Game Thread: Xavier v Seton Hall University (2/26/2022)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://bkstr.scene7.com/is/image/Bkstr/544-PLUSH-544-9-White?$HomePageRecs_ET$



CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 17-10 overall and 7-9 in the BIG EAST Conference, host the Seton Hall University Pirates, 17-9 overall and 8-8 in the BIG EAST, on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at Cintas Center. XU is looking to bounce back from a 99-92 triple overtime loss at No. 11 Providence on Wednesday, while SHU is gunning for its third straight win.

Seton Hall won the first meeting earlier this month in Newark, N.J., 73-71, on Feb. 9. Junior Jack Nunge led Xavier with 22 points that night while senior Paul Scruggs scored 21 to go with seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals.

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (17-10, 7-9 BIG EAST)
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY PIRATES (17-9, 8-8 BIG EAST)
SATURDAY, FEB. 26, 2022 AT 3:30 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER (10,224) IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FOX National, including FOX 19 in Cincinnati, with play-by-play from Tim Brando and analysis from Nick Bahe.
Radio: 55KRC-AM with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88). XU broadcast is also on Sirius XM (382) and the Sirius XM App. (972).
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://Statbroadcast.com) and fan stats at GoXavier.com (http://GoXavier.com).

[American X]

Does the Cintas Center still provide a home court advantage? Xavier was close in the last matchup in New Jersey, so will being in Cincinnati close the gap?

Will there be lingering fatigue from a triple-overtime game on Wednesday? Will Steele mix in Cesare, Miles and/or Stanley more to keep Nunge & Freemantle fresh?

Will Nate Johnson play? If he plays, will he actually make a three-point shot?

Seton Hall is fighting for a bid as well. Will the Pirates be hungrier than the Musketeers?

[xukeith]

Does the Cintas Center still provide a home court advantage? Xavier was close in the last matchup in New Jersey, so will being in Cincinnati close the gap?

Will there be lingering fatigue from a triple-overtime game on Wednesday? Will Steele mix in Cesare, Miles and/or Stanley more to keep Nunge & Freemantle fresh?

Will Nate Johnson play? If he plays, will he actually make a three-point shot?

Seton Hall is fighting for a bid as well. Will the Pirates be hungrier than the Musketeers?

I hope Johnson can play but I am thinking any amount of pain screws with his head. Hope he plays and is 100% tomorrow but I am not holding my breath.
i expect Freemantle to come out an play well (rebound, basic defend, and score)
Flip a coin on the odds that Scruggs plays exceptionally well.
Hope the consistency of making a lot of foul shots continues with smothering disruptive defense. .

Can Kunkel have back to back games with 4 three point fgs?

[GoMuskies]

X -2.5

[UCGRAD4X]

X -2.5

Sounds about right.

How does a Nate Johnson factor in? If he plays at all will he be a factor? I think it's a wash.

[Xavier]

I know Johnson helps. But I wish they would Play the same way as to when he is out. X is much better when attacking the paint, not having Johnson forces that even more. If they play like that when Johnson plays he will get more open looks. It should even open the paint more to attack.

[Lloyd Braun]

Sounds about right.

How does a Nate Johnson factor in? If he plays at all will he be a factor? I think it's a wash.

If he is announced to play (which would be shocking) the line will shift about a point. There’s also a chance he is announced to be out and the line shifts a point towards SH too, but I think the current line is established with the assumption he is out.

Regarding the game play I think he’s critical for the team’s success and someone other than Kunkel is going to have to make an outside shot.

[Lloyd Braun]

Johnson is out again… definitely wonder if he will play again this year.

[GoMuskies]

I see X -4.5 now.

[Lloyd Braun]

I see X -4.5 now.

They are begging us to take the pirates aren’t they?

[Masterofreality]

Johnson is out again… definitely wonder if he will play again this year.

For a “bone bruise”?

[Lloyd Braun]

For a “bone bruise”?

They are very close lipped in general with medical data to the public and that’s about all I can say. They don’t have to divulge anything which is generally good for the team, not necessarily the player. See Browns, Cleveland.

[Masterofreality]

They are very close lipped in general with medical data to the public and that’s about all I can say. They don’t have to divulge anything which is generally good for the team, not necessarily the player. See Browns, Cleveland.

I’m just reporting what Joe and Byron have called the injury.
Meanwhile Durham from Providence goes out and plays with his guts literally scrambled in his midsection.
Credit to Durham though!

[Lloyd Braun]

I’m just reporting what Joe and Byron have called the injury.
Meanwhile Durham from Providence goes out and plays with his guts literally scrambled in his midsection.

Yes your use of quotes is spot on… that said if I were Nate I would not be playing. Abdominal core muscle injury is a nuisance, structural knee injury is a potentially career threatening injury to play through.

Edit: I should specify that Durham’s guts are fine and the term sports hernia is a misnomer as it is not an actual hernia with scrambled guts usually
Can cause one though…

[Lloyd Braun]

Not the easiest of teams to penetrate the interior but I would love to see Odom be aggressive today.

[Masterofreality]

Yes your use of quotes is spot on… that said if I were Nate I would not be playing. Abdominal core muscle injury is a nuisance, structural knee injury is a potentially career threatening injury to play through.

Edit: I should specify that Durham’s guts are fine and the term sports hernia is a misnomer as it is not an actual hernia with scrambled guts usually
Can cause one though…

I just didn’t think that a bone bruise was structural. But I’m not a physician

[GoMuskies]

This game is so huge.

[xukeith]

I think yesterday he shot around but didn't run or go full 100% . It takes time, I guess to heal a bone bruise.

[American X]

If Xavier loses, it is because Steele is wearing a hoodie. Even called out by the TV announcer.

[American X]

Start with Freemantle bricking a bad three, followed by Nunge missing by a foot. Should we just skip the next two hours?

[GoMuskies]

Free 3 to start. Uh oh.

[xuphan]

If Xavier loses, it is because Steele is wearing a hoodie. Even called out by the TV announcer.

What did they say about his hoodie?

[GoMuskies]

2 3s from big guys to start. Huh.

[GoMuskies]

This start is troubling.

[American X]

What did they say about his hoodie?

He looks like an 8 year old trying to coach a major D-I basketball program.

[Xville]

Amazing offense and defense to start

[xuphan]

This start is troubling.

Paul dribbling back from the block to the 3 point line to shoot a 3 isn’t going to get it done.

[American X]

Steele is getting more three-point attempts. Maybe he should have clarified he wants more three-point makes.

[X Factor]

Almoat every team we play is way more skilled offensively. Steele cam recruit though!

[xuphan]

He looks like an 8 year old trying to coach a major D-I basketball program.

Did he think it was practice today and not a game?

[GoMuskies]

If Colby shot just a little better it would be so huge.

[GoMuskies]

Free gets one!!!!

[American X]

Steele giving Nunge early rest with Cesare & Cesare delivers.

[Lloyd Braun]

They’ve made the last two but they take a lot of the statistically most difficult 3 pointer at the extended elbow. More corner threes please.

[American X]

Steele is getting more three-point attempts. Maybe he should have clarified he wants more three-point makes.

Steele must have clarified that during the first timeout.

[GoMuskies]

Hunter makes his presence felt immediately.

[xuphan]

Why are we fouling the 3 point shooter?

[American X]

Good thing Hunter came in to foul the three-point shooter. He should probably miss a layup too before checking out.

[GoMuskies]

They’ve made the last two but they take a lot of the statistically most difficult 3 pointer at the extended elbow. More corner threes please.

I think that angle is more comfortable for most shooters than the corner.

[American X]

Ben Stanley's ACL Forever!

[GoMuskies]

Ben Stanley's ACL Forever!

I thought his ACL might fall off with that last move.

[bjf123]

How is that a travel and not a foul?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lloyd Braun]

I think that angle is more comfortable for most shooters than the corner.

Interesting. #Analytics suggest otherwise …

Edit here (https://www.82games.com/locations.htm) is some older data but it really shouldn’t change much over time.

[Xville]

Liking some Ben and Edwards time

[whopper]

this makes me happy..esp Stanley who was out not due to anything he did

[IM4X]

Liking some Ben and Edwards time

Me too.

[xu82]

Ben Stanley's ACL Forever!

I had to ask myself “who is #14 out there?” Between that and Edwards on the floor early it’s a bit disorienting!

[GoMuskies]

Stanley shooting 3s does not make me happy.

[GoMuskies]

Steele is also conserving the wardrobe.

[xu82]

Stanley shooting 3s does not make me happy.

He saw Free and Hunter doing it all season and didn’t want to be left out.

Speaking of which, Free almost got a bit of rim there, and NOT in a good way.

[IM4X]

Pump the breaks with those 3s Free.

[GoMuskies]

Colby making threes makes me very happy.

[American X]

Take over this game Colby Jones!

There is the thing where Ben Stanley shoots the ball every time he touches it.

[American X]

Somebody text 94Grad how late Steele was at Dana's last night.

[GoMuskies]

Terrible call for the second foul of the half 16 minutes in.

[Lloyd Braun]

Take over this game Colby Jones!

There is the thing where Ben Stanley shoots the ball every time he touches it.

We saw the same with Kyky when he was only getting 120 seconds of run a game. Give more minutes and perhaps less sense of desperation?

[GoMuskies]

Also the deal where we could get another TV timeout after like 3 more seconds of game play.

[bjf123]

Two fouls called so far. Think we’re gonna see a ref show in the second half.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xville]

This team is beyond frustrating

[GoMuskies]

Dayton lost at LaSalle. Glad we're not involved in that anymore.

[GoMuskies]

Colby is keeping hope alive.

[Xville]

Poor defense, bad turnovers…seen this movie before. Let Stanley and Edwards play the rest of the game.

Playing ourselves right out of the tourney again

[X Factor]

Scruggs FT% has tanked this year

[GoMuskies]

Scruggs has just been bad.

[X Factor]

Down 8 at home. Gotta love that home court advantage under Steele.

[bjf123]

Trailing at halftime AGAIN.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[IM4X]

UGh.

[TheDanimal]

The only good part of this season is all the free money....

[American X]

Saved the slow start for the end of the first half.

[whopper]

lets keep our heads about us but we are making zero stops..i feel bad and that trey jackson is killing us. We are not as good as some teams talent wise if we are truly honest. We have no bucket makers like Jackson or Rhoden. Scruggs is worn down and discouraged by all the attention he gets at least that is how i see it. When he turns the corner there is always someone but damn those free throws.

[Xville]

Steele and this team sucks. Scruggs plays like he is as high as a kite 95% of the time

[xu82]

I’m thinking I’ll set his to record, and head to friends earlier than expected for dinner.

The 1st two years I was married the Bills had back-to-back 2-14 seasons. My bride asked “why do you do this to yourself?” I had low expectations, so THAT was much easier to watch than THIS.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Glad to see they came ready for this one, after this L we need to just part ways with Steele and be done with this mess. It like he is going to have much of a post season to coach anyway since we aren’t making any tourney and New York is going to last one game.

[GoMuskies]

Hit us hard on the second half. We're winning.

[xu82]

If a miracle occurs, I’ll watch the recording. This hurts!

[Lloyd Braun]

Need some halftime magic… defensive intensity has been uhhh shitty

Still can win this, season is on the brink. Gut check time.

[xu82]

Glad to see they came ready for this one, after this L we need to just part ways with Steele and be done with this mess. It like he is going to have much of a post season to coach anyway since we aren’t making any tourney and New York is going to last one game.

Look at the bright side: MOR and anybody else attending will have free time to catch more shows.

[Xville]

Play Stanley and Edwards the rest of the game.

Sit Scruggs and just let kunkel and Odom also play the rest of the game.

[Masterofreality]

So. Much. Fun. Here at the ‘Tas!!!!

[xukeith]

Not too shabby of a first half.

Nunge is sleep walking maybe with Scruggs. Thank goodness for Jones and Freemantle.

[xukeith]

I do NOT get the love affair with Stanley. He s not so good.

[Xville]

Not too shabby of a first half.

Nunge is sleep walking maybe with Scruggs. Thank goodness for Jones and Freemantle.

Not too shabby? For who? Seton hall?

[American X]

Hit us hard on the second half. We're winning.

I think that you are right. Nunge will round into shape and Scruggs will do some senior things.

Also, Steele can chew at the refs all he wants, but they cannot take him seriously both dressed as a kid in a hoodie and looking like he spent last night in all of Norwood's finest establishments.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Losing at home again in a game they need to win or are out of the tourney. The committee won’t take a team that loses this much to finish the year. Honestly, we need a coach and staff that is better talent evaluation and development.

[IM4X]

A shot of espresso for Nunge and Scruggs please.

[Strange Brew]

Interesting. #Analytics suggest otherwise …

Edit here (https://www.82games.com/locations.htm) is some older data but it really shouldn’t change much over time.

Booooo!

[bjf123]

Here comes the ref show.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xville]

Maybe play the guys who have some fresh legs… crazy fucking thought

[IM4X]

Pssss… we still suck at guarding the three

[Lloyd Braun]

I swear they think every lefty is a righty

[whopper]

i am sick of these transfers like Jackson, Yetna, Akin, Richmond (and Bynum, Minaya, Durham) coming in and taking over the show. Our transfers Nunge, Kunkel etc are complementary players. Why even recruit anymore? I am a dinosaur though. Freemantle shoud have been able to draw an offensive foul there..sorry. I did see this richmond destroy uconn live though. I am sick

[Strange Brew]

I swear they think every lefty is a righty

Is that what the analytics told you?

[Lloyd Braun]

Is that what the analytics told you?

I’m sure there is a stat that backs that up!

What are lefties shooting against X? Feels like a high number

[xuphan]

Big 3 by Zach. Let’s Go!

[X Factor]

Big 3 by Zach. Let’s Go!

And then gives up a 3 point play on the other end against a smaller guy.

[whopper]

And then gives up a 3 point play on the other end against a smaller guy.

he should have been able to draw an offensive foul..he almost never does

[Strange Brew]

I’m sure there is a stat that backs that up!

What are lefties shooting against X? Feels like a high number

Not really sure it matters. Everyone shoots well against X.

[Xville]

It’s almost laughable at this point if it wasn’t so sad how low this program has gone under Steele

[Strange Brew]

It’s almost laughable at this point if it wasn’t so sad how low this program has gone under Steele

Yup.

[American X]

I will tattoo Kunkel's other leg if he can close this deficit.

[Strange Brew]

I will tattoo Kunkel's other leg if he can close this deficit.

Maybe an Eagiley tat?

[xuphan]

Still in this. Let’s go X!

[GoMuskies]

We stink

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I am done, AD makes a change or we continue our swirl down the toilet. Top recruits will stop coming until he makes a tourney. This was a must win, this staff has failed in another big game.

[whopper]

again jameer harris a 20 ppg scorer at GW, Akin from harvard, richmond syracuse. and the jerk AAU coach willard scoops them up.. same with. cooley...off season whisper campaign and low and behold a new team I hate it

[Lloyd Braun]

They look lost defensively. No idea how to defend the pick n roll. No backside help or rotation whatsoever. I’m not a “fire Steele” guy (yet) but this is not rocket surgery.

[GoMuskies]

We just make some unbelievable plays. And not in a good way.

[Xville]

Here’s what it comes down to. This team and this coach is too mentally and physically weak for this conference

[xuphan]

I am done, AD makes a change or we continue our swirl down the toilet. Top recruits will stop coming until he makes a tourney. This was a must win, this staff has failed in another big game.

Game ain’t over. Support the team!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

They look lost defensively. No idea how to defend the pick n roll. No backside help or rotation whatsoever. I’m not a “fire Steele” guy (yet) but this is not rocket surgery.

How an you not be on the fire Steele bandwagon yet? My local Hulu has fox with a technical issue. I am not sure I go back to watch this. Steele can recruit, he just can’t evaluate, prepare, develope, or coach in game situations. So yeah those are his positives and negatives.

[GoMuskies]

Free saving us by shooting 3s wasn't on my bingo card.

[Strange Brew]

Game ain’t over. Support the team!

Will do Mrs. Steele.

[GoMuskies]

Our FT shooting is embarrassing.

[xuphan]

Will do Mrs. Steele.

Will do Chris Mack

[GoMuskies]

Fuck

[Xville]

Hello nit.. this team isn’t winning at at johns. Will beat Georgetown and then lose Wednesday… fire this idiot

[xuphan]

Our FT shooting is embarrassing.

100% agree!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Hello nit.. this team isn’t winning at at johns. Will beat Georgetown and then lose Wednesday… fire this idiot

Steele has to know he is gone. Four years if what you give a coach. Zero tourney games in four years, time to ply your trade elsewhere.

[Blue Blooded-05]

“Gotta love the effort tho!” “This team never quits!” “Blah blah moral victory blah blah”

- Every Steele apologist

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Hello nit.. this team isn’t winning at at johns. Will beat Georgetown and then lose Wednesday… fire this idiot

Nit has all kinds and of weird auto-bids. I would rather miss out so he can’t win a game or have any kind of strong showing. He needs to answer for another collapse with what is one of the best X teams ever. A good coach would have us as a lock right now.

[whopper]

Game ain’t over. Support the team!i agree even though i know that there are huge problems. They are our team. My heart goes out. I think if you look at it Providence and Seton Hall have had the majority of points scored by players they did not recruit..Jackson, Richmond, Nelson, Yetna...

[GoMuskies]

Hunter is in. Here we go!!!

[Lloyd Braun]

How an you not be on the fire Steele bandwagon yet? My local Hulu has fox with a technical issue. I am not sure I go back to watch this. Steele can recruit, he just can’t evaluate, prepare, develope, or coach in game situations. So yeah those are his positives and negatives.

I’m not far from that bandwagon but I’m not sure how much toughness can be coached vs inherent quality. We really don’t know a lot about the underclassmen and incoming recruits. I think in general Jones and Odom are tougher than the upperclassmen.

[American X]

Nunge is softer than Steele's hoodie.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Hunter is in. Here we go!!!

Down 11 with Hunter in, might as well be Carter. 7 mins until it’s basically done that we are out of the tourney and all the Steele guys an just accept he is terrible.

[GoMuskies]

We still stink

[GoMuskies]

Scruggs is a poor man's Gary Lumpin.

[boozehound]

We still stink

Badly.

I do wish the fans would stop booing though. It’s a college game. I’m fine with booing the refs and (occasionally) the coaches, but not the players.

[TheDanimal]

Sell the team...

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Exclamation moment of our 5th year senior right there.

[GoMuskies]

The kids get paid now, right? Booing is probably okay.

[whopper]

you are correct..our players know they are playing bad and this is not necessary!! Damn this it is bringing out the worst in everybody.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think getting rolled again at home is enough to be done with him. Shake things up for the last few games and fire him now. These home showings have earned his an exit like that.

[Xville]

Badly.

I do wish the fans would stop booing though. It’s a college game. I’m fine with booing the refs and (occasionally) the coaches, but not the players.

They make money. Every right to boo them at this point.


This team and coach deserve every single boo directed at them. I do felel bad for the players in that this coach is a complete joke and they deserve better

[Strange Brew]

i agree even though i know that there are huge problems. They are our team. My heart goes out. I think if you look at it Providence and Seton Hall have had the majority of points scored by players they did not recruit..Jackson, Richmond, Nelson, Yetna...

I feel bad for the players. They're good. The coach has no heart and 2 cent head.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How can anyone defend Travis Steele at this point? Like seriously, what’s the argument? That we are desperately hoping our freshman recruits are going to save this program? Cintas is emptying out with 4 mins left. This is embarrassing. Seton Hall isn’t even a very good team.

[Backyard Champ]

Badly.

I do wish the fans would stop booing though. It’s a college game. I’m fine with booing the refs and (occasionally) the coaches, but not the players.

Agree for the most part. Hate booing or grumbles while a player is shooting a 3 or after a missed shot/free throw. I’ve come to be okay with booing for lazy effort. Players playing without passion/making bad turnovers throughout the year will always draw boos eventually.

[XUBANDGRAD]

you are correct..our players know they are playing bad and this is not necessary!! Damn this it is bringing out the worst in everybody.

That’s the kind of loser attitude that Steele fans have. Boo the shit out of this garbage.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Mother Cooley XU'81 has left the room: "I'm going to do the taxes."

[CP05XU08CU13]

Game ain’t over. Support the team!

It is not a matter of supporting the team. The announcers even said it: missed free throws and opportunities. Steele’s teams continue to collapse and limp into March. Projected preseason to finish #3 in the conference. They will be lucky to finish 8th. It is time to move on from Steele. Four years of mediocrity, poor player development and late season collapses. Xavier fans know their basketball and do not have unrealistic expectations. If this team is fortunate enough to even make the NCAA tournament, only a deep run should maybe save Steele’s job. It is getting to the point that it is pretty unbearable to watch. As I continue to say on this discussion board, it’s not personal it’s business. Steele has proven that he is not ready to coach at a major program. He may do better at a mid major school, and I certainly hope he does. It is about wins at the end of the day. He has lost the team and the support of the fans at this point.

[xuphan]

Badly.

I do wish the fans would stop booing though. It’s a college game. I’m fine with booing the refs and (occasionally) the coaches, but not the players.

I agree. The players are doing what they are told and coached to do. No need to boo them. If they aren’t good enough (Carter, Hunter, etc), they shouldn’t be playing or recruited here. You can boo the coaches all you want in my opinion. Lay off the players though.

[GoMuskies]

Edwards shot a 3. Lol

[Strange Brew]

I agree. The players are doing what they are told and coached to do. No need to boo them. If they aren’t good enough (Carter, Hunter, etc), they shouldn’t be playing or recruited here. You can boo the coaches all you want in my opinion. Lay off the players though.

They're not booing the players. They're booing the coach princess pollyanna.

[xuphan]

They're not booing the players. They're booing the coach princess pollyanna.

Good! No problem with that then.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Students just changed “fire Steele”. Guessing someone told them to stop. Didn’t last long but was clearly audible. Hard to argue with them. That’s the first time I have ever heard chants to fire our coach before. Sad state of this program.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

These home blow outs are horrid. I would not come to X if I was a good recruit. That is the state of the program. We need a splash hire. We need an immediate firing to get the guys going the last few games.

[GoMuskies]

Odom missed a 12 footer by 8 feet.

[Backyard Champ]

They're not booing the players. They're booing the coach princess pollyanna.

100 percent they were booing the players. Horrendous effort

[Strange Brew]

These home blow outs are horrid. I would not come to X if I was a good recruit. That is the state of the program. We need a splash hire. We need an immediate firing to get the guys going the last few games.

Miller. Now.

[XUBob]

For the first time in my life I’m hoping X loses out , this will force Christopher’s hand. Steele has to go and we need to start the rebuild, hopefully with Sean Miller.

Sent from my iPad

[GoMuskies]

Edwards is our new 3 point threat.

[xuphan]

Can’t imagine listening to Joe and Byron right now. Just sad.

[GoMuskies]

For the first time in my life I’m hoping X loses out , this will force Christopher’s hand. Steele has to go and we need to start the rebuild, hopefully with Sean Miller.

Sent from my iPad

Christopher should be the first to go.

[Strange Brew]

Can’t imagine listening to Joe and Byron right now. Just sad.

I'm tuning in to hear how disappointed they are in this joke of a coach.

[XU 23]

It honestly doesn't matter what our NET is. This is Travis's 4th season and we've lost home games to Seton Hall, St. John's, and DEPAUL. Even in our down years under Mack, we would always protect the home court. I remember beating Creighton when they were no.9 in the country in 2014 even though that Xavier team ended up losing in a play-in game. Not a very memorable year.

This is supposed to be a contending year for X and we are getting wiped off the floor at home in the Big East down the stretch. That's unacceptable.

[Xville]

“ we played tough today man, I’m proud of our guys man, don’t care what anyone says man. Man, man”

[GoMuskies]

That was just a huge game. For us to get blown the hell out is unfathomable.

[KabeX]

Really glad I was at an all day wrestling sectional than watching 1 second of this crapola. Wrestlers are generally very tough BTW. Just sayin.

[xuphan]

“ we played tough today man, I’m proud of our guys man, don’t care what anyone says man. Man, man”

Think you forgot at the beginning. “Give credit to Seton Hall, they are a good team”

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Any AD worth a damn fires a coach after a game like this. A must win and this is the effort he gets out of his players. This is how much his players love him.

[bjf123]

Today was the first time I’ve EVER left an X game early. Guess I missed the “Fire Steele” chant from the student section. I feel so sorry for the players having to hear their home fans booing. You could see the dejection in their faces when it happened earlier in the game. Even worse would be hearing the students calling for your coach to be fired. I would not be surprised to see a number of transfers at the end of the season regardless of Steele’s status.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TheDanimal]

Can't be scared of losing players in decision making. Nobody here that is irreplaceable... Fire everyone, move on, start the rebuild, let the chips fall where they may...

[OTRMUSKIE]

I will be transferring with the players if Steele is still the coach.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I will be transferring with the players if Steele is still the coach.

Hilarious but we are grads and already pot committed. The only way he has a job after this is that we can still make it mathematically. I wonder if a move is made and things turn around. I know college is different than the pros but the last three weeks should cost anyone their job. All staff and players should be on notice. You are playing and coaching for your spots.

[drudy23]

“ we played tough today man, I’m proud of our guys man, don’t care what anyone says man. Man, man”

Sounds about right...man

[drudy23]

Mass exodus at the Cintas with 5 minutes left. First time in my life I've seen that. I left too, why stay? Fans booing Steele, fans starting to expect this result, fans booing when Steele subs out Edwards for Freemantle, student section chanting fire Steele.

This isn't Xavier basketball - sad, sad state of affairs.

[kxblue]

Christopher should be the first to go.

Seriously with the shape of the Women's program he has effectively put Xavier basketball on a horrible path. Why anyone would trust him with a hire is beyond me.

[XUBison]

Can't be scared of losing players in decision making. Nobody here that is irreplaceable... Fire everyone, move on, start the rebuild, let the chips fall where they may...

Correct. The scary thing is, despite how nice the incoming recruiting class might be, we are worse on paper next year.

[Strange Brew]

100 percent they were booing the players. Horrendous effort

effort is a reflection of leadership.

[XUBison]

Seriously with the shape of the Women's program he has effectively put Xavier basketball on a horrible path. Why anyone would trust him with a hire is beyond me.

If today was not eye-opening for Christopher, then what would be?

[CP05XU08CU13]

Seriously with the shape of the Women's program he has effectively put Xavier basketball on a horrible path. Why anyone would trust him with a hire is beyond me.

Steele and Christopher should both be gone. While we are at it, can we get a Jesuit President to run the University. This place is losing its identity on and off the court. Get it together X!

[bjf123]

I wonder if Christopher hearing the students chanting “Fire Steele” make him dig his heels in and think that he can’t do it or it looks like the students played a part in the dismissal. It shouldn’t matter, but you never know.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[xuwillie]

I wonder if Christopher hearing the students chanting “Fire Steele” make him dig his heels in and think that he can’t do it or it looks like the students played a part in the dismissal. It shouldn’t matter, but you never know.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I doubt Christopher has the authority to even make this call. I dont think he has the clout like the AD's in past

[drudy23]

Calling Mike Bobinski...

[GoMuskies]

If Xavier loses, it is because Steele is wearing a hoodie. Even called out by the TV announcer.

Darn hoodie

[bjf123]

I freely admit this is emotion talking (ok typing), but at the moment, I have zero interest in attending Senior Night against Georgetown next Saturday. There’s an FC Cincinnati game at the same time, and I think I’d rather watch that, and they’d down 3-0 at halftime of their season opener right now, so they still suck.

A few weeks ago, my wife and I were talking about upping our donation to get parking in the C2 lot next year compared to the B/C4 lot where were are now. I’m now seriously questioning if I want to even renew my tickets for next year.

I’m sure this will all change once I’ve calmed down, but right now I couldn’t care less about Xavier basketball.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

I freely admit this is emotion talking (ok typing), but at the moment, I have zero interest in attending Senior Night against Georgetown next Saturday. There’s an FC Cincinnati game at the same time, and I think I’d rather watch that, and they’d down 3-0 at halftime of their season opener right now, so they still suck.

A few weeks ago, my wife and I were talking about upping our donation to get parking in the C2 lot next year compared to the B/C4 lot where were are now. I’m now seriously questioning if I want to even renew my tickets for next year.

I’m sure this will all change once I’ve calmed down, but right now I couldn’t care less about Xavier basketball.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I'm in the same boat. The teams under Steele have been less than enjoyable to watch. I'm pondering not renewing as well. I can watch this crap at home for free. We're not a Big East threat at all.

Steele's conference season swoons aren't coincidence. His teams aren't built for the Big East. And he's too stubborn to change because he's all in on a vision that simply is fool's gold for this program in this conference. Our place in the BE standings isn't an illusion. We're really that bad, and that's scary.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Locker room is lost, the writing is on the wall. Keeping him would be Christopher signing his own pink slip. I doubt he does that.

[drudy23]

Anyone listen to postgame? Did Steele send an assistant or say his phone connection wasn't working?

[xuphan]

Anyone listen to postgame? Did Steele send an assistant or say his phone connection wasn't working?

Which postgame interview?

[Masterofreality]

Anyone listen to postgame? Did Steele send an assistant or say his phone connection wasn't working?

A few “We gotta get better man” (s) and other cliches.

[bjf123]

I'm in the same boat. The teams under Steele have been less than enjoyable to watch. I'm pondering not renewing as well. I can watch this crap at home for free. We're not a Big East threat at all.

Steele's conference season swoons aren't coincidence. His teams aren't built for the Big East. And he's too stubborn to change because he's all in on a vision that simply is fool's gold for this program in this conference. Our place in the BE standings isn't an illusion. We're really that bad, and that's scary.

I’ll tell you one thing, X better drop the cost for next year’s season tickets and AFO parking donations. There’s absolutely no justification for an increase.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[D-West & PO-Z]

Anyone listen to postgame? Did Steele send an assistant or say his phone connection wasn't working?

Connection was an issue initially but he was on with Byron and Joe. It was more of the same.

For once instead of "we need to figure it out" I want him to say "I" need to figure it out.

[Masterofreality]

Today was the first time I’ve EVER left an X game early. Guess I missed the “Fire Steele” chant from the student section. I feel so sorry for the players having to hear their home fans booing. You could see the dejection in their faces when it happened earlier in the game. Even worse would be hearing the students calling for your coach to be fired. I would not be surprised to see a number of transfers at the end of the season regardless of Steele’s status.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This was the earliest I’ve ever left a Xavier game- a bit more than 5 minutes left- and it got worse after we got up.
A horrific exhibition. Steele was clueless

[D-West & PO-Z]

Today was the first time I’ve EVER left an X game early. Guess I missed the “Fire Steele” chant from the student section. I feel so sorry for the players having to hear their home fans booing. You could see the dejection in their faces when it happened earlier in the game. Even worse would be hearing the students calling for your coach to be fired. I would not be surprised to see a number of transfers at the end of the season regardless of Steele’s status.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You sit on the aisle right? I think you are 2 rows in front of me. I am row R. I sit right to the left of the guy on the aisle who you told this was the first game you've ever left early.

[bjf123]

You sit on the aisle right? I think you are 2 rows in front of me. I am row R. I sit right to the left of the guy on the aisle who you told this was the first game you've ever left early.

Yep. That was me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Masterofreality]

Post game Presser:
Steele: “Complete joke on the defensive end and that's on me," said Steele. "That's not on our guys, that's completely on me."
Then…..
Steele said, without watching the film, he didn't think any of his players executed up to Xavier's standard on defense.
Hmmmm. Which is it?
Empty words that sound good.

[drudy23]

What is it with "Xavier's standard on defense" - when have we ever been this dominant defensive program? Sure, we've had some good defensive teams, but it's NEVER been a program calling card.

We can't score. Good offense almost always trumps good defense. This program honestly doesn't do much well. Abysmal offensive philosophy and not tough enough to defend well.

Yes, I know our defense was terrible today - but it's never been the identity. At best, we have a good balance. Right now, both offense and defense suck.

[xumadman]

QUOTE=Masterofreality;724928]Post game Presser:
Steele: “Complete joke on the defensive end and that's on me," said Steele. "That's not on our guys, that's completely on me."
Then…..
Steele said, without watching the film, he didn't think any of his players executed up to Xavier's standard on defense.
Hmmmm. Which is it?
Empty words that sound good.[/QUOTE]

This. I felt the same. "This one is on me" then asked if it was on him than were we not prepared from a coaching standpoint for what Seton hall was running or was it on execution. "It was execution, we got to get better". Got to get better? It's almost MARCH sir and we were better in January. Another thing that irked me is like you said "gotta watch the tape to figure out if anyone did well defensively". How do you make substitutions then if you don't see it on the court? Are you asleep?

[Masterofreality]

My evening reaction is that I’m sad.
I’m sad that players with obvious talent are being so badly coached and they are seeing all of their hard work, that began last summer, wasted.
I’m sad that the proud Xavier program from the last 40 years, is decimating before our eyes.
I’m sad for the students who came to X assuming a quality basketball program, are being shortchanged.
An important game was just lost at home by sixteen points!!!

That is truly sad.

[xu82]

I’m looking forward to the NFL draft.

[Xville]

If Steele isn’t cleaning out his desk in a couple of weeks, I sincerely hope no one renews their season tickets. He’s not a head coach, period.

What did Scruggs come back for? He doesn’t play like he really gives a shit at least 50% of the time. There is absolutely zero leadership on this team.

[paulxu]

It's probably good that I was driving home from Charleston this afternoon and couldn't see or hear the game.
Had to depend on mrspaulxu updating me with the score from her phone...UGH.
So, just now looked at the box score. It's really strange:
- yes, we had a boatload of TO's so that must have hurt; assuming they scored a lot off of those
- for all the bitching about our 3 pt shooting, we shot 41%...which for this team, this year, isn't too shabby...and Hunter didn't launch any.
- 56% at the FT line ain't gonna get it
- Colby had a nice double/double and hit a couple 3's
- rebounds were about even, so it doesn't seem like it should have been a 16 pt home blow out.

This sucks. Especially after the valiant effort on the road against Providence. They played their hearts out there, but it doesn't sound like they were invested in this game. Hope that's wrong, and they can turn it around this week.

[KabeX]

It's probably good that I was driving home from Charleston this afternoon and couldn't see or hear the game.

- for all the bitching about our 3 pt shooting, we shot 41%...which for this team, this year, isn't too shabby...and Hunter didn't launch any.
- 56% at the FT line ain't gonna get it
- Colby had a nice double/double and hit a couple 3's
- rebounds were about even, so it doesn't seem like it should have been a 16 pt home blow out.

I was thinking the same but the key stat is they made 6 more FGs (on 5 more FGA) and 3 more FTs.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I’m looking forward to the NFL draft.

I am a Giants, Knicks, Mets, and Xavier fan. It's been a rough stretch of years since X hasn't been good. No matter what I used to have X to look forward too, now that isn't even the case.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It's probably good that I was driving home from Charleston this afternoon and couldn't see or hear the game.
Had to depend on mrspaulxu updating me with the score from her phone...UGH.
So, just now looked at the box score. It's really strange:
- yes, we had a boatload of TO's so that must have hurt; assuming they scored a lot off of those
- for all the bitching about our 3 pt shooting, we shot 41%...which for this team, this year, isn't too shabby...and Hunter didn't launch any.
- 56% at the FT line ain't gonna get it
- Colby had a nice double/double and hit a couple 3's
- rebounds were about even, so it doesn't seem like it should have been a 16 pt home blow out.

This sucks. Especially after the valiant effort on the road against Providence. They played their hearts out there, but it doesn't sound like they were invested in this game. Hope that's wrong, and they can turn it around this week.

The turnovers were killers and it felt like almost all of them led to easy break away baskets for Hall.

We missed some huge FT's too.

We missed 4 straight to end the first half and open the second half. Nunge missed 2 technical FT's. I don't know why he and not Odom went to the line for those?

[X Factor]

The turnovers were killers and it felt like almost all of them led to easy break away baskets for Hall.

We missed some huge FT's too.

We missed 4 straight to end the first half and open the second half. Nunge missed 2 technical FT's. I don't know why he and not Odom went to the line for those?

Because why would Steele send an 80% FT shooter to the line?

[N67ER]

Because why would Steele send an 80% FT shooter to the line?

Thinking same thing. Nunge is shooting 75%, Odom at 81%. Nunge is a good shooter from the line, but Odom is better. It was a no brainer to use Odom. Just another in a depressingly long line of head scratching decisions.

Nunge looked really tired today. That is what happens when you play a 7 footer for too long in too many games. Edwards and Stanley should have been getting 10-12 minutes a game for the last 6 weeks. Same with Miles. Nunge and Free should have been playing around 26-30 minutes max over that span. It would have helped Edwards develop his game faster and Stanley get back from his injury faster. Can’t understand lack of time for Miles, a starter in the early season. Surely more playing time in the league games would have helped him and the team.

[IM4X]

Just how far into the game did it take X to make two bad decisions on offense?

Oh that’s right, the first two possessions of the game. Yes, Steele gave the green light for one of his bigs (Free) to jack up a 3 on the very first possession. When that didn’t work, it was obvious that the best option for the next offensive possession was to have yet another big to take a 3 from even further behind the 3 point line. It was all I needed to see to know how serious Steele really is about the importance of establishing an inside game or how clued in he is about what a good shot actually is… or at least his ability to get through to his players about what is and isn’t a smarter decisions.

I mean, has there ever been a D1 team before start the game with one of their bigs launching a 3 and then have a different big launching a 3 the very next possessions of the game? It might be a first.

[drudy23]

It was obvious part of the gameplan was to put Free on the perimeter to draw out their huge guy (forget his name). Which is fine - but why would you use Free for that? Seton Hall was saying "shoot all the 3s you want, you're not beating us that way".

If you're going to do that, use Nunge, who is a far better 3 point threat.

Note to Steele - NO ONE is afraid of Zach on the perimeter. It just makes everyone else's job harder when he is ignored out there.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It was obvious part of the gameplan was to put Free on the perimeter to draw out their huge guy (forget his name). Which is fine - but why would you use Free for that? Seton Hall was saying "shoot all the 3s you want, you're not beating us that way".

If you're going to do that, use Nunge, who is a far better 3 point threat.

Note to Steele - NO ONE is afraid of Zach on the perimeter. It just makes everyone else's job harder when he is ignored out there.

I think the big guy for Seton Hall was purposely guarding Free and not Nunge for that very reason. Can't force him to guard Nunge instead.

[drudy23]

I think the big guy for Seton Hall was purposely guarding Free and not Nunge for that very reason. Can't force him to guard Nunge instead.

Force the switch. Ball screens and off screens with lot of movement. Plenty of options to get that matchup.

The offense doesn't move. Free would be much more dangerous in constant motion in the paint than camping on the 3 point line.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Force the switch. Ball screens with lot of movement. Plenty of options to get that matchup.

The offense doesn't move. Free would be much more dangerous in constant motion in the paint than camping on the 3 point line.

Yeah, agreed. Not much hope in that with Steele though.

[drudy23]

Steele hasn't changed much in 4 years of mediocrity.

Mostly same coaching staff, same offense, outside of the last couple of games, same rotation, same recruiting strategy, same recruit profile, same gameday outfit, same postgame comments, same excuses. Same, same, same....cmon....man.

[X-band '01]

I am sooooooo glad I went to work today instead of watching this trash. Rinse, wash, repeat for both games next week.

See you on the Reds' Opening...


Aw fuckles. That's also not happening.

[X Factor]

Steele literally looks like a teenager on the sidelines with his little hoodie. He's taken the athlesiure look to a whole new level.

[Masterofreality]

I am a Giants, Knicks, Mets, and Xavier fan. It's been a rough stretch of years since X hasn't been good. No matter what I used to have X to look forward too, now that isn't even the case.

Know what is worse?
Baseball is usually starting up around this time with Spring Training and all kinds of player movement going on.
Don’t even have that now. The world sucks in all ways.

[UCGRAD4X]

Just how far into the game did it take X to make two bad decisions on offense?

Oh that’s right, the first two possessions of the game. Yes, Steele gave the green light for one of his bigs (Free) to jack up a 3 on the very first possession. When that didn’t work, it was obvious that the best option for the next offensive possession was to have yet another big to take a 3 from even further behind the 3 point line. It was all I needed to see to know how serious Steele really is about the importance of establishing an inside game or how clued in he is about what a good shot actually is… or at least his ability to get through to his players about what is and isn’t a smarter decisions.

I mean, has there ever been a D1 team before start the game with one of their bigs launching a 3 and then have a different big launching a 3 the very next possessions of the game? It might be a first.

I was not feeling well when I got to the game and almost went home after those first two shots. "I don't need this shit again."


It was obvious part of the gameplan was to put Free on the perimeter to draw out their huge guy (forget his name). Which is fine - but why would you use Free for that? Seton Hall was saying "shoot all the 3s you want, you're not beating us that way".

If you're going to do that, use Nunge, who is a far better 3 point threat.

Note to Steele - NO ONE is afraid of Zach on the perimeter. It just makes everyone else's job harder when he is ignored out there.

Sure he got 3 3s, but he got almost nothing else. Did he even finish with more than one rebound?

[American X]

Just how far into the game did it take X to make two bad decisions on offense?

Oh that’s right, the first two possessions of the game. Yes, Steele gave the green light for one of his bigs (Free) to jack up a 3 on the very first possession. When that didn’t work, it was obvious that the best option for the next offensive possession was to have yet another big to take a 3 from even further behind the 3 point line.


Steele literally looks like a teenager on the sidelines with his little hoodie. He's taken the athlesiure look to a whole new level.

Between sport-o's hoodie and the what-me-worry Freemantle three, I knew this was going to be a waste. Season and career on the line, Steele rolls out there both dressed like a kid and looking like 94Grad scraped him off the floor of Dana's right before the game. Even the announcer made fun of him.

[American X]

Does the Cintas Center still provide a home court advantage? Xavier was close in the last matchup in New Jersey, so will being in Cincinnati close the gap? NOPE, NOT AT ALL, ZERO

Will there be lingering fatigue from a triple-overtime game on Wednesday? YES Will Steele mix in Cesare, Miles and/or Stanley more to keep Nunge & Freemantle fresh? KIND OF, NUNGE STILL LOOKED DEAD

Will Nate Johnson play? If he plays, will he actually make a three-point shot? NOPE

Seton Hall is fighting for a bid as well. Will the Pirates be hungrier than the Musketeers? MOST DEFINITELY.

[bleedXblue]

I was not feeling well when I got to the game and almost went home after those first two shots. "I don't need this shit again."



Sure he got 3 3s, but he got almost nothing else. Did he even finish with more than one rebound?

I thought the same exact thing when the game started. 2 badly missed 3's from our bigs. How does that eve happen to start a game unless Steele and staff specifically asked for it?

Our D lost the game yesterday. Poor fundamentals, not enough adjustments and not enough effort.

[Masterofreality]

I thought the same exact thing when the game started. 2 badly missed 3's from our bigs. How does that eve happen to start a game unless Steele and staff specifically asked for it?

Our D lost the game yesterday. Poor fundamentals, not enough adjustments and not enough effort.

EVERY team we have played has the same game plan vs this trash D. DRIVE THE BALL OR BULLY YOUR WAY TO THE RIM. And there are never any adjustments to stop it. Never an attempt to help off and stop the drive. No attempt to double on a guy who is taking 6 seconds bullying an X guy by the basket. No attempt at a 1-3-1 zone (that was a charm for Mack) to clog the middle and confuse.
The scouting report is all over the League. And Steele never changes.
Some “system”.

[American X]

Scruggs is a poor man's Gary Lumpkin.

Ouch.

Sadly, Lumpkinitis persists in the Xavier program, but I did not realize that Dee Davis Disease also exists. Our guards are aimlessly driving into the paint with no plan to either score or assist and are mindlessly passing the ball to the other team or nowhere in general.

[Backyard Champ]

Wasn’t freemantle a pretty good 3 shooter last year? He’s shown he can make them and honestly, we need him too if we want to win games. We should not be mad that he went 3/5 from 3. Lol

What’s more frustrating to me is watching Scruggs get burnt on D all the time. You’d think he would improve somewhat, but he gets blown by most of the game. On that- it still baffles me why our guys don’t play help D. Is that coming from the coaches? My guess is we are just a poor rotating team. It’s obvious when we zone- guys get lost frequently.

[GoMuskies]

Yes, Freemantle clearly can shoot. He was average out there last year. 3/5 is great. Now, one of those made 3s nearly broke the backboard, bit it still counted!

[Masterofreality]

I thought the same exact thing when the game started. 2 badly missed 3's from our bigs. How does that eve happen to start a game unless Steele and staff specifically asked for it?

Our D lost the game yesterday. Poor fundamentals, not enough adjustments and not enough effort.

The most amazing things, and not in a good way yesterday, in Steele’s apparent “Shoot more 3’s” offense was that, 1) It played into the non aggressive attitude of the team right out of the gate, resulting in 2) There was not a single foul whistled vs Seton Hall for the first seventeen minutes of the game, and that was an “And One” at 2:55 of the first.
Some game plan. Jeeezz!!

[bjf123]

There was not a single foul whistled vs Seton Hall for the first seventeen minutes of the game, and that was an “And One” at 2:55 of the first.

I think there ended up being 6 fouls in the first half. They called that many before the first TV timeout in the 2nd half.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk