Game Thread: Xavier v Cleveland State (03/15/2022)

[MHettel]

Does anyone expect or guess any changes to the lineup or rotation tonight?

Wondering if some guys have checked out, and have already made it known they are leaving. Might not see them again.

[xuphan]

Does anyone expect or guess any changes to the lineup or rotation tonight?

Wondering if some guys have checked out, and have already made it known they are leaving. Might not see them again.

Hearing Cesare Edwards will not play.

[SkyWalker]

Thought I would start this since Paul must be napping.

[GoMuskies]

Hope Scruggs gets a nice ovation from the small gathering.

[Strange Brew]

Hope Scruggs gets a nice ovation from the small gathering.

I feel pain. Only pain....

[SM#24]

Nice mask by Gates. Don’t hire him.

[X Factor]

Nice mask by Gates. Don’t hire him.

My first thought exactly

[SemajParlor]

This is sad. I know someone is going to be a jerk and say who, what and why etc. I feel bad for Nate and especially Paul. These guys deserved better than to be in this game tonight and I hope they got a nice ovation.

[xu82]

Tens of people there to watch this one!

[xuphan]

Rough start already.

[Strange Brew]

Well, lost the first "war".

[Xville]

This is sad. I know someone is going to be a jerk and say who, what and why etc. I feel bad for Nate and especially Paul. These guys deserved better than to be in this game tonight and I hope they got a nice ovation.

Why did they deserve better? They are the ones that played and made this happen. Welcome to life where decisions you make have consequences, even on the basketball court.

Unless you place all the blame on Steele, which I can get behind.

[Strange Brew]

Why did they deserve better? They are the ones that played and made this happen. Welcome to life where decisions you make have consequences, even on the basketball court.

Unless you place all the blame on Steele, which I can get behind.

No, it's Putin's fault.

[TheDanimal]

Everything about this is cringeworthy and embarrassing... I can't even watch this ironically anymore..

[xuphan]

Why did they deserve better? They are the ones that played and made this happen. Welcome to life where decisions you make have consequences, even on the basketball court.

Unless you place all the blame on Steele, which I can get behind.

100% blame on Steele.

[XUGRAD80]

Same old same old…

[Cornbread1190]

Christopher get use to these empty seats..!
This is how it’s going to look if Steele returns.!

[xuphan]

Does Steele think he is coaching the golden state warriors? Stop shooting 3s!

[noteggs]

My first thought exactly

Looks like a full mask shield!

[SemajParlor]

Why did they deserve better? They are the ones that played and made this happen. Welcome to life where decisions you make have consequences, even on the basketball court.

Unless you place all the blame on Steele, which I can get behind.

This team could've achieved more success with better leadership. And thanks for welcoming me to life.

[Xville]

0-5 from 3… just keep shooting them, right hoodie? Lol. Guy is a joke

[XUBison]

Why did they deserve better? They are the ones that played and made this happen. Welcome to life where decisions you make have consequences, even on the basketball court.

Unless you place all the blame on Steele, which I can get behind.

Words like humility and grace come to mind. These guys are not pros, they are Xavier students. They chose to be here, like most of us did. That is why the whole notion of turning this into a pro sport stinks.

[X Factor]

We look like a junior high squad.

[Strange Brew]

Words like humility and grace come to mind. These guys are not pros, they are Xavier students. They chose to be here, like most of us did. That is why the whole notion of turning this into a pro sport stinks.

Yep.

[xukeith]

Pregame analyst said he heard Steele say in practice, “I’ve heard 30 times today “are we ready? Are we pumped to play tonight?”

I don’t believe 5 people asked Steele that question. Not many care about losing or the NIT.
Steele is lying to make up reasons to get motivated.

[XUBison]

Looks like a full mask shield!

WTF? Does he have some sort of compromising condition?

[xuphan]

Losing 12-6 at home to Cleveland State. Yikes.

[kellernr]

Did Scruggs skip every practice the last 5 years where they covered how to break a press? He does all the things you should never do when trying to break a press.

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[XUBison]

Does Steele think he is coaching the golden state warriors? Stop shooting 3s!

First game in a few years?

[Strange Brew]

WTF? Does he have some sort of compromising condition?

Halitosis? Or is he afraid bad coaching is contagious?

[Xville]

Words like humility and grace come to mind. These guys are not pros, they are Xavier students. They chose to be here, like most of us did. That is why the whole notion of turning this into a pro sport stinks.

Ok but that doesn’t mean they deserve better. I showed up to class everyday at Xavier, doesn’t mean I deserved an a in everything.

[XUBison]

We look like a junior high squad.

Most days, yes.

[paulxu]

Thought I would start this since Paul must be napping.

Thanks Sky !!

Where is Colby Jones?

[XUBison]

Halitosis? Or is he afraid bad coaching is contagious?

Either make sense. Maybe he has covid?

[xu82]

Losing 12-6 at home to Cleveland State. Yikes.

Losing at home is “our thing” now.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I give Steele credit for his confidence. The guy is sticking to his gun rolling out the same system with no change a seven giving Hunter the minutes. I mean if I was a guy make over a million a year I would have admitted my mistake and are a change to win so I could keep cashing checks. Not Steele, in his world he isn’t wrong his way works.

[bleedXblue]

Paul dribbles directly into double teams. Comical

[XUBison]

Ok but that doesn’t mean they deserve better. I showed up to class everyday at Xavier, doesn’t mean I deserved an a in everything.

Nobody deserves this embarrassment. The crowd might as well be chanting “shame” at the players.

[Xville]

Good game and good coaching coming up here in about five minutes. Should be a good one. Have a feeling it’s gonna sound like a home game for iu

[xu82]

Scruggs a 67% FT shooter. I want a PG to be 80%+.

[Strange Brew]

Think they'll bring back $1 beer night to get people to come out like the old days...

[XUBison]

Paul dribbles directly into double teams. Comical

Most days, yes.

[whopper]

Paul dribbles directly into double teams. Comical

out biggest probelm is him as a point guard which is actually a result of the demise of Q 2 years ago. He is a poor point guard and a good(not great ) 2 guard. Kunkel is actually a much better point guard and even his quick offense trigger on the 2 and 3 gives defense pause. Odom is a good point but lack of shooting confidence(justified) ia a problem. If last year we stayed more with Dwom and Paul as 2 we would be better but Nate is also a 2 who cant play point(probably worse than Paul) . It is actually a mess.

[xukeith]

Hearing Cesare Edwards will not play.

Edwards out with foot infection.
Same starters and substitution pattern. Team with no big men clearly out playing X in 1st half.

[Strange Brew]

Pass the ball please Colby.

[SemajParlor]

If this game is any consolation, it doesn't appear that we would've had a renewed look in Dayton

[Cornbread1190]

Cleveland State players look like a group of middle aged dudes that play on a YMCA pick up team..
but, heck they’re playing right with us. Give them credit!!

[xu82]

If this game is any consolation, it doesn't appear that we would've had a renewed look in Dayton

If the consolation is we move on, especially with Miller, I can live with it.

[noteggs]

Think they'll bring back $1 beer night to get people to come out like the old days...

I’m in! Nothing like the good ol’ days!

[Strange Brew]

Is the Horizon League basically the old MCC?

[noteggs]

Cleveland State players look like a group of middle aged dudes that play on a YMCA pick up team..
but, heck they’re playing right with us. Give them credit!!

Especially number 15!

[Strange Brew]

Especially number 15!

Fan favorite for sure!

[whopper]

this may be the worst performance yet..honestly. I am seeing Nate, Colby, Paul have little it seems. Kunkel is by a wide margin the headiest player on the team. I am so sad. A problem is that we never won by enough to give all the players a chance. Dirty little secret..Adam is a better all around player than Nate and it may not even be close

[bleedXblue]

What a wonderful decision it was to play in this game. Air balls, dribbling directly into double teams, horrible D letting short, fat guys back you down into the paint. I mean really if you are Christopher, does this not seal the deal for you?

[xudash]

I wonder if they are all proud of themselves, going in with a one point lead at halftime. Against Cleveland State. Cleveland State.

[xuphan]

this may be the worst performance yet..honestly. I am seeing Nate, Colby, Paul have little it seems. Kunkel is by a wide margin the headiest player on the team. I am so sad. A problem is that we never won by enough to give all the players a chance. Dirty little secret..Adam is a better all around player than Nate and it may not even be close

But man, I thought we already hit rock bottom?

[bjf123]

Especially number 15!

Does he also play left guard for their football team? He’s a big boy!


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[xudash]

[QUOTE=whopper;728771]this may be the worst performance yet..honestly. I am seeing Nate, Colby, Paul have little it seems. Kunkel is by a wide margin the headiest player on the team. I am so sad. A problem is that we never won by enough to give all the players a chance. Dirty little secret..Adam is a better all around player than Nate and it may not even be close[/
N/M

[MHettel]

I feel like Gomillion has a Camaro with at least one quarter panel that doesn’t match the rest of the car

[Strange Brew]

But man, I thought we already hit rock bottom?

Apparently there is still farther to go...

[Xville]

100 dollars richer..thanks Steele!

[xudash]

What a wonderful decision it was to play in this game. Air balls, dribbling directly into double teams, horrible D letting short, fat guys back you down into the paint. I mean really if you are Christopher, does this not seal the deal for you?

It certainly should.

[Lloyd Braun]

100 dollars richer..thanks Steele!

Did the same and alt spread +3.5 for +165. Free money! Uncanny

[xuphan]

I wonder if they are all proud of themselves, going in with a one point lead at halftime. Against Cleveland State. Cleveland State.

First, I’d like to give a lot of credit to Cleveland State. They made it difficult for us in the first half. Man, they have great players and a coach that knows how to get the best out of the guys. They are a great team who couldn’t win the Horizon League but they still are a great team. Probably finish mid pack of the Big East. Man, I am proud of our guys. We played hard in the first half, shot the ball well, and took care of the ball. Any questions and remember, No negative questions Adam Baum or any other reporter or you will lose insider content and access to the program.

[Xville]

Did the same and alt spread +3.5 for +165. Free money! Uncanny

Got 200 left to win tonight on Steele. I should have just put my mortgage on the first half.

[Strange Brew]

First, I’d like to give a lot of credit to Cleveland State. They made it difficult for us in the first half. Man, they have great players and a coach that knows how to get the best out of the guys. They are a great team who couldn’t win the Horizon League but they still are a great team. Probably finish mid pack of the Big East. Man, I am proud of our guys. We played hard in the first half, shot the ball well, and took care of the ball. Any questions and remember, No negative questions Adam Baum or any other reporter or you will lose insider content and access to the program.

Be nice if Steele lost access to the program.

[markchal]

The Ohio State win was pretty cool this year...after that, is the only high point of the Steele era the constant drubbing of UC?

[Strange Brew]

Don't worry. The Reds start up soon. Sorry, too soon?

[XUGRAD80]

Evidently I’m not the only one that has no faith that this team will end up winning this game…..what were people saying about just wait until they start playing teams outside the BE that don’t know them well?

[GoMuskies]

Not a fan of Cleveland State's style. Cross Gates off the list. Unless the only other choice is Steele.

[xudash]

Solid start to the second half. Not.

[xuphan]

Remember, Steele doesn’t want your advice and he isn’t seeking your opinion. I think he was talking to Christopher and the fans now that I think about it.

[Strange Brew]

Man, great to see X come out of the locker room with some fire....

[xu82]

If we lose, it will add a little gusto to my polite emails tomorrow.

[GoMuskies]

Gates certainly has his team playing harder and more together. Like that. Just not the style.

[xudash]

If we lose, it will add a little gusto to my polite emails tomorrow.

Ha! I’m thinking of retracting one of my comments from an earlier email! #OpenSeasonOnTravisty

[RoseyMuskie]

Honestly planned to watch. Learned I don’t get ESPNU. Wasn’t going to subscribe now.

Checked box score and see text thread. I may as well have watched, because I saw this all season.

[Strange Brew]

Jeez Paul...

[GoMuskies]

Scruggs adding to his legacy.

[xu82]

HOLY MOLY! Easy dunk on the inbound pass. THAT is coaching.

[CinciReds11]

Everyone at this game is what is holding this fan base back I have decided. What’s attendance look like anyway? I’m guessing 3k from the limited looks on tv


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[Strange Brew]

HOLY MOLY! Easy dunk on the inbound pass. THAT is coaching.

Travis doesn't need your opinion,,,,,:)

[Strange Brew]

Everyone at this game is what is holding this fan base back I have decided. What’s attendance look like anyway? I’m guessing 3k from the limited looks on tv


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That may be generous..

[GoMuskies]

Free for three. He'll probably catch fire in the effing NIT.

[xu82]

OFFENSIVE foul there.

[GoMuskies]

Colby's anger was good for one possession. Not the defense.

[bjf123]

Everyone at this game is what is holding this fan base back I have decided. What’s attendance look like anyway? I’m guessing 3k from the limited looks on tv


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Byron Larkin estimated 1,500. Adam Baum agreed with the estimate.


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[GoMuskies]

I might take Cleveland State's strength coach.

[TheDanimal]

Why settle for getting out-toughed at home by a Big East team when you can get out-toughed at home by a Horizon League team...

[Cornbread1190]

Cleve. X

Points
41 36
FG 19-42 15-39
FG% 45.2 38.5
3P 0-8 4-16
3P% 0.0 25.0
FT 3-7 2-2
FT% 42.9 100.0
Rebounds
28 22

[whopper]

we all give ground all the time..never stand up to try to draw an offensive foul. That goes back to Mack days, high hands, give ground and maybe draw an offensive in the cirucle. Torry drive was an offensive for sure but we dont have a reepuation of playing tough defense so dont get the call

[markchal]

did colby already transfer or just his defense?

[xudash]

If they lose tonight, the reaction should be swift, voluminous and brutal.

If they pull out an ugly win that fails to beat the computer (I’m serious) betting spread (i.e. “market” expectation), then the reaction should be at least 75% of the above.

What I see on television is a team that is getting it taken to them. That translates to lost culture for me. That is unacceptable.

[GoMuskies]

This second half is hilarious.

[Strange Brew]

Well, that sums up the year. Airball.

[Xville]

Losing by 20+ might not be the worst thing in the world for the future of the program

[drudy23]

There are a couple fans cheering really, really hard.

God love them.

[bleedXblue]

Just bad all around at everything.......and I mean bad at it ALL

[A Fan]

Cleve. X

Points
41 36
FG 19-42 15-39
FG% 45.2 38.5
3P 0-8 4-16
3P% 0.0 25.0
FT 3-7 2-2
FT% 42.9 100.0
Rebounds
28 22
We can stop right here and turn in for the night. We are not a Big East Team. Not close. I don’t care if we win. The nails are being put in the coffin. The Steele era is done.

[SM#24]

This second half is hilarious.

Watching with the family and we are laughing our ass off it’s so bad.

[xu82]

If they lose tonight, the reaction should be swift, voluminous and brutal.

If they pull out an ugly win that fails to beat the computer (I’m serious) betting spread (i.e. “market” expectation), then the reaction should be at least 75% of the above.

What I see on television is a team that is getting it taken to them. That translates to lost culture for me. That is unacceptable.

I watched some of the other BE tournament games and was reminded of what good basketball looks like. It was painful to watch what we should be.

[GoMuskies]

That's a big boy.

[Strange Brew]

Yes. I want to see how he shoots FTs!

Smooth big fella. Smooth.

[xu82]

We are losing to an Oompa Loompa.

[xudash]

It’s hard to compete against 50-inch waist line, pure athletes.

[Strange Brew]

It’s hard to compete against 50-inch waist line, pure athletes.

You can't teach girth.

[Cornbread1190]

Number 15 working hard inside for the Viking’s

Get that man a skyline 3 way from the Concession stand during this break!

[GoMuskies]

I think they're going to give Nate and Kunk enough wide open threes for us to pull this one out.

[GoMuskies]

And 1 Tour needs a new Escalade.

[GoMuskies]

0 made threes for CSU.

[Cornbread1190]

0 made threes for CSU.

You think Steele would jump into a zone.

[Xville]

Missing 3s, fts, and playing olay d… a tradition unlike any other…coach hoodie

[drudy23]

Colby is on the ground grasping his face more than a soccer player.

[xu82]

You think Steele would jump into a zone.

No, that is what another coach would do.

[GoMuskies]

Anyone remember Big Deli?

[Strange Brew]

Anyone remember Big Deli?

Oh yes. Legend.

[markchal]

one of our best 3-pt shooting performances in ages helping us stay in the game against this powerhouse

[bleedXblue]

All teams do is take the ball straight to the rim against us. We are weak and have no shot blockers or inside presence .

[Strange Brew]

one of our best 3-pt shooting performances in ages helping us stay in the game against this powerhouse

And the apologists will say that it's been poor shooting by the players and not Steele this season.

[GoMuskies]

Oh yes. Legend.

I was in the house. Amherst couldn't believe it.

[xudash]

Tied with eight minutes to go. That is simply terrible.

[Strange Brew]

Tied with eight minutes to go. That is simply terrible.

#DefendThisHouse.

[GoMuskies]

Tied with eight minutes to go. That is simply terrible.

Not anymore

[xu82]

#DefendThisHouse.

#BurnDownThisHouse.

[drudy23]

There's a guy in the top level all by himself with a bag on his head lol

That's what I'm hear for (saw it on Twitter, I'm not at Cintas).

[Strange Brew]

There's a guy in the top level all by himself with a bag on his head lol

That's what I'm hear for.

Well, now we know where Snipe is tonight. :)

[xudash]

There's a guy in the top level all by himself with a bag on his head lol

That's what I'm hear for (saw it on Twitter, I'm not at Cintas).

It gets better: he made it on to Facebook.

[GoMuskies]

I bet we pull away and cover the 11.

[Perma Fro]

We have lost our way. NO ONE should be in the Cintas center with a fucking bag on their head. We have reached a very low point.

[xudash]

I bet we pull away and cover the 11.

You are a funny guy!

[GoMuskies]

We have lost our way. NO ONE should be in the Cintas center with a fucking bag on their head. We have reached a very low point.

Maybe Cronin's brother at the Crosstown Shootout.

[xu82]

Well, now we know where Snipe is tonight. :)

Funny! I hope he’s doing well.

[Strange Brew]

We have lost our way. NO ONE should be in the Cintas center with a fucking bag on their head. We have reached a very low point.

Just wait until next year if Steele is retained.

Refs have been Xavier's best offense tonight.

[XUBANDGRAD]

It gets better: he made it on to Facebook.

I need to see this.

[Xville]

I bet we pull away and cover the 11.

Lol

[Perma Fro]

Maybe Cronin's brother at the Crosstown Shootout.

The Man is keeping me down, but well played sir.

[Xville]

Best for the program for it to end tonight.

[GoMuskies]

Best for the program for it to end tonight.

Hey, win tonight and next week and we've got a 20 win season! Huge success!

[xudash]

Hey, win tonight and next week and we've got a 20 win season! Huge success!

Win against Florida with this mess?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Edwards and miles and sniff the court. Good lord, fire this clown.

[Cornbread1190]

Hey, win tonight and next week and we've got a 20 win season! Huge success!

And with a win tonight Steele will be at the Dana buying free rounds of his kool aid to drink..

[GoMuskies]

Win against Florida with this mess?

Rick Pitino's Iona Gaels more like it!

[Xville]

Win against Florida with this mess?

I’d hope it’s Iona to watch Steele try to coach against pitino.. it’d be hysterical

[GoMuskies]

Cleveland State shoots FTs worse than us!

[Strange Brew]

I’d hope it’s Iona to watch Steele try to coach against pitino.. it’d be hysterical

Think Iona would swing for a coach swap? Just for a game. Try something new. See how it feels for all parties. You know, spice things up...

[Xville]

I wonder how much Steele paid the refs tonight

[Strange Brew]

Are other members of Steele's extended family reifing this game?

[Xville]

Looks like I’ll be another 200 richer. Thanks Steele!

[GoMuskies]

We just have too much size. The second chances at the end are the difference.

[Strange Brew]

We just have too much size. The second chances at the end are the difference.

Yeah, for the Horizon League.

[Xville]

Haha kunkel is such a bitch. Maybe he could flex again.

I’m as tired of him as I am of Steele.

[GoMuskies]

That could be flagrant.

[Strange Brew]

Haha, what a great foul by Kunk. Jeebus. That may be an intentional.

[GoMuskies]

Haha, what a great foul by Kunk. Jeebus. That may be an intentional.

I mean, what he did was dangerous.

[markchal]

steele slaps $45 on the bar at Dana's for the six fans celebrating the win

[Strange Brew]

I mean, what he did was dangerous.

Yeah, reminds me of the mad tripper from Duke a few years ago.

[XUBANDGRAD]

Frankly I’d have given him a flagrant 2 - no reason to do what he did.

[Strange Brew]

steele slaps $45 on the bar at Dana's for the six fans celebrating the win

Don't blow your whole commission check coach..

[Cornbread1190]

Looks like Xavier will survive and move on.. let’s go get that kool aid boys.. see you at the Dana.

[Xville]

Ugh nuts…. This season needed to end

[GoMuskies]

Lol. How did Cleveland State not call time out?

[xudash]

The announcer: “that might’ve been one of the ugliest sequences right there”

Unbelievable finish to this game. Embarrassing. This was not must see TV.

[whopper]

that play by Nate was such a terrible posession..our player who cant make his own play going one on one and taking a contested 3. We may win but damn. I will say we underestimate some of these slightly lower majors and they did play together. I wish we had their chemistry. Hard to believe the same effort will get us within 20 points of Florida

[Strange Brew]

The announcer: “that might’ve been one of the ugliest sequences right there”

Unbelievable finish to this game. Embarrassing. This was not must see TV.

Garbage in. Garbage out.

[SemajParlor]

Ben Stanley didn't get up off the bench for a timeout and then was told by Hayes to leave the bench. He left to the locker room (per twitter)

What has this program become?

[HenryMuto]

A least it was a great game but I am bitter at the ending I do not know why Cleveland State wouldn't call a timeout there to set up a final play.

I feel cheated that we didn't have that great ending 1 way or another with a shot at least from my point of view.

I know you guys will just take the win.

Hope Xavier wins it all now I will be pissed if they lose the next game.

[GoMuskies]

I guess Covid left at the last time out. Gates is safe now.

[xudash]

Why are these coaches talking with one another? The game is not over yet.

And good for Ben Stanley.

[Xville]

A least it was a great game but I am bitter at the ending I do not know why Cleveland State wouldn't call a timeout there to set up a final play.

I feel cheated that we didn't have that great ending 1 way or another with a shot at least from my point of view.

I know you guys will just take the win.

Hope Xavier wins it all now I will be pissed if they lose the next game.

It’s the nit who gives a shit. I wish x would have lost by 20

[XUBANDGRAD]

Ben Stanley didn't get up off the bench for a timeout and then was told by Hayes to leave the bench. He left to the locker room (per twitter)

What has this program become?

Fuck these coaches. Who wants to play for these inept fucks?

[Strange Brew]

Steele yucking it up on the sidelines. Not a good look.

[GoMuskies]

A least it was a great game but I am bitter at the ending I do not know why Cleveland State wouldn't call a timeout there to set up a final play.

I feel cheated that we didn't have that great ending 1 way or another with a shot at least from my point of view.

I know you guys will just take the win.

Hope Xavier wins it all now I will be pissed if they lose the next game.

It was a great game?!? Lol. You're funny.

[xu82]

The announcer: “that might’ve been one of the ugliest sequences right there”

Unbelievable finish to this game. Embarrassing. This was not must see TV.

That is a sign he has NOT been watching all year!

[TheDanimal]

This may be the only time in history I've been disappointed by poor officiating going in Xavier's favor...

[Strange Brew]

And there was much rejoicing. Yaaaaaay...

[BENWAR]

I guess Covid left at the last time out. Gates is safe now.

I was thinking the same thing!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

No way they win game 2 here no way. This should be enough to show that the locker room is lost and Steele should go.

[Strange Brew]

I was thinking the same thing!

Think Gates asked Travis for the dimensions of his office at the last TO? Maybe that's what they were laughing about.

[GoMuskies]

We're gonna kick Pitino's ass next!

[Smooth]

Ugggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!

But we won?

[markchal]

Steele finally found a way to win games in March

[Strange Brew]

Steele finally found a way to win games in March

He sure showed us...

[xudash]

That is a sign he has NOT been watching all year!

Ha! Good one.

[HenryMuto]

It was a great game?!? Lol. You're funny.

It was a close game came down to the wire

[GoMuskies]

It was a close game came down to the wire

Two shitty teams playing a close game does not make it great.

[SM#24]

I was in the house. Amherst couldn't believe it.
I was there as well.

[whopper]

Why are these coaches talking with one another? The game is not over yet.

And good for Ben Stanley.

i have always felt bad for Stanley. He played decent 2 games last year and i thought he would split time with Carter then got hurt. He rehabbed and never played and if this is true we will never see a guy who had a 40 pt game in Div 1 play. He could have helped at times..

[GoMuskies]

We are all Ben Stanley

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I would put theO/U on attendance at 1200 for the next game. I could see less. Steele fell in the ‘save your job’ trap I see every season in European soccer. Managers of teams in the relegation zone play their vets even though the vets have known flaws and are the cause of the team being there. The reasoning is that they are vets and know what it takes to get over the top. Time and time again it is just not the right thing to do.

I think we lose 5 players not graduating at least. We lose them because they want to be in the tourney and they have no confidence in being used properly by this staff.

[GoMuskies]

If it's Iona, I bet there's a decent crowd just because of Pitino.

[xavierj]

I would put theO/U on attendance at 1200 for the next game. I could see less. Steele fell in the ‘save your job’ trap I see every season in European soccer. Managers of teams in the relegation zone play their vets even though the vets have known flaws and are the cause of the team being there. The reasoning is that they are vets and know what it takes to get over the top. Time and time again it is just not the right thing to do.

I think we lose 5 players not graduating at least. We lose them because they want to be in the tourney and they have no confidence in being used properly by this staff.

This team needs to lose players. Need to get tougher and bring in better talent that actually has some athleticism.

[xumadman]

This team needs to lose players. Need to get tougher and bring in better talent that actually has some athleticism.. Imagine if that was the problem.

[xumadman]

Hey, win tonight and next week and we've got a 20 win season! Huge success!. Oh shit I feel so much better now!

[D-West & PO-Z]

There's a guy in the top level all by himself with a bag on his head lol

That's what I'm hear for (saw it on Twitter, I'm not at Cintas).

HA, I posted this to twitter. Wish I would have thought of it! Need to find that guy and buy him a beer.

I don't know if its been discussed yet as I havent read the whole thread but I also posted to twitter about Jonas kicking Ben off the bench to the locker room for refusing to stand in the team huddle during a timeout. Not a great locker room vibe I am sure.

[X-band '01]

Anyone remember Big Deli?

I see your Big Deli and raise you a Ron Rollerson. He easily had to be north of 300.

[XU 23]

Boy what a pathetic game that was. Steele’s press conference was the usual “everything’s fine” despite the fact we almost lost to Cleveland State at home.

[xavierj]

. Imagine if that was the problem.

It’s not the entire problem but it is a major problem. That is a black on the talent evaluation. Xavier is probably the 10th most talented team in the big east. Looked more on par with horizon league talent. Need to bring in some dudes.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ben Stanley didn't get up off the bench for a timeout and then was told by Hayes to leave the bench. He left to the locker room (per twitter)

What has this program become?

Yeah, I was the one who tweeted this. I saw Stanley on the bench alone during the timeout and he did not look happy. I took a picture and was texting it to friends, then I saw Jonas come over and tell him to get up. After about a minute he did, they had an argument, and then Jonas told him to leave and he walked into the tunnel.

[GoMuskies]

I see your Big Deli and raise you a Ron Rollerson. He easily had to be north of 300.

Big Deli is only notable because he scored about 90% of his college points in one game against us.

[X-band '01]

Not that anyone on this board cared, but Cleveland State came real close to getting the Butler treatment at the end of the game. Clock froze for a split second and the refs eventually adjusted the clock to 0.3 seconds for foul shots and a last-second Viking shot attempt.

[IM4X]

It’s not the entire problem but it is a major problem. That is a black on the talent evaluation. Xavier is probably the 10th most talented team in the big east. Looked more on par with horizon league talent. Need to bring in some dudes.

Honestly, I don’t think we are that far down the list when it comes to talent. It just looks that way because of how poorly Steele coaches. No discipline. Players constantly out of position. Players constantly making bad decisions. Lack of ball movement at times. Bigs rarely attacking the rim for most of the season. All issues connected to coaching.

A little better coaching and this is a top 3 BE team. These guys look like they don’t know what they are doing have the time. I don’t blame it on them because they were hustling. With a better coach, They are capable of much more when coached properly. I would even argue that we are only seeing about m 70% of the players true potential on the floor because of the poor coaching. These players can’t stop themselves form making bonehead plays, especially at the end of games. Why can’t the coach seem to fix it I mean I’m not sure there is another team in D1 who fouls more players taking 3 point shots than X. On offense, We have players who just can’t pass up open threes no matter how soon in the shot clock. Kunkel apparently doesn’t like X getting too big of a lead because every time his tram went up by more than 3, he started forcing quick, bad shot or he fouling unnecessarily. Grabbing the leg of a player shooting a 3 with less than a minute on the clock and up by five is exactly the kind of crappy decision Steele’s players do again any again.

It makes Travis look awful that this keeps happening game after game. Also, how is it that Kunkel does not understand shooting a 3 while flying left to right in the air makes the shots even harder to make. I don’t think he’s ever made one that way, for good reason. The team continues to take too many bad, lower percentage shots. Sadly, not one of these issues is a new. They’re issues we’ve seen all season (and beyond) and nothing is done about them.

Do we need more athleticism? Yes. Do we need to recruit a beefy big who can defend inside? Yes. Do we need a coach who knows how to make the most of his talent and not literally cause loses because of your loosely goosey way of running things that leads to chaos and players making tons of bad decisions? Hell yes.

[xuphan]

Ben Stanley?

[xavierj]

Honestly, I don’t think we are that far down the list when it comes to talent. It just looks that way because of how poorly Steele coaches. No discipline. Players constantly out of position. Players constantly making bad decisions. Lack of ball movement at times. Bigs rarely attacking the rim for most of the season. All issues connected to coaching.

A little better coaching and this is a top 3 BE team. These guys look like they don’t know what they are doing have the time. I don’t blame it on them because they were hustling. With a better coach, They are capable of much more when coached properly. I would even argue that we are only seeing about m 70% of the players true potential on the floor because of the poor coaching. These players can’t stop themselves form making bonehead plays, especially at the end of games. Why can’t the coach seem to fix it I mean I’m not sure there is another team in D1 who fouls more players taking 3 point shots than X. On offense, We have players who just can’t pass up open threes no matter how soon in the shot clock. Kunkel apparently doesn’t like X getting too big of a lead because every time his tram went up by more than 3, he started forcing quick, bad shot or he fouling unnecessarily. Grabbing the leg of a player shooting a 3 with less than a minute on the clock and up by five is exactly the kind of crappy decision Steele’s players do again any again.

It makes Travis look awful that this keeps happening game after game. Also, how is it that Kunkel does not understand shooting a 3 while flying left to right in the air makes the shots even harder to make. I don’t think he’s ever made one that way, for good reason. The team continues to take too many bad, lower percentage shots. Sadly, not one of these issues is a new. They’re issues we’ve seen all season (and beyond) and nothing is done about them.

Do we need more athleticism? Yes. Do we need to recruit a beefy big who can defend inside? Yes. Do we need a coach who knows how to make the most of his talent and not literally cause loses because of your loosely goosey way of running things that leads to chaos and players making tons of bad decisions? Hell yes.

You have watched different games than i have I guess. Team can’t guard mid major players due to lack of strength and athleticism. Talent will trump coaching a lot of the time and this team has never done that. Need to upgrade

[XUGRAD80]

You have watched different games than i have I guess. Team can’t guard mid major players due to lack of strength and athleticism. Talent will trump coaching a lot of the time and this team has never done that. Need to upgrade

I agree with this. Most of the players have slow feet, can’t guard well one on one. This team was made to play zone, not man.

[whopper]

too bad about Stanley..damn I want people to have a good experience here. Kunkel's foul was actually due to too much effort..they tapped the ball out and he really went for it was was sadly out athleticed (not out effored though). Without Kunkel we lose. He had 4 steals, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and actually does not look timid out there. If everybody played as hard as Kunk we would be in the NCAA and not even the play in

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

You have watched different games than i have I guess. Team can’t guard mid major players due to lack of strength and athleticism. Talent will trump coaching a lot of the time and this team has never done that. Need to upgrade

It is difficult to conclude we don't have the talent. Not saying we have great talent but we had enough for the pundits to pick us to finish third in pre-season B.E. prediction. Scruggs + Free were pre-season all conference selections to boot. Certainly team and individual results have proved the pundits very wrong but contrary to the above comment, I think coaching trumps talent-----unfortunately both ways. There is plenty of evidence to support that conclusion. Sometimes the most talented team wins. More often they do not. Remember Nova beating GTown; Massimino vs. Thompson? How about NC State beating Phi Slama Jama?

My point isn't to say that we have great talent. I don't believe that. But how do we really know what we have with Steele as coach? This season has been god-awful.....the most disappointing in all my years of following X. I'll bet most of us feel that way. Stanley gave us a lot. Despite his injury and his lack of playing time, he has been the most enthusiastic guy on the bench all season. If Steele lost Stanley, you can bet he has lost the whole team. That was a team last night that looked to me like they didn't want to be there.

We won't know what this team might have accomplished under a different coach. When I look at the roster and our experience, it is hard for me to blame lack of talent for our dreadful record. We will never know.

Steele must go and I hope it occurs soon. This program must be rebuilt. The transfer portal may be our friend if we hire a coach with credibility. Who among us would have thought, four years ago, that we would be in this position today?

[xavierj]

I agree with this. Most of the players have slow feet, can’t guard well one on one. This team was made to play zone, not man.

This is true. We also need a big who is athletic enough to move his feet and help protect the rim when the guard gets beat. It never happens because Zach and Jack just are not quick enough to help. Edwards may be but he didn’t get the time to get ready which is also on the coaches.

[xavierj]

It is difficult to conclude we don't have the talent. Not saying we have great talent but we had enough for the pundits to pick us to finish third in pre-season B.E. prediction. Scruggs + Free were pre-season all conference selections to boot. Certainly team and individual results have proved the pundits very wrong but contrary to the above comment, I think coaching trumps talent-----unfortunately both ways. There is plenty of evidence to support that conclusion. Sometimes the most talented team wins. More often they do not. Remember Nova beating GTown; Massimino vs. Thompson? How about NC State beating Phi Slama Jama?

My point isn't to say that we have great talent. I don't believe that. But how do we really know what we have with Steele as coach? This season has been god-awful.....the most disappointing in all my years of following X. I'll bet most of us feel that way. Stanley gave us a lot. Despite his injury and his lack of playing time, he has been the most enthusiastic guy on the bench all season. If Steele lost Stanley, you can bet he has lost the whole team. That was a team last night that looked to me like they didn't want to be there.

We won't know what this team might have accomplished under a different coach. When I look at the roster and our experience, it is hard for me to blame lack of talent for our dreadful record. We will never know.

Steele must go and I hope it occurs soon. This program must be rebuilt. The transfer portal may be our friend if we hire a coach with credibility. Who among us would have thought, four years ago, that we would be in this position today?

What coach with credibility is realistic?

[XUGRAD80]

What coach with credibility is realistic?

I believe that Xavier is a very appealing job. It has great facilities, a great fan base, plays in a top league, and can attract high level recruits. It has all the potential in the world to be one of the top 25-30 jobs in the country. It’s not a blue blood, but neither are lots of other schools that have attracted top quality coaches and been very successful. Can it pay coaches at the level of the top 30 highest paying jobs in the country? Maybe not, but it can get close. I surely don’t follow all of the programs around the country, and don’t keep up to date on who is looking for a job or looking to move from their current job, but I’ve no doubt but that Xavier would have a great number of high quality coaches interested in the job if there is an opening.

[A Fan]

That is a sign he has NOT been watching all year!
Congrats. That’s Funny!

[A Fan]

Great Post. We will never know!.Jumpin Jamal nailed it.

[muskiefan82]

I see your Big Deli and raise you a Ron Rollerson. He easily had to be north of 300.

What's an Ogg?

[XUGRAD80]

It is difficult to conclude we don't have the talent. Not saying we have great talent but we had enough for the pundits to pick us to finish third in pre-season B.E. prediction. Scruggs + Free were pre-season all conference selections to boot. Certainly team and individual results have proved the pundits very wrong but contrary to the above comment, I think coaching trumps talent-----unfortunately both ways. There is plenty of evidence to support that conclusion. Sometimes the most talented team wins. More often they do not. Remember Nova beating GTown; Massimino vs. Thompson? How about NC State beating Phi Slama Jama?

My point isn't to say that we have great talent. I don't believe that. But how do we really know what we have with Steele as coach? This season has been god-awful.....the most disappointing in all my years of following X. I'll bet most of us feel that way. Stanley gave us a lot. Despite his injury and his lack of playing time, he has been the most enthusiastic guy on the bench all season. If Steele lost Stanley, you can bet he has lost the whole team. That was a team last night that looked to me like they didn't want to be there.

We won't know what this team might have accomplished under a different coach. When I look at the roster and our experience, it is hard for me to blame lack of talent for our dreadful record. We will never know.

Steele must go and I hope it occurs soon. This program must be rebuilt. The transfer portal may be our friend if we hire a coach with credibility. Who among us would have thought, four years ago, that we would be in this position today?

One….that only proves that preseason predictions are not to be trusted, even by the best of the talking heads.
Two…it’s easy to watch any X game and see the guards getting blown by and/or posted up and muscled
Three…who knows what could have been with Miles and Edwards, but I think it’s safe to say that Nunge and Free don’t intimidate anyone down low
Four…it’s really safe to say that Xavier doesn’t have even one dependable 3 point shooter. They have a few streak shooters at best.
Five….I said it before the season and I’ll say again now, they do not have the right talent to compete in the BE for championships. There is a talent gap.

Could a better coach have gotten more out of them? Quite possibly, maybe even probably. Did Steele adapt his philosophy to match the player’s abilities? Not that I can see. Could they have won 3-4 more games and finished in the top 5 of the league. Based on the close loses they had, for sure. But part of being a champion is finding ways to win the close ones. That’s as much mental as it is physical. It’s my opinion that Xavier not only has a physical talent deficiency, it also has a mental talent and toughness deficiency. So the players do bear some of the blame too. I’m certainly not going to give them a pass just because the coach is subpar.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

There are teams in the tournament with less than what we have.

The way Steele went last night tells me he is trying to win his way to show it still can be done. He didn’t roll anyone off the end of the bench for experience. He kept going to his vets. I think he knows it’s a deep run or else. I am hoping the stands remain empty. Fans need to show Christopher a change needs to be made. The close one last night and yet another sub .300 from 3 shows it to any fan who knows the game.

[XUBison]

One….that only proves that preseason predictions are not to be trusted, even by the best of the talking heads.
Two…it’s easy to watch any X game and see the guards getting blown by and/or posted up and muscled
Three…who knows what could have been with Miles and Edwards, but I think it’s safe to say that Nunge and Free don’t intimidate anyone down low
Four…it’s really safe to say that Xavier doesn’t have even one dependable 3 point shooter. They have a few streak shooters at best.
Five….I said it before the season and I’ll say again now, they do not have the right talent to compete in the BE for championships. There is a talent gap.

Could a better coach have gotten more out of them? Quite possibly, maybe even probably. Did Steele adapt his philosophy to match the player’s abilities? Not that I can see. Could they have won 3-4 more games and finished in the top 5 of the league. Based on the close loses they had, for sure. But part of being a champion is finding ways to win the close ones. That’s as much mental as it is physical. It’s my opinion that Xavier not only has a physical talent deficiency, it also has a mental talent and toughness deficiency. So the players do bear some of the blame too. I’m certainly not going to give them a pass just because the coach is subpar.

Well, those pundits who decided Xavier should have finished third this year were the Big East coaches. Those same coaches unanimously voted Paul Scruggs onto the preseason first team all conference team, and also selected Freemantle to the same. They also had Colby Jones on the all freshman team last year. They see those players up close and game-plan for them twice a year at least.

Now some are criticizing Nunge and saying we have no shooters on this team. Nobody deserves less grief than Nunge. And what happened to Nate Johnson being one of the best shooters in the country? Adam and Paul are above average shooters. Shooters are streaky, by definition. (Anyone see the bricks Gillespie was throwing against Baylor this season?) Our bigs are decent shooters for bigs, and even Freemantle was way below his career average. The problem has been The types of threes we take.

I’m tired of this narrative that our talent is the problem. We had really good talent this year, and the Big East coaches thought so too. Could it be better? Sure, who wouldn’t always take an upgrade in talent? But our play has so obviously been a product of subpar performance and inept coaching. Has this team ever look like the whole is greater than the sum of the parts?

[X-band '01]

There are teams in the tournament with less than what we have.

The way Steele went last night tells me he is trying to win his way to show it still can be done. He didn’t roll anyone off the end of the bench for experience. He kept going to his vets. I think he knows it’s a deep run or else. I am hoping the stands remain empty. Fans need to show Christopher a change needs to be made. The close one last night and yet another sub .300 from 3 shows it to any fan who knows the game.

He'll be more swayed by smaller crowds in 2022-23 than a crowd of friends and family right now.

[A Fan]

One….that only proves that preseason predictions are not to be trusted, even by the best of the talking heads.
Two…it’s easy to watch any X game and see the guards getting blown by and/or posted up and muscled
Three…who knows what could have been with Miles and Edwards, but I think it’s safe to say that Nunge and Free don’t intimidate anyone down low
Four…it’s really safe to say that Xavier doesn’t have even one dependable 3 point shooter. They have a few streak shooters at best.
Five….I said it before the season and I’ll say again now, they do not have the right talent to compete in the BE for championships. There is a talent gap.

Could a better coach have gotten more out of them? Quite possibly, maybe even probably. Did Steele adapt his philosophy to match the player’s abilities? Not that I can see. Could they have won 3-4 more games and finished in the top 5 of the league. Based on the close loses they had, for sure. But part of being a champion is finding ways to win the close ones. That’s as much mental as it is physical. It’s my opinion that Xavier not only has a physical talent deficiency, it also has a mental talent and toughness deficiency. So the players do bear some of the blame too. I’m certainly not going to give them a pass just because the coach is subpar.

The ones who BEST KNOW this teams deficiencies are the other Big East coaches. They prep for and play them twice. They obviously thought the team would be much better than they were . You have to believe that Greg Christopher will , through the other Big East AD’s, get those coaches assessment. And you know it will be damming.

[IM4X]

Well, those pundits who decided Xavier should have finished third this year were the Big East coaches. Those same coaches unanimously voted Paul Scruggs onto the preseason first team all conference team, and also selected Freemantle to the same. They also had Colby Jones on the all freshman team last year. They see those players up close and game-plan for them twice a year at least.

Now some are criticizing Nunge and saying we have no shooters on this team. Nobody deserves less grief than Nunge. And what happened to Nate Johnson being one of the best shooters in the country? Adam and Paul are above average shooters. Shooters are streaky, by definition. (Anyone see the bricks Gillespie was throwing against Baylor this season?) Our bigs are decent shooters for bigs, and even Freemantle was way below his career average. The problem has been The types of threes we take.

I’m tired of this narrative that our talent is the problem. We had really good talent this year, and the Big East coaches thought so too. Could it be better? Sure, who wouldn’t always take an upgrade in talent? But our play has so obviously been a product of subpar performance and inept coaching. Has this team ever look like the whole is greater than the sum of the parts?

Well said.

This team with better coaching easily has 6 more wins and is comfortably in the NCAA Tournament.There is more parity in the BE this season than almost any season X has seen. Nova has one of the weaker rosters they’ve had in a decade. Some of the wider margin loses X suffered would even have been wins with a better coach on the sidelines (subbing in better lineups, adjusting defenses, making sure players players worked it inside instead of taking quick threes all game). We have enough talent on the current roster now to have made the NCAA tournament ans advance. We simply don’t have someone who is coaching the talent well enough.

[UCGRAD4X]

Well said.

This team with better coaching easily has 6 more wins and is comfortably in the NCAA Tournament.There is more parity in the BE this season than almost any season X has seen. Nova has one of the weaker rosters they’ve had in a decade. Some of the wider margin loses X suffered would even have been wins with a better coach on the sidelines (subbing in better lineups, adjusting defenses, making sure players players worked it inside instead of taking quick threes all game). We have enough talent on the current roster now to have made the NCAA tournament ans advance. We simply don’t have someone who is coaching the talent well enough.

If there were ever a year that the Big East was ripe for the taking, this was it. Opportunity chucked into the chipper. Sad.

[American X]

I did not have Steele gets fired for beating Cleveland State in the NIT on my bingo card.

[X-band '01]

He didn't cover. Moral defeat was the final straw that broke the camel's back.

[IM4X]

If there were ever a year that the Big East was ripe for the taking, this was it. Opportunity chucked into the chipper. Sad.

Yep. It’s possible next season could be a bit of a rebuild year for Nova. Goodness I hope so.