Game Thread: BE Tournament, Xavier v Creighton (3/10/2023)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFF VS.https://www.lawlorscustom.com/images/thumbs/0005980_cu-billy-bluejay-plush-mascot_550.jpeg

NEW YORK --- The No. 2 Seed Xavier University Musketeers, 24-8, take on the No. 3 Seed Creighton University Bluejays, 21-11, on Friday night at 9 p.m. in the BIG EAST Tournament Semifinals at Madison Square Garden. Xavier and Creighton split the regular season series.

Xavier is playing in the BIG EAST Conference Tournament Semifinals for the seventh time in 10 years in the league.

THE MATCHUP

NO. 2 SEED XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (24-8)
VS. NO. 3 SEED CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY BLUEJAYS (21-11)
BIG EAST TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2023 AT 9:00 P.M. ET AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play by-play from Gus Johnson and analysis from Jim Jackson. Kristina Pink is the sideline reporter.
National Radio: Westwood One with play by-play from Scott Graham and analysis from Austin Croshere.
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).

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

[Xavier]

I have almost zero confidence tonight. Just a bad matchup, I like our chances against any other Big East team.

[GoMuskies]

Losing last night would have been a big disappointment, obviously. After last night, any additional wins are just a bonus. I obviously hope we play well and are at least competitive, but as long as we don't get blown out I'm not going to be disappointed.

Granted, I reserve the right to change my mind if we lose in heartbreaking fashion!

[bleedXblue]

I think it will be a good game.......and come down to the last 2 minutes

They aren't deep and neither are we..........should be intersesting

[HenryMuto]

Hate the late start. Wish they would do these games a little earlier.

[JTG]

I think it will be a good game.......and come down to the last 2 minutes

They aren't deep and neither are we..........should be intersesting

What would really be karma is if we have a lead late, and they need to foul, but we just keep getting the ball back, because they're not to 7 yet.

[American X]

Behind the entire game and giving up 84 to DePaul does not inspire confidence. But to their credit, they displayed the resilience and clutch play making to pull out the victory.

Will the team that swept UConn & Providence or the team that lost to DePaul and tried hard to lose again show up?

[noteggs]

Behind the entire game and giving up 84 to DePaul does not inspire confidence. But to their credit, they displayed the resilience and clutch play making to pull out the victory.

Will the team that swept UConn & Providence or the team that lost to DePaul and tried hard to lose again show up?

This team has definitely been a mystery to many. Just happy to watch another BET game this year vs well you know.

[IM4X]

Let’s hope our fellas get the offense going early, stay disruptive with their 3 point attempts so they never get in rhythm and eliminate any easy buckets for Kalkbrenner inside.

I’ve got a feeling Boum is going to have a very big game tonight and we’re going to need it. The last time we played Creighton, he only scored 2 points. This time I see Souley putting up 22. He’ll find his rhythm early and that next gear he has - which will get him to the line frequently. “This is the way.” Let’s Go X!

[bobbiemcgee]

We'll need 20+ from Boum. Jack and Colby. Hunter needs a big game too.

[xu82]

Losing last night would have been a big disappointment, obviously. After last night, any additional wins are just a bonus. I obviously hope we play well and are at least competitive, but as long as we don't get blown out I'm not going to be disappointed.

Granted, I reserve the right to change my mind if we lose in heartbreaking fashion!

This is a “stay healthy game”. We are thin enough, let’s get out in one piece without being embarrassed or injured. I don’t like the matchup, and I care FAR more about the NEXT tournament.

[paulxu]

Updated. We must have worn Raftery out the other night.

[bobbiemcgee]

Sick of his "puppies" bs. Can't hear him half the time.

[zippin']

Get ready to hear "Creighton just doesn't foul" over and over again while Nunge gets mugged.

[xu82]

Get ready to hear "Creighton just doesn't foul" over and over again while Nunge gets mugged.

A tennis buddy was the local ADA and saw me at my kids AAU basketball game. My kid got mugged going to the rim and got no whistle. My lawyer friend said “I can’t make him blow the whistle, but I’m pretty sure I could bring charges!”

[bjf123]

Started the game with something you don’t see every day. Two white guys jumping for the opening tip.


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[xu82]

Who else remembered 3 seconds still existed?

[Xville]

You know what, fuck creighton! Lfg.

[bjf123]

Who else remembered 3 seconds still existed?

So that’s what they called! I was confused.


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[xu82]

The pace is fun. Our lack of depth is not.

[American X]

Won that war! Just do that 9 more times!

[Blue Blooded-05]

The pace is fun. Our lack of depth is not.

Their depth sucks too, tho. Their starters played the whole game last night that ended at midnight. First time in recent memory our lack of depth isn’t an outright disadvantage.

[noteggs]

Wait did they actually call an illegal screen on Kalk? Shocking

[xukeith]

Rinse and repeat. They play 3 deep off bench but they don't play more than 6 minutes.

[xu82]

Claude makes that look incredibly easy going to the rim.

[Xville]

Look so much more engaged tonight.

[xukeith]

Looking great Claude!

[BillikenMusketeer]

I’ve seen enough of edwards for a while

[xu82]

Claude is no longer a freshman.

[American X]

Cesare is sometimes a walking fucked up shot. Xavier is giving as much as it is getting. Surprising amount of deflections and steals so far.

[xukeith]

X is playing very fast. No time to think, just advancing the ball trying to score easy layups.

Edwards might need to gain 10-15 pounds of muscle for serious post paly next year.

[KabeX]

Under 12 and only 1 PF. I'll take that

[noteggs]

Look so much more engaged tonight.

Agree and think that has a lot to do playing a second day.

[American X]

Nunge took a nap and hit the early bid prix-fixe in midtown. Nice dribble drive.

[Xville]

Boum!!!

[zippin']

Oh my

[Xville]

F you Greg!

Don’t let off the gas boys

[noteggs]

F yea! Let’s go!!!!!!

[American X]

The f'ed up sequences always seem to go against us. That one ended in a Boum(!) three.

I cannot believe how much Creighton is coughing up the ball (and Xavier is capitalizing).

[xukeith]

Maybe Claude doesn't have to shoot a ton of threes but boy, his hands and timing on defense is a huge reason for their 9 turnovers.

[zippin']

Creighton will have some runs in them for sure but this is bar none the best start X could have possibly hoped for. Kill them!!!!!

[X Factor]

Keep the foot on the gas!! Pound these hayseeds.

McDermott telling his guys to flop was so weak.

[xukeith]

The f'ed up sequences always seem to go against us. That one ended in a Boum(!) three.

I cannot believe how much Creighton is coughing up the ball (and Xavier is capitalizing).

Finally X looking sharp and undressing Omaha boys.

[KabeX]

key stat so far- 6 steals and 10 CU turnovers.

[Xville]

Keep the foot on the gas!! Pound these hayseeds.

McDermott telling his guys to flop was so weak.

He’s a bitch. People complain about Hurley but I find McDermott far more annoying.

[American X]

Kevin Frey thinks Jack Nunge is a badass bleeding on the court.

[BillikenMusketeer]

Edwards has no hands, always slapping at the ball

[Xville]

Time to step up Edwards

[American X]

I thought Xavier was serious about winning, then I saw The Jerome Hunter Three Point Experience.

[Xville]

Hell yeah Claude… kid is going to eventually be a first round pick

[BillikenMusketeer]

Much different so far compared to first half yesterday where it seemed like a lid was on the basket for X

[noteggs]

Des f’ing Claude!!!

[xukeith]

X isn't even playing at 75% Lets bury these bums!

[Xville]

Hell of a half. Don’t let up!

[X Factor]

Great first half!! Defense was excellent!

First four minutes of the second half are going to be huge.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Great first half. Pace is exhausting. They looked gassed. Hopefully we can keep up at this pace

[bjf123]

I’ll admit it. I did not expect this.


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[X Factor]

Great first half. Pace is exhausting. They looked gassed. Hopefully we can keep up at this pace

Creighton will be gassed too though.

[HenryMuto]

Trying to watch 3 games at the same time not easy I did catch some of this game what a first half.

Now that I am down to 2 games I can watch 1 on TV and 1 on computer.

[xukeith]

Ryan K walking back to the bench looked like he was limping or just flat out exhausted. Maybe Nunge bloody cut got him some great rest and he can score 18 in 2nd half.

[xukeith]

More layups in 2nd half. Please no more fade away 3's. Both teams wont have enough fuel to defend. Hope X can keep scoring.

[American X]

Guys, this is a mirage. Xavier is not seriously playing to win. They are playing like this is a pick up game. They let Hunter shoot a three. Creighton is just so tight it surprisingly and hilariously happened into a 14 point halftime lead.

[bjf123]

How we play the 1st four minutes of the second half will be key (he says, putting on his Capt. Obvious hat!)


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[bobbiemcgee]

Creighton will be gassed too though.

We have more adrenalin

[Three Point Pete]

Ouch Jerome!

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[American X]

For once in my life I am getting the joke, another Jerome Hunter jump shot.

[Xville]

Nice Kunkel! Hell of a sequence there

[GreatWhiteNorth]

They all looked tired.

[bjf123]

Nice start. Didn’t win the war, but only dropped a point.


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[Three Point Pete]

Jack's back!

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[American X]

Colby Jones wrote a memo to Creighton. It says DEEZ NUTS.

[HenryMuto]

BOUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMm

[Blue Blooded-05]

This is probably the best reffed game all season. Which isn’t saying much. Amazing how entertaining basketball is when the play isn’t getting stopped every possession

[xu82]

Edwards getting back after Souley gives it up speaks to me.

[KabeX]

GREAT patience there

[X Factor]

Long way to go, but this is so satisfying right now.

Going to keep having to make plays.

[zippin']

Refs getting a little whistle happy for Creighton here...

[Xville]

Another war won. Three more to go!

[noteggs]

Des f’ing Claude!!!


This is probably the best reffed game all season. Which isn’t saying much. Amazing how entertaining basketball is when the play isn’t getting stopped every possession

Agree

[bjf123]

Jack definitely has a swollen lip.


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[Xville]

As Gus said, I think it’s our day lol

[X Factor]

Nunge with Dirk fadeaway!!

[HenryMuto]

0.1

[Xville]

Come on clock keep rolling

[Xville]

Nungeeeeee

[KabeX]

Come on clock keep rolling
my thoughts exactly!

[X Factor]

So happy right now!

[paulxu]

These guys must be exhausted.

[xukeith]

Ryan K looks like death. He has been hit by the Boum /Nunge train

[American X]

That was where Xavier falls asleep and Creighton storms back, but Xavier keeps attacking relentlessly and actually extended the lead. Creighton landed some punches, but Xavier kept slugging right back.

[noteggs]

These guys must be exhausted.

No doubt!

Welcome to conference tournaments!!!

[KabeX]

Please no injuries

[HenryMuto]

What an impressive showing by 1 of my 2 teams playing right now

[noteggs]

That was where Xavier falls asleep and Creighton storms back, but Xavier keeps attacking relentlessly and actually extended the lead. Creighton landed some punches, but Xavier kept slugging right back.

Nunge definitely received one!

[Three Point Pete]

This is probably the best reffed game all season. Which isn’t saying much. Amazing how entertaining basketball is when the play isn’t getting stopped every possessionAin't it the truth. Although I may want to rethink that Big East blood and foul thing.

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[KabeX]

Dfc

[muskiefan82]

This game makes me happy.

[Xville]

Geezus Christ no more injuries please

[American X]

Is this real life?

[Xville]

Ok seriously just put in all the walk ons. I don’t want to see an injury

[kane79]

Time to empty the bench. Oh wait…….

[Xville]

Just a complete ass whooping… maybe the best played game all year

[Blue Blooded-05]

Just a complete ass whooping… maybe the best played game all year

Definitely on the defensive end

[BillikenMusketeer]

Despite UCONN being the media darling (not sure why), the two best BEAST teams all conference season will be playing tomorrow

[smileyy]

Nembhard with a game to forget.

[xukeith]

I think X defense efficiency numbers will improve. Maybe if X is better tomorrow, then X can grab a hold of a 3 seed.

[KabeX]

9 total PFs. Wow. Great D without fouling. That'll work

[XUGRAD80]

Best defensive game from an X team since I can’t remember when. Let’s get Tucker and Edwards in there. Please don’t let anyone get hurt.

How great is it to see an X team actually get better as the season has gone on? Been a long time since we’ve seen that.

[Three Point Pete]

It is amazing, Tucker

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[Xville]

Hell yeah Elijah!!!

[Blue Blooded-05]

We want mullet kid! We want mullet kid!

[Xville]

Shoot it bob!

[Blue Blooded-05]

We want mullet kid! We want mullet kid!

Kenny Powers makes an appearance!!

[Xville]

Hell yeah!

[usfldan]

I guess 550 gave up on the game. Since the last timeout they've had some guy talking about his dog he named after Ronald Reagan.

[XUGRAD80]

Claude had a heck of a first half and that was a big key to X getting out to a big lead at half. Having that big lead allowed them to play loose and aggressive in the 2nd half, and we see what that led to! H**L YEAH!

[muskiefan82]

It's just so satisfying to beat Creighton so thoroughly.

[American X]

I did not have 'Blow Out Creighton' on my bingo card. I kept waiting for Creighton to close the gap and it just never happened, not even close. I am astonished how complete this victory was in every aspect.

[GoMuskies]

It's just so satisfying to beat Creighton so thoroughly.

Yeah, I hate them most of any Big East team. Not really close, either. I still want them to do well in March, but if they're playing a Big East game I'm cheering against them.

[KabeX]

How awesome is the BET? From seemingly down and out last night to complete domination of the preseason #1 and playing for a title. Might as well win it (then hope for a Fri game next week)

[JTG]

What is with Miller? McDermott started pulling guys @ the under 4 mark. People would have been really pissed if someone got hurt with a 20 point lead.

[GoMuskies]

What is with Miller? McDermott started pulling guys @ the under 4 mark. People would have been really pissed if someone got hurt with a 20 point lead.

There's no one to put in.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Ecstatic. Couldn’t be happier. What a great win.

[xavierj]

What is with Miller? McDermott started pulling guys @ the under 4 mark. People would have been really pissed if someone got hurt with a 20 point lead.

Relax.

[American X]

That was one of the more satisfying wins in Xavier history.

Very soundly beating a tournament team on a neutral court is a great sign.

[drudy23]

Ass kickin - that is all.

[Masterofreality]

A Boatrace tonight.

One more win for Flagship status

[X-band '01]

Amazing how well they played with a lot less pressure tonight. Now they get to play Marquette with Claude back up to speed.

And man did Claude give a boost off the bench tonight. Definitely helped that only Boum and Colby had to play 35+ minutes. At least there should be a little more tank in the gas for the title game.

[stammina0721]

Moved to CT a year and a half ago. Have not posted much this year but I WILL be at MSG tomorrow come Hell or High Water!!! Let's go X

[Xavier]

A masterpiece. Good lord

[D-West & PO-Z]

Easily our best game of the season.

The defense was fantastic. The offense was great. Never let the foot off the pedal.

[Caveat]

Des Claude and Adam Kunkel defended at a level I didn’t think either of them capable of tonight.

Hell of a showing by all involved.

[xukeith]

An hour or two after the game last night, Fanta and a couple other college basketball youtubers were in deep discussions about whether Miller should stay at X. They said Miller was probably top 10-15 basketball coach. One guy asked if Miller can win the national championship(NCAA) and wondered if Brandon Miller-type recruit would follow Miller at X.

The talking is ramping up...

[American X]

I’ve got a feeling Boum is going to have a very big game tonight and we’re going to need it. The last time we played Creighton, he only scored 2 points. This time I see Souley putting up 22. He’ll find his rhythm early and that next gear he has - which will get him to the line frequently. “This is the way.” Let’s Go X!

Great call. Must spread reps around first. I am for Souley Boum becoming a Big East Tournament legend tonight.

[xukeith]

Speculation on "Will Miller stay at X"?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szLZO3626_U

[xavierj]

Speculation on "Will Miller stay at X"?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szLZO3626_U

Sean Miller is going nowhere. Dude has it so good and he knows it. He’s also super grateful for Xavier and it’s fans for giving him the chance. He went through a lot the last few years and he is pretty pissed to prove everyone wrong. Taking Xavier to that level is much better and would make it that much sweeter for him. My guess is when he puts Colby in the league recruiting will go to another level as he can point to all the guys at zona in the league and that continues at Xavier. What a great time for Xavier basketball and its future. Side note, his wife would not follow Sean if he left Xavier again lol.

[IM4X]

Easily our best game of the season.

The defense was fantastic. The offense was great. Never let the foot off the pedal.

Yes. Sean and this team were absolutely brilliant last night! Finally got that elusive, complete game. 40 minutes of excellence. Simply brilliant both halves in every way.

[Caveat]

Speculation on "Will Miller stay at X"?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szLZO3626_U

As long as there are nights like this available — a strong Big East with tournament games at a sold-out MSG v. top-quality opposition — Miller isn’t going anywhere.

[SCMuskie]

The team that blew Creighton off the floor last night could do some real damage in March Madness. That was the most complete game I have seen a X squad play in years. Really fun game to watch. I love to see Colby really stepping it up and showing out.

[Caveat]

The team that blew Creighton off the floor last night could do some real damage in March Madness. That was the most complete game I have seen a X squad play in years. Really fun game to watch. I love to see Colby really stepping it up and showing out.

Matchups are going to be absolutely crucial for this team. They get the right matchups, they can play deep into the tournament.

They match up against a team with athletic bigs who can get Nunge into foul trouble and it could be tough.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I was so pumped last night I celebrated with a High West double rye sazarec. That and the time and I was out and missed the second half of Ua vs Asu. I read in that thread Walton was in rare form.

[Smails]

What is with Miller? McDermott started pulling guys @ the under 4 mark. People would have been really pissed if someone got hurt with a 20 point lead.

Our walk ons versus their scholarship back ups is a recipe for evaporating a 20 point lead. He really doesn't have the option you're suggesting

[joe titan]

Edwards getting back after Souley gives it up speaks to me.

There was a play Thursday night when the post-steal lay-up was missed but none of X players had hustled past half court; Miller was justifiably psst. Not likely to happen 2 games in a row.

[Final4]

There's no one to put in.

MOR had reported that Craft was available to play. Comedic gold!!!

[GoMuskies]

MOR had reported that Craft was available to play. Comedic gold!!!

Baum reported that Craft was available in an emergency situation. Last night was not an emergency. We have four schoarlship guys unavailable or basically unavailable. There really was no one to play other than walkons, and that's a dangerous game.

Baum's report on Tandy/Craft is here. https://twitter.com/AdamJBaum/status/1633128802074214401?s=20

[IM4X]

As long as there are nights like this available — a strong Big East with tournament games at a sold-out MSG v. top-quality opposition — Miller isn’t going anywhere.

Agree. No way- No how!

It’s just silly when these pundits start talking about this crap before a coach even finishes his first year at job.

Sean isn’t going anywhere - He said it and he means it.

X knows how special it is that X gave him a chance to get back in the game.

X gets how good he had it last time at X. It’s is where he really wants to be. He loves Xavier.

He knows now that X is in a major conference and no longer a stepping stone job.

He loves and lives and breathes the BE

At $4 mil a year, he is being paid plenty of money.

He now gets how amazing the Jay Wright and Mark Few coaching model is “Stay and build your empire- your way - at a place where you love to be.”

Now let’s all get back to talking about winning the damn BET tournament.

[XU_Lou]

Based on reading this and the other threads in the past few days, it appears XU b-ball as we know it won't exist after this year. The key takeaways:

* Miller's gone for greener pastures

* The B12 is going to raid the BE

* The remaining schools will be relegated to local access TV after Fox Sports abandons us.

* Nearly the entire team will be leaving for one reason or another after this season.

Gee, F4 or bust!

[xukeith]

There was a play Thursday night when the post-steal lay-up was missed but none of X players had hustled past half court; Miller was justifiably psst. Not likely to happen 2 games in a row.

On day #3 with legs heavy and brains zoned out, perhaps players won't have the energy to run length of court.

[Xavier]

MOR had reported that Craft was available to play. Comedic gold!!!

Whoops. will wait to see you give credit to MOR here

[Three Point Pete]

I was so pumped last night I celebrated with a High West double rye sazarec. That and the time and I was out and missed the second half of Ua vs Asu. I read in that thread Walton was in rare form.Please explain High West double rye sazarec?
I have to settle a smooth single malt Scotch!
Apologies to my Kentuck-bourbony brethren .

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[Masterofreality]

The Elijah Tucker 3 matches BJ Raymond’s 3 in the TBT last year for awesomeness.
A perfect game capper.

[Masterofreality]

Sean Miller is going nowhere. Dude has it so good and he knows it. He’s also super grateful for Xavier and it’s fans for giving him the chance. He went through a lot the last few years and he is pretty pissed to prove everyone wrong. Taking Xavier to that level is much better and would make it that much sweeter for him. My guess is when he puts Colby in the league recruiting will go to another level as he can point to all the guys at zona in the league and that continues at Xavier. What a great time for Xavier basketball and its future. Side note, his wife would not follow Sean if he left Xavier again lol.

Everything in this post is 1000000000% on the spot. Including the end..

And these guys still talking up Louisville?? I’m sorry. Louisville has blown their wad.
Apparently none of these guys knew that Mack called Sean asking for advice on whether to take the Louisville job. Sean told him flat out to stay put.
The ACC is in a tenuous position long term. No damn way

[stammina0721]

Got my tickets and ready to go... Section 113 here I come!!!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Please explain High West double rye sazarec?
I have to settle a smooth single malt Scotch!
Apologies to my Kentuck-bourbony brethren .

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High West is a whiskey brand out of Utah. I heard rumor it’s run by “Jack” Mormons but I can’t confirm. It’s decent rye whiskey. I splurged when my shop was out of Rittenhouse bottled in bond. High West is a bigger brand so it should be by you in the mid west but maybe not. I don’t get the variety you guys do who stayed closer to X.

If sazarec was your curiosity, it’s a half ounce of simple syrup 4 dashes of peychauds bitters and 2 ounces of rye. I sometimes kick in a half ounce of vsop cognac. Mix in a cocktail glass, give your rocks glass an absinthe or herbsaint spray and strain your drink in after.

I am always hunting for Deerstalker 18 year highland single malt but it just isn’t available here.

[Three Point Pete]

Thanks AZ, I'll give it a try.
Most elusive single malt is "Sheep Dip" unbelievably smooth.

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[ArizonaXUGrad]

Thanks AZ, I'll give it a try.
Most elusive single malt is "Sheep Dip" unbelievably smooth.

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I will look around for that. Phoenix is a bit of a decent booze desert. Only recently I have been able to grab cheap bourbon like Evan Williams green label and Old Grand Dad BIB. Scotch is even harder here beyond the big companies.

[bjf123]

Apparently none of these guys knew that Mack called Sean asking for advice on whether to take the Louisville job. Sean told him flat out to stay put.

Somehow I don’t remember ever seeing this.


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[Caveat]

The Elijah Tucker 3 matches BJ Raymond’s 3 in the TBT last year for awesomeness.
A perfect game capper.

“Trey” Tucker