Game Thread: Xavier v Creighton University (1/28/2023)

[paulxu]

https://live.staticflickr.com/4074/4819000479_2020c62eb9_n.jpg VS.https://www.mascotfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Creighton-Bluejay-300x300.jpg

CINCINNATI --- The No. 13 Xavier University Musketeers, 17-4 overall and in first place in the BIG EAST Conference at 9-1, hit the road again for a Saturday game at 12:15 p.m. ET in Omaha against the Creighton University Bluejays, 12-8 overall and 6-3 in the BIG EAST. Creighton has won three straight games, while Xavier has won 13 of its last 14 games.

Xavier is shooting to improve on its 5-1 road record this season. XU is 4-1 this season in BIG EAST road games.

THE MATCHUP

NO. 13/12 XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (17-4, 9-1 BIG EAST)
RV/RV CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY BLUEJAYS (12-8, 6-3 BIG EAST)
SATURDAY, JAN. 28, 2023 AT 12:15 P.M. ET (11:15 A.M. CT)
AT CHI HEALTH CENTER OMAHA IN OMAHA, NEB.

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: CBS National, including Local 12 in Cincinnati, with play by-play from Andrew Catalon and analysis from Steve Lappas.
Xavier Radio: 55KRC 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 134 or 201 and 964 on the SXM App.
National Radio: Westwood One with play-by-play from Kevin Kugler and analysis from Nick Bahe.
Live Stats: Media stats at Statbroadcast.com (http://statbroadcast.com) and fan stats at GoXavier.com. (http://goxavier.com)

[GoMuskies]

Game is at 11, so where can a man get a drink in this shithole town at 9:30?

[Masterofreality]

The Council Bluffs Casinos!

And Beejeezuz! We get Andrew Catalon and LapDog Lappas as commentators on CBS National?? Talk about the 3rd string!!
Where’s Dickie Simpkins when you need him!!??

[Strange Brew]

Game is at 11, so where can a man get a drink in this shithole town at 9:30?

There has to be a K of C hall in town somewhere.

[xu82]

I will be at my granddaughters baptism in Sarasota, FL. I rarely miss a game live, but I’ll set that to record.

[Xville]

Probably X-4 or 5? Somewhere around there. I thought that x had a better chance against UConn this week than at creighton and was happy with a 1-1 week but now I want both lol. Go get ‘em boys.

[X Factor]

Am I the only one that can't stand Creighton? I can't stand Greg McDermott either.

This would be a sweeter win than UConn in my book. Maybe not better, but more satisfying.

[GoMuskies]

Probably X-4 or 5? Somewhere around there. I thought that x had a better chance against UConn this week than at creighton and was happy with a 1-1 week but now I want both lol. Go get ‘em boys.

Xavier will be underdogs.

[Xville]

Xavier will be underdogs.

Ha! Good catch. I meant +4 or 5. It’s been a week!

[Xavier]

Am I the only one that can't stand Creighton? I can't stand Greg McDermott either.

This would be a sweeter win than UConn in my book. Maybe not better, but more satisfying.

I like them. I was worried about McDermott coaching without his son and I am pleasantly wrong. He’s a solid coach, especially offensively (duh). He’s good for creighton and the big East.

As for the game, I still think they are the 2nd best team in the big East. They took some lumps when the big was out but I think they find their way to the tournament and could be an 8/9 seed that no 1 seed wants to see. While a long way to go….if X finds a way to win I will be surprised if they don’t go on to win the big East.

[xavierj]

I like them. I was worried about McDermott coaching without his son and I am pleasantly wrong. He’s a solid coach, especially offensively (duh). He’s good for creighton and the big East.

As for the game, I still think they are the 2nd best team in the big East. They took some lumps when the big was out but I think they find their way to the tournament and could be an 8/9 seed that no 1 seed wants to see. While a long way to go….if X finds a way to win I will be surprised if they don’t go on to win the big East.

Agree on Creighton being the 2nd best team in the league and McDermott can coach. The great thing about Xavier now is that in every game I know we have the best coach and you always know you can win at home and on the road. That feeling wasn’t there the last 4 years and couldn’t be happier that Xavier basketball is back to being what it should be.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Am I the only one that can't stand Creighton? I can't stand Greg McDermott either.

This would be a sweeter win than UConn in my book. Maybe not better, but more satisfying.

No issues with Creighton here. Or McDermott.

I don't have hate for many of the teams in our league but ranking the all of them according to which we dislike the most might be a fun topic for another thread.

[American X]

I think Creighton is the more challenging of the two games this week, but winning at UConn gives Xavier a huge confidence boost. We know that we can win this type of game.

[X-band '01]

No issues with Creighton here. Or McDermott.

I don't have hate for many of the teams in our league but ranking the all of them according to which we dislike the most might be a fun topic for another thread.

Thing is, they really dislike us. Probably began with Thad Matta's Xavier teams sweeping a home-and-home with the Bluejays back in 2002 and 2003.

[Masterofreality]

I like them. I was worried about McDermott coaching without his son and I am pleasantly wrong. He’s a solid coach, especially offensively (duh). He’s good for creighton and the big East.

As for the game, I still think they are the 2nd best team in the big East. They took some lumps when the big was out but I think they find their way to the tournament and could be an 8/9 seed that no 1 seed wants to see. While a long way to go….if X finds a way to win I will be surprised if they don’t go on to win the big East.

I like Creighton too and McDermott is a good guy, competitive, but not a troll at all. He knows how to subtly work the refs. I respect that. The other coaches really like him too.
I also am fine with their fans. I’ve met many of them both in Omaha and New York. They are passionate, good for them, but respectful and knowledgeable- unlike rubes such as other “cornbelt cretins” like VD Cryer fan or Butler who are insufferable

[Masterofreality]

No issues with Creighton here. Or McDermott.

I don't have hate for many of the teams in our league but ranking the all of them according to which we dislike the most might be a fun topic for another thread.

I think Butler wins in a walk. Some of the stuff that was said to my X grad Daughter & I at Hinkle last year cannot be repeated in polite company.
That place has the biggest inferiority complex of any gym I’ve ever been in.

[Strange Brew]

Am I the only one that can't stand Creighton? I can't stand Greg McDermott either.

This would be a sweeter win than UConn in my book. Maybe not better, but more satisfying.

They’re next on the schedule so I dislike them.
Next week I’ll go back to being friends with the Creighton grads I know out here. :)

[X Factor]

Xavier +5 tomorrow.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think Butler wins in a walk. Some of the stuff that was said to my X grad Daughter & I at Hinkle last year cannot be repeated in polite company.
That place has the biggest inferiority complex of any gym I’ve ever been in.

Oh, no question Butler is at the top of the dislike list.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Xavier +5 tomorrow.

Yeah I see 5 and 5.5. I got a bet on them +5.5

[X Factor]

Oh, no question Butler is at the top of the dislike list.

Definitely, no questions asked.

[X-band '01]

Oh, no question Butler is at the top of the dislike list.

Yeah, but they have a soft spot in my heart for effectively filibustering Dayton out of the Big East. Ditto Creighton.

[X-band '01]

I think Butler wins in a walk. Some of the stuff that was said to my X grad Daughter & I at Hinkle last year cannot be repeated in polite company.
That place has the biggest inferiority complex of any gym I’ve ever been in.

Oddly enough, I heard about six "Fuck Ohio" chants from the DePaul student section when I went to Chicago last week. Don't think it was directed at any individual Xavier fans, but was surprised to hear that from them.

Check that, I was surprised they had students in attendance period. Even for a then-Top 10 team.

But we know Creighton fans and students will definitely be out in full force tomorrow.

[xu 89]

Went to the game in Omaha last year and had a great time before and after the game with Creighton fans. Couple older CU fans bought our group a round of shots (twice). I like McD and Creighton. Couple years ago my 12 yo son sent a letter to McD saying how much he liked his son Doug. Couple weeks later a letter came in the mail with a personally signed picture from Doug.

[GoMuskies]

Game is at 11, so where can a man get a drink in this shithole town at 9:30?

Update: Embassy Suites is serving mimosas. Crisis averted!

[Masterofreality]

Update: Embassy Suites is serving mimosas. Crisis averted!

You chose your hotel well!

[HenryMuto]

I would be surprised if X can pull out another road win they have been great all year on the road with just 1 blimp on the radar that could have also been a win.

That said this Xavier team has been surprising me all year long in a good way so here is to another surprise win.

[X Factor]

Crowd is going to be in a frenzy today. Need to take them out of it early like they did at UConn.

[noteggs]

Looks like it’s going to be charge fest. Yeah that’s right Brian O’Connell is in the house.

[Xville]

Looks like it’s going to be charge fest. Yeah that’s right Brian O’Connell is in the house.

Gross

[American X]

It looks like we are playing in Pepto Bismal.

[bjf123]

That was a ticky tack foul call.


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[Xville]

Good start again on the road!

[Xville]

Alright I’ll take 4 minute ties all day long on the road.. just win the last one :)

[American X]

Great start until they tied it up. Questionable fouls on Colby & Nunge. Heat check by Freemantle, keep that ball moving.

[American X]

Ref show, again. LOOK AT THEM. But make the f'in layup Colby.

[BillikenMusketeer]

It’s the ref show !

[bjf123]

That’s two ticky tack calls on Nunge.


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[X Factor]

Getting homered big time

[American X]

Claude was so smart with the pass to Nunge for the three, then takes that horrible three attempt. Also, LOOK AT THE REFS.

[X Factor]

There's no way a 7 footer went over the back of a 6 foot dude. Jack didn't even touch him.

[MADXSTER]

You're right, he never touched him.

[Xville]

Horrible call on nunge.

[xavierj]

Claude was so smart with the pass to Nunge for the three, then takes that horrible three attempt. Also, LOOK AT THE REFS.

https://mobile.twitter.com/ChargeOconnell/status/1619388126228779008

Guy is so bad. Over under under in charges today should be 10.

[MHettel]

Fuckin hate the refs. Creighton guy grabs Nunge on a post feed and gets a steal. Free gets called for his second on the exact same play on the other end.

Infuriating.

May need to dig into the bench a little deeper today

[X Factor]

Big time hook on Kaluma doesn't get called

[Xville]

That was pathetic by Colby. There is no zero reason to give up four offensive rebounds in one sequence.

[Strange Brew]

Refs have really disrupted X’s gameplan. They are hot garbage today.

[X-band '01]

Freemantle and Nunge are just going to have to take turns until the 2nd half comes.

Dangerous sequence with Kaluma getting numerous offensive boards/putback and a Creighton 3.

[American X]

Don't take f'ed up quick threes, run the offense. Rebounding would be nice too.

[paulxu]

With the refs help, or something, they are crushing us on the boards.

[HenryMuto]

From 19-19 to 19-28 not great Bob

[HenryMuto]

How are they crushing us on the offensive boards ? We have two 7 footers

[American X]

...and The Jerome Hunter Three Point Experience invades Nebraska.

[bjf123]

With the refs help, or something, they are crushing us on the boards.

Can’t crash the boards when you know they’ll call a foul even when you don’t touch anyone.


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[X Factor]

Way too many offensive rebounds. It was uphill battle from the start.

Don't see how we win this game.

[Xville]

What’s the point of playing nunge and/or free if they can’t play d on kalkbrenner? Play small! I don’t understand the coaching strategy here

[Xville]

Ha well now Sean did what I was thinking

[HenryMuto]

I had no idea Freemantle was only 6'9" I thought he was 7'

[Roach]

Can anyone explain to me why refs in Omaha are so consistently terrible? Is it something in the water?

[Xville]

I had no idea Freemantle was only 6'9" I thought he was 7'

Listed at 6’9… realistically he’s probably 6’7

[bjf123]

What’s the point of playing nunge and/or free if they can’t play d on kalkbrenner? Play small! I don’t understand the coaching strategy here

Ask and ye shall receive. Let’s see how it works.


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[Roach]

These officials are legitimately terrible. They call non-fouls on X, but no fouls on the turd birds, even if they shove a shooter to the ground. This is borderline disgusting.

[RoseyMuskie]

What’s the point of playing nunge and/or free if they can’t play d on kalkbrenner? Play small! I don’t understand the coaching strategy here

Thought similar thing. Put Hunter on Kalkbrenner, play tight d on perimeter, and concede some easy twos at times. And then just go back to the “out score” approach.

[GoMuskies]

This isn't fun so far. And I've got a real prick in front of me.

[Xville]

Need to make about three straight stops on d and get this back down to 4-6 before half

[Xville]

Don’t understand why free or nunge is in.. literally no point if you are not going to allow him to foul. It’s pointless.

[X Factor]

Not our day. Refs f'd us early and we got all put out of sorts.

[American X]

Our preseason All BE player Colby Jones is killing us. He has to be better on the floor, period.

[Strange Brew]

If the ref show continues in the 2nd I have no problem with Sean getting T’d up.

[HenryMuto]

Rough 1st half any chance we can make a run to start the 2nd half to get back in this ?

[X Factor]

Literally nothing falling and nothing going right.

[Xville]

Bad d, questionable calls, some questionable coaching strategy and not making shots. Probably worst half of basketball I have seen from them this year

[Strange Brew]

Rough 1st half any chance we can make a run to start the 2nd half to get back in this ?

That will depend on the stripes

[X Factor]

You know this would be near impossible to win with the pink out.

[X-band '01]

I would have also been fine with him getting a T after Nunge's 2nd foul. Would have least planted a seed in the officials' minds at that point.

But no more excuses for the 2nd half for Nunge and Freemantle.

[xuwillie]

Our preseason All BE player Colby Jones is killing us. He has to be better on the floor, period.

He’s either really good or really bad.

[bjf123]

If the ref show continues in the 2nd I have no problem with Sean getting T’d up.

I fully expect him to get T’d up. I’m surprised he didn’t after the completely BS 2nd foul on Jack.


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[American X]

Some of the same selfishness that we saw at DePaul. Jack another quick three, it will work this time.

Not looking promising, but these games are 40 minutes. We have to trust Miller and let it play out.

[Xville]

Boum and jones can’t both be no shows. Just can’t happen. 2-11 is not going to do it

[xavierj]

January 28th, 2022. Halftime score 36-19 Creighton. Final 74-64 Xavier. Let’s hope that happens again.

[XU-PA]

Someone needs to explain moving screen to these refs. Kalbrenner is screwing our defenders

[bjf123]

Someone needs to explain moving screen to these refs. Kalbrenner is screwing our defenders

Beat me to it. Apparently, hip checks are legal for Kalkbrenner.


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[Xville]

Alright let’s start chipping away…10 or under by 16 minutes

[Strange Brew]

Someone needs to explain moving screen to these refs. Kalbrenner is screwing our defenders

No, they know what it is and prob call one on Nunge or Free in the first 4 min.

[Xville]

Ugh nunge you just can’t miss those.

[Xville]

Second out of bounds play in a roll where a creighton guy comes off one effing screen and is wide open

[Strange Brew]

Shock
Another foul for Free.

[bjf123]

No, they know what it is and prob call one on Nunge or Free in the first 4 min.

Yep. Called it.


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[Xville]

Ok won that one… get it down to 8 at the 12

[X-band '01]

Not 10, but Xavier at least chipped 2 points off the lead in the first 4 minutes.

[Strange Brew]

Ok won that one… get it down to 8 at the 12

Let’s go boys.

[XU-PA]

Yep. Called it.


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Sadly, yes. Kalbrenner has gotten a free pass all season

[Xville]

How many wide open shots is our d going to give up today? I mean Geezus, get a freaking hand up

[Strange Brew]

Sadly, yes. Kalbrenner has gotten a free pass all season

He’s so fun to watch tho.

[XU-PA]

Mr Hunter is in the house!!!

[noteggs]

Now that you guys brought can’t stop seeing the screens by Kalk. Joke

[American X]

Finally a quality shot from Colby. Hunter can do that all afternoon long. Stick with it and don't force early shots.

[X-band '01]

About to be another Cesare Edwards sighting. Cannot go backwards from a 9-pt deficit right now.

[Xville]

There we go! Chipping away… keep up the inset airy on the defensive side of the floor… hack the crap out of someone if you have to

[HenryMuto]

Alright let’s start chipping away…10 or under by 16 minutes

Down to 9 now what

[xavierj]

Down to 9 now what

Keep playing and get to 6 by the under 8 and make them uncomfortable and tight.

[HenryMuto]

Win or lose I just want this to come down to the final minutes. No blow outs.

[Xville]

Alright, back to being a ballgame! Great response out of halftime keep it up!

Get it down to 4 with 8 left!

[Strange Brew]

Big shot Kunk.

[Strange Brew]

He walked twice…

And 3 fouls total in the game called on CU.

[American X]

Impressive 2 fouls, 1 turnover, and 0 rebounds & points in 4 minutes from Cesare.

[xavierj]

He walked twice…

And 3 fouls total in the game called on CU.

Yes he did walk and refs have made a decision not to call fouls on Creighton. Just gotta beat the keep playing and don’t worry about the refs. No easy baskets either.

[Strange Brew]

Impressive 2 fouls, 1 turnover, and 0 rebounds & points in 4 minutes from Cesare.

He wasn’t exactly part of the plan for this game.

[Strange Brew]

Yes he did walk and refs have made a decision not to call fouls on Creighton. Just gotta beat the keep playing and don’t worry about the refs. No easy baskets either.

Agree for the players.

I’m not on the floor so the refs suck.

[HenryMuto]

I don't get the foul guys when a guy backs out of the way and the offensive guy jumps into him. I think that is BS

[Xville]

Geezus Claude can’t do that, and agree with lappas should have been no call

[X Factor]

Damn these refs suck ass!

[RoseyMuskie]

Kaluma arm bars and travels every time.

[HenryMuto]

Back to 16 just not our day we were due for one of these but you hope it just never comes.

[X Factor]

One of those road games where the home team makes EVERYTHING

[Xville]

Welp another wide open three given up and that will do it.

Not sure when this team is going to figure out that they have to play d against good teams

[bjf123]

I want the next foul on X to really be a foul. Knock someone down HARD.


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[Strange Brew]

One of those road games where the home team makes EVERYTHING

And gets every call.

This is a total screw job.

[Xville]

Oh good we gave up another wide open three.

[X Factor]

Creighton won't play this good the rest of the year

[Strange Brew]

Another moving screen not called.

[Xville]

There is no reason to complain about refs when x’s defense has been this bad. X isn’t losing by 15 because of the refs

[X Factor]

There is no reason to complain about refs when x’s defense has been this bad. X isn’t losing by 15 because of the refs

The refs took Xavier out of everything in the first half.

[XU-PA]

When is the last time a D1 team went 13 1/2 minutes in a half without a single foul called??

[HenryMuto]

I am glad Creighton had their starting 5 the day X won 90-87 earlier this year but still hate losing like this but at least we won't have the well Xavier won when Creighton was injured talk. Each team won on their home floor full strength. Can't win every game. Just the way it goes some days today not our day.
Happy to get a split between UCONN and Creighton.

[Strange Brew]

There is no reason to complain about refs when x’s defense has been this bad. X isn’t losing by 15 because of the refs

Yes, there is Ville.

It’s hard to play d when you pick up cheap fouls and are fighting through moving screens.

The d isn’t good at all but the refs took the bigs out of the game early. 0 fouls called against CU this half. That’s hot garbage.

[HenryMuto]

When is the last time a D1 team went 13 1/2 minutes in a half without a single foul called??

Vanderbilt vs Kentucky on Tuesday. Kentucky had 2 FT's the entire game Vandy had 5 fouls called on them the entire game and only 2 in the entire 2nd half.

[Xville]

The refs took Xavier out of everything in the first half.

Excuses are like assholes…

What about the second half when creighton has extended the lead? This is life on the road in conference.

[xavbball]

Creighton won't play this good the rest of the year

Well, they probably won't face many defenses like ours...

[noteggs]

The refs took Xavier out of everything in the first half.

Absolutely especially the 2 cheap fouls on Nunge.

[xavierj]

Xavier isn’t winning this game. May want to get some other players in as Xavier has three winnable games coming up before heading to Marquette.

[MHettel]

There is no reason to complain about refs when x’s defense has been this bad. X isn’t losing by 15 because of the refs

Maybe the constant moving screens have something to do with what appears to be an unlimited series of open shots.

If they don’t call those…or even ONE of those…then the best defense on the planet is helpless to stop them.

3 fouls in 33 minutes? Really?

[Strange Brew]

Excuses are like assholes…

What about the second half when creighton has extended the lead? This is life on the road in conference.

Give it up.

The refs suck today.

Oh look, another ticky tack call against X.

[X Factor]

Creighton has 3 fouls all game!

[noteggs]

Lappas “this team just doesn’t foul”. Guess refs don’t watch the screens?

[Xville]

Give it up.

The refs suck today.

Oh look, another ticky tack call against X.

You sound like Dayton fan but you be you. You complain about refs every game

[HenryMuto]

Well we knew the Tech was coming.

[X Factor]

3 fucking fouls!!!

[Strange Brew]

You sound like Dayton fan but you be you. You complain about refs every game

You sound like a pollyana.

Oh, the refs are great. We just need to play better.

[BillikenMusketeer]

Foul disparity is an absolute joke

[xavierj]

Good for Sean. Fuck these guys.

[Xville]

Going to give up 90 plus but yeah it was the refs

[XU-PA]

The refs took Xavier out of everything in the first half.

Precisely

[Strange Brew]

Foul disparity is an absolute joke

Don’t be a Dayton fan.

Ville says there’s nothing to see here.

[X Factor]

This is why I hate Creighton. Who gets called for only 4 fouls in a game? They're pink out always against Xavier.

Screw these guys.

[Strange Brew]

Going to give up 90 plus but yeah it was the refs

Um, well hard to defend and you’re the only one who sees it as not a problem.

This game is a hell of a lot closer in a game called with a semblance of balance.

[Xville]

You sound like a pollyana.

Oh, the refs are great. We just need to play better.

Didn’t say the refs were great, but I dunno if you have been paying attention all year but x’s defense is garbage. It’s been garbage all year long. And boum has been absolutely shut down this game and x will be lucky to hit 70. None of that is the refs fault

[xavierj]

It’s not the refs fault they are losing but it’s tough to play when the game is called differently for the two teams. One knows they can hold, move on screens and hack at the rim and the other gets called for an over the back on a clean tip in. Tone was set early and it’s Xavier who has to adjust.

[Strange Brew]

Didn’t say the refs were great, but I dunno if you have been paying attention all year but x’s defense is garbage. It’s been garbage all year long. And boum has been absolutely shut down this game. None of that is the refs fault

It is and it’s worse when you have to fight through moving picks and can’t challenge shots.

Oh, and Hunter was fouled on that shot.

[noteggs]

It’s not the refs fault they are losing but it’s tough to play when the game is called differently for the two teams. One knows they can hold, move on screens and hack at the rim and the other gets called for an over the back on a clean tip in. Tone was set early and it’s Xavier who has to adjust.

This is the correct answer

[Strange Brew]

Hahahaha. Now they call fouls on CU so the box score doesn’t look so bad.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Refs called game differently at each end. But refs didn't make the shots for Creighton. Nunge, Edwards, Souley and Claude looked horrible. Again, not refs. We just got the crap beat out of us and, in a wierd way, it may be a good loss. Nothing like a humiliating defeat on national television to be force a re-focusing.

[bjf123]

It’s not the refs fault they are losing but it’s tough to play when the game is called differently for the two teams. One knows they can hold, move on screens and hack at the rim and the other gets called for an over the back on a clean tip in. Tone was set early and it’s Xavier who has to adjust.

Well said.


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[Xville]

I’ll take the 1-1 week. I was thinking it was quite possible to lose both so it sucks to lose but whatever. Back to the friendly confines of Cintas. Win 2 this coming week.

[Xville]

Refs called game differently at each end. But refs didn't make the shots for Creighton. Nunge, Edwards, Souley and Claude looked horrible. Again, not refs. We just got the crap beat out of us and, in a wierd way, it may be a good loss. Nothing like a humiliating defeat on national television to be force a re-focusing.

Yep, this.

[X-band '01]

Time to turn the page and take out the frustration of today on Providence. Not going to be a fun film session with this game tape.

[American X]

You are welcome for the quality win, Creighton. I double dog dare you to play this well in the NCAA Tournament.

Creighton played great defense and Xavier played the opposite. Also, LOOK AT THE REFS, LOOK AT THEM.

But people wore pink, so totally understandable performance.

[xavierj]

I’ll take the 1-1 week. I was thinking it was quite possible to lose both so it sucks to lose but whatever. Back to the friendly confines of Cintas. Win 2 this coming week.

Agree. Wednesday is a big one.

[GoMuskies]

That sucked.

[hoopster68]

Not playing effective defense was going to catch the Muskies. Other teams will see it & jam it down our throats the rest of the season. Refs may have called two different games, but the refs didn't play "no show" defense. What have we learned?

[xavierj]

Not playing effective defense was going to catch the Muskies. Other teams will see it & jam it down our throats the rest of the season. Refs may have called two different games, but the refs didn't play "no show" defense. What have we learned?

Have learned all season that Xavier doesn’t have the players to play good defense. Good offensive players but not built for defense. It is what it is and won’t get much better. Sean will bring guys in that can. Des has a bright future as a defensive guy but not sure anyone else does unless Hunter and Colby come back. But Souley, Kunkel, Zach and Jack just are not very good defenders and Colby is average but could be better.

[JTG]

Don’t be a Dayton fan.

Ville says there’s nothing to see here.

No fouls for 21 minutes is unheard of in D1 bball. There is a difference between no playing defense and not being allowed to play defense. Not to mention the hacks, moving screens and push offs that weren't called. Not saying we w ould have won,but it wouldn't have been a one sided beatdown.

[XUGRAD80]

My only observation is that they looked tired, especially Nunge. Highly emotional Wednesday night game in Connecticut, followed by an early Saturday game. 2 travel days, along with trying to practice/walk through in prep for todays game, and let’s not forget that they are all full-time students too. No surprise they didn’t play with energy.

[OTRMUSKIE]

I thought they lose to UConn and creighton. So I’m okay with losing. And if you’re going to lose may as well lose big. Creighton needed this win more than us and they took care of business. Refs are never the reason. Our defense sux. Congrats to Doug’s Dad. Hopefully they make the dance.

[Strange Brew]

No fouls for 21 minutes is unheard of in D1 bball. There is a difference between no playing defense and not being allowed to play defense. Not to mention the hacks, moving screens and push offs that weren't called. Not saying we w ould have won,but it wouldn't have been a one sided beatdown.

Agree with this.

Not saying X wins in a better called game but there’s no denying it put them in a huge hole in the first half and took them completely out of their game.

The 2nd half was pretty close with both bigs able to play with a bit more normalcy that they couldn’t in the first.

[Xavier]

I think nunge and Zach foul trouble did change the game- but I heard creighton, since the big has been back, has been playing like the #5 team in the country. At creighton- they are top 5 for sure. Think they will make a deep run….Disappointing game overall, but 17-5 standing atop the big East still.

[Xavgrad08]

Creighton is a good team and at Creighton is a very tough place to play. Creighton needed this game and I thought that showed. Boum has been incredible this year. Boum only had two points today and it will be tough for this X team to win games with him only scoring two. Besides Freemantle X was cold from 3 today.

Team needs to move forward and not let one loss become two in a row. Big opportunity at home vs Providence.

[paulxu]

I was unable to see the game today.
Curious about Boum. Was he just out of sorts?
Difficult to win if your top scorer only has 2 pts. Hope he's OK.

[IM4X]

I was unable to see the game today.
Curious about Boum. Was he just out of sorts?
Difficult to win if your top scorer only has 2 pts. Hope he's OK.

Boum struggled to get separation on offense for much of the game. Not sure if he was a little under the weather or tired still from Wednesday’s game, but he just didn’t look himself. He looked like he didn’t have that extra gear today.

Up until an early, awful foul called against Nunge, X was very physical and scoring at will. Then after that play, the team started playing very soft (for fear of fouling). The blown call not only cost X the bucket that Nunge scored, it forced him to leave the game with his second foul. A very, very bad call that crippled X by making them have to play small- which lead to easy buckets inside for Creighton and a huge run.

Several X players had a rough night, too. I hope they can shake this one off. A loss against Creighton on their home court is not exactly a bad loss, but several players just looked like their hearts were not really in the game.

[Masterofreality]

That call vs Jack was because Jack committed the foul of being 7 feet tall and about a foot taller than the guy who tried (and failed miserably) to box him out.
The ref who made the call? Brian “Charge” O’Connell, arguably the worst ref in the Big East.
Not the reason we lost, but it did change the trajectory of the game.

[Strange Brew]

That call vs Jack was because Jack committed the foul of being 7 feet tall and about a foot taller than the guy who tried (and failed miserably) to box him out.
The ref who made the call? Brian “Charge” O’Connell, arguably the worst ref in the Big East.
Not the reason we lost, but it did change the trajectory of the game.

Yup.

And Free was tagged with calls (first half) that weren’t called the other way. Didn’t cost X the game as Baum and Jones were off but the officiating was trash and affected the game in the first half and overall.

The refs were horrific and it is ok to call it out.

That said, on to the Friars.

Edit: Brian O’Connell. The fact his name is known as a ref is telling.

[UCGRAD4X]

The bluejays were able to get right up on our shooters and not allow them to create any space. I hate to pile on the ref blaming, but when guys know they can stick right up in your grill and not get called for being uber aggressive, it takes a team that relies on that out of their game. I only remember Boum taking one outside shot that squared up.

[American X]

That call vs Jack was because Jack committed the foul of being 7 feet tall and about a foot taller than the guy who tried (and failed miserably) to box him out.

Reminds me of Kenny Frease being called for fouls just because he is a step down the evolutionary ladder.

[bleedXblue]

The bluejays were able to get right up on our shooters and not allow them to create any space. I hate to pile on the ref blaming, but when guys know they can stick right up in your grill and not get called for being uber aggressive, it takes a team that relies on that out of their game. I only remember Boum taking one outside shot that squared up.

We did a lousy job of setting screens to get guys open. And, Creighton did just the opposite.........honestly thought Miller was outcoached yesterday. It happens. Yeah, the foul situation was a joke, but I still dont think we win.......

[drudy23]

You knew within the first 8 minutes we weren't winning that game - on to Providence. Huge game Wednesday.

Would be nice if Nova could do us a solid and knock them off today.

[American X]

...on to Providence. Huge game Wednesday.

Would be nice if Nova could do us a solid and knock them off today.

No, I want the top teams to separate for quality wins and the ranked matchups. Let's beat them ourselves to claim the crown.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

We did a lousy job of setting screens to get guys open. And, Creighton did just the opposite.........honestly thought Miller was outcoached yesterday. It happens. Yeah, the foul situation was a joke, but I still dont think we win.......

Watched McDermont work the refs in his usual style. He did a good job of exposing our Achilles heel----lack of depth. Specifically, front court lack of depth. It is worth noting that Creighton has the same weakness but they forced us out of our game rather than the other way around.

In retrospect, Miller's technical might have been effective if he'd used it earlier; like the ridiculous call on Nunge's second foul. By the time he was teed up midway through the second half, our fate was sealed. Kalkbrenner, on offense, was setting up deep in the low post. Nunge was unable to body him out of the paint. Perhaps the only option we might have tried to push him out away from the basket, was Miles. Granted there are lots of issues with Deonte's game, starting with he's a human fouling machine, but for a few minutes, it might have worked. Poor Edwards who, as the announcers duly noted, hadn't played since 12/22, looked just like he hadn't played in a month. When he first he entered the game, he had a shocked look on his face like he was thinking "what the fuck am I doing here?".

Yesterday was a beat down; one we earned. Some coaches would toss the tape and move on. I would do the opposite. I would view it with the team multiple times so they could see, over and over, how they let the refs, the crowd and most of all, the other team, force them to alter their game.

We should not view yesterday's calamity as some divine omen that we will come out next Weds. with our hair on fire. Creighton exposed what must be, by now, known weaknesses. Let's see how we respond.

[Xavier]

Yeah, they were the first team to realize the lack of depth in the front court is a problem…. By December every team knew it. It’s not easy to exploit, and certainly not with hunter being able to play the 4. It’s really hard to exploit lack of depth….especially when the D isn’t that good. We aren’t exactly playing physical D where it gets called often.

The reason yesterday felt so bad was it’s the recipe every X fan knows will end up costing them in March. Offense not clicking, especially guard play- and D just won’t win games. It could be first round (doubtful) or could be elite 8. But that’s how we will go out and we all know it

[IM4X]

Watched McDermont work the refs in his usual style. He did a good job of exposing our Achilles heel----lack of depth. Specifically, front court lack of depth. It is worth noting that Creighton has the same weakness but they forced us out of our game rather than the other way around.

In retrospect, Miller's technical might have been effective if he'd used it earlier; like the ridiculous call on Nunge's second foul. By the time he was teed up midway through the second half, our fate was sealed. Kalkbrenner, on offense, was setting up deep in the low post. Nunge was unable to body him out of the paint. Perhaps the only option we might have tried to push him out away from the basket, was Miles. Granted there are lots of issues with Deonte's game, starting with he's a human fouling machine, but for a few minutes, it might have worked. Poor Edwards who, as the announcers duly noted, hadn't played since 12/22, looked just like he hadn't played in a month. When he first he entered the game, he had a shocked look on his face like he was thinking "what the fuck am I doing here?".

Yesterday was a beat down; one we earned. Some coaches would toss the tape and move on. I would do the opposite. I would view it with the team multiple times so they could see, over and over, how they let the refs, the crowd and most of all, the other team, force them to alter their game.

We should not view yesterday's calamity as some divine omen that we will come out next Weds. with our hair on fire. Creighton exposed what must be, by now, known weaknesses. Let's see how we respond.

A very good take. Well said.