NCAA Tournament S16 Game Thread: Xavier v Texas (3/24/2023)

[UCGRAD4X]

Nunge has taken the most 3s because he's the only one that is given any room to shoot.

Texas gets separation any time they want it. Xavier can't find room to shoot.

[American X]

Texas is not DePaul or Kennesaw State (you can tell by their fucking ugly uniforms). You cannot so casually allow that lead expecting to make a comeback against a much better team.

At least Colby leads the game in dribbling off his face.

[BandAid]

We’re not playing well, but Kenny is a douche

[xavbball]

Good for them. They are ahead right now because we hired Cronin light.

Huh?

Edit: Saw your response to another poster. I agree.

[Xville]

There will be two be teams in the final four.. not x unfortunately

[HenryMuto]

Why couldn't our region have had the Arizona/Princeton/Missouri/Utah State quad in place of the Texas one.

We would be playing Princeton right now.

[Strange Brew]

Huh?

Previous coach.

[xukeith]

Texas takes a page out of the Shaka Smart "Marquette -Xavier defense" and X clearly is bothered by Texas length.

This looks like an all-star team vs JV team of Little Sister of the Poor.

[xukeith]

Previous coach.

Why is Texas ahead because of Steele?

[Lloyd Braun]

I feel like they had good energy at the beginning. They don’t have enough depth to withstand physical teams, and the energy fades quickly once they’re called for offensive fouls. Both charges were bogus but that has played a role in their mindset. Just need to reset and make a run without worrying about fouling out. Shooting has to be better in second half to make it close.

[zippin']

Why couldn't our region have had the Arizona/Princeton/Missour/Utah State quad in place of the Texas one.

We would be playing Princeton right now.

The bracket decidedly did NOT break X's way this year. Even if they had won they'd be going up against a scorching hot Miami FL

[Strange Brew]

Why is Texas ahead because of Steele?

Creighton.

[UCGRAD4X]

Quicker, more physical teams have been a problem all year. We've just been able to hit a lot of shots to make up for it.

Nance says we were lucky to be down 6 at one point. And we were. Then just like that - 15 points.

[xukeith]

That will do it. It’s been a good year. These guys are simply outclassed. Guys have figured out how to play souley.. play aggressive on him and he has no clue what to do.

Shaka Smart playbook has been copied.

[Section 200]

I feel like they had good energy at the beginning. They don’t have enough depth to withstand physical teams, and the energy fades quickly once they’re called for offensive fouls. Both charges were bogus but that has played a role in their mindset. Just need to reset and make a run without worrying about fouling out. Shooting has to be better in second half to make it close.

I like it - go all out, nothing to lose. Maybe we get a friendly whistle 2nd half

[BillikenMusketeer]

They had 6 points of miracle 3pointers and X can’t make a basket to save their lives. No secret to how this got out of hand. Well at least the game was on CBS /s

[Strange Brew]

I changed X hats. It has to help right? :)

[xukeith]

I guess it is time to cheer on Creighton and UConn. Maybe in 2-3 years Miller will have 2-3 McDonald's All Americans and swarming players that don't freak out if defense plays aggressively

[UCGRAD4X]

I turned by hat inside out and switched beer brands.

[Strange Brew]

I like it - go all out, nothing to lose. Maybe we get a friendly whistle 2nd half

That’s right Cotton. Last game of season. Can’t hold back. :)

[BillikenMusketeer]

I changed X hats. It has to help right? :)

I took mine off and threw it across the room the first time they were down 17. It didn’t help

[Strange Brew]

I turned by hat inside out and switched beer brands.

I’m feeling better about the second half now.

Let’s go X!

[Lloyd Braun]

I changed X hats. It has to help right? :)

Time will tell let’s circle back to this in 60 minutes. I think there’s a really good chance that this plays zero impact.

[zippin']

Quicker, more physical teams have been a problem all year. We've just been able to hit a lot of shots to make up for it.

Nance says we were lucky to be down 6 at one point. And we were. Then just like that - 15 points.

There was a moment I thought X could cut it to single digits by half. Then Texas hit a 3 and then another BS half court buzzer beater. Ain't meant to be

[HenryMuto]

I guess it is time to cheer on Creighton and UConn. Maybe in 2-3 years Miller will have 2-3 McDonald's All Americans and swarming players that don't freak out if defense plays aggressively

Teams X went 4-1 against are in the Elite 8 unreal

[Dblue]

The team looks fatigued..not just tired but fatigued.

With such a short bench, it's a risk at this time of year. I hope a little bit of adrenaline kicks in with these guys in the second half.

[bjf123]

I changed X hats. It has to help right? :)

I’ve stopped watching. Did the same against Kennesaw State. Maybe lightning will strike twice.


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[Xville]

I guess it is time to cheer on Creighton and UConn. Maybe in 2-3 years Miller will have 2-3 McDonald's All Americans and swarming players that don't freak out if defense plays aggressively

Don’t even need all Americans, just need guys who have seen a weight room and have athletic ability at this level. There’s not one play on the x roster that has athletic ability that is upper echelon.

[xu82]

I turned by hat inside out and switched beer brands.

Thank God!!! We be coming BACK!

[Strange Brew]

Time for the Boum to take the halftime cocktail AMX alleged he took a few games back. :)

[paulxu]

I'll give Texas great defense in the first half.
But, there were so many bunnies that should have been points.
They were point blank at the rim, so the defense wasn't THAT great.
We just missed so many, and I think that got into our heads.

[Strange Brew]

I’ve stopped watching. Did the same against Kennesaw State. Maybe lightning will strike twice.


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Thank you for your sacrifice. We’ll keep you posted.

[MHettel]

That first desperation 3 was a travel. Second one was a miracle. 6 pts

[Xavier]

First game since Freemantle has been out where I think he would’ve been a huge missing piece. He wouldn’t be scared of the moment, and could feast today.

[Strange Brew]

I'll give Texas great defense in the first half.
But, there were so many bunnies that should have been points.
They were point blank at the rim, so the defense wasn't THAT great.
We just missed so many, and I think that got into our heads.

Couldn’t agree more.

[Xville]

I think uconn waltzes go the championship game

[American X]

This is uglier than Snipe's liver, but we have learned we have to trust Sean Miller over 40 minutes to give Xavier its best shot.

Not odds that even a degenerate gambler would take, but, yes, I am saying there is a chance.

[Strange Brew]

Well, here we go.

[HenryMuto]

It's too bad that miracle 3 went in at the half we would be down just 11 right now

[IM4X]

Colby not moving on offense

[Strange Brew]

Jack…

[BillikenMusketeer]

Nunge is asssssss

[IM4X]

Does Claude have three turnovers. Goodness.

[HenryMuto]

Hard to watch

[Strange Brew]

Hunter was quiet tonight as well. Grant med he took a haymaker to the face.

[BillikenMusketeer]

Does Claude have three turnovers. Goodness.

Looked like he’s handed the ball over on a silver platter three times.

[Strange Brew]

Jack hit a layup. Progress!

[Strange Brew]

Hi Souley! Welcome to the arena.

[American X]

Claude looks like a freshman...a high school freshman. Don't pass the ball the guys in ugly orange uniforms.

[paulxu]

Fascinating. EVERY time we've gone to the zone, they've buried a 3.

[Xville]

Captain obvious…can’t make a run without making stops

[KabeX]

I'll give Texas great defense in the first half.
But, there were so many bunnies that should have been points.
They were point blank at the rim, so the defense wasn't THAT great.
We just missed so many, and I think that got into our heads.

12 by my unofficial count. Make even half of those and we're not already thinking about next season.

[paulxu]

Just a thought. Kunk's a senior.
Get him some more shots. They may go in.
Work together to get him open for the shots.

[Strange Brew]

Captain obvious…can’t make a run without making stops

We know. We know. The defense isn’t good..:)

Trying to make you smile Ville.

[American X]

Cut the lead all the way from 17 to 16 in the first war.

[Section 200]

We have a favorable whistle - should get to bonus soon

[Strange Brew]

Cut the lead all the way from 17 to 16 in the first war.

It’s a start.

[HenryMuto]

If we had got that 4 seed we expected and UCONN got that 3 seed we expected and we had got the Iona, Saint Mary's, Arkansas path.............

[Strange Brew]

Phew, glad that kid is ok. Are the paramedics on the way.

[paulxu]

Someday I'll re-watch this with a lot of bourbon, just to count the shots RIGHT AT the rim, that didn't fall.

(A LOT of bourbon)

[HenryMuto]

Can't get ANY stops

[HenryMuto]

Nunge just threw an air ball from 2 feet ?

[BillikenMusketeer]

Goodnight. Ballgame

[Strange Brew]

nunge just threw an air ball from 2 feet ?

smh

[paulxu]

Look a zone! Look, a 3!

[zippin']

I swear Nunge isn't an inch over 5'0"

[Xville]

If we had got that 4 seed we expected and UCONN got that 3 seed we expected and we had got the Iona, Saint Mary's, Arkansas path.............

Arkansas would beat this team by 30 easily and woulda coulda shoulda. Who gives a shit. At some point you have to play someone worth a shit, and this roster isn’t good enough

[Strange Brew]

Look a zone! Look, a 3!

Not sure why we’re in a zone. Fouls to give in the 2nd.

[BillikenMusketeer]

Lol wait all week for this game only to get this God awful display. Sports sucks sometimes

[xavbball]

I’ve stopped watching. Did the same against Kennesaw State. Maybe lightning will strike twice.


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Yep not going to win with that kind of performance.

[UCGRAD4X]

"Chipping away at the lead"

Texas Three - Musketeer Turnover - Texas three

down by 20

[xukeith]

Nunge stock dropping fast. Maybe one year Miller can have 2 top 30 athletes, mix in an experienced STRONG post player, and guards who know how to use freak athleticism.

X down 20 popping all X hopes.

[Strange Brew]

"Chipping away at the lead"

Texas Three - Musketeer Turnover - Texas three

down by 20

And they’ll shoot 20% from three in a loss to Miami.

[HenryMuto]

12 minutes left let's see if they can make one last run.

[Strange Brew]

Well, I like that big from WY. Thoughts.

[Xville]

Well, I like that big from WY m. Thoughts.

Me too… he’s exactly what this team needs to go along with a stretch 4 whether that is free or someone else. Everyone and their brother will be after him though

[Section 200]

We need to drive more to get to the line. Need to score with clock stopped

[Strange Brew]

Nunge stock dropping fast. Maybe one year Miller can have 2 top 30 athletes, mix in an experienced STRONG post player, and guards who know how to use freak athleticism.

X down 20 popping all X hopes.

Not mad. Hoped to just make the tourney this year. S16 is great.

Let’s go X!

[Xville]

Need perimeter guys that can stay in front of their man. It’s insane what Texas guards have been able to do tonight. It’s like watching the y

[paulxu]

Don't know why they have Kunkel on Rice.
Also Rice smacked him in the face going by.

[UCGRAD4X]

This is embarrassing.

Bad look on the big stage for X and Kunk esp.

[Xville]

Alright… so should we start talking about who we want back next year?

[xukeith]

dirty play by Kunkel. Not good.

[Strange Brew]

Don't know why they have Kunkel on Rice.
Also Rice smacked him in the face going by.

Sure did. Glad Kunk didn’t take it.

[Lloyd Braun]

Need perimeter guys that can stay in front of their man. It’s insane what Texas guards have been able to do tonight. It’s like watching the y

Very true and if you don’t have that you switch or hedge the big on the dribble hand off which… I have not seen yet. I know Miller is Savior but cmon hedge the big and make them make a pass.

[paulxu]

Clock running before guy picked it up

[Xavier]

Kunkel only one that didn’t seem afraid of the moment.

[Strange Brew]

dirty play by Kunkel. Not good.

He got hit in the face and bumped at half. Don’t mind it considering the lack of fire from the rest of the team.

[Strange Brew]

TX fans are the worst.

[UCGRAD4X]

I was going to say shooting foul shots the rest of the way.

Only matters if you make them.

[CP05XU08CU13]

Bench points says it all. Xavier has no depth and these guys are worn out. Only rotating 7 guys total.Missing close range shots and turnovers are killer. Nunge should be having his way down low since Disu is out. Tough to advance with all these factors in play.

[xukeith]

One positive note: Boum is driving hard to the hoop and drawing fouls on defenders playing tight defense.

[xukeith]

Bench points says it all. Xavier has no depth and these guys are worn out. Only rotating 7 guys total.Missing close range shots and turnovers are killer. Nunge should be having his way down low since Disu is out. Tough to advance with all these factors in play.

I don't think X is worn out. Texas played very much pressure defense and that really bothered X.

[Xville]

Bench points says it all. Xavier has no depth and these guys are worn out. Only rotating 7 guys total.Missing close range shots and turnovers are killer. Nunge should be having his way down low since Disu is out. Tough to advance with all these factors in play.

It’s not even really the offense, I mean it is but the defense has been absolutely atrocious. No one on this team can keep their man in front of them. They are going to give up 90

[Muskie in dayton]

dirty play by Kunkel. Not good.
Only if you’re a pussy

[Strange Brew]

I don't think X is worn out. Texas played very much pressure defense and that really bothered X.

At least 15 missed bunnies is not good D.

[Strange Brew]

Only if you’re a pussy

:)

[IM4X]

Thought this team’s veteran leadership would step up and come out playing relentless. They didn’t. They settled for the the tougher lower percentage shots and let this Texas team out hustle them. This Texas team is really good but they are also much better prepared and tonight.

[xavbball]

We need to drive more to get to the line. Need to score with clock stopped

Another performance where this team just buries itself in the first half. Not going to work against good teams. Defense has been bad all season and the lack of depth defiantly hurt. Looking forward to Sean getting his guys here.

[Strange Brew]

How many points does Jones have?

6. 6 points.

[IM4X]

Colby has not looked anywhere near an NBA caliber play in any of these three tournament games.

[Xville]

How many points does Jones have?

6. 6 points.

I really don’t understand why mocks have him as a first round draft pick. He’s a good player, but I don’t get it at all.

[American X]

Colby has not looked anywhere near an NBA caliber play in any of these three tournament games.

But the NBA really values dribbling off your face.

[Strange Brew]

Colby has not looked anywhere near an NBA caliber play in any of these three tournament games.

Looking at the stat line Boum is not the problem.

40% from the field.

[Strange Brew]

But the NBA really values dribbling off your face.

I’m trying not to bag on him too much for that but it’s hard. :)

[Xville]

Looking at the stat line Boum is not the problem.

He did give up at least twenty points

[American X]

At least Hunter got hit in the face by the other team.

[Strange Brew]

At least Hunter got hit in the face by the other team.

Hahaha, stop it.

[Lloyd Braun]

This feels like UCLA game

[Strange Brew]

This feels like UCLA game

What UCLA game? :)

[Section 200]

Edwards is on the board! Maybe he can take a Hunter like leap next year

[Xville]

Kunkel really is the only one that showed up tonight and decided he wanted to play a basketball game

[Strange Brew]

Edwards is on the board! Maybe he can take a Hunter like leap next year

I have a feeling a lot of guys will make leaps or find pine next year under Sean.

[Lloyd Braun]

What UCLA game? :)

Lol
Definitely not last nights UCLA game.

[Xville]

This feels like UCLA game

Or that duke game in New York that never happened

[Strange Brew]

Lol
Definitely not last nights UCLA game.

At least we got the Mick mean mug presser out of it.

[IM4X]

Texas is defiantly a team that is peaking at the right time. They could win it all.

[Xavier]

Kunkel really is the only one that showed up tonight and decided he wanted to play a basketball game

Feel like Tandy would’ve been better ; )

[Strange Brew]

Or that duke game in New York that never happened

Nope, can’t recollect that one either.

FWIW, Kunk is having a great game.

[Section 200]

Kunkel really is the only one that showed up tonight and decided he wanted to play a basketball game

Glad he’s going out in style. Might foul out too

[Blue Blooded-05]

Posting this from the stands in KC…. This sucks, but we’ll be back. Proud of these guys!

[Strange Brew]

Glad he’s going out in style. Might foul out too

If he does I hope he earns it. :)

[drudy23]

I hate when we get these letdowns games.

If this teaches us anything, it shows us the type of dude needed to win a national title. We don't have those dudes.

Yet.

[American X]

I was not a math major, but I think the lead is the same as at half. CBS should have used the fast forward button.

[Xville]

It’s time for nunge to move on. I’m ready to stop seeing so many missed layups and playing like a 7 foot wuss. X needs some beef

[BillikenMusketeer]

Edwards is on the board! Maybe he can take a Hunter like leap next year

Don’t think he will be on the team next year

[IM4X]

Is this Colby’s worst game of his career?

Edit: Adding a few garbage buckets. Where were you all game fella?

[Strange Brew]

Is this Colby’s worst game of his career?

No, he Houdini’s from time to time.

[Strange Brew]

I was not a math major, but I think the lead is the same as at half. CBS should have used the fast forward button.

Winning the half right now!

Guess I didn’t have a lucky enough hat. :)

[BandAid]

Texas is defiantly a team that is peaking at the right time. They could win it all.

They’re going to shoot 15% from behind the arc against Miami.

[xu82]

What was that ad? I want a hot dog!

[KabeX]

They way Nunge exited the game made it pretty obvious he just played his last game in an X uniform

[Strange Brew]

They’re going to shoot 15% from behind the arc against Miami.

I hope. I now understand why my friend in Austin refuses to root for them.

[Xville]

UConn will smoke Texas. Unlike x, they have beef and dudes in the frontcourt

[Strange Brew]

They way Nunge exited the game made it pretty obvious he just played his last game in an X uniform

Yeah, that was sad to see.

[Strange Brew]

UConn will smoke Texas. Unlike x, they have beef and dudes in the frontcourt

Yeah, they’re so awesome X swept them in the regular season.

[Xville]

Feel bad for kunkel.. rest of the guys decided they didn’t want to play tonight

[Strange Brew]

Respectable. Great season men.

[IM4X]

Feel bad for kunkel.. rest of the guys decided they didn’t want to play tonight

Yeah. He seemed like the only guy who showed up like the game mattered… that includes Sean who got out coached too. They had a much better game plan and more players who gave 100% effort. Texas was good tonight and may have advanced anyhow, but we had players who just let Texas bully them and settled for shit shots Texas game them.

[Xville]

Yeah, they’re so awesome X swept them in the regular season.

Who cares. They are a complete team, x isn’t and UConn matches up with Texas. In 14 Louisville smoked uconn twice… who won the national title?

[Section 200]

Colby 9 points in last 2 minutes to make it look more respectable

[Strange Brew]

Who cares. They are a complete team, x isn’t and UConn matches up with Texas. In 14 Louisville smoked uconn twice… who won the national title?

Sometimes Ville, read the room.

[xukeith]

Another positive note: X plays a much better 2nd half. Many people on east coast didn't watch the game and will see the score, thinking it was not a complete blowout.

[Xville]

Sometimes Ville, read the room.

I don’t care. When someone says Texas could win the title, I’m pointing out that they certainly won’t.

[Section 200]

Great season to get back to Sweet 16! Need to reload to get next year.

[KabeX]

So now we have hope. House $$ this year. Sean gets his guys in here. What's intriguing to me is that he has modified his offensive philosophy from his time in Tucson. Couple that with recruiting guys who can (and no doubt will) play D and we might really have something. I'm very disappointed in the game tonight but damn well just as positive, if not more, about the future.

[BillikenMusketeer]

Hindsight’s 20/20, but the two miracle 3’s really killed the momentum at two different times in the first half. Texas came out aggressive and energetic and X just showed up

[drudy23]

Another positive note: X plays a much better 2nd half. Many people on east coast didn't watch the game and will see the score, thinking it was not a complete blowout.

It was never a game.

[xavbball]

Is this Colby’s worst game of his career?

Edit: Adding a few garbage buckets. Where were you all game fella?

I forgot he was playing until the end.

[Section 200]

Miller had a good game plan - we missed 10+ layups in first half. At least we have hope

[BandAid]

X will be a completely different team next time we’re in the Sweet Sixteen. I don’t mean just in terms of who is on the roster, but the personality of that roster as well. Miller loves some dogs. I’m ready to see guys like Burrell and Tu leading teams again.

[stammina0721]

The sad part is Boum and Nunge absolutely collapsed when it mattered most. Hey I know Miller will get the mental toughness back. He pieced it together with transfers and Steele's guys.

The great thing is this. The foundation is laid once again. Steele blew up 35 years of building with a combination of C4 and TNT. Miller is building it again and in 2 years we WILL be in the final 4

[drudy23]

I think most of us knew we were playing with house money about half way through the year.

With the draw we got, I think we ended where we should have. In saying that, I would have hoped for a competitive game. X was completely out athleted.

We need some beef, we need some athletes, we need more shooters. Really hope Sean can get us there.

[Strange Brew]

I don’t care. When someone says Texas could win the title, I’m pointing out that they certainly won’t.

Not disagreeing.

Thank you boys for a return to the second weekend of the Dance.

Go Can….Nope, can’t do it as a ND football fan.

[Xavier]

I don’t care. When someone says Texas could win the title, I’m pointing out that they certainly won’t.

Meh. You also had houston being on another level than everyone also/ even after I pointed out they didn’t do anything all year

[drudy23]

The sad part is Boum and Nunge absolutely collapsed when it mattered most. Hey I know Miller will get the mental toughness back. He pieced it together with transfers and Steele's guys.

The great thing is this. The foundation is laid once again. Steele blew up 35 years of building with a combination of C4 and TNT. Miller is building it again and in 2 years we WILL be in the final 4

They didn't collapse. They ran into dudes that were 5x as athletic as them, and it showed on the offensive end. We couldn't get open looks, and that was due to the athleticism and explosiveness of the Texas players. They were just better.

[stammina0721]

I forgot he was playing until the end.

A game like this on this stage just put Colby back at X next year. Can't be borderline 1-2 and play like that on this stage and even be considered as a 1st round pick.

[BandAid]

Not disagreeing.

Thank you boys for a return to the second weekend of the Dance.

Go Can….Nope, can’t do it as a ND football fan.

Oh, I’m definitely cheering for Miami. The team that knocks us out can always eat shit No matter who they’re playing.

[Strange Brew]

I think most of us knew we were playing with house money about half way through the year.

With the draw we got, I think we ended where we should have. In saying that, I would have hoped for a competitive game. X was completely out athleted.

We need some beef, we need some athletes, we need more shooters. Really hope Sean can get us there.

Agree but dang, so many missed bunnies. It woulda, coulda been more competitive if some of them fell but that’s sports.

[smileyy]

A game like this on this stage just put Colby back at X next year. Can't be borderline 1-2 and play like that on this stage and even be considered as a 1st round pick.

Haha, no, he's gone.

[stammina0721]

They didn't collapse. They ran into dudes that were 5x as athletic as them, and it showed on the offensive end. We couldn't get open looks, and that was due to the athleticism and explosiveness of the Texas players. They were just better.

I couldn't disagree more. If Nunge isn't 1-10 or so to start the game it's a whole different ballgame. Saying otherwise is just wrong.

[Strange Brew]

Oh, I’m definitely cheering for Miami. The team that knocks us out can always eat shit No matter who they’re playing.

Even if said team draws UC next? :)

[drudy23]

I couldn't disagree more. If Nunge isn't 1-10 or so to start the game it's a whole different ballgame. Saying otherwise is just wrong.

OK, I'll agree for the first 5 minutes. After that, it was complete domination.

[BandAid]

Even if said team draws UC next? :)

They suck too much for that to ever happen!

[XUWahoo]

Hoping Miami wipes the floor with Texas. Would like to deny another Texas team a home court advantage in F4 in Houston.

[X Factor]

Haha, no, he's gone.

I think he's gone too but doubt he's a 1st round pick

[stammina0721]

Haha, no, he's gone.

Maybe... But he is gonna have to work for it being a 2nd round pick. Wish him all the best if he does go. But another year under Sean gets the man paid in a major way. I'm talking borderline lottery... Just give Sean a year to get the Travis Steele parasite mentality out of his head

[stammina0721]

OK, I'll agree for the first 5 minutes. After that, it was complete domination.

Just not there. I think with about 8-9 minutes in the first half to go it was like 20-14. If it's just 20-20 the whole vibe is different.

[Xville]

I’m looking forward to seeing miller assemble and mold a roster. I’m glad these guys got to experience the tourney but it’s time to move on from most of them. Miller got them to as far as they could go. Let’s be honest when the draw came out we all thought sweet 16 was the end of the line

[SemajParlor]

Seems like one of those nights where everything went wrong for us and everything went right for Texas.

Disappointing end to a really great and memorable season. This team will always be special and I'll miss watching these guys a lot.

[Strange Brew]

They suck too much for that to ever happen!

Tell me you’re an X grad without telling me. :)

This is the first year since Mack I expected X to win. Thank you Sean and team. Think for a minute how bad it was the past couple of years and how much fun this season was. And then remember, last year these guys rallied to win the NIT with an interim coach, had multiple injuries and still um, gutted up to a 2nd place finish in the BE and a 3 seed/S16 run.

This was the team that brought the program and AMX ( :) ) back.

Let’s go X!

[Lloyd Braun]

Who is Miller’s best recruit at Xavier? May be best for a different thread but I’m curious to hear answers.

[Xville]

Who is Miller’s best recruit at Xavier? May be best for a different thread but I’m curious to hear answers.

Do you mean of all time? D brown, tu and Crawford

[BandAid]

Who is Miller’s best recruit at Xavier? May be best for a different thread but I’m curious to hear answers.

By recruiting services or by career at X?

[Cincypunk.org]

Is Xville the most hated poster in internet history? Why are you on this site?

I don’t think I have ever seen you post one positive item all year. Fuck off. You must be a joy to be around in real life.

[stammina0721]

Seems like one of those nights where everything went wrong for us and everything went right for Texas.

Disappointing end to a really great and memorable season. This team will always be special and I'll miss watching these guys a lot.

I'll give this team that. They will reestablish Xavier culture. Steele really set this program back but despite that these kids made the 2nd weekend. Damn hard to do. Just ask Kansas and Purdue. Now that the culture is reestablished I expect Claude and these frosh to rewrite Xavier history over the next 3-4 years

[nickgyp]

I couldn't disagree more. If Nunge isn't 1-10 or so to start the game it's a whole different ballgame. Saying otherwise is just wrong.

Great season; bad game. So many points left at the rim that if half had gone in maybe Xavier wins. Texas shot lights out. End of story. Two 1 seeds go out tonight and when the tourney ends, only one team is really happy. So it goes. just wasn’t X’s night. Having Free might have helped but you play the hand you are given. Players have good and bad games. Just doesn’t help when it happens at one time such as tonight. Tonight’s disappointment doesn’t diminish the success of the season.

Congratulations to Coach Miller and players. The comeback win over Kennesaw State will not be forgotten nor will the Sweet Sixteen finish. Thank you, guys!

[Strange Brew]

Who is Miller’s best recruit at Xavier? May be best for a different thread but I’m curious to hear answers.

Jeez, been a minute however he was recruiting to the A10 and the BE is going to be as hot a Hansel next year with Pitino and the bad blood between PCU and GU.

I’d have to say Duncan, Raymond? Kenny was a 4/5 star but don’t quote me.

Edit: Forgot Wells. What might have been….

[Xville]

Is Xville the most hated poster in internet history? Why are you on this site?

I don’t think I have ever seen you post one positive item all year. Fuck off. You must be a joy to be around in real life.

Well, then it’s clear you aren’t on this site a lot or have trouble paying attention. So, no you can go fuck off

[Blue Blooded-05]

Texas hit shots. We didn’t. We’ll be back

[Strange Brew]

Well, then it’s clear you aren’t on this site a lot or have trouble paying attention. So, no you can go fuck off

Not the time. :)

What are your thoughts on players for next year that can improve the defense?

[Masterofreality]

Who is Miller’s best recruit at Xavier? May be best for a different thread but I’m curious to hear answers.

Gotta say Derrick Brown, man

[Xville]

Not the time. :)

What are your thoughts on players for next year that can improve the defense?

miller should get some.


If kerr can, that’d be a good start. The Wyoming kid Graham can…would love to have that guy.

[Muskie in dayton]

Is Xville the most hated poster in internet history? Why are you on this site?

I don’t think I have ever seen you post one positive item all year. Fuck off. You must be a joy to be around in real life.
Maybe the second most.

[GoMuskies]

Well, that was hot garbage.

[Strange Brew]

Gotta say Derrick Brown, man

Wasn’t going to say Brown and I think he stayed if Miller had….
Fjfisifjjwjdjfnfjakskfncn about that. :)

[Xville]

I’ll say that with a healthy free, x probably wins that game. Texas’ lack of a frontcourt is going to get exposed. Miami probably not the team to do it, but the final four game will.

[Lloyd Braun]

Gotta say Derrick Brown, man

My thought initially too. Other answers are decent but I’m not sure transfers hold the same weight as a freshman. Good for thought as we look at the future I wonder how recruiting is going …

[Lloyd Braun]

By recruiting services or by career at X?

Career

[Xavier]

I’ll say that with a healthy free, x probably wins that game. Texas’ lack of a frontcourt is going to get exposed. Miami probably not the team to do it, but the final four game will.

Yep, Jack was just off. Freemantle would’ve feasted. Tough…I do think Uconn might just roll to a NC, but Hurley being coach has to end up hurting them at some point? I have no idea how we beat them twice and they looked so meh in conference

[OTRMUSKIE]

Anybody but Texas and Hurley. Great season and I knew this would be it. I mean we beat the old commissioner of baseball and an above avg pitt team. The fact we made it thus far is amazing. Why do players need to lose eligibility anyway? Lets these guys all get doctorates! It’s already become a professional sport. Student Athlete has been gone for 30 years. Let’s watch Nunge raise a family in an X uniform

[IM4X]

I think most of us knew we were playing with house money about half way through the year.

With the draw we got, I think we ended where we should have. In saying that, I would have hoped for a competitive game. X was completely out athleted.

We need some beef, we need some athletes, we need more shooters. Really hope Sean can get us there.

I don’t want to make any excuses. We were running into a tough team no matter who we faced in the Sweet Sixteen. We had plenty of good shooters tonight. We have one of the best 3 point shooting teams in the nation- They just all sucked from behind the arc (except Kunkel). We definitely could have used Fremantle, but we had enough shooters and talent to make this a good game.

Our players were not prepared for what this Texas team threw at them and they didn’t play with constant relentlessness like the Texas players did. X players quickly settled for shity. low percentage, finesse shots that they were given, instead of working it inside or moving the ball around quickly until a better option opened up. Colby, Souley and Nunge looked flustered and uncomfortable for much of the game. I don’t know why that was. We’ve seen this team flying around, helping each other out in the BE tournament Creighton game. Often X players were standing around and out of position to grab rebounds or get steals. Texas stretched out defense and picked us apart and we had no answers.

Why did our best players look like they were in a fog for the entire first half and much of the second? Sean has to own some of the lack of readiness of our players. Why did Sean never try to press? Gotta try something different, early enough in the game when things aren’t going right to try to create a spark and momentum shift that could lead to player more confidence and more fight in your guys.

I don’t know if X could have won tonight- Texas played extremely well- but I feel confident that X could have made it a game had all the X players played harder and closer to their potential - like Kunkel did. How is it that Kunkel can get his threes off in the last two games and hit a good percentage of them, but Nunge, Boum and Colby continue to be off for 4 straight games?

Still very happy Sean and X were able to get back to the dance and reach the Sweet Sixteen. Just thought this was not a good way to go out- playing some of your worst ball of the year.

[IM4X]

Gotta say Derrick Brown, man

Agree. D Brown could do it all.

[IM4X]

Seems like one of those nights where everything went wrong for us and everything went right for Texas.

Disappointing end to a really great and memorable season. This team will always be special and I'll miss watching these guys a lot.

Agree. While this final performance was frustrating and disappointing, I am very grateful to this team and this coach for giving us a heck of good season that was fun for us fans.

[American X]

Kam Craft got a Club Trillion to end the season! Cesare did not tackle anyone! Claude really shared the ball! The future is bright!



Craft, Kam (https://goxavier.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kam-craft/10854)

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[paulxu]

I think our guys were tired; or at least it looked that way.
Clanking foul shots off the rim, coming up short on so many layups.
The close to the first half with that ridiculous 3 was a crusher, and probably set the tone for how we mostly played all night.
Even though we outscored them in the second half, you don't come back in the S16 down 20 when you're gassed.

Congratulations to Adam Kunkel. Went out like a champ with a great game.
Thanks to all the guys for a wonderful season, and a return to what we all love about Xavier basketball. Hold your heads high.
Can't wait for next year.

[xukeith]

I don’t want to make any excuses. We were running into a tough team no matter who we faced in the Sweet Sixteen. We had plenty of good shooters tonight. We have one of the best 3 point shooting teams in the nation- They just all sucked from behind the arc (except Kunkel). We definitely could have used Fremantle, but we had enough shooters and talent to make this a good game.

Our players were not prepared for what this Texas team threw at them and they didn’t play with constant relentlessness like the Texas players did. X players quickly settled for shity. low percentage, finesse shots that they were given, instead of working it inside or moving the ball around quickly until a better option opened up. Colby, Souley and Nunge looked flustered and uncomfortable for much of the game. I don’t know why that was. We’ve seen this team flying around, helping each other out in the BE tournament Creighton game. Often X players were standing around and out of position to grab rebounds or get steals. Texas stretched out defense and picked us apart and we had no answers.

Why did our best players look like they were in a fog for the entire first half and much of the second? Sean has to own some of the lack of readiness of our players. Why did Sean never try to press? Gotta try something different, early enough in the game when things aren’t going right to try to create a spark and momentum shift that could lead to player more confidence and more fight in your guys.

I don’t know if X could have won tonight- Texas played extremely well- but I feel confident that X could have made it a game had all the X players played harder and closer to their potential - like Kunkel did. How is it that Kunkel can get his threes off in the last two games and hit a good percentage of them, but Nunge, Boum and Colby continue to be off for 4 straight games?

Still very happy Sean and X were able to get back to the dance and reach the Sweet Sixteen. Just thought this was not a good way to go out- playing some of your worst ball of the year.

Key to beating X was getting in Boum's face and making him uncomfortable and not letting Jones drive so easily. Making life for Nunge also uncomfortable was probably the easiest Texas duty. Nunge needs to be a finesse player. He can't get very physical.

Great year. 3 seed is way better than expected. X needs to ramp up recruiting athletes and shooters who can play defense consistently.

[N67ER]

Just not there. I think with about 8-9 minutes in the first half to go it was like 20-14. If it's just 20-20 the whole vibe is different.

That is how I see it as well. If we hit our shots early it changes the dynamics of the game completely. Our players get a confidence boost, the rims get bigger for us and smaller for Texas. Little things matter. Hunter catching a viscous elbow early didn’t help either. He never really recovered and we really needed him to play well.

[UCGRAD4X]

I seem to recall X teams where "if you don't play defense, you don't see the court."

Didn't really have much of a choice this year.

Really had no competition for playing time.

Hope to get back there.

[UCGRAD4X]

Kam Craft got a Club Trillion to end the season! Cesare did not tackle anyone! Claude really shared the ball! The future is bright!



Craft, Kam (https://goxavier.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kam-craft/10854)

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Ha!

Claude shared the ball all right.

[A Fan]

I don’t want to make any excuses. We were running into a tough team no matter who we faced in the Sweet Sixteen. We had plenty of good shooters tonight. We have one of the best 3 point shooting teams in the nation- They just all sucked from behind the arc (except Kunkel). We definitely could have used Fremantle, but we had enough shooters and talent to make this a good game.

Our players were not prepared for what this Texas team threw at them and they didn’t play with constant relentlessness like the Texas players did. X players quickly settled for shity. low percentage, finesse shots that they were given, instead of working it inside or moving the ball around quickly until a better option opened up. Colby, Souley and Nunge looked flustered and uncomfortable for much of the game. I don’t know why that was. We’ve seen this team flying around, helping each other out in the BE tournament Creighton game. Often X players were standing around and out of position to grab rebounds or get steals. Texas stretched out defense and picked us apart and we had no answers.

Why did our best players look like they were in a fog for the entire first half and much of the second? Sean has to own some of the lack of readiness of our players. Why did Sean never try to press? Gotta try something different, early enough in the game when things aren’t going right to try to create a spark and momentum shift that could lead to player more confidence and more fight in your guys.

I don’t know if X could have won tonight- Texas played extremely well- but I feel confident that X could have made it a game had all the X players played harder and closer to their potential - like Kunkel did. How is it that Kunkel can get his threes off in the last two games and hit a good percentage of them, but Nunge, Boum and Colby continue to be off for 4 straight games?

Still very happy Sean and X were able to get back to the dance and reach the Sweet Sixteen. Just thought this was not a good way to go out- playing some of your worst ball of the year.

Just an Excellent summation.

[bobbiemcgee]

Creighton will determine if we get 15 or 16 ncaa units today. Either way an enormous haul for BE basketball.

[Masterofreality]

There are no more units paid if you get to the Final game.

“ If a team makes it to the final, they can make as many as five units. According to Sportico, a unit was worth $337,141 in 2021. In 2022, $169.4 million was paid out from the performance fund.”

UConn has earned 5.
Creighton could earn 5
Xavier earned 3
Marquette earned 2
Providence earned 1.
Could have 16.

[paulxu]

I wonder if any of the other conferences with more first round teams, ended up with 16 or more credits.

[xubrew]

There are no more units paid if you get to the Final game.

“ If a team makes it to the final, they can make as many as five units. According to Sportico, a unit was worth $337,141 in 2021. In 2022, $169.4 million was paid out from the performance fund.”

UConn has earned 5.
Creighton could earn 5
Xavier earned 3
Marquette earned 2
Providence earned 1.
Could have 16.

Correct…

[GoMuskies]

OK, it's been a few days now, so the emotions have settled a bit. Can we talk about that zone Xavier played a few times throughout this game? That may have been the worst defense I have ever seen a college basketball team play. I get that things were going poorly, and we're thin, so this was a pretty desperate attempt to do SOMETHING different to hopefully change the flow of the game...but yikes was that bad. Texas mostly threw one pass to get the exact shot they wanted. Unless they decided to really work at it and throw three passes for a dunk.

[Masterofreality]

OK, it's been a few days now, so the emotions have settled a bit. Can we talk about that zone Xavier played a few times throughout this game? That may have been the worst defense I have ever seen a college basketball team play. I get that things were going poorly, and we're thin, so this was a pretty desperate attempt to do SOMETHING different to hopefully change the flow of the game...but yikes was that bad. Texas mostly threw one pass to get the exact shot they wanted. Unless they decided to really work at it and throw three passes for a dunk.

Texas was hitting everything, but yeah. Probably one reason why we didn’t play much zone this year.

[MHettel]

OK, it's been a few days now, so the emotions have settled a bit. Can we talk about that zone Xavier played a few times throughout this game? That may have been the worst defense I have ever seen a college basketball team play. I get that things were going poorly, and we're thin, so this was a pretty desperate attempt to do SOMETHING different to hopefully change the flow of the game...but yikes was that bad. Texas mostly threw one pass to get the exact shot they wanted. Unless they decided to really work at it and throw three passes for a dunk.

We didn’t have the right personnel for zone. Our permitted guys are on the small side and don’t have the needed length to narrow the passing lanes. I think foul avoidance and fatigue were factors to switch it up and at that point you just hope they miss the open 3s that will come.

[D-West & PO-Z]

For the last 5 years, if you set a pick at the top of the key against xavier, chances were better than not you were getting a layup. Either the guard with the ball was getting a layup and our defenders desperately chased them from behind or the rolling big man got a layup off the pass.

I cannot wait for Sean Miller to fix that issue. I don't think he had the personnel to fix it this year but was still surprised it happened so often under his watch.

[Masterofreality]

For the last 5 years, if you set a pick at the top of the key against xavier, chances were better than not you were getting a layup. Either the guard with the ball was getting a layup and our defenders desperately chased them from behind or the rolling big man got a layup off the pass.

I cannot wait for Sean Miller to fix that issue. I don't think he had the personnel to fix it this year but was still surprised it happened so often under his watch.

We can face the fact that Souley and Kunk could not stay in front of the oppo guy. We know how bad Free was on D, shown by comparison with Jerome. And Dez Claude, despite his length, had his issues, especially instinctually.
3 of our 5 starters were mediocre to bad defensively. Thank Gawd we had the Make Shots Offense.

[paulxu]

Thank Gawd we had the Make Shots Offense.

Which curiously deserted us in the first half of our last game. Never seen so many missed layups.

On to next year!!