Game Thread/NIT Championship: Xavier v Texas A&M (3/31/2022)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c0/bf/90/c0bf9091db99e227d49134def1f7f0f4.jpg

NEW YORK --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 22-13, take on the Texas A&M University Aggies, 27-12, in the National Invitation Tournament Final on Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Madison Square Garden in New York. XU, which won the 1958 NIT Championship, is looking to capture its second title.

Xavier is making its ninth all-time appearance in the National Invitation Tournament. XU is 20-7 in postseason NIT play, including 8-3 at Madison Square Garden.

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (22-13)
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AGGIES (27-12)
2022 NATIONAL INVITATION TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
THURSDAY, MARCH 31 AT 7 P.M. AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NEW YORK

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

National Television: ESPN with play-by-play from John Schriffen, analysis from Fran Fraschilla and reporter Myron Medcalf.
Xavier Radio: 55KRC with play-by-play from XU Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88).
National Radio: Westwood One with play-by-play from Brandon Gaudin and analysis from Ben Braun.

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

[American X]

Worlds collide. I obviously went to Xavier for my undergraduate, but also have a grad degree from Texas A&M. I have no idea if that cross section extends beyond me. It is not like there is a club.

As for Aggie basketball, you probably know more than I do. I watched them tear through the SEC tournament and thought they clearly looked like a tournament team. They seemed rather athletic, probably more so than Xavier. If you want to know how to watch Aggie football, drink beer, and yell at the TV, I can provide a tutorial.

Their main site is TexAgs (https://texags.com/forums/7). I posted a greeting and Xavier information over there. I still had a login from when St. Joseph's played them in the 2005 NIT.

There will be a point spread, but I imagine this game will be a toss-up.

[Masterofreality]

I still have a very sour taste in my mouth from when Buzz Williams came into my town of Cleveland with Marquette and destroyed my Tu led Musketeer team in the NCAA 11 years ago.
Sheriff Andy Taylor had a great game but no one else.
I want Sweet Revenge!

[muskiefan82]

I still have a very sour taste in my mouth from when Buzz Williams came into my town of Cleveland with Marquette and destroyed my Tu led Musketeer team in the NCAA 11 years ago.
Sheriff Andy Taylor had a great game but no one else.
I want Sweet Revenge!

I was there. Traveled up to the game from Cincy and instead of having a great night just drove right back down. That was awful

[XUOWNSUC]

I still have a very sour taste in my mouth from when Buzz Williams came into my town of Cleveland with Marquette and destroyed my Tu led Musketeer team in the NCAA 11 years ago.
Sheriff Andy Taylor had a great game but no one else.
I want Sweet Revenge!

I can’t remember exactly but either Tu or Lyons got into foul trouble early in that game and that kind of screwed us.

Anybody know much about Texas A&M? They seemed to be cruising early only to go on an 8 game losing streak or something like that. They seemed to get it together by the end of the season though. Was there an injury? Kind of surprised they didn’t make the tournament.

[atljar]

All I know is the logo above, with the dog, says "ATM". Yes, I have the humor level of a 13 year old boy.

[94GRAD]

All I know is the logo above, with the dog, says "ATM". Yes, I have the humor level of a 13 year old boy.

How many here know what "ATM" is?

[bobbiemcgee]

They've won 13 of last 14. Big battle coming in paint.

[xukeith]

I was there. Traveled up to the game from Cincy and instead of having a great night just drove right back down. That was awful

I was there too. Tu had a rough game. Andy came to the rescue. Boo Buzz.

[GoMuskies]

How many here know what "ATM" is?

We've all seen Billions, right? I mean, luckily my mind still goes to bank machine first.

[STL_XUfan]

We've all seen Billions, right? I mean, luckily my mind still goes to bank machine first.

I went straight to Clerks 2.

[XUBob]

I still have a very sour taste in my mouth from when Buzz Williams came into my town of Cleveland with Marquette and destroyed my Tu led Musketeer team in the NCAA 11 years ago.
Sheriff Andy Taylor had a great game but no one else.
I want Sweet Revenge!
I too was there, the loss stung,but, that is the day I met MOR, the only redeeming aspect of that trip.

[OTRMUSKIE]

So, just going over their last game it appears the tallest player They have is 6'8 after that it's a very small team unless I'm missing something. Obviously they are very good and this will be the toughest test yet in tHE kNIT.

[atljar]

How many here know what "ATM" is?

Only the bar owners and delinquents like myself!

[Masterofreality]

I too was there, the loss stung,but, that is the day I met MOR, the only redeeming aspect of that trip.

Hahahaha! Worst day of Bob’s life!!!

[whopper]

just got my seat sec 111 row 21 and will wear Xavier Basketball hoodie..Very reasonable and going stag(a slog on train from Bridgeport CT). Hope they discount NIT t Shirts after game...Went Tuesday and it was great and home by 11. Will be great event

[stammina0721]

just got my seat sec 111 row 21 and will wear Xavier Basketball hoodie..Very reasonable and going stag(a slog on train from Bridgeport CT). Hope they discount NIT t Shirts after game...Went Tuesday and it was great and home by 11. Will be great event

Thought about going. Live in Monroe but don't know the train system well enough to trust myself getting home in time for work the next day. Just moved here less than a year ago

[paulxu]

Updated first post.
Also, Adam Kunkel looks strangely like Justin Bieber.

https://www.famousbirthdays.com/faces/bieber-justin-image.jpg

(Not Adam Kunkel)

[xudash]

Thought about going. Live in Monroe but don't know the train system well enough to trust myself getting home in time for work the next day. Just moved here less than a year ago

Metro North. Well read on the way in. Bar car on the way out.

[IM4X]

How many here know what "ATM" is?

A) Automated Teller Machine
B) An abbreviation for At The Moment (often used in text messages)
C) Asynchronous Transfer Mode -a digital technology that converts information into ones and zeros
D) Something a completely different kind of “X” fan might enjoy watching.

[Masterofreality]

“There’s only one thing left to do….WIN THE WHOLE FUCKIN’ THING”!
-Jake Taylor, Cleveland Indians , Major League

[paulxu]

Bar car on the way out.

Bar car on the way out:

https://local12.com/resources/media/8ee8c102-a671-4c71-836d-4df65779f19b-medium16x9_PXAVIERWARNING.transfer_frame_4341.png? 1631844764904

[GoMuskies]

X +4.5 in our last chance to bet on the Muskies this season.

[paulxu]

NIT history if you can get behind the paywall:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/03/31/nit-madison-square-garden/

Says that it cost $350k per night to rent the Gardens.

[American X]

X +4.5 in our last chance to bet on the Muskies this season.

How are they even setting a point spread for this game? Are they handicapping the Xavier team that played all season or the Steele-less, Scruggs-less, Hayes-led, & Freemantle-6th-man team that looks completely different?

[Masterofreality]

That is a great article. Feinstein can really write.
So that means, unless there is a discount (doubtful) that the Big East pays $1.4 million to occupy the Gahden for 4 days. That is a bargain for the results.
Assuming sellouts on 3 of the days and, say 15,000 to the Wednesday triple header, the league rakes in $6,000,000 in just face value ticket sales. I’m sure they get a cut of merch and *maybe concessions. But the glamor of having your league playing on prime dates in the Mecca is priceless.
With UConn now firmly in the fold, the League will never leave it’s gold mine.

[Dblue]

That is a great article. Feinstein can really write.
So that means, unless there is a discount (doubtful) that the Big East pays $1.4 million to occupy the Gahden for 4 days. That is a bargain for the results.
Assuming sellouts on 3 of the days and, say 15,000 to the Wednesday triple header, the league rakes in $6,000,000 in just face value ticket sales. I’m sure they get a cut of merch and *maybe concessions. But the glamor of having your league playing on prime dates in the Mecca is priceless.
With UConn now firmly in the fold, the League will never leave it’s gold mine.

My understanding is the square footage isn't the most expensive part of it...everything is paid Ala carte. I knew someone that set up a booth for a trade show there. He was invoiced double digit dollars per pound to move an item from the dock to his booth.

[American X]

If Texas A&M wins, it will be through speed and athleticism.

If Xavier wins, it will be through smarter basketball, valuing each possession, and maximizing Nunge & Freemantle.

A&M is a legitimate tournament team, but Xavier is a team transformed. We got our mojo back.

[Blue Blooded-05]

We've all seen Billions, right? I mean, luckily my mind still goes to bank machine first.

Hahaha... I literally just started watching that show and saw that episode last night!

[Masterofreality]

Last Xavier Basketball game for at least 7 months!
Let’s DO THIS!!

[Smooth]

How many here know what "ATM" is?

It's just like Smell The Glove, but totally different.

[American X]

Last chance for Jerome Hunter to hit the game-winning three-point shot.

Last chance for Adam Kunkel to finally hit a five-point shot.

[xu82]

Last chance for Jerome Hunter to hit the game-winning three-point shot.

Last chance for Adam Kunkel to finally hit a five-point shot.

I’d like to hope that the Hunter 3’s and the Kunkel 5’s are lost to history.

[American X]

Remember when Xavier would not score for the first 12 minutes of the game?

[BandAid]

Man, what this team could have been...

[Lloyd Braun]

Remember when Xavier would not score for the first 12 minutes of the game?

Too soon

[xukeith]

Definitely starting 4 guards w/ Nunge is the solution.

[American X]

Freemantle playing like an actual tough guy not just the toughest guy on the internet.

[Xville]

Definitely starting 4 guards w/ Nunge is the solution.

The solution was firing Steele last season.

[xu82]

The solution was firing Steele last season.

They played it out, and the future is bright - get over it!

[Xville]

They played it out, and the future is bright - get over it!

Tell that to scruggs and Johnson. I’m sure they’re “over it.”

[paulxu]

Good to hear Hayes coming back as associate coach.

Whatever happens in this game, I'm loving the intensity...but much more importantly, the off-ball movement. So much fun to watch.
Little drought here, but hanging tough.

[xudash]

I guess we need Hunter to play a few minutes to spell some of these guys, but look what happened to the lead since he has been in. I hate to pick on that kid, but it is what it is.

[xavierj]

I know everyone has to be grouchy on this board. But Colby Jones is going to be so good next year. Not sure what the he can’t shoot crowd will do next year when he lights it up and heads off to the NBA.

[xudash]

Need to play through this and keep pounding it inside.

[Lloyd Braun]

Kunkel gets an elbow to the face and it’s a foul on him? Hopefully they’ll call the hand check on both ends if that’s the case.

[profson]

Going to 2 bigs was not a good decision

[paulxu]

I'm certainly biased...but the announcers seem to favor A&M with their comments.

[blobfan]

The announcers seem to favor haircuts. Good grief.

[kellernr]

Kunk needs to not get in foul trouble. When he is on the bench that means Hunter is on the court. Cannot have that happen

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[profson]

Johnson has to give us something

[paulxu]

Free, Johnson and Kunkel at 0-12 will not get a W.
They have to step up 2nd half.

[xavierj]

The announcers seem to favor haircuts. Good grief.

Good to see Fran still has no idea what he is doing. Says Xavier needs to go 2 for 1… A&M makes two free throws and Xavier misses a three and they make a layup so 4-0 in sequence and Fran says that’s ok lol. But he blasted Freemantle so he is a good announcer…

[Xville]

Back to what the team looked like in big East play.. soft

[BandAid]

Buzz Williams is a poor man's Bruce Pearl. I'm grateful he's no longer in the Big East

[bjf123]

That was a very uninspired last 8 minutes of the first half. We’ve seen that before. Need a second half start like we had against Creighton.


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[American X]

A&M cranked up the defense and started driving relentlessly.

Why was Hunter playing over Freemantle at the end?

Five-pointers not going for Kunkel, so he will probably go for seven-pointers in the second half.

Give me this Colby Jones forever.

[Lloyd Braun]

I thought they played tough for a decent portion. Shots didn’t fall and the A&M defense picked up intensity. X needs to keep attacking the paint on offense and force the refs hand like the other side of the court.

[KabeX]

Buzz was pretty much spot on with his comments. They're a better team right now. We need to make some damn shots to stay in this. Like Colby and Dwon being aggressive. Only 4 guys scored and 1 was Hunter's dunk. Don't think we win this but will be interesting to see how Jonas adjusts. Small sample size but man it's hard not to just love the guy. Hope he thinks better about the GA St. job (I've been on that campus -nothing wrong with it but seems like NKU in the 80s - commuter school). A year as Assoc HC under Miller and I bet he gets a better opp.

[XUGRAD80]

I thought the offense really started struggling when Nunge and Freemantle were in the game together. X has been playing much better with 1 big.

[xu82]

Buzz was pretty much spot on with his comments. They're a better team right now. We need to make some damn shots to stay in this. Like Colby and Dwon being aggressive. Only 4 guys scored and 1 was Hunter's dunk. Don't think we win this but will be interesting to see how Jonas adjusts. Small sample size but man it's hard not to just love the guy. Hope he thinks better about the GA St. job (I've been on that campus -nothing wrong with it but seems like NKU in the 80s - commuter school). A year as Assoc HC under Miller and I bet he gets a better opp.

I agree Jonas can get a better option after a year with Sean. I live in Atlanta, and I get a little nervous just driving Georgia State. On the bright side, it’s right by Grady Hospital, and that’s where you want to go if you’ve been shot. Sadly, we have actual experience with that.

Hoping for at least one more year with Jonas, but in the end I want what’s best for him. He seems like a fine coach!

[bjf123]

Just noticed one of the refs is the guy who high steps it up the court.


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[X-band '01]

One thing the two-big lineup has done is rack up a lot of fouls on A&M PDQ.

[KabeX]

Colby please stay. Pretty Please.

[paulxu]

They're killing us on the foul line.

[xu82]

Colby please stay. Pretty Please.

A couple things I’d love to see as a fly on the wall: a Buffalo Bills draft room, and Sean Miller selling Colby to stay.

[paulxu]

Crap call on Jones.

[KabeX]

Wow no wonder these Refs are in the NIT. My gawd prob the worst call of the year.

[KabeX]

So if they go to the monitor and see that completely blew the call...

[paulxu]

Screw the announcers and the refs.

[xu82]

So if they go to the monitor and see that completely blew the call...

Amen! Who was it we blew the whistle on? Oh, nobody! Carry on…….

[X-band '01]

That changed quickly.

[xudash]

Now take this damn game over and finish it.

[xu82]

Now take this damn game over and finish it.

Time for Nunge to become the MVP!

[KabeX]

D'Won please stay. Pretty please.

[xu82]

Dwon Odom can play basketball.

[paulxu]

So they took the foul off of Kunkel...but did the guy shoot and make free throws? They don't take those off?

[xu82]

So they took the foul off of Kunkel...but did the guy shoot and make free throws? They don't take those off?

Yeah, THAT is a mess!

If they thought Kunkel fouled, blaming it of Free is a bail out.

[KabeX]

So they took the foul off of Kunkel...but did the guy shoot and make free throws? They don't take those off?
Exactly what I was thinking. If we lose by 1...

[bjf123]

Yeah, THAT is a mess!

If they thought Kunkel fouled, blaming it of Free is a bail out.

At least Free did touch the shooter, albeit gently.


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[bjf123]

Gotta make the FTs. 45% vs. 88% from the line won’t work.


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[KabeX]

At least Free did touch the shooter, albeit gently.


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y, kind of a little love tap.

[noteggs]

14 made FT for them and only 4 for us. Amazed score is this close

[xu82]

It’s NUNGE TIME!

[xu82]

Does the juice from winning this help Sean retain (and attract) talent? The Magic Eight Ball says “decidedly so”!

[Lloyd Braun]

Fran lives every call from the refs it’s pretty comical really

[bjf123]

Another phantom foul on Kunkel.


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[X-band '01]

To be fair, these officials should be doing the Basketball Classic or whatever they're calling the CIT now.

[KabeX]

Wow they just keep following up BS calls with more BS calls. I know it's only the NIT but damn guys.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Had we not hired Miller, I’d be 100% aboard the Jonas train. Love the way this team has been playing

[xudash]

We really need to suffocate them on this possession.

We sure as hell are going to need to hit free throws from here on in.

[KabeX]

Wow these zebras ...

[bjf123]

Wow these zebras ...

They’re getting whistle happy.


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[KabeX]

Wow these zebras ...
And it just keeps getting worse. I don't ever complain about refs (and it's bad for both teams) but my gawd these guys are suckin ass tonight.

[Blue Blooded-05]

This better not go OT. We’ll have to play with student trainers

[blobfan]

When the announcers are complaining about the officiating you know it’s bad.

[HenryMuto]

7/14 from line.................

[xu82]

7/14 from line.................

The Sean Miller School of FT’s is upcoming next semester.

[GoMuskies]

I'd be going crazy about this officiating if this game mattered.

[paulxu]

Maybe have Colby take that one. Kunk is just not real good shooting on the move.

[KabeX]

2 for 1 but can't give up a 3

[KabeX]

And please don't foul the shooter.

[KabeX]

And please don't foul the shooter.
Pretty please.

[paulxu]

They drive and get a foul.Maybe we should do that?

[KabeX]

Screw it. Run the clock down. Go for the W.

[BandAid]

When was the last time the Aggies made a FG?

[HenryMuto]

The bank is open !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GoMuskies]

69 time

[paulxu]

What a shot!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Nail-biting!

[Blue Blooded-05]

No! No!... NICE SHOT!!

[HenryMuto]

Force them to catch it in the backcourt and just do not foul make them beat you on a shot

[KabeX]

too much time left. DO NOT FOUL ... ANYONE

[paulxu]

When was the last time the Aggies made a FG?

3:48

[HenryMuto]

Wow that went in and out.

"Championship"

[GoMuskies]

Congrats to Jonas.

[muskiefan82]

That was satisfying

[paulxu]

Hah!
Winning the last game of a season.

[GoMuskies]

Hah!
Winning the last game of a season.

First since '99

[xuphan]

Congratulations to Jonas and the boys!

[kxblue]

Can tell how much it meant to Jonas and the players, pretty cool!

Glad they got that ending

[X-band '01]

69!

[HenryMuto]

What a change of heart from most of you here that wanted no part of the NIT. CSU nearly beat Xavier some could argue they should have that game was a train wreck but then they fired Steele bring on Sean and everything changed.

[Xville]

Awesome for Jonas. It’s now millertime …let’s never be in that crap again

[bjf123]

Holy shit. That was a hell of a game. Congrats to Jonas, the coaching staff, and all the players.


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[KabeX]

First since '99
Yes but at least this one was a championship

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Wow! Happiness and congratulations all around. NIT Champions. Kunkel had a bad night, but who cares, we won. This is Xavier’s 2nd NIT championship, right? With better FT shooting, we would have won by a big margin.

[KabeX]

Not to be downer after a really good W but did you see Free's expression and walking away as everyone else was celebrating? Don't want to read too much into it but sure looked like was checking out (for the last time).

[Jesuit4Life]

https://twitter.com/AdamJBaum/status/1509702644499165186
https://twitter.com/PaulFritschner/status/1509702563649753091
https://twitter.com/espn/status/1509703765712015368


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[Xville]

Not to be downer after a really good W but did you see Free's expression and walking away as everyone else was celebrating? Don't want to read too much into it but sure looked like was checking out (for the last time).

Sounds good to me… deuces

[XU_Lou]

Not to be downer after a really good W but did you see Free's expression and walking away as everyone else was celebrating? Don't want to read too much into it but sure looked like was checking out (for the last time).

yes, noticed that as well...

[XUGRAD80]

VERY entertaining game! Congratulations to the players and staff. They showed a lot of heart and spirit. I hope that they all return and make next year even more special.

It was obvious to me that the players really like and respect coach Jonas. I really really hope he stays.

NIT champions doesn’t mean what it did in 1958, but it’s still pretty cool.

[Masterofreality]

Just look at my Signature Below, Folks!!
Thanks Stanley!!!

[BandAid]

Jonas Hayes - undefeated! Big congrats to the coach. I'm very happy for the boys as well - they looked like they played freely and had that hunger that we are used to seeing in Xavier teams. It was a weird year. A disappointing season considering our standard and expectations, but gosh darn-it, the entire program (admin, Hayes, and players) found a way to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat (and made me fall back in love in the process).

[xukeith]

If we could start the NCAA tournament after the NIT championship, I think X and Texas A&M would be 8/9 seeded.

[JTG]

Not to be downer after a really good W but did you see Free's expression and walking away as everyone else was celebrating? Don't want to read too much into it but sure looked like was checking out (for the last time).

I saw that too. Everyone else seemed really jacked. Saw Nunge with tears, probably thinking of his Dad.

[xukeith]

WHo would ever have imagined Odom scoring 18 points in ONE game. Matchups were in his favor.

Hope Miller can improve the defense.

[XUGRAD80]

Not to be downer after a really good W but did you see Free's expression and walking away as everyone else was celebrating? Don't want to read too much into it but sure looked like was checking out (for the last time).

Yes, not a good look.

I sincerely hope that he stays. I think that he can have a real positive effect on next years team if he stays healthy and comes back focused.

[GoMuskies]

If Free goes and everyone else stays....sweet!

[KabeX]

I saw that too. Everyone else seemed really jacked. Saw Nunge with tears, probably thinking of his Dad.
There can't be anyone, in any fanbase, that can't root for Jack Nunge. That man will do great things in life whatever it is he chooses to do. One of my all time favorite Musketeers. I hope we get one more year but if not, what a treasure he is.

[BandAid]

WHo would ever have imagined Odom scoring 18 points in ONE game. Matchups were in his favor.

Hope Miller can improve the defense.

Both Dwon and Colby were more aggressive tonight than I can ever remember seeing them. You better believe Miller will harness that for every game.

[Boro Muskie]

Not to be downer after a really good W but did you see Free's expression and walking away as everyone else was celebrating? Don't want to read too much into it but sure looked like was checking out (for the last time).

If you dont want to play for X and Sean Miller then so be it. Onward and upward!

[xu82]

If Free goes and everyone else stays....sweet!

If Free STAYS, and everyone else returns, even better. I think he could benefit greatly from an improved coaching staff, and he’s certainly a talented young man. It was a strange confluence of circumstances this year.

[American X]

National Champion Xavier Musketeers!!!

[XUGRAD80]

Let’s take a minute and thank the seniors….Scruggs and Johnson. Although they didn’t reach all of their goals they still represented the University very well. Both are class acts and will do well in life. Thanks guys and all the best with whatever life brings you.

[Jesuit4Life]

Radio call with Byron & Joe: https://twitter.com/bubbaprog/status/1509705639978848256

[xu82]

Let’s take a minute and thank the seniors….Scruggs and Johnson. Although they didn’t reach all of their goals they still represented the University very well. Both are class acts and will do well in life. Thanks guys and all the best with whatever life brings you.

Agreed 100%!

Thank you, sirs!

[xukeith]

Colby Jones named NIT MVP

[xudash]

Let’s take a minute and thank the seniors….Scruggs and Johnson. Although they didn’t reach all of their goals they still represented the University very well. Both are class acts and will do well in life. Thanks guys and all the best with whatever life brings you.

2nd this.

[KabeX]

Colby Jones named NIT MVP
Easy choice. Well deserved. Nunge with a runner-up MVP (and a season MVP and it's not even close).

[paulxu]

Sorry to hear that about Free. He didn't have a great game, but his rebounds were very important.

[Muskie in dayton]

We had the wrong guy coaching all year! Congrats to the team and Coach Hayes! THANK YOU for salvaging an abysmal season!

[SkyWalker]

What a Day! We got Sean Miller as head coach, we got Jonas Hayes, we got a Championship (albeit the NIT), and Miami got Steele. Channeling my inner Chris Sabo.

[kane79]

So they took the foul off of Kunkel...but did the guy shoot and make free throws? They don't take those off?

once they saw no one touched him, can they change it to an offensive flopping call? some of these calls are kind of a joke.

[KabeX]

What a Day! We got Sean Miller as head coach, we got Jonas Hayes, we got a Championship (albeit the NIT), and Miami got Steele. Channeling my inner Chris Sabo.
LOL. Skywalker with goggles (and a Ford Escort). Love it!

[nickgyp]

Hope Free stays. He has a lot of talent which showed in this tournament. Under Coach Miller, I think he would be a critical component for a Muskie team next year that could be very special. Just hoping these players enjoyed the late season ride and realize that the ride could continue nicely in the 22-23 season. Stay on board, guys!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Winning this kinda feels like rolling in a 30 foot putt for triple bogey

[boozehound]

Sounds good to me… deuces

Yeah. He really seems like he might be addition by subtraction. Doesn’t seem like a great locker room guy.

[Backyard Champ]

Hope Free stays. He has a lot of talent which showed in this tournament. Under Coach Miller, I think he would be a critical component for a Muskie team next year that could be very special. Just hoping these players enjoyed the late season ride and realize that the ride could continue nicely in the 22-23 season. Stay on board, guys!

I’m with you. Hope he stays too. He’s got a lot of talent, and can get under the skin of opposing teams. Just about keeping his head.

And he won’t see playing time if his defense doesn’t improve, so nothing to worry about on that end.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Congratulations and many thanks to coach Jonas for the excellent job he did to this team and, of cause, winning the championship to close out the season on a high note. You bring pride to all the X fans and the BE conference. Can’t wait for next season to start.

[xuwillie]

And just think Steele would probably still be coaching if he played a true pg all year.

[xu82]

Hope Free stays. He has a lot of talent which showed in this tournament. Under Coach Miller, I think he would be a critical component for a Muskie team next year that could be very special. Just hoping these players enjoyed the late season ride and realize that the ride could continue nicely in the 22-23 season. Stay on board, guys!

I sincerely doubt there are many places that could make Free a better player and person than Sean could do right at home at Xavier. I hope that’s what happens, but I wish him the best regardless of how this plays out.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I like Free. Hope he stays and improves under Miller.

[xuwillie]

I like Free. Hope he stays and improves under Miller.

He'd be ok as a role player just not big east power forward material in my eyes

[XUGRAD80]

I hope Nova wins the NCAA championship now. Would be cool to have both the NCAA and NIT champs come out of the Big East.

[LOLmickcronin]

I don’t know. Free played hard during the NIT. Watching the last couple possessions he was playing hard and after the buzzer was pumping his fists and then had a teammate jump in his arms and was jumping up and down with him.

I think he’s just kind of a straight faced guy in general. And in a way I’m okay with not being overly emotional about an NIT win.

Hope he stays even though he annoys me sometimes.

[KabeX]

Hope Free stays. He has a lot of talent which showed in this tournament. Under Coach Miller, I think he would be a critical component for a Muskie team next year that could be very special. Just hoping these players enjoyed the late season ride and realize that the ride could continue nicely in the 22-23 season. Stay on board, guys!
Again not to be a downer ... don't see him in the pic unless he's behind Hunter.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FPOPzRWXMAIN0c6?format=jpg&name=medium

[Newswired]

I was a freshman at IU in 86-87. Hoosiers won the NCAAs that year. My work there was done, so I transferred to XU. X goes to its first Sweet 16 in my senior year (with an unforgettable win over Georgetown). Cheered on the Muskies without fail ever since.

Fast forward to March 31, 2022 and XU wins its first national championship since I became a fan. Trust me: this NIT championship is soooo much sweeter! The future is so incredibly bright!

[American X]

Freemantle had a solid game with big rebounds, a big stickback dunk, and a huge three. He can be all conference again under Miller next year.

Wow, you guys extrapolate a lot from a glimpse of the guy on TV.

[KabeX]

Freemantle had a solid game with big rebounds, a big stickback dunk, and a huge three. He can be all conference again under Miller next year.

Wow, you guys extrapolate a lot from a glimpse of the guy on TV.

Well of course we do. I also extrapolate a lot from a can of Reingeist Truth. And let me tell ya, there's a whole lotta extrapolation going on!

[Backyard Champ]

If free wouldn’t be in the team picture after the win, why would he even play in the game? Very strange but if he really chose not to be in the picture then I’m fine with him leaving.

I have seen other pictures with him and the team with the trophy. But he certainly looks checked out compared to the rest of the team.

In fairness, he has looked that way for the last 3 years, so not sure it means much.

[BandAid]

If free wouldn’t be in the team picture after the win, why would he even play in the game? Very strange but if he really chose not to be in the picture then I’m fine with him leaving.

I have seen other pictures with him and the team with the trophy. But he certainly looks checked out compared to the rest of the team.

In fairness, he has looked that way for the last 3 years, so not sure it means much.

Haha! Ya, that's just the way he looks - he can't help looking that way!

[xuwillie]

Again not to be a downer ... don't see him in the pic unless he's behind Hunter.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FPOPzRWXMAIN0c6?format=jpg&name=medium

who cares good riddance

[KabeX]

If free wouldn’t be in the team picture after the win, why would he even play in the game? Very strange but if he really chose not to be in the picture then I’m fine with him leaving.

I have seen other pictures with him and the team with the trophy. But he certainly looks checked out compared to the rest of the team.

In fairness, he has looked that way for the last 3 years, so not sure it means much.

Y, my thoughts as well. I think he could really flourish with Miller but if he's not bought in ..

[X-band '01]

I hope Nova wins the NCAA championship now. Would be cool to have both the NCAA and NIT champs come out of the Big East.

Could happen on both the men's and women's side. UConn in the women's FF and Seton Hall advanced to the WNIT title game tonight.

[_LH]

Nice to end a season with a win.

[muskielynch]

who cares good riddance
I'm pretty sure I see his head of hair behind Stanley's head.

[bjf123]

I'm pretty sure I see his head of hair behind Stanley's head.

I thought the same thing. Someone is back there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[KabeX]

I thought the same thing. Someone is back there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Y, I couldn't tell. Maybe I just should have left it alone but my Reingeist infused giddiness might have got the best of me. Regardless, Free had some really massive rebounds tonight and I liked the fight I saw on many of them.

[LadyMuskie]

Just got the Championship email from X and Free is in one of the big photos - so that's good news, I hope. It would be a shame to lose him, in my opinion. He's made big plays for X when it matters, and I think he would blossom even more under Miller.

[SM#24]

Again not to be a downer ... don't see him in the pic unless he's behind Hunter.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FPOPzRWXMAIN0c6?format=jpg&name=medium
Pretty sure he’s behind Stanley. Who else’s hand would that be on Hunter’s shoulder ?

[IM4X]

Pretty sure he’s behind Stanley. Who else’s hand would that be on Hunter’s shoulder ?

That is definitely Free behind Stanley. The photographer should have made sure all players were visible.

[Masterofreality]

Winning this kinda feels like rolling in a 30 foot putt for triple bogey

Whipped cream on Dog crap?

[IM4X]

who cares good riddance

I care. I really want Free to stay. He’s my boy from Teaneck NJ. He is going to be a Warrior again next year.

I look forward to the headline“Free To Stay…Yes he is and yes he will.”

[IM4X]

Freemantle had a solid game with big rebounds, a big stickback dunk, and a huge three. He can be all conference again under Miller next year..

Emphatically agree!

[XUBison]

Radio call with Byron & Joe: https://twitter.com/bubbaprog/status/1509705639978848256

Hey, it doesn’t sound like they’re broadcasting from their bathrooms!

[kane79]

looks like its time to buckle in. Between asst coaches, players transferring, recruits........ we have months of conjecture and gossip ahead of us

[bjf123]

I care. I really want Free to stay. He’s my boy from Teaneck NJ. He is going to be a Warrior again next year.

I look forward to the headline“Free To Stay…Yes he is and yes he will.”

Yep! I want him back. He was a different player in the NIT under Jonas.


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[American X]

69!

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia1.tenor.com%2Fimages%2F6d277 0c0b678d085385f886011b4462b%2Ftenor.gif%3Fitemid%3 D14399218&f=1&nofb=1

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Whipped cream on Dog crap?

Completely disagree. Yes, its the NIT. At the beginning of the season and, even just a few games ago, no one among us (most of all, this team) wanted to be here. But, the young men, as a group, sucked it up and played together in a manner they have not previously (or, at least, for many games).

The players and coaches in the team photo (with the very conspicuous absence of Free) clearly are celebrating a real victory. And they should so do, without any of us----who didn't play, who didn't endure their disappointment, who weren't booed or had to watch their home crowd leave games early----belittling their accomplishment.

We didn't make the Big Dance. We didn't deserve to be in the show. But, none of our players or coaches sulked. They moved on in the best way they could. They accepted the opportunity to keep playing.

There is nothing shameful about their NIT victory. What is shameful is those on this board who disparage the effort, discipline and maturity it took this group to pull together after a hugely disappointing season. They were knocked down, in a humiliating manner, but rose off the canvas and came back in spectacular manner.

Congrats to this team!

[paulxu]

Wherever he ends up next year, he took the time to post this late last night:

https://twitter.com/zachfreemantle/status/1509730307544600577

[paulxu]

Also, graphic on ESPN's main page under the video of Nunge's last shot:


Jack Nunge's go-ahead hook shot seals first NIT championship for Xavier

Really?

[IM4X]

Wherever he ends up next year, he took the time to post this late last night:

https://twitter.com/zachfreemantle/status/1509730307544600577


I like seeing the love people are showing him! Congrats to Free and entire team!

[IM4X]

Completely disagree. Yes, its the NIT. At the beginning of the season and, even just a few games ago, no one among us (most of all, this team) wanted to be here. But, the young men, as a group, sucked it up and played together in a manner they have not previously (or, at least, for many games).

The players and coaches in the team photo (with the very conspicuous absence of Free) clearly are celebrating a real victory. And they should so do, without any of us----who didn't play, who didn't endure their disappointment, who weren't booed or had to watch their home crowd leave games early----belittling their accomplishment.

We didn't make the Big Dance. We didn't deserve to be in the show. But, none of our players or coaches sulked. They moved on in the best way they could. They accepted the opportunity to keep playing.

There is nothing shameful about their NIT victory. What is shameful is those on this board who disparage the effort, discipline and maturity it took this group to pull together after a hugely disappointing season. They were knocked down, in a humiliating manner, but rose off the canvas and came back in spectacular manner.

Congrats to this team!

These X players and this coaching staff stepped up and truly did the best they could with the situation. They won every single game in the tournament. They beat a team in the Championship game that very likely should have been in the dance.I love the heart of this team and Jonas and his staff. They deserve nothing but praise. Great job to our Musketeers! I am damn proud of you all!

oh and Free is in the the back of photo (being mostly blocked by Stanley).

[American X]

Free is in the the back of photo (being mostly blocked by Stanley).

If Stanley can block out so well, why didn't Steele play him more???

[muskiefan82]

If Stanley can block out so well, why didn't Steele play him more???

Gotta fight through that screen!! LOL

[UCGRAD4X]

If Stanley can block out so well, why didn't Steele play him more???

Because he's only blocking out Free.

[whopper]

i look at this game like a round of 32 game trying to make the 2nd week. Our NIT champ is like a sweet 16 in some respects(you only need to win 2 games in NCAA we won 5). It is almost like an ex champ going on the tennis or golf Challenger circuit to build our way back up. I think we are a top 25 team now and would not have dreamed that 3 weeks ago. I pray Free is back as he made adjustments(maybe forced) where he is now a productive player without being a focal point of offense (few big men are anymore..not even Timme/Cockburn etc) the game had changed in 2 years

[IM4X]

If Stanley can block out so well, why didn't Steele play him more???

Good question.
:chin:

[IM4X]

I think we are a top 25 team now and would not have dreamed that 3 weeks ago. I pray Free is back as he made adjustments(maybe forced) where he is now a productive player without being a focal point of offense (few big men are anymore..not even Timme/Cockburn etc) the game had changed in 2 years

Crossing my fingers they all come back. They have very good chemistry now. The are like brothers. It would be a shame for them to split up.

Come on back fellas! This year the NIT championship. Next year the NCAA championship.

[Smails]

looks like its time to buckle in. Between asst coaches, players transferring, recruits........ we have months of conjecture and gossip ahead of us

I actually think there's going to be a lot of movement real fast. We should know who goes into the portal early next week IMO. Roster construction will start shortly thereafter and these coaches are going to be operating at warp speed to start landing kids.

[Masterofreality]

Radio call with Byron & Joe: https://twitter.com/bubbaprog/status/1509705639978848256

I just gotta bring this back up again.
It is incredibly special to have 2 Xavier Basketball grads doing Musketeer games on the radio. The excitement and pride just floods through.
This was tremendous stuff!

[Olsingledigit]

I just gotta bring this back up again.
It is incredibly special to have 2 Xavier Basketball grads doing Musketeer games on the radio. The excitement and pride just floods through.
This was tremendous stuff!

And they are great people too.

[paulxu]

Xavier may have won the last NIT to ever be played in Madison Square Gardens.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/34389721/college-basketball-nit-moving-new-york-future-stops-las-vegas-indianapolis

[whopper]

i was at both nit games as i lived in Conn then, took train to NYC for 20, got 20 dollar ticket, they moved me to a 400 knick seat next row of sean miller and i saw this great play. I bought a bunch of shirts for $5.99 ea from All for One shop and giving them to my hoop friends in Conn for Christmas or earlier (a great deal..good quality). I have 2 myself and alternate them. I now moved to Kenwood and signed up to be a 66 year old sub teacher at some nice school systems so I can be a real father to my X grad daughters in Cinci. What a catalyst Xavier has been for me that past 9 years. And wife if thrilled to be a local mom not a 700 mile visitor. That game was a true all for one effort and Zach and Adam were warriors against one of best SEC teams and even Ben Stanley played a few min against St Bon. Will miss him and Dwon but par for the course these days thank God we wont be missing Colby who was a beast in that game. Good luck Nate who hit big 3 and made a key strip