Game Thread: Xavier v Providence College (3/1/2023)

[paulxu]

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CINCINNATI --- The No. 19 Xavier University Musketeers, 21-8 overall and 13-5 in the BIG EAST Conference, and the No. 20 Providence College Friars, 21-8 overall and 13-5 in the BIG EAST Conference, face off in Providence on Wednesday night. The two teams are tied for second in the league.

Xavier won the first meeting this season at Cintas Center on Feb. 1, 85-83 in overtime. Last season's matchup in Providence went to triple overtime with the Friars winning 99-92 on Feb. 23.

THE MATCHUP

NO. 19/17 XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (21-8, 13-5 BIG EAST)
NO. 20/20 PROVIDENCE COLLEGE FRIARS (21-8, 13-5 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023 AT 6:30 P.M. ET
AT AMICA MUTUAL PAVILION IN PROVIDENCE, R.I.

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play by-play from Jason Benetti and analysis from Bill Raftery.
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 134 or 202 and 965 on the SXM App.
National Radio: Westwood One Sports will broadcast the game with play-by-play from Dan Hoard and analysis from Andy Katz. Jason Horowitz will host the pregame and halftime shows.
Live Stats:at GoXavier.com. (http://goxavier.com)

[paulxu]

Is it unusual for Westwood One to nationally broadcast our game?

[muskiefan82]

National Radio: Westwood One Sports will broadcast the game with play-by-play from Dan Hoard and analysis from Andy Katz

Dan Hoard? That will be interesting

[American X]

Top 20 matchup with Benetti & Raftery? I'm all in.

This is probably the most excited one can get to be #2. Big implications for Big East & NCAA seeding.

Has Freemantle's foot tweeted? Will it see any minutes?

[Masterofreality]

National Radio: Westwood One Sports will broadcast the game with play-by-play from Dan Hoard and analysis from Andy Katz

Dan Hoard? That will be interesting

“Angry Dan Hoard” couldn’t be a worse choice. I despise everything he does.
Maybe you guys like him from the Bengals, but he’s a putz.

[muskiefan82]

“Angry Dan Hoard” couldn’t be a worse choice. I despise everything he does.
Maybe you guys like him from the Bengals, but he’s a putz.

That is why it will be interesting. Isn't he a UC homer?

[xavierj]

That is why it will be interesting. Isn't he a UC homer?

He is UC’s play by play guy. Syracuse grad. He’s a good guy.

[nuts4xu]

“Angry Dan Hoard” couldn’t be a worse choice. I despise everything he does.
Maybe you guys like him from the Bengals, but he’s a putz.

Angry? Of all the things to call Dan Hoard, I wouldn't put "angry" at the top of the list.

He may be a putz, but no more a putz than any of the other putzes who have called our games this year.

I am surprised Dan Hoard is moonlighting for Westwood One. UC is off until Saturday, but it seems very odd to me he would be doing a Xavier game in Providence on his day off. It would be one thing if this was a home game, but he is going to travel to Providence to do radio for a Xavier game?

I don't get it...but don't have an issue with it either.

[Masterofreality]

Angry? Of all the things to call Dan Hoard, I wouldn't put "angry" at the top of the list.

He may be a putz, but no more a putz than any of the other putzes who have called our games this year.

If you listen to every Xavier/Clifton Community College game he ever calls, you’d hear what a whiny, angry broadcaster he comes across as. Clifton is always a victim and getting screwed and how “lucky” Xavier is.
I have zero idea how he is on Bengal games, but there is a reason the Reds offered Joe Sunderman a full time radio job a few years ago and not Hoard.

[xavierj]

Angry? Of all the things to call Dan Hoard, I wouldn't put "angry" at the top of the list.

He may be a putz, but no more a putz than any of the other putzes who have called our games this year.

I am surprised Dan Hoard is moonlighting for Westwood One. UC is off until Saturday, but it seems very odd to me he would be doing a Xavier game in Providence on his day off. It would be one thing if this was a home game, but he is going to travel to Providence to do radio for a Xavier game?

I don't get it...but don't have an issue with it either.

I could be wrong but I think he lives up that way. I know he moved back up that way awhile back and travelled to town when he did games. He was calling minor league baseball back east as well.

[Masterofreality]

I could be wrong but I think he lives up that way. I know he moved back up that way awhile back and travelled to town when he did games. He was calling minor league baseball back east as well.

Hoard is from Syracuse area and went to school there. From 2006 -2011 he did Pawtucket Red Sox games but moved back to Cincinnati when he got the Bengals gig. He probably has a few friends in Providence from his Pawtucket (which is metro Providence) days

[Masterofreality]

By the way. The first Providence game was the first game where Free didn’t play. Jerome Hunter did an incredible defensive job on Hopkins.
Our defense is better now and we can still score. I like our chances.

[Xville]

Sagarin says providence -2 but Vegas came out at -3.5…. Interesting

[X-band '01]

If you listen to every Xavier/Clifton Community College game he ever calls, you’d hear what a whiny, angry broadcaster he comes across as. Clifton is always a victim and getting screwed and how “lucky” Xavier is.
I have zero idea how he is on Bengal games, but there is a reason the Reds offered Joe Sunderman a full time radio job a few years ago and not Hoard.

I knew that Joe Sunderman sent a demo tape to the Reds, but I don't remember him actually being offered a PxP position with the Reds.

[xukeith]

Dan Hoard knows his audience. He goes out of his way to let fans know how great the Bengals and Bearkittens should be treated.

[Masterofreality]

I knew that Joe Sunderman sent a demo tape to the Reds, but I don't remember him actually being offered a PxP position with the Reds.

The Reds asked for the demo tape then offered him a broadcasting job.
Joe turned the job down because it was too much stress on the family.
From the horses mouth.

[Masterofreality]

The task is now clear.
Win 2….Finish 2.

[Xuperman]

The task is now clear.
Win 2….Finish 2.

I think tonight pretty much settles it for X.....get the win and the home finale means little.

[muskiefan82]

I think tonight pretty much settles it for X.....get the win and the home finale means little.

Except stomping on Matta and Butler. And then walking out since court storming is silly.

[murray87]

Except stomping on Matta and Butler. And then walking out since court storming is silly.

Yes to this! I'm hoping for a victory margin of at least 30 over Futler. They are the new VD.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think tonight pretty much settles it for X.....get the win and the home finale means little.

Correct in terms of seeding, but no one wants to lose to Butler and Matta in his return to the 'tas on senior night.

[Xville]

So, is there any news on Zach? Is he going to test it out tonight? I tried to find an update, and didn’t see anything anywhere

[D-West & PO-Z]

So, is there any news on Zach? Is he going to test it out tonight? I tried to find an update, and didn’t see anything anywhere

I have heard he is not yet practicing. So i would doubt we see him tonight.

[Xville]

I have heard he is not yet practicing. So i would doubt we see him tonight.

Hmm. Based on that, sounds like be tourney would be best case scenario. Honestly, if he can’t go next week im not sure if I’d even want him playing in the tourney. The guys have been playing without him for a while that I think it would take a few games to adjust and for him to be comfortable. I don’t really want them having to adjust in a do or die situation.

[Xavier]

I don’t necessarily agree with that but I definitely see the argument. I’d be cool for him to be a back up to spell nunge and hunter for 10 min a game at least. But would Zach really push to comeback and only play 5-10 min? Maybe if he wasn’t coming back I could see that- I know he mentioned wanting to play in the NCAA tournament (not recently I think he mentioned that after last year or in the offseason)

[nuts4xu]

If you listen to every Xavier/Clifton Community College game he ever calls, you’d hear what a whiny, angry broadcaster he comes across as. Clifton is always a victim and getting screwed and how “lucky” Xavier is.


That is how you formed your opinion, by listening to the UC feed during a crosstown shootout? Are you kidding me? I am here for the slandering of all things UC, but this is a weak take MOR.

I am sure if people only judged Andy Mac on his crosstown shootouts, they would also think he was a whiny, angry broadcaster.

If the only sampling you have of Dan Hoard is the Xavier/UC game once a year, that is going to paint a myopic picture of Dan Hoard's ability to call games.

I think he does a nice job for the Bengals, UC football, UC basketball, and even the Reds games he has done in the past.

Just because he didn't get the offer from the Reds doesn't mean he is bad at his job.

[waggy]

Zach will come off the bench when he does come back. It’ll be seemless. Real excited about this teams chances in tourney whether he gets back or not, but with him back obviously even more dangerous. And maybe more than any other player I want him to get the opportunity to play in it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

My hope is that they are being extra cautious and want to start him practicing this week with an eye on BE tourney.

[American X]

Sounds like Freemantle's foot is Livin' on a Prayer.

[GoMuskies]

Sounds like Freemantle's foot is Livin' on a Prayer.

I sure hope it's more than halfway there!

[Strange Brew]

He should play. I mean, he lives for the fight when it’s all that he’s got, right?

[American X]

I will be watching to see if Xavier's quietly-emerging, newly-improved defense shows up in Providence. The last five opponents have scored in the 60s (granted they lost three of those games) and six games ago St. John's scored 71 in a blowout loss. The game before that was an 85-83 overtime win over Providence(!).

I imagine this will be a tight game. Can Xavier make the clutch plays at the end to emerge victorious like at UConn and not against Marquette and Villanova?

[Strange Brew]

How was Claude not fouled there?

[HenryMuto]

Well you can't ask for a better start 29-13 lead the defense has been great and now Cooley with the tech so if Boum hits both FT's it be 31-13 with Jones going to the line. Obviously we are all excited for this great start but we have all been snake bitten with close losses recently and we are all not going to get overly excited at this point. The new overly excited time comes at 25 point leads in the 2nd half then we can feel like we got it.

[HenryMuto]

And that is what we all fear how we blow leads up 22 and now up 12 just a couple minutes after Nunge and Hunter pick up their 2nd fouls.

Game on now boys are we going to blow a 22 point lead or we going to fight back to end the half ?

[Three Point Pete]

Edwards is showing toughness.

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[bjf123]

Edwards is showing toughness.

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And he has 2 fouls, too.


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[Xville]

All in all great first half, let’s finish strong!

[Strange Brew]

More FTs for PU

[kellernr]

Refs went from letting them play to calling every little foul on X.

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[Strange Brew]

Refs went from letting them play to calling every little foul on X.

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Yep and took the bigs off the floor

[Xville]

Back to missing front end fts.

[Three Point Pete]

Locke got #3..that may be huge!

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[Xville]

Seriously complaining about the refs guys? Come on. X has had a lot of bs calls go their way too this half. The refs aren’t the ones missing fts and layups

[HenryMuto]

Lead down to 8 and we missed 2 straight front ends of 1 AND 1 so that is 4 pts lost and 2 missed layups on the last 2 trips thats 4 more lost.

Now Nunge has 3 fouls

From up 22 to complete disaster

[Strange Brew]

Seriously complaining about the refs guys? Come on. X has had a lot of bs calls go their way too this half. The refs aren’t the ones missing fts and layups

Not complaining. Pointing out the obvious.

[xu82]

I hope this gets better now that I’m in the correct thread.

[HenryMuto]

5 straight pts left at the line while they are knocking theirs down left and right.

Worst I ever felt about having a 9 point lead at the half in my life.

[Xville]

9 point lead at the half on the road, I’ll take it!

[xu82]

If you told me we’d be up 9 at the half before the game, I’d have been happy.

[bjf123]

If you told me we’d be up 9 at the half before the game, I’d have been happy.

Me, too. Somehow, now I’m not.


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[Three Point Pete]

My hope is that they are being extra cautious and want to start him practicing this week with an eye on BE tourney.If we are being "extra cautious" I'm thinking probably closer to NCAA tourney in 2 weeks.Look at Justin Moore, the extra time to heal paid dividends in his performance. There us no need to rush the process.

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[Strange Brew]

Shades of the past four years of pain is why I’m not happy only up 9.

[GoMuskies]

YouTube TV decided to call this game Georgetown @ Creighton, so it didn't record and I missed the first half. Was pretty excited when I saw the score. Less excited when I saw what the score used to be!

[HenryMuto]

Pretty safe to say fouls on all our key bigs and them making their FT's got them back in the game.

Nunge getting his 3rd is very concerning for the start of the 2nd half.

This is going to be the toughest loss of the season to swallow after being up 22 if that is how it goes down.

[Strange Brew]

It’s over.

Blew a 20+ pt lead..

[BillikenMusketeer]

Momentum = all Providence

[noteggs]

Get rid of the zone

[Strange Brew]

Get rid of the zone

Agree and X needed to buy time with the foul sit of the bigs

[bjf123]

Get rid of the zone

Can’t with the foul trouble.


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[KabeX]

At this rate we're gonna get blown out by 20. My gawd. Collective downward leg urination. Ugh

[xukeith]

X stopped teh tough defense. Up 23 point. This roof better start leaking..

[Xville]

What is with this team? I have never seen a team give up so many big time leads.

[HenryMuto]

Had a shot to grab the rebound up 8 and got it tipped away led to a 3 then missed then another 3 and instead of up 8 with ball lead was chopped to 2.

Can't imagine anyone is feeling Xavier is going to win this game right now even though at one point it was 95% to win with a 22 point lead.

[Xville]

Another quick 3 we don’t need.

Get kunkel out of there. The guy literally can’t guard a statue

[GoMuskies]

Our defense still sucks badly.

[Strange Brew]

Another quick 3 we don’t need.

Get kunkel out of there. The guy literally can’t guard a statue

He’s no traffic cone Bonnie though :)

[GoMuskies]

I assume we were all thrilled when Hunter took that 19 footer. :)

[xavierj]

Our defense still sucks badly.

I don’t know. It was really good the first 15 minutes but now they are just getting called for fouls on every trip so hard to play defense. Refs are calling it differently when Providence has the ball but that’s life on the road I guess.

[noteggs]

Can’t with the foul trouble.


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Agree but can’t win the stuff we just witnessed as well. Rather take my chances

[HenryMuto]

All the contact we see in games and they call that on Kunk for his 4th unreal

[Xville]

I don’t know. It was really good the first 15 minutes but now they are just getting called for fouls on every trip so hard to play defense. Refs are calling it differently when Providence has the ball but that’s life on the road I guess.

I think they were ok, but providence was absolutely sleepwalking and couldn’t hit the ocean. Imo little of that was x’s d. Have they been somewhat better since free went down? Yeah but they still are pretty mediocre defensively imo.

[bjf123]

I assume we were all thrilled when Hunter took that 19 footer. :)

Yes! (when it went in)


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[GoMuskies]

I don’t know. It was really good the first 15 minutes but now they are just getting called for fouls on every trip so hard to play defense. Refs are calling it differently when Providence has the ball but that’s life on the road I guess.

Only 4 fouls this half and they are shredding us.

[Xville]

Boum!!!

[HenryMuto]

DAMN IT Hunter had the ball up 8 we don't get a shot and you get your 3rd foul.

[Xville]

I will say the d is a lot better with Claude, hunter out there… now if only we could sub in a defensive replacement for boum and leave him in for o

[KabeX]

Wow. Prob the most inconsistent refs in a while.

[Xville]

Is miles hurt? I mean how does he not get in this game? Is he really that awful?

[bjf123]

Wow. Prob the most inconsistent refs in a while.

They really are.


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[Xville]

Boum!!

[xu82]

Boum!!!

Encore!!!

[Three Point Pete]

Time to drive it down Croswell's throat!

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[Three Point Pete]

There!

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[Xville]

Big time response on the road. Let’s win this fucking thing and then teabag Matta to finish the season

[HenryMuto]

What a response by this team and Boum is taking over. Just need to figure out a way to stop fouling if not for 100 FT's they got this be a 25 point lead.

[Xville]

Boum 29 6 4….with eight minutes left. Wow

[xukeith]

Friars guards are good but our length is an issue on defense. Nice run X men!

[KabeX]

Man I usually hate it when someone complains about the refs but man c'mon.

[xavierj]

Wow this is such BS. Guy faked falling down.

[HenryMuto]

That was some serious BS their guy was in the lane first so it cost us a foul on Boum for his 3rd and 2 pts instead of up 8 now up 6

THAT WAS SERIOUS BS CALL

[Xville]

Ugh seriously let Hopkins get the rebound? Wtf guys

[Strange Brew]

Man I usually hate it when someone complains about the refs but man c'mon.

PU close to 30 FTs for the game.

[HenryMuto]

Unreal another missed rebound leading to Kunk fouling out and probably 2 more pts

[Xville]

Kunkel must have forgot what he gave up for lent. That was a bad call though

[xavierj]

Thats awful

[Strange Brew]

Now at 31 FTs.

[Xville]

Early Onions!

[Three Point Pete]

When the announcers say that's NOT a foul.....

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[HenryMuto]

Of course we hit a 3 and Hopkins hits one right back. Got to be kidding me they won't die.

[Xville]

Can’t miles go in and whack some guys? Tandy still injured I assume?

[Strange Brew]

Can’t miles go in and whack some guys? Tandy still injured I assume?

So they can score with the clock stopped?

[Xville]

There’s some alpha, Colby! Nice work!

[HenryMuto]

Wow they called a foul after the third time Boum got whacked

[Xville]

So far off on pick the score, not mad about it!

[bjf123]

So far off on pick the score, not mad about it!

You’re not alone!


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[HenryMuto]

Jones has been unstoppable this half I mean UNSTOPPABLE

[HenryMuto]

Just don't turn it over and make FT's and this one is over

[xavierj]

Fuck these refs.

[HenryMuto]

Up 12 and of course they hit a 3 then they miss a 3 and get rebound and get another foul call.

So went from 12 to 6 in about 30 seconds.

Game went from over to back to having to not turn it over and hit FT's to win.

Every FT will be 1 AND 1 too.

[KabeX]

How on God's good Earth is that a foul on Claude?

[Xville]

Just don’t turn the damn ball over

[HenryMuto]

Man we needed to get to Boum if Nunge misses the front end..........

[xavierj]

Jack has to make these

[HenryMuto]

Nunge REDEEMS HIMSELF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Three Point Pete]

Well, I guess that a 2 seed is a mixed blessing. It will be very difficult to beat Providence 3 times in the season. I would like the hat trick!

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[xavierj]

Huge block

[Xville]

Holy crap nunge..: might have been the highest he’s ever gotten off the ground

[HenryMuto]

Why are we calling timeout to freeze Boum at the line on a 1 AND 1 ?

This first FT is critical.

[xavierj]

Well, I guess that a 2 seed is a mixed blessing. It will be very difficult to beat Providence 3 times in the season. I would like the hat trick!

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Providence would have to get to the semis though.would have to beat Nova.

[Strange Brew]

Why are we calling timeout to freeze Boum at the line on a 1 AND 1 ?

This first FT is critical.

Yep, 3 poss game.

[bjf123]

How on God's good Earth is that a foul on Claude?

Have you been watching the game? [emoji1787]


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[HenryMuto]

What a heck of a win tonight technically they never blew the 22 point lead it was cut to 2 then brought back up.

It is great to be the #2 seed but damn do you guys realize Xavier was a tip in at Marquette away of winning the Big East and the #1 seed.

Unreal win tonight very impressive especially with all the foul trouble.

And here I was last night rooting for Seton Hall to beat Nova so glad now Nova won.

[Xville]

Huge win… probably secures a 4 seed in the tourney because x is beating Matta like a lil bitch Saturday

[Strange Brew]

Big roadkill!

[xavierj]

Just a big fucking win. Now need to destroy Butler

[BillikenMusketeer]

Thank the Lord above. And they hit the over with ease :ok:

[GoMuskies]

Wow, that was intense!

[xukeith]

Huge win. Great job. These guys don't make look easy. Poor defense after the first half 10 minute mark.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

X needs Free to return asap……running out of able bodies. Good and hard-fought win; thanks to all.

[XU_Lou]

Did not see KyKy at the game, nor in the handshake line. Anybody know anything?

[noteggs]

I know it might sound ridiculous, but finally feel comfortable we are dancing!!! Last few years will do that to you…

[Xville]

I know it might sound ridiculous, but finally feel comfortable we are dancing!!! Last few years will do that to you…

Ha lots of scar tissue for us all to still get thru.

[Strange Brew]

I know it might sound ridiculous, but finally feel comfortable we are dancing!!! Last few years will do that to you…

Had a similar thought. Potential 23 win reg season feels pretty good however the anxiety still lingers.

[XUGRAD80]

Huge win. Great job. These guys don't make look easy. Poor defense after the first half 10 minute mark.

Poor defense? Or poor reffing? Every time X as much as breathed on a Prov. player there was a foul being called. Meanwhile if X did force a missed shot the Providence players were allowed to run over the X players to get a rebound.

Worst refereed game I’ve seen this year, and that’s saying something!

But you’re correct that was a HUGE win! Definitely punched their ticket to the dance and will probably get a pretty good dance card too.

[XUGRAD80]

Did not see KyKy at the game, nor in the handshake line. Anybody know anything?

tV announcers said that he didn’t make the trip.

[Strange Brew]

Poor defense? Or poor reffing? Every time X as much as breathed on a Prov. player there was a foul being called. Meanwhile if X did force a missed shot the Providence players were allowed to run over the X players to get a rebound.

Worst refereed game I’ve seen this year, and that’s saying something!

But you’re correct that was a HUGE win! Definitely punched their ticket to the dance and will probably get a pretty good dance card too.

Worse than in Omaha?

[XUGRAD80]

Worse than in Omaha?

I’ve tried to forget that game and here you go bringing it up again. :whack:

[XU_Lou]

tV announcers said that he didn’t make the trip.

Did they mention why?

[musketeertruths]

Kunkel must have forgot what he gave up for lent. That was a bad call though

I can remind him - defense!

[Strange Brew]

I’ve tried to forget that game and here you go bringing it up again. :whack:

Apologies. :)

[xavierj]

tV announcers said that he didn’t make the trip.

He also didn’t make the trip on Friday. Not sure what is going on but he hurt his foot so maybe it’s just complete rest and will be able to be back.

[xukeith]

Kunkel's 5th foul was a joke. What is he supposed to do ? Levitate down the court?

[Three Point Pete]

I know it might sound ridiculous, but finally feel comfortable we are dancing!!! Last few years will do that to you…It's a lock! We're in, even in the unlikely event of not winning the remaining games.


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[XUGRAD80]

Kunkel's 5th foul was a joke. What is he supposed to do ? Levitate down the court?

Blocking out a bigger player is a foul I guess…otherwise there is no explanation for it.

[XUGRAD80]

X needs Free to return asap……running out of able bodies. Good and hard-fought win; thanks to all.

I’m beginning to doubt that it’s going to happen this season. But I hope I’m wrong.

[paulxu]

Colby with 29 pts, 10/11 and 3/3 from behind the arc; with 9 boards and 4 assists.

That's a hell of a line.

[D-West & PO-Z]

What a MASSIVE Fucking win! Lets Go! Roadkill!

The difference between 2 seed and 3 seed is huge. We open in quarters against Seton Hall most likely or Depaul if they pull an upset. Then we would get Nova/Providence winner in semi's. Could not ask for a better draw!

Miller is a master.

Colby was awesome in second half. Boum is a Stud!

Go X!

[American X]

Holy schnikes, what a massive roadkill. The #2 seed for the Big East Tournament is huge and this could mean a seed line for the NCAA Tournament.

Really impressed by the resilience to withstand the Providence comeback then extend the lead back to double digits. PCU had all the momentum and that place was going crazy. Repeated haymakers from Boum & Jones to knock them out.

Also impressed they overcame the terrible over-officiating which favors Providence's style. Your mere existence on the court being a foul and your opponent living at the line is not a combination for victory, yet Xavier persevered through the challenge.

AmX Play of the Game = Nunge blocking the Hopkins shot. Hopkins gets a three-point play, then you know a bank-in three is coming sending the game overtime where PCU wins. Jack pancaked all of that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Seriously complaining about the refs guys? Come on. X has had a lot of bs calls go their way too this half. The refs aren’t the ones missing fts and layups

I missed the 1st half but the second half they seemed awful.

Can anyone explain that lane violation to me?

[D-West & PO-Z]

If we are being "extra cautious" I'm thinking probably closer to NCAA tourney in 2 weeks.Look at Justin Moore, the extra time to heal paid dividends in his performance. There us no need to rush the process.

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If he can play in the BE tourney, I'd prefer he get a game or 2 or 3 in it to knock the rust off rather than having to do that in the NCAA tourney. If he isn't ready then obviously I agree.

[D-West & PO-Z]

YouTube TV decided to call this game Georgetown @ Creighton, so it didn't record and I missed the first half. Was pretty excited when I saw the score. Less excited when I saw what the score used to be!

Same happened to me. So dumb.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Well, I guess that a 2 seed is a mixed blessing. It will be very difficult to beat Providence 3 times in the season. I would like the hat trick!

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No mixed blessing. Best draw we could have ever got. Easier than Marquette's.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Thank the Lord above. And they hit the over with ease :ok:

Another Billiken?! Welcome my friend!

[KabeX]

I missed the 1st half but the second half they seemed awful.

Can anyone explain that lane violation to me?
You count on half of one hand the times I'm complaining about the refs. My beef was lack of consistency, not that all the calls were going PC's way. They weren't. It seems that this game more than most was really inconsistent, especially from about the 10 min mark of the 1st half. You always notice the missed calls or BS calls on the team you root for more. What I'm talking about is consistency or the lack thereof.

[X-band '01]

So Xavier is 6-0 on the East Coast and 0-4 in the Heartland. Go figure.

[Xville]

I missed the 1st half but the second half they seemed awful.

Can anyone explain that lane violation to me?

I even agree in the 2nd half they were crap. I think the first half they were ok, favoring the home team per usual.

Anyways, doesn’t matter..: that was huge. Hell of a win and I tip my cap to boum and jones. Now, let’s beat butler by a 100

[Xuperman]

Well, I guess that a 2 seed is a mixed blessing. It will be very difficult to beat Providence 3 times in the season. I would like the hat trick!

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If the Friars lose to the Hall on Saturday, they would likely drop to the 4-5 game vs UConn.....X would then have to tangle with CU or Nova if we play on Friday.

[X-band '01]

That would be a really bad development for Providence if they lose to The Hall on Saturday. They only have 3 wins against likely NCAA Tournament teams that were all at home. As long as they win at home, the Friars get the #3 seed in the Big East Tournament and likely get Villanova in the quarterfinal round.

If they fall to the 4-5 game, then they're facing UConn in what will be Storrs South in the quarterfinals. Not good.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

You count on half of one hand the times I'm complaining about the refs. My beef was lack of consistency, not that all the calls were going PC's way. They weren't. It seems that this game more than most was really inconsistent, especially from about the 10 min mark of the 1st half. You always notice the missed calls or BS calls on the team you root for more. What I'm talking about is consistency or the lack thereof.

I agree with you. The officials last night did a horrible job overall. I've always wondered what sort of quality control process the league goes through in regard to referees. What type of post-game evaluation occurs (if any), who supervises the refs, how they are hired and fired, etc. Generally, they have done a decent job this year. There have only been a couple of games this year where I thought the crews did a really horrible job-----last night and at Creighton come to mind. There will be bad calls. It happens. But when you see them make calls they are not in position to see and when those calls turn out to be way off, that is what really ticks me off. When you hardly notice the refs is when they are doing a really good job.

[Xuperman]

Man, the Providence road wins are pathetic, but they're still a lock tournament team. They win Saturday and get the 3.

UConn takes care of Creighton AND Marquette for us next week..... it's a beautiful thing.

[xu 89]

The Prov player entered the lane first so a lane violation was correct it was just not called on the correct team. It was a Prov lane violation. What was odd to me was it appeared the trail official called it whereas the lane players on the side violation would be the lead/center official's responsibility.

[paulxu]

I agree with you. The officials last night did a horrible job overall. I've always wondered what sort of quality control process the league goes through in regard to referees. What type of post-game evaluation occurs (if any), who supervises the refs, how they are hired and fired, etc.

Maybe this will help: https://www.bigeast.com/staff.aspx?staff=22

[bleedXblue]

I've never watched a more obvious attempt by the refs to get another team back into a game. And then, make ridiculous call after ridiculous call. I turned the game off when they called the lane violation against us. Thank god Boum and Colby refused to lose.

[American X]

The Prov player entered the lane first so a lane violation was correct it was just not called on the correct team. It was a Prov lane violation. What was odd to me was it appeared the trail official called it whereas the lane players on the side violation would be the lead/center official's responsibility.

That was obvious and egregious. Someone explain how Kunkel fouled the Providence player with his back for his 5th and Claude sticking his hand out for a loose ball was a reach in.

These 'officials' last night made up more sh*t than a politician in a bar trying to get laid. I would be pissed if I was a PCU fan, would have been pissed if Xavier lost, and am pissed just as a basketball fan. Again, props to our guys for overcoming the over-officiating which favored Providence.

[GoMuskies]

I wouldn't have been shocked if they had called a foul on Nunge on the block of Hopkins. What would we have done then? Tucker?

[XUGRAD80]

I wouldn't have been shocked if they had called a foul on Nunge on the block of Hopkins. What would we have done then? Tucker?

It wouldn’t have shocked me if they had even called it a flagrant foul too! :bash:

I certainly hope that we don’t see those refs the rest of the year.

[SkyWalker]

I think the officials starting calling everything imaginable and unimaginable right after Cooey's technical foul.

[xavierj]

If the Friars lose to the Hall on Saturday, they would likely drop to the 4-5 game vs UConn.....X would then have to tangle with CU or Nova if we play on Friday.

They are not losing at home to Seton hall. Seton hall just isn’t very good and Providence had won 36 of 37 and 17 straight at home until Last night. Just an incredible win for Xavier last night.

[bleedXblue]

I think the officials starting calling everything imaginable and unimaginable right after Cooey's technical foul.

Very clear to me that the officials (regardless of team) call the games to keep them close and entertaining We were up 20 and getting ready to route them on their home floor not great for TV ratings and the leageu wants exciting games

[muskiefan82]

Not gonna lie. I kinda like Ed Cooley. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-LTtC-s_9U

[Masterofreality]

Not gonna lie. I kinda like Ed Cooley. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-LTtC-s_9U

I’m a huge fan of Ed Cooley. Straight up, quality guy.
The 5 top teams in this league have exceptional Head Coaches. I think Neptune will add to that group. Holloway is a little immature for my taste, Anderson is over the hill, Matta is tired, Stubblefield is a putz, and Ewing is hopeless. Those last 4 or 5 are gonna be on the bottom for a long time.

[American X]

I wouldn't have been shocked if they had called a foul on Nunge on the block of Hopkins. What would we have done then? Tucker?

That is why is was the AmX Play of the Game. Normal sequence is that is a three-point play, they bank in a three then win in overtime. Pivotal defensive play at the end, especially in the context of being a carbon-based creature on the floor at that time was a foul.

[Masterofreality]

Very clear to me that the officials (regardless of team) call the games to keep them close and entertaining We were up 20 and getting ready to route them on their home floor not great for TV ratings and the leageu wants exciting games

Not to sound like VD fan, but every text partner of mine last night was screaming about Morrissey and lesser extent, Anderson. Ayers couldn’t overcome that circus. It was suspicious in how unbalanced it was. We had to shoot 72% in the second half to overcome it.
Ball don’t lie.

[nickgyp]

Not gonna lie. I kinda like Ed Cooley. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-LTtC-s_9U

Wow! Cooley is really impressive. Great coach and gracious in defeat. Reminds me of Phil Martelli and Charlie Coles who were good coaches especially with the resources they had at their disposal but, more importantly, just real decent guys with no ego problems.

[chico]

My brother was up in Providence with his family this past summer, and decided to walk around the campus. He ran into the SID and asked if Cooley was around, just wanted to say hello (brother is a HS coach here in town and has much more nerve than I could ever hope to have). Not only did Cooley come out to say hello, he took him and his family on a tour of the facilities. Spent over an hour with him. What other coach would take an hour out of his day to take a stranger and his family on a tour. Tremendous respect for him.

[paulxu]

I'm not a big fan of Hurley.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Very clear to me that the officials (regardless of team) call the games to keep them close and entertaining We were up 20 and getting ready to route them on their home floor not great for TV ratings and the leageu wants exciting games

Well the Creighton/Georgetown and UConn/DePual refs are in BIG trouble today!

[D-West & PO-Z]

My brother was up in Providence with his family this past summer, and decided to walk around the campus. He ran into the SID and asked if Cooley was around, just wanted to say hello (brother is a HS coach here in town and has much more nerve than I could ever hope to have). Not only did Cooley come out to say hello, he took him and his family on a tour of the facilities. Spent over an hour with him. What other coach would take an hour out of his day to take a stranger and his family on a tour. Tremendous respect for him.

When you say HS coach here in town, where is here? Cincinnati? That is amazing Cooley did that for a stranger HS coach in another state.

How did your brother even know who the SID was at Providence? Or is he a HS coach out there who has had dealings in recruiting with Providence?

[noteggs]

Not gonna lie. I kinda like Ed Cooley. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-LTtC-s_9U

This is great and thanks for posting!

My favorite line, “even Stevie Wonder could see we have to play better defense.” Classic

[Xuperman]

This is great and thanks for posting!

My favorite line, “even Stevie Wonder could see we have to play better defense.” Classic

Even more classic, "When you look up and see your team has scored 100 and you're still worried.....that's a problem" Coach Miller.

[chico]

When you say HS coach here in town, where is here? Cincinnati? That is amazing Cooley did that for a stranger HS coach in another state.

How did your brother even know who the SID was at Providence? Or is he a HS coach out there who has had dealings in recruiting with Providence?

Yeah here in Cincinnati. I'm not sure how he knew the SID, but somehow he found him. Next thing I know he's sending pictures of him with his arm around Cooley and his son shooting around in the gym. I don't know if there's even a handful of D1 coaches who would do that, though I'm sure it helped that he's a coach.

[zippin']

It's been mentioned on here already, but all things considered, I just cannot get over that lane violation. Are the refs expecting us to believe that instead of the obvious flop, Kunkle shoved Croswell to the floor like a rag doll? Yeah right, Croswell is like twice the size of Kunk. And then Croswell gets up and is crying for a technical to be called? Unreal!

[JTG]

i wouldn't have been shocked if they had called a foul on nunge on the block of hopkins. What would we have done then? Tucker?

lost

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah here in Cincinnati. I'm not sure how he knew the SID, but somehow he found him. Next thing I know he's sending pictures of him with his arm around Cooley and his son shooting around in the gym. I don't know if there's even a handful of D1 coaches who would do that, though I'm sure it helped that he's a coach.

That is awesome. Cool story, thanks for sharing.

[Three Point Pete]

This is great and thanks for posting!

My favorite line, “even Stevie Wonder could see we have to play better defense.” ClassicOr how about referring to Souley and Colby as "Magic and Larry"

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[XUOWNSUC]

Finally was able to watch the game. Did anybody else get a chuckle from the "Foul Trouble" graphic that they showed during the broadcast? They listed all of our players with foul trouble and on the Providence side, they listed a guy that had 1 foul. That isn't foul trouble! Lol.

[UCGRAD4X]

There was more contact on that Nunge block than on all of the other calls combined. And there were a lot of them. Completely laughable but pathetic at the same time.

[zippin']

There was more contact on that Nunge block than on all of the other calls combined. And there were a lot of them. Completely laughable but pathetic at the same time.

I was shocked a foul wasn't called here.

[UCGRAD4X]

I was shocked a foul wasn't called here.

If I were a Prov fan, I prolly would have broken my tv with a beer bottle. Maybe even one that was not yet empty.

[Muskeagle]

Couple of things. Any online dictionary should just link that presser video for a definition of "CLASS".

Also, the lane violation was laughable.

It's EITHER a foul on Kunkel (garbage) or a lane violation on Providence. There are no other options. I mean, they found one....but based on what happened and the rules....there are no other options.

[zippin']

If I were a Prov fan, I prolly would have broken my tv with a beer bottle. Maybe even one that was not yet empty.

I was so ready for like the 5 second late whistle lmao. They were half way back down the court with the ball and I was still waiting.