Game Thread: Xavier v Villanova University (1/12/2022)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.http://villanova.com/images/2006/3/7/mascot-199w.jpg


THE MATCHUP

NO. 17/21 XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (12-2, 2-1 BIG EAST)
NO. 14/14 VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY WILDCATS (11-4, 4-1 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 12, 2022 AT 6:30 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER (10,224) IN CINCINNATI, OHIO
TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Kevin Kugler and analysis from Bill Raftery.
Radio: 55KRC-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 (137), XM (202) and the SXM App. (965).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com and fan stats at GoXavier.com.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Raf on the call! Let's hope our boys bring their ONIONS!

[American X]

If Steele puts a loose-fitting piece of cloth over Villanova, it should stop them.

[GoMuskies]

X +1.5

[bleedXblue]

Gotta bring a better defensive effort tomorrow night!! I hope we get a good turnout but a little worried about some choosing to watch from home b/c of the new entry policy. Could we have not waited 4 more day for the Creighton game?

[xukeith]

early las vegas odds favoring Nova by 1 1/2 - 2 point favorites.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Covid got me, I am out for tomorrows game, ugh!

Go X!

[GIMMFD]

God I hope we win this one, would love to see us just pound Nova at Cintas.

[UCGRAD4X]

The time is right. With all of the jiggity jaggity going on...

Villanova is vulnerable.

Muskies are on the rise.

Time for them to switch spots in the polls and as the flagship of the BEAST!

If not now......

[Lloyd Braun]

Big f’in game.

[xuphan]

The time is right. With all of the jiggity jaggity going on...

Villanova is vulnerable.

Muskies are on the rise.

Time for them to switch spots in the polls and as the flagship of the BEAST!

If not now......

Xavier at home against weaker than most years Villanova team. Big game for Steele and co.

[American X]

Xavier's best chance is to push the tempo and wear them down over 40 minutes. Xavier has legitimate depth while Villanova does not.

Remember that Xavier team that played the first half at Villanova looking Final Four bound? Me neither, but could we get that team to actually show up for two halves?

Also, just because you make a couple of early threes does not mean that every wild three you take the rest of the game will go in.

While acknowledging reasons for optimism exist, it is still Villanova, so my expectations merely have a faint pulse. However, a win here would be meaningful, beyond the context of a single game or even season.

[muskiefan82]

A drubbing like X gave Oklahoma last year would be so very nice.

[Xville]

X just went -1 at my book.

[Xville]

Got a Franklin on x tonight. Sorry

[Xer4ever]

Gotta bring a better defensive effort tomorrow night!! I hope we get a good turnout but a little worried about some choosing to watch from home b/c of the new entry policy. Could we have not waited 4 more day for the Creighton game?

I bet there are many that are going to the game tonight BECAUSE of the new policies, including mandatory mask wearing. My wife and I are two.

[xuphan]

I bet there are many that are going to the game tonight BECAUSE of the new policies, including mandatory mask wearing. My wife and I are two.

How are they going to enforce the mask wearing though? Will the concessions be closed because how will that work? Glad I am not working at the Cintas tonight.

[Lloyd Braun]

Got a Franklin on x tonight. Sorry

You moved a half point

[Xavier]

Big opportunity tonight. I really like our chances. A win and I think X could be playing for seeding the rest of the year.

[XUBANDGRAD]

How are they going to enforce the mask wearing though? Will the concessions be closed because how will that work? Glad I am not working at the Cintas tonight.

They aren’t lol.

[Xuperman]

Big f’in game.

We desperately need a Creighton-esque beat down. Its an optics thing...big time. No hyperbole....the future perception of the program and its Coach are at stake.

It can not be overstated the magnitude of this game, as far as sending a clear message throughout the league and for the mentality/confidence of our players AND Coaching Staff. Make no mistake, if Coach Steele can not make a statement with THIS group tonight, it will cement the narrative that VU owns X.

This is easily Coach Steele's most impactful BEast game in his 4 seasons. Winning convincingly is Paramount. If he can't win this one, our board will be in full meltdown.

[Xville]

We desperately need a Creighton-esque beat down. Its an optics thing...big time. No hyperbole....the future perception of the program and its Coach are at stake.

It can not be overstated the magnitude of this game, as far as sending a clear message throughout the league and for the mentality/confidence of our players AND Coaching Staff. Make no mistake, if Coach Steele can not make a statement with THIS group tonight, it will cement the narrative that VU owns X.

This is easily Coach Steele's most impactful BEast game in his 4 seasons. Winning convincingly is Paramount. If he can't win this one, our board will be in full meltdown.

It’s not really a narrative, x is 2-15 against them since joining the league, and one win isn’t going to do much to disprove that imo. It’s like when Dayton would occasionally beat x. We still owned them. However, this could at least be the start of something really good, and begin to at least knock down a brick or two from nova’s perch.

With all that said, I just want a win. I don’t care if it is by 1 or a thousand..need this for the resume, confidence against the upper tier of the league, Steele’s growth etc.

[drudy23]

Just win.

Nova usually starts their end of year journey of success about now - and they've been playing well the last couple of weeks. Can't be one of those games where you get down 10-12 points.

[Smails]

I bet there are many that are going to the game tonight BECAUSE of the new policies, including mandatory mask wearing. My wife and I are two.

Will you walk out if it's not being enforced to your liking?

[UCGRAD4X]

They aren’t lol.

This.

Other than entry kerfuffle, business and usual.

[Xville]

Pretty ugly game so far

[KabeX]

Early but we're shooting our usual 12.5% from the field against them. I like the D and rebounding tho.

[xavierj]

Pretty ugly game so far

Agree and Nova looks like the stronger team. Nunge couldn’t back down the 6’3” Moore and got pushed off the block which caused the missed look. Then Nunge let’s Gillespie take rebound away. Can’t let that happen. Need to be match the intensity of Nova.

[GoMuskies]

When is the last time we played Kentucky? No idea we'd played them 39 times (and lost 37).

Has to all be '70s and earlier.

[GoMuskies]

This is starting to suck.

[xavierj]

Getting bullied and can’t finish. Not looking good so far.

[KabeX]

Really need to start finishing. That would help the cause.

[xu82]

So, I’m screwed. Recently moved, and since then every single AT&T cable box in the house has died. They guy who came to repair/replace them said they no longer sell, make or service U-Verse. After cumulative HOURS on the phone on hold with DTV, often just dropping the call after LONG waits, absolutely nothing was accomplished.

It looks like I can’t get the game tonight because AT&T/DTV is the worst run business I have EVER encountered. I refuse to add to DTV dish package as it’s IMPOSSIBLE to drop anything with them. I tried to get DTV Streaming but the AT&T store, that place that does ONLY that, says they can’t sell it to me because I have a dish already (for Sunday ticket only).

BOTH DTV and AT&T have been to the house multiple times, and their own techs can’t make it work. AT&T brought “refurbished” cable boxes that are really just old boxes that got turned in because they didn’t work for somebody else. He apologized for their garbage service in advance of nothing working. DTV came and set me up, but the guy who had additional boxes in his truck was not allowed to add a box. THAT required another call, another tech and another wait for hours.

Apple TV looked promising, but then I have to sigh up for apps I don’t want, don’t want to pay for and don’t want to have to cancel. Why is this for %$#^ing hard???

Come 2:00 AM, there may be a SERIOUS Snipe style rant on here! $%^&*(

[bjf123]

How many can we miss from inside 5 feet? Missed 3 or 4 so far.


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[noteggs]

When is the last time we played Kentucky? No idea we'd played them 39 times (and lost 37).

Has to all be '70s and earlier.

Ha! Thinking same and I go back to the 80’s since college.

[Xville]

Getting bullied and can’t finish. Not looking good so far.

Sounds like a Steele coached team or at least a lot evidence of what we have seen for three plus years

[whopper]

am just trying to be a patient fan. There is an intensity and preciseness to Villanova that is tough to match. The back door to Gillespie and 3 by Moore were so exact and the intensity (like the steal by Gillespie) that we have not been able to match through the years. I am still optmistic.

[xavierj]

Sounds like a Steele coached team

It’s been like that against nova since we got in the Big East, so not a Travis thing but a philosophy thing I think.

[kellernr]

Typical Scruggs with early foul trouble in every big game

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[Xville]

Gillespie doing whatever the hell he wants..d is pathetic on him

[xavierj]

Why is Gillespie allowed to push off with his arm on every drive? It’s annoying.

[KabeX]

An in the Danger Zone we go. C'mon boys!

[boozehound]

Pretty standard game against Villanova so far.

[Lloyd Braun]

Fremantle interior D is not good. He’s not a center but is asked to defend like one. Easy matchup to exploit.

[JTG]

Freemantle's a turnstile. Get him out of there.

[Xville]

Our defense is extended a ton and we still are giving up wide open threes

[xavierj]

This game is over

[KabeX]

2nd Chance Points against Nova = L.

[KabeX]

Absolutely nothing going our way. Nothing.

[XUBison]

About to get run…

[boozehound]

You can really see the difference in coaching here. They are executing crisp plays and we have 3 possessions as follows:

Hunter takes an off balance mid range jumper
Early 3 off the dribble by Jones
Early 3 by Nunge

0 points at an absolutely critical juncture.

[GoMuskies]

Got to turn it around now or could be out of hand at half.

[noteggs]

Why is Gillespie allowed to push off with his arm on every drive? It’s annoying.

Yea every coach in BE has told the refs. Crickets.

[whopper]

lets keep the faith but this has been a touch watch..They give up nothing on the offensive boards and our shooting has given us a number of offensive rebound chances..We need to finish decent like they did at Villanova

[boozehound]

and a steal. Just sloppy play.

[Xville]

Let’s keep shooting quick threes that always works

[GoMuskies]

That's it. Vax and mask mandates have to go!!!!

[Lloyd Braun]

Good news is they won’t shoot this poorly in the 2nd half. Just need some damage control. Scruggs may have 2 fouls but no sense in saving him until they’re down 20.

[XUBison]

Why do I keep telling myself this time will be different? I blame Xuperman.

[Blue Blooded-05]

1 of 24 from three in the last 2 halves vs Nova

[xukeith]

This is not frustrating.

I am thoroughly impressed. Nova is light years ahead of X. It is no where close. Nova knows exactly how to play. Better and confident they are.

[Xville]

Only way to beat Villanova is to out tough them and be aggressive. Stop playing like a bunch of pussies and get into their chests. Not going to outshoot nova for 40 minutes

[XUBison]

Scruggs is scoreless. WTF?

[Xville]

Better possessions..keep getting into the lane and make them call the foul

[Xville]

I’m so effing sick of seeing Colin Gillespie blow by our defenders… Geezus fuck

[stammina0721]

Already turned it off for the night. We are Dayton to Nova

[Xville]

Glad Fremantle is out there to play the part of a lamppost

[GoMuskies]

Good spurt. Now it will only take a MINOR miracle in the second half.

[Lloyd Braun]

A Miles sighting! For a few seconds anyways. Should be good for his +/- stats

[Xville]

Good end to the half. Play like that for next twenty minutes and x will win. Be more aggressive, push Gillespie off his spots and x has this.

[XUBison]

How in the world are we only down 11? Silver lining I guess.

[Xville]

Outrebounded by 9 and gave up 9 offensive boards just simply inexcusable

[xavierj]

How in the world are we only down 11? Silver lining I guess.

Because Nova shot 37% and only 27% from 3. Gillespie has 14 but only 4-13 from floor. Nova 11 of 11 from line. Nova 32 shots compared to Xavier’s 25 due to 9 offensive rebounds. Xavier 7 of 25 and 2 of 12 from 3. Stop shooting threes! Attack and live with it. If Paul, Nate or Adam have a wide open look they can shoot it. I want Colby attacking and post up Nunge and Zach.

[JTG]

Yea every coach in BE has told the refs. Crickets.

Some team needs to get a bench player to grab that arm and yank him to the floor. It would be worth the flagrant foul, but maybe it would put an end to it.

[whopper]

we started off with a bunch of offensive rebounds that did not bear fruit then nothing. If we are going to be out rebounded then there is no hope as that would seem to be an advantage for us but they really want it and Dixon is getting good position and hard to dislodge..unfortunately have to prevent him from getting initial position as he seems to have a strong second jump and a wide body

[MHettel]

if there was EVER a chance for a coach to make some adjustments at halftime, this is it.

Do ANYTHING! Play Small. Play Big. Turn your fucking jerseys inside out. JUST DONT PLAY THE SAME FUCKING WAY WEVE PLAYED AGAINST NOVA FOR 8 FUCKING YEARS.

they own us

[X Factor]

What has Scruggs done against Nova this year? ZERO!

This should be a buy game for Nova for now on. At least pay us to get our asses whipped every time.

[xukeith]

Ok. So X is inferior to Villanova. I accept that. Hope fully they play differently in 2nd half. No more than 5 losses here on out in regular season.

[xu82]

Wife figured out how to get the game on Apple TV and I’m kinda regretting it. I had looked for it there, and saw the channel, but it didn’t work for me. Obviously, I did something wrong, but the Apple TV remote is garbage. I like a remote where you don’t need to know the secret handshake to make it work. Don’t make me guess!!! Give me the button, and tell me what it does!

Great now I have to watch this and hope she doesn’t realize how bad we look and wonder why I cared so much….

[xukeith]

Better start to 2nd half. Colin can't miss. Nunge can't get a layup. Scruggs is aggressive.

[noteggs]

Second chance points obviously the difference. Gotta get more physical

[Xville]

Much much better..actually matching the intensity of Villanova so far this half. Keep chipping away

[Xville]

Going inside..staying poised, not settling let’s fucking go!!!!

[kellernr]

Fremantle seems to have gotten worse each year. Struggles with layups and is never in position for a rebound.

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[Xville]

How the hell was that a foul..bs

[Lloyd Braun]

That a terrible call on Johnson. Fuckkng brutal

[X Factor]

Why do we not help at all on dribble drives and backdowns?

[Xville]

Get Fremantle out of there. Way too much of a liability on one end of the court…just can’t have him in there right now

[X Factor]

At some point, does anyone within the Xavier program get sick of losing to Nova? How did we not come out in the first half like this was the National Championship game?

[Xville]

At some point, does anyone within the Xavier program get sick of losing to Nova? How did we not come out in the first half like this was the National Championship game?

Agreed. That’s what I don’t understand..they basically sleepwalked thru that first half..just no excuses for that.

Down 11 with 8 minutes left…maybe try to speed nova up with a token press?

[Xville]

Horrible shot selection free absolutely horrible. Then he gets worked because he goes up like he’s a 5’10 dude. Like come the eff on..grow a pair

[kellernr]

Fremantle with another brick from 3 and then a lazy attempt and has his wide open layup blocked.

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[KabeX]

Unofficial count is 11 missed open layups/bunnies. Hard to believe it's even this close.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Big possession coming up. Down 9 with a chance to get it to 7 or 6...

I’m sure Steele is drawing up a play to get Hunter an open look from 3

[X Factor]

Nova is shooting 22% from 3, and still have a comfortable double-digit lead on the road.

Their dominance over Xavier knows no bounds.

[XU 23]

So many missed layups...

[Blue Blooded-05]

Unofficial count is 11 missed open layups/bunnies. Hard to believe it's even this close.

They’re only shooting 36% from the floor and 22% from 3. If they’re even close to their averages it’s a 20 point game

[Xville]

Time to dig deep on d

[KabeX]

They’re only shooting 36% from the floor and 22% from 3. If they’re even close to their averages it’s a 20 point game

Sad isn't it?

[XUBison]

Come on boys!

[Xville]

Keep going inside and make them blow the whistle, don’t settle. Let’s go!!!

[Xville]

Or make the three:)…go scruggy!!!

[Lloyd Braun]

O’Connell was just dying to make that call. Dude lives to call a charge!

[Xville]

I feel like herb brooks against the Russians…..”we can beat these guys”

[Xville]

Nungeeeeeeee

[Lloyd Braun]

I feel like herb brooks against the Russians…..”we can beat these guys”

Rocky against Drago? He’s cut!

[KabeX]

I still don't think we win this but I like the fight (and yes, I'm buckin for some big time reverse psych).

[Xville]

Fucking Colin Gillespie…make someone else beat us….come on..no more points given

[Xville]

Scruggy!!!

Ugh Moore damn it

[Xville]

How does Colby jones miss that many wide open threes…I mean it even close

[Xville]

I liked the fight in the 2nd half heck of a fight, but you just can’t play 20 minutes against nova and think you’re gonna win

[Xville]

Come on boys! One more good offensive possession!

[KabeX]

I say hold for the last shot and make it a 3. It's our destiny. Or density, not sure. Leave them time and they'll score and/or get fouled.

[X Factor]

What was that?

[Blue Blooded-05]

I feel like Nova shoots 101% from the free throw line against us

[xavierj]

I feel like Nova shoots 101% from the free throw line against us

Close. They missed 1 tonight.

[X Factor]

I feel like Nova shoots 101% from the free throw line against us

They always do what they need to do to win. They didn't shoot well at all tonight from the field or three, but they made their free throws.

[TheDanimal]

Nothing like a forced shot in traffic with 16 seconds left for a game on the line offensive possession...

[Xville]

Same shit different day. Nova at the top of the conference and X’s Daddy

[xu82]

UGH……made them work for it. Close loss to a great team. I didn’t see the first half, but we have to keep getting better. It WAS at home, but there are losses that could hurt you worse.

GRRRRRR!

[X Factor]

Nothing like a forced shot in traffic with 16 seconds left for a game on the line offensive possession...

Yep, that was just stupid. Down 2...run the clock down and find a better shot. Maybe find Nate or Adam spotting up or something.

[DexterBailey84]

Honestly at this point I feel like Paul Scruggs is the WORST 6th year player in the history of college basketball. Sorry to say.
How tf can you possibly play that long and get worse along the way? Makes no effing sense.
Also, if you can't beat V, then what exactly is the point?
Mind numbing.

[X Factor]

I didn’t see the first half, but we have to keep getting better.

Xavier came out with zero energy in the first half. Let Villanova dominate the glass and get to every loose ball. Never should've happened.

[kellernr]

Horrible play call at the end. Why throw up contested layup with 16 seconds left and give Nova the ball back? Should have held it for the last shot. I'd rather win, tie or lose on the final shot.


Also, if they bench fremantle a few minutes earlier X probably wins. They went on the run once he was pulled from the game.

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[X Factor]

Again, this should be a buy game for Villanova. They're guaranteed at least 2 wins a year when they Xavier...the least they can do is pay us for these wins.

What's Xavier's record against Nova since joining the BE? We're no different than DePaul when we pop up on Nova's schedule.

[kellernr]

How does Colby jones miss that many wide open threes…I mean it even closeHe's not a shooter. Him and Hunter should never shoot a 3 when they are on the court with Kunk, Scruggs and Johnson. I'd put him behind Nunge too

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[Xville]

Free doesn’t deserve to start or get many minutes at this point. I don’t know what his problem is, if it is just mental coming off the injury or what but he’s hurting the team right now.

I will never understand how they came out the way they did in the first half.. just unbelievable.

Only good thing about this game is we won’t see any stupid threads about how great kunkel is or the sunshine and rainbow brigade

[XUBison]

So do we all get to dunk on Xuperman now? Is that how this works?

[Caveat]

I’m done with excuses.

Figure out how to beat these guys or find someone who can.

[XUBison]

…Only good thing about this game is we won’t see any stupid threads about how great kunkel is or the sunshine and rainbow brigade

Beat me to it.

[whopper]

Frustrating watch. Free has got to almost play like a walk-on mentally, take a charge, really battle for O Rebounds, maybe not even look for the ball. Jones is trying to always get a better shot and is not playing freely. Freemanle cant really play the 5..we fooled ourself last year as we had little else and fed him for 17 PPG figuring it would be a net positive but this year with low scoring it cant be. There has to be a way to take advantage of his positive and i believe the "walk on " mentality would help.

[Xville]

Really confused as to what the playcall was with 16 seconds left…why leave any time on the clock? Even if you make it, you make your guys defend again? Makes little sense when two of their starters have fouled out. Had the advantage in ot if it got to that point. Odd coaching decision unless Paul went rogue

[Xville]

Frustrating watch. Free has got to almost play like a walk-on mentally, take a charge, really battle for O Rebounds, maybe not even look for the ball. Jones is trying to always get a better shot and is not playing freely

Absolutely love everything else that jones brings to the table. He’s probably the best rebounder on the team and he’s max effort every single second his on the floor, but man he has got to develop a consistent outside shot.

[Xavier]

Really confused as to what the playcall was with 16 seconds left…why leave any time on the clock? Even if you make it, you make your guys defend again? Makes little sense when two of their starters have fouled out. Had the advantage in ot if it got to that point. Odd coaching decision unless Paul went rogue

I see it both ways. I lean towards going quick, give yourself more time if you have to foul. Extend the game…but nova was too good at the line. I did think it was a little quick, but I’d take that shot every time. Scruggs had a clean look 5 feet from the hoops. As good as he was he had to make that.

[XUGRAD80]

Well damn, I’m tired of X losing to those guys. Just damn.

[KabeX]

I see it both ways. I lean towards going quick, give yourself more time if you have to foul. Extend the game…but nova was too good at the line. I did think it was a little quick, but I’d take that shot every time. Scruggs had a clean look 5 feet from the hoops. As good as he was he had to make that.

I'll have to go back and watch it (which I won't do) but it looked like he could have dished to Nunge for a layup/dunk. Hummn, on second thought maybe it was the best play given our layup %.

[Hink]

Really confused as to what the playcall was with 16 seconds left…why leave any time on the clock? Even if you make it, you make your guys defend again? Makes little sense when two of their starters have fouled out. Had the advantage in ot if it got to that point. Odd coaching decision unless Paul went rogue

Completely agree with this point. Shoot with maybe 3 seconds on the clock at most? That way we have the potential offensive rebound.

[XUBison]

I see it both ways. I lean towards going quick, give yourself more time if you have to foul. Extend the game…but nova was too good at the line. I did think it was a little quick, but I’d take that shot every time. Scruggs had a clean look 5 feet from the hoops. As good as he was he had to make that.

In a one possession game? Don’t you typically wait until about 10-12 seconds left to initiate the offense, giving the opponent little/no time or leaving yourself just enough time for a put-back? Seems like extending the clock when down one possession is a neutral proposition at best.

[boozehound]

Really shit play from Freemantle this game, and this season. He should lose his starting spot, IMO. His effort on defense and rebounding is atrocious. Long stretches of poor shot selection continues to plague us as well.

This loss isn’t too bad in and of itself, but it’s frustrating that we can’t seem to beat Villanova.

[drudy23]

Close. They missed 1 tonight.

Just a program that doesn't beat itself, executes in crunch time, and always seems to make the winning play when needed much more often than not. They own us - period.

And they also pushed us around for the majority of the game - they had a strength advantage at every position.

[Xavier]

Coming out of the time out I just wanted the best shot available, I think they had a great shot. But normally yea I think you go quick. Miss and you give yourself another shot. Potential for Two chances at OT instead of one. But I still prefer best look you can get regardless of time and Scruggs drive gave them a damn good chance.

[drudy23]

Scruggs had a tough finger roll at the rim, it just didn't go in.

[Xavier]

Just a program that doesn't beat itself, executes in crunch time, and always seems to make the winning play when needed much more often than not. They own us - period.

And they also pushed us around for the majority of the game - they had a strength advantage at every position.

That’s always my takeaway. They must have a great strength and conditioning team…it’s incredible how strong they are.

[drudy23]

That’s always my takeaway. They must have a great strength and conditioning team…it’s incredible how strong they are.

Multiple guys backed us down all the way to the rim, and when we tried to back them down, it was like hitting a brick wall. That's why we missed so many close shots - they were close shots, but never quite at the rim because we couldn't bang that deep.

[XUBison]

Just a program that doesn't beat itself, executes in crunch time, and always seems to make the winning play when needed much more often than not. They own us - period.

And they also pushed us around for the majority of the game - they had a strength advantage at every position.

Yep, really thought we got out-muscled as well. Oh well, at least we don’t have to play Baylor.

[American X]

Xavier just cannot handle the pressure of playing Villanova. You could put five Snipes in Villanova uniforms and get the same result.

[Xavier]

Multiple guys backed us down all the way to the rim, and when we tried to back them down, it was like hitting a brick wall. That's why we missed so many close shots - they were close shots, but never quite at the rim because we couldn't bang that deep.

Yep. Always the case, they must teach guards how to back down from day one. And they create so much other offense from that. It also helps create mismatches they can attack all night, just really smart. Also helps them go small when they can somewhat body bigs away from the hoop .

[MHettel]

Scruggs had a tough finger roll at the rim, it just didn't go in.

or hit the rim

that was a horrible shot, at the wrong time.

Lets say it goes in. Nova Ball with about 7 seconds to go, and they are in the bonus hitting 95% from the line. Is THAT what we wanted?

Fuck, man. Take a 3 with about 6-7 seconds left to have a chance for a lead or an OReb.

Bad decision by Scruggs, bad decision not to provide more direction by Steele.

Fuck this. Its old

[xuphan]

Just a program that doesn't beat itself, executes in crunch time, and always seems to make the winning play when needed much more often than not. They own us - period.

And they also pushed us around for the majority of the game - they had a strength advantage at every position.

Just goes to show how much influence a coach has on the overall program. Probably the least talented Nova team I have seen in a while but they still are able to grind out victories.

[xu82]

Xavier just cannot handle the pressure of playing Villanova. You could put five Snipes in Villanova uniforms and get the same result.

OK, this made me laugh, and it just might be true. I’d need to put Snipe thru some light workouts to have a firm opinion. Never mind, I can’t stay up THAT late, so it’s a fact in my mind.

[XUBANDGRAD]

Freemantle has become a weak little bitch.

[xu82]

Freemantle has become a weak little bitch.

As someone else said, he needs to play like a walk on and earn his minutes and touches. I much prefer that to your take.

[Xavier]

At the end of the day we know what it feels like to be Dayton. Xuperman called me out for saying it wasn’t a rivalry (it’s not). But nova just owns X in every way….it sucks, but at least they are a top 5 program in the country.

[whopper]

As someone else said, he needs to play like a walk on and earn his minutes and touches. I much prefer that to your take.

Walk on means playing 20 min tops, running the court harder, taking 4 fouls(sometimes refs dont call them), not looking to post and digging out position. No disrepect but sometimes you have to rebuild your game

[markchal]

yeah it's time to recalibrate expectations for this season...we aren't winning the Big East. Hope we can finish in the top 5 and eek out a 10-12 seed. The conference is gonna be a bear this year and we had two winnable games against nova, we just couldn't get it together.

Not sure how people can be mad at Scruggs after this one, he willed us back into that game. Colby has been a complete nonfactor on offense in the BE, he looks like a completely different player out there. Odom didn't have one of his best games but played great against Marquette and Nova the first time. Not sure what's wrong with Jones lately.

And we definitely need to start Nunge. We can't afford to let Freemantle figure it out on the fly. The league is too athletic to have such a big hole on defense, especially when he's not scoring.

[Xville]

At the end of the day we know what it feels like to be Dayton. Xuperman called me out for saying it wasn’t a rivalry (it’s not). But nova just owns X in every way….it sucks, but at least they are a top 5 program in the country.

Does he seriously think Villanova-x is a rivalry? Based on what lol

[Xuperman]

Freemantle has become a weak little bitch.

If you bump into him, tap him on the shoulder and let him know how you feel.

[Xuperman]

This one is not on Steele. Any over the top criticism directed at him should get substantial pushback.

The PLAYERS simply did not execute a solid offensive game plan in the 1st half. Plenty of open looks and chances in the paint that came up empty at a very disturbing clip. Not to mention that Scruggs apparently can not keep Gillespie in check enough to keep him from being nothing less but dominate.

The only positive that I can see in the aftermath of this one, is that Coach Steele has the locker room. His guys came out in the 2nd half nicely motivated. The guys play hard for him and he appears to have fomented exceptional team chemistry.

This team can still be special. 12-3 with a solid NET and resume is a very good place to be with plenty of big opportunities on the horizon. Players play, leaders lead and coaches coach.......nothing gets done unless there is far better and consistent execution on the floor.

[Xville]

If you bump into him, tap him on the shoulder and let him know how you feel.

Free would probably fall over. He has the intimidation factor of a gnat

[XUBANDGRAD]

If you bump into him, tap him on the shoulder and let him know how you feel.

Yeah because playing like a sissy equates to a physical fight. Grow up. Cage, cole, Frye never played like this.

[Xuperman]

At the end of the day we know what it feels like to be Dayton. Xuperman called me out for saying it wasn’t a rivalry (it’s not). But nova just owns X in every way….it sucks, but at least they are a top 5 program in the country.

Direct me to that nonsense. Where and when? I am certain it was more like "the goal for X needs to be where Nova IS a rival".

[Xavier]

The only positive that I can see in the aftermath of this one, is that Coach Steele has the locker room. His guys came out in the 2nd half nicely motivated. The guys play hard for him and he appears to have fomented exceptional team chemistry.

This team can still be special. 12-3 with a solid NET and resume is a very good place to be with plenty of big opportunities on the horizon. Players play, leaders lead and coaches coach.......nothing gets done unless there is far better and consistent execution on the floor.

Down 17 the team did battle back. I’m not judging the season on how we play Nova (or Butler). We aren’t a top 10 team. But I still see a path to a sweet 16 and more in them.

*I am alway optimist. But they have the talent, depth, and veteran leadership still.

[Xuperman]

Free would probably fall over. He has the intimidation factor of a gnat

Just typical keyboard cowardice from BandGrad. You should be congratulated for your quick support of that crap. Guys like you make up a very interesting group of X diehards. Keep up the good work.

[Xavier]

Direct me to that nonsense. Where and when? I am certain it was more like "the goal for X needs to be where Nova IS a rival".

In the Xavier vs butler game thread I made a post saying X and nova isn’t the rivalry we hoped when we joined the conference, we are no where near them. You said the 13 point loss earlier in the year begs to differ. Then we went back and forth on it.

[Xville]

Just typical keyboard cowardice from BandGrad. You should be congratulated for your quick support of that crap. Guys like you make up a very interesting group of X diehards. Keep up the good work.

Crap? Free played like a pussy, it’s not crap when it’s true. He’s soft, most of us have recognized that for a while now.

[Xuperman]

In the Xavier vs butler game thread I made a post saying X and nova isn’t the rivalry we hoped when we joined the conference, we are no where near them. You said the 13 point loss earlier in the year begs to differ. Then we went back and forth on it.

Captain Obvious says there is no VU-XU rivalry. I and everyone else knows that. You had to know that I was referring to the 1st half dominance, in the Finnegan fortress, showed the makings of a hopeful rivalry going forward.

[Xavier]

Captain Obvious says there is no VU-XU rivalry. I and everyone else knows that. You had to know that I was referring to the 1st half dominance, in the Finnegan fortress, showed the makings of a hopeful rivalry going forward.

Then why did you blame it on Mack and say steele was doing a good job vs nova? To be fair to you, I can see how you were only referring to last game until you brought up Mack and Steele.

Regardless it doesn’t matter. Xavier is light years away, I saw on Twitter they have the 3rd worst record of any big East team vs nova since the new conference started. That’s just inexcusable. The program as a whole was set up to be Nova/Xavier and everyone else. Sucks

[Xuperman]

Crap? Free played like a pussy, it’s not crap when it’s true. He’s soft, most of us have recognized that for a while now.

Safe to say that degrading players is now to be expected in your repertoire. You actually managed to embellish BandGrad's "sissy" comment, into the far more effective "pussy". Granted, his original "weak little bitch" comment most likely tops you. But hey, you are good at what you do. Both of you guys' razor sharp insight is greatly appreciated....congrats.

[XUBison]

Crap? Free played like a pussy, it’s not crap when it’s true. He’s soft, most of us have recognized that for a while now.

The problem is, he’s a finesse player. People tried to say he played soft on D and hovered around the 3-pt line on O last year in order to avoid foul trouble, but banging just isn’t his game. Joe Sunderman has many times pointed out that he’s only 6’7” at best. He’s no center, and he may not even be a PF. He may be more of an unathletic SF. He’s that classic example of a guy who really has no position because he can’t guard anyone.

[Xuperman]

Then why did you blame it on Mack and say steele was doing a good job vs nova? To be fair to you, I can see how you were only referring to last game until you brought up Mack and Steele.

Regardless it doesn’t matter. Xavier is light years away, I saw on Twitter they have the 3rd worst record of any big East team vs nova since the new conference started. That’s just inexcusable. The program as a whole was set up to be Nova/Xavier and everyone else. Sucks

We all get it. X is not rival quality for Nova.....but neither is anybody else. If things go the way we all hope for, it will still take a decade to balance this thing out.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Let me also say the amount of non handicap people in the handicap section is embarrassing. I took my dad to the game who has Parkinson's and we were able to get a spot in the handicapable section and there must have been 3 sets of father and sons who sat in that section. All of them perfectly healthy. Sickening whoever you are. And Steele still sucks. Jay Wright is just a great coach. Tip your hat and move on. Great come back poor final shot. Xavier still should get a decent seed and win a game or two in the dance. If that doesn't happen , Steele better be on a beach somewhere with Dino Gaudio, Sean Miller, Chris Mack and Thadd Matta.

[Xville]

Safe to say that degrading players is now to be expected in your repertoire. You actually managed to embellish BandGrad's "sissy" comment, into the far more effective "pussy". You are good at what you do....congrats.

Degrade his play? Yeah. Sorry but players deserve criticism when they play poorly especially on one end that is mostly about effort and toughness as much as skill. Sorry if that hurts your feelings

[Xville]

The problem is, he’s a finesse player. People tried to say he played soft on D and hovered around the 3-pt line on O last year in order to avoid foul trouble, but banging just isn’t his game. Joe Sunderman has many times pointed out that he’s only 6’7” at best. He’s no center, and he may not even be a PF. He may be more of an unathletic SF. He’s that classic example of a guy who really has no position because he can’t guard anyone.

It really makes me question why he’s starting with hunter. They shouldn’t be playing together…team looks better with nunge playing with one of them or even miles. I know miles isn’t great at this point but think he should be getting more time than he is just to get some length and a different look for the opposition.

[Xville]

I will say this…at least we aren’t Louisville…losing to a crap nc state team at home by 16.

You hate to see it ;)

[Xuperman]

Degrade his play? Yeah. Sorry but players deserve criticism when they play poorly especially on one end that is mostly about effort and toughness as much as skill. Sorry if that hurts your feelings

Stay in your lane. You risk losing your "Steele sucks" narrative. Don't spread yourself too thin in your criticism, or you could become just another hack. Stick to what you do best.

[xu82]

Let me also say the amount of non handicap people in the handicap section is embarrassing. I took my dad to the game who has Parkinson's and we were able to get a spot in the handicapable section and there must have been 3 sets of father and sons who sat in that section. All of them perfectly healthy. Sickening whoever you are. And Steele still sucks. Jay Wright is just a great coach. Tip your hat and move on. Great come back poor final shot. Xavier still should get a decent seed and win a game or two in the dance. If that doesn't happen , Steele better be on a beach somewhere with Dino Gaudio, Sean Miller, Chris Mack and Thadd Matta.

Here is something we can agree upon. Years ago I was traveling and stopped at some gas station/fast food place. I went in to use the restroom and the regular stall was DISGUSTING! The place was empty so I used to cleaner handicap stall. Sure enough, some guy comes in right behind me with his handicapped dad. This is more than a decade ago and I STILL feel bad!

I see people almost every trip to the grocery store who are just as mobile as I am (which is to say TOTALLY) using the handicap spots. That ticks me off! No excuses for that lazy crap.

[Xville]

Stay in your lane. You risk losing your "Steele sucks" narrative. Don't spread yourself too thin in your criticism, or you could become just another hack. Stick to what you do best.

Criticism is both on player and coach just like they both should be praised when they do well. try and keep up, or just let the adults talk. You can take your ball and play in your kunk thread.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I expect white thrash hillbillies to pull that stunt but these were well groomed individuals. No tolerance for that crap. It's like at the hospital. The patient transportation staff all have handicap stickers. You're whole job is to move patients by walking all day. How are you handicap.

[drudy23]

It really makes me question why he’s starting with hunter. They shouldn’t be playing together…team looks better with nunge playing with one of them or even miles. I know miles isn’t great at this point but think he should be getting more time than he is just to get some length and a different look for the opposition.

Our best line-up, by far, is....

Scruggs
Nunge
Jones
Kunkel (matchup decision with Odom replacing in up-tempo games)
Johnson

Play that lineup 28 minutes.

Playing Odom and Hunter at the same time - ever - is super dumb. STOP DOING IT!!!! A coach with ANY competence will eat that line-up up.

[Xuperman]

Yeah Drudy, that would be an interesting look. I think Hunter could mentality except a bench role, but I think Free's ego would create some chemistry problems.

[Xuperman]

Respectfully, you do tend to be towards the top of the temper tantrum leaderboard around here. Yours are typically tied to important matters like the performance of the basketball coach, so I get it. Just sayin’.


Criticism is both on player and coach just like they both should be praised when they do well. try and keep up, or just let the adults talk. You can take your ball and play in your kunk thread.

You have a reputation. Temper tantrums are part of your M.O. That propensity is generally not equated with adults.

BTW, What is the end game for your Kunk venom? Enquiring minds want to know.

I know you'll want last word, so I'll hang up and check your response.

[Xville]

Our best line-up, by far, is....

Scruggs
Nunge
Jones
Kunkel (matchup decision with Odom replacing in up-tempo games)
Johnson

Play that lineup 28 minutes.

Playing Odom and Hunter at the same time - ever - is super dumb. STOP DOING IT!!!! A coach with ANY competence will eat that line-up up.

I’m ok with that lineup above depending on the situation. I just don’t think free and hunter should play together ever. If you are going to have one of them out on the floor, pair them up with a nunge or miles. Need the length and beef in the big East. If you want to go small, I like the above or how you mentioned switch out odom/kunkel depending on situation.

That just brought up a question I had——what’s up with Stanley? Is he out of the rotation due to skill/play or just not healthy?

[drudy23]

I’m ok with that lineup above depending on the situation. I just don’t think free and hunter should play together ever. If you are going to have one of them out on the floor, pair them up with a nunge or miles. Need the length and beef in the big East. If you want to go small, I like the above or how you mentioned switch out odom/kunkel depending on situation.

That just brought up a question I had——what’s up with Stanley? Is he out of the rotation due to skill/play or just not healthy?

I love the potential of the Free and Nunge combo - but Free just can't put it together lately.

If Nunge's presence can get the 18 and 10 Free back - I'm all for it. But we don't force the ball to the post enough to allow it. We love the 3 too much.

[GoMuskies]

Ugh, just finished watching as I had to go out tonight. At least we didnt embarrass ourselves, but Xavier shouldn't be much into moral victories.

[bleedXblue]

The narrative used to be we cant beat Nova b/c all they do is make 3's. Now they aren't making 3's at ridiculous clips and we still cant beat them. Really disappointed last night b/c we had so many guys struggle offensively. D in the first half wasn't good, much better showing in the 2nd half. Perplexed by the decision (whether Steele's or Scruggs) to shoot with 16 seconds left on the clock? Would have preferred a shot around the 6-10 second mark from our best shooter to win the game. He misses and we still have a chance for a rebound and put back.

[American X]

That met expectations in losing.

That was below expectations in going down 17 in first half at home and an astonishing new ability to not make a flipping layup.

That exceeded expectations in actually coming back to tie in the second half.

[Xville]

I wish we had a tyrique, reynolds or an Eric Dixon on this team. You look around at seton hall, UConn, nova, and x looks like High school players compared to those teams in terms of strength. Free looks like he has never seen a weight room.

[bleedXblue]

I wish we had a tyrique, reynolds or an Eric Dixon on this team. You look around at seton hall, UConn, nova, and x looks like High school players compared to those teams in terms of strength. Free looks like he has never seen a weight room.

If we could add one player, it would be 6'8 250 lbs physical forward no doubt a missing peice

[boozehound]

I'm really struggling to see what Freemantle is giving us this season. His defense has been poor. His rebounding has been poor. I might take Hunter over him. At least Hunter looks like he is working on every play.

I understand that Zach isn't particularly large or athletic, but that doesn't mean he can't bust his ass out there. CJ Anderson was undersized and didn't have a particularly developed offensive skill set but that dude brought it every single game and battled for boards, loose balls, etc. Freemantle's effort seems intermittent - he will put for the effort once he is directly involved in a play, otherwise he kind of just floats around instead of battling for position. When a shot goes up he is frequently completely out of position so much so that he doesn't even bother to attempt to go after the rebound. That leaves us to rely on a guard or wing flying in to try to grab the board. We got out rebounded 40-32 last night.

Nobody should have a guaranteed starting spot - I don't care what happened last year. Nunge should get the start.

I also agree that if we are really going to compete in this league we need at least one banger down low. Miles ain't it, either. Outside of Tyrique Xavier has really struggled to recruit that type of player for a long time now.

Finally - We probably need to at least take a look at our Strength and Conditioning program.

[drudy23]

If we could add one player, it would be 6'8 250 lbs physical forward no doubt a missing peice

Good luck with that - Steele does not recruit that player.

Too much in love with the long wing.

[xukeith]

I see no more than 5 losses in remaining games.

12-7 or 11-7 probably gets 2-4th place

[drudy23]

I see no more than 5 losses in remaining games.

12-7 or 11-7 probably gets 2-4th place

Outside of another Steele February/March meltdown, you should be right. But as others have said, I'm cautiously optimistic as there are no gimmies in this conference. This team should be vying for a 5 or 6 seed - that seems appropriate for them.

If this team falters down the stretch and doesn’t make the tournament, that would be 100% unacceptable and should signify the end of the Steele era. I don’t see that happening with this team but who knows.

[bleedXblue]

I see no more than 5 losses in remaining games.

12-7 or 11-7 probably gets 2-4th place

I think you are dramatically underselling how good and balanced this league is.

We gotta get some production from Free and Colby's offensive game has been really bad the last 4-5 games.

[Xville]

So you think undefeated at home the rest of the way and then beating DePaul, and either St. John’s or marquette on the road?

I can see that I guess, but I see that as the ceiling right now in conference. Part of that is because this is probably the strongest the league has been top to bottom since x joined. No elite teams this year, but a lot of really really good teams

[drudy23]

So you think undefeated at home the rest of the way and then beating DePaul, and either St. John’s or marquette on the road?

I can see that I guess, but I see that as the ceiling right now in conference. Part of that is because this is probably the strongest the league has been top to bottom since x joined. No elite teams this year, but a lot of really really good teams

I guess my take is that with the talent on this team, a conference record of around 11-7, finishing no lower than 4th or 5th, seems about right in this conference. If we end near .500 again in the middle of the pack, I see that as an underachievement for this team. I think both get us in the tournament due to our good non conference success.

If we fall below .500 in league - that's unacceptable for this team.

[Xville]

You have a reputation. Temper tantrums are part of your M.O. That propensity is generally not equated with adults.

BTW, What is the end game for your Kunk venom? Enquiring minds want to know.

I know you'll want last word, so I'll hang up and check your response.

I don’t have kunkel venom, I have an issue with your sunshine and rainbow fantasyland hot takes and comparing him to some of our best players ever.
I wish kunkel all the best and he’s a great role player.

Or the gem in which you said sure when “Xavier” asked if you consider steele to be successful against wright.

[xavierj]

I think at Georgetown and at a Decent DePaul are must wins. Then you have at Marquette, at Creighton, at St. John’s, at Providence and at UCONN. Can they squeeze 2 wins out of the latter group to get to 5 wins on the road? That would be ideal. Probably drop at least one more home game. I am guessing they end up 22-9, 12-8 in league play. That Will get them in tourney for sure and then see what happens. Anything worse then that finish would not be good.

[X-man]

I'm really struggling to see what Freemantle is giving us this season. His defense has been poor. His rebounding has been poor. I might take Hunter over him. At least Hunter looks like he is working on every play.

I understand that Zach isn't particularly large or athletic, but that doesn't mean he can't bust his ass out there. CJ Anderson was undersized and didn't have a particularly developed offensive skill set but that dude brought it every single game and battled for boards, loose balls, etc. Freemantle's effort seems intermittent - he will put for the effort once he is directly involved in a play, otherwise he kind of just floats around instead of battling for position. When a shot goes up he is frequently completely out of position so much so that he doesn't even bother to attempt to go after the rebound. That leaves us to rely on a guard or wing flying in to try to grab the board. We got out rebounded 40-32 last night.

Nobody should have a guaranteed starting spot - I don't care what happened last year. Nunge should get the start.

I also agree that if we are really going to compete in this league we need at least one banger down low. Miles ain't it, either. Outside of Tyrique Xavier has really struggled to recruit that type of player for a long time now.

Finally - We probably need to at least take a look at our Strength and Conditioning program.

Maybe Free is psychologically still dealing with the injury that sidelined him until December. If he's never had that sort of injury before, it may take a while for him to get comfortable going full bore. But we definitely need that out of him.

[boozehound]

Maybe Free is psychologically still dealing with the injury that sidelined him until December. If he's never had that sort of injury before, it may take a while for him to get comfortable going full bore. But we definitely need that out of him.

That may very well be true, but if that's the case he shouldn't start and play the minutes he does until he gets the confidence back. He just sort of got anointed a spot in the starting lineup, and I don't think he has played like a starter. Meanwhile Nunge has consistently (IMO) outplayed him but comes off the bench.

[bleedXblue]

Maybe Free is psychologically still dealing with the injury that sidelined him until December. If he's never had that sort of injury before, it may take a while for him to get comfortable going full bore. But we definitely need that out of him.

remember that Steele said Free was really coming around during the COVID break. Great call Coach. He looks like total DUNG.

[GIMMFD]

I think at Georgetown and at a Decent DePaul are must wins. Then you have at Marquette, at Creighton, at St. John’s, at Providence and at UCONN. Can they squeeze 2 wins out of the latter group to get to 5 wins on the road? That would be ideal. Probably drop at least one more home game. I am guessing they end up 22-9, 12-8 in league play. That Will get them in tourney for sure and then see what happens. Anything worse then that finish would not be good.

I agree with that, though DePaul did just take down Seton Hall, this league is pretty good this year, so it'll be interesting to see how it shakes up. I really hope we just see consistency throughout the schedule, and not burning out. Anything short of the tournament is an epic fail for this roster, we're too good to not be dancing in March, regardless of how good the Big East is. I think we can definitely win at 2 of the 5 listed, just hope it's not a case of us shooting like 20% from the 3 in all 5 of those games..