Game Thread: Xavier v Villanova University (1/7/2023)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.http://villanova.com/images/2006/3/7/mascot-199w.jpg


CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 12-3 overall and 4-0 in the BIG EAST Conference, take an eight-game win streak to Villanova University on Saturday to take on the Wildcats. XU, coming off an 83-73 over then-No. 2 and previously unbeaten UConn, is 18th in this week's AP Poll and USA Today Coaches Poll.

The Musketeers are shooting to snap a five-game losing streak against Villanova..

THE MATCHUP

NO. 18/18 XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (12-3, 4-0 BIG EAST)
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY WILDCATS (8-7, 2-2 BIG EAST)
SATURDAY, JAN. 7, 2023 AT 4:30 P.M. ET
AT FINNERAN PAVILION IN VILLANOVA, PA.

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play by-play from Matt Schumacker and analysis from Sarah Kustok.
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). XU broadcast also available on Sirius XM channel 386 and 976 on the SXM App.
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://Statbroadcast.com) and fan stats at GoXavier.com (http://GoXavier.com)

[Xville]

Time to exorcise the demons...wonder what the spread will be? Without looking anything up, I'm guessing X -3 ?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Time to exorcise the demons...wonder what the spread will be? Without looking anything up, I'm guessing X -3 ?

I think that is fairly spot on. I was going to say maybe X -4

[GoMuskies]

I think it will be pick or maybe X -1. Sagarin would actually make us an underdog by a fraction of a point (so 'pick).

[Xville]

I think it will be pick or maybe X -1. Sagarin would actually make us an underdog by a fraction of a point (so 'pick).

How do you find out future probabilities on his site like that? I can only seem to find day of?

[GoMuskies]

Go to his rankings page and look at his predictor ratings. Xavier's is 85.88, and Villanova's is 82.99. Home court is worth 3.04.

[Xville]

Go to his rankings page and look at his predictor ratings. Xavier's is 85.88, and Villanova's is 82.99. Home court is worth 3.04.

Ah gotcha. Thank you!

[American X]

Nope. Not doing it. Not falling for it. Until Xavier actually wins, I will assume Villanova beats Xavier in Philadelphia until Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead (and especially UC). Even after that, assume they win ad infinitum.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Anyone know who is typically the most accurate in predictions like this? I think you have to pay to see that in Kenpom right? Is Sargain free? Don't think I have ever been on there. I just went to look at Bart Torvick's site which I like but have no idea where he would rank on the accuracy of predictions. He has X winning 77-74. He has lines next to it too that I guess he predicts? His says X-3.6.

He only predicts X to be a dog 4 more times this year: @UConn, @Creighton, @Marquette, and @Providence.

[UCGRAD4X]

Nope. Not doing it. Not falling for it. Until Xavier actually wins, I will assume Villanova beats Xavier in Philadelphia until Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead (and especially UC). Even after that, assume they win ad infinitum.

Like VD @ XU.

[X Factor]

Anyone know anything about Sarah Kustok doing the analysis?

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1575396868011732993/4OXw45I__400x400.jpg

From Wikipedia:

She's 41 years old and played basketball for DePaul from '00-04.

Kustok began her career as an analyst and sideline reporter for ESPN and Fox Sports, covering college football, basketball (men's and women's), and high school football. She also worked as a TV sideline reporter for the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox and Fire for Comcast SportsNet Chicago and was a substitute anchor for the network and filled in as sports anchor for WMAQ-TV.[3] She has hosted College Sports Minute and was a freelance sports anchor/reporter for WFLD-TV. She also worked for Versus.[4] She is the color commentator for the WNBA's Connecticut Sun home games. She also is the substitute anchor and contributor on FS1's First Things First. Kustok previously worked as a sideline reporter with the Brooklyn Nets (succeeding Michelle Beadle) before being promoted to TV analyst in 2017, making her the NBA's first ever female solo analyst.[2] She also contributes to Nets Magazine.

[American X]

Villanova Preview (https://www.vuhoops.com/2023/1/6/23541867/villanova-basketball-2022-23-game-preview-no-18-xavier-musketeers-big-east-college-hoops) He called this a rivalry! That is news!

CBS Sports Preview (https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/preview/NCAAB_20230107_XAVIER@NOVA/) Looks like Jordan Longino is out for Villanova. He is not a main contributor, but plays 24 minutes and they also have a short bench.

[Xville]

It’d be about right for Moore to decide to give it a go tomorrow.

[XUBison]

Nope. Not doing it. Not falling for it. Until Xavier actually wins, I will assume Villanova beats Xavier in Philadelphia until Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead (and especially UC). Even after that, assume they win ad infinitum.

Correct.

[Masterofreality]

Villanova Preview (https://www.vuhoops.com/2023/1/6/23541867/villanova-basketball-2022-23-game-preview-no-18-xavier-musketeers-big-east-college-hoops) He called this a rivalry! That is news!

CBS Sports Preview (https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/preview/NCAAB_20230107_XAVIER@NOVA/) Looks like Jordan Longino is out for Villanova. He is not a main contributor, but plays 24 minutes and they also have a short bench.

We are 6-32 vs VILLANOVA. They kicked our ass in football too! This goes back to, and before my time at X.
I’m sick of losing to them. Time for a new era!!

[Xville]

Villanova Preview (https://www.vuhoops.com/2023/1/6/23541867/villanova-basketball-2022-23-game-preview-no-18-xavier-musketeers-big-east-college-hoops) He called this a rivalry! That is news!

CBS Sports Preview (https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/gametracker/preview/NCAAB_20230107_XAVIER@NOVA/) Looks like Jordan Longino is out for Villanova. He is not a main contributor, but plays 24 minutes and they also have a short bench.

Geezus, that means they are 6 deep max, and one of them is Arcidiacono who is no Ryan. As long as Moore doesn't come out, there are zero excuses.

[American X]

Geezus, that means they are 6 deep max, and one of them is Arcidiacono who is no Ryan. As long as Moore doesn't come out, there are zero excuses.

I will give you two: (1) jersey says Villanova and (2) venue is Finneran Pavilion. Villanova could be 0-15 and #363 in Kenpom and I still assume they would win.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I will give you two: (1) jersey says Villanova and (2) venue is Finneran Pavilion. Villanova could be 0-15 and #363 in Kenpom and I still assume they would win.

For those who call this year's Nova a "shell" of its former teams, they still take care of the ball, they still shoot free throws (18/18 the other night), they still shoot well from beyond the arc, they still have plenty of talent and until we prove otherwise, they still own us on the Main Line. This will be a tough game for us. Some things never change.

[Xville]

I will give you two: (1) jersey says Villanova and (2) venue is Finneran Pavilion. Villanova could be 0-15 and #363 in Kenpom and I still assume they would win.

Ha fair point and I agree. Nova is no slouch especially at home. I just think if there was a year to ever beat them there, it’s this year. I’m seeing nova -2… not sure if that’s real or not

[Xville]

Ok verified… it’s real x+2 . I may put some on it… x has to win there at some point, maybe?

[paulxu]

It seems unusual to see a ranked Xavier team playing an un-ranked Nova team.

[HenryMuto]

When was the last time X won at Nova ?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ok verified… it’s real x+2 . I may put some on it… x has to win there at some point, maybe?

Took X +2 and Over 147 parlay.

Also DK has first to 15 points bet, by far my favorite bet in Vegas during March Madness.

[Xville]

Took X +2 and Over 147 parlay.

Also DK has first to 15 points bet, by far my favorite bet in Vegas during March Madness.

I hopped on the +2 train. One thing i have been reminded of the past few days though. it is tough to win on the road in conference.

[XUGRAD80]

When was the last time X won at Nova ?

Never?

[atljar]

Never. I think we were going to win the game Edmund got hurt during, but we didn't.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I hopped on the +2 train. One thing i have been reminded of the past few days though. it is tough to win on the road in conference.

Very true. I got +2.5 on another site. We'll see.

[GoMuskies]

If I was betting, I'd take Nova. So I'm not betting!

[Masterofreality]

I'm thinking yes, that Xavier will win this game, unless there is Voo Doo that is black magic or Brian O’Connell is the ref.
For the first time I can remember, we have a better coach and better roster.
Let’s get this done.

[JTG]

I hope Sean and Souley remember that Sumner was cloths lined and taken out of the game the last time X was on the verge of beating Nova.

[American X]

Never. I think we were going to win the game Edmund got hurt during, but we didn't.


I hope Sean and Souley remember that Sumner was cloths lined and taken out of the game the last time X was on the verge of beating Nova.

I remember when I thought Xavier was going to win until Villanova committed attempted murder on our point guard. Too bad Sumner "got hurt" during that game.

Xavier was on the verge of winning last year also until our three point shooting in the second half murdered our chances.

[Masterofreality]

Let us not forget that Kyle Neptune was coach at FORDHAM, before being named VILLANOVA coach.
Does the stink of the Bronx ever leave??

[American X]

Against UConn, Xavier did a great job of sticking to the gameplan. Let's see if we do the same against Villanova. Just because they have a three point shooting contest does not mean we have to (which is exactly what we did the last four years, poorly). Xavier has been excellent using its front line advantage, stay with it.

[Strange Brew]

I remember when I thought Xavier was going to win until Villanova committed attempted murder on our point guard. Too bad Sumner "got hurt" during that game.

Xavier was on the verge of winning last year also until our three point shooting in the second half murdered our chances.

Jay Wright is a criminal who got away with ordering that hit.

[noteggs]

Let’s just beat Daddy’s ass today!

[Lloyd Braun]

Some last minute sharp action on Nova to push the line to 2.5 again per sources.

[xukeith]

Nunge with 2 missed 5 footers.

[xu82]

Nunge with 2 missed 5 footers.

I think they were actually shorter than that, but now he’s get them falling.

[D-West & PO-Z]

First to 15! Winner. Now I need X first to 20, 50, and 70!

[Strange Brew]

Here comes the ref show.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Rough offensive stretch here. Ugh. Missed a few close ones. Need a bucket.

[IM4X]

Coach needs to let them know they are shooting to quickly now- the past 4 or 5 offensive possessions they have not worked it around enough - just took quick shots or made quick bad passes. They need to slow it down a a tad and make enough great passes until a good opportunity develops.

also Hunter had made too many bad mistakes - might want to sit him

[IM4X]

Free needs to be in

[IM4X]

Bad call -

[IM4X]

Come on coach- what are you telling your players -

[Roach]

Don’t get me wrong, I love Sean Miller, but I will never understand why his teams are so prone to prolonged scoring droughts.

[IM4X]

Bad line ups- terrible passes. This team always gets away from what works and Miller lets it happen too long. We would be up by at least 8 if the team was just made a few more smart passes each possession- just sloppy crap now.

[Xuperman]

The inability to maintain large leads, let alone build upon them, is undeniable.

[IM4X]

Quite with the 3s and finesse sh!+ Nunge - get inside and get boards

[Caveat]

Stop me if you've heard this before, but Xavier doesn't look ready to play in a game at Villanova.

[Roach]

It also seems like the only way we ever pull ourselves out of scoring droughts is for Colby Jones to get frustrated and force his way into the lane, and make low percentage shot. This team would be lost without him.

[IM4X]

They came out at the beginning of the game playing perfectly- passing the ball around 8-10 times until the defense broke down and someone was open. Then they can out of a time out and decided they no longer wanted to pass - one or two passes and a quick bad shot. Then they kept doing it + X switched in players who struggled in the lineup and no time outs to stop the run and lead to the big lead was suddenly no lead at all.

[IM4X]

Good defense at the end of the half fellas.

[noteggs]

Nunge plays better with food poisoning

[xu82]

Bad line ups- terrible passes. This team always gets away from what works and Miller lets it happen too long. We would be up by at least 8 if the team was just made a few more smart passes each possession- just sloppy crap now.

Do you want Steele back? 😂

[American X]

I will take any lead any time against Villanova. Started out great, but it is like black magic how it grinded to a halt. Shook it off and picked back up.

Welcome back to basketball, Adam Kunkel.

Colby hit some tough shots, but had a few mistakes, the bad three followed by a turnover. He makes everyone on the floor better, can't make those decisions anymore.

Focused Jerome Hunter is good. Trying to be Lebron James Jerome Hunter is not.

Claude got burned, but had a solid bucket in the paint, more of that.

Stick to the plan of going to Freemantle and Nunge. Take the open threes that come out of ball movement. More dynamite from Boum.

[xu82]

GO RAIDERS!


I just had to throw that in.

[nickgyp]

Nice finish by X but how did the far ref call a charge on the Nova player when the near ref was right there and let it go? Worked in our favor ultimately but near ref should have whistled it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Don't think we can play much worse offensively, so thats a positive.

Need to focus getting it to Free down low. Might be time to limit some of Nunge's 3's too.

[xudash]

What is the over/under on misses at the rim?

[Caveat]

Xavier's missed at least 10 points on point-blank gimmes at the rim.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What is the over/under on misses at the rim?

Seems like we continue to lead the country in missed layups.

[whopper]

viillanova always causes that back to stainbrook...active multiple hands so they can play without a "true"center

[nickgyp]

Don't think we can play much worse offensively, so thats a positive.

Need to focus getting it to Free down low. Might be time to limit some of Nunge's 3's too.

Agreed. Seemed Nova took control of game to take lead. Hopefully, momentum of last minute Carrie’s over. It will be interesting to see what adjustments Miller makes.

[Caveat]

Colby Jones does some of the stupidest shit on a basketball court I've seen a good player do.

[xudash]

It’s amazing how good you can look when you make shots.

[noteggs]

Total BS charge call

[xudash]

It just feels like we could break this thing wide-open.

[Xuperman]

That is not a fucking charge!!!

[IM4X]

X is a very good team when they are displayed and have the right lineup- this starting lineup is their best and needs to stay in.

[Caveat]

That is not a fucking charge!!!

Going full-speed, out of control to the hoop is like catnip for a college official. You're going to get called for it 99 out of 100 times.

[Blue Blooded-05]

I wish we could sign Boum to a long term contract

[IM4X]

Let’s rack up some fouls boys

[Xuperman]

The refs are going to do their best to screw us.

[noteggs]

Someone needs to clean their damn camera!

[Xville]

X would be up twenty if they either made their layups or dunked the ball instead

[American X]

Villanova has some kind of voodoo making Xavier miss bunnies. Boum missing the layup after the steal is inexplicable.

[American X]

Someone needs to clean their damn camera!

I thought that was my contacts (or drinking (or both)).

[Blue Blooded-05]

Villanova has some kind of voodoo making Xavier miss bunnies. Boum missing the layup after the steal is inexplicable.

Finneran Pavilion has been a house of horrors

[Xuperman]

This is not fun to watch.....massively frustrating!

[Xuperman]

Watch the refs go to work on us.

[bjf123]

Terrible foul call on Claude.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[American X]

Stop trying to murder our point guards, you fuckers!

[Xville]

So many unforced errors.. a lot of good and then a lot of stupid

[Caveat]

It'd be fun if this team could just not have 3-5 minute stretches each half where they seem hell-bent on turning the ball over as much as humanly possible.

[Xuperman]

Not fun.

[IM4X]

Love to see Free get in a zone. It is a beautiful thing to behold!

[American X]

I feel a ThreeMantle coming.

[Xville]

Extend the lead… don’t let ‘em breathe

[Xville]

Whitmore is a dude. Damn

[Caveat]

Miller's priority #1A going forward is getting this team more athletic and finding some more guys who enjoy the weight room.

Even in a "down" year, there's a massive quickness and athleticism gap between these two teams.

[xu82]

Not fun.

And yet, it’s still a breath of fresh air after the last few years. We are a work in progress.

[Strange Brew]

Needed that one Colby.

[Xville]

Some 2nd grader needs to teach nunge how to make a layup

[Blue Blooded-05]

I feel a ThreeMantle coming.

Called it!

[Xville]

Huge threemantle!

[IM4X]

Love. Love Free today. He is such a stud tonight!!!!!

[American X]

i feel a threemantle coming.

ThreeMantle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[HenryMuto]

Yesssssssssssssssssssssss

[X Factor]

Zach!!!

[Blue Blooded-05]

An encore Threemantle!

[American X]

ThreeMantle Forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Strange Brew]

Stop trying to murder our point guards, you fuckers!

Philly goon squad.

[X Factor]

BS call on Jack

[Caveat]

Kinda wanted Zach to take another as a heat check.

[IM4X]

Horrible call.

[xudash]

Totally bullshit foul call.

[Xville]

Holy crap what a game from free

[bjf123]

ThreeMantle Forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NO! NO! NO! YES!!!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Strange Brew]

Totally bullshit foul call.

Refs working hard today. Really impressed by the effort…

[xavierj]

If they score here just give that idiot ref an assist. Awful

[American X]

It's Winning Time

Time for Boum and Jones to ice this fucker.

[Strange Brew]

Refs are the best.

[X Factor]

Freemantle has been phenomenal

[HenryMuto]

Wow these announcers are slow OF COURSE THEY ARE LOOKINGA THE 2 vs 3
HOW IS THAT ONE THE LINE IT IS A 3 CLEARLY

[HenryMuto]

That is some serious cheating going on there CLEARLY A FREAKING 3

[Strange Brew]

Wow these announcers are slow OF COURSE THEY ARE LOOKINGA THE 2 vs 3
HOW IS THAT ONE THE LINE IT IS A 3 CLEARLY

Needed to give Nova a chance to setup the press…

[Xville]

Wtf easily a 3

[noteggs]

Free needs smaller shoes

[HenryMuto]

You got to be kidding me gave them 2 free points uggggggggggggggg

[American X]

Really curious how Villanova is going to close 8 points, because it's happening.

[Strange Brew]

Free needs smaller shoes

Refs need glasses and higher IQs.

[HenryMuto]

After having to endure the Ohio State loss on Thursday then endure the Kentucky beat down today I can't take no more pain X has got to finish this one off.

[bjf123]

Refs need glasses and higher IQs.

The ref called it a 2 on the shot but the scorer put 3 on the board. That’s why they had to review it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HenryMuto]

I still can't believe they called that a 2 I mean what were they looking at. If that was end of game down 3 with final shot there can you imagine the outrage.

[noteggs]

Refs need glasses and higher IQs.

True! But back to back games. Last one was definitely a 3 tho

[HenryMuto]

JFC another turn over come on

[xudash]

Unbelievable with these turnovers.

[Xville]

Another unforced error.. why is it so damn hard against these guys

[HenryMuto]

We just really screwed up and those 3 points just killed that changes entire game.

[Strange Brew]

Did this announcer go to Nova. So annoying.

[Xville]

Colby jones with 5 effing turnovers. Freaking terrible

[American X]

Three more bizarre plays for Villanova are coming.

[Roach]

5 quick points for the refs.

[Strange Brew]

Three more bizarre plays for Villanova are coming.

Yup.

[xudash]

Three more bizarre plays for Villanova are coming.

Nope. We are going to settle down and win it here. Unless we get hacked to death.

[Caveat]

Another unforced error.. why is it so damn hard against these guys

They're bigger and stronger than Xavier.

It's been a problem and will stay a problem until Xavier recruits accordingly.

[HenryMuto]

Was just up 9 with 1 FT with about 1:20 to go and now lead is 4 ????????????

Missed FT give up a score turnover then give up a 3......................

[Strange Brew]

Tough call there for Nova…

[American X]

They straight up speared Boum. Stop fucking with our point guards!

[HenryMuto]

FINALLY THEY MISSED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now sink the FTs and call it a day

[Strange Brew]

They straight up speared Boum. Stop fucking with our point guards!

Yeah, it was a pretty good hit on a different field.

[HenryMuto]

Why did you foul just let him go !@#!@#$!@#!@#!#@#

[Xuperman]

The time keeper has been questionable.

[X Factor]

What is Nunge doing? Seriously!!!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Why foul him there?!?!

[Xville]

Another stupid error… sick of nunge

[Strange Brew]

Haha, nice call ref.

[HenryMuto]

No FN way all because you didn't let him have the dunk then inbound now they got an extra point and now they get the ball

Was up 8 a second ago and now they have a FN shot to cut it to 3 or 2 JFC

WHAT AM I WATCHING

[Caveat]

This isn't good.

[American X]

Bizarre play #1 Nunge foul and #2 Boum turnover. More to come.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Musketeer Inbounding Follies.

my favorite segment of the show.

[Xville]

Haha, nice call ref.

It was clearly out on boum

[HenryMuto]

Wow no foul on X ? A miracle even with it being clean.

[X Factor]

Colby!!!

[Strange Brew]

Shut up you dumb announcer!

[Xville]

Great d Colby! Way to redeem yourself after the turnovers

[Blue Blooded-05]

I’m amazed that was a no call. Not that it shouldn’t have been... just amazed it wasn’t called

[HenryMuto]

Hey look a smart play let them have the layup then throw it in bounds not against the press and got it to the best FT shooter.

[Strange Brew]

It was clearly out on boum

It wasn’t clearly. That’s why it was reviewed.

[Roach]

[I said some mean things in this post about Nova fans and decided to delete it.]

[HenryMuto]

What idiot gave us that camera view of the 1st FT morons

[HenryMuto]

Hey look another review JFC

[Xville]

I think we may have finally exorcised the demons! Geezus that game was frustrating at times but hell yeah!!!!

[HenryMuto]

Cleary off nova

[Blue Blooded-05]

40 minutes of hell:
- The name of Nolan Richardson’s vaunted press defense for Arkansas in the 90s
- Best way to describe the final 50 seconds of this game

[xudash]

This asshole Villanova coach just needs to sit down.

[Xville]

It wasn’t clearly. That’s why it was reviewed.

Then why did you bitch about the refs since it wasn’t clear

[HAAS_U]

These announcers just need to shut the hell up

[IM4X]

That’s game.

Wow- Nova really was a great team to practice breaking the press on.

Great job X! Boum and Zach were sensational. All the starters had some good contributions.

[Strange Brew]

I think we may have finally exorcised the demons! Geezus that game was frustrating at times but hell yeah!!!!

This house is clean…

[Xuperman]

This was fun! SHOCK THE MONKEY!!!

[American X]

Villanova is going to hit a 12 point shot now.

[Strange Brew]

Then why did you bitch about the refs since it wasn’t clear

Because I posted before it was reviewed you dick.

[IM4X]

Fiest win at Nova l… love this team! So happy to have Sean back.

[X Factor]

Boom Boum!!!

Thank you Coach Miller!!!

Thank you Big Frosty!!

[xudash]

Some guy with a VD shirt or sweatshirt is sitting behind Sean Miller. Poor clueless bastard is lost.

[Xville]

Finally!

[Strange Brew]

Sweet relief.

[Blue Blooded-05]

House of horrors no more! Way to go Muskies!!

[BillikenMusketeer]

Happy for these guys. Big win getting over that mental hurdle

[noteggs]

Roadkill!!!!!!!!!!!

[xu82]

How great does it feel to think we WILL make those FT’s to close out a game?

[Xville]

5-0 in conference with wins over uconn and nova… so awesome!

[whopper]

zach was gypped out of 30 on that 3... He may not even be the "poor man's " Hansborough...29 and 11 v Villanova...? He is a star in his own right. Great job by all inc Adam, Souley, Colby, Jack, Jerome, Des,, Kyky and the bench . and Sean M and staff

[XUGRAD80]

YES!!!

You could see the joy and relief on the players faces as Kunk and Free were making those free throws. HUGE WIN!!!

[Xavgrad08]

Fremantle has been playing very well this year. He has been remarkably consistent since the start of conference play.Nice to see Kunkel hit some three’s.

[XUGRAD80]

How great does it feel to think we WILL make those FT’s to close out a game?

With Boum there is no doubt!

[UCGRAD4X]

Hansborough = poor man's Freemantle

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Our man Boum……can he shoot FTs!
Another outstanding performance by Free. Congratulations to all for the W.

[XUGRAD80]

I do believe that the train is back on the F…ing Tracks!

[Boro Muskie]

I do believe that the train is back on the F…ing Tracks!

I see what you did there and Yes. It. Is.

[noteggs]

Happy for these guys. Big win getting over that mental hurdle

This is so true!

[xukeith]

Man , Neptune allows those Nova players to launch 32 threes.

Often I think as soon as Freemantle gets the ball in the paint, he is going to attempt a shot. When he is he dynamite. Crediit Zach for no turnovers, 11 rebounds, and a ton of points. His defense was not too shabby either.

[noteggs]

WOW, two players with double doubles in the same game!

[XU_Lou]

Who knew we would ever fall 5 spots in the NET after playing Nova.

[zanesxu]

01/07/22 - Xavier is 12-2 and 23 in kpom
01/07/23 - Xavier is 13-3 and 19 in kpom (as of now)

Pretty similar, but man the difference in mettle and moxie couldn’t be bigger.

[Strange Brew]

Who knew we would ever fall 5 spots in the NET after playing Nova.

Boo this man!

I kid. :)

[xukeith]

X defense made Nova shoot 6/21(28%) from 3 in 2nd half.

[Xville]

Wow..: next four extremely winnable to with the tough ones at home. Wow so far and wow to think they could be 17-3 and 9-0 with a trip to uconn

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Three or so years ago a sage on this page said that until XU started beating Villanova at home, we were nothing but their Dayton.

I thought that was apt at the time. It stung and stuck with me.

Today was a first step in straightening all that out.

Big win and cheers to Coach Miller and the team.

Late props to whoever put that out there.

[MHettel]

Awesome game by Free.

Dude can score whenever and however down low. But the one handed push shots and the threat of 3 is the killer!

Thoughts…

Did Zach and Jerome and Carter take 3s in the flow of offense because they wanted to, or because they were told too?

Think about that. Freee has been fucking GOLD when it comes to making big threes when it matters. But in the normal course of the game he seems to brick a lot.

Second thought……

Please make sure Free lays off the open threes in “regular time” and just keeps using the same shot selection that he’s been using.

Really amazing to see his offensive efficiency

[Three Point Pete]

After having to endure the Ohio State loss on Thursday then endure the Kentucky beat down today I can't take no more pain X has got to finish this one off.Henry, hope a big dose of roasted road kill makes you feel good!!

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[Nigel Tufnel]

Awesome game by Free.

Dude can score whenever and however down low. But the one handed push shots and the threat of 3 is the killer!

Thoughts…

Did Zach and Jerome and Carter take 3s in the flow of offense because they wanted to, or because they were told too?

Think about that. Freee has been fucking GOLD when it comes to making big threes when it matters. But in the normal course of the game he seems to brick a lot.

Second thought……

Please make sure Free lays off the open threes in “regular time” and just keeps using the same shot selection that he’s been using.

Really amazing to see his offensive efficiency

My son and I were talking about this…we both think Miller gives Free the red light on 3’s until he sees how Free is playing offensively. If he’s rolling, Miller gives him the green light on wide open 3’s. Perhaps that’s why it seems all of Free’s 3’s this season have come mid second half on and later. Maybe?

[American X]

http://ooquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/7-boondock-saints-quotes.gif

[MHettel]

My son and I were talking about this…we both think Miller gives Free the red light on 3’s until he sees how Free is playing offensively. If he’s rolling, Miller gives him the green light on wide open 3’s. Perhaps that’s why it seems all of Free’s 3’s this season have come mid second half on and later. Maybe?

Yes. Same idea basically.

Some level of temperament. I think Steele told the guys that they HAD to take 3s when they were there. But currently it seems like they only take them when they want or need to. Hence, the confidence and success.

Edit: I do think Hunter was asked not to take 3s. And free was told if it was there and he was feeling it…

[D-West & PO-Z]

Road Kill!!

We have now won 2 games so far I wasn't thinking we would when looking at the schedule and predicting our BE record.

This team is so fun to watch (most of the time!). I always have faith Miller would get things straightened out even in game when they arent going well.

[xu82]

Three or so years ago a sage on this page said that until XU started beating Villanova at home, we were nothing but their Dayton.

I thought that was apt at the time. It stung and stuck with me.

Today was a first step in straightening all that out.

Big win and cheers to Coach Miller and the team.

Late props to whoever put that out there.

Well said! Public reps is all I got.

[Strange Brew]

http://ooquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/7-boondock-saints-quotes.gif

That poor cat…

[noteggs]

My son and I were talking about this…we both think Miller gives Free the red light on 3’s until he sees how Free is playing offensively. If he’s rolling, Miller gives him the green light on wide open 3’s. Perhaps that’s why it seems all of Free’s 3’s this season have come mid second half on and later. Maybe?

Agree, think Sean wants to have Free to see baskets go in before attempting. Not sure it’s a second half thing, but I haven’t seen many attempts in first. Looks like great strategy regardless.

[Masterofreality]

Solid win today.
Pimp in the Box from this board was sitting right behind the Xavier bench and heard Sean chastise Des Claude.
Sean said
"Des, if you don’t want to dive on the floor, I’m not playing you.”
That’s the coach we need, not the one we deserve. These guys get a message. And THEY WILL be accountable.

[Xavier]

Do you think Jay left because he knew they didn’t have the talent? Or wasn’t interested in the NIL/transfer game? Or a mix of both. Obviously they’d be better with him as coach but dang, it’s going to be a bumpy road for them to get on track.

[xudash]

Do you think Jay left because he knew they didn’t have the talent? Or wasn’t interested in the NIL/transfer game? Or a mix of both. Obviously they’d be better with him as coach but dang, it’s going to be a bumpy road for them to get on track.

I think it’s a combination of both, but with a weighting towards the NIL issue.

I would not be surprised if Villanova slips into Steve Lappas mode for a few years.

[JTG]

I think it’s a combination of both, but with a weighting towards the NIL issue.

I would not be surprised if Villanova slips into Steve Lappas mode for a few years.

I don't think so. It's not like they got blown out. And they have a couple guys hurt. When all healthy I bet they'll be a force in the BE.

[GoMuskies]

This team is pretty great. 5-0 is fun. Let's get to 9-0 before we go to UConn. Just cause.

[Strange Brew]

This team is pretty great. 5-0 is fun. Let's get to 9-0 before we go to UConn. Just cause.

I mean. Why not. Sounds like fun.

Is this a streak (knocks wood, throws salt over shoulder)?

[xavierj]

I think it’s a combination of both, but with a weighting towards the NIL issue.

I would not be surprised if Villanova slips into Steve Lappas mode for a few years.

They will need to hit the transfer portal hard. They will lose Daniels, Whitmore and Slater. Archidiacano and Moore can come back if they want. They have one guy signed for this coming year who is not a rated recruit who had other offers from Hampton and Chattanooga.

[American X]

Sorry fans, but I am hearing the Big East is declaring Villanova won that game. Competitive fairness and whatnot. Xavier cannot be allowed to win in Philadelphia, so they have to correct that.

[UCGRAD4X]

Sorry fans, but I am hearing the Big East is declaring Villanova won that game. Competitive fairness and whatnot. Xavier cannot be allowed to win in Philadelphia, so they have to correct that.

Something about a clock issue and the game actually ended when Nova had the lead. That's what I heard.

[Masterofreality]

Sorry fans, but I am hearing the Big East is declaring Villanova won that game. Competitive fairness and whatnot. Xavier cannot be allowed to win in Philadelphia, so they have to correct that.

Trolley McTrollface

[bobbiemcgee]

Solid win today.
Pimp in the Box from this board was sitting right behind the Xavier bench and heard Sean chastise Des Claude.
Sean said
"Des, if you don’t want to dive on the floor, I’m not playing you.”
That’s the coach we need, not the one we deserve. These guys get a message. And THEY WILL be accountable.

A Steele team would have folded the last four minutes.

[IM4X]

Hansborough = poor man's Freemantle

Exactly.