Game Thread: Xavier v University of Connecticut (2/11/2022)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/91d67577-b273-44ec-a7e2-654e37ff98b4.7e57417e27ce28545b20f3ef0ae48063.jpeg ?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFF


CINCINNATI --- The No. 25 Xavier University Musketeers, 16-7 overall and 6-6 in the BIG EAST Conference, host the No. 24 University of Connecticut Huskies, 16-6 overall and 7-4 in the BIG EAST, on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Cintas Center. This is a rescheduled game that was originally slated for Dec. 28.

Xavier is coming off a 73-71 loss at Seton Hall on Wednesday, while UConn is coming off an 80-72 home win over Marquette on Tuesday.

THE MATCHUP

NO. 25/RV XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (16-7, 6-6 BIG EAST)
NO. 24/23 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT HUSKIES (16-6, 7-4 BIG EAST)
FRIDAY, FEB. 11, 2022 AT 7 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER (10,224) IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with pbp from Matt Schumacker and analysis from Nick Bahe.
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 (85), XM (202) and the SXM App. (965).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://Statbroadcast.com) and fan stats at GoXavier.com (http://GoXavier.com).

[paulxu]

Posted this morning by Jack Nunge on his twitter deal:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1491775033760489480

[Xville]

Geezus I’m seeing x -1.5 lol cha Ching

[whopper]

last year we lost 80-72 and Freemantle 30 pts 16 rebounds so it can happen.. Feb 13 2021. Nate Johnson 14 pos on 4-7 from 3 and Scuggs 13 assists. Hard to get clues as to why....almost even in shooting(44 to 40) 3 pointers (11 to 10 with Zach 2 ) and off rebounds (12 -10) we only had 9 turnovers. Some of these numbers are very surprising and were less than a year ago. We shall see

[IM4X]

Posted this morning by Jack Nunge on his twitter deal:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1491775033760489480

Ok Jack. You’ve got our attention. You’ve been a rock for this team. Let’s see what the entire team is made of. Let’s see everyone come out in the first half playing like they did late in the last game. Let’s see you guys find a rhythm so Nate and Adam can get back on track and let’s see Zach dig a little deeper and show us what an all-BIg East 1st teams player looks like. 20 minutes of good basketball is not going to cut it. Start strong. Don’t let up. Finish strong.

[xuphan]

Ok Jack. You’ve got our attention. You’ve been a rock for this team. Let’s see what the entire team is made of. Let’s see everyone come out in the first half playing like they did late in the last game. Let’s see you guys find a rhythm so Nate and Adam can get back on track and let’s see Zach dig a little deeper and show us what an all-BIg East 1st teams player looks like. 20 minutes of good basketball is not going to cut it. Start strong. Don’t let up. Finish strong.

Actions speak louder than words or in this instance tweets.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Line still X -1.... What does Vegas know???

[IM4X]

Actions speak louder than words or in this instance tweets.

To be fair, it’s pretty easy to believe in Mr. Nunge. He has consistently been pretty darn good. It’s some of the other guys… they’ve got to first start believing in themselves… then we can join the party.

[UCGRAD4X]

To be fair, it’s pretty easy to believe in Mr. Nunge. He has consistently been pretty darn good. It’s some of the other guys… they’ve got to first start believing in themselves… then we can join the party.

He needs to fire up the rest of the team.

[American X]

Pretty awesome that Xavier is in a ranked matchup against three-time national champion UConn(!). Only downside is that everyone expects Xavier to lose at home, except the oddsmakers.

[bigdiggins]

Assuming the tickets for the original game are valid? Dont need to download anything new?

Never mind, ticket office just sent me a new link

[xuphan]

Assuming the tickets for the original game are valid? Dont need to download anything new?

Never mind, ticket office just sent me a new link

Curious what everyone thinks. Who will be the starting 5 tonight? Same as last game or will Steele shake it up a bit?

[Muskie]

Actions speak louder than words or in this instance tweets.

Nunge has been the best player on the team this year. He's backed up his claims. The rest of the team is a work in progress though. This team is one good string of games away from being very dangerous come tournament time. Can they get there?

[Masterofreality]

Can we just dispense with the Tomfoolery and Hijinks and just win a freaking basketball game?
or the Roller Coaster is a one way trip....dooooooooowwwnnnnn

[noteggs]

Looks like we are going to get heavy doses of Johnson and Odom. Kunkel out sick (non-covid) per Baum.

[xu82]

Can we just dispense with the Tomfoolery and Hijinks and just win a freaking basketball game?
or the Roller Coaster is a one way trip....dooooooooowwwnnnnn

I have NOT been enjoying the Tomfoolery OR the Hijinks! Part of me doesn’t want to watch. I don’t remember that ever happening before.

[GoMuskies]

Trying to get myself liquored up enough to bet on X. Not there yet!

[xu82]

Keep working on it, GO! Keep working on it!


….or, save your money.


I’m working on just being able to watch.

[bjf123]

Could be interesting getting into the game. I just downloaded my tickets, but they show as expired and have no QR code.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Masterofreality]

"Travis Steele recruits shooters"

*Checks Notes:
Xavier is dead last in the Big East in made 3's and third from last in 3pt %. (Per Byron Larkin)
YeeeaaaaHHH!!

[Masterofreality]

Curious what everyone thinks. Who will be the starting 5 tonight? Same as last game or will Steele shake it up a bit?

The answer is………Nah.

[Xville]

Well we are losing..don’t even have to watch. If Steele had any kind of spine free especially and Johnson would be benched.

[GoMuskies]

Why orange for the students?

[GoMuskies]

Don't mind a concerted effort to go to Nunge.

[GoMuskies]

We are difficult to watch.

[KabeX]

Looks like I should have taken the under. Sigh.

[noteggs]

Why orange for the students?

Bengals

[GoMuskies]

Bengals

Yuck

[IM4X]

Love our hustle and our guys are taking it to them and got 5 fouls on Uconn already.

A few more and we are in the bonus.

[KabeX]

Think maybe a little more Odom is a good thing tonite.

[Xville]

Sorry but x has a joke for a coach. What does freemantle do to earn so much time

[xu82]

Bengals

At least SOMEBODY advanced!

[MHettel]

Anyone think the Bengals may outscore us?

[GoMuskies]

I just don't understand how we can be SO BAD on offense.

[xu82]

Anyone think the Bengals may outscore us?

In the first half? Maybe if Burrough gets hot.

[KabeX]

Good Lord out shot selection

[IM4X]

Keep driving guys… let’s get some foul shots this half.

[xu82]

At this rate it looks like 40-28 final.

[GoMuskies]

Yeah, thank God UConn is a bunch of rock throwers.

[KabeX]

At this rate it looks like 40-28 final.
More or less points than the Super Bowl?

[Xville]

As predicted, Edwards scores 9 points in 10 minutes and can’t even get on the floor within first ten minutes of the game when the team struggles to score because of a weak front line. Amazing

[KabeX]

Yep. 28.6%. Problem is we're at our usual 26.7%

[xu82]

As predicted, Edwards scores 9 points in 10 minutes and can’t even get on the floor within first ten minutes of the game when the team struggles to score because of a weak front line. Amazing

But Hunter is clanking FT’s.

[xukeith]

Colby bud, we love ya. But these guys are eating you alive. You need 30 pounds of muscle

[IM4X]

Why is Nate just standing in the corner on offense

[KabeX]

Scruggs has been sitting a while. Somewhat interesting.

[noteggs]

Anybody see the blood coming down Scruggs face? Or my imagination

[IM4X]

Coach…. Needs to let his guys know we need to get a foul to get in the bonus.

[KabeX]

Anybody see the blood coming down Scruggs face? Or my imagination
Didn't see it buy that might be why he's sitting.

[IM4X]

Dumb forced pass.

[xukeith]

Nunge looks gassed.

[GoMuskies]

This game is an absolute shit show.

[xukeith]

But Hunter is clanking FT’s.

one like Nunge.

[Xville]

Look at everyone on UConn and compare it to everyone but Scruggs and Odom on x. That’s why this team will never be good in the big East.

[IM4X]

Nunge is absolutely the MVP of this team so far and it isn’t even close.

[GoMuskies]

5-0 run is like 15-0 most games.

[KabeX]

Nate. Finally.

[KabeX]

Damn they're getting some friendly rolls

[GoMuskies]

Free is killing us.

[whopper]

dam zach..with no double you need to get one big step and one high release.. the crabs dribble is not a good strategy. Not creating space. He had 30 pos 16 rebounds last Fed 13 AGAINST Uconn. I am baffled but those low dribbles and jump hook is a losing strategy

[IM4X]

This team starting to realize getting the opponent into foul trouble changes the entire game.

[GoMuskies]

We are not playing well and are tied. I think that's a good sign.

[IM4X]

Loving all of these fouls we are racking up against UConn. Keep it up guys.

[IM4X]

We are not playing well and are tied. I think that's a good sign.

Our players are hustling their are asses off and getting fouls. That will always help keep you in games.

[KabeX]

We are not playing well and are tied. I think that's a good sign.
Out rebounding them by 4 including 6 - 4 offensive. More points in the paint. All good. FT % not good. Need to keep taking it to the rack. The big guy and Cole prob sitting the rest of the half. Be good to actually have a half time lead. Call me Capt. Obvious.

[Xville]

An Edwards sighting!

[KabeX]

I don't know why they don't isolate on Free every time. Ole defense.

[GoMuskies]

Free can't score, can't guard and turns it over. Otherwise he's great.

[xu82]

An Edwards sighting!

He’s almost hard to miss!

[KabeX]

He’s almost hard to miss!
Certainly seems to always have his head in the game.

[IM4X]

This Uconn team is very good. Might be Elite Eight/Final Four caliber.

[GoMuskies]

This Uconn team is very good. Might be Elite Eight/Final Four caliber.

Their offense is kind of offensive.

[KabeX]

Their offense is kind of offensive.
You mean kinda like ours?

[Xville]

This Uconn team is very good. Might be Elite Eight/Final Four caliber.

What’s amazing to me and I feel like it has been this way forever is just how their frontline is always huge. They have another top 40 7 footer coming in next year

[IM4X]

Yes Nate…Let’s F’n go X!!!!!!

[KabeX]

Nate F. Johnson!

[CP05XU08CU13]

Playing decent, but still missing tons of open looks. Side note…didn’t realize Luke Murray was an assistant at UCONN now.

[GoMuskies]

You mean kinda like ours?

Very similar.

[IM4X]

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee’s Back!!!!!

Nate the Great!

[xu82]

Well, THAT was a nice finish to the half! Let’s just call it a game. These guys have classes and homework and stuff.

[GoMuskies]

Playing decent, but still missing tons of open looks. Side note…didn’t realize Luke Murray was an assistant at UCONN now.

Yeah, I noticed Luke with about 2 minutes to go and was going to mention it. I knew he went there but had forgotten.

[OTRMUSKIE]

When's the last time we had a lead at half? This has to bode well

[Xville]

Can this team play a full 40 minutes?

[SkyWalker]

Was that our good half or bad half?

[whopper]

what is wrong with scruggs- has hardly played and dwon and nate certainly doing well but..

[IM4X]

Side note…didn’t realize Luke Murray was an assistant at UCONN now.

I would look at it as a promotion if I were Luke: His current team is much better and this coach is less likely to throw him under the bus should they start losing.

[Strange Brew]

When's the last time we had a lead at half? This has to bode well

Well, it did. Never talk to the pitcher during a no-no. :)

[KabeX]

Cole and the big dude will be back. Need to keep taking it to them. Afraid the only we pull this out is getting them in foul trouble (and making FTs of course). We'll see. It is somewhat refreshing not to be in a double digit hole at the half.

[Xville]

what is wrong with scruggs- has hardly played and dwon and nate certainly doing well but..

He has 2 fouls per usual, and odom was playing well.

I do look forward to seeing odom running the team next year… if he can again work on his shot this summer and just be an average shooter, he could be one hell of an upper classmen

[kellernr]

what is wrong with scruggs- has hardly played and dwon and nate certainly doing well but..2 fouls. Not watching but someone said earlier that he had blood running down his face on the bench.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[KabeX]

Nunge playing his arse off

[kellernr]

He has 2 fouls per usual, and odom was playing well.

I do look forward to seeing odom running the team next year… if he can again work on his shot this summer and just be an average shooter, he could be one hell of an upper classmenOdom might have to beat out Claude for PG next year. Claude looks like he can shoot which automatically puts him above Odom. X needs shooters

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[KabeX]

that's big - 3 on Cole.

[KabeX]

I really enjoy watching that Nunge fellow play basketball.

[IM4X]

Okay Free is finally coming out to play… blocks… playing power basketball inside with the strong layup.

This team might actually be ready to play smart together for 49 minutes. Bravo.

[GoMuskies]

Second half has been fucking fantastic thus far. Let's go.

[noteggs]

This team is strange

[Xville]

Odom might have to beat out Claude for PG next year. Claude looks like he can shoot which automatically puts him above Odom. X needs shooters

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I doubt the Top 50 recruit junior is concerned about the top 100 recruit freshman whose other best offer was rutgers

[xu82]

Nunge playing his arse off

As he does….what a great find. MVP stuff from him.

[GoMuskies]

This team is strange

Very. I'm going to enjoy the good strange.

[kellernr]

I doubt the Top 50 recruit junior is concerned about the top 100 recruit freshman whose other best offer was rutgersOpposing defenses treat odom like the team manager on senior night when he's outside of 12 feet. Love his passing and driving but he his shot looks like Barkleys golf swing.

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[KabeX]

What's up with all the clock issues? What is this, Hinkle Dumphouse?

[IM4X]

This team is clicking

Fixed it for you. At least I hope I’m right.

[Xville]

Opposing defenses treat odom like the team manager on senior night when he's outside of 12 feet. Love his passing and driving but he his shot looks like Barkleys golf swing.

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I agree, he just seems like someone who is going to continue to work. He’s actually one who is developing under Steele. Maybe he can get his shot to average next year. He could also develop a tear drop game ala drew lavender

[KabeX]

Hey did you know that this is the only top 25 matchup in college hoops tonight?

[IM4X]

Love this side of Free…. Fighting for rebounds and Taking it to the rim now

[KabeX]

Who the hell is that 32 dude in white?

[IM4X]

Free is becoming Free again…. Loving it!

[kellernr]

I agree, he just seems like someone who is going to continue to work. He’s actually one who is developing under Steele. Maybe he can get his shot to average next year. He could also develop a tear drop game ala drew lavenderIf he can find his shot he will be dangerous.

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[IM4X]

Good timeout coach.

[KabeX]

Ugh. Simple grade school inbounds play - right back to the inbounder.

[xuphan]

Who the hell is that 32 dude in white?

We might want to guard that Cole guy

[xu82]

Good Zach sighting!

[KabeX]

3 on Sanogo.

[GoMuskies]

Oh baby, we're having fun now on a Friday night!

[Xville]

Nunge is playing his damn ass off… pretty inspiring

[IM4X]

This is Xavier Basketball as it should be. Get Nate and Adam hitting a few more threes in games and we have a very dangerous team.

[KabeX]

Nunge is playing his damn ass off… pretty inspiring
It really is. He's just battling on D. Then comes down and drains a 3 (v good pass by Scruggs). If Free returns to the Free of old we are a much different team.

[IM4X]

Nunge is playing his damn ass off… pretty inspiring

Yea… so is Free and Scruggs and Jones.

[IM4X]

Hunter needs to play smart.

[IM4X]

Play smart fellas

[KabeX]

I'm liking 2nd half Scruggs a lot better than 1st Half Scruggs. I hope I like End-of-game Scruggs.

[xu82]

What the hell was that?

[IM4X]

Time to put Free back in for Hunter. We need some offense

[GoMuskies]

We want to put this away. Just can't...quite....

[IM4X]

I love this team!

[xu82]

Odom is good…..for layups. Nunge is……GOOD.

[Xville]

This is by far the best defensive intensity they have displayed in a really really long time.

[xu82]

Time to put Free back in for Hunter. We need some offense

Free is starting to look like Free again. Nunge is looking like our best basketball player.

[KabeX]

Great intensity and toughness tonight. Now need to finish.

[xu82]

CRITICAL steal by Scruggs there!

[KabeX]

Odom has more hops than the IPA I'm drinking

[IM4X]

Free is starting to look like Free again. Nunge is our best basketball player.

Fixed it for you. Free and Scruggs looking pretty darn good too.

[IM4X]

Love that they are the team taking the quick 3s now ans we are the ones hustling and working it inside…. “This Is The Way!” - Mandalorian

[Xville]

Need the knockout blow

[GoMuskies]

Scruggs missing those 2 is just brutal.

[IM4X]

TO… love it!!!

We are actually playing smarter than the other team and Travis is out coaching Dan.

[KabeX]

Thank you Martin. Now make the damn FTs and get a good shot after that. On another note - I don't remember Nunge ever being out of the game, at least in the 2nd half. He's gotta be gassed. Just love his heart.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Late to the game and too lazy to check the chatter... any reason Kunkel is not playing tonight?

[Xville]

Late to the game and too lazy to check the chatter... any reason Kunkel is not playing tonight?

Sick

[paulxu]

What was Tech for?

[GoMuskies]

Thanks Dan!

[IM4X]

Late to the game and too lazy to check the chatter... any reason Kunkel is not playing tonight?

Imagine it is about match ups.

[KabeX]

Nate's first points of the 2nd half. Something tells me we're going to need him down the stretch.

[Double Down]

Non Covid illness

[xu82]

A little sad that we have a 74% FT shooter shooting our technicals.

[noteggs]

Save your energy for Sunday Danny!!!

[GoMuskies]

Nate is done. Career ender.

Maybe not. Sure looked ugly!

[IM4X]

Still voting for Nunge for President!!!

[GoMuskies]

Nunge is a killer.

[xu82]

Is there an official Nunge Fan Club?

[XUBANDGRAD]

Nate is done. Career ender.

Maybe not. Sure looked ugly!

He walked off the court lol

[xu82]

Nunge is a killer.

But NOT like OJ…….

[GoMuskies]

All second half we've been so close to finishing these guys and just couldn't do it. And here we are.

[KabeX]

Sure would like to go at Cole and get him fouled out. Dude is money.

[Xville]

Odom is an athletic freak…excited to see him next couple years.

Thanks to uconn for losing their composure and basically giving x the game

[GoMuskies]

Jesus we're close to blowing it. Hanging strong!

[KabeX]

Wow. UConn in a giving mood tonight. Need to capitalize.

[xu82]

HUGE play there with possession then the T!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Woulda rather had Odom shooting the T’s

[GoMuskies]

This conference is so fun!

[Double Down]

Dink it Jack!

[KabeX]

gonna have to make some (all) FTs

[xu82]

This conference is so fun!

Could we mix in a couple A-10 teams to finish off?

[paulxu]

We'd be tough if we could make FT's

[IM4X]

Come on Scruggs. You got this.

[xu82]

MAKE the damn FT’S!!!!

[IM4X]

I’m telling you guys… this Uconn team could be a Final Four team.

This is a very good win.

[KabeX]

Awesome w!

[IM4X]

Bravo Steele!!!!

Bravo Team X!!!

[xu82]

Hallelujah!

[Xville]

Well they needed two uconn techs to win but I’ll take it. They needed that one desperately. Nunge played an absolute monster of a game.

[XUGRAD80]

BiG BIG WIN!

[KabeX]

I have developed a healthy man crush on Jack F. Nunge. Just love his heart!

[American X]

What time is the Xavier game? I put on FS1, but there was some team playing tough, smart & winning basketball.

[XUGRAD80]

Well they needed two uconn techs to win but I’ll take it. They needed that one desperately. Nunge played an absolute monster of a game.

I’ll match those 2 techs with the one from Free in the last game. They say the calls even themselves out over a season, so I’ll take it.

[Xavier]

So was Johnson injury not a knee? It looked like it on replay and where he grabbed but then walked off to the bench.

[Double Down]

Congrats men on the victory! It takes that kind of effort every night in the big east.

[GoMuskies]

Huge!

[XUBison]

Hallelujah!

Beat me to it.

[KabeX]

What time is the Xavier game? I put on FS1, but there was some team playing tough, smart & winning basketball.
Hey who ya got in that Nevada - U State game?

[Xville]

Congrats men on the victory! It takes that kind of effort every night in the big east.

True dat. They play that way the rest of the season, they could do some things. Hopefully this is the start of something and not an enigma.

[paulxu]

I missed the first tech.
Was it on Hurley for whining?

[Blue Blooded-05]

I missed the first tech.
Was it on Hurley for whining?

More like a full body convulsion laced with profanities

[paulxu]

Glad they T'ed him. I am tired of his never ending antics.

[IM4X]

Okay Xavier Nation.

Think we need to show Zach a little love. He turned it on and was quite good in the second half.

We have our two headed monster in the paint back again.

[XUBANDGRAD]

Frankly we got bailed out in this game. Two techs separated us.

[KabeX]

49% Shooting (3 pt % still sucks). Outrebounded a tough ass physical team by 3. 3 more blocks (admittedly a lot of those came in one sequence). But just some good old fashioned tough assed D AND SWAGGER. And that's what it takes every night in this league.

[KabeX]

Frankly we got bailed out in this game. Two techs separated us.
I disagree. You can say what you want about the Techs but they were a direct result of our boys playing their ass off. A lot of times techs result from a buildup of frustration. And our guys caused a lot of that tonight for UConn. They blinked. They lost their cool. We didn't. Ball Game.

[Masterofreality]

Credit to some people tonight.
Free had a helluva second half.
Scruggy did what he had to do.
Nate made some shots.
And credit to Steele for running offense through Nunge for most of the second half.
Credit to Jack Nunge for fantastic defense without fouling. He was in Sanogo’s head all night.
And finally. These guys did leave it all out there on defense so credit to Steele for having them play hard.

Good win. We need at least 3 more before the BE Tourney.

[JTG]

Frankly we got bailed out in this game. Two techs separated us.

Hurley deserved 5 techs. I have never seem a coach bitch that much. He could have been tossed in the first half. Btw, pissing off the opposing coach is part of the game.

[noteggs]

Credit to some people tonight.
Free had a helluva second half.
Scruggy did what he had to do.
Nate made some shots.
And credit to Steele for running offense through Nunge for most of the second half.
Credit to Jack Nunge for fantastic defense without fouling. He was in Sanogo’s head all night.
And finally. These guys did leave it all out there on defense so credit to Steele for having them play hard.

Good win. We need at least 3 more before the BE Tourney.

Agree and as the shirts in the section stated, “why not us”.

[paulxu]

Posted this morning by Jack Nunge on his twitter deal:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1491775033760489480

Bump.

[XUGRAD80]

Agree and as the shirts in the section stated, “why not us”.


Actually they said…”It Is Us”.

[IM4X]

Bump.

Nunge… I’m a believer!!!!!

[xukeith]

It will be interesting seeing UConn, X, Marquette fight over 3rd, 4th and 5th seeds in BE tourney

[xukeith]

Major props to Danny Peters who scouted and game planned this game with a tiny amount of prep.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Not ugly but missing six free throws over the last three minutes, I was afraid we might snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Nunge bailed us out.

his will spark the rumor mill............................Shawn Miller was at the game, sitting in a private box just above section 103. At the end of the game he headed down the steps, behind the bench and scoring table in the direction of X locker room. It has to be just a coincidence.

[whopper]

just went into the Milford Irish club in Conn and was booed(jokingly ) by the many UConn fans there. I think Kunkel out (who i like) shortened the bench and game Nate and Dwon a little more of a free leash. Nunge was so good, Zach much improved, Scruggs (if he hit his foul shots especially) was pretty solid, Nate got some boards as well as hit some shots and Colby was a glue guy. Hunter gave us something .. as a Conn resident and Uconn grad (77) thanks

[xuphan]

Not ugly but missing six free throws over the last three minutes, I was afraid we might snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Nunge bailed us out.

his will spark the rumor mill............................Shawn Miller was at the game, sitting in a private box just above section 103. At the end of the game he headed down the steps, behind the bench and scoring table in the direction of X locker room. It has to be just a coincidence.

Sorry but who is Shawn Miller?

[IM4X]

Credit to some people tonight.
Free had a helluva second half.
Scruggy did what he had to do.
Nate made some shots.
And credit to Steele for running offense through Nunge for most of the second half.
Credit to Jack Nunge for fantastic defense without fouling. He was in Sanogo’s head all night.
And finally. These guys did leave it all out there on defense so credit to Steele for having them play hard.

Good win. We need at least 3 more before the BE Tourney.

Across the board (aside from 3 point shooting) this team was pretty-pretty good! Had to bold Freemantle because I think that was dramatic improvement on his part.

I’m thinking about that quote Gillian loved to use, “Good shooting makes up for a multitude of sins.”

I think one could also argue, “Tenacity and toughness makes up for less than stellar shooting.”

[KabeX]

Sorry but who is Shawn Miller?
I believe he's a Lexus Sales Rep.

[boozehound]

That was a great win. The team played tough, and played hard. Freemantle looked great in the second half, and Nunge played
we’ll all game. Good for them (and us). We needed this.

[Xavier]

Not ugly but missing six free throws over the last three minutes, I was afraid we might snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Nunge bailed us out.

his will spark the rumor mill............................Shawn Miller was at the game, sitting in a private box just above section 103. At the end of the game he headed down the steps, behind the bench and scoring table in the direction of X locker room. It has to be just a coincidence.

Honestly think that would make Steele feel better. Absolutely no chance they’d try to court Sean at the Cintas center, during the season. At a game? No way. It would be 100% behind the scenes.

[profson]

Line still X -1.... What does Vegas know???

Usually a lot

[noteggs]

Actually they said…”It Is Us”.

Sorry, quote did change after making it to the bowl.

[xukeith]

Sorry, quote did change after making it to the bowl.

Just read Sean Miller was here at X today. He spoke with the team per Adam Baum. Hope Steele and Miller are still close friends.

[xukeith]

Also addition of Danny Peters has helped tremendously

[IM4X]

............................Shawn Miller was at the game, sitting in a private box just above section 103. At the end of the game he headed down the steps, behind the bench and scoring table in the direction of X locker room. It has to be just a coincidence.


Not much to see if “Shawn” Miller was at the game.

Now if “Sean” Miller was there… we’ll maybe Steele and Christopher learned from IU and brought him in for a little “Coach consulting.” Maybe he was at the team’s last practice. Maybe we will hear an announcement soon that he has been hired as an “Associate Athletic Director.” That’s the rumor I’m starting anyway.

[xu82]

I believe he's a Lexus Sales Rep.

Do NOT trust him!

They give you a new model Lexus to drive for the day when you go in for an oil change!

Possibly a hooker, not sure about that one.

[xu82]

Just like the Bengals, you need to peak at the right time. Let’s hope we find that connection!

[OTRMUSKIE]

This team stopped shooting 3 pointers and instead drove to the basket. The fan base has been yelling it for 3 years. Tonight is what Xavier can be but I still need to see consistency. Drive drive drive. Great game! Team effort. Play like this and it's not about Miller coming back it's about keeping Steele. Need to see more but good start.

[Xville]

This team stopped shooting 3 pointers and instead drove to the basket. The fan base has been yelling it for 3 years. Tonight is what Xavier can be but I still need to see consistency. Drive drive drive. Great game! Team effort. Play like this and it's not about Miller coming back it's about keeping Steele. Need to see more but good start.

Agree with all of this. Outside of some pick and pops for jack, there was a concerted effort to pound it inside, and drive and get fouled. It looked like x basketball again…… brought me back to the good ole days. Take this win and let it ride. 6 left…..how about a 4-2 finish?

[American X]

Shawn Miller was at the game

Was Trevor Bullet with him???

[Xville]

I wondered why the team played so differently last night. You have to wonder if Sean told them a little Xavier history, and in a nice way told them to stop being a bunch of pussies. Maybe told them a little about do it BJ do it. Told Odom about a guy named lavender or tu steel balls. Maybe he told free and nunge about the lineage of Justin love, James Farr, Anthony Myles, David f west, hill, grant etc.

Maybe Sean sat down with Steele and had a heart to heart.,

Whatever it was, that looked like the Xavier of old… I wish Sean would come sit on the bench for a year or be a special advisor for a year. I think it would help Steele immensely. I know it’s a pipe dream but damn that was a lot more fun last night

[Xavier]

I’d be surprised if Sean had much to do with it. Honestly I think Kunkel being out had more to do with it. Johnson/Nunge and maybe Scruggs were only real threats from 3. Odom on the court adds pressure to the defense, so long as he continues to attack the paint as much as he can. Colby doesn’t love shooting 3s, and Freemantle I’m sure was challenged to get back to inside the arc.

When you bring Kunkel in (and we should still use him) it adds “shooters” to the floor. It changes the mentality and shooting 3s becomes contagious. At least that’s my theory, maybe Sean came in and challenged them and I’m talking out of my ass. I just don’t see Sean coming in and being a respected (maybe?) outside voice had an effect. I don’t know if he even talked to the team before hand

[Xville]

I’d be surprised if Sean had much to do with it. Honestly I think Kunkel being out had more to do with it. Johnson/Nunge and maybe Scruggs were only real threats from 3. Odom on the court adds pressure to the defense, so long as he continues to attack the paint as much as he can. Colby doesn’t love shooting 3s, and Freemantle I’m sure was challenged to get back to inside the arc.

When you bring Kunkel in (and we should still use him) it adds “shooters” to the floor. It changes the mentality and shooting 3s becomes contagious. At least that’s my theory, maybe Sean came in and challenged them and I’m talking out of my ass. I just don’t see Sean coming in and being a respected (maybe?) outside voice had an effect. I don’t know if he even talked to the team before hand

From everything I read, Sean talked to the players Wednesday.

Giving some credit to Steele here too in regards to Johnson.. Nate said after the game that Steele sat him down and rolled thru his film from earlier in the year. Nate said it was highly motivating, got him out of his own head etc. hopefully he can carry this forward the rest of the season.

I get excited when thinking about Odom next year… just really like his moxie and think he is going to be a great leader

[JTG]

If he can find his shot he will be dangerous.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

Odom has some pretty good hops. He's up pretty high on his jumper and has made some shooting over their bigs. But it would be nice if he had more range.

[Masterofreality]

It will be interesting seeing UConn, X, Marquette fight over 3rd, 4th and 5th seeds in BE tourney

I’m praying for no Wednesday game in NY so we can go to a Broadway show

[X-band '01]

Who the hell is that 32 dude in white?

I thought Bitter Beer Face graduated two decades ago.

[X-band '01]

I’m praying for no Wednesday game in NY so we can go to a Broadway show

Which is code for "Me and the fellas are headed to Scores"

[Xavier]

From everything I read, Sean talked to the players Wednesday.

Oh cool I didn’t see that- my mistake. Well hopefully he can talk to the team every game!

[UCGRAD4X]

Oh cool I didn’t see that- my mistake. Well hopefully he can talk to the team every game!

I expect he will if he's the HC.

[xudash]

Which is code for "Me and the fellas are headed to Scores"

Now that is funny.

[xudash]

Quote from the Boneyard: "Hurley was out coached and outclassed".

[IM4X]

Quote from the Boneyard: "Hurley was out coached and outclassed".

That’s no lie. 2 points and the Victory for Coach Steele.

[Xavgrad08]

Saw a photo of Sean Miller at the game on Twitter. The photo was after the game showed Sean and Travis talking with Peters, Mercurio and Frease at the side. Justin Doellman was in the background. Anyone know if any other former players were there? Cool that Sean was able to come back and catch up with some people.

[Masterofreality]

Saw a photo of Sean Miller at the game on Twitter. The photo was after the game showed Sean and Travis talking with Peters, Mercurio and Frease at the side. Justin Doellman was in the background. Anyone know if any other former players were there? Cool that Sean was able to come back and catch up with some people.

CJ Anderson and Keith Jackson were there too.

[xu82]

I’m praying for no Wednesday game in NY so we can go to a Broadway show

One of the last fun things we did before Covid shut things down was see To Kill a Mockingbird. Highly recommend it. We enjoyed it so much we named our puppy Scout. That seems like a lifetime ago!

[Xavgrad08]

CJ Anderson and Keith Jackson were there too.

Thanks, loved watching a lot of those guys play.