Game Thread: Xavier v Butler University (1/7/2022)

[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/thumbs/images/g/TeoAAOSw101fsFoH/s-l200.jpg



THE MATCHUP

NO. 22/24 XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (11-2, 1-1 BIG EAST)
BUTLER UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS (8-5, 1-1 BIG EAST)
FRIDAY, JAN. 7, 2022 AT 8:30 P.M. ET
HINKLE FIELDHOUSE (9,100) IN INDIANAPOLIS, IND.

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with pbp from Noah Eagle and analysis from Casey Jacobsen.
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 (84), XM (84) and the SXM App. (84).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[Xville]

Finally!! Let’s go!

Butler sucks but we always seem to have difficulty with them. With that said, x wins by 100

[JTG]

Friends of mine here in Indy who know I'm an X guy always ask, are you going to the game ? I always say no, don't want to pay to watch a 5 against 8 game at Hinkle. No matter how crappy they are, their guards seem to light it up, and the officiating is always suspect. Chances are I get thrown out or arrested so I stay home.

[bg2629]

Anyone going? What section are most X fans going to be in? Looking at tickets now.

[American X]

Xavier is going to look more rusty than the Tin Man.

[muskiefan82]

Xavier is going to look more rusty than the Tin Man.

OR, Maybe, just maybe, they will have taken the time to practice their offense and it will look smooth, efficient, and deadly. I am hopeful. At least during this break they could practice unlike last year.

[American X]

OR, Maybe, just maybe, they will have taken the time to practice their offense and it will look smooth, efficient, and deadly.

https://imgr.search.brave.com/JZJIIq92CIL5lHHfRLDljKOXeOYyeIO_17DGR2G26a4/fit/460/258/ce/1/aHR0cDovL2dpZmZl/dHRlcmlhLml0L2Fy/Y2hpdmlvL2dvb2Rm/ZWxsYXMxOS5naWY.gif

[GIMMFD]

As long as we beat them I don't care, Butler sucks.

[MADXSTER]

Butler = Bag of D*cks

[muskiefan82]

https://imgr.search.brave.com/JZJIIq92CIL5lHHfRLDljKOXeOYyeIO_17DGR2G26a4/fit/460/258/ce/1/aHR0cDovL2dpZmZl/dHRlcmlhLml0L2Fy/Y2hpdmlvL2dvb2Rm/ZWxsYXMxOS5naWY.gif

I know. I know. I'm trying to find the silver lining somewhere...

[94GRAD]

Anyone going? What section are most X fans going to be in? Looking at tickets now.

We're in Section 117

[paulxu]

We're in Section 117

Is that right next to Fired Up Karen :slapfight:

[94GRAD]

Is that right next to Fired Up Karen :slapfight:

Fingers crossed!

[Xville]

Are you picking up bandgrad on the way? He’s a huge fan!

[94GRAD]

Are you picking up bandgrad on the way? He’s a huge fan!

No room for quitters on my bandwagon!

[noteggs]

For the beginning of the game why does the song “Helter Skelter” come to mind? Yes I know that’s on Steele but can’t help to think…

[Xavier]

Finally. At least it’s butler after the time off. No clue what to expect, just Come away with the win and I am happy.

[GIMMFD]

Line is -5, took it in a parlay with Marquette -2, and Ohio -7 or something like that, feel good about us covering 5 points, I could see us blowing the doors off of them if all goes well...

[X-band '01]

Is that right next to Masked Up Karen :slapfight:

Does Hinkle require you to wear masks?

Hell, anyone who's ever met me in person will tell you I look much better in a mask.

[94GRAD]

Does Hinkle require you to wear masks?

Hell, anyone who's ever met me in person will tell you I look much better in a mask.

No

[American X]

If Xavier had played its normal schedule and was in rhythm, I would expect them to beat this down Butler team, even at Hinkle. Since that obviously did not happen, I expect them to look like they have never seen a basketball before and maddeningly lose an imminently winnable game to a bunch of pretentious d-bags.

Can't wait for tip!

[MADXSTER]

Is it wrong that I hate Butler more than Covid?

[sgarcia]

Don’t know if this is on another thread so apologies if it is but why didn’t the BE reschedule the Xavier at Gtown game for this Sunday if they are both playing tonight? I know it sucks that we would have to travel from Indy but it seems like it could’ve/should’ve been done.

[GIMMFD]

If Xavier had played its normal schedule and was in rhythm, I would expect them to beat this down Butler team, even at Hinkle. Since that obviously did not happen, I expect them to look like they have never seen a basketball before and maddeningly lose an imminently winnable game to a bunch of pretentious d-bags.

Can't wait for tip!

That's traitorous behavior out of you good sir, we're winning by 10+, bookmark it.

[xudash]

Is it wrong that I hate Butler more than Covid?

Perfectly normal behavior. You're solid.

The way to overcome whatever rust will be present is to stay focused for all 40 minutes, maintaining an edge and high energy for the entire game. Xavier needs to assert its will tonight.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Is it wrong that I hate Butler more than Covid?

If it is, then I don't wanna be right.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That's traitorous behavior out of you good sir, we're winning by 10+, bookmark it.

As long as we win by 4 or more and the total is over 120.5 I will be ecstatic!

[XUBison]

Maybe we’ll be rusty, but I’d be shocked if we lack intensity. Have to think the guys are champing at the bit.

[JAPER]

2nd game in a row Marq opens a can of whoop….Gtown is a mess right now…

X game start on time perhaps…been waiting awhile

[Xville]

Feels like the start of a new season again…pumped!

[JAPER]

Why tip off at 8:42 >??????

[Strange Brew]

Why tip off at 8:42 >??????

COVID line…:)

[STL_XUfan]

Why tip off at 8:42 >??????
Got to make the studio team earn their paycheck

[JAPER]

Last time for Mr. Scrugg’s to show off in front of his hometown boys and girls…

[xuphan]

COVID line…:)

Big bounce back game for Steele and co tonight.

[xu82]

How many days since we last played? This is hard to get used to for me on my couch. Hope the team handles it better!

[Strange Brew]

Big bounce back game for Steele and co tonight.

Just nice to see them play again.

[Xville]

Wish the free mantle hunter pairing would stop.

[JAPER]

Noah Eagle? Related to Ian Eagle?

Calling the game on FS1….

[Xville]

Damn nice move free

[JAPER]

Like defensive intensity so far. If that holds up….road kill.

[Strange Brew]

Noah Eagle? Related to Ian Eagle?

Calling the game on FS1….

Iron Eagle? Never say die!

[Xville]

Dwon man what an athletic freak. Just keeps getting better and better

Why does kunkel think he is steph curry?

[noteggs]

Not bad coming off a break

[JAPER]

Solid start in my opinion….Didn’t know Nze was hurt so bad. That helps the cause obviously.

[Xville]

Jerome hunter = instant offense

[boozehound]

Nice to see Hunter find the net a few times. Hopefully this gets him going.

[Xville]

Team looks good when they are making threes.

[profson]

Stop saying Freemantle’s defense is bad. It is abysmal.

[xukeith]

looks like 17 days did wonders for Hunter's luck offensively. Defensively, not grand.

[JAPER]

The butler is in trouble when Hunter is both swishing 3’s and using a good chunk of the diameter of the rim to drain 3’s…just keep playing defense…

[noteggs]

Who else had their eyes closed on those last two threes by Jerome?

[bjf123]

Who else had their eyes closed on those last two threes by Jerome?

No! No! No! Yes!!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[boozehound]

Stop saying Freemantle’s defense is bad. It is abysmal.

It really is. His rebounding hasn’t been great either. He’s out of position a lot and getting pushed around.

[Xville]

How many points is free gonna give up tonight? Yeah he is scoring, but he’s giving it right back on the other end. Net zero

[Xville]

All in all been a good half..glad x got to play butler off the break.

[JAPER]

It is amazing how the modern athlete recovers from major (?) injury. Zach is moving well for someone not starting the season. Yes, he’s gets beat on defense but I think way more good than bad….

[noteggs]

Free is obviously a defensive liability, but how many points have we given up in the paint overall.

[JAPER]

Take that half every year at Butler…let’s see if they can put 40 mins together… Go X

[boozehound]

Solid first half. If we can find a way to slow down Golden in the second half we will be in good shape.

[xu82]

Just WIN!

Glad to see them come out and look ready after that unnatural break. It can be hard to judge with the off again, on again nonsense, but this is encouraging. My most sincere apologies If I jinked anything!

[Strange Brew]

Solid first half. If we can find a way to slow down Golden in the second half we will be in good shape.

Golden and Thompson played a lot of mins. Hope the start to wear out a bit with about 10 to go.

[XUBison]

That half seemed to go by in a flash. Glad to see Scruggs and Free showed up, even if Free isn’t playing any D.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

It is amazing how the modern athlete recovers from major (?) injury. Zach is moving well for someone not starting the season. Yes, he’s gets beat on defense but I think way more good than bad….

You're a "glass half full" guy. Nothing wrong with that. ZFree's offense has been pretty good compared to Nova when he was MIA early on. But, God is defense is awful! Luckily for us, Jerome is hot. If the over/under is 3 for the number of three pt. attempts from Jerome in half two, I'll take the over.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I’ll take that first half all day after a 17 day layoff. Let’s keep it going X!

[XUBison]

You're a "glass half full" guy. Nothing wrong with that. ZFree's offense has been pretty good compared to Nova when he was MIA early on. But, God is defense is awful! Luckily for us, Jerome is hot. If the over/under is 3 for the number of three pt. attempts from Jerome in half two, I'll take the over.

You mean you don’t think Jerome has had his fill? What on Earth would lead you to believe that?

[boozehound]

More garbage defense from Free to start the half. His 1 rebound leaves a lot to be desired as well. I’d rather see what Nunge can do with more time.

[xukeith]

Solid first half. If we can find a way to slow down Golden in the second half we will be in good shape.

Here we go again. Sloppy 2nd half. Hunter and Freemantle = not much defense.

[boozehound]

Here we go again. Sloppy 2nd half. Hunter and Freemantle = not much defense.

I was just about to comment on this. Steele’s teams always come out of the half looking like shit.

[American X]

Fifty bucks, Bryce Golden picks his nose on camera.

[xu82]

Fifty bucks, Bryce Golden picks his nose on camera.




….and $50 on eats it?

[XUBison]

Good grief.

[JAPER]

Just weather the storm. Happens in about 70% of roads games. Here is where coach Steele needs to earn his pay….switch to a zone for a few possessions?

[boozehound]

Were they not a able to review Kunkel getting elbowed in the face twice?

[JAPER]

X should strive to get into the lane and make a living from the line. I don;’t think they can guard us man up the whole game….

[xukeith]

Solid FT shooting. Steele has them making them,.

[xu82]

Solid FT shooting. Steele has them making them,.

Steele and the players get no credit. It all goes to Butler having strong FT defense.

[American X]

Xavier already owns Ohio. Adam Kunkel is staking his claim to own Indiana as well.

[xudash]

Toughness. We have it tonight.

The tent will not fold.

We are going to beat these Huckleberries.

[Strange Brew]

Ball went out off Butler’s Mellon there but whatever.

[xukeith]

Great defense by Odom. Blocked shot. Get Zach out of there. Need Hunter and Nunge for the rest of the night

[boozehound]

Freemantle is giving us very little.

[Strange Brew]

Ref show on our d end.

[X Factor]

Would like to see Steele go to a zone to stop these drives.

[Strange Brew]

Kunkel!

[xukeith]

I repeat. Get Zach out of the game. Nunge needs to be there

[boozehound]

Kunkel is having a blast out there. You love to see that.

[X Factor]

Kunkel!!!!

[American X]

Adam Kunkel now owns the State of Indiana. Congratulations. It's pretty flat.

[whopper]

Freemantle is giving us very little.

He needs to look at his defensive film and footwork and also fight harder for position. Nobody is going to give him anything..in this Covid era you are only as good as your last game. Golden thinks he is a much better player and that is half the battle. I see a player feeling a little sorry for self and has kind of lost his guaranteed position. Play like a walk on, run the court a little harder, move feet a little better, fight for position a little harder. It looks like it is in his head.. Suprised to see he had 10 pts so all is not lost

[xukeith]

We need Kunk to store some of that baller offense for Nova.

[JAPER]

Feel like X should have been in the bonus at the 10 min mark, not 2:11….I’ll take it though…

[American X]

Butler's cheerleaders look like The Joker.

[Strange Brew]

Adam Kunkel now owns the State of Indiana. Congratulations. It's pretty flat.

Larry Legend holds a permanent deed.

[Strange Brew]

Butler's cheerleaders look like The Joker.

Bet they’re classy tho.

[muskiefan82]

Kunkel channeling his inner Hinkle Macura tonight

[XUBison]

Feel like X should have been in the bonus at the 10 min mark, not 2:11….I’ll take it though…

The Hinkle handicap.

[Strange Brew]

Kunkel channeling his inner Hinkle Macura tonight

If he Thunderdunks to end it I’ll cheer for UC during their next game.

[xu82]

Butler's cheerleaders look like The Joker.

I’m not a cheerleader guy, but I’m somewhat proud that Marquette cheerleader Dawn circa 1980 never had to file a restraining order on me.

[muskiefan82]

If he Thunderdunks to end it I’ll cheer for UC during their next game.

LOL. Because I actually did

[Strange Brew]

LOL. Because I actually did

Get out…

[Strange Brew]

Dunk it!

[JAPER]

Word association….What happens when you take the HI out of Hinkle and ‘sub’ in KU?

[muskiefan82]

I really enjoy beating Butler. It just feels right. They're like my new Dayton.

[XUBison]

Thank God we didn’t lose to Butler. Would have really ruined my weekend.

[bobbiemcgee]

Move of the game was Steele calling that TO a couple minutes into the 2nd half when they were on a run. I kept yelling "Timeout, Timeout" and whady know he called one to settle it down. Wish he has done the same against 'Nova.

[Xavier]

Kunkel dominated. A lot of somewhat quiet players but didn’t need them. Great overall performance after the layoff.

Zach D will hurt Xavier… good thing Nunge is there when that happens. Didn’t have that luxury lat year

[GoMuskies]

That was a nice, fun stress free win.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Kunkel is having a blast out there. You love to see that.

Kunkel Fieldhouse!

[noteggs]

Looks like Steele’s boyfriend can play a little bball! Sorry ville, but it was sitting there…

[American X]

That exceeded my low expectations.

This version of Butler lacked the normal level of douchiness to spoil this for Xavier.

My clamoring for more Jerome Hunter offense finally pays off.

Is there a revenge storyline that Butler never recruited Indiana native Adam Kunkel?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Word association….What happens when you take the HI out of Hinkle and ‘sub’ in KU?

You beat me to it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That was a nice, fun stress free win.

I never felt comfortable despite us always responding when they cut it to 7/8. I have a problem though so….

[XUBison]

Kunkel Fieldhouse!

No doubt. Boy was feeling it.

[XUBison]

Kunkel dominated. A lot of somewhat quiet players but didn’t need them. Great overall performance after the layoff.

Zach D will hurt Xavier… good thing Nunge is there when that happens. Didn’t have that luxury lat year

It will be interesting to see how Zach’s role evolves throughout the season. He’ll have big moments, but our depth doesn’t require him to be the focal point this year. The depth also makes him expendable on the defensive end.

[Xuperman]

Looks like Steele’s boyfriend can play a little bball! Sorry ville, but it was sitting there…

Absolutely no need to be sorry. There is a mirror somewhere in his life......not good on multiple topics.

[xudash]

For being such a classy program (cough, cough), they certainly don’t have a very classy fan base, judging from their message board: really poor losers, and I don’t think they like us very much.

Love this comment though: “Xavier fans torching the Butler MBB Twitter account. Man, I hate them, but I wish we had their fan base. Shoot me.”

[Xavier]

I like beating butler obviously. And I guess they are Xaviers biggest rivalry in the conference. But it still doesn’t quite feel like a rivalry to me anymore. Not like Dayton was (or obviously UC). We all would love Nova to be our big conference rival.. and that was the expectation when The new big east started. Unfortunately we aren’t even close with them. Oh well, still fun beating em

[Xuperman]

We all would love Nova to be our big conference rival. Unfortunately we aren’t even close with them.

35 minutes at Finnegan last month begs to differ.

[Xavier]

35 minutes at Finnegan last month begs to differ.

How many times have we beat them? Once? We may have less wins over them than anyone in the conference outside of DePaul. Most of the games are double digit losses too. I’m not sure it could be more lopsided head to head. Not to mention the game you reference that says we are close resulted in a 13 point loss.

[Xuperman]

How many times have we beat them? Once? We may have less wins over them than anyone in the conference outside of DePaul. Most of the games are double digit losses too. I’m not sure it could be more lopsided head to head.

That is totally on Mack, correct?

[Xuperman]

GQJ is a bad man. Coach Steele is just now getting comfortable sizing up the competition throughout the BEast.....from recruiting, familiarity with rosters and honing his own coaching chops. He's not there yet, but he is taking minutes off ALL the other coaches night-night time as we speak!

[94GRAD]

Were they not a able to review Kunkel getting elbowed in the face twice?

I was at the game, they did review it during the TO. Said it was incidental.

[Xavier]

That is totally on Mack, correct?

I’m not sure, do you consider Steele a success vs Nova or something?? Seems to me like a group effort. Not even close in any way seems to me the best description of the matchup since joining the conference.

[Xuperman]

They did review it during the TO. Said it was incidental.

I hate when that happens.

When are you going to replace that irrelevant Bill Murray thing? Nails on chalkboard man.

[Xuperman]

I’m not sure, do you consider Steele a success vs Nova or something??

Sure, considering the learning curve vs Jay Wright. Where the hell would your, OR anyone else's, expectations be?

Mack had to double check he had vasoline before every Nova game.....Steele is going to start offering some.

Staak to Steele!!!

[Nigel Tufnel]

Yeah…I’ve maybe had a couple cocktails…but the play by play dude sounded so much like Jim Nantz that I was waiting to see Amen Corner or Joe Burrow throwing another TD to Jamar Chase against the Chiefs…am I out of my mind?

[Xavier]

Sure

For someone who spent the night calling people out for old comments, saying Steele has been a success vs Wright is as bad as it gets. I think he is 1-5 (?) and would be worse but avoided playing them twice last year due to covid. We certainly have different definitions of successful. Guessing nova fans hope that success continues lol. I won’t hijack the butler game thread anymore.

[stammina0721]

For someone who spent the night calling people out for old comments, saying Steele has been a success vs Wright is as bad as it gets. I think he is 1-5 (?) and would be worse but avoided playing them twice last year due to covid. We certainly have different definitions of successful. Guessing nova fans hope that success continues lol. I won’t hijack the butler game thread anymore.

Jesus you people are just dumb. Yes Jay Wright has owned Xavier. Who hasn't he owned in this conference or better yet in the country. The guy only has two championships in less than a decade.

I said it after the first game, Xavier will win the rematch by double digits at home. I know that will happen. I'll put 100 up to any charity as a bet to anyone who disagrees.

X is better than Villanova this year. They shit down their leg the second half in Nova to lose that game. X will win next week and they will win in the Big East tournament. Talent matters in basketball and Xavier has more. Simple as that.

[Xuperman]

Stammina,
You are noticable more cogent recently. Very refreshing.....healthier lifestyle?

[stammina0721]

Ehh I wouldn't say that. Had to move to CT due to wife so now I'm in enemy territory so gotta be a hair nicer I guess lol

[stammina0721]

But I'm damn close to a lot of road games including the BE tournament

[Xuperman]

But I'm damn close to a lot of road games including the BE tournament

I lived in Jersey City for years. You gotta hit up Carnesecca Arena for a Johnnies game at your earliest convenience!!!

[GIMMFD]

Kunk is a bad bad man, Nate only took two shots and we still won by 15, as I said, we'd win by 10+, delivered baby.

[stammina0721]

I lived in Jersey City for years. You gotta hit up Carnesecca Arena for a Johnnies game at your earliest convenience!!!

I'm guaranteed at BE tourney this year... Planning a trip to UConn, Providence, and definitely Carnesecca for sure

[Xville]

Jesus you people are just dumb. Yes Jay Wright has owned Xavier. Who hasn't he owned in this conference or better yet in the country. The guy only has two championships in less than a decade.

I said it after the first game, Xavier will win the rematch by double digits at home. I know that will happen. I'll put 100 up to any charity as a bet to anyone who disagrees.

X is better than Villanova this year. They shit down their leg the second half in Nova to lose that game. X will win next week and they will win in the Big East tournament. Talent matters in basketball and Xavier has more. Simple as that.

You kinda missed his point, but whatever.

Good game from x all things considered coming off the layoff. Glad that they got to play butler out of the break to get it rolling again. Kunkel had a heck of a second half, and happy to see that hunter was able to provide some offensive spark. Hopefully he is able to carry that thru the next few games.

Concerns are free’s d and that he and hunter had 2 boards between them. Going to have to play more aggressive against the upper tier teams in the conference. On the flip side, Jones and Scruggs with 7 boards each. All in all a good solid game, and it’s great to beat butler. The schedule is about to get a lot tougher.

[xavierj]

That exceeded my low expectations.

This version of Butler lacked the normal level of douchiness to spoil this for Xavier.

My clamoring for more Jerome Hunter offense finally pays off.

Is there a revenge storyline that Butler never recruited Indiana native Adam Kunkel?

Kunkel is from Northern KY.

[American X]

Is there a revenge storyline that Butler never recruited Indiana native Adam Kunkel?


Kunkel is from Northern KY.

Fine, is there a revenge storyline that Butler never recruited white guy Adam Kunkel? (I must have crossed Nunge's birthplace for Kunkel's).

[Smails]

Kunk is a bad bad man, Nate only took two shots and we still won by 15, as I said, we'd win by 10+, delivered baby.

This is why we are going to continue to be a problem to game plan for. Wanna take away player X and Y....? We have 5 other guys who can beat you.

[Xavier]

Jesus you people are just dumb. Yes Jay Wright has owned Xavier. Who hasn't he owned in this conference or better yet in the country. The guy only has two championships in less than a decade.


X is better than Villanova this year. They shit down their leg the second half in Nova to lose that game. X will win next week and they will win in the Big East tournament. Talent matters in basketball and Xavier has more. Simple as that.

Relax. I said Xavier and Villanova isn’t the rivalry we hoped when joining the conference and nova is better in every way (program wise). Then you said it was close and pointed to the 13 point loss as the reason why, blamed Mack for the failures and considered Steele successful vs nova all before finally admitting it isn’t close because Jay Wright has owned Xavier which is the point I was making from the beginning…..sheesh

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

How the rotation has tightened since the start of the season when we were wondering how Steele was going to find time for eleven players. It makes sense that the bench has shrunk but I'm wondering what has happened to Miles. And, is his lack of P.T. a sign that he may be a failed "project"? Steele had crowned him as a potential defensive superstar and while much of Steele's hyperbole is aimed at motivating his players, rather than statement of fact, Miles hasn't seen even modest minutes. He started a bunch of games, didn't contribute much offensively and demonstrated, too often, a tendency to foul, but his play wasn't terrible. ZFree's poor defense isn't likely to improve overnight (if much at all) and I thought we might see Miles rack up a few minutes. I'm not sure when in last night's game he could have been inserted to make a difference. Still, I'm wondering what his lack of game action might say about his future.

[MADXSTER]

It makes sense that the bench has shrunk but I'm wondering what has happened to Miles. And, is his lack of P.T. a sign that he may be a failed "project"?

No. He was recruited as a project and still is a project. If you have 3 guys for one position and 1 is a project, then hopefully the project is the third guy in the rotation. Otherwise your recruiting must be suspect. Personally I don't expect projects to help until their 4th year but that's just me.

[markchal]

I like that Miles has improved a bit and could be used in an emergency or injury situation, but I'm fine with the minutes (lack thereof) he's getting lately. We have too many talented players that need to be on the floor ahead of him. My only point of contention with the lineups these days is I think we should start Nunge and bring Freemantle off the bench.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How the rotation has tightened since the start of the season when we were wondering how Steele was going to find time for eleven players. It makes sense that the bench has shrunk but I'm wondering what has happened to Miles. And, is his lack of P.T. a sign that he may be a failed "project"? Steele had crowned him as a potential defensive superstar and while much of Steele's hyperbole is aimed at motivating his players, rather than statement of fact, Miles hasn't seen even modest minutes. He started a bunch of games, didn't contribute much offensively and demonstrated, too often, a tendency to foul, but his play wasn't terrible. ZFree's poor defense isn't likely to improve overnight (if much at all) and I thought we might see Miles rack up a few minutes. I'm not sure when in last night's game he could have been inserted to make a difference. Still, I'm wondering what his lack of game action might say about his future.

I feel like it has been fairly obvious that Miles was heading to a mop up duty role only. I don't really get what people see in him (currently) that make them think he should be getting more time. I mean I guess he could go in and get some fouls when you need something like that but he looks like he doesnt know how to move in his own body. Just looks awkward and big and slow.

I think the only reason he got as much run as he did early on was because of Free's injury and Steele probably didnt know the full extent of what he was going to be getting from Nunge.

[xukeith]

How the rotation has tightened since the start of the season when we were wondering how Steele was going to find time for eleven players. It makes sense that the bench has shrunk but I'm wondering what has happened to Miles. And, is his lack of P.T. a sign that he may be a failed "project"? Steele had crowned him as a potential defensive superstar and while much of Steele's hyperbole is aimed at motivating his players, rather than statement of fact, Miles hasn't seen even modest minutes. He started a bunch of games, didn't contribute much offensively and demonstrated, too often, a tendency to foul, but his play wasn't terrible. ZFree's poor defense isn't likely to improve overnight (if much at all) and I thought we might see Miles rack up a few minutes. I'm not sure when in last night's game he could have been inserted to make a difference. Still, I'm wondering what his lack of game action might say about his future.

I am a Miles fan. Steele said yesterday in post game that Miles should have played longer in yesterday's game. He said there was no whistle or stoppage of play in first half so Nunge quickly had 3 minutes of rest.

As limited as Miles is offensively, he provides a reliable defensive post presence. More Nunge, more Hunter, more Miles, and less Freemantle unless he plays reliable defense.

[American X]

It may not have been on camera, but Bryce Golden definitely picked his nose on the bench.

[xukeith]

Jesus you people are just dumb. Yes Jay Wright has owned Xavier. Who hasn't he owned in this conference or better yet in the country. The guy only has two championships in less than a decade.

I said it after the first game, Xavier will win the rematch by double digits at home. I know that will happen. I'll put 100 up to any charity as a bet to anyone who disagrees.

X is better than Villanova this year. They shit down their leg the second half in Nova to lose that game. X will win next week and they will win in the Big East tournament. Talent matters in basketball and Xavier has more. Simple as that.

Put down the crack pipe. I hope X wins the BE tourney but to declare such assurances is a tad bit of a leaping lizards proclamation.

[xu82]

It may not have been on camera, but Bryce Golden definitely picked his nose on the bench.

I hope you collected BIG TIME on that one!

[xudash]

I hope you collected BIG TIME on that one!

“Fifty bucks says he eats it.”

After all, Butler is like a hayseed version of Spaulding.

[GIMMFD]

This is why we are going to continue to be a problem to game plan for. Wanna take away player X and Y....? We have 5 other guys who can beat you.

Yup, I like that it's not just a couple main guys, I mean I absolutely loved the Trevon and JP teams, or Tu and Mark Lyons, but the balance we have right now is great, all kinds of different guys can contribute and have been the leading scorer, it helps to create wrinkles and nightmares for opposition. Depending on the night, anybody can kind of take over, and we can use that to our advantage in match-ups (ie terrible in the post? feed Free and Nunge, not good at reacting to shooters? Nate's going to dominate, not quick enough to guard? Dwon and Scruggs can get to the rim), I like the feel for this team a lot.

[X-band '01]

If Xavier fans and UC fans camp out at their respective statues to prevent them from being pranked, do Butler students put a 24/7 guard on water fountains at Hinkle? Otherwise their talk of us being their biggest rival is just that - talk.