Game Thread: Xavier v DePaul University (1/19/2022)

[paulxu]

https://live.staticflickr.com/4074/4819000479_2020c62eb9_n.jpgVS.https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRMppIZGijjbqueW3jlDP8cxeSsrqywk mWe9PEig0EbG7RBXqrTtFxdiuzIg52qy_PkpAY&usqp=CAU

THE MATCHUP

NO. 20/20 XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (13-3, 3-2 BIG EAST)
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY BLUE DEMONS (10-6, 1-5 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 19, 2022 AT 9 P.M. ET (8 P.M. CT)
WINTRUST ARENA (10,387) IN CHICAGO, ILL.

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with pbp from Jeff Levering and analysis from Stephen Bardo.
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 on Sirius (121), XM (202) and the SXM App. (965).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://statbroadcast.com/) and fan stats at GoXavier.com. (https://goxavier.com/)

[American X]

Why is Xavier at DePaul not on a Saturday? They would get hundreds, maybe thousands, of Xavier fans coming in. It would be their most tickets sold for the season this side of Marquette.

[drudy23]

Just win - by 1 or 49 - just win.

[atljar]

This is a 100% must win road game.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Why is Xavier at DePaul not on a Saturday? They would get hundreds, maybe thousands, of Xavier fans coming in. It would be their most tickets sold for the season this side of Marquette.

I am sure they would prefer it that way. I am not sure how much say the individual schools get in their BE schedule.

[Xville]

X opened at -7…, down to 6 this morning. Just win.

[X Factor]

Hopefully we start shooting better. Anyone looked at X's conference shooting numbers? Not good, even at home.

[xavierj]

Hopefully we start shooting better. Anyone looked at X's conference shooting numbers? Not good, even at home.

Actually in conference, Nate is at 44% from three, Adam 40% and Jerome 36% but Paul and Colby are shooting awful. So would be nice if Paul and Colby could join the club and Jack and Zach only shoot sparingly when wide open to keep defense honest. Xavier needs this one. Line is down to -5.5 but think Xavier will win by 8-12.

[X Factor]

Actually in conference, Nate is at 44% from three, Adam 40% and Jerome 36% but Paul and Colby are shooting awful. So would be nice if Paul and Colby could join the club and Jack and Zach only shoot sparingly when wide open to keep defense honest. Xavier needs this one. Line is down to -5.5 but think Xavier will win by 8-12.

Zach is shooting 37% from the field and Jack is shooting 41% from the field. Those aren't 3 pt percentages.

When your bigs are shooting 48% and 50% from 2 pt range, it's not good. Only 5 games though so hopefully they get their mojo back.

[xavierj]

Zach is shooting 37% from the field and Jack is shooting 41% from the field. Those aren't 3 pt percentages.

When your bigs are shooting 48% and 50% from 2 pt range, it's not good. Only 5 games though so hopefully they get their mojo back.

Yes agree. Thought you were referring to the outside. But yes Jack and Zach need to finish. Especially Jack for as big as he is he needs to get bigger around the rim and make the easy ones. But Jack didn’t shoot it all that well in the Big 10 either. Zach was much better making shots last year and the year before so expect him to start improving in that area.

[bleedXblue]

Why is Xavier at DePaul not on a Saturday? They would get hundreds, maybe thousands, of Xavier fans coming in. It would be their most tickets sold for the season this side of Marquette.

Just hasn't been case. I've been to a couple games at Depaul in the last 5 years and you might see a couple hundred X fans there.

I do agree, it would give me a a reason to visit Chicago.......cant do that with a mid week game

[Xville]

X is now -7.5…. Sharks must have hammered it when it got to 6.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Zach is shooting 37% from the field and Jack is shooting 41% from the field. Those aren't 3 pt percentages.

When your bigs are shooting 48% and 50% from 2 pt range, it's not good. Only 5 games though so hopefully they get their mojo back.

Hopefully we start making layups/2 foot shots and get those % up.

[drudy23]

This has been a theme most years in the Big East. We aren't just "missing easy layups" - the beef in the Big East is making it harder.

This is why we need more beef. We can overcome it with depth, but it's pretty obvious to me why shooting percentages are down.

And FYI - Nate can just flat out shoot. They need to do a better job of getting him more looks.

[bleedXblue]

This has been a theme most years in the Big East. We aren't just "missing easy layups" - the beef in the Big East is making it harder.

This is why we need more beef. We can overcome it with depth, but it's pretty obvious to me why shooting percentages are down.

And FYI - Nate can just flat out shoot. They need to do a better job of getting him more looks.

this times 1000% we go for inexplicable amounts of time not getting Nate open looks and yet allow Free and Nunge to shoot 3's SIMPLY do not get it.

Also, when was the last time we recruited a big guy that can bang? Im talking 6-8, 6-9 250+ Tyrique kind of player.

[Lloyd Braun]

I see a lot of easy layups being missed in anticipation it will be rejected or they will be fouled. Often times rushing the shot which is an easy bunny and it misses. Our bigs are a bit on the softer side and the touch around the basket is meh. Big physical teams will be kryptonite.

[GoMuskies]

Not sure I'd bet us to cover the number, but we're winning tonight. And it will be huge.

[surfxu]

I'm all for Nate getting some more opportunities to let 'em fly... but you do have to take what the defense is giving you. It's probably pretty fair to say that the teams X is playing against is well aware that Nate can be lethal beyond the arc. They are keying on him and denying him which does make that more difficult. The other thing is that Nate is kind of a streaky shooter. Maybe he's just not "feeling it" right now and deferring a little bit to the hot hand(s). As for Jack and Zach shooting 3's... not a big fan of seeing a LOT of that, but if they show their defender that they are willing to put it up from beyond the arc then it pulls the bigs out and opens some lanes for Colby, Paul, Adam and Odom to drive. Granted they have to make a few of them every now and again, 24% and 14% isn't really going pull a lot of bigs out of the paint though, but I think they are both capable of higher percentages over time... certainly we've seen Zach has been. A lot of weapons on this team, it really would be fun if they were all on fire at the same time.

[noteggs]

I too love the Saturday DePaul games. City of Chicago probably does as well since they own the venue. DePaul probably doesn’t since they basically lose home court advantage. With all this said, don’t care at all this year and just happy it’s being played on schedule.

[fellahmuskie]

Just hasn't been case. I've been to a couple games at Depaul in the last 5 years and you might see a couple hundred X fans there.

I do agree, it would give me a a reason to visit Chicago.......cant do that with a mid week game

The year we clinched the big East title on the final Saturday of the season, there were easily 2-3 thousand Xavier fans in the building. I also went to the game Steele's first season and it was a good Xavier showing. But I'm sure the weekday games are totally different

[bleedXblue]

The year we clinched the big East title on the final Saturday of the season, there were easily 2-3 thousand Xavier fans in the building. I also went to the game Steele's first season and it was a good Xavier showing. But I'm sure the weekday games are totally different

I was their for the Big East clincher. Dont recall 2-3K, but I was feeling no pain at all that day. :)

[fellahmuskie]

I was their for the Big East clincher. Dont recall 2-3K, but I was feeling no pain at all that day. :)

Who knows. You could be right. Seemed like plenty to me.

[GIMMFD]

Just win baby, I think we'll cover, I just want to see them put together a stress-free game and take care of business on the road.

[KabeX]

Line up to 9. Prob reaction to Liberty being out. I know De Paul is back and all but def need to take care of business with their best player out.

[xuphan]

Line up to 9. Prob reaction to Liberty being out. I know De Paul is back and all but def need to take care of business with their best player out.

Hey look, a big athletic big owning us on the boards. We’ve never seen that before.

[Lloyd Braun]

Kind of the same stuff early on… X jacking up 3s, giving up 3s, giving up offensive rebounds and looking sleepy.

[drudy23]

Is it too early to start complain8ng?

[xu82]

I don’t think Hunter was getting praise at the last TO.

[bjf123]

Kind of the same stuff early on… X jacking up 3s, giving up 3s, giving up offensive rebounds and looking sleepy.

It’s deja vu all over again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xudash]

One of you guys want to make a wake up call?

[xuphan]

One of you guys want to make a wake up call?

Steeles not picking up his phone. Left a voice mail from xavierhoops.

[KabeX]

Ugh.

[drudy23]

Not awesome.

[xu82]

It appears several dozen fans are in attendance.

[xuphan]

Not awesome.

Glad this is DePaul we are playing and not a half decent team. Just ugly out there.

[bjf123]

So sloppy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

Fuck this

[kellernr]

Scruggs is getting absolute destroyed out there. Time for him to sit for awhile.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[boozehound]

Well this is a slow start.

[KabeX]

Pretty much everything ... fill in the blank. Sigh

[bjf123]

And we still can’t make the layups.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

This team just seems to be a little soft, as though they think their talent will allow them to prevail. They should always be the aggressor. Always. Yet they start so many games tentative. We are already down 10. I don't understand their mentality, lack of aggressiveness, tentativeness, unwillingness to mix it up inside. Maybe it is just this team's personality. Perhaps it is the personality of our coach. But it doesn't bode well for tonight or for the remainder of the season.

[xuphan]

Well this is a slow start.

Just don’t get why Nunge doesn’t start.

[Lloyd Braun]

Perhaps the zone isn’t the best choice against a team hot from 3 and crashing glass. Perhaps.

[noteggs]

Here’s an idea…guard #32

[drudy23]

This team just seems to be a little soft, as though they think their talent will allow them to prevail. They should always be the aggressor. Always. Yet they start so many games tentative. We are already down 10. I don't understand their mentality, lack of aggressiveness, tentativeness, unwillingness to mix it up inside. Maybe it is just this team's personality. Perhaps it is the personality of our coach. But it doesn't bode well for tonight or for the remainder of the season.

Poor roster construction. No junk yard dogs in the paint.

[kellernr]

So sloppy.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThis team seriously needs a PG. Scruggs is a SG, Johnson is strictly a shooter and Odom just gives X a guy that dribbles in circles and is not a threat to score. Kunkel might be the closest thing to a PG that X has. He can handle the ball, pass and score.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

This team seriously needs a PG. Scruggs is a SG, Johnson is strictly a shooter and Odom just gives X a guy that dribbles in circles and is not a threat to score. Kunkel might be the closest thing to a PG that X has. He can handle the ball, pass and score.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

Another example of poor roster construction.

[D-West & PO-Z]

And we still can’t make the layups.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Xavier Tradition...

[drudy23]

I’m convinced Steele would rather play with 5 skinny wings at all times.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This team seriously needs a PG. Scruggs is a SG, Johnson is strictly a shooter and Odom just gives X a guy that dribbles in circles and is not a threat to score. Kunkel might be the closest thing to a PG that X has. He can handle the ball, pass and score.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

Agreed. Someone actually wondered in another thread if we really needed a transfer PG pick up for next year! I'd say its the top priority.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Would hate to see what this would look like if DePaul had their best player!

[Xville]

This team just seems to be a little soft, as though they think their talent will allow them to prevail. They should always be the aggressor. Always. Yet they start so many games tentative. We are already down 10. I don't understand their mentality, lack of aggressiveness, tentativeness, unwillingness to mix it up inside. Maybe it is just this team's personality. Perhaps it is the personality of our coach. But it doesn't bode well for tonight or for the remainder of the season.

Coach is soft = players are soft. Not saying the guy has to be Bobby knight but sometimes he needs to maybe at least show some emotion once in a while..throw a clipboard, something. This team has zero intimidation factor, but at least we have tall guys that like to shoot 3s

[drudy23]

Would hate to see what this would look like if DePaul had their best player!

Or if they were actually good.

[D-West & PO-Z]

4/8 from the FT line.....

[bjf123]

Good lord. Stop shooting 3s. All anyone has to do to beat us is crowd the lane and force us to shoot from deep.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Blue Blooded-05]

I hope Freemantle goes 0 for 0 from three for the remainder of his Xavier career

[bjf123]

Or if they were actually good.

They’re better than us so far tonight.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

Good lord. Stop shooting 3s. All anyone has to do to beat us is crowd the lane and force us to shoot from deep.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

WHAAAAAT? Haven’t you heard we have shooters? Our coach told us that for 3 straight years.

[X Factor]

Gotta love watching three X guys just stand there instead of actually grabbing the rebound.

[Blue Blooded-05]

That’s more like it

[Xville]

Good switch to the zone…DePaul has no clue what to do

[X Factor]

Kunkel needs to play 30 minutes a game

[D-West & PO-Z]

Waking up. 10-0 run. Lets finish the half strong. Imagine if we could ever start a game off playing well!?

[KabeX]

Welcome to the game boys. Only took De Paul's 2 players being out to do it. But at least they're doing it.

[Xville]

Lol nice try free. Someone give him directions to the weight room

[xudash]

Lol nice try free. Someone give him directions to the weight room

He also should realize – he should know at this point that he has to go in with force near the basket. These guys are too big and athletic to try that nonsense.

[KabeX]

I really hate our (lack of) offense at times.

[kellernr]

I hope Freemantle goes 0 for 0 from three for the remainder of his Xavier careerSteele is like Oprah out there giving green lights from 3 to everyone on the roster.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[X Factor]

When is the last time one our bigs finished through contact around the rim?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Steele is like Oprah out there giving green lights from 3 to everyone on the roster.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

Ha, this was good. Reps!

[X Factor]

Scruggs is not a PG...but we all know that

[D-West & PO-Z]

Kunkel needs to play 30 minutes a game

I'm not sure the number of minutes, but I agree he needs more.

He is 7th on the team in minutes per game. He needs to be top 4-5.

[xu82]

More Nunge, less Hunter.

[KabeX]

Wow what a sick feeling of being fortunate to be only down 2 at the half. Against De Paul. Maybe they are back .. nah! C'mon boys!

[KabeX]

In other BE news, Marquette up 3 at Nova with 11 sec to play.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Nate Johnson: 0-3, 1 steal, 2 fouls. Need him to show up.

[kellernr]

So is Stanely hurt again? If he's healthy and not playing its a wasted scholarship. Same goes for miles. X is getting destroyed on the glass. He'll, through Edward's out there.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[noteggs]

When is the last time one our bigs finished through contact around the rim?

That is a good point

[Xville]

Meanwhile, Marquette with a bunch of freshmen beat Villanova on the road. Someone else is winning this league, it won’t be nova.

[KabeX]

In other BE news, Marquette up 3 at Nova with 11 sec to play.

And Nova goes down .. at home .. to the Warrio .. I mean Golden whatever. So it actually can be done.

[noteggs]

Nate Johnson: 0-3, 1 steal, 2 fouls. Need him to show up.

Not sure he’s feeling it. First 3 attempt was all air. But he should have amnesia so put it up.

[Lloyd Braun]

Not sure his feeling it. First 3 attempt was all air. But he should have amnesia so put it up.

2nd attempt was wide left. 3rd attempt was closer but never had a chance. Maybe the other end of the court suits his eye better?

[D-West & PO-Z]

So is Stanely hurt again? If he's healthy and not playing its a wasted scholarship. Same goes for miles. X is getting destroyed on the glass. He'll, through Edward's out there.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

I mean, yeah I am a little disappointed with Stanley but there is no telling how much the knee injury has affected him. However you can't, and never will, play all scholarship players every year. Doesn't mean they are a waste of a scholarship.

[X Factor]

Is Edwards available? Thought he could give us 5-7 minutes a game this year.

[KabeX]

Jones with 20. Johnson with 8. No one else more than 3. Maybe Box and 1 in the 2nd half.

[Xville]

My angst with this team has gone down considerably when I realized they are nothing more than a .500 team in this conference. Conference is too good and this team has a lot of deficiencies which once again have been exposed in conference play. The bigs are soft, don’t really have a point guard (at least not one that plays much), and can’t remember the last time they played a complete 40 minutes.

[KabeX]

My angst with this team has gone down considerably when I realized they are nothing more than a .500 team in this conference. Conference is too good and this team has a lot of deficiencies which once again have been exposed in conference play. The bigs are soft, don’t really have a point guard (at least not one that plays much), and can’t remember the last time they played a complete 40 minutes.

Angst. That's a good word for it.

[Lloyd Braun]

I would love to see a box and 1 just once to show how unbelievably ridiculous it is. Maybe tonight is the night?

[Xuperman]

Kunkel needs to play 30 minutes a game

Kunk saved that half!!

[KabeX]

I would love to see a box and 1 just once to show how unbelievably ridiculous it is. Maybe tonight is the night?

I don't know. Desperate times call for ...

Actually I'll be happy if they stop giving up so damn many Off RBs

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hunter has a missed layup and a missed 2 footer. Ugh

[KabeX]

I don't know. Desperate times call for ...

Actually I'll be happy if they stop giving up so damn many Off RBs

Well so much for that.

[Xville]

One thing has remained the same for four years.. the coach.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What a stupid play by Scruggs.

[xudash]

Johnson should ride the bench for the rest of this game.

[kellernr]

Please bench Scruggs and let kunkel play the entire 2nd half

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[Lloyd Braun]

At least there’s some energy?

[TheDanimal]

Do you think Steele knows there is not a rule requiring you to go back to an ineffective starting lineup to start the second half? Every time the same stuff..

[drudy23]

Do you think Steele knows there is not a rule requiring you to go back to an ineffective starting lineup to start the second half? Every time the same stuff..

Nonsensical - “my guys man”

[OTRMUSKIE]

Lose this and one step closer to bringing back miller.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Do you think Steele knows there is not a rule requiring you to go back to an ineffective starting lineup to start the second half? Every time the same stuff..

Don't think he is aware unfortunately.

[Strange Brew]

Lose this and one step closer to bringing back miller.

Don’t tease…

[Xville]

I wonder if free ever gets tired of getting abused on both ends of the floor

[KabeX]

OK maybe time to watch tennis.

[KabeX]

We obviously can't guard a bottom BE team w/o their best player M2M. Back to zone.

[KabeX]

Paging Kunkle, A and Nunge, J.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Kunkel was by far our best player in the 1st half. Instead of brining him out to start in the 2nd Steele would rather let 6+ mins run off while DePaul builds their lead than play him.

[drudy23]

How are they open from 3 all the time and all our 3s are forced?

[Xville]

Paging Kunkle, A and Nunge, J.

As long as they come with a new coach too :)

[xu82]

Nunge needs more minutes.

[KabeX]

That angst thing won't go away it seems.

[xu82]

Kunkel looked on his game. Ugh……

[drudy23]

Nunge needs more minutes.

His not getting starter minutes makes as much sense as Jason carter getting starter minutes

[Strange Brew]

Puts the sensible lineup back in and deficit cut to 3. Steele is obnoxiously dumb to put the starting group back in to open the 2nd.

[noteggs]

Saw Kunkel holding his left arm in first. Not sure it’s why he’s not playing

[KabeX]

Thank you for answering my page Travis.

[noteggs]

Never mind

[Xville]

That angst thing won't go away it seems.

Just commenting on what I see…a team struggling against a mediocre basketball team without arguably their best player.

[KabeX]

Just commenting on what I see…a team struggling against a mediocre basketball team without arguably their best player.

And I'm in complete agreement. I feel the same damn way.

[Lloyd Braun]

I stand by my Colby Jones point guard suggestion.

[D-West & PO-Z]

As soon as Steele subs we go on a 9-0 run. I don't get his stubbornness on that.

[KabeX]

Oh for Fu$cks sake. Jones.

[drudy23]

As soon as Steele subs we go on a 9-0 run. I don't get his stubbornness on that.

His stubbornness has cost this team wins over 4 years.

[KabeX]

Gotta find a way to pull this out. I know it's quad 2 but and L here will haunt big time.

[drudy23]

Cmon Nate!!!

[xudash]

Johnson is killing us.

[KabeX]

As the saying goes "it's gettin late early"

[Xville]

For Steele to have coached in this conference for four years and stick with the same recruiting philosophy in the frontcourt is asinine.

[kellernr]

Travis Steele hates momentum. Every time X goes on a run he calls a timeout or subs out the guys who were doing all the scoring.

This Scruggs/Johnson lineup hasn't scored a point since they cut it to 1.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[Strange Brew]

No foul?

[drudy23]

For Steele to have coached in this conference for four years and stick with the same recruiting philosophy in the frontcourt is asinine.

More stubbornness.

[drudy23]

Wtf Fremantle?

Embarrassing.

[KabeX]

My gawd Free. Oh dear.

[Strange Brew]

How the hell is that on Nate?

[whopper]

that play was indescribably bad..lets hope we recover. Depaul beat Seton Hall without Freeman.Liberty playing much so I am not sure what kind of loss this really is as others have stepped up.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Scruggs decision making is just so suspect for a 5th year senior.

[KabeX]

GET BALL TO JACK. That is all.

[drudy23]

Nunge should probably not start again. Idiot.

[xu82]

Nunge Night!!!

Maybe he should play more? Maybe even start? OK, just silly thought……

[HenryMuto]

Tie game!!!! Nice comeback now let's win this thing!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Where is Kunkle? How is Johnson better for this team tonight than him?

[Double Down]

Free is a total liability out there. Put Kunkel in for him.

[Strange Brew]

Nunge Night!!!

Maybe he should play more? Maybe even start? OK, just silly thought……

Crazy talk. Steele brains knows best…

[boozehound]

Scruggs decision making is just so suspect for a 5th year senior.

At no point has Scruggs been a particularly high basketball IQ player.

[drudy23]

Just pull this out and another crisis is averted.

[kellernr]

Gotta bring nate off the bench next game.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[KabeX]

Wow. I love Nate but not his night. How about a little Kunk for Nate?

[drudy23]

Gotta bring nate off the bench next game.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

And Hunter.

[xu82]

Alright, it’s FT time. This is where SO MANY games are decided!

[Strange Brew]

Jump ball? Sure, ok refs….

[drudy23]

Shades of Butler timegate?

[KabeX]

Alright, it’s FT time. This is where SO MANY games are decided!
Hummnn. Not sure how I feel about that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think its going to be 52 seconds.

[KabeX]

Shades of Butler timegate?
And sometimes I just feel like ripping a water fountain out of the wall too.

[xudash]

Jump ball? Sure, ok refs….

Boy, isn’t that the truth. I couldn’t believe that call.

[KabeX]

I agree. I counted 9 seconds. Or maybe that's beers. IDK. Just win baby.

[KabeX]

2 for 1 here. Need a good shot.

[KabeX]

Not good.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Seriously Paul? Man.....

[xudash]

What a massive screwup. It’s on the defense now.

[xavierj]

Not Paul and Nates best night. Awful. Need better from 5th year guys on road.

[Lloyd Braun]

You’d think you’d feed Nunge who has been unguardable….

[xu82]

Another sloppy pass inside. Pray for one stop and a couple FT’s to escape here on the road.

[Strange Brew]

Phew

[D-West & PO-Z]

Wow. Thank god.

[Xville]

And this is the soft spot in the big East schedule. February is gonna be real interesting.

Had no business winning that game, but glad they got it done.

[drudy23]

1 point or 49 - who cares - we won!

[HenryMuto]

BALL GAME!!!!!!

That damn person with their hand up I couldn't see the damn shot almost.

What a night Kentucky and Xavier both get double digit comeback wins on the road !!!!!!!!!

[bjf123]

Well, about the only good thing you can say about this game is we won. Other than that…..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Strange Brew]

Stole that roadkill…

[GIMMFD]

Gritty teams find ways to win. We got the W, that's all that matters. Good lord.

[Lloyd Braun]

Where can I find +/- stats

[whopper]

an outright theft..great double team but man Terry had a great look

[xavierj]

Well, about the only good thing you can say about this game is we won. Other than that…..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

And Jack Nunge too. Next game he better start. Kunkel must be hurt because keeping Nate on the floor, as bad as he was, is the only explanation.

[KabeX]

OK all you more ahem ... seasoned X fans - our favorite album from the early 80s ... Journey - ESCAPE!

[noteggs]

Stole that roadkill…

Yes roadkill and time to move on especially with the Nova loss.

[Xavgrad08]

Nice comeback win on the road. Huge win.

[whopper]

Where can I find +/- stats


I think on the Xavierhoops web site it will be available maybe tomorrow morning. As bad as Zach was he was in game during comeback. Hunter probably had a very bad per minute +/- as he was in beginning of game and each half and probably -18 or so. But it really was not his fault. Zach being turned around by oquend(sp) was maybe the worst play he has ever made..alsmost globetrotter opponent calibre but I can say this AFTER a win

[Double Down]

We play that way in Milwaukee we’ll lose by 25. Lucky to get out of here with a win. Colby and Nunge saved the night.

[Xuperman]

David Jones is a BAD, BAD MAN! DePaul really impressed me tonight.

[Lloyd Braun]

I think on the Xavierhoops web site it will be available maybe tomorrow morning. As bad as Zach was he was in game during comeback. Hunter probably had a very bad per minute +/- as he was in beginning of game and each half and probably -18 or so. But it really was not his fault. Zach being turned around by oquend(sp) was maybe the worst play he has ever made..alsmost globetrotter opponent calibre but I can say this AFTER a win

Ok thanks. I think the +/- is particularly telling in certain games, this being one of them. I could be way off but I am curious. And if you are -18 in a 1 point game there’s some blame there.

[xudash]

Can X add an extra 30 minutes to basketball practice so the rest of the team can watch Jack Nunge shoot - and make - free throws.

[kellernr]

And Hunter.Hunter has been more productive than Nate in 2022 so far.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[KabeX]

David Jones is a BAD, BAD MAN! DePaul really impressed me tonight.
I agree of course. Different dynamic with Freeman-Liberty out. You would think we loose by 10 - 12 if he plays but sometimes it motivates other players etc... and that dude was fantastic. BUT - so was De Paul's D. Athletic dudes who got after it. Will be interesting to see what Stubblefield does over the next couple of seasons. I was certainly impressed (while being extremely relieved) with them tonite.

[xu82]

Stole that roadkill…

…and gonna make a nice chili out of it! Feed us for a few days.

[Smooth]

BALL GAME!!!!!!

That damn person with their hand up I couldn't see the damn shot almost.

What a night Kentucky and Xavier both get double digit comeback wins on the road !!!!!!!!!

No shit. What kind of piece-of-crap arena does DePaul play in that a camera can be blocked by the crowd.

And then I saw the replay and saw that Nunge was Odened under the basket and I started screaming even though we had already won. Bad memories.

[Xuperman]

I have to say, I totally underestimated this DU team. Their bigs were very impressive. They are going to be a factor going forward. We are fortunate to steal this one!!!

[Xuperman]

Where is Kunkle? How is Johnson better for this team tonight than him?

I like Kunk....
:popcorn:

[KabeX]

What a weird game. We wind up shooting 48% from the field, 42% from 3. They shot 39%/38%. They only outrebounded us by 2 (still unacceptable). FTs - 10/16 vs. 4/8. We did a good job not fouling as that's how they beat SH. Turnovers pretty even 14 - 13. Guess that all adds up to a 1 point game. Sure didn't feel like it for most of the game. Also Free with 9 RBs AND I did, in fact, see him box out. Aside from that jock strap moment I thought he played hard at least. Road kill secured. ONWARD!

[GoMuskies]

Well, that was a bit of an atrocity. But just win on the road.

[xu82]

Every road win is a good win. They are not all works of art. But they are still good.

[MauriceX]

Ok thanks. I think the +/- is particularly telling in certain games, this being one of them. I could be way off but I am curious. And if you are -18 in a 1 point game there’s some blame there.

Just saw a tweet comparing +/- for the last 6 games between Hunter and Nunge. Don't know how to link the tweet, but here are the stats:

Marquette - Nunge +12. Hunter -7
@Nova - Nunge -5. Hunter -9
Bulter - Nunge +10. Hunter +11
Nova - Nunge -4. Hunter -7
Creighton - Nunge +8. Hunter -8
Depaul - Nunge +11. Hunter -19

[waggy]

Free missed some bunnies, but he competed well.

[bobbiemcgee]

No shit. What kind of piece-of-crap arena does DePaul play in that a camera can be blocked by the crowd.

And then I saw the replay and saw that Nunge was Odened under the basket and I started screaming even though we had already won. Bad memories.

https://twitter.com/NoEscalators/status/1484014164892864514/photo/1

I thought it was in.

[Xuperman]

https://twitter.com/NoEscalators/status/1484014164892864514/photo/1

I thought it was in.

WISCONSIN NIGHTMARE..... I'M still scarred!

[XUGRAD80]

What a weird game. We wind up shooting 48% from the field, 42% from 3. They shot 39%/38%. They only outrebounded us by 2 (still unacceptable). FTs - 10/16 vs. 4/8. We did a good job not fouling as that's how they beat SH. Turnovers pretty even 14 - 13. Guess that all adds up to a 1 point game. Sure didn't feel like it for most of the game. Also Free with 9 RBs AND I did, in fact, see him box out. Aside from that jock strap moment I thought he played hard at least. Road kill secured. ONWARD!


DePaul put up FOURTEEN more shots than X did, and a big part of that was the NINE more Offensive rebounds that they had, than X had.

[bjf123]

And Jack Nunge too. Next game he better start. Kunkel must be hurt because keeping Nate on the floor, as bad as he was, is the only explanation.

I saw this morning that Steele said Kunkel was sick which is why he wasn’t out there much towards the end of the game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Olsingledigit]

I saw this morning that Steele said Kunkel was sick which is why he wasn’t out there much towards the end of the game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When Zach game back Steele asked Nunge if he wanted to start and he told Steele he was fine coming off of the bench.

[Lloyd Braun]

When Zach game back Steele asked Nunge if he wanted to start and he told Steele he was fine coming off of the bench.

Is this true or a joke? Please be joking

[markchal]

Who cares if he's "fine coming off the bench"? Be a head coach and do what's right for the team, and that's bringing Freemantle off the bench. We can't keep forfeiting the first 4 minutes of each half because Nunge isn't in and then we gotta dig ourselves out of a hole every time.

[Xville]

Is this true or a joke? Please be joking

I would not be surprised based on what we know about Steele, but I hope it’s a joke. If true, that says a lot about steele and nunge.

[bleedXblue]

Just saw a tweet comparing +/- for the last 6 games between Hunter and Nunge. Don't know how to link the tweet, but here are the stats:

Marquette - Nunge +12. Hunter -7
@Nova - Nunge -5. Hunter -9
Bulter - Nunge +10. Hunter +11
Nova - Nunge -4. Hunter -7
Creighton - Nunge +8. Hunter -8
Depaul - Nunge +11. Hunter -19

thats staggering.......

[bleedXblue]

I would not be surprised based on what we know about Steele, but I hope it’s a joke. If true, that says a lot about steele and nunge.

You put your best players and defenders out there right now and ride them as much as you can. I think this team is going to score enough regardless of who's on the floor. When we decide to buckle down and play solid "D', we are a tough team to beat.

[paulxu]

I wouldn't mind seeing Nunge and Freemantle start.
As to last night, when you've got a 40+ % shooter from 3, and he goes 0-5...things get a little dicey.

[Xville]

Last night I said I think this is a .500 in conference team. I actually think 11-9 is where they will finish ( if they play gtown twice). Probably gets them a top 6-7 seed in the tourney. Good, not great team but at least we will get to watch them in March.

[sgarcia]

Thank goodness they stole a roady. Depaul is no longer the doormat of the league. I think they're better than Gtown and Butler this year. The guys hung in there after Depaul blitzed them early on and never let the deficit to get past 12. Nunge saved us with another monster game. Our weakness clearly seems to be strength on the interior. Depaul has some dudes and were just jumping right over us (mostly Freemantle). We just have to be smarter and committing to good block outs when shots go up. Hopefully the team can play better on Sunday at Marquette and have it come down to the final war. Marquette is really hot right now. A good friend asked last night, "How bad of a coach was Wojo?" Um, really bad. Just keeping finding a way to get W's because games are gonna come quick.

[sgarcia]

Last night I said I think this is a .500 in conference team. I actually think 11-9 is where they will finish ( if they play gtown twice). Probably gets them a top 6-7 seed in the tourney. Good, not great team but at least we will get to watch them in March.

I think 11-9 would be acceptable because of the strength of the BE this year. I have to think Nova, Uconn, Seton Hall, Xavier, Marquette, Providence and either St Johns or Creighton will make the tournament. Georgetown should be the only cake walk and we might only end up playing them once. Just have to hope the core 8 that play stay injury/covid free.

[xavierj]

Last night was not pretty but as mentioned all road wins are good. The things I liked were they came back twice down 10 or more in the game to win, that would not happen last year, Travis lit into Hunter and the refs, loved the fire, Nunge refusing to let them lose, the intensity of the on defense that last possession and I only noticed Free on defense a couple of times. That is good because he gets noticed when he gets abused. His defense has gotten better and his overall effort is better. His rebounding in the 2nd half was key as well. Once he starts making shots again that will be big to free up easier looks on the perimeter.

The team has flaws. They are not always tough, the can get caught ball watching instead of moving and getting the ball moving, and they lack overall athleticism, which is magnified against teams with athletes like DaPaul has. I think Travis needs to add someone big and athletic for next year and also add that to his recruiting philosophy.

[drudy23]

The things I liked were they came back twice down 10 or more in the game to win

Do either of those 10 point deficits happen with the right personnel in the game? Maybe - but not down double digit I don't think.

Nunge needs to be inserted in the starting lineup ASAP. It literally would push him to 30 minutes a game where he needs to be. He's been our best player, and your best player needs to play alot. It ain't hard.

If Trav can't deliver that message to Hunter or Freemantle, he doesn't deserve the big chair.

[xuwillie]

And Scruggs needs to play less. I've been saying this for two years now. I know Odom has his limitations but the offense runs so much better when he's in.

[xavierj]

Do either of those 10 point deficits happen with the right personnel in the game? Maybe - but not down double digit I don't think.

Nunge needs to be inserted in the starting lineup ASAP. It literally would push him to 30 minutes a game where he needs to be. He's been our best player, and your best player needs to play alot. It ain't hard.

If Trav can't deliver that message to Hunter or Freemantle, he doesn't deserve the big chair.

Travis sent a message to Hunter last night. He lit him up and then hardly played him. I agree on changes to lineup. I would probably go Paul, Kunkel, Nate, Colby and Nunge. Kunkel and Nate would open up a lot of room for Jack inside and for Colby to attack the basket.

[Lloyd Braun]

Colby to primary ball handler please. Rewatch the 2nd half and you’ll see he has great vision and feel for the game. When the ball is in his hands great things happen. It’s his density. I mean… his destiny.

[XUGRAD80]

Colby to primary ball handler please. Rewatch the 2nd half and you’ll see he has great vision and feel for the game. When the ball is in his hands great things happen. It’s his density. I mean… his destiny.

With all due respect....there were at least 3 times where Colby drove underneath the bucket and tried to feed the post but turned the ball over. He was penetrating too far into the lane and then just stopped or threw a bad pass. Scruggs did the same thing a couple of times. I believe that Odom may have done it also, once or twice. I'm thinking that DePaul was looking for that and was ready for it. Scruggs thinking that he can shoot over 7 footers in the lane is just plain dumb.

[Lloyd Braun]

With all due respect....there were at least 3 times where Colby drove underneath the bucket and tried to feed the post but turned the ball over. He was penetrating too far into the lane and then just stopped or threw a bad pass. Scruggs did the same thing a couple of times. I believe that Odom may have done it also, once or twice. I'm thinking that DePaul was looking for that and was ready for it. Scruggs thinking that he can shoot over 7 footers in the lane is just plain dumb.

He only had 2 turnovers last night. I recall once instance where he drove to the right side of the lane and turned it over. It looked like he was expecting the wing (Johnson maybe?) to clear out to weak side and it didn’t happen. Everyone just stood there. Bad decision but I don’t expect those with the ball in their hands to be flawless. He had 4 assists and a few hockey assists as well. The pass from the baseline to get Free a wide open 3 was beautiful. He also had a similar play, beautiful bounce pass through traffic to Free in the lane who kicked it out to wide open Nunge for 3.

I’m telling ya… he has vision nobody else on the team has. I’m not as down on Paul as others here, he creates a lot too but does not see to have body control once he is in the lane.

[drudy23]

I'm most comfortable when the ball is in Colby's hands. I think most would agree.

[xukeith]

Is this true or a joke? Please be joking

That was 100% true.
Stele asked Nunge what his preference was. Nunge said he wanted to come off the bench.
I think Nunge didn't want to ruffle feathers

[Xville]

That was 100% true.
Stele asked Nunge what his preference was. Nunge said he wanted to come off the bench.
I think Nunge didn't want to ruffle feathers

This is mind blowing to me. Sounds like participation trophy nonsense. This is big time college basketball, and Steele makes millions of dollars a year. F asking, you are demanding at this point that he start. I didn’t know Steele was running an effing daycare

[Xavier]

Yep. And agreed Pop should’ve demanded Manu to start too.

Point is some players just perform better in that role. Maybe it isn’t the case for Nunge, but it has been the case for plenty of NBA players.

[D-West & PO-Z]

When Zach game back Steele asked Nunge if he wanted to start and he told Steele he was fine coming off of the bench.

1. This is dumb and being fine coming off the bench has nothing to do with what Steele needs to do for the team.

2. Nunge wasn't starting when Freemantle was out anyway, so I don't even get the correlation.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Thank goodness they stole a roady. Depaul is no longer the doormat of the league. I think they're better than Gtown and Butler this year. The guys hung in there after Depaul blitzed them early on and never let the deficit to get past 12. Nunge saved us with another monster game. Our weakness clearly seems to be strength on the interior. Depaul has some dudes and were just jumping right over us (mostly Freemantle). We just have to be smarter and committing to good block outs when shots go up. Hopefully the team can play better on Sunday at Marquette and have it come down to the final war. Marquette is really hot right now. A good friend asked last night, "How bad of a coach was Wojo?" Um, really bad. Just keeping finding a way to get W's because games are gonna come quick.

Anyone remember the play where we had like 4 guys who all blocked out their man but no one grabbed the ball and it got hit back out to DePaul. That was so frustrating. Everyone blocked out and then no one grabbed it!

[markchal]

The offense *did* look better with Scruggs in last night. He had a few dumb plays (including the last one) but last night was decidedly NOT Odom's game. Scruggs and Jones on the floor together is what we need, helps to have more than one guy who can handle. Also, Kunkel was terrific in the first half, it sucks he was sick.

I don't get how Nate can just completely disappear some games. We need more consistency from him. Maybe drive and pull-up a little more. He's gotta be able to contribute something when his 3 isn't falling.

I'm glad we won, we needed it. But that was Depaul WITHOUT their 22ppg star. Last night's effort against Marquette gets us obliterated Sunday.

[D-West & PO-Z]

That was 100% true.
Stele asked Nunge what his preference was. Nunge said he wanted to come off the bench.
I think Nunge didn't want to ruffle feathers

Did he say he wanted to come off the bench or was fine coming off the bench. Those are two huge differences imo. Either way though, Steele has to do what is best for the team, not what one individual player wants or is fine with.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yep. And agreed Pop should’ve demanded Manu to start too.

Point is some players just perform better in that role. Maybe it isn’t the case for Nunge, but it has been the case for plenty of NBA players.

Which is why it is a big different to me whether he said he wanted to or is fine with it. The first post said he said he was fine the second post said he wanted to. I give a little more leeway to Steele not starting him if Nunge specifically said he wanted to but still doesn't mean that is what is best.

If Nunge played more minutes it wouldn't be as big of a deal. However, he is 5th on the team in minutes just above Hunter by less than a minute more per game. If the only way to get him more minutes but also rest is to start him, then that is what Steele should do.

[MHettel]

who cares who "starts." I'm interested in who finishes. Thats what matters.

[Lloyd Braun]

who cares who "starts." I'm interested in who finishes. Thats what matters.

We can’t expect to come back from double digits every game.

[Xville]

who cares who "starts." I'm interested in who finishes. Thats what matters.

Can’t disagree more. Starting lineup and beginning of a game sets a tone. I think it’s extremely important

[xuwillie]

who cares who "starts." I'm interested in who finishes. Thats what matters.

Kind of matters if we keep getting in big holes to start the game and beginning of second half like last night. A decent team we get blown out doing that

[Xville]

Does Steele have one year left on his contract? Just wondering because if that is the case, I think it’s 100% assured there is an extension or a moving on. Doubt x would ever do a lame duck season

[Lloyd Braun]

Does Steele have one year left on his contract? Just wondering because if that is the case, I think it’s 100% assured there is an extension or a moving on. Doubt x would ever do a lame duck season

Through 2024

[noteggs]

Yep. And agreed Pop should’ve demanded Manu to start too.

Point is some players just perform better in that role. Maybe it isn’t the case for Nunge, but it has been the case for plenty of NBA players.

In an interview on a podcast, wrongly or rightly Nunge basically stated those words because (paraphrasing) it gave him a better opportunity to scout the flow of the game.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We can’t expect to come back from double digits every game.

Ding Ding. We get in huge holes to start the game and the second half too often.

Also, Nunge needs more minutes. Starting him would assist in that.

[xuwillie]

Crazy half way thru the year and our best player is playing reserve minutes.

[xuphan]

Crazy half way thru the year and our best player is playing reserve minutes.

Who is our best player?

[xuwillie]

Think its pretty obvious.

[xuphan]

Think its pretty obvious.

Kunkle or Coach won’t start me Nunge?

[xuwin]

Crazy half way thru the year and our best player is playing reserve minutes.

Nunge played 29 minutes. For a big man that is a lot of minutes. I would rather have him fresh at the end of games. He had the fourth most minutes of any X player last night.

[Masterofreality]

After a detailed review of the tape, Xavier was +12 with Jack Nunge on the floor. The guy saved the game. No one else could deal with Ongenda.
We fell behind and made this game closer than it had to be by not starting Jack Nunge either half. Luckily, Steele put Jack back in at 13:58 of the second half and he stayed in the rest of the game.
If the lineup is misused in an NCAA game, we get our asses kicked.
Steele is getting better, but this obvious lineup misuse (the same thing was true vs Creighton) is exactly why Xavier has been what it has been over the past 3 years. Nunge has proven that he’s healthy and can play big minutes. Stop the fuckery.

[xuwillie]

Nunge played 29 minutes. For a big man that is a lot of minutes. I would rather have him fresh at the end of games. He had the fourth most minutes of any X player last night.


Cmon Freemantle played 35. Steele's favoritism is the issue here not if nunge can play 30-35 minutes a game

[Masterofreality]

Cmon Freemantle played 35. Steele's favoritism is the issue here not if nunge can play 30-35 minutes a game

Nunge and Free have to play together. Freemantle cannot handle the 5. Just can’t. Plus he doesn’t really want to. That is clearly evident.

[xuwillie]

I wouldn't mind seeing us play small and have Jones play the 4. Not like he can do any worse playing D and rebounding than Freemantle

[noteggs]

I realize a lot of you guys listen to Steeles presser’s, but thought this answers a lot questions that have been tossed around- like line up changes. Also, think he’s using less coach speak these days IMO…

https://twitter.com/xaviermbb/status/1484027769453531136?s=10

[X-band '01]

Wonder what will happen when DePaul finally holds on for wins in this league. They already blew close opportunities at Butler/St. John's and nearly blew an 11-point lead in the final minute when they did beat The Hall at home.

[boozehound]

Nunge and Free have to play together. Freemantle cannot handle the 5. Just can’t. Plus he doesn’t really want to. That is clearly evident.

Well put. Having Freemantle at the 5 against most (if not all) teams in this league is downright negligent. Nunge should play as many minutes as he can at the 5 and then figure out the rest.

Freemantle really doesn't have any interest in banging down low, nor has he been particularly good at it this season. We really need another big next season.

[xukeith]

I realize a lot of you guys listen to Steeles presser’s, but thought this answers a lot questions that have been tossed around- like line up changes. Also, think he’s using less coach speak these days IMO…

https://twitter.com/xaviermbb/status/1484027769453531136?s=10

Man DePaul's press room for interviews looks a bit bleak.

[Masterofreality]

I realize a lot of you guys listen to Steeles presser’s, but thought this answers a lot questions that have been tossed around- like line up changes. Also, think he’s using less coach speak these days IMO…

https://twitter.com/xaviermbb/status/1484027769453531136?s=10

He laments the bad starts the last 3 games.
Spoiler: All 3 of those games Freemantle started at the 5. Twice against guys that were 5+ (Approx) taller than him and one guy much quicker and he couldn’t stay with him.
Glad that it took “only” 3 games to see what was blatantly evident to almost everyone.
Yep. Check the “analytics” Coach, maybe after you just “check the tape”.
Maybe he’s protecting Jack from early fouls? Maybe he’s conserving his minutes? Maybe he had the intention of starting Dionte before he got sick? Maybe he’s making sure that Jerome Hunter stays dialed in by starting him? I *guess* I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. But, yeah. The lineups bear some responsibility as well as poor matchup planning.

[Masterofreality]

Well put. Having Freemantle at the 5 against most (if not all) teams in this league is downright negligent. Nunge should play as many minutes as he can at the 5 and then figure out the rest.

Freemantle really doesn't have any interest in banging down low, nor has he been particularly good at it this season. We really need another big next season.

Jack and Dionte are both back, supposedly, Booze. I’m not sure there is any roster room unless Ben Stanley or Hunter leave.

[boozehound]

Jack and Dionte are both back, supposedly, Booze. I’m not sure there is any roster room unless Ben Stanley or Hunter leave.

I did not realize that Stanley still had another year left. He seems like the most likely to transfer perhaps? Hunter probably stays. Miles could go either way. Maybe Edwards can bulk up? Freemantle and Nunge both have another year so I guess they probably get the bulk of the minutes, and we just hope that between the two we can figure out a solution for the times we face larger front courts.

[Xavier]

”.
Maybe he’s protecting Jack from early fouls? Maybe he’s conserving his minutes? Maybe he had the intention of starting Dionte before he got sick? Maybe he’s making sure that Jerome Hunter stays dialed in by starting him? I *guess* I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. But, yeah. The lineups bear some responsibility as well as poor matchup planning.

Maybe Jack prefers it. Or after back to back season ending injuries he is keeping minutes under control. Or he makes a switch and he makes his top 20 team Even better. You can certainly hate on him for the past few years and acknowledge he has a top 20 team this year.

I think it’s pretty easy to rightfully criticize his past while admitting so far this year feels different, with much improvements all around. And obvious room to grow. Could we see another end of year slide and miss the tournament? Sure. And If that happens I’ll be first in line for new coach. I just wouldn’t bet on it. Feels different this year

[xukeith]

I did not realize that Stanley still had another year left. He seems like the most likely to transfer perhaps? Hunter probably stays. Miles could go either way. Maybe Edwards can bulk up? Freemantle and Nunge both have another year so I guess they probably get the bulk of the minutes, and we just hope that between the two we can figure out a solution for the times we face larger front courts.

Returning bigs:
Edwards, Taylor, Miles, Freemantle, Nunge.

One transfer big man OR one transfer guard? Only room for 1 spot unless X has unusual transferring out of the program