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

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFF VS.https://www.teamstores.com/v/vspfiles/photos/TX-085-2T.jpg


CINCINNATI --- The No. 3 Seed Xavier University Musketeers, 27-9, battle the No. 2 Seed University of Texas Longhorns, 28-8, on Friday night at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo. Xavier and Texas are meeting in a NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinal for the third time. XU won the meeting in 2004 and Texas won in 1990.

Xavier is one of only 11 schools that have made at least seven NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearances in the last 15 tournaments (since 2008). The list includes Kansas (9), North Carolina (9), Duke (9), Gonzaga (9), Michigan State (9), Kentucky (8), Xavier (7), Arizona (7), Wisconsin (7), Syracuse (7) and Michigan (7). Of those 11 schools only Xavier, Michigan State and Gonzaga are still alive in the 2023 Sweet 16.

THE MATCHUP

NO. 3 SEED XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (27-9)
NO. 2 SEED UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS LONGHORNS (28-8)
NCAA TOURNAMENT SWEET 16 AT T-MOBILE CENTER (KANSAS CITY, MO.)
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2023 AT 9:45 P.M. ET

TV, RADIO & LIVE STATS

Television: CBS, including Local 12 in Cincinnati, with play by-play from Jim Nantz and analysis from Bill Raftery and Grant Hill. Tracy Wolfson is the sideline reporter.
National Radio: Westwood One with Kevin Kugler and Robbie Hummel.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW 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). Also on Sirius.

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

[UCGRAD4X]

Playing with house money from here on out?

[GoMuskies]

Any idea when we'll know the time? Tonight? Tomorrow?

[Blue Blooded-05]

Would be nice if Rodney Terry spots us a double tech like Rick Barnes did.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Any idea when we'll know the time? Tonight? Tomorrow?

Right after the game Fan Duel had the times for the known games listed. It said 9:59pm eastern Friday.

Not sure if they have inside info or those are made up just to get the game listed? I tend to think they know, but maybe not.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Would be nice if Rodney Terry spots us a double tech like Rick Barnes did.

I was there in ATL in 2004. Not sure I can pull off being there this time unfortunately.

[GoMuskies]

Right after the game Fan Duel had the times for the known games listed. It said 9:59pm eastern Friday.

Not sure if they have inside info or those are made up just to get the game listed? I tend to think they know, but maybe not.

Bet MGM has the games at 6 pm Central. I think they're just placeholders, but I hope that 9:59 time is correct!

[OTRMUSKIE]

X is playing at 1pm Friday per DK. That stinks. I’m sure it will be 8

[D-West & PO-Z]

Bet MGM has the games at 6 pm Central. I think they're just placeholders, but I hope that 9:59 time is correct!


X is playing at 1pm Friday per DK. That stinks. I’m sure it will be 8

Ah interesting. Good to know thanks.

I think we know tonight after all games.

[STL_XUfan]

I mean this from the bottom of my heart… Fuck Texas. #HornsDown

[D-West & PO-Z]

Late game confirmed. 30 mins after the 7:15pm Houston/Miami game concludes.

[GoMuskies]

Late game confirmed. 30 mins after the 7:15pm Houston/Miami game concludes.

Oh hell yes! I wasn't going to be able to make it up unless it was the late game. Still going to be sprinting to make it for tip off.

Xavier, Houston, Texas and Miami in KC. I don't think tickets are going to be an issue!

[paulxu]

Go, I told Muskie I was counting on you to be there in KC and bring home the win.

Glad to see you can make it :)

[UCGRAD4X]

Oh hell yes! I wasn't going to be able to make it up unless it was the late game. Still going to be sprinting to make it for tip off.

Xavier, Houston, Texas and Miami in KC. I don't think tickets are going to be an issue!

Let the boss know that you have been given permission to take off early. We want you to make it safely and on time as you carry the hopes and dreams of all the Xavierhoops faithful upon your strong shoulders.

No pressure.

[paulxu]

9:45 PM on CBS, not TBS. More eyeballs.
Creighton playing opposite at 9:00 PM on TBS.

(assume both times are Eastern)

[X-band '01]

Oh hell yes! I wasn't going to be able to make it up unless it was the late game. Still going to be sprinting to make it for tip off.

Xavier, Houston, Texas and Miami in KC. I don't think tickets are going to be an issue!

I'm getting tickets through Xavier - will be driving out to Fountain City first thing Friday morning.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm getting tickets through Xavier - will be driving out to Fountain City first thing Friday morning.

What are the Xavier sections?

[X-band '01]

I'm not sure of that; I was told to expect an email within 24-48 hours of the game with a downloadable ticket. For Friday night, they'll be on the opposite side of the floor from Xavier's bench (wherever that is). They're not doing a Friday-Sunday all-session ticket like they've done in the past.

[Masterofreality]

What are the Xavier sections?

The Xavier sections for Friday are 118/119/227/228.

Edit: Also know this: Xavier Bar in Kansas City

“McFadden's Sports Saloon is excited to host the Xavier Family in Kansas City! Pregame event starts at 3pm CT on Friday. McFadden's is conveniently located right across from T-Mobile Center and is easily walkable.”

[GoMuskies]

The Xavier alumni pregame event starts at 3pm on Friday. Some of our alums (unfortunately not me!) are going to be some drunked up MFers come 8:45 Friday night.

[Masterofreality]

The Xavier alumni pregame event starts at 3pm on Friday. Some of our alums (unfortunately not me!) are going to be some drunked up MFers come 8:45 Friday night.

What? You & I wouldn’t be walking the streets of KC (ala Boston) finding random Bourbon Bars and downing their wares pregame like before???

[GoMuskies]

What? You & I wouldn’t be walking the streets of KC (ala Boston) finding random Bourbon Bars and downing their wares pregame like before???

Oh, I would be, but I have to go to a gymnastics meet in Wichita at 3pm. And I'm bringing my 15 year-old son. He was 18 months old and home with his mom when we were drinking it up at Clarke's in Boston.

[Masterofreality]

Oh, I would be, but I have to go to a gymnastics meet in Wichita at 3pm. And I'm bringing my 15 year-old son. He was 18 months old and home with his mom when we were drinking it up at Clarke's in Boston.

YIKES A!!! This years thing is just going too damn fast!!!

[X-band '01]

I originally had tickets for that ill-fated regional in Boston but had to back out of that due to a last-second work commitment.

That's not gonna happen this time around. This will be the 5th (and hopefully 6th) time I'll be seeing Xavier outside of Cintas this year.

[noteggs]

Strange, why are we having a game thread so late in the season?

Another NIT run?

As usual wrong answers only…

[X-band '01]

You can go to Utah Valley for your NIT fix now.

[XUGRAD80]

The lady musketeers are have a great season aren’t they!? Can’t believe they’ve made it this far!

[Xavier]

As soon as the bracket came out- I was instantly disappointed we got Texas as our two seed. When they pulled away from Penn state I was again disappointed, not thinking we stood much of a chance. But I started to think about it. Xavier shouldn’t be overwhelmed by Texas. Maybe the big 12 was slightly overrated? I know Texas is great but-

Look at UCONN. They are arguably the best team in the country. They best Alabama by 15. They are actually higher on KenPom than Texas (albeit by 1). I was concerned about Texas and all the guys they have that can go off at any point. But I think Creighton has more weapons. All this is to say- we have beaten arguably better teams and just as good of offenses.

The main difference is Texas loves to operate and score in the midrange where I think X struggles the most on defense. And we did beat Uconn with Freemantle (I would actually love our chances vs Texas with Freemantle). I still think the most likely scenario is we see a level of toughness we haven’t seen all year and shows us the level we need to get to in order to be a F4 team

[D-West & PO-Z]

As soon as the bracket came out- I was instantly disappointed we got Texas as our two seed. When they pulled away from Penn state I was again disappointed, not thinking we stood much of a chance. But I started to think about it. Xavier shouldn’t be overwhelmed by Texas. Maybe the big 12 was slightly overrated? I know Texas is great but-

Look at UCONN. They are arguably the best team in the country. They best Alabama by 15. They are actually higher on KenPom than Texas (albeit by 1). I was concerned about Texas and all the guys they have that can go off at any point. But I think Creighton has more weapons. All this is to say- we have beaten arguably better teams and just as good of offenses.

The main difference is Texas loves to operate and score in the midrange where I think X struggles the most on defense. And we did beat Uconn with Freemantle (I would actually love our chances vs Texas with Freemantle)

We did have Free @UConn but he fouled out and only played 21 mins. Hunter had more mins and points that game.

I agree, Texas seems tough, but UConn and Creighton are really tough too and X went 4-1 against them.

Will need our best defensive effort to win.

[Chermy23]

On a very important note. Does anyone know if TMobile arena will be selling beer?

[drudy23]

As soon as the bracket came out- I was instantly disappointed we got Texas as our two seed. When they pulled away from Penn state I was again disappointed, not thinking we stood much of a chance. But I started to think about it. Xavier shouldn’t be overwhelmed by Texas. Maybe the big 12 was slightly overrated? I know Texas is great but-

Look at UCONN. They are arguably the best team in the country. They best Alabama by 15. They are actually higher on KenPom than Texas (albeit by 1). I was concerned about Texas and all the guys they have that can go off at any point. But I think Creighton has more weapons. All this is to say- we have beaten arguably better teams and just as good of offenses.

The main difference is Texas loves to operate and score in the midrange where I think X struggles the most on defense. And we did beat Uconn with Freemantle (I would actually love our chances vs Texas with Freemantle). I still think the most likely scenario is we see a level of toughness we haven’t seen all year and shows us the level we need to get to in order to be a F4 team

We can beat Texas.

[GoMuskies]

We can beat Texas.

We will beat Texas.

[Masterofreality]

We will beat Texas.

Concur..

[X-band '01]

On a very important note. Does anyone know if TMobile arena will be selling beer?

If they were selling beer down in Greensboro, I can't imagine the T-Mobile Center would not.

[X-band '01]

I also got a notification that there is a special AXS app (as in AXS TV, for example) to use for scanning tickets at the door. Apparently they don't scan tickets through Ticketmaster?

[Masterofreality]

I also got a notification that there is a special AXS app (as in AXS TV, for example) to use for scanning tickets at the door. Apparently they don't scan tickets through Ticketmaster?

AXS is a proprietary entertainment promoter with their own ticket service. I assume they control the venue in KC.
I know of them through Music Concert promo & ticketing. They have a couple of venues up here in Cleveland.
It’s a simple app to download. They have zero to do with Ticketmaster.

[UCGRAD4X]

We will beat Texas.

I love your confidence.

This team seems capable of winning or losing against almost anybody.

Time for Miller to make his rep by keeping them on the upside at the right time.

[paulxu]

I read where TMobile Center is cashless.
Has Cintas gone cashless yet? (Haven't been in a few years)

[UCGRAD4X]

I read where TMobile Center is cashless.
Has Cintas gone cashless yet? (Haven't been in a few years)

Yes, and it slows everything down. Especially the beer lines :cursingmad:. I sure hope they figure out a way to make this go more smoothly. Right pain in the ass.

[paulxu]

Guess we can't sneak up on anyone this weekend.

https://fansided.com/2023/03/21/big-east-teams-left-ncaa-tournament-sweet-16/?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email

[D-West & PO-Z]

Found this interesting from Seth Davis on the Atheltic on Texas. The premise of the article was all the teams have questions. Interesting to see defense listed as a question about Texas who is top 10 in KenPom in defensive efficiency.

Texas

How good is this defense?

The Longhorns rank 10th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency on KenPom, but their other defensive numbers are not overwhelming. They’re 77th nationally in defensive field goal percentage (42.1), 93rd in 3-point percentage defense (32.3) and 90th in points allowed (67.2). Now they are going up against arguably the best offense they have faced in Xavier, which is ranked ninth nationally in efficiency, fourth in 3-point percentage (38.9) and sixth in assists per made field goals (64.1 percent). The Musketeers put on a clinic against Pitt, shooting 47.6 percent and dishing 22 assists (to just eight turnovers) on 30 made field goals. The only teams in the Big 12 besides Texas that are ranked in the top 20 in offensive efficiency are Baylor and West Virginia. It’s imperative that the Longhorns are dialed in defensively and use their experience and physicality, because they do not want to get into a shootout with this team.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Here was his question and comments on X:

Xavier

Are the Musketeers ready to play championship basketball?

We saw numerous instances during the first week where older, stronger teams imposed their will on younger, sleeker opponents. (Tennessee-Duke, San Diego State-Furman, Michigan State-Marquette, to name a few.) Texas is the sixth-oldest team in the country, per KenPom, and it won a tournament championship in the most physical conference in the country. Moreover, Texas will have a considerable advantage in terms of depth, especially since Xavier has been without injured starter Zach Freemantlesince early February. That injury made the Musketeers better defensively because Sean Miller replaced Freemantle in the starting lineup with 6-8 senior forward Jerome Hunter, a defensive stalwart who was, surprisingly, the team’s leading scorer last week in Greensboro (combined 38 points on 14 of 21 shooting). It would make a huge difference if Hunter can put up points against the Longhorns, but the Musketeers can’t count on that happening. They’ll need to bring their big boy pants to Kansas City.

[Caveat]

We did have Free @UConn but he fouled out and only played 21 mins. Hunter had more mins and points that game.

I agree, Texas seems tough, but UConn and Creighton are really tough too and X went 4-1 against them.

Will need our best defensive effort to win.

Amusingly, the biggest thing Xavier is missing from Free being out at this point are his 5 fouls.

The team is forced to dial back the defensive energy because they can't afford to get guys in foul trouble -- the bench is too thin behind Des.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Amusingly, the biggest thing Xavier is missing from Free being out at this point are his 5 fouls.

The team is forced to dial back the defensive energy because they can't afford to get guys in foul trouble -- the bench is too thin behind Des.

Oversimplification but I get your point.

If all they needed was 5 fouls then Edwards would be great. They need someone who has 5 fouls to give who can also contribute elsewhere and that they can trust which is what they don't have.

[Masterofreality]

Here was his question and comments on X:

Xavier

Are the Musketeers ready to play championship basketball?
They’ll need to bring their big boy pants to Kansas City.

Hahaha! Davis with his usual “hot take”.
Uh , Seth. I think the Big East is a “Big Boy League”?
We did sweep UConn and Providence and split with won 2-3 from Creighton. Is that “Big Boy” enough?
This overhyping of the Big 12 just kills me.
Seth can go pound salt.

[Wheelhouse]

I'm curious to see if Sean tries to get Edwards a few extra minutes in the 1st half if the game is fairly tight. Nunge getting in foul trouble is basically a death blow for us at this point so Sean could gamble with earlier minutes for Cesare. My guess is no, he does not, but it's something I'll be watching for.

One other point. Texas is absolutely beatable. They're good, but they're beatable. The media narrative is that we don't play very good defense, but my guess is if you extrapolate our defensive metrics since Free went out back to the beginning of the year, we're much better right now than the perception that's out there.

Just need to avoid foul trouble and we should be right there in this game. The bigger concern is me staying sober enough to be able to see the television at tip off.

[drudy23]

All I know is Coach CWeez gave his stamp of approval on X's preparedness and mindset at practice this week. That's good enough for me.

[Strange Brew]

All I know is Coach CWeez gave his stamp of approval on X's preparedness and mindset at practice this week. That's good enough for me.

Just seeing CWeez mentioned again tells me X is back from the abyss. :)

[Masterofreality]

Just seeing CWeez mentioned again tells me X is back from the abyss. :)

Yes. Xavier is back “On Deam”!

[GIMMFD]

At first I was frightened about this match-up but the more I think about it, the better I feel about our chances. WVU was good, who we beat obviously, but held Texas close, I was really frightened about Carr, Hunter, and Rice with some of our defensive troubles of letting guards get into the lane, but I don't know, I think we can negate that a bit. Need Disu/Allen to be contained without Nunge and Hunter getting into foul trouble, that's by far the biggest thing. I also think Souley is due to break out, he hasn't been shooting or playing well in the tournament at all, I think this is going to be the game where he makes a statement to remind people how damn good he is.

[X-band '01]

It's also going to be two experienced teams - now some of the notable and familiar faces are Marcus Carr (transfer from Minnesota), Sir'Jabari Rice (transfer from New Mexico State) and Christian Bishop (spent 3 years at Creighton). I don't think anyone's left from their 2019 NIT "National Championship" team.

[Xavier]

Amusingly, the biggest thing Xavier is missing from Free being out at this point are his 5 fouls.

The team is forced to dial back the defensive energy because they can't afford to get guys in foul trouble -- the bench is too thin behind Des.

People underestimate the mismatch having both Free and Nunge being on the court caused. I admit the defense is better without free, and mostly the offense is clicking….but with Free- there was no defense that could shut us down.

[GIMMFD]

It's also going to be two experienced teams - now some of the notable and familiar faces are Marcus Carr (transfer from Minnesota), Sir'Jabari Rice (transfer from New Mexico State) and Christian Bishop (spent 3 years at Creighton). I don't think anyone's left from their 2019 NIT "National Championship" team.

I'd add Tyrese Hunter to that list, he was solid his Freshman year at Iowa State, dropped 22 in the first game of the NCAA Tournament, and was B12 Freshman of the Year.

[xavbball]

Texas is a really good basketball team. Rodney Terry has them playing some of the best ball they’ve played in a long time. We will need one of our best performances to beat them.

[XUWahoo]

Sean needs to consider using the the football based "Air Raid" play aka the "Mahomes" play (what Kansas State calls it) in the event of a close game at the end and Xavier is facing a press as they are taking the ball out. Have all five players line up behind the baseline with one "quarterback" and four "receivers." This confuses defenses as the players run "mesh like" routes, has been recently used very effectively, and is quite legal. Check Wednesday's (March 22) Wall Street Journal for complete coverage of this tactic.

[American X]

How every Sweet 16 underdog can pull off the upset, reach Elite Eight (https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2023-ncaa-tournament-how-every-sweet-16-underdog-can-pull-off-the-upset-reach-elite-eight/)

(3) Xavier vs. (2) Texas

Line: Texas -4

Keys for Xavier: Use the 3-pointer, hit Nunge in the pick-and-roll game

This is a really fascinating matchup because Xavier -- for all its issues with depth and defense -- can overwhelm teams with its offense. In order to do so against Texas, the Musketeers need to dominate from beyond the arc and in the pick-and-roll game.

Of Texas' eight losses this season, seven of them came when the opponent shot a higher percentage from 3, and Xavier is the fifth-best 3-point shooting team (38.9%) in Division I. The Musketeers just need to get enough of those shots off; they're 320th in 3-point rate this season. Compare that to a team like Penn State, which just gave Texas trouble in the second round. The Nittany Lions shot just 41.7% from the field to Texas' 50.8% but nearly made up for it by hitting eight 3-pointers compared to Texas' one.

Xavier can also take advantage of Texas' inconsistent defense covering the pick-and-roll roller. The Musketeers ranks in the 96th percentile offensively on those plays; Texas ranks in the 17th percentile defending them. Jack Nunge should be able to use that to his advantage against the smaller Dylan Disu.

[Masterofreality]

Xavier is winning this game.
Karma for the Q missed free throw in the NIT.

[Caveat]

People underestimate the mismatch having both Free and Nunge being on the court caused. I admit the defense is better without free, and mostly the offense is clicking….but with Free- there was no defense that could shut us down.

I'n in no way downplaying how good the offense looked with Freemantle in it -- though, I think a lot of that has been mitigated by the stellar play of Hunter down the stretch -- but right now the biggest part of Freemantle being out is how comically short it makes the bench and the knock-on effects of that.

A healthy Freemantle would mean you could be less concerned about Nunge getting into foul trouble -- which would free everyone involved to play stronger defense and contest more shots. It would also give you the freedom to rest players for longer stretches of the game to keep them fresh deeper into games.

[94GRAD]

Just received my X tickets and they are through a company called AXS. You will have to download the app to receive and transfer tickets. Do it today so you're ahead of the game. Also, they aren't Google wallet compatible and only limited venues for Apple. THE APP IS A MUST!!!

[GoMuskies]

Why didn't I know until just now that Texas's coach was Boum's coach at UTEP? That's pretty wild.

[UCGRAD4X]

I'n in no way downplaying how good the offense looked with Freemantle in it -- though, I think a lot of that has been mitigated by the stellar play of Hunter down the stretch -- but right now the biggest part of Freemantle being out is how comically short it makes the bench and the knock-on effects of that.

A healthy Freemantle would mean you could be less concerned about Nunge getting into foul trouble -- which would free everyone involved to play stronger defense and contest more shots. It would also give you the freedom to rest players for longer stretches of the game to keep them fresh deeper into games.

Everyone seems to agree that the major issue with this team is depth. As you mentioned, this has a variety of effects. Miller's flexibility to create mismatches is another. Yes, the trade-offs mentioned of offense/defense being what they are, Miller being a superior tactician and in-game coach, this gives him more flexibility to take advantage of that advantage (?). Just the availability of Free vs Edwards alone can be the difference in a close game.

[paulxu]

Someone cancelled our flight. Paging Rodney Dangerfield....



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fr07EpRXsAIWC8C?format=jpg&name=large

[JC9094]

Will those be the same for Sunday?

Thanks.

[xu82]

How do I get my money back?

[94GRAD]

Will those be the same for Sunday?

Thanks.

118/119/227/228
Not necessarily

[GoMuskies]

We bought in 226 to be near the Xavier crazies.

[JC9094]

Excellent. Thanks very much.

[Xavier]

At first I was frightened about this match-up but the more I think about it, the better I feel about our chances. WVU was good, who we beat obviously, but held Texas close,.

Texas did beat WV by 9…..and 34

[nuts4xu]

Yes.

[Masterofreality]

Xavier is winning this game.
Karma for the Q missed free throw in the NIT.

Repost.
Oh, and Souley goes off for 20 plus..

[X-band '01]

Gonna be in 228. AXS App ready to go.

[GIMMFD]

Texas did beat WV by 9…..and 34

Shit, I must have been thinking of someone else, maybe Kansas? Either way, I'm still feeling better about it the more I think, granted that could just be the irrational hope I get for all my sports teams... either way, I believe haha.

[paulxu]

I'm guessing our game won't start until after 10, like tonight's late game.

[XUWahoo]

Why isn't Xavier represented on the map display????

[X-band '01]

Why isn't Xavier represented on the map display????

Because they couldn't remember if it was Xavier in Cincinnati or Xavier in New Orleans.

#GoldRush

[UCGRAD4X]

Why isn't Xavier represented on the map display????

The logo was misplaced over the last 4 years.

[xeus]

Why isn't Xavier represented on the map display????

Because we are sneaking up on people.

[American X]

It Is Gameday.

This is surprisingly the calmest I have ever felt in the Sweet Sixteen round. Likely because with Sean Miller at the helm I am confident this run is not like lightning striking. In past visits, it felt like desperate do-or-die for the program to advance. Yes, this is an exceptional opportunity for a veteran team to make history, but now it feels like one step in a much larger trajectory.

We are deep into the house money. Let all the pressure weigh on the other side. Like Coach said, have fun it's the NCAA Tournament.

[Masterofreality]

Because we are sneaking up on people.

And I hope we always do.

[Xville]

It Is Gameday.

This is surprisingly the calmest I have ever felt in the Sweet Sixteen round. Likely because with Sean Miller at the helm I am confident this run is not like lightning striking. In past visits, it felt like desperate do-or-die for the program to advance. Yes, this is an exceptional opportunity for a veteran team to make history, but now it feels like one step in a much larger trajectory.

We are deep into the house money. Let all the pressure weigh on the other side. Like Coach said, have fun it's the NCAA Tournament.

Agreed. Of course I’ll be disappointed if x falls short, but I think it’s just a matter of time before x kicks down the door with miller at the helm. It’s been a heck of a season, and order has been restored.

I’ll say one thing, the big East is going to be an absolute beast next year. Going to be a hell of a lot of fun

[XUWahoo]

Because they couldn't remember if it was Xavier in Cincinnati or Xavier in New Orleans.

#GoldRush

More likely that "they" received a "woke" education and are too stupid to know the difference.

[BandAid]

Because we are sneaking up on people.

This post wins the thread. Amazing work, Xeus!

[American X]

As mentioned with the NIT final last year, I am the extremely narrow Venn diagram overlap of holding both Xavier and Texas A&M degrees, so I will stake out that I am the most experienced Xavier fan in dislike of texas university (tu for short, not to be confused with our awesome Tu).

Whereas Xavier fans know that UC is the embodiment of all that is evil in the world, tu is likewise, just in a very disgusting soiled baby diaper shade of orange.

Just to highlight their perversion, I will point out (in case you were unaware) they choose as their logo an upside down uterus:


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fr_ZruNXoAIWvFP?format=jpg&name=small

[xudash]

As mentioned with the NIT final last year, I am the extremely narrow Venn diagram overlap of holding both Xavier and Texas A&M degrees, so I will stake out that I am the most experienced Xavier fan in dislike of texas university (tu for short, not to be confused with our awesome Tu).

Whereas Xavier fans know that UC is the embodiment of all that is evil in the world, tu is likewise, just in a very disgusting soiled baby diaper shade of orange.

Just to highlight their perversion, I will point out (in case you were unaware) they choose as their logo an upside down uterus:


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fr_ZruNXoAIWvFP?format=jpg&name=small

Now that's funny. I love the "relationship" that exists between the Aggies and Longhorns. Too funny.

[drudy23]

Six years ago to the day, we took down Arizona.

Zero national fanfare for the Muskies in this game. I expect Sean to have a masterful gameplan and have these guys so fired up that they are being overlooked. I have a really good feeling about this.

I want this game to make me forget the name Lance Blanks forever. Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, we again stare our destiny right in the face for the 4th time. We Ready!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Literally getting no love in this game makes me feel so much better about it. You know Miller and the players are using that.

[SCMuskie]

The waiting is the hardest part...

Cant' believe we are still 6 hours from game time. This is killing me.

[American X]

9:45 PM on CBS


Cant' believe we are still 6 hours from game time. This is killing me.

We have a 4:30am alarm tomorrow to get on a flight to Jackson Hole for a ski trip. I think this is categorically a first world problem.

No way this game starts at 9:45pm. Will Houston-Miami go just one overtime or two overtimes?

[paulxu]

I could easily handle making 2 or 3 more Game Threads this year.

[noteggs]

At this point, might as well go with 3 more. Fingers crossed

[SemajParlor]

Let's Go X

[SCMuskie]

We have a 4:30am alarm tomorrow to get on a flight to Jackson Hole for a ski trip. I think this is categorically a first world problem.

No way this game starts at 9:45pm. Will Houston-Miami go just one overtime or two overtimes?

I really hope you get to ski with this tremendous smile on your face and people wonder...

[xu82]

We have a 4:30am alarm tomorrow to get on a flight to Jackson Hole for a ski trip. I think this is categorically a first world problem.

No way this game starts at 9:45pm. Will Houston-Miami go just one overtime or two overtimes?

Are you packed? You might want to go watch the game in the airport bar.


Have a great trip. That’s a spot I’ve always wanted to visit.

[Strange Brew]

We have a 4:30am alarm tomorrow to get on a flight to Jackson Hole for a ski trip. I think this is categorically a first world problem.

No way this game starts at 9:45pm. Will Houston-Miami go just one overtime or two overtimes?

Easy. Stay up all night and roll that crazy train into WY.

[American X]

Are you packed? You might want to go watch the game in the airport bar.

Have a great trip. That’s a spot I’ve always wanted to visit.

No kidding. Saddest part is I will stay dry, pounding seltzers all night.

I went through Jackson, Grand Teton & Yellowstone years ago, just an incredible area. This is mother-in-law's dream trip, whole family ski vacation to Jackson Hole. I would prefer better timing, but absolutely no complaining about Xavier in the Sweet Sixteen and luxury ski trip overlapping.

[zippin']

I hate that we still have like 4 hours to wait.

[paulxu]

I'm WAY late in updating the first post in this thread. Sorry.

I encourage you to re-read it to note Tom Eiser's comment on our Sweet Sixteen accomplishments.

[GoMuskies]

My 15 year old is currently driving me up the Kansas Turnpike at 85 mph towards KC. If we live, it's win #1 of the night!

[xavierj]

Paul is a great ambassador.

https://mobile.twitter.com/AdamJBaum/status/1639399328379699200

[xu82]

My 15 year old is currently driving me up the Kansas Turnpike at 85 mph towards KC. If we live, it's win #1 of the night!


Ummmm…….Hope to hear from you later with updates.

[bjf123]

My 15 year old is currently driving me up the Kansas Turnpike at 85 mph towards KC. If we live, it's win #1 of the night!

Then you can bring home win #2 of the night.


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[American X]

In a XavierHoops exclusive, Space Ghost sent this message from beyond:

#$%& texas! @#$% those pansy, pinko commies and their @#$%ing ugly-ass @#$%-colored orange! Nice chaps, @#$%^&*.

Souley & Co. are branding a giant X on their mascot just as dimwitted as their fans. Bevo, it's what's for dinner!*

God Bless America, Xavier, and Sean Miller! It's Elite Winning Time!

*Papal dispensation pending

[xu82]

I would like to take a moment to thank each and every person, living or dead, who participated in any way to the process that allows us the ability to record this game. I’m guessing I’ll go to bed with a feeling more than details. Only one outcome will lead me to watch it again.

[noteggs]

I would like to take a moment to thank each and every person, living or dead, who participated in any way to the process that allows us the ability to record this game. I’m guessing I’ll go to bed with a feeling more than details. Only one outcome will lead me to watch it again.

Wut? You have a bedtime? Ok if it includes a little something something, might excuse you a little bit…not really.

[bobbiemcgee]

All hat and no cattle

[xu82]

Wut? You have a bedtime? Ok if it includes a little something something, might excuse you a little bit…not really.

No bed time, but possibly a fuzzy memory on the details is a reasonable forecast at this point.

[noteggs]

Fair

[UCGRAD4X]

No #1s in the E8?

Somebody with more braincells and technical wherewithal can tell when that has happened.

That means anybody.

[MHettel]

No #1s in the E8?

Somebody with more braincells and technical wherewithal can tell when that has happened.

That means anybody.

Happy to do the analysis. But I’m gonna wait about 3 hours, cause there’s about to be no 2 seeds alive either

[HenryMuto]

If Xavier wins tonight there will be ZERO #1 seeds and ZERO #2 seeds left.
Xavier will be tied with K State and Gonzaga for the highest seed left.
This is the first time in the history of the NCAA tournament ZERO #1 seeds made the Elite 8.
Please take advantage X !

[HenryMuto]

No #1s in the E8?

Somebody with more braincells and technical wherewithal can tell when that has happened.

That means anybody.

Never happened before I posted on the NCAA tournament thread.

[xu82]

Go Creighton, while we all wait.

[GoMuskies]

Ummmm…….Hope to hear from you later with updates.

Alive

[xu82]

Alive

YAY!

You gonna get him all liquored up then let him drive home?

These are very cool memories you are making. Soak it in.

[xubrew]

Disu is hurt!

[BillikenMusketeer]

Longhorns definitely more amped up

[BillikenMusketeer]

Allen going to be a problem to ight

[HenryMuto]

How many layups we going to miss ?

[Strange Brew]

Make a layup boys.

[BillikenMusketeer]

JFC missing bunnies!

[HenryMuto]

Make a layup boys.

All these missed layups are hurting my soul.

[zippin']

Nunge please show up to this game.

[X Factor]

Can't make a layup....

Jack needs to get it together.

[American X]

Keep attacking and racking up fouls. It would help if Nunge started scoring instead of generally throwing the ball into the air.

[paulxu]

make the bunnies...up by 10

[paulxu]

Go...get in the huddle and tell these guys to relax and make some shots. Too tight by a half.

[xavierj]

Xavier getting great looks. Should be good. They will start falling.

[X Factor]

Boum has been invisible this tournament

[BillikenMusketeer]

These have to start falling eventually…right?

[HenryMuto]

LANE violation unreal gave them a free point

[paulxu]

1-11. Come on guys.

[zippin']

Just horrendous shooting. This is going to be over quick.

[bjf123]

1-11 from the floor?!?!?! C’mon guys!


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[Strange Brew]

It’s over.

[xu82]

So, who is the kid Texas lost and how important is he?

.

[X Factor]

Let's go!

Need some Nunge!!

[zippin']

Souley just has to show up here. They can get past Kennessaw and Pitt without him but he just has to have a good game here.

[American X]

I guess they figured out the rim is 10 feet just like at the Cintas.

Nunge sometimes looks All-American and sometimes like a walk-on. I hope he got the shanks out and reverts to form.

[Section 200]

For a while we were shooting under 8%!

[Xville]

Alright we have settled down… now it’s a ballgame

[HenryMuto]

3/16 and only down 4 I will take it.

[xavierj]

It’s over.

Love this!

[X Factor]

He's been bad the past 3-4 games...we need him now!

[Three Point Pete]

Xavier getting great looks. Should be good. They will start falling.Statistically speaking.

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[HenryMuto]

FAWK that's 2 on Jones

[Strange Brew]

FAWK that's 2 on Jones

They should check to make sure the TX kid is ok after getting hit that hard…

[X Factor]

FAWK that's 2 on Jones

Have to keep him in...its now or never.

[Xville]

Our guys just have to be smarter than that. They have to realize we have zero depth, and not do stupid shit like that. I think you have to keep him in honestly.

[bjf123]

Have to keep him in...its now or never.

Nope. Can’t get 3 this half.


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[American X]

They should check to make sure the TX kid is ok after getting hit that hard…

I am surprised they do not eject Colby for dropping that suplex on him. Poor kid's family is watching.

[Strange Brew]

I am surprised they do not eject Colby for dropping that suplex on him. Poor kid's family is watching.

Brutal. It was hard to watch that…

[HenryMuto]

JFC Nunge

[X Factor]

Jack is awful

[stammina0721]

Pretty easy to see now. X can definitely match up easy with Texas. Guys are going to have to start playing to their stat line. Boum and Nunge play like vets and we win by 5-9 points. But they need to make plays

[HenryMuto]

Jones back in

[HenryMuto]

No FN way that went in

[bjf123]

How many bunnies can we miss? Make half of them and we’re winning the game.


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[American X]

Married life must really be wearing on Nunge. Did he start driving a Lyft this week also?

[Strange Brew]

Of course that goes in.

[bjf123]

No FN way that went in

We’re toast if that’s what we’re up against.


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[zippin']

This one might be done. X can't make anything.

[Strange Brew]

No and 1 for Hunter?

[HenryMuto]

JFC every call going against us Boum called for a charge

[Strange Brew]

Flop.

[X Factor]

No and 1 for Hunter?

Should've been

[American X]

They might bring assault charges against Boum for that...

[Strange Brew]

Another foul.

[HenryMuto]

Fouls piling up

[Strange Brew]

No fouls against TX in a while.

[bjf123]

Guess I might be going to bed early. We look lost out there.


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[HenryMuto]

Nice pass by Hunter to Jones for a rare good look

[Strange Brew]

Yet another foul.

[HenryMuto]

JFC another foul called at least it was on Edwards.

[BillikenMusketeer]

Was 4-1 fouls Tex vs X. Now 7-4. That’s 6 consecutive calls against X

[zippin']

I think they've actually been taking a lot of good looks but just not making any of them.

[X Factor]

It's amazing we're only down 6

[Strange Brew]

Was 4-1 fouls Tex vs X. Now 7-4. That’s 6 consecutive calls against X

Noticed that too….

[Xville]

Going to have walkons playing soon with all the fouling.

[American X]

This game is really ugly, unless you like rebounding. Texas does not look great either.

[X Factor]

Jack has 3-4 inches on Texas and he's playing like he's 6'4

[Xville]

I think they've actually been taking a lot of good looks but just not making any of them.

Agreed. Lots of missed layups. I dunno how nunge misses two footers over a guy that is three inches shorter than him

[kellernr]

Can Boum show up for 1 game in this tournament? I think the Marquette game in the Big East tourney broke him

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[xavierj]

Jack should get 30 tonight. I actually think Xavier is fine.

[bjf123]

This game is looking a lot like Kennesaw State or DePaul games. Let’s hope we can somehow get our shit together like we did in those games.


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[HenryMuto]

Turnover and now down 10

[Strange Brew]

Ballgame.

[stammina0721]

Agreed. Lots of missed layups. I dunno how nunge misses two footers over a guy that is three inches shorter than him

Mental weakness. Playing scared and we can all see it. Sean knows what to do though. This team looks scared. Get to the locker room in striking distance and I think we take this home. Miller is the X factor

[HenryMuto]

Down 12 not feeling too fine myself

[X Factor]

Boum is an awful defender

[bjf123]

Ballgame.

Dagger.


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[X Factor]

Need to get some dudes who can play defense on the perimeter

[BillikenMusketeer]

Didn’t even show up.

[Xville]

One of those games where nunge decides to play like a complete pussy

[Strange Brew]

Boum is an awful defender

That’s not the problem. Can’t hit water if we fell out of a boat.

[kellernr]

Amazing D by Nunge on the alley oop. He just stood there and watched. Whole week off and he was winded after 5 minutes

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[Xville]

It’s amazing how quickly you can tell with this team what kind of game they are going to play. When they are bad, they are really really bad

[X Factor]

Boum...smh

[bjf123]

Sean needs to question their manhood. This is fucking embarrassing.


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[Strange Brew]

Here come the makeup whistles now that our opponent has built a lead.

[American X]

Boum seems really confused what he is doing on the basketball floor.

[boozehound]

Fuck. Shit Xavier showed up tonight. This is not good.

[Strange Brew]

Well, potentially the last game of the year.

Let’s go X!

[Roach]

Desmond Claude’s two turnovers were so sloppy and came at the worst possible moments. Ugh.

[X Factor]

Desmond Claude’s two turnovers were so sloppy and came at the worst possible moments. Ugh.

Yep...freshman mistakes kill you

But Jack and Souly have been worse

[BandAid]

Carr already has, and will continue to kill us.

[bjf123]

Well, potentially the last game of the year.

Let’s go X!

There’s doubt?


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[Section 200]

26% shooting, Jack is 2 for 9 - it’s gotta get better right?

[HenryMuto]

Texas defense has been stifling we have not got many good looks from outside. No good lucks no baskets.

[IM4X]

Playing too soft and with too much finesse.

Sean needs to light a fire.

colby, Boum and Nunge… wake the F up!!

[Strange Brew]

26% shooting, Jack is 2 for 9 - it’s gotta get better right?

There ya go.

Let’s go X!

[Three Point Pete]

Hope still lives!

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[HenryMuto]

Kunkel is playing well at least. He can't afford to pick up his 3rd foul in this half.

[X Factor]

Least Kunk showed up

[Strange Brew]

Cut it under 10 by half.

[XUBob]

Not trying to be too critical, but, this tournament seems to have big for Souley from the beginning and if he is having an off night don’t think X can beat many good teams.

[HenryMuto]

Nunge misses another wide open 3 got to make that since we have not got many open outside shots tonight.

[X Factor]

This is how Jack and Souly are gonna go out

[boozehound]

This has already been stated, but Boum’s defense is really bad. He just can’t stay in front of anyone.

[Xville]

Stop playing like a fucking bitch, nunge

[X Factor]

7 feet tall and 2-10

[Strange Brew]

This has already been stated, but Boum’s defense is really bad. He just can’t stay in front of anyone.

Jack is simply not good tonight.

[BillikenMusketeer]

Foucking A Nunge for someone who’s 7 foot tall he’s been short on everything

[Strange Brew]

Jones just dribbled off his face…

[HenryMuto]

Tough rim for Kunkel from 30 thought that was in but Nunge with the score now need to make the FT get a stop and finish the half with a score.

[American X]

NBA prospect Colby Jones dribbled the ball off his own face and passed the ball directly to the other team.

[HenryMuto]

BRUTAL couldn't give up that 3 to them

[bjf123]

Holy shit, we made a bunny!


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[HenryMuto]

NO FAWKING WAy

[Strange Brew]

Jeeez. Not our night.

[X Factor]

Hahahaha

[HenryMuto]

Had it down to 11 then they hit an open 3 and then that

[xu82]

Some times it’s just not your night.

[zippin']

Really a shame Souley is going to end his career with the worst game of his career.

[BillikenMusketeer]

When shots like that fall you’re destined to win

[bjf123]

That’s it. We’re done. The ship has sailed. The fat fat lady has sung. Elvis has left the building.


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[X Factor]

So glad they showed up

Jack and Souly have sucked....

Colby dribbles off his face...

[Xville]

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.

[xavbball]

An awful performance tonight. Boum is nonexistent.

[Xville]

Really a shame Souley is going to end his career with the worst game of his career.

He’s had a lot of them the last couple of weeks, the book is out on him.

[American X]

Nunge looks like his wife nagged him to death. He looks like a corpse and plays like one too.

[kellernr]

When your best scorer doesn't show up the entire month of March you are due to lose. Not sure what happened to Boum but he went from lights out to absolute garbage the last 3 weeks. I don't want to hear about how good he is at the line because we wouldn't need him to hit those free throws if he could actually make a basket during the game now.

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[Xavier]

I thought we’d be outclassed, felt like some of our other big games we got blown out in. What are you gonna do

[Section 200]

So many missed layups in the first 10 minutes. It will take a miracle - Kunkel will need 5 threes in the second half

[BillikenMusketeer]

Meanwhile Creighton will have a chance to play for the final four

[IM4X]

Sean not have his ready to go. He came out too lax and so did his team.

So many bad decisions.
Poor defense.
Such poor movement on offense:
Why is no big near the basket when we shoot?
Why is Nunge taking the most 3s?

Other than Kunkel, our players look like scared little kids. Like they are not worthy.

[kxblue]

Tough way to go out for sure (hoping for a miracle). Team definitely outperformed its pieces and excited for the future. Happy that Hunter and Kunkel had great tournaments. Outside of Creighton game we haven’t really played that well and today looks downright awful

[Strange Brew]

Meanwhile Creighton will have a chance to play for the final four

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

[zippin']

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

This makes no sense.

[paulxu]

I hope Miller tells Boum to stop wasting time dribbling back and forth, back and forth....
Pass the damn ball more. Create some open shots with off ball screens.
Get Kunkel some more shots.

Damn this is not a way to end a really good year for this team.

[Strange Brew]

This makes no sense.

Previous coach. Set the program back a lot.