Game Thread: Xavier v Providence College (1/26/2022)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://media.istockphoto.com/photos/scream-mask-picture-id459392477?k=20&m=459392477&s=170667a&w=0&h=Opv4ceQW59Bhm9WFXxhf3Mk4YhqJ73gMSFsxTzBTMc4=


THE MATCHUP

NO. 21/23 XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (14-4, 4-3 BIG EAST)
NO. 17/17 PROVIDENCE COLLEGE FRIARS (16-2, 6-1 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 26, 2022 AT 6:30 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER (10,224) IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: CBS Sports Network with play-by-play from Tom McCarthy and analysis from Bob Wenzel. AJ Ross is the game reporter.
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 (138), XM (204) and the SXM App. (966).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://statbroadcast.com) and fan stats at GoXavier.com. (http://goxavier.com)

[xudash]

I agree with MOR from a post he made in another thread: this game could not be more important for how this team and this season will shake out the rest of the way.

They need to bring it for 40 minutes.

They need to execute - whoever is on the floor needs to achieve their primary assignment (not letting Steele and lineups off the hook here; all that stands).

A big part of executing involves both energy and intelligence.

Xavier must win this game in order for the narrative here to calm down - temporarily. And I fully understand why the narrative is where it presently stands.

[xudash]

p.s. that Mascot is hideous.

[American X]

I agree with MOR from a post he made in another thread: this game could not be more important for how this team and this season will shake out the rest of the way.

They need to bring it for 40 minutes.

They need to execute - whoever is on the floor needs to achieve their primary assignment (not letting Steele and lineups off the hook here; all that stands).

A big part of executing involves both energy and intelligence.

Xavier must win this game in order for the narrative here to calm down - temporarily. And I fully understand why the narrative is where it presently stands.

Shorter xudash: make your f'in layups.

[Masterofreality]

Shorter xudash: make your f'in layups.

Steele: Get your lineup matchups right

[American X]

When Freemantle starts bricking his threes, I will tell MOR to throw something at his TV.

Let's break this down:
(1) Freemantle has a terrible three-point shot
(2) he misses his three-point attempts
(3) it wastes a possession for someone else and
(4) he is not in the post to rebound his misses.

That is double plus un-good. This basketball insight has been brought to you compliments of XavierHoops.

[GoMuskies]

X -8.5

That line tells me we're rolling tomorrow.

[JTG]

X -8.5

That line tells me we're rolling tomorrow.

Why???...I can't see us more than -2.5 against anyone, the way we've played the last 2 weeks.

[Xville]

X -8.5

That line tells me we're rolling tomorrow.

How the hell is this team favored by that number? Bookmakers are overestimating x or think the sharks believe x is good. Did it last game as well.

Maybe there will be some Cintas magic and that’s what they are banking on.

A blowout would be very welcome!

[Smooth]

They need to execute - whoever is on the floor

John McKay is in favor of this.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

When Freemantle starts bricking his threes, I will tell MOR to throw something at his TV.

Let's break this down:
(1) Freemantle has a terrible three-point shot
(2) he misses his three-point attempts
(3) it wastes a possession for someone else and
(4) he is not in the post to rebound his misses.

That is double plus un-good. This basketball insight has been brought to you compliments of XavierHoops.

So, if I'm understanding the above, you don't think its a good idea for Free to shoot the long ball?

[drudy23]

Someone is going to have to sack up and control Nate Watson tomorrow.

Colby shouldn't have to guard him - but might we see it?

[X-band '01]

Why???...I can't see us more than -2.5 against anyone, the way we've played the last 2 weeks.

Providence had their own Covid pause (and now has to reschedule a home game against UConn and roadies at Creighton and Seton Hall) and had a couple of shaky wins against Georgetown and Butler at home. As well as they've played, going to Xavier is a much bigger test for them.

[Xville]

Someone is going to have to sack up and control Nate Watson tomorrow.

Colby shouldn't have to guard him - but might we see it?

Or horchler who made x his bitch last time they played.

[American X]

So, if I'm understanding the above, you don't think its a good idea for Free to shoot the long ball?

Freemantle's three-point shot needs to go live on a farm where it can run free with Quentin Goodin's.

[xudash]

John McKay is in favor of this.

Ha! Very well done.

[Xavier]

8 point favorite over #17 team in country. Would be a good win, losing at Marquette isn’t earth is falling situation people were making it out to be. Win here and X is right on track for a 6 seed or better.

[drudy23]

Freemantle's three-point shot needs to go live on a farm where it can run free with Quentin Goodin's.

And Jason Carter's

[kxblue]

Why???...I can't see us more than -2.5 against anyone, the way we've played the last 2 weeks.

Have to imagine 75% of the money is on Providence with that line. Vegas must not mind having X in the matchup and the bookmakers usually aren’t wrong when they take a side against the public.

although I don’t see it a lot in cbb. If the line doesn’t move even as money comes in on Providence, it means the bookies want to have X in the game. If it moves a lot, it just means they set a bad line. But usually when a line looks crazy it’s for a reason (and I agree that line is crazy)

[XUGRAD80]

X needs to play ZONE in this game make Providence, which isn’t a good 3 point shooting team, beat them from OUTSIDE.

[Xville]

X needs to play ZONE in this game make Providence, which isn’t a good 3 point shooting team, beat them from OUTSIDE.

what every team should do to x lol

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

John McKay is in favor of this.

Smooth--Along with Dash I send public reps.

Thanks for the sure smile.

[markchal]

8.5 points is...a lot. Weren't we road favorites at Marquette too?

I think we can win (and pretty much have to, if we want to stay in contention to finish in the top third of the league), but I'm not as confident about a cover

[Masterofreality]

IMO, the whole season hinges on this game.
I know it’s January but when you look at the February schedule it’s brutal.
Gotta hold home court and get some confidence.

[XUGRAD80]

what every team should do to x lol

If i was coaching against X, I'd pick them up in a matchup zone the minute they walked off the bus.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

IMO, the whole season hinges on this game.
I know it’s January but when you look at the February schedule it’s brutal.
Gotta hold home court and get some confidence.

100% agree. This game feels BIG! A win tonight could restore momentum, confidence and propel them forward into the meat of the schedule. It would be a huge boost to a team that seems to be nearing the precipice of failure. A loss and I fear we begin our second half fade.

[Xuperman]

If our Nate can outscore their Nate, X gets the dub.

[Xuperman]

Or....If our IU transfer can outscore their IU transfer, X gets the dub.

[Xuperman]

Someone is going to have to sack up and control Nate Watson tomorrow.

Colby shouldn't have to guard him - but might we see it?

I have a feeling AJ Reeves will return tonight......Colby will be plenty busy on him.

[IM4X]

I have a feeling Nate gets his shot back, Nunge gets himself to the foul line a bit and Jones ends up at just the right places at the just right time which collectively helps us pull out the W.

[noteggs]

IMO, the whole season hinges on this game.
I know it’s January but when you look at the February schedule it’s brutal.
Gotta hold home court and get some confidence.

Agree on the confidence front just look at Marquette. You can say the BE is brutal this year (as are most) considering we’ve played Nova and Marquette twice already.

[xukeith]

What is the over/under for number of Scruggs' turnovers? 3?

[Xuperman]

What is the over/under for number of Scruggs' turnovers? 3?

The problem with Paul....he barely offsets his TOs with Assists. Kunk is by far the best facilitator, smaller sample size obviously, but he now has a legit a 3:1 ratio.....only TEN turnovers on the year. Pair that with his scoring prowess and more PT is more than warranted.

Throw in 13 steals and only 19 fouls.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What is the over/under for number of Scruggs' turnovers? 3?

3 turnovers is his average per game this year, so that is a good number to set the o/u.

Last 2 games he had 4 and 6 but the three games before that he only had 1, 0, 2.

So hopefully the under!

[GIMMFD]

I just want to know why the hell this game is on CBSSN.

[boozehound]

3 turnovers is his average per game this year, so that is a good number to set the o/u.

Last 2 games he had 4 and 6 but the three games before that he only had 1, 0, 2.

So hopefully the under!

6 turnovers by one person. Wow.

[xuphan]

I just want to know why the hell this game is on CBSSN.

It’s not on FS1 or FS2?

[paulxu]

I just want to know why the hell this game is on CBSSN.

I've got the same problem. Switched up service to always get FS1 and don't get CBSSN.

Will need Jesuit to post some streaming options.

[xu82]

I just want to know why the hell this game is on CBSSN.

I just panicked! New house and U-Verse is hot garbage (even their tech guy said that!) so we sent it back Getting DTV Streaming thru Apple TV. CBSSN was not showing up on favorites, but dug around and found it. Added to favorites now. I seem to be all set, but I HATE that you need so many channels to get every game. I missed one earlier this year prior to getting things straightened out.

Good luck to everyone struggling to “find a way”.

[xukeith]

X barely has a chance in tonight's game. Nate Watson will destroy Nunge and Freemantle.

Hope he gets in foul trouble.

X perimeter players need to wake up and kill their icyness from 3 point land.

[GoMuskies]

Win this one for wronged fellow alumnus Chris Mack! He's got an account on here, doesn't he? Perhaps he'll start posting here with all his new free time!

[xuphan]

Win this one for wronged fellow alumnus Chris Mack! He's got an account on here, doesn't he? Perhaps he'll start posting here with all his new free time!

Not sure but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was at the game tonight.

[XUGRAD80]

Watson is going to destroy Free inside, why isn’t Nunge starting? Rhetorical question…I know the answer. I just don’t like it. :facepalm:


Edit: the starting lineup has changed and Nunge IS STARTING, with Free. Hunter to the bench. Will wonders never cease! :jumpforjoy:

[HenryMuto]

X favored by 8 seems like a heck of a lot. I will settle for a 4-5 point win tonight.

[xu82]

X favored by 8 seems like a heck of a lot. I will settle for a 4-5 point win tonight.

I’ve only seen Providence once, but I must say that shocks me.

I’ll be thrilled with a one point win.

[xuphan]

X favored by 8 seems like a heck of a lot. I will settle for a 4-5 point win tonight.

The fans deserve a blowout. Hopefully Steele and co destroy these cryers I mean liars, I mean friars.

[Masterofreality]

Jack Nunge starting tonight for Hunter

[xukeith]

Nunge with the start. Watch him now either foul out early in second half OR play all 40 minutes

[xuphan]

Nunge with the start. Watch him now either foul out early in second half OR play all 40 minutes

No way he comes close to 40 minutes.

[xu82]

Scruggs needs to chill and play smart.

[xu82]

Scruggs is the new Naji!

THREE wasted trips up the floor already.

[xuphan]

Scruggs needs to chill and play smart.

Not a good start once again. Putting ourselves in a hole early.

[Xville]

We suck again

[SM#24]

Scruggs is the worst of our top seven. The biggest improvement this team can make would for all his minutes to go to Odom and Kunkel.

[kellernr]

They need to sit Scruggs for a few minutes. He is a turnover machine.

Also, when will Free realize he is not a 3pt shooter and spend some time in the post.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[xuwillie]

More than a few minutes. Dude shouldn't be starting

[SM#24]

They need to sit Scruggs for a few minutes. He is a turnover machine.

Also, when will Free realize he is not a 3pt shooter and spend some time in the post.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
When Travis realizes it.

[xuwillie]

scruggs and freemantle are like a circus out there

[xuphan]

scruggs and freemantle are like a circus out there

Down double digits already at home. Yikes!

[Xville]

Scruggs is the worst of our top seven. The biggest improvement this team can make would for all his minutes to go to Odom and Kunkel.

I don’t know if it matters who we play. Steele sucks, he should join mack in the retirement home

[drudy23]

Unreal man.

[xu82]

I’m a Bills fan. This is NOTHING!

[Xville]

X should keep shooting threes since they are so good at it

[XUBANDGRAD]

This team actually sucks lol

[xuphan]

X should keep shooting threes since they are so good at it

For an offense that is so reliant on 3 point shooting, how has Steele not found a reliable 3 point shooter(s) in 3 years at X?

[drudy23]

Our offense is a mismatch with our strengths - it’s been that way since he took over.

He doubles down on stupidity.

[bjf123]

Gonna get boat raced out of our own arena. This is ridiculous.


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[MauriceX]

I know I'm late to the party, but if anyone wants a streaming link, let me know. I already sent a DM to PaulXU.

If you haven't found a streaming site at this point, be thankful. It's been ugly. Comeback starts now though :)

[Xville]

More miles less hunter

[Xville]

Actually more miles less freemantle and hunter

[IM4X]

Freemantle to soft. Too much finesse under the basket. Just dunk it.

[IM4X]

Where the hell is Freemantle in the defensive boards. Come on Free help out.

[GoMuskies]

Jesus, we were awful that half. Super lucky it's only 6.

[drudy23]

Nunge should pull a Lionel Chalmers chair throw at halftime.

Thank God for Jack Nunge

[Xville]

Thank gawd for nunge..for this game and this season. I think x comes back and wins this one

[bjf123]

Jesus, we were awful that half. Super lucky it's only 6.

^^^This^^^. We’re lucky to only be down 6. It seems like we can only play one good half each game. Let’s hope that wasn’t it for this game.


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[xuphan]

Thank gawd for nunge..for this game and this season. I think x comes back and wins this one

Where would this team be without Nunge?

[bjf123]

Where would this team be without Nunge?

Last place in the BE?


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[Lloyd Braun]

Where would this team be without Nunge?

If I had to predict I would say bounced in the first round of the BET by DePaul

[xuphan]

Jesus, we were awful that half. Super lucky it's only 6.

Nice start to the second half.

[whopper]

we are making Breed look like Gillespie and I don't get why hs seems so open.

[kellernr]

Nate is broken. He has been non existent the last few games on offense. Need him to get his shot going again

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[IM4X]

Too many forced shots. Jones trying to push it and score through three defenders. Freemantle and Nate shooting 10 footers without trying to create contact. Both missed and we got neither rebound. Steele needs to tell his guys to be more aggressive… gotta get their defender to foul them.

[xu82]

CLEARLY a block on Kunkel. He wasn’t even CLOSE to being set. Am I missing something?

[xu82]

How can you be called for a charge when the guy moves in front of you and is called for a block. That is STUPID!

[MauriceX]

CLEARLY a block on Kunkel. He wasn’t even CLOSE to being set. Am I missing something?

Ah yes, the classic block AND charge at the same time. What a moronic call. Possibly worse than calling Free for traveling while he was actively dribbling earlier this game. Who are these refs???

[IM4X]

That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard - both getting fouls.

[Xville]

Yeah that’s the play..get hunter an open 3.

[MauriceX]

Ah yes, the classic block AND charge at the same time. What a moronic call. Possibly worse than calling Free for traveling while he was actively dribbling earlier this game. Who are these refs???

And then Jones gets hit in the head twice on the same rebound, whistle to stop play annnnnnnnd no foul? They just stopped play for funsies?

[Lloyd Braun]

Has anyone ever seen that? It’s either a block or a charge.

[stammina0721]

This is what... 4-5 straight years where Steele.starts strong then turns to shit when BE play starts? It's like clockwork. How much longer do we need to see the same thing happen every single year before admin decides Steele has taken this team as far as he can.

[xuphan]

This is what... 4-5 straight years where Steele.starts strong then turns to shit when BE play starts? It's like clockwork. How much longer do we need to see the same thing happen every single year before admin decides Steele has taken this team as far as he can.

Game ain’t over yet. Still got time.

[Xville]

X is going to win this game. That Vegas line was ridiculously wrong though.

[xu82]

Ah yes, the classic block AND charge at the same time. What a moronic call. Possibly worse than calling Free for traveling while he was actively dribbling earlier this game. Who are these refs???

They said that is technically possible. Well, we have one more thing that needs fixing! Just because the refs disagreed did NOT mean you were both right! Crazy BS there!

What if an NFL ref says it’s a catch, and another incomplete? Do we split the difference in yards and play on? How STUPID!!!

[stammina0721]

Game ain’t over yet. Still got time.

Never said it was over. X may very well win but that doesn't change the story

[MauriceX]

They said that is technically possible. Well, we have one more thing that needs fixing! Just because the refs disagreed did NOT mean you were both right! Crazy BS there!

What if an NFL ref says it’s a catch, and another incomplete? Do we split the difference in yards and play on? How STUPID!!!

Yeah, I feel like that is an ego problem. Neither was willing to back down and admit they could possibly be wrong. The only solution? Call both for a foul, even if it makes zero sense.

[IM4X]

Nifty little move by Scruggs for that reverse layup… followed by a great block by Nunge.. followed by the nice vision by Jones to see and find Free for the following bucket. This is more like it guys.

[Xville]

Never said it was over. X may very well win but that doesn't change the story

Well if they win, they will be 5-3 in conference…may want to wait until the gauntlet of February to make statements like that.

Just hope that they get into The tourney and gain some momentum back

[kellernr]

This team needs to learn how to play D for the entire shot clock.

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[xu82]

He never SHOT! Why should it EVER be a shooting foul?

[kellernr]

How in the hell can Kunkel and Johnson shoot soooooo bad at home?

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[Xville]

Xuperman’s favorite player can’t even hit the rim tonight

[IM4X]

Let’s Go X!

[xuphan]

Let’s Go X!

Let’s put the sword to them!

[stammina0721]

Well if they win, they will be 5-3 in conference…may want to wait until the gauntlet of February to make statements like that.

Just hope that they get into The tourney and gain some momentum back

I don't have to. I have what my own two eyes are seeing and 4 years of the exact same thing happening. Just is what it is. Still hoping they get the W but I don't trust Steele late in the conference season

[IM4X]

Let’s put the sword to them!

I’d love to see that replay. Thought Scruggs got hacked.

[xu82]

Nunge and Jones for Co-MVP’s, regardless of how this game turns out.

[IM4X]

Don’t like that shot by Free.He has been off today and he again did not draw contact.

[xu82]

Don’t like that shot by Free.He has been off today and he again did not draw contact.

He half lost the ball, said what the hell and shot it.

[Xville]

Whoa some steel balls by Scruggs there

[IM4X]

He half lost the ball, said what the hell and shot it.

Last year’s Free would have driven and either dunked or for the foul. He is a more little timid this year foe some reason.

[HenryMuto]

I had to go through an OT game with Kentucky last night so I guess I get another stomach flipper tonight with X.

[xuphan]

Whoa some steel balls by Scruggs there

Boom!

[HenryMuto]

Damn all we needed was 1 stop. Too bad 36 seconds left instead of 30.

[paulxu]

This team would be almost unbeatable if they could hit some 3's.

Go Muskies. Get this one!

[Xville]

Alright…work for a good shot and win the game

[Blue Blooded-05]

Totally bailed out Durham on that drive. He had no chance of making that

[HenryMuto]

Unreal this sucks

[kellernr]

Horrible clock management by Steele. He will find away to coach this team out of the tourney.

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[xu82]

Well, THAT was not ideal.

[HenryMuto]

That ball was 2/3 way down then out for the lead then they get the 3 just unreal

[paulxu]

Oh well. Not sure that was a good end play for us, but whatever.

[Xville]

Well, going to be very difficult to finish above 500 now.

Scruggs really shouldn’t be the one with the ball in his hands to try and win the game.

[XUBANDGRAD]

This team fucking sucks.

[kellernr]

Offense was flowing well. Not sure why Steele is soo committed to always running the clock all the way down instead of running an actual offensive set.

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[xu82]

That ball was 2/3 way down then out for the lead then they get the 3 just unreal

It was crazy close to in. I wish Scruggs was that close early in the first half where he was a turnover machine on the same kind of play.

Have to hold serve at home. Not great.

[HenryMuto]

Incredibly tough game to take. Fight all night finally get that 3 to take lead with 50 seconds left and end up losing.

[Xavier]

If starting Nunge means Mikes gets minutes, it’s not worth it. Kunkel over Johnson would be worth looking at

[Xuperman]

Xuperman’s favorite player can’t even hit the rim tonight

Ha, you are a sad, sad individual.

[TheDanimal]

Everything (seriously... everything) about that game went exactly the way any honest watcher of Travis Steele Xavier teams knew it would... shout out to Vegas for offering that Providence +8 action...

[Xville]

Ha, you are a sad, sad individual.

Not really… I’m just not obsessed with a role player

[Xavier]

Well, going to be very difficult to finish above 500 now.

Scruggs really shouldn’t be the one with the ball in his hands to try and win the game.

We really don’t have a guard that can go one on one and get his own shot at the end of the game… Maybe Scruggs for sure, maybe Kunkel. This is the only spot Tandy is better than anyone on team at

[Xuperman]

This team fucking sucks.

Go away....

[Masterofreality]

My only comment.
Zero points combined for Johnson and Kunkle.
But Steele does nothing to change up the game. No press, no pushing the ball. Nothing to change tempo. Just sits back and let the other team dictate. Providence played their comfortable game. We never pushed.
And we lose.
We got trouble in River City.
(Creighton got rolled at Butler tonight. They’ll be pissed Saturday)

[Xville]

Everything (seriously... everything) about that game went exactly the way any honest watcher of Travis Steele Xavier teams knew it would... shout out to Vegas for offering that Providence +8 action...

Yeah that and the seton hall minus 6 tonight are things that make you go hmmm

[paulxu]

Gotta hit more than 22% on 3's.
They made more FT's (14) than we attempted (10). I know I've heard something about that rule before.
Something's going on with Nate and Kunkel that they're a combined 0 fer 10.

Maybe Steele was hired at halftime by Louisville and his players picked up that he'd checked out.

[Xville]

My only comment.
Zero points combined for Johnson and Kunkle.
But Steele does nothing to change up the game. No press, no pushing the ball. Nothing to change tempo. Just sits back and let the other team dictate. Providence played their comfortable game. We never pushed.
And we lose.
We got trouble in River City.
(Creighton got rolled at Butler tonight. They’ll be pissed Saturday)

Yep… unless x somehow steals that one, I’m seeing realistically a 9-10 conference record w/o the gtown game being played.

[Xville]

Gotta hit more than 22% on 3's.
They made more FT's (14) than we attempted (10). I know I've heard something about that rule before.
Something's going on with Nate and Kunkel that they're a combined 0 fer 10.

Maybe Steele was hired at halftime by Louisville and his players picked up that he'd checked out.

What’s happened is that kunkel is playing big East defenses now. Same as last year…something about doing the same thing and expecting different results. Johnson I think it’s just people know about him in the be this year and he doesn’t exactly work to get open.

[Lloyd Braun]

3 point shooting is astoundingly bad. Rebounding fundamentals also are poor. I prefer Colby to have the ball in his hands as time winds down. Paul has never gotten a friendly whistle and can’t expect to be bailed out like they did on other end. And holy crap the refs tonight… Woof. Some really fishy calls.

[IM4X]

Free needs to start playing less like Bruce Banner and more like The Hulk this year. Stop taking the lazy, lower percentage jumpers and instead muscle his way inside for a strong layup or even throw down a dunk.

[whopper]

Paul hits that shot and they are calling time out and a totally different situation. how close. I missed first half as an adjunct and looked at score of 12-3. I feel for Nate as he ended up passing up shots, not a good sign. We need to man up. St Johns looked tough, Seton Hall looked tough, Providence still has a game at Dunkin center, Creighton can be beaten at home. There are opportunities. Breed and Bynum got some shots to crawl in...Durham i did not see hit a shot..just foul shots and he NEVER shoujld have got that last call on the road. Damn

[Xavier]

My only comment.
Zero points combined for Johnson and Kunkle.
But Steele does nothing to change up the game. No press, no pushing the ball. Nothing to change tempo. Just sits back and let the other team dictate. Providence played their comfortable game. We never pushed.
And we lose.
We got trouble in River City.
(Creighton got rolled at Butler tonight. They’ll be pissed Saturday)

I mean, whatever adjustment he made brought X from down 14 to up 2 with one minute left. In that regard, it worked. Getting into the hole was more the issue

Not defending them. I don’t think Providence is any good. It’s been classic close but no cigar game we’ve seen last 4 years. It’s tiring, we should win these games. Just pointing out the approach had x come back from down 14 to up 2

[sgarcia]

3 point shooting is astoundingly bad. Rebounding fundamentals also are poor. I prefer Colby to have the ball in his hands as time winds down. Paul has never gotten a friendly whistle and can’t expect to be bailed out like they did on other end. And holy crap the refs tonight… Woof. Some really fishy calls.

Our worst year under Mack from 3 might be better than our best year under Steele from 3. We are slow on offense, slow on defense, no depth like people think we have, no bigs that bang. Steele wanted to be Villanova. Villanova is a nice Napa Cabernet and we're 2 buck chuck.

[Xville]

Bring back Sean miller..give him whatever he wants.

[JEHARDI]

Plenty of open looks, ugly, ugly shooting. Defense pretty good. Not going to beat a quality team shooting like that.

[drudy23]

Broken record from me - it's mesmerizing that we continue to employ this offensive philosophy with how bad we shoot the 3. It literally makes ZERO sense to continue to go out with the same gameplan and hope we make shots to win.

Literally, doubling and tripling down on selling us all on a new identity that simply doesn't fit. It's not workin' Trav.

Nunge for President.

[sgarcia]

Broken record from me - it's mesmerizing that we continue to employ this offensive philosophy with how bad we shoot the 3. It literally makes ZERO sense to continue to go out with the same gameplan and hope we make shots to win.

Literally, doubling and tripling down on selling us all on a new identity that simply doesn't fit. It's not workin' Trav.

We can't play in the post because of bigs are finesse guys and get bodied up. Can't shoot 3's. Can't dribble drive because of bad spacing. Wasn't Steele our OC when he was an assistant? Seems like the only thing he can do is draw up a play out of a timeout.

[markchal]

We have looked like total garbage since the layoff.

The only thing we seem to make consistently in the Steele era is excuses.

Just disappointing.

[drudy23]

We can't play in the post because of bigs are finesse guys and get bodied up. Can't shoot 3's. Can't dribble drive because of bad spacing. Wasn't Steele our OC when he was an assistant? Seems like the only thing he can do is draw up a play out of a timeout.

He's tried to change a winning formula. Fell in love with the "new wave" of offense but hasn't recruited to its needed capabilities to run that offense.

This program needs more of a balanced attack. We will continue to see the same thing in this league if we're unable to match the physicality of the conference. Ironically, our offense is designed to get open looks. We rarely get open looks on the perimeter because of guys constantly shoot the first shot they see within 10 seconds of the shot clock. There is zero patience to even get a good look.

Our offense is a complete misfit with the strength of our team. I do like the Nunge and Freemantle dynamic. We should build around that.

[Muskie in dayton]

For years, I always felt like X would win all those tight games down the stretch. The last couple years I started thinking they would lose them. Now this year, I’m not even disappointed when they do lose. This sucks.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I really noticed something tonight and it is we ...SUCK. Way too many transfers under Steele, way too many. Thanks for making my sports life miserable for the last 4 years. You will go down in Xavier history as the Jim O'Brien years at VD. At least he went to the dance and got sweet gig in the NBA. You got nuttin playa!!! You And Mack can both get the hell out of town.

#TANK FOR MILLER or hell how about the Prince?

[Xavier]

Bring back Sean miller..give him whatever he wants.

Yes. His style is perfect for the Big East. Perfect

[xuwillie]

For years, I always felt like X would win all those tight games down the stretch. The last couple years I started thinking they would lose them. Now this year, I’m not even disappointed when they do lose. This sucks.

This is where I am.. I used to get so upset when we lost. No i could care less. Steele and his Father in law can take a hike.

[Masterofreality]

I mean, whatever adjustment he made brought X from down 14 to up 2 with one minute left. In that regard, it worked. Getting into the hole was more the issue

Not defending them. I don’t think Providence is any good. It’s been classic close but no cigar game we’ve seen last 4 years. It’s tiring, we should win these games. Just pointing out the approach had x come back from down 14 to up 2

I mean Steele is now 40-42 in non Buy games.
Steele only REACTS to adversity. He doesn’t do anything to proactively affect the game. We fell behind so THEN HE REACTS with a 2-3 zone that brought us back in the first half and cut off their drives. We saw none of it in the second half so they started driving again which cost us buckets at the end. Does he ever consider putting on a press for a couple of possessions to speed the game up? That sure may have woken the sleepy team up in the first half. Why not call a TO and put and press them to get some energy going But Nope. Just sits back and takes what Ed Cooley gives him.
And this is the umpteenth game where his only game ending play is Scruggs driving to the basket. Run a damn play!! Jack Nunge, the best AND TALLEST player on the court did not get a touch on the last offensive play.
The slope is getting slippery

[Drew]

I think what makes Steele a good recruiter also makes him a bad coach. He is too loyal to the players and too hesitant to make a change. From Goodin to Scruggs, the leash is always too long.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I think what makes Steele a good recruiter also makes him a bad coach. He is too loyal to the players and too hesitant to make a change. From Goodin to Scruggs, the leash is always too long.

I'm not sold on his recruiting. From what I can tell all his recruits suck a bag of D&@ks

[xuwillie]

His HS recruiting is definitely abysmal. Not sure what scout looks at when ranking these kids

[Masterofreality]

His HS recruiting is definitely abysmal. Not sure what scout looks at when ranking these kids

Zero help from the freshman. A wasted year. Rinse repeat

[boozehound]

Steele is awful, and this team kind of sucks. That is all.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Maybe our guys are just on the downside of their career. I mean half our team is in their 40's.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Havent read anything yet but.....SO. FREAKING. FRUSTRATING.

Why the continued slow starts? Why do we always have to come back from double digits? Why can't Steele get these guys going?

Quotes from Steele tonight:

"Our guys played really hard. We really competed."

"We got the shots we wanted."

"We gotta keep swinging. Gotta have amnesia."

Steele was generally happy with the play tonight and thought we had some tough luck with shots that didn't go (that never go FYI) and that Providence made some really tough ones.

At what point is it no longer unlucky for us and lucky for the other team? UGH.

I am not a fire Steele guy after every loss, however, if we collapse again and don't make the tournament, he has got to go. It needs to be considered even if we limp down the stretch and barely make it and lose first round. Imagine a play in loss. The would be miserable.

I get we are safely in now, but if we can't win our home games against good competition, nothing is getting any easier.

What a frustrating loss in a have to have game.

UGH

[waggy]

The box score is a mirror image except the 3 point shooting percentage. How we get cleaner looks I don't know. I know people don't want Zach shooting 3's, but he and Colby need to hit some.

[markchal]

Feeling a lot Steele hate on this thread and I'm not sure the data actually backs that up.

Our record under Steele honestly isn't that bad once you factor in all these moral victories.

[Masterofreality]

#DanceorDepart

Ok. I never really meant die in the expire sense but if no Tournament he can just depart.

[Xavier]

I mean Steele is now 40-42 in non Buy games.
Steele only REACTS to adversity. He doesn’t do anything to proactively affect the game. We fell behind so THEN HE REACTS with a 2-3 zone that brought us back in the first half and cut off their drives. We saw none of it in the second half so they started driving again which cost us buckets at the end. Does he ever consider putting on a press for a couple of possessions to speed the game up? That sure may have woken the sleepy team up in the first half. Why not call a TO and put and press them to get some energy going But Nope. Just sits back and takes what Ed Cooley gives him.
And this is the umpteenth game where his only game ending play is Scruggs driving to the basket. Run a damn play!! Jack Nunge, the best AND TALLEST player on the court did not get a touch on the last offensive play.
The slope is getting slippery

All I’m saying is whatever he did or didn’t do to change things up down 14, it brought X back and up 2 with a minute left. I am with you though, only so many wide open baseline layups I can watch without hoping for a zone. If we aren’t going to bring help defense at all (Nunge had a few solid helps in the 2nd half….it could just be another Freemantle sucks at D situation) then move to zone. Feel like we see at least four uncontested layups a game in our half court defense.

But add Providence to the list of teams in the big east that is stronger and tougher than X.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Steele record is awful. First losing conference record in decades first time missing the damce 3 years in a row soon to be 4 , in decades. He is awful awful awful. Anything short of a round of 32 and he shouldn't even return to Cincinnati. We as a message board can pack up his stuff and send it to him. Shaka smart in his first year has turned around Marquette. Steele has 20 year veterans on his team and can't win. We need at least 6 or 7 wins to make dance. Tell me where we will get them? Butler, DePaul, St. John's , Gtown , hall. I got 5 wins tops. 19 wins is NIT which They better turn down

[xudash]

All I’m saying is whatever he did or didn’t do to change things up down 14, it brought X back and up 2 with a minute left. I am with you though, only so many wide open baseline layups I can watch without hoping for a zone. If we aren’t going to bring help defense at all (Nunge had a few solid helps in the 2nd half….it could just be another Freemantle sucks at D situation) then move to zone. Feel like we see at least four uncontested layups a game in our half court defense.

But add Providence to the list of teams in the big east that is stronger and tougher than X.

Getting to “down 14” in the first place is a problem. I’m not being argumentative.

It’s our building, and we continue to fail to dictate the style of play.

[GoMuskies]

Right now, we stink. The key to the rest of the season is to figure out how to stink less. Deep, I know.

[XUBison]

Maybe our guys are just on the downside of their career. I mean half our team is in their 40's.

LOL. The really sucky thing is, this year feels like the peak of a roster build. No idea who is actually going to come back next year, nor who may transfer in. Regardless, next year feels like a rebuild. Bleh.

[XUGRAD80]

LOL. The really sucky thing is, this year feels like the peak of a roster build. No idea who is actually going to come back next year, nor who may transfer in. Regardless, next year feels like a rebuild. Bleh.

Scruggs and Johnson are the only players who will use up all of their eligibility this year. Everyone else can return. I would suspect that any, or all, of these three players will transfer out.....Tandy, Miles, Stanley. But, X has 3 top 100 ranked/4 Star freshmen coming in next year. Tucker will also be available.

I don't see it as a rebuild. I actually think that if they can add a real power big into the mix via transfer it will be a better roster.

The problem last night was that all of the "great" outside shooters that X is said to have, didn't show up. X has several "streak" shooters. If two of them are hot, they can score with anyone. But for several games now, that has not been the case. There's not one player on the current roster that we can point to and know that they are a truly consistently great shooter. I'm hopeful that one or more of the Freshman coming in can solve that problem. X has consistently for the last 3-4 years been a bad 3-point shooting team. When the coach's offense rest on the need for good outside shooting, and it doesn't happen, you have a team that struggles to score.....need I say more?

The problem other nights has been that they got pushed around inside by bigger and stronger front lines. I was truly surprised and thrilled when X started Nunge and Free together last night. Watson, who I was really scared would dominate, was basically a non-factor in the game. But when they took one of those two players out, X got beat up inside by the guards driving and getting layups. They need another good big player to rotate with Nunge and Free. Miles and Stanley are not the answer there. I'm hopeful that X can find a solution that problem in a transfer or from development by Edwards or Tucker, (but I'm not super confident based on past history).

Now if they can just get a coach that has a system that can put them all together into a TEAM...........

[Xville]

Four years in and this is where x stands:

still don’t have a point guard.

Outside of Scruggs, don’t have any guards built like they need in the big east

Front line is weak and gets pushed around. They play timid finesse a-10 basketball.

Bring back miller. The team will either limp into the tourney or not make it at all. I think there has been enough evidence to show that Steele kinda sucks.

[JEHARDI]

We can't play in the post because of bigs are finesse guys and get bodied up. Can't shoot 3's. Can't dribble drive because of bad spacing. Wasn't Steele our OC when he was an assistant? Seems like the only thing he can do is draw up a play out of a timeout.

Did you watch the game? One of the biggest and strongest centers in the league was scoreless with 2 rebounds. His backup had 10 and 6. Our bigs went for 28 and 16. They game was lost because once again the ability to knock down a shot was piss poor.

[JEHARDI]

All I’m saying is whatever he did or didn’t do to change things up down 14, it brought X back and up 2 with a minute left. I am with you though, only so many wide open baseline layups I can watch without hoping for a zone. If we aren’t going to bring help defense at all (Nunge had a few solid helps in the 2nd half….it could just be another Freemantle sucks at D situation) then move to zone. Feel like we see at least four uncontested layups a game in our half court defense.

But add Providence to the list of teams in the big east that is stronger and tougher than X.

How are they stronger and tougher. Their biggest strongest player was totally taken out of the game. Nunge and Fremantle were better than their bigs. They won because they can shoot. Reverse the the 3 pt % and we win. Will not beat a good team shooting 22% from 3.

[Xville]

Did you watch the game? One of the biggest and strongest centers in the league was scoreless with 2 rebounds. His backup had 10 and 6. Our bigs went for 28 and 16. They game was lost because once again the ability to knock down a shot was piss poor.

Horchler had 6 and 11 on a 50% ankle..he’s barely practiced and was a game time decision last night.

Crosswell had 10 and 6 above his averages

Yeah Watson was limited due to foul trouble, great.

There are multiple reasons x lost, and it’s the same shit it’s been for four years.

[drudy23]

We’re a terrible 3 point shooting team and our offense is a perimeter based one. That’s all this comes down to.

What are we bad at? 3 point shooting. OK, let’s do that.

How can this stupidity continue?

Our best two players (Colby and Nunge) rarely shoot 3s.

Yeah, let’s shoot some more 3s. Mind boggling.

[X Factor]

Steele has brought in all these "good" shooters. Why has all of his teams been below average three point shooting teams?

X is DEAD LAST in 3pt% in BE play.

I really like Kunkel, but he shoots a knuckleball, which doesn't lend itself to be a consistent shot.

Nate is shooting 17% from three over last 5-6 games.

Different year, same story with our three point shooting.

[Lloyd Braun]

How are they stronger and tougher. Their biggest strongest player was totally taken out of the game. Nunge and Fremantle were better than their bigs. They won because they can shoot. Reverse the the 3 pt % and we win. Will not beat a good team shooting 22% from 3.

Our best rebounder continues to be a 6-5 guard. 3 point shooting was rough but again how many easy bunnies and shots in the paint didn’t go in? Our bigs get pushed around too much and it has a direct effect on the rest of the offense and defensive rotations.

Bigger issue is another slow start. It’s so predictable at this point.

[JEHARDI]

Horchler had 6 and 11 on a 50% ankle..he’s barely practiced and was a game time decision last night.

Crosswell had 10 and 6 above his averages

Yeah Watson was limited due to foul trouble, great.




There are multiple reasons x lost, and it’s the same shit it’s been for four years.

Point was they did not get bullied in the paint, far from it. Horchler is a perimeter player, Jones is 2” shorter and had 12 rebounds.They won because they had multiple guys who can knock down a shot.

[drudy23]

I love how everyone says “easy shots in the paint” when our opponents all have multiple 6’9 and bigger guys patrolling the paint.

I’d like to see you try and finish over Watson lol

[bleedXblue]

Bring back Sean miller..give him whatever he wants.

Hes going to PITT

[Xville]

Point was they did not get bullied in the paint, far from it. Horchler is a perimeter player, Jones is 2” shorter and had 12 rebounds.They won because they had multiple guys who can knock down a shot.

They scored 65 points.

Yeah x can’t shoot we all know that. The only people who don’t seem to think so is Steele and a few of our players who think they are steph curry.

However, x can’t go inside either because we do have a finesse front line that doesn’t even try to play help defense when our guards give up 12 layups/dunks in the game. There is really no disputing our front line is soft. They did ok in the post last night because Watson was in foul trouble for most of the game. UConn is going to make this team their bitches.

[Lloyd Braun]

I love how everyone says “easy shots in the paint” when our opponents all have multiple 6’9 and bigger guys patrolling the paint.

I’d like to see you try and finish over Watson lol

I’m not a 21 year old basketball player. But other 21 year old basketball players seem to have a lot better success in the paint than ours. Check the metrics

[bleedXblue]

I love how everyone says “easy shots in the paint” when our opponents all have multiple 6’9 and bigger guys patrolling the paint.

I’d like to see you try and finish over Watson lol

Prov had like at least 5 blocks in the paint. We tried that and they swatted them

[Xville]

Prov had like at least 5 blocks in the paint. We tried that and they swatted them

I noted that last night...i don't remember X getting blocked so much whether it is the bigs or the guards. X doesn't seem to know how to use their body to keep their shots from being blocked which is stuff you learn in high school.

[bleedXblue]

To me its very clear what Steele and staff's limitations are.

He's playing the recruiting roulette game every year and picking up guys that he thinks are nice players (and most are), but he isn't recruiting guys to fit his "system" or style play. Furthermore, I don't think he really is all that skilled at teaching a system and installing it.

We struggle in the BE, b/c these coaches have seen us enough and know our tendencies and know how to coach against us.

I dont have much if any hope Steele is ever going to figure it out. I hope Im wrong, but Ive seen enough the last 3.5 years.

[drudy23]

I’m not a 21 year old basketball player. But other 21 year old basketball players seem to have a lot better success in the paint than ours. Check the metrics

I know - was sort of sarcastic.

But it's a reflection of the type of big guy Steele likes. And those kinds can't bang with the big boys in the Big East. That's why they're struggling to finish at the rim.

Nunge can get the job done. He played great on both ends of the floor last night. He needs help.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I love how everyone says “easy shots in the paint” when our opponents all have multiple 6’9 and bigger guys patrolling the paint.

I’d like to see you try and finish over Watson lol

I didn't think it was particularly bad last night but on the season we have missed so many layups/bunnies that were basically uncontested. We have to have the worst FG% in the country within 4 feet of the basket.

[markchal]

We have to have the worst FG% in the country within 4 feet of the basket.

Good thing we're the worst perimeter shooting team in the conference!

[drudy23]

Saw a Twitter stat that we are in the 200-250 category the past 4 years under Steele in 3PT FG%. Ugh.

Yet here we are, running the same offense. Why are we trying to change Xavier's identity? 40-50 years of successful trajectory - the path was laid for him, and he took the dirt road. Why?

Seriously. Why?

[drudy23]

I'd also love to see the stats on both FT% and number of free throws compared to competition under Steele.

We've become a perimeter oriented team with limited shooters. Awesome.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How do we get Colby Jones more aggressive? He has to take some more shots. Scruggs should not take double the shots Colby takes.

Also Nunge played really well, but there were times that I could not believe Steele didn't get him a blow. Before the under 8 timeout in the 2nd half he was dying out there and had a fairly good shot at an offensive board that he could barely chase after. I love that he is starting and I think he can play the minutes he is now playing but I think Steele needs to be aware of where to get him a few mins rest. I was shocked he didn't take him out right before the under 8 to get him a minute there then the under 8 timeout break for the home stretch.

[Xville]

I didn't think it was particularly bad last night but on the season we have missed so many layups/bunnies that were basically uncontested. We have to have the worst FG% in the country within 4 feet of the basket.

I think banners said that in be play they are shooting 52% which is abysmal....average is around 63 I believe.

Just another indication that proves how weak this team is vs the competition in the big east.

Unless Steele changes his recruiting and offense, he needs to go. This is not going to suddenly get better doing the same shit. I don't care how many top 50 guards he gets.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'd also love to see the stats on both FT% and number of free throws compared to competition under Steele.

We've become a perimeter oriented team with limited shooters. Awesome.

Interestingly enough though I think we'd fair pretty well in the FT attempts stat. I think we typically end up making more than our opponents even attempt. Hasn't been good lately though. And I could be totally wrong.

[drudy23]

How do we get Colby Jones more aggressive? He has to take some more shots. .

100

[drudy23]

Interestingly enough though I think we'd fair pretty well in the FT attempts stat. I think we typically end up making more than our opponents even attempt. Hasn't been good lately though. And I could be totally wrong.

I looked it up. Pretty big disparity. We are shooting far less in total (4 years of Steel average 590 free throws a year vs. 4 years prior to Steele of 839 free throws per year), and shooting far worse % (4 years of Steele average 68.8% from the line vs. 4 years prior to Steele averaging 73.3%).

Sure, the previous 4 teams had more games because of the tournament, so take that into consideration in total attempts, but it's still a significant difference. A team that doesn't get to the line and doesn't shoot well from 3 is not good. You better have a top 10 defense in that scenario.

2014-2015
% - 74%
X - 566-775
Opp - 459-678

2015-2016
% - 73%
X - 626-857
Opp - 471-675

2016-2017
% - 69%
X - 607-882
Opp - 500-716

2017-2018
% - 78%
X - 657-843
Opp - 427-562

2018-2019
% - 68%
X - 437-644
Opp - 363-519

2019-2020
% - 66%
X - 388-590
Opp - 400-550

2020-2021
% - 69%
X - 231-333 (equates to about 500 over the whole year considering covid)
Opp - 227-308

2021-2022 - this is without a doubt the Nunge factor, both in increase in % and attempts - free throw stats look GREAT this year, but also makes our lack of 3 point shooting stick out even more. STOP SHOOTING 3s and get to the rim!!!!
% - 72%
X - 288-401 (roughly 630 for full season)
Opp - 174-237

[Xville]

I looked it up. Pretty big disparity. We are shooting far less in total (4 years of Steel average 590 free throws a year vs. 4 years prior to Steele of 839 free throws per year), and shooting far worse % (4 years of Steele average 68.8% from the line vs. 4 years prior to Steele averaging 73.3%).

Sure, the previous 4 teams had more games because of the tournament, so take that into consideration in total attempts, but it's still a significant difference. A team that doesn't get to the line and doesn't shoot well from 3 is not good. You better have a top 10 defense in that scenario.

2014-2015
% - 74%
X - 566-775
Opp - 459-678

2015-2016
% - 73%
X - 626-857
Opp - 471-675

2016-2017
% - 69%
X - 607-882
Opp - 500-716

2017-2018
% - 78%
X - 657-843
Opp - 427-562

2018-2019
% - 68%
X - 437-644
Opp - 363-519

2019-2020
% - 66%
X - 388-590
Opp - 400-550

2020-2021
% - 69%
X - 231-333 (equates to about 500 over the whole year considering covid)
Opp - 227-308

2021-2022 - this is without a doubt the Nunge factor, both in increase in % and attempts
% - 72%
X - 288-401 (roughly 630 for full season)
Opp - 174-237

Wow this is pretty staggering...wonder if Steele's awesome analytics captures this deficiency. Shows that we don't have guards or forwards that can initiate and play thru contact to draw a foul.

[boozehound]

Saw a Twitter stat that we are in the 200-250 category the past 4 years under Steele in 3PT FG%. Ugh.

Yet here we are, running the same offense. Why are we trying to change Xavier's identity? 40-50 years of successful trajectory - the path was laid for him, and he took the dirt road. Why?

Seriously. Why?

This is a really telling stat, since Steele's offensive philosophy seems to be predicated on outside shooting. Basically he has spent pretty much his whole time here recruiting 'shooters', but we suck ass from distance. Pretty much everyone who sees the floor except for Odom and Miles 'can shoot the 3' except that none of them can actually consistently make a 3pt shot. There is no shortage of attempts though! We get fools gold here and there when a guy gets hot for a game or two, but it always crashed back to earth. About 1x-2x per year we get a game in which multiple guys get hot from deep and we absolutely shred somebody. That usually happens early in the season though, and never at crunch time. This team and coaching staff seem kind of undisciplined and weak mentally.

[Caveat]

You can't win modern basketball with perimeter shooting as poor as Xavier has had under Steele. The game has fundamentally changed, and you need outside shooters to win. Possessions are too important to be tossing up so many bricks from the outside.

I'm out of patience with everything right now.

Steele has a losing record in conference play during his 3+ years and hasn't made the tournament. It's all unraveling again now. Xavier is now a low-mid Big East program, trending in the wrong direction. We've got more in common with St. John's than we do Villanova, at this point. The expectation of excellence has left the building, and we're now mired in perpetual mediocrity.

The entire culture of the program is in need of a reboot.

[IM4X]

Havent read anything yet but.....SO. FREAKING. FRUSTRATING.

Why the continued slow starts? Why do we always have to come back from double digits? Why can't Steele get these guys going?

Quotes from Steele tonight:

"Our guys played really hard. We really competed."

"We got the shots we wanted."

"We gotta keep swinging. Gotta have amnesia."

Steele was generally happy with the play tonight and thought we had some tough luck with shots that didn't go (that never go FYI) and that Providence made some really tough ones.

At what point is it no longer unlucky for us and lucky for the other team? UGH.

UGH

Agree that Steels says the same crap every time. he is like a DJ with one record: we all want to hear something different. It’s very frustrating.

It’s insanity. He says and does the same thing again and again and somehow believe there will be a different result one day. It’s been four years now. Doesn’t even try to come up with a new message for his players or for the press. Just repeats the same stupid trite phrases that have got to mean nothing to his players by now. “It’s like I tell my guys… you gotta have amnesia. “It’s like I always say…blah blah blah.”

Since Steele got here it’s been about how players have had good open looks they just didn’t fall. Like X has to live and die by the 3- the only answer is to have players chucking up 3s and hope for the best. How does he not understand that when you aren’t doing something well in a game you need to change your approach. Nope. He’s rather practice insanity: keep giving the green light to anyone who has an open look from behind the arc- doesn’t matter if the person isn’t particularly good at shooting 3s (Q, Naji, Carter, Hunter) or if they’re clearly having an off day (Kunkel and Johnson yesterday), just keep on shooting and lets just hope shots fall.

Hey, Coach. How about you work on not being so soft inside? How about someone shows Free and Miles how not to get pushed around in the paint? How to go up strong on offense and how to get rebounds and defend against shots on defense. How about teaching your players how to drive and draw contact instead of just taking the lazy pull-up jumper that often leads to a miss, no foul and no rebound. How about more offensive plays and better ball movement. How about making sure ever player is hustling 40 minutes like we see with Providence, Marquette and Villanova. Also, how about we get to the line much more than the opponent You have to know it greatly increase your odds of winning the game. Shooting a bunch of low percentage threes and pull-up jumpers is not a recipe to help your team get to the line more often.

[Masterofreality]

Agree that Steels says the same crap every time. he is like a DJ with one record: we all want to hear something different. It’s very frustrating.

It’s insanity. He says and does the same thing again and again and somehow believe there will be a different result one day. It’s been four years now. Doesn’t even try to come up with a new message for his players or for the press. Just repeats the same stupid trite phrases that have got to mean nothing to his players by now. “It’s like I tell my guys… you gotta have amnesia. “It’s like I always say…blah blah blah.”

Since Steele got here it’s been about how players have had good open looks they just didn’t fall. Like X has to live and die by the 3- the only answer is to have players chucking up 3s and hope for the best. How does he not understand that when you aren’t doing something well in a game you need to change your approach. Nope. He’s rather practice insanity: keep giving the green light to anyone who has an open look from behind the arc- doesn’t matter if the person isn’t particularly good at shooting 3s (Q, Naji, Carter, Hunter) or if they’re clearly having an off day (Kunkel and Johnson yesterday), just keep on shooting and lets just hope shots fall.

Hey, Coach. How about you work on not being so soft inside? How about someone shows Free and Miles how not to get pushed around in the paint? How to go up strong on offense and how to get rebounds and defend against shots on defense. How about teaching your players how to drive and draw contact instead of just taking the lazy pull-up jumper that often leads to a miss, no foul and no rebound. How about more offensive plays and better ball movement. How about making sure ever player is hustling 40 minutes like we see with Providence, Marquette and Villanova. Also, how about we get to the line much more than the opponent You have to know it greatly increase your odds of winning the game. Shooting a bunch of low percentage threes and pull-up jumpers is not a recipe to help your team get to the line more often.

Great post

[bleedXblue]

Steele is SOFT

Too nice of a guy IMHO

Nice guys don't usually win a bunch

[markchal]

Certainly not why we lost, but I still can't get over some of that officiating. How it can be a block and a charge at the same time is crazy. Freemantle getting called for traveling while dribbling? Stopping the game after Colby gets hit in the eye but no foul??? Wild.

[whopper]

my major officiating complaint was with Durham's LAST foul where he was begging for foul. That should never be called especially in favor of the road team. You should have to win the game and not put it the officials hands (except maybe when you are at home and even then risky). Man we need some three point shooting off a designed play and hope Nate can turn it around(Adam had been hitting but a bad night last night)

[American X]

Freemantle should have shot more threes.

Is Nate Johnson's case of Lumpkinitis the curable or incurable strain?

I double-dog dare Providence to play that well against Villanova.

[GIMMFD]

Freemantle should have shot more threes.

Is Nate Johnson's case of Lumpkinitis the curable or incurable strain?

I double-dog dare Providence to play that well against Villanova.

God I hope Nate's curable, we really really need his shooting moving forward