NCAA Tournament 2023

[paulxu]

Just a thread to put thoughts about games as the tournament progresses, other than the Muskies.
Will have individual game threads for X as always.

If Zach was playing, I think we'd get to the FF. Hope we get to the second weekend. That would be special.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I have all my first to 10 and 15 bets placed for tomorrows games! Less than 24hrs away from the greatest 48 hours in sports!

[GoMuskies]

Two good games yesterday to get things rolling. Hopefully more of the same tonight and then lots of madness once things start for real on Thursday.

[Three Point Pete]

So, does anyone else believe we are going to FF!!

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[D-West & PO-Z]

So, does anyone else believe we are going to FF!!

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This year is only the 2nd time I have ever put X in the Final 4 in my bracket. Not confident but think it is at least a realistic chance.

[MHettel]

So, does anyone else believe we are going to FF!!

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I think Texas could win it all. And I know that Houston is tenacious. Depth is my #1 concern.

[American X]

AmX Pre-Tipoff Observations:

1. Just to irritate everyone, the East Regional Final will be Duke vs. Kentucky. Choose your own more annoying storyline - Calipari is still the king or anointing of the golden boy Scheyer.

2. While Texas is playing Colgate, Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines will also be filled with Texas A&M Aggies. If the seeds hold for Saturday, the arena will be filled with Texas A&M, Kansas and Arkansas fans making for a very anti-Longhorn energy.

3. Speaking of that Saturday in Iowa, the AmX Upset Special - Arkansas over Kansas.

4. 8 seed Auburn gets to play in Birmingham (seems fair), sharing the arena on Saturday with Alabama which should be fun.

5. A preview said Iowa State may be one of the worst No. 6 seeds in NCAA Tournament history, which is nice. Bart Torvik (https://barttorvik.com/#) has Iowa State rated higher than Xavier, which is not nice.

6. The Drake-Kent State 12 vs. 13 matchup is so obvious I should not even type it. Fans of schools in Indiana should prepare for disappointment.

7. Of course Alabama will make the Final Four so CBS has to squirm around the embarrassing accessory to murder storyline.

8. But to distract from the murder wrap, CBS will quickly switch the spotlight to the funny-haired Larry Bird redux white guy from America's favorite team winning everyone's hearts and a trophy.

[zippin']

So, does anyone else believe we are going to FF!!

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If Souley is stroking from 3 and Colby is feeling it + defense from Creighton game I think they can.

[X-band '01]

Meanwhile, it's comforting that a 13-2 Nevada run means they've cut their deficit against Arizona State down to 19 points.

[GoMuskies]

Steve Alford hasn't been good in the Tournament since Missouri State was still called Southwest Missouri State.

[Xville]

It’s finally here! Happy four best days in sports, everyone!

[noteggs]

Why do these games seem soooooo much more enjoyable to watch with X back in? Funny how salty I was the 4 years.

[Xville]

Come on furman! Let the madness begin!

[Xville]

Furman!!!

[GoMuskies]

Furman!!!

That UVa guy can't go back to campus.

[xukeith]

Furman gets a steal on a poor VA length of court pass attempt, hits a 3 with 2 seconds left. Poor VA. lol X better prepare as they will get a solid punch from KS.

[xukeith]

Furman's coach looks a tad like Elon Musk

[Xville]

I hate the way Virginia plays so the quicker they are out of the tournament the better imo. Lol. that was awesome

[HenryMuto]

Furman appeared to have blown the game with back to back turnovers blowing the lead but the 50% FT shooter knocks both down to cut it to 2 and I was yelling FOUL FOUL as the clock was running out then the steal and the 27 footer for the lead !!!!!!!!!!!!

Then Virginia nearly hits the 33 footer.

This is what the Madness is all about (as long as it is your team that isn't being upset)

[Xville]

Let’s go fighting kelseys!

[GoMuskies]

I obviously forgot xubrew's recent and very helpful reminder that even when the MWC is good they are still trash in the Tournament.

[Xville]

The mwc futility continues. I think Boise could win though… the big ten is crap and they got lucky with nw being their 7 seed

[GoMuskies]

SD State is still going to beat the Kelseys (IMO). But they're not impressive. They're basically a baby UVA with that style.

[Xville]

SD State is still going to beat the Kelseys (IMO). But they're not impressive. They're basically a baby UVA with that style.

Agree on all fronts.

We are all oral roberts’ fans tonight, right?

[GoMuskies]

We are all oral roberts’ fans tonight, right?

Of course! But my attention will be more strongly focused on Colgate in that time slot!

[Xville]

Of course! But my attention will be more strongly focused on Colgate in that time slot!

I got them as well. I remember them effing me last year so they owe me lol

[GoMuskies]

I definitely did not pick Colgate. Just would appreciate them sweeping Texas out of our path.

[noteggs]

Know there is normally a 13 seed, finally got one right in the pool!! Yes a little shameful look at me BS…

[Xville]

I definitely did not pick Colgate. Just would appreciate them sweeping Texas out of our path.

Ah fair. I just picked them +13

[xu82]

Lil old Furman knocks out UVA. What a great weekend this is!!!

[xavierj]

Down goes Zona.

[HenryMuto]

Holy cow Princeton has done it!

[HenryMuto]

Xavier players better be paying attention anyone can beat anyone except maybe the 16 seeds.

[xu82]

Holy cow Princeton has done it!

I looked away….and I missed it!

[HenryMuto]

Too bad Zona wasn't our 2 instead of Texas but maybe Colgate can shoot their avg at 3 point line which is 40.8%

[HenryMuto]

Princeton was terrible from 3 today even they went 4/25 from the 3 and beat a #15 seed.

Arizona 15 point favorite
Arizona -1167 on the ML
Arizona 92% to win according to BPI

[X-band '01]

I obviously forgot xubrew's recent and very helpful reminder that even when the MWC is good they are still trash in the Tournament.


The mwc futility continues. I think Boise could win though… the big ten is crap and they got lucky with nw being their 7 seed

They were 0-for-11 since Nevada's run back in 2018.

[Xavgrad08]

Good for Princeton. Arizona fans are not happy with Tommy Lloyd after this game.

[Xville]

They were 0-for-11 since Nevada's run back in 2018.

So you’re saying, fire Kelsey? :)

[paulxu]

I'm making an early play for worst bracket in the country.

[Xville]

I gave Boise the kiss of death lol

[Xville]

I’ve always been a crest man but I’m willing to change for a price

[HenryMuto]

Well ORU looks dead so lets go Colgate

[xu82]

What percent of brackets still have a shot?

I bet it’s a VERY small number.

[Xville]

Texas is scary good

[HenryMuto]

Too bad Arizona wasn't the #2 in our region

[Blue Blooded-05]

Felt good about my Oral Bob 5/12 upset pick for about the first 2 minutes of the game

[Three Point Pete]

What percent of brackets still have a shot?

I bet it’s a VERY small number.Mine died with Virginia.

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[Blue Blooded-05]

Mine died with Virginia.

Furman. Known for busting brackets and high profile LA prosecution cases

[Xville]

Felt good about my Oral Bob 5/12 upset pick for about the first 2 minutes of the game

Unfortunately, duke has played like a title contender for a couple months now. Gross.

[Xville]

What is with the annoying pa announcer at the Iowa-auburn location? It’s extremely distracting

[Strange Brew]

Furman. Known for busting brackets and high profile LA prosecution cases

Well played.

[noteggs]

Texas is scary good

Didn’t see first half. Curious why do you say that? Game is still fairly close with 9 minutes left. Yes 3 point shooting from Texas has been good. However, Bishop has really developed/filled out since his days at Creighton.

[HenryMuto]

Colgate #1 in the NCAA's at 40.8% from 3 but they are only 3/12 while Texas is 13/21 that is your game in a nutshell

[Xville]

Didn’t see first half. Curious why do you say that? Game is still fairly close with 9 minutes left. Yes 3 point shooting from Texas has been good. However, Bishop has really developed/filled out since his days at Creighton.

Long athletic frontcourt with great experienced guard play and shut down d. I know it’s Colgate but they took them completely out of their game, and they have done that a ton this year. They destroyed kansas twice with their athleticism.

With all that said a& m (should they win tonight) does match up well with them, but I don’t think x does.

But hell, as we already saw today anything can happen.

[X-band '01]

NKU has managed to hang around at halftime; we'll see how long this lasts in the 2nd half. Marcus Sasser still not looking right for Houston.

[Xavier]

I thought Texas looked great also. But they were hitting 3s and I thought I read they were not a great 3 shooting team…Houston however has looked somewhat clumsy and NKU pushed em. Sasser re-injured his groin. Not sure if he will be done for tournament but doesn’t seem like he will be himself for sure.

Just wish Texas wasn’t our 2.

[xavierj]

I thought Texas looked great also. But they were hitting 3s and I thought I read they were not a great 3 shooting team…Houston however has looked somewhat clumsy and NKU pushed em. Sasser re-injured his groin. Not sure if he will be done for tournament but doesn’t seem like he will be himself for sure.

Just wish Texas wasn’t our 2.

Texas shot just under 34% from 3 all year and 57% today.

[GoMuskies]

Texas looked fine....but they were playing Colgate.

[X-band '01]

Apparently I've underestimated how little A&M wants to play Texas in the Tournament.

[smileyy]

Hot take: Virginia should have settled for the dead-ball turnover.

[Xavgrad08]

Penn State blasted Texas A&M last night. Buzz Williams has two years left on his contract.I am guessing his seat will be a little warm next year. Texas A&M is paying him a lot of money and they have not been very good.

[Xville]

Penn State blasted Texas A&M last night. Buzz Williams has two years left on his contract.I am guessing his seat will be a little warm next year. Texas A&M is paying him a lot of money and they have not been very good.

Shocked when i woke up and saw that this morning. Watched a lot of SEC this year with Mizzou as my second team, and A&M did well in a very strong league. One of those nights I guess.

Go X!

[Smails]

Penn State blasted Texas A&M last night. Buzz Williams has two years left on his contract.I am guessing his seat will be a little warm next year. Texas A&M is paying him a lot of money and they have not been very good.

I wonder what the expectations at A&M are..compete in the SEC, get to the dance and win some games here and there?

[paulxu]

My bracket is a dumpster fire.

[Lamont Sanford]

I'm making an early play for worst bracket in the country.

Looks like your decision to pick winners based off the school's ESG score didn't work out for you once again (see SVB and Signature Bank).

Go woke, go broke.

[cutterX]

Looks like your decision to pick winners based off the school's ESG score didn't work out for you once again (see SVB and Signature Bank).

Go woke, go broke.

Early front runner for D bag post of the day. Take it to another thread you Big Dummy!

[X-band '01]

Iowa State is going to eventually show up in this game, right?

[MHettel]

side thought.

the BE needs to get at least 10 wins in this tourney.

[GoMuskies]

1-0. Marquette with a solid lead. Creighton starting off well.

[X-band '01]

side thought.

the BE needs to get at least 10 wins in this tourney.

If the conference just held serve according to seed that would be 8 wins. Anything beyond that (particularly any Providence wins) would be gravy.

[xukeith]

How does Pitt play superb defense vs a better Iowa St team?
That is all X needs in next round: a strong defensive team.

[GoMuskies]

Marquette is finally pulling away. Looks like 2-0 for the Big East.

I wonder if Pitt will manage to give up their entire lead by halftime? They...suck.

[GoMuskies]

Danny Hurley vs Rick Pitino is a complete mismatch.

[HenryMuto]

Maybe we should have wanted to play Iowa State wow they can't hit the broad side of a barn

20% from the field (11/54)
6% from 3 (1/17)
50% from the line (7/14)

[HenryMuto]

Holy mackerel the Iona UCONN game is off the charts exciting. Sorry I am not pulling for the Big East to win this one (nor the Providence game)

[GoMuskies]

Embarrassing performance from Iowa State. Creighton had em, but is letting NC State off the mat. Iona has UConn playing exactly the kind of game Iona wants to play.

[bobbiemcgee]

Maybe we should have wanted to play Iowa State wow they can't hit the broad side of a barn

20% from the field (11/54)
6% from 3 (1/17)
50% from the line (7/14)
Down 50-30

[X-band '01]

If it wasn't a blowout, this game would be reaching levels of Dayton-DePaul ineptitude.

Cyclones 1-for-their-last-20 from the field right now.

[GoMuskies]

Creighton 2-19 from 3. Nuts. If Kalkbrenner's ankle is hurt, they're screwed.

[HenryMuto]

Sean vs his alma mater

[Xavgrad08]

Creighton advances vs NC state. Still believe Creighton can go far in this tournament.

[Xville]

3-0 probably about to make it 4 with UConn!

[GoMuskies]

Creighton gutted it out without shooting well. Impressive.

[Xville]

UConn is capable of winning the whole thing. Will they? Probably not, but they have everything to be able to do it.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Sean vs his alma mater

Cue “send it in Jerome!”

[xavbball]

Maybe we should have wanted to play Iowa State wow they can't hit the broad side of a barn

20% from the field (11/54)
6% from 3 (1/17)
50% from the line (7/14)

Against us and our defense I’m sure they’d go a season high 13/17 from 3.

[Xville]

Wish we knew what time game was on Sunday but guess we will have to wait until all the games are done for the day. Hope it’s not in the evening but chances are it will be. Some bad memories of Sunday night games in the tourney! Ugh

[muskiefan82]

I do love cheering on the other big east teams in the tournament. It just feels right.

[paulxu]

I do love cheering on the other big east teams in the tournament. It just feels right.

Agree. (although I still don't like Hurley)

[Xville]

4-0 let’s make it 5 providence! I think it’s more realistic they lose by 20, but let’s go!

[BandAid]

Anyone else thinking Providence is getting hosed on some of these "block" calls?

[Xville]

Let’s go fdu!!!!

[Blue Blooded-05]

Upset alerts are so much more fun then they’re not against my team. Let’s go FDU!!

[Xville]

Not sure if this is just coincidence or not but on espns list of games for Sunday, it has x-pitt first. I wonder if we could be the first game?

[GoMuskies]

Miami and Iowa State should play.

[Xville]

Purdue can lose tonight or lose Sunday either way they are going to lose. They are so unathletic at this level which plays fine in the plodding big ten but Memphis or fau will run them into the ground next round.

[Xavgrad08]

Purdue can lose tonight or lose Sunday either way they are going to lose. They are so unathletic at this level which plays fine in the plodding big ten but Memphis or fau will run them into the ground next round.

Agreed, I figured Purdue would get bumped early. I thought they would at least win the first round game. They might win this game, but they are on the ropes.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Flu leading by 5 with 1 min to go

[Xville]

The providence game looks like a root canal just judging by the fact the score I don’t think has moved in the last hour lol

[BandAid]

That was rough for FDU. Guy got fouled by two Boilermakers, yet Purdue gets the ball

[Blue Blooded-05]

Sorry Mike Bobinski...

FDU! FDU! FDU!

[Xville]

Lol big ten

[smileyy]

I think they got a makeup non-call at the other end. Nice that it didn't end up mattering

[Xville]

Providence has looked like Iowa state the last month or so… real shitty

[Xavgrad08]

Oh Matt Painter.

[BandAid]

Third straight time Purdue has gotten bounced by a double digit seed. Yikes

[Xville]

Providence should be kicked out of the league for ruining the 5-0 first round

[KabeX]

Well crap. I only put $10 on FDU and didn't even need the points!

[HenryMuto]

FDU ranked #68 on the NCAA seed list
Purdue was favored by 23
Purdue was -10,000 on the ML
Purdue was 98.6% to win according to BPI
FDU didn't even win their own conference tournament
FDU had 15 losses this year

[paulxu]

Last year FDU was 4-22.
This year they've already earned 3 NCAA credits.

[Xavier]

Be nice to see Penn St do something special tomorrow too

[xu82]

Be nice to see Penn St do something special tomorrow too

Amen!

[noteggs]

Big part of me says Merrimack should have been in the tournament because of a BS rule! However, FDU winning is nice consultation for the NEC!

[HenryMuto]

Here is the list of teams FDU lost to this year and the NET ranking of those teams (Reminder there are only 363 teams)


363 @Hartford 74-66
343 Central Conn 77-73
336 @St Francis (PA) 82-72
326 Sacred Heart 92-85
326 @Sacred Heart 94-86
314 Stonehill 70-59
311 @Wagner 83-79
307 @Merrimack 67-66
306 @St Peter's 77-63
269 @Loyola Chi 88-82
219 vs SIUE 79-78
204 Queens 82-73
166 @Longwood 99-83
159 @Richmond 77-48
67 @Pittsburgh 83-61

0-1 vs quad 1
0-0 vs quad 2
1-2 vs quad 3
17-12 vs quad 4

[X-band '01]

Big part of me says Merrimack should have been in the tournament because of a BS rule! However, FDU winning is nice consultation for the NEC!

Thing is, Merrimack will be eligible next year.

But with Bellarmine and Merrimack both in transitional status at the time, at least now they have one P5 school that will lobby on behalf of transitional schools now!

[Xville]

The last five minutes or so of that fau-Memphis game was such a trainwreck.

[xavierj]

The last five minutes or so of that fau-Memphis game was such a trainwreck.

It was but I had Florida Atlantic ML so I liked the ending. I wonder if Florida Atlantic is the youngest team in the tourney? They start a Junior, 3 sophomores and a freshman. Bring in two other sophomores off the bench. They are now 31-3. Heck of a Job by their coach.

[JTG]

Thing is, Merrimack will be eligible next year.

But with Bellarmine and Merrimack both in transitional status at the time, at least now they have one P5 school that will lobby on behalf of transitional schools now!

When you are a one bid conference why do you let an ineligible school in a tournament that determines your representative?

[GoMuskies]

When you are a one bid conference why do you let an ineligible school in a tournament that determines your representative?

It doesn't really matter as long as you still keep your bid. Nice to give the transitional teams something to play for.

[zanesxu]

Oh Matt Painter.

Painter is Purdue's Purgatory.

[Three Point Pete]

Be nice to see Penn St do something special tomorrow tooGo Nittany Lions! This will be my 1st time liking them since the Joe Pa era.

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[waggy]

Re Painter: I like to watch as many of the coach press conferences as I can. A lot of boring but also some interesting things. This year painters pre-game was one the better I saw. Not here or there when it comes to getting it done in the tourney obviously. The fdu match up was literally the worst opponent they could have gotten …. Quick senior guards with nothing to lose vs freshmen . Just nasty.

[xavierj]

Re Painter: I like to watch as many of the coach press conferences as I can. A lot of boring but also some interesting things. This year painters pre-game was one the better I saw. Not here or there when it comes to getting it done in the tourney obviously. The fdu match up was literally the worst opponent they could have gotten …. Quick senior guards with nothing to lose vs freshmen . Just nasty.

Still no excuse. They were 17-12 against quad 4 teams, lost to Richmond by 30. They probably would have gone 0-20 in the big east this year, Well maybe 1-19, probably would have beaten Georgetown at least once. Painter would have been smart to take Eddy out more and go smaller. Purdue had plenty talent without Eddy to beat them.

[GoMuskies]

FDU vs FAU for a shot at the Sweet Sixteen tomorrow. Madness!

[JTG]

I think maybe it's time for Painter to have a change of scenery. His Lurch & the 4 drawfs system works in the slow footed BIG , where it's farm boys in shorts, but doesn't translate to the Dance. He's had these monster 7 ft+ centers for years now, and keeps getting embarrassed in the NCAAs.

[American X]

Beyond Alabama and Kansas, Texas and UConn look like they want to win a national championship. Maybe UCLA, but I can't buy into the YTG.

[xavierj]

Beyond Alabama and Kansas, Texas and UConn look like they want to win a national championship. Maybe UCLA, but I can't buy into the YTG.

UCONN can’t beat Xavier…

[Xville]

Beyond Alabama and Kansas, Texas and UConn look like they want to win a national championship. Maybe UCLA, but I can't buy into the YTG.

I think duke has looked like a national champion for about a month now. Outside of that I agree on bama, UConn and texas. I don’t see kansas. They just aren’t athletic enough or have the size.

[Three Point Pete]

Beyond Alabama and Kansas, Texas and UConn look like they want to win a national championship. Maybe UCLA, but I can't buy into the YTG. Nevermind that there's a big hole in my bracket, I picked UCLA for the champs.

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[UCGRAD4X]

Nevermind that there's a big hole in my bracket, I picked UCLA for the champs.

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UCLA is still in it. Did you mean USC?

[X-band '01]

Beyond Alabama and Kansas, Texas and UConn look like they want to win a national championship. Maybe UCLA, but I can't buy into the YTG.

Are the goats in Sacramento on high alert?

[American X]

Are the goats in Sacramento on high alert?

Between wildfires, floods, and the YTG, they have all fled the state of California.

[Three Point Pete]

Duke and Tenn at the half is looking like a good game. Vols up 27-21.

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[HenryMuto]

I know how you guys love this stat so here it is Tennessee 98.7% to win with 3:53 left up 11

[GoMuskies]

We just need to get rid of Kentucky and this Tournament will be rocking.

[Xville]

Very realistic there will be 0 acc teams and only 1 big ten team after tomorrow. What a great tournament :)

[GoMuskies]

I think I have Miami in the Final Four. I'm sure you'd take the Indiana for Miami trade, though!

[Xville]

I think I have Miami in the Final Four. I'm sure you'd take the Indiana for Miami trade, though!

Absolutely. If it’s one acc and zero big ten that might be even better lol

[Three Point Pete]

Tenn is a tough out great D. That Nkamhuoa dude is the $$.

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[GoMuskies]

ESPN now has Tennessee as 100% to beat Dook.

[xu82]

ESPN now has Tennessee as 100% to beat Dook.

In related news, Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead! And I love it! The world is a better place without Dook in the tournament.

[UCGRAD4X]

ESPN now has Tennessee as 100% to beat Dook.

It's that kind of insight like that made then the world leader in sports.

[noteggs]

Is Princeton this year’s version of St Peters? Probably not but fun watch…

[Xville]

Pig suey

[GIMMFD]

Is Princeton this year’s version of St Peters? Probably not but fun watch…

I personally welcome our new nerd overlords to the table. They're definitely a fun team to root for at the very least.

[UCGRAD4X]

If I were a Razorback fan I'd be throwing things at my TV. They are getting seriously hosed.

[Xville]

If I were a Razorback fan I'd be throwing things at my TV. They are getting seriously hosed.

Just like every team against stupid fucking kansas.

[GoMuskies]

Go Hawgs!

[HenryMuto]

A bad year to be a #1 seed

[xu82]

A bad year to be a #1 seed

Let’s try it next year, and see how it goes!

[Xville]

Pig suey! Hell yeah f Kansas

[paulxu]

Princeton. Hah!

[noteggs]

This is a strange tournament…as usual. Maybe more so? Now let’s hope for an Auburn win!

[GIMMFD]

This is a strange tournament…as usual. Maybe more so? Now let’s hope for an Auburn win!

Personally I'm rooting for Penn State to win, that'd be great for sports.

[UCGRAD4X]

This is a strange tournament…as usual. Maybe more so? Now let’s hope for an Auburn win!

Can't Sampson and Pearl both lose? Just this once?

[XU_Lou]

How bout them Princeton Tigers!!

[nickgyp]

Can't Sampson and Pearl both lose? Just this once?

To quote the Cowardly Lion: ‘Ain’t it the truth! Ain’t it the truth!’

[Xville]

Watching kansas-arkansas and auburn-Houston and I’m realizing just how far away Xavier’s roster is

[noteggs]

Watching kansas-arkansas and auburn-Houston and I’m realizing just how far away Xavier’s roster is

Actually thinking the same, especially with the toughness. BE used to reward that type of play. Unfortunately, we now have d bag refs who are calling everything. Now I know what Sean is talking about.

[Xville]

Actually thinking the same, especially with the toughness. BE used to reward that type of play. Unfortunately, we now have d bag refs who are calling everything. Now I know what Sean is talking about.

Imagine what houston would do to this team? They beat them by 20 and pull their pants down and laugh at them.

[Xavier]

Yeah, the same houston team that was a 5 point game with 4:30 left against NKU…? We wouldn’t stand a chance.

If X wins tomorrow, Texas is the more difficult team on the path to the F4

[UCGRAD4X]

Actually thinking the same, especially with the toughness. BE used to reward that type of play. Unfortunately, we now have d bag refs who are calling everything. Now I know what Sean is talking about.

Almost literally every time down the court. Too bad Auburn is 6 for 16 at the line and Houston not missing.

[zanesxu]

Yeah, the same houston team that was a 5 point game with 4:30 left against NKU…? We wouldn’t stand a chance.

If X wins tomorrow, Texas is the more difficult team on the path to the F4

Exactly - we're all Penn State fans right now. Until then, survive and advance. Ugly and soft but winning is better than tough, pretty and losing.

[Xville]

Yeah, the same houston team that was a 5 point game with 4:30 left against NKU…? We wouldn’t stand a chance.

If X wins tomorrow, Texas is the more difficult team on the path to the F4

Sasser, their best player, barely played.

Houston and Texas are both better rosters by far than x. Any given Sunday, but the toughness and athletic difference between x and either of those teams is a mile long

[xavierj]

Sasser, their best player, barely played.

Houston and Texas are both better rosters by far than x. Any given Sunday, but the toughness and athletic difference between x and either of those teams is a mile long

Yeah kind of like UCONN and Xavier beat them twice. Houston has one nba player on their team, not 5. They are great defensively and average offensively. They lost to temple at home this year. As for Auburn, they were mediocre all year. Not saying Xavier will beat Houston if they are lucky to play them, but I think Xavier could beat them if the normal offense shows up. Xavier beat Arizona in the tourney and that Arizona team had 6 guys go on to play in the NBA.

[Xavier]

He played 14 minutes in first half Vs them- was a 3 point game. Houston played four tournament teams OOC. Two five point wins against Kent State and St Mary’s 9 point win vs Virginia and a loss to Bama. They are more athletic and big but haven’t looked overwhelming Vs any one really.

Admittedly there style plays into closer games. Just, they were the 1 seed I wanted outside of Purdue. Texas on the other hand is brutal. And I won’t argue both teams are much more physical and athletic

[Xville]

Yeah kind of like UCONN and Xavier beat them twice. Houston has one nba player on their team, not 5. They are great defensively and average offensively. They lost to temple at home this year. As for Auburn, they were mediocre all year. Not saying Xavier will beat Houston if they are lucky to play them, but I think Xavier could beat them if the normal offense shows up. Xavier beat Arizona in the tourney and that Arizona team had 6 guys go on to play in the NBA.

Arizona had one legit nba player and maybe two others who had a cup of coffee in the nba. And, I’ll take x’s 2017 roster straight up over this one right now especially without free which was kind of my point in the first place.

As we all know, it’s all about matchups in the tourney and I think houston is a nightmare for x

[Xville]

He played 14 minutes in first half Vs them- was a 3 point game. Houston played four tournament teams OOC. Two five point wins against Kent State and St Mary’s 9 point win vs Virginia and a loss to Bama. They are more athletic and big but haven’t looked overwhelming Vs any one really.

Admittedly there style plays into closer games. Just, they were the 1 seed I wanted outside of Purdue. Texas on the other hand is brutal. And I won’t argue both teams are much more physical and athletic

Ok… and x was down 13 to kennesaw state at one point

[Xavier]

Ok… and x was down 13 to kennesaw state at one point

What game did they look overly impressive? Tonight was maybe there best game. Down 10 at half against an ok auburn team. Just don’t see a game you can point too (against a tournament team) where they just looked like another level?

[xukeith]

Texas is so athletic and very long.

[Xville]

What game did they look overly impressive? Tonight was maybe there best game. Down 10 at half against an ok auburn team. Just don’t see a game you can point too (against a tournament team) where they just looked like another level?

I don’t think they are the 96 bulls, I think against x’s roster right now, it’s a nightmare matchup. X is really lacking in some key areas and think houston would exploit the hell out of it.

Hopefully we get a chance to see it and I’m completely wrong

[Three Point Pete]

Rats! What a meltdown. Penn State shot themselves in the foot in last 2 minutes.
You can't play 38 mins. in a 40 min. game.

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[Xavier]

I’m not sure they have the offensive ability to do that Vs any quality team. Still, if we are lucky enough to win tomorrow we’d need the best game of the season to beat Texas.

Though the coaching advantage is huge in X favor.

[muskiefan82]

Just want to take a second to send good vibes to UCONN, Marquette, and Creighton. Let's go Big East!!

[Xville]

Just want to take a second to send good vibes to UCONN, Marquette, and Creighton. Let's go Big East!!

4 be teams in the sweet 16 would be a hell of a feat. Come on!!

[GoMuskies]

Kentucky out!

[drudy23]

Texas is so athletic and very long.

They are, but Boum hasn't hit the ocean in 3 weeks.

That changes Friday, especially with a week of rest. Florida State beatdown part two (the good Fl St game, not the bad one).

[noteggs]

Where was this Marquette team last weekend? Oh well, on to the sweet 16. Would like to see a comeback tho.

[SkyWalker]

Isn't really cool to see XAV score on the TV during NCAA tourney after 5 years?

[xu82]

GO Marquette!!!

[zanesxu]

Nothing is given, everything earned in March... ask Marquette right now. Bought to see if Shaka still has the onions...

[Three Point Pete]

GO Marquette!!!The Warriors are looking good, considering they faced 65% FG shooting!

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[UCGRAD4X]

Anybody else notice how many players are slipping in the paint and getting called for travelling?

[xu82]

Anybody else notice how many players are slipping in the paint and getting called for travelling?

I fell in my own kitchen, but things got messy after my personal champagne celebration. I was going to get a “wet floor” cone, but never made it….

[GoMuskies]

Kolek is playing like shit. Marquette had the chance to grab hold of this game, but he keeps turning it over.

[xu82]

Michigan State shooting an impressive 6.7% from 3 point land. And they are still winning.

[Xville]

Lots of shooting themselves in the foot last five or so minutes. A lot of wtf

[xavierj]

I fell in my own kitchen, but things got messy after my personal champagne celebration. I was going to get a “wet floor” cone, but never made it….

That’s awesome! Post of the day!

[GoMuskies]

That loss is on Kolek. He's Big East POY and needed to play like it. He sucked.

[Xville]

Good night Marquette. I bet they would trade that meaningless conference championship for a sweet 16 berth right now

[UCGRAD4X]

How the hell was Kolek POY? Finally nails a three down 11 with 35 sec left

[GoMuskies]

How the hell was Kolek POY? Finally nails a three down 11 with 35 sec left

I think it was the 87 he scored in the first half at Cintas that clinched it.

[xu82]

That’s awesome! Post of the day!

Yeah, great for you, but I somehow lost my goggles! ��

[American X]

I am shocked the East regional final is not Duke vs. Kentucky. I guess no Michigan State in the tournament also is asking too much.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Just want to take a second to send good vibes to UCONN, Marquette, and Creighton. Let's go Big East!!


4 be teams in the sweet 16 would be a hell of a feat. Come on!!

Would have been nice.

Marquette has ONE win in the NCAA tournament (2 days ago against a 15 seed) since Big East realignment. Gross.

[Xville]

I think uconn and creighton will get their respective games, so I’ll take three :) .

[Xavier]

Agreed. I’m looking forward to a potential Creighton Alabama elite 8.

[smileyy]

I think uconn and creighton will get their respective games, so I’ll take three :) .

UConn really rolling now

[Leghorn]

I' so sick of BE teams choking in the tournament. Obviously Villanova has killed it and Xavier has been okay. But the rest of the league really needs to step it up. Hopefully Uconn and Creighton pick it up

[D-West & PO-Z]

Just want to take a second to send good vibes to UCONN, Marquette, and Creighton. Let's go Big East!!


4 be teams in the sweet 16 would be a hell of a feat. Come on!!


I think uconn and creighton will get their respective games, so I’ll take three :) .

Yes, same. 3 is what we should have in given seeds, however, big miss by Marquette for Big East to potentially have 25% of the Sweet 16 teams.

[muskiefan82]

Get it UConn! Good 1st half Creighton! WTH Kolek?

[Xville]

If what I think happens, actually happens, could be:

3 big 12
3 sec
3 big East
2 big ten (if Indiana wins)
1 pac

Nice mix! Get two be to the elite eight and 1 (Xavier) to a final four and it will be an extremely successful tourney :)

[smileyy]

Sanogo is a beast. Wow.

[bjf123]

Sanogo is a beast. Wow.

Yes he is, but he does shuffle his feet when he gets the ball down low. Could be called for traveling a lot.


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[xukeith]

If Gonzaga beats TCU, 2 B12 teams in S16.

[Three Point Pete]

Looks like Yukon has easier path to FF

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[Xville]

Creighton gets to play a 15 seed for the elite eight. I know Princeton has won some games, but man what a gift!

[bjf123]

Creighton gets to play a 15 seed for the elite eight. I know Princeton has won some games, but man what a gift!

Assuming the Jays hold the lead. Baylor’s tough.


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[paulxu]

I was hoping 2 seed Marquette could have made it 4 teams, playing 7 seed MSU.

[Xavier]

Creighton gets to play a 15 seed for the elite eight. I know Princeton has won some games, but man what a gift!

Agreed. But when they see Alabama across from them in the Elite 8 they will be jealous of us playing Indiana (or Miami)

[D-West & PO-Z]

Agreed. But when they see Alabama across from them in the Elite 8 they will be jealous of us playing Indiana (or Miami)

I just got butterflies at this possibility!

[D-West & PO-Z]

I guess Val picked the wrong BE game to attend.

[Three Point Pete]

Creighton gets to play a 15 seed for the elite eight. I know Princeton has won some games, but man what a gift!And they should advance to the 8. Jays have been playing up to the early expectations. March is about guards and Nembhard just had 30 point field day.

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[GoMuskies]

FDU decided they're not done.

[noteggs]

If what I think happens, actually happens, could be:

3 big 12
3 sec
3 big East
2 big ten (if Indiana wins)
1 pac

Nice mix! Get two be to the elite eight and 1 (Xavier) to a final four and it will be an extremely successful tourney :)

Yes nice mix. Also, seems like like the percent of teams making the S16 favors BE. What a joke the B10 continues to be. Over 20 years since a championship.

[noteggs]

Would have been great to see FDU make it. Still don’t know much about FAU

[GoMuskies]

The FAU clown missing the dunk at the buzzer was epic. Pretty sure that guy just convinced me to root for Tennessee.

[noteggs]

No doubt!!! And I don’t like Tennessee

[Xavier]

I know big East had favorable match ups but:
Xavier-dominated
Uconn- dominated
Creighton-dominated.

Marquette was a big disappointment but it was a good showing overall

[GoMuskies]

Indiana out as well. Nice.

[Xville]

Lol the big ten sucks..in every sport. Fuck that conference… boring ass basketball and football. Kick them out of the ncaa

[American X]

AmX Upset Special - Arkansas over Kansas.

Fans of schools in Indiana should prepare for disappointment.

Indiana made it one round further than I thought they would.

[Xville]

Miami could give houston a great game.. matchup well with them. Ridiculous athleticism in that game

[GoMuskies]

I think TCU will hold on to beat Gonzaga. The Zags just aren't it this year.

[smileyy]

I have too many friends who root for Gonzaga to root against them myself.

[GoMuskies]

I generally cheer for Gonzaga. Just don't think this is their year.

Good second half so far, though.

[stammina0721]

Listened to the full post game. Not gonna lie I have a new respect for Cappel. Those guys bought in to his message and had a real love for the game and each other. Just love to see that in sports

[Xville]

I honestly don’t understand how anyone can root for gonzaga. They are as arrogant as duke except they haven’t won anything.

[GoMuskies]

To each their own. Small, Catholic school outside the power conferences that has a fantastic basketball history (that includes two national title game appearances)? Incredibly likeable, loyal head coach? Sign me up.

[GoMuskies]

Looks like the Zags are going to advance. Two bad first halves and two great second halves for Gonzaga.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The FAU clown missing the dunk at the buzzer was epic. Pretty sure that guy just convinced me to root for Tennessee.

Secured the under in the game I believe, lol

[muskiefan82]

I love the makeup of the Sweet 16 after hearing all year how good the B10 and B12 are....

SEC and Big East with 3 each. B12 gets 2 in, but 1 (texas) is sorta SEC. LOL

The rest: 1 ACC; 1 AAC; 1 WCC; 1 IVY; 1 CUSA; 1 B10; 1 MWC; and 1 Pac12

And no Kansas, UK, Duke, UNC, Arizona, Virginia. Only UCLA and Michigan St for the "blue bloods" left. This is a great tournament so far.

[waggy]

Is UConn a blue blood?

[muskiefan82]

Is UConn a blue blood?

They were and then they weren't. I think they have a chance right now to get back to that level very quickly.

[MHettel]

They were and then they weren't. I think they have a chance right now to get back to that level very quickly.

Why would Michigan state be a Blue Blood if UConn isn’t?

[muskiefan82]

You lose status the minute you become part of the AAC. It takes years to recover from that. LOL.

[GoMuskies]

You lose status the minute you become part of the AAC. It takes years to recover from that. LOL.

Even though somehow someway Houston as a member of the AAC has started inching back towards blue blood status after 30+ years in the desert.

[Caveat]

Hard to complain about anything when making the S16, but tough draw for X being the only bracket that basically went chalk through the first weekend.

Sum of the remaining seeds --

Midwest: 11
West: 19
East: 20
South: 27

[Xavier]

True but hard to complain much after playing the 11 seed play in game winner in the 2nd round I guess

[GIMMFD]

Hard to complain about anything when making the S16, but tough draw for X being the only bracket that basically went chalk through the first weekend.

Sum of the remaining seeds --

Midwest: 11
West: 19
East: 20
South: 27

Yup, only side with the one and two seed still in tact, and we advance too. Not to mention just how good our one and two seeds are. It sucks, but luckily the past couple years have had no completely dominant team running through everybody and every single team has some vulnerabilities. Cliche "that's why games aren't played on paper" comment or whatever.

[D-West & PO-Z]

They were and then they weren't. I think they have a chance right now to get back to that level very quickly.

I don't define blue blood as something you can jump in and out of. For example, no mater how good Gonzaga gets they won't be a blueblood.

Kansas, UCLA, Duke, UNC, Kentucky, IU are blue bloods. IU obviously hasn't had tons of March success and are living in the past some but just as you can't become one, I don't think you can really fall out either.

[Caveat]

I don't define blue blood as something you can jump in and out of. For example, no mater how good Gonzaga gets they won't be a blueblood.

Kansas, UCLA, Duke, UNC, Kentucky, IU are blue bloods. IU obviously hasn't had tons of March success and are living in the past some but just as you can't become one, I don't think you can really fall out either.

There's a second tier below "Blue Blood" that I'd term "Basketball Schools" -- where they're known for their hoops and success in hoops. That's where I'd put schools like UConn, Gonzaga, Georgetown, Nova, Arizona, etc.

[D-West & PO-Z]

There's a second tier below "Blue Blood" that I'd term "Basketball Schools" -- where they're known for their hoops and success in hoops. That's where I'd put schools like UConn, Gonzaga, Georgetown, Nova, Arizona, etc.

Yeah I totally agree with that. Louisville is in that group too. I would buy an argument for Louisville in the blue blood group actually. Definitely next closest if not.

[paulxu]

An interesting by-product of having Xavier back in the tournament, with corresponding media exposure, is that people in this area of the country (who don't know where Xavier is) will comment to me about Xavier when they pass me in a store with my X hat on. They want to stop and talk about our basketball team being in the dance. And just the bare "X" on my cap is recognized as standing for Xavier.

Had that happen twice today already in Lowe's.

[GoMuskies]

That's nice, but the number of "Eggzaviers" I have to suffer through is pretty painful. Better than when we missed the Tournament, but painful.

[xu82]

People doing a high school game should be able to pronounce the names of the teams. It’s embarrassing. They get paid to do this, and we didn’t just show up at the party this week.

[noteggs]

Interesting story. When living in Virginia several years ago, one of the Fathers from our girls soccer team was always bending my ear about X.

They both attended the only Catholic school in the area. We moved back to the Cincy area in 2010 and lost track with most in the area over time including them. Was moving my daughter in to X her Freshman year in 2016 and here comes that same family to move their daughter a couple doors down. Guess my glaring reviews worked.

[XUGRAD80]

Almost every time I have a conversation about X with someone from outside the Cincinnati area they are amazed to learn how small the university is. The success of the BB team on the national scene allows it to punch way above its weight when it comes to name recognition. How many of us would have ever known before X played them that Kennesaw State had 43,000 students? I’ll bet that most people watching would have thought that the school sizes would have been reversed.

[paulxu]

That's nice, but the number of "Eggzaviers" I have to suffer through is pretty painful. Better than when we missed the Tournament, but painful.

Have you considered relocating?