and relies more on size and positioning to get to where he can score. Hunter was a better defensive matchup against some of the Marquette players than either Feee or Odom and allowed X to play man to man when he was in, but not as good offensively (pretty obvious, right?). X really hit a 3-4 minute lull offensively in the last part of the 2nd half. That allowed Marquette to reduce a 10 point lead to 2. X just couldn’t score at that point. It wasn’t that X was play8ng such bad defense at that point, but they just couldn’t score. He put Odom back in because, unlike Hunter or Free, he had shown the ability to score against Marquette. Other games it will be Free in that situation because of the matchups. Still other games it might be Hunter because of the need to have defense over offense. Steele went with Hunter initially because he felt that with a 10 point lead he needed defense over offense. When that didn’t work out he switched to Odom to get more offense, and that worked out pretty well I’d say. It’s all about matchups and using your talent properly and at the right time. So far this season Steele is doing a pretty good job of doing just that. Big test on Tuesday though. Will be interesting to see who he matches up with who and how he uses the bench.

[bleedXblue]

If Free isn't in the lineup its bc of matchups and/or his struggles defensively.

Odom is emerging as a really solid contributor on both ends of the floor. He's gaining confidence on the offensive end which is great to see.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hunter is a much much better defender than Freemantle.

Which was more than offset last night with the worst of Hunter offensively on display last night. In the 5 min period (7 mins to 2 mins) where Hunter replaced Freemantle, we almost lost the game. Hunter as we all know had a missed layup, missed 3, and 2 missed FT’s on consecutive possessions. Steele finally had to call a timeout to get him out at 2 mins left to get Dwon in who had been at the scorers table since the missed FT’s.

There was no excuse for Hunter in that long during that stretch. If Free was such a liability then sub Dwon for him.

[X-band '01]

This Marquette team is not good.

They also have more freshmen than Xavier does during Manresa. They will be really hot and cold this year.

[American X]

Johnson to Nunge for the game winner was a brilliant play call. Shades of Bluiett to O'Mara.

Dwon Odom is my hero.

Coach $3K made good tactical adjustments throughout the game.

Marquette is a worthy adversary. They will fight to be a tournament team.

Once the dust settled, that was a blast. What a great way to start Big East play.

[paulxu]

Coach $teele ?

[D-West & PO-Z]

The other thing I’ll say about Hunter for Freemantle for defensive purposes is that I get that in a vacuum. Makes sense during certain stretches of the game. However, if the defense of the other team is able to defend in a way where they are making Hunter beat them (taking the shots, making decisions on offense) then any positive on defense is completely negated. It isn’t like we shut Marquette down defensively in that stretch, it’s when they made their comeback.

And, if it’s not that the defense did something special to make Hunter beat them, it’s just Hunter making poor decisions offensively taking matters into his own hands, then that is as equally big an issue that Steele needs to recognize and fix asap.

Hunter does a lot of good things and I really like his game everywhere but offensively (other than rebounds and put backs and some paint scoring) he can be a liability. I don’t think he’s the “new Carter” by any stretch, I think he’s much better. But there is no way you can convince me that 5 min stretch last night Hunter for Freemantle was more beneficial than leaving Freemantle in. Odom should have been the guy if Free wasn’t capable.

[whopper]

Freemantle is coming along nicely...many thought he may be out longer. I does draw a double well and if he passed a little stronger he would be positive even more. I like Hunter's handle off a rebound; too often last year our front line would pass backward to a guard and that would generate pressure and either turnover or late shot heave. If he gets ii into the frontcourt in 3 seconds we have a much better chance

[whopper]

Freemantle is coming along nicely...many thought he may be out longer. I does draw a double well and if he passed a little stronger he would be positive even more. I like Hunter's handle off a rebound; too often last year our front line would pass backward to a guard and that would generate pressure and either turnover or late shot heave. If he gets ii into the frontcourt in 3 seconds we have a much better chance

[IM4X]

The other thing I’ll say about Hunter for Freemantle for defensive purposes is that I get that in a vacuum. Makes sense during certain stretches of the game. However, if the defense of the other team is able to defend in a way where they are making Hunter beat them (taking the shots, making decisions on offense) then any positive on defense is completely negated. It isn’t like we shut Marquette down defensively in that stretch, it’s when they made their comeback.

And, if it’s not that the defense did something special to make Hunter beat them, it’s just Hunter making poor decisions offensively taking matters into his own hands, then that is as equally big an issue that Steele needs to recognize and fix asap.

Hunter does a lot of good things and I really like his game everywhere but offensively (other than rebounds and put backs and some paint scoring) he can be a liability. I don’t think he’s the “new Carter” by any stretch, I think he’s much better. But there is no way you can convince me that 5 min stretch last night Hunter for Freemantle was more beneficial than leaving Freemantle in. Odom should have been the guy if Free wasn’t capable.

Yeah. I do think Hunter is probably playing a little better defense than Free at the moment, but I too was puzzled as you would think Steele would feel a little more comfortable with Zach’s decision
making down the stretch. I was really surprised (as it appears you were) that Odom was back on the bench again until late in the game. That’s when Marquette cut into the lead. Hunter had made a few poor decisions during that time on offense. You have got to go with the hot hand and the players who have proven to make smarter decisions when the game is on the line. Steele finally made the switch during the last few minutes and I think that made a difference.

[MADXSTER]

My take on it is that this team is deep and the talent is pretty even across the top 9. They are going to take turns being “the man” and everyone is going to have nights where they are on, and nights where they are off. Many times it is going to depend on the matchups and who is hot. Odom was not a good matchup for the Marquette defense. He was much to quick to be kept out of the lane. Free was a better matchup for them as he doesn’t have that great quickness and relies more on size and positioning to get to where he can score. Hunter was a better defensive matchup against some of the Marquette players than either Feee or Odom and allowed X to play man to man when he was in, but not as good offensively (pretty obvious, right?). X really hit a 3-4 minute lull offensively in the last part of the 2nd half. That allowed Marquette to reduce a 10 point lead to 2. X just couldn’t score at that point. It wasn’t that X was play8ng such bad defense at that point, but they just couldn’t score. He put Odom back in because, unlike Hunter or Free, he had shown the ability to score against Marquette. Other games it will be Free in that situation because of the matchups. Still other games it might be Hunter because of the need to have defense over offense. Steele went with Hunter initially because he felt that with a 10 point lead he needed defense over offense. When that didn’t work out he switched to Odom to get more offense, and that worked out pretty well I’d say. It’s all about matchups and using your talent properly and at the right time. So far this season Steele is doing a pretty good job of doing just that. Big test on Tuesday though. Will be interesting to see who he matches up with who and how he uses the bench.

Very well put. I concur.

[MADXSTER]

Which was more than offset last night with the worst of Hunter offensively on display last night.

Well you and I will just have to disagree with this entirely. Hunter is not a poor decision maker. He may not be shooting well from outside but his decision making is pretty good. He had 1 turnover that I can remember passing into the post. While guarding Lewis, Lewis did not score. He gave up 5 points the entire game. He had a great high low pass to Freemantle that ended up getting blocked but that was on Free. He's in the paint every time a shot is put up getting himself into position. He's a really good free throw shooter(except last night). He handled the ball during the press pretty well. He created turnovers. Yes he had a bad stretch on offense but that's how it goes sometimes. If he makes the free throws it's not so bad of a stretch. Also realize that he got to shoot the free throws because he drew a foul. He was a big reason that Marquette was in foul trouble which helped the team to a win.

[IM4X]

My take on it is that this team is deep and the talent is pretty even across the top 9. They are going to take turns being “the man” and everyone is going to have nights where they are on, and nights where they are off. Many times it is going to depend on the matchups and who is hot…..Steele went with Hunter initially because he felt that with a 10 point lead he needed defense over offense. When that didn’t work out he switched to Odom to get more offense, and that worked out pretty well I’d say. It’s all about matchups and using your talent properly and at the right time. So far this season Steele is doing a pretty good job of doing just that. Big test on Tuesday though. Will be interesting to see who he matches up with who and how he uses the bench.

I can understand the “let’s try and stop them with defense now with this 10 point lead” strategy. I prefer the “let’s keep scoring” strategy because it was working and it meant not giving up an offensive weapon. I do like that he was at least aware that his strategy was not working and made the necessary substitution.

[MADXSTER]

At the game, you could actually hear a collective "no" when Hunter had a late open three at top of key. There were that many fans in Cintas all thinking and verbalizing the same thing at the same time. So much about Hunter's game I like but Jesus F. Christ, I don't want him jacking shots late in the game.

LOL, I was probably one of those saying nooooo and caught how many others did the same. My first thought was, Wow we have a lot of Xavierhoops posters at the game today.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Well you and I will just have to disagree with this entirely. Hunter is not a poor decision maker. He may not be shooting well from outside but his decision making is pretty good. He had 1 turnover that I can remember passing into the post. While guarding Lewis, Lewis did not score. He gave up 5 points the entire game. He had a great high low pass to Freemantle that ended up getting blocked but that was on Free. He's in the paint every time a shot is put up getting himself into position. He's a really good free throw shooter(except last night). He handled the ball during the press pretty well. He created turnovers. Yes he had a bad stretch on offense but that's how it goes sometimes. If he makes the free throws it's not so bad of a stretch. Also realize that he got to shoot the free throws because he drew a foul. He was a big reason that Marquette was in foul trouble which helped the team to a win.

My point is that he was at his worst offensively during that crucial 5 mins stretch last night. Not that he’s always bad at offense. But that stretch was brutal and it took Steele too long to get him out. Steele ended up having to burn a timeout to get him out bc Dwon was at the scorers table and there were no stoppages in play. I’m not even arguing that it should have been Freemantle instead (although I think he would have netted us better results in that stretch) but there was no reason for Hunter over Dwon.

It’s a little concerning if Steele feels like he could not play Freemantle for the last 7 mins of a closely contested game though. You wonder if it was just defense? Or was he gassed also? Any pain from the injury? Would love to hear why Steele has to say about why Freemantle was benched for that long to close out the game. I asked Adam Baum on Twitter and he said he’d ask. Hoping we hear.

[American X]

Muskie astutely observed to me that this team last year would have folded. Totally, down 9 in the first half they would have started chucking bad threes and not make them.

Also, for a team that generously likes to provide the basketball to the other team, they really took care of the ball last night and against UC. They can do it when it matters.

[UCGRAD4X]

Number 11 was unstoppable. I am ready for more of that from Dwon… and Johnson.

Dwon Johnson? Is that Miami Vice meets the Rock?

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Well you and I will just have to disagree with this entirely. Hunter is not a poor decision maker. He may not be shooting well from outside but his decision making is pretty good. He had 1 turnover that I can remember passing into the post. While guarding Lewis, Lewis did not score. He gave up 5 points the entire game. He had a great high low pass to Freemantle that ended up getting blocked but that was on Free. He's in the paint every time a shot is put up getting himself into position. He's a really good free throw shooter(except last night). He handled the ball during the press pretty well. He created turnovers. Yes he had a bad stretch on offense but that's how it goes sometimes. If he makes the free throws it's not so bad of a stretch. Also realize that he got to shoot the free throws because he drew a foul. He was a big reason that Marquette was in foul trouble which helped the team to a win.

Hunter was also a big reason that Xavier's lead dwindled late in the game as a result of forcing some shots and missing free throws. That said, I otherwise agree with just about everything you said. Hunter adds athleticism to the front court. He is versatile; plays good defense, handles the ball well, generally makes free throws (last night notwithstanding.) Those posters comparing him to Carter are so far off base, they are in left field. I've noticed that Hunter's mistakes usually come when he hurries---he takes a quick shot or tries to make a quick pass into the post right after receiving the ball himself. If he will slow down just a nano-second before making a decision, he will get a better result. We need him to stop forcing threes but not stop shooting them entirely. Hunter gives us a balance, like Scruggs, that doesn't always stand out in the box score.

[IM4X]

Dwon Johnson? Is that Miami Vice meets the Rock?

:perfect10:

[GIMMFD]

Muskie astutely observed to me that this team last year would have folded. Totally, down 9 in the first half they would have started chucking bad threes and not make them.

Also, for a team that generously likes to provide the basketball to the other team, they really took care of the ball last night and against UC. They can do it when it matters.

Yeah, this isn't talked about enough, a lot of heart with these guys which makes them fun to watch. I feel like they really care about each other, and the grind, and they've grown from last year. Obviously a few additions and subtractions, but the core nucleus has looked better. Also, we really missed Nate Johnson last year, didn't realize how big of an impact his absence was, but man he just adds a different dimension.