Game Thread/NIT Tournament: Xavier v Vanderbilt University (3/22:3/2022)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/cw4AAOSwrKFho-zG/s-l300.jpg

CINCINNATI --- The No. 2 seed Xavier University Musketeers, 20-13, host the No. 4 seed Vanderbilt University Commodores, 19-16, on Tuesday night at 9 p.m. in NIT Quarterfinal action at Cintas Center. The winner earns a trip to the NIT Semifinals at Madison Square Garden next week.

Xavier is coming off a 72-56 win over another SEC team, Florida, on Sunday, while Vanderbilt beat Dayton 70-68 in overtime on Sunday.


THE MATCHUP

NO. 2 SEED XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (20-13)
NO. 4 SEED VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY COMMODORES (19-16)
2022 NATIONAL INVITATION TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS
TUESDAY, MARCH 22 AT 9 P.M. AT CINTAS CENTER (10,224)

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: ESPN with play-by-play from Derek Jones and analysis from Tim Welsh.
Radio: 700 WLW 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).

Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://Statbroadcast.com) and fan stats at GoXavier.com (http://GoXavier.com).

[OTRMUSKIE]

May as well go ahead and win the whole damn thing. We can always give the championship banner to VD. They love those things.

[STL_XUfan]

For the season ticket holders that haven’t claimed your seats near the court for the previous NIT games, please continue to sit these out. I have become accustomed to a certain life style.

[X-band '01]

I tried out one of the cushy seats for the Cleveland State game only. Enjoyed as close to a Uecker seat as I could today.

[SM#24]

Looks like Tuesday.

[X-band '01]

Tuesday is confirmed - they haven't yet announced if it's a 7 PM or 9 PM tip.

Winner would play either St. Bonaventure or Virginia. Not sure who's hosting that yet.

[D-West & PO-Z]

For the season ticket holders that haven’t claimed your seats near the court for the previous NIT games, please continue to sit these out. I have become accustomed to a certain life style.

Ha, right? Unfortunately I will be out of town for work for this one. Will be watching from NOLA though!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Tuesday is confirmed - they haven't yet announced if it's a 7 PM or 9 PM tip.

Winner would play either St. Bonaventure or Virginia. Not sure who's hosting that yet.

MSG would be hosting if we get to play UVA or Bonnies.

[X-band '01]

I meant between UVA/St. Bona - although I just noticed that UVa will be hosting the Bonnies on Tuesday at 7. Means Xavier will get the late game Tuesday night at 9.

[bjf123]

For the season ticket holders that haven’t claimed your seats near the court for the previous NIT games, please continue to sit these out. I have become accustomed to a certain life style.

You’re welcome. If the game was at 7:00, we’d be there. My wife has to be up a little after 5:00 Wednesday morning due to a project at work, so the 9:00 PM (probably more like 9:15) is a killer. Someone else can enjoy my seats.


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[noteggs]

You’re welcome. If the game was at 7:00, we’d be there. My wife has to be up a little after 5:00 Wednesday morning due to a project at work, so the 9:00 PM (probably more like 9:15) is a killer. Someone else can enjoy my seats.


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Hate it when our new enjoyable lifestyle gets smacked down by reality.

[STL_XUfan]

You’re welcome. If the game was at 7:00, we’d be there. My wife has to be up a little after 5:00 Wednesday morning due to a project at work, so the 9:00 PM (probably more like 9:15) is a killer. Someone else can enjoy my seats.


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Your loss is my gain I guess. Second game in a row sitting in Row A along the side lines. Leg room for days.

[bjf123]

Your loss is my gain I guess. Second game in a row sitting in Row A along the side lines. Leg room for days.

I’m not in row A, but am in the section behind X’s bench.


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[OTRMUSKIE]

Vandy bussing in 2k students for game so all those seats will be taken I'm
Sure. No source just grape vine

[OTRMUSKIE]

What's going on with Scruggs knee? I heard he may be playing tomorrow.

[UCGRAD4X]

What's going on with Scruggs knee? I heard he may be playing tomorrow.

That would be amazing on many levels. I hope he is able to even if he doesn't.

[coasterville95]

I just bought a ticket, plenty upper half on the sides - I’m in my usual section 104 - just upgraded from row R to row E for this one.

Hate 9pm work night starts, they’ll be heck to pay in the morning. Can I get a keg of Diet Mt Dew for tomorrow?


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[coasterville95]

That’s fine if vandy busses in 2000 students - we can stick them high up in the upper deck corner in the Uecker seats


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[GoMuskies]

How on earth would you convince 2000 students to take that bus ride? Free beer?

[paulxu]

Updated game info in opening post.

[noteggs]

Alcohol would definitely have to be in the picture for this 21 year back in the day to take a bus 4 hours to watch a NIT game. Free or not. Hard to believe we made NCAAT four years in row back in late 80’s when I was there.

[xu82]

How on earth would you convince 2000 students to take that bus ride? Free beer?

I was on a 90 minute bus ride to the Buc’s stadium in Tampa with free beer. I noticed before most people there was no restroom on the bus. Grown men were fighting tears!

[SemajParlor]

If Vanderbilt can bus 2,000 kids to a road NIT quarterfinal game, they have a way better fan base than I thought.

[xu82]

If Vanderbilt can bus 2,000 kids to a road NIT quarterfinal game, they have a way better fan base than I thought.

Beware! It may be their homeless population who get permits to sell newspapers from the side of the road! I’ve heard Naples, FL used to give perks to their homeless to get them on a bus to Sarasota!

I thought Vandy kids were supposed to be smart. Do they know the difference between the two tournaments? Maybe it’s just book smarts?

[usfldan]

Looks like 2,000 may have turned into 50

https://mobile.twitter.com/SportsSocietyVU/status/1506342302951878661

[X-band '01]

I'd better leave for Cintas now before the Virginia/St. Bona game makes me fall asleep on the couch.

[SemajParlor]

Looks like 2,000 may have turned into 50



Sounds like me at the casino

[GoMuskies]

50 makes a lot more sense.

[xuphan]

Will be interesting to see how we defend Scotty Pippen Jr. tonight. Gonna take a team effort on him.

[coasterville95]

In the house - small crowd and I feel like I’m at Vanderbilt . They are making us look bad in terms of attendance https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220323/611c9fc6c5054da527c036019ea6f1d9.jpg


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[Xuperman]

NOBODY CARES ABOUT THE NIT.

It's a stark contrast in how certain fan bases view the NIT.

Xavier Nation generally has little interest with very light fan support. It's a curious study, because Virginia's arena is packed and the crowd is frenzied.

They have a National Championship and a string of E8's. You would think the attitudes would be reversed.

[Xuperman]

Bonnies it is. Very entertaining 2nd half!!! Mark Schmidt on the horizon.

[Cornbread1190]

Here we go X! Let’s get it done..

[xuphan]

In the house - small crowd and I feel like I’m at Vanderbilt . They are making us look bad in terms of attendance https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220323/611c9fc6c5054da527c036019ea6f1d9.jpg


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9 O’clock NIT tip on a weeknight will lead to small crowds.

[xu82]

Free not starting again. Wonder how he takes that? Step it up or run away?

[xukeith]

That Jerry Stackhouse suit is dynamite!
He has an interview with Christopher?

[xuphan]

Not a good start. Come on X!

[xukeith]

Steele's offense has returned

[American X]

Maybe a little out of sorts without Scruggs.

Nice hockey stop by the Vanderbilt player, only slid about two feet.

[xuphan]

Steele's offense has returned

Miller sure does have his work cut out in the short term with this roster.

[xu82]

I don’t care! I’m still HAPPY!!!

[paulxu]

Nice sequence there.

Why aren't we in white being the better seed?

[American X]

Air Nunge!

[xukeith]

Is Scruggs on the bench or away?

[American X]

Hayes going deep into the bench. Buckle up, Hunter is in.

[xukeith]

Good seeing Edwards and Miles contributing

[RoseyMuskie]

This lineup sure is something!

[American X]

This lineup sure is something!

I have no idea who is playing what position, but it worked! (until the Freemantle airball)

[Xuperman]

What's going on.....where's Nunge?

[American X]

Get the Freemantle, Hunter & Miles lineup back in so we can score.

I understand that Kunkel likes to shoot from deep, but maybe not from the Vanderbilt student bus.

Does anybody know the name of #2 for Vanderbilt?

[xu82]

My son played with Michael Jordon’s son Marcus at UNC summer hoops camp as a kid. That’s a lot to live up to. Scottie’s son looks pretty legit!

[xu82]

Is it just me, or is the site dragging for everyone tonight? Probably exhausted after all the Sean Miller talk!

Everything else seems to be running fine. How’s that for first world problems for you?

[IM4X]

Is it just me, or is the site dragging for everyone tonight? Probably exhausted after all the Sean Miller talk!

Everything else seems to be running fine. How’s that for first world problems for you?

took me 10 minutes just to connect to the site.

[Xuperman]

Yes....badly

[Xuperman]

Getting throttled on the boards.

[IM4X]

We had a really bad last few minutes of the first half. Kunkel and Nunge struggling a little late in the 1st half and at the start of the 2nd. Johnson off. A bit.

Thank goodness Jones is playing well.

[paulxu]

Looks like the start of the first half.

[IM4X]

Damn it. Kunkel needs to play until the whistle not stop and cry about no whistle.

[XUWahoo]

Entire Xavier team vs Pippen - doesn't look good

[XUGRAD80]

There’s a big part of me that is torn. On the one hand I want X to win every game. On the other hand I’d like to see this season wrap up and start watching what changes happen to the team roster and staff over the off-season.

[bjf123]

Is it just me, or is the site dragging for everyone tonight? Probably exhausted after all the Sean Miller talk!

Everything else seems to be running fine. How’s that for first world problems for you?

Thought it was just me. I rebooted everything.


There’s a big part of me that is torn. On the one hand I want X to win every game. On the other hand I’d like to see this season wrap up and start watching what changes happen to the team roster and staff over the off-season.

At this point, it’s only five more days. Keep winning.


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[paulxu]

Freemantle, Nunge, Jones, Odom and Kunkel is not a bad lineup.

[BandAid]

There’s a big part of me that is torn. On the one hand I want X to win every game. On the other hand I’d like to see this season wrap up and start watching what changes happen to the team roster and staff over the off-season.

The only thing winning does is slow-down transfers leaving...and risk injury...

[xudash]

9 straight points. Please no HUNTER!

[xu82]

There’s a big part of me that is torn. On the one hand I want X to win every game. On the other hand I’d like to see this season wrap up and start watching what changes happen to the team roster and staff over the off-season.

I hear ya there. After considering it, I’d like the young men to get the taste of winning, believing, advancing and getting another visit to NYC. Feel some success to make them hungry for next season. Hell, just win the whole damn thing!

[noteggs]

Get the Freemantle, Hunter & Miles lineup back in so we can score.

I understand that Kunkel likes to shoot from deep, but maybe not from the Vanderbilt student bus.

Does anybody know the name of #2 for Vanderbilt?

Not sure we know, but refs certainly do on #2

[xu82]

WHY have we not seen more of Edwards?

[American X]

Jerome Hunter going one-on-one is just the offense we are looking for.

[xu82]

Hunter got backboard. That’s good, right?

I mean, it’s a start…….

[xu82]

Thought it was just me. I rebooted everything.



Seems to have improved.

I want these guys to get another trip to NYC, and learn what it feels like to WIN there!

[noteggs]

WHY have we not seen more of Edwards?

Well because…you know

[IM4X]

Why does Kunkel have to try to shoot from 30 feet out so often.

[American X]

Is Vanderbilt using a cheat code to make every shot? Did our defense turn off automatically at 10pm?

[XUWahoo]

X not getting it done tonight - too many one and dones. No defense. No trip to NYC.

[IM4X]

We can’t guard against the 3 or shots in the paint, but other than that our defense is just fine.

[whopper]

this game seems slipping away with bad defense on our part..we need another guard with Paul out. Nobody playing great for us and Pippen is clearly best player on court and maybe the best player we have seen this year. Kunkel is an underrated athlete

[IM4X]

Back in this. Keep it up guys.

[xu82]

Back in this. Keep it up guys.

It’s 3 points with 4:30 left. Anybody’s game. Like that Free is engaged and stepping up despite not starting.

[American X]

Battled back, felt like Xavier might be out of gas.

Scottie Pippen Jr. should declare for the NBA draft, like now and leave the court.

[IM4X]

Let’s Go X!

[IM4X]

Let’s Go X!

[BandAid]

I love Odom. I hope he starts calling his own number and starts playing into contact next year. Make them put you on the line!

[American X]

What the fuck is Freemantle doing on the perimeter and why are you passing to him???

[Lloyd Braun]

Gotta foul here up two right?

[whopper]

i screamed NOOOOOOOOOOO! He has made many turnovers tonight and (if he stays) Miller better take care of that

[xu82]

We may lose, but it’s better basketball than we have been used to seeing.

[BandAid]

That's a lousy call

[American X]

Fuck that official! Ball don't lie!

[BandAid]

Ball don't lie

[BandAid]

Now you foul

[Lloyd Braun]

Gotta foul up 3 right?

[American X]

Great defense on the inbounds, TWICE!

[BandAid]

I don't understand. What does it matter if it hit the rim? People air ball free throws...

[HenryMuto]

Invert whistle could cost Xavier the game. It was over had the rebound with 1 second left shooting a FT which means game over.

Now they get a final shot.

How stupid

[HenryMuto]

I don't understand. What does it matter if it hit the rim? People air ball free throws...

If you don't hit rim the ball goes to the other team out of bounds. Every time you see people air ball a free throw there is no rebound otherwise they could just pass the ball to their teammate without shooting it if they didn't have to hit rim.

[xu82]

Just chuck it to the far FT line, game over.

[BandAid]

If you don't hit rim the ball goes to the other team out of bounds. Every time you see people air ball a free throw there is no rebound otherwise they could just pass the ball to their teammate without shooting it if they didn't have to hit rim.

Gotcha - didn't know that

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Team played with energy and stayed loose tonight. They found a way to come back several times. No way they win this game if Steele coaching.

[IM4X]

X advancing in the post season. At least that part feels like we are back to our old bad ass ways.

Also excited that they are coming to MSG. Think I might be able to find a few tickets.

[American X]

Our guys showed a lot of grit. It must have been tough playing without Scruggs, both emotionally and on the floor.

Xavier clawed back to tie at 49-49, then Vanderbilt pulled ahead again and it looked like our guys were toast. Really impressive how they tapped the reserve tank and came out on top.

[markchal]

these guys played like they were trying to win a spot on a Sean Miller coached team

[drudy23]

Just chuck it to the far FT line, game over.

Can someone explain to me how that wasn't option 1, 2, 3 and 4?

[XUWahoo]

Yeah, poor B-ball IQ not to do that. Should have been a no-brainer/Basketball 101 play to launch the ball.

Bonnies will be very tough to beat. Back to the good old A-10 days with that match up!

[xukeith]

The coaching staff did a nice job there. Playing Edwards and Miles in first half resulted in fresh legs for Nunge and Freemantle.

[xudash]

Just chuck it to the far FT line, game over.

Geez! What were we thinking? You are exactly right.

[drudy23]

The coaching staff did a nice job there. Playing Edwards and Miles in first half resulted in fresh legs for Nunge and Freemantle.

Another aspect of the season that made complete sense and never happened. I wonder how many times Hayes recommended that.

[XUWahoo]

KUDOS to Coach Hayes for a job well done under the circumstances!

[IM4X]

Our players really showed they wanted this one. They got a little grove going during that last few minutes. Kunkel. Johnson. Nunge. Odom. Free. all stepping up at the end.

[whopper]

nice with without Scruggs but others stepped up..Kunkel is an incredible player..not NBA but a damn good college player. Nate played well except that bobble and Dwon solid. I get to take train to MSG next tuesday from Conn($12 each way ) and score a great ticket cheap. Looking forward to it

[xu82]

Can someone explain to me how that wasn't option 1, 2, 3 and 4?

I think we went pretty deep into the playbook for that one. That will NOT help Jonas get a big offer, but maybe after he helps Sean take us to the Final Four (and beyond!) he gets his dream shot!

[Xavgrad08]

Jonas Hayes has more wins against SEC team this year than Tom Crean.

[noteggs]

Good win. Did anyone notice that one of the refs was wearing Hanes?

[XU 23]

.

[XU 23]

End of the game felt like it lasted forever. Byron said the officiating was pathetic all night.

But final four, let's goooooo!!!!!

[xu82]

End of the game felt like it lasted forever. Byron said the officiating was pathetic all night.

But final four, let's goooooo!!!!!

The old double post happened to me too. It was somehow just off tonight. Not complaining, just curious how stuff like this happens. Took me forever to delete one, which was a silly waste of time.

I like the guys getting a positive vibe going. They deserve that. Jonas will get his HC job before too long. As I tell my son, don’t take the first one, take the best one. No urgency. Be smart.

[XU 23]

I agree, I wish Jonas would have gotten more opportunities. Really like what he's done. I honestly think this is a tournament team and a top 7 seed if he's the coach all year, clearly the talent is there.

[xavbball]

It was like watching a completely different team tonight. No way does this team lose to DePaul, St. Johns, and Butler. They got down by 10 points, fought back, and never gave up—nice coaching by Jonas and staff.

[IM4X]

I thought it had a chance and sure enough it made it as one of the top plays.

Congrats to Jack and congrats to X tonight. See you at MSG!

[LadyMuskie]

What a game! The fans were amazing and deserved the shout-out from Joe during the post-game. I don't want to take all the credit, but that's the first time the whole LadyMuskie family has been to a game in a very long time. And look how well we played. �� So, you're welcome!

[Masterofreality]

Jonas Hayes' post game Press Conference is so damn refreshing! Rather than looking at stat sheets and quoting analytic bullshit with cliches, he actually talks basketball and the actual plays in the game with passion. He barely looked at the stats in front of him. Great job.

He’s making himself some money this week. Might even set himself up for a Head Coaching gig!

[Xuperman]

Jonas Hayes has more wins against SEC team this year than Tom Crean.

That's a fun fact!

[Xuperman]

X shooting 63% from the line in the post season.....that's piss poor.

Miller will not put up with that.

[XUBison]

Can someone explain to me how that wasn't option 1, 2, 3 and 4?

There was a crazy BE game a few years ago where this totally backfired— I think it was Marquette v Creighton. One team (Creighton?) launched it downcourt and it went out of bounds without touching a player. The other team got the ball back without any time going off the clock and promptly nailed a 3 (Marcus Howard?) to tie or win the game.

[Xville]

A little ugly but this team showed some grit that has been missing for quite a while. Refreshing to see… I think it’s pretty clear by now that Steele was a major problem and had no handle on this team.

Still making some silly decisions and mistakes, but fought thru them and got the w.. all you can really ask for… on to msg

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

A little ugly but this team showed some grit that has been missing for quite a while. Refreshing to see… I think it’s pretty clear by now that Steele was a major problem and had no handle on this team.

Yes to that. I don't think this NIT run is meaningless given the context of high pre-season expectations leading into yet another end of season meltdown. Agree with earlier post that, if Jonas was coaching this team, no way we would have lost to Butler, Depaul, etc. I hope the boys win out so they don't end their X careers (those that are leaving) with the bitter taste of this season still fresh.

God, our free shooting sucks!

[XUGRAD80]

It looks to me like the players are enjoying themselves and are enjoying playing together. Could part of that be that the bench is being somewhat used, and not just in garbage time at the end of the game? Could it be that that the offense doesn’t consist of just one player dribbling the ball while trying to back their opponent down into the lane? Could it be that they are playing like they have nothing to lose? I noticed that Dante and Peters seemed much more vocal in the timeouts, with both directly talking to the players and instructing them on what to do. I wonder if the assistant coaches are enjoying this time as well? I would guess that they are, even if they are also somewhat worried about what the future holds for them. Anyway, nice win. It’s good to see X put a little winning streak together. Returning to the Garden probably isn’t that big of a deal to them as it might be for some other teams, since they play there pretty often anyway, but that also means that they are more familiar with the place than others. That might make a difference in the next game.

[Xville]

It looks to me like the players are enjoying themselves and are enjoying playing together. Could part of that be that the bench is being somewhat used, and not just in garbage time at the end of the game? Could it be that that the offense doesn’t consist of just one player dribbling the ball while trying to back their opponent down into the lane? Could it be that they are playing like they have nothing to lose? I noticed that Dante and Peters seemed much more vocal in the timeouts, with both directly talking to the players and instructing them on what to do. I wonder if the assistant coaches are enjoying this time as well? I would guess that they are, even if they are also somewhat worried about what the future holds for them. Anyway, nice win. It’s good to see X put a little winning streak together. Returning to the Garden probably isn’t that big of a deal to them as it might be for some other teams, since they play there pretty often anyway, but that also means that they are more familiar with the place than others. That might make a difference in the next game.

This is rumor but we may be getting an indication it may have been true that Steele took very little input from his staff, because he was just that stubborn. It was a his way or the highway type of mentality. Pretty piss poor way to lead if that is remotely true, but it’s what I have heard from a few different people.

[joe titan]

I don't understand. What does it matter if it hit the rim? People air ball free throws...

If it hit the rim the ball is in play & clock runs; if not it's a violation & ball is taken out at baseline.

[joe titan]

Just chuck it to the far FT line, game over.

XU messed up that play for sure; Nunge was the guy who "ran deep" & he is much too slow --should have been Colby/Kunkel; Nunge at his height is proper "release" guy --just lob it up to him if nobody else available (Nunge is good FT shooter too if immediate foul is called). Did not "need" Freemantle on the floor then.

But contrary to TV announcers (Welch) the long pass is not without risk of going OB without being touched.

[American X]

This version of Freemantle makes this team much better (even with the airball and turnovers).

Can Kunkel at least be in the building when he takes those shots?

Hayes is a genius for playing Miles & Edwards (who would have thought?).

Nunge's smart jump-ball tie up saved the game.

Those officials were horrible. The trainer should have checked their eyes for pigeon shit.

[muskieindent]

Nice win against a good team. I don't get quite as in to these games as I would the NCAA's but still glad they at least made it to MSG.I said when we got in,if you're in the NIT you might as well win it. Does it make up for missing the big dance? In my mind no. I'd rather lose in the first round than win the NIT.

[bleedXblue]

Glad we got the W but man, I swear closing out games isn't this hard:

1. On our last possession where we were clearly out of sync and needed a time out, we proceeded to turn it over without the obvious TO call (we had 2 left at the time)
2. More missed FT's
3. Why the hell was Odom not in at the end of the game when trying to inbounds with 1.5 seconds left?

[IM4X]

Nice win against a good team. I don't get quite as in to these games as I would the NCAA's but still glad they at least made it to MSG.I said when we got in,if you're in the NIT you might as well win it. Does it make up for missing the big dance? In my mind no. I'd rather lose in the first round than win the NIT.


I know it should always seem getting into the NCAA at all is better than getting in and advancing in the NIT, but I really hate the feeling of losing the first game do the NCAA (or any tournament). Thank goodness it doesn’t happen to X much.

I was glad to see Christopher made it clear after firing Steele that expectations are not just getting into the tournament, but advancing. I guess that’s why I feel like - whatever tournament we get into I want to see our players experience the feeling of winning and advancing. This year the fellas advance to the final four of the the NIT and next year they get into the dance and advance to the real Final Four.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

This version of Freemantle makes this team much better (even with the airball and turnovers).

Can Kunkel at least be in the building when he takes those shots?

Hayes is a genius for playing Miles & Edwards (who would have thought?).

Nunge's smart jump-ball tie up saved the game.

Those officials were horrible. The trainer should have checked their eyes for pigeon shit.

Yes to all points. Watching Free these last couple of games, it seems that Steele was using him in the worst way. Maybe Free was rebelling against that when displayed his antics. Not defending the antics but we have seen some real contrasts between the coaching of Steele vs. Hayes and I like Hayes approach better.

Re the last point, my expectations are higher for refs chosen to work the NIT. After all, the season is over. There should be many available to work and they've had plenty of games to experience. This crew, last night, was sad. But, I watched the second half of the St. Bonaventure - UVA game and there were some terrible calls in that one too. One of the most obvious flops I've seen all year; right in front of the ref and he totally blew the call. The refs chosen to work the MSG games should be highly qualified.

[xukeith]

As much as I love Jones, Kunkel, Odom and others, I cannot imagine next season being remarkably different offensively. There are no real dependable scorers.

Jones is the swiss army knife but he has very little outside shot. Yes, he practiced a lot last offseason but it didn't make him a scorer.

Kunkel is extremely streaky.

Freemantle does have very good offensive skills but we know his shaky defense.

Nunge is a reliable and intelligent post player but he comes and goes offensively.

Miller might get more out of these guys but these players are not wonderful scorers/shooters.

We likely will depend on a new transfer who can carry X to the NCAA tourney.

Perhaps the recruiting class will blossom early, Craft or Ward will surprise us.

[IM4X]

Gotta keep Ward and Craft

[Masterofreality]

Yes to all points. Watching Free these last couple of games, it seems that Steele was using him in the worst way. Maybe Free was rebelling against that when displayed his antics. Not defending the antics but we have seen some real contrasts between the coaching of Steele vs. Hayes and I like Hayes approach better.

Re the last point, my expectations are higher for refs chosen to work the NIT. After all, the season is over. There should be many available to work and they've had plenty of games to experience. This crew, last night, was sad. But, I watched the second half of the St. Bonaventure - UVA game and there were some terrible calls in that one too. One of the most obvious flops I've seen all year; right in front of the ref and he totally blew the call. The refs chosen to work the MSG games should be highly qualified.

I highly anticipate the return of Charge O'Connell. and a plethora of Big East refs

[Masterofreality]

This is rumor but we may be getting an indication it may have been true that Steele took very little input from his staff, because he was just that stubborn. It was a his way or the highway type of mentality. Pretty piss poor way to lead if that is remotely true, but it’s what I have heard from a few different people.

I was also told by a wise guy in NY before the Butler game that Steele had lost the lockerroom, but that the players loved all the assistants. Now that is not unusual, for example, not too many players liked Matta either, but it was the reasons why they didn't like Steele that was destructive.
It is clear that these players are playing hard and listening to Jonas, Dante and Danny. It's great to see.

[Masterofreality]

3240 loud paid fans in the building last night.
Seemed like more

[xukeith]

Glad we got the W but man, I swear closing out games isn't this hard:

1. On our last possession where we were clearly out of sync and needed a time out, we proceeded to turn it over without the obvious TO call (we had 2 left at the time)
2. More missed FT's
3. Why the hell was Odom not in at the end of the game when trying to inbounds with 1.5 seconds left?

Was it jones who inbounded the ball in between Johnson's legs?

[IM4X]

I was also told by a wise guy in NY before the Butler game that Steele had lost the lockerroom, but that the players loved all the assistants. Now that is not unusual, for example, not too many players liked Matta either, but it was the reasons why they didn't like Steele that was destructive.
It is clear that these players are playing hard and listening to Jonas, Dante and Danny. It's great to see.

Makes sense. That’s what happened to his old boss not long ago in Louisville.

[Three Point Pete]

The two wins over Florida and Vanderbilt make me think this squad is scrappy and will not give up. Coach Hayes called intestinal fortitude. We don't have to be the most talented team, just be the toughest team.


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[Lamont Sanford]

Was it jones who inbounded the ball in between Johnson's legs?

Yes. Total boneheaded decision on Colby's part.

Should have sent it deep to Nunge.

[MHettel]

Yes. Total boneheaded decision on Colby's part.

Should have sent it deep to Nunge.

Wondering why you wouldnt just send Nunge just past half court and lob it up there. All he's gotta do is touch it and the game is basically over. Only risk is the opponent picks it off, but then he's gotta make a 50 foot heave at the buzzer.

[xavbball]

Wondering why you wouldnt just send Nunge just past half court and lob it up there. All he's gotta do is touch it and the game is basically over. Only risk is the opponent picks it off, but then he's gotta make a 50 foot heave at the buzzer.

It sounded like that was the plan, but Vandy had good coverage on Nunge. Plan B was to make a simple inbound pass, and that's where we failed to execute.

[bleedXblue]

Was it jones who inbounded the ball in between Johnson's legs?

Jones inbounded but I didnt think the pass was all that bad?

Why wasnt Odom on the floor instead of Johnson?

[bleedXblue]

Wondering why you wouldnt just send Nunge just past half court and lob it up there. All he's gotta do is touch it and the game is basically over. Only risk is the opponent picks it off, but then he's gotta make a 50 foot heave at the buzzer.

I still think the correct play is what we tried to do......you only heave it downcourt as a last resort

What if no one touches the ball?

Vandy gets the ball under our basket with 1.5 seconds left?

[Masterofreality]

Underrated aspect in the game.
2nd half Vandy came out on Fire. Xavier is down 10 after 1:55.
Jonas calls a timeout
Xavier responds with 9 in a row to get the game close again after 4:03.
How many times have we seen in the past where the oppo is making a run and the former guy just let it happen?
Not last night.

[GoMuskies]

I still think the correct play is what we tried to do......you only heave it downcourt as a last resort

What if no one touches the ball?

Vandy gets the ball under our basket with 1.5 seconds left?

It requires a really, reallly terrible pass for no one to touch it. Not that it hasn't happened before. What if no one touches a short pass through someone's legs in the corner? :)

[paulxu]

Put all 4 guys down near the other 3 point line.
Heave it to get that far (or shorter). Somebody will touch it.

[bleedXblue]

Put all 4 guys down near the other 3 point line.
Heave it to get that far (or shorter). Somebody will touch it.

Or risk a foul? No thanks with only being up 2.

[bleedXblue]

It requires a really, reallly terrible pass for no one to touch it. Not that it hasn't happened before. What if no one touches a short pass through someone's legs in the corner? :)

true, but probability is much better than a heave downcourt

regardless, we didnt execute well again at the end of a game

We still got the W....

[nickgyp]

Enjoyed the game and think playing in the NIT is a net positive for Xavier. Against Vandy, the Muskies exhibited an effort and enthusiasm that lacked for so much of the year. I would hope that the players realize that being at Xavier right now is not such a bad thing and next year looks promising. Free possesses very good skills offensively around the basket. Nunge, Jones. Odom and Kunkel clearly have the talent to play at this level. I liked what I have seen of Edwards, so I would hope each would look long and hard look about transferring. Xavier still offers a great educational opportunity and with Coach Miller taking over the reins, next year could be special. Keeping the recruits would be nice. Maybe, just maybe, after last night's win, the players realize they have the ingredients to compete night after night. They all should have faith in their abilities and Coach Miller's talent to bring out their best. Kudos to Coach Hayes for his efforts and here is hoping that he stays to help X to a very successful 2022-23 season.

[JTG]

Just announced this is the last NIT at MSG. Ending a run that started in 1938. In the future it will be up for bid, either historic arenas or tourist destinations. Hinkle and Las Vegas were mentioned as possible future sites.

[GoMuskies]

Let's win the last one!

[coasterville95]

I didn’t see those 2,000 vandy students, the Vandy alumni association had Listermanns upper room before the game

I would have guessed more than 3200 - but as they say it was the right 3200 even with a lot of Vandu fans there

We lose if this game were at Vandy, crowd was definitely the 6th man last night

Though it makes you angrier that the team has this in them and Steele didn’t know how to get them to perform and apparently wasn’t open to advice

Only one thing left now - win the whole damned thing!!


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[Masterofreality]

Coaster, the fact that this team beat Ohio State, UC and Virginia Tech down people shows that this team “had it in them”. And I’ll submit, the last 3 teams before this one “had it” too. Coach Tin just couldn’t get it done