Game Thread: Xavier v Connecticut (1/10/2024)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://images.footballfanatics.com/uconn-huskies/university-of-connecticut-huskies-custom-mascot-10-ast_ss10_p-101286803+u-4gywghizp6ljsnsqpwed+v-btmoh5aqrb7keznpplp5.jpg?_hv=2&w=340


CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 7-7 overall and 1-2 in the BIG EAST Conference, host the defending National Champion University of Connecticut Huskies, 13-2 overall and 3-1 in the BIG EAST on Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. at Cintas Center. XU has not played since falling last Wednesday at Villanova, 66-65.

No. 4 UConn is the third team Xavier has played this season from the top four teams in the current AP Top 25, having already played at No. 1 Purdue and vs. No. 2 Houston. Xavier won both games last season vs. UConn.

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (7-7, 1-2 BIG EAST)
NO. 4/4 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT HUSKIES (13-2, 3-1 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024 AT 8:30 P.M. ET
AT CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO AND LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Jeff Levering and analysis from LaPhonso Ellis.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW AM with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) and analysis from XU all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer Byron Larkin ('88). XU broadcast is also on the Varsity Network and on SXM.

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

[Xville]

Opens at x +3. I think a close one makes a lot of sense. X matches up well with them without Clingan...Big opportunity this week for X.

[Xville]

Sean really emphasized rebounding in the press conference—-said that is the way for this team to break thru. Hopefully it happens tomorrow.

[JTG]

I'd be more optimistic had we not beaten UCONN the last 3 times we've played. I think maybe they've circled X on their schedule. Hope we make it 4.

[profson]

Opens at x +3. I think a close one makes a lot of sense. X matches up well with them without Clingan...Big opportunity this week for X.

No doubt the absence of Clingan is significant both because of who he is and that he attacks our main weakness. But I do not think we match up with Karaban who has taken a big leap. Another case of really missing Hunter.

[X-band '01]

Runningman debut for tomorrow night.

[Xavier]

Massive opportunity. I see w classic game where X is better for 32-34 minutes but lose a tight one because the other 6-8 minute stretch

[drudy23]

Win please.

[xukeith]

According to kenpom UConn defense does not turn opponents over to any big degree.
Maybe X can have another sub 10 turnover game.
100% from 25 free throws sounds good to me too.

[Three Point Pete]

Well, starting with a TO can't be good.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[Xville]

Them starting out 4-5 from 3 is not great, bob

[noteggs]

Especially when they are 3’s

[xukeith]

The talent difference is so clearly seen.

Harlem Globetrotters vs Generals. Hope UConn gets normal shooting #s soon.

[Xville]

Ciani can beat karraban. Take advantage!

I love the way x is playing, UConn will go back to the mean soon

[bjf123]

Ciani can beat karraban. Take advantage!

I love the way x is playing, UConn will go back to the mean soon

Let’s hope so!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xukeith]

Feed the post. UConn can't defend X post players shockingly. Why is Miller playing 3 frosh all at same time?
No Green.

[GoMuskies]

Defense?

[Xville]

With no clingnan, UConn can be exploited. Have to play better d though

[Three Point Pete]

A great move by Daviyon

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[Xville]

Hate that shot by olivari. Dumb

[GoMuskies]

1 and 2 went down last night. 3 and 4 tonight?

[xukeith]

Please Claude make these free throws. And defense wake up! Nice rebounding though.
What are the odds Kam Craft sees action ?

[bjf123]

1 and 2 went down last night. 3 and 4 tonight?

Not the way #4 is draining threes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

Garbage 2s?

[Xville]

wtf kind of call is that? If anything that’s on Karen karraban

[Three Point Pete]

That was the worst call ever! Hooking on Karaban

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[Xville]

Are these refs on fucking drugs?

[Xville]

Here we go! Hell yeah. Show some grit

[Blue Blooded-05]

Everyone look at the refs!!!

[Xville]

Stfu Hurley. Your team has been getting calls the whole effing half

[bobbiemcgee]

6 3'svs0 is the diff.

[HenryMuto]

#1, #2, #3 and #5 have lost now do your job X and knock off #4

[xukeith]

back to back over the back by Gytis..

[GoMuskies]

Why would Hurley get a T? What an idiot.

[Xville]

Ousmane has one damn post move. For effing sake go up strong

[Blue Blooded-05]

Is everyone looking at the refs yet?!?!

[GoMuskies]

Miller needs a T, apparently.

[Xville]

Refs this is the big East. It’s ok to let some shit go.

This crowd and team are amped up. I can smell the upset

[GoMuskies]

That's a lot of fouls.

[Xville]

That’s not a foul!!!!!

[Xville]

Olivari can’t be missing wide open threes tonight.

[GoMuskies]

OK, McKnight actually fouled.

[Xville]

There you go o!!!!

[bjf123]

Refs this is the big East. It’s ok to let some shit go.

This crowd and team are amped up. I can smell the upset

The refs are so bad tonight, I won’t be surprised to see something thrown on the floor. I hope not, but it won’t surprise me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xukeith]

Who will make 3's next year?

[Blue Blooded-05]

1/6 vs 6/10 from three and only down 3. I’m liking our game plan and our chances

[Three Point Pete]

I think refs are calling all these fouls bc middle of the half was too physical. What a crock!

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[Xville]

Lfg!!!!

[Three Point Pete]

Thank you Des, now we are fighting

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[Xville]

Oh my fucking gawd ref. That’s an acting job

[Blue Blooded-05]

I seriously think Des has the yips

[bjf123]

So what are the TV guys saying about the refs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xukeith]

Now X playing like crap again. No defense Lazar

[Xville]

Horrible last couple of minutes but thank gawd for q

[xukeith]

Green has gotten so much hype but he is not a shooter tonight

[Xville]

So what are the TV guys saying about the refs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They agree with every call. They are basically blowing the refs

[paulxu]

Would have been nice for the last shot to drop.
But we are in this game.

[bjf123]

They agree with every call. They are basically blowing the refs

Don’t know what game they’re watching!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xukeith]

Green can make free throws. That's his game.

[Xville]

Right there… withstood the ridiculous UConn shooting the first five minutes. Got to come out in the first four minutes of this second half with intensity.

[Three Point Pete]

I think Gytis showed some grit, looking forward to more.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[xukeith]

Right there… withstood the ridiculous UConn shooting the first five minutes. Got to come out in the first four minutes of this second half with intensity.

Flip the script! I only hear announcers say it was not a foul on Ousmane when Karaban hooked him.

[Xuperman]

They agree with every call. They are basically blowing the refs

It's Ellis with the deep throat. There has been like 5 pussy ass calls on X, and he immediately says "good call by the refs".

F'ing hate the FS1 coverage on this.

[bjf123]

They agree with every call. They are basically blowing the refs


Flip the script! I only hear announcers say it was not a foul on Ousmane when Karaban hooked him.

One of these things is not like the other.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[paulxu]

I hate seeing replays of them taking wide open, unpressured 3's.
I hate it even more when they go in.

[xukeith]

X bench needs to score

[Xuperman]

I seriously think Des has the yips

This has been highlighted frequently, by at least one poster here.

It is undeniable if "yips" is an actual syndrome.

[xukeith]

Newton injured ! Yes! sorry.

[Xville]

Come on boys! Good decisions

[Three Point Pete]

Something has to drop, eventually.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[Xville]

Claude’s back!!!

[noteggs]

I just want to see tic tac fouls go both ways

[Blue Blooded-05]

This has been highlighted frequently, by at least one poster here.

It is undeniable if "yips" is an actual syndrome.

Des proving me wrong so far this half (I’m happy to say)

[xukeith]

10 for Claude

[Xuperman]

Yippy hi yea!!

[Xville]

Hell yeah!!!!

[xukeith]

I knew I loved Green and Claude. X has shooters next year !Woo hoo!

[GoMuskies]

Claude hitting 3s makes us a lot better.

Genius level analysis, I know.

[Three Point Pete]

Best 2nd half start si far. Keep balling guys!

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[Xville]

Seeing some swagger from our boys tonight. Great to see

[Xville]

Swain dunk the damn ball

[Xville]

Another trail 3.

[Xuperman]

Their roster is simply better than ours.....and no Klingan.

[paulxu]

I do not like 1 on 5 basketball plays.

[GoMuskies]

Oh no, we suck again.

[Xville]

Piss poor d again in that second war.

[xukeith]

Harlem Globetrotters have too many top 50 recruits, shooters, and ballers.

[Xavier]

Swain missed layup turned to Uconn 3 changed the game. Damn

[Xville]

Their roster is simply better than ours.....and no Klingan.

No shit? Same as last year. Doesn’t mean x can’t beat them

[GoMuskies]

We'll make one more run.

[Xuperman]

Swain missed layup turned to Uconn 3 changed the game. Damn

A missed lay up vs Nova recently changed the season.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Up 52-51 with the ball and Swain misses a wide open layup. Been all downhill since

[GoMuskies]

Just because he's bleeding a little....

[Xville]

Karaban is a bitch. Big East buddy.. grow a pair

[GoMuskies]

4 point trips help.

[Xuperman]

No shit? Same as last year. Doesn’t mean x can’t beat them

Unfortunately, "their roster is simply better than ours" is going to come up more than not going forward.

[GoMuskies]

Our transition defense blows goats.

[Xville]

I like swain but it’s 4 v 5 when x is on offense with him in the game at this point

[GoMuskies]

Our Euros both managed to get the ball stolen that possession.

[Xville]

Our transition defense blows goats.

Not gonna win a whole lot of games when your opponents make 11 threes. D had been playing pretty well lately, not tonight

[Xuperman]

The "Cintas mystique" not a factor until further notice.

[GoMuskies]

Ciani actually got it stolen twice in the same possession. Impressive.

[XUBison]

We’d be so much better if Claude could shoot.

[GoMuskies]

Djokovic gets embarrassed baseline.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Still working late and I have to stop watching this one but this team just screams 6-14 in the BE to me. I would say that is the floor at least, but they rely too much on freshmen/new older Euros.

[Xville]

Would one of our guards dunk the fucking ball? My gawd stop trying to make tough layups and dunk the ball

[Xuperman]

I can't watch this anymore....my X fandom is just devastated.

[Xville]

Another terrible shooting night from the guards. Just can’t win games with Dayvion, Claude and olivari shooting like this.

Actually I take that back… o has been ok but Claude and Dayvion gotta make shots, at least one of them

[GoMuskies]

We're not good. Shocking conclusion at 7-8.

[Three Point Pete]

More good Gytis moves!

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[Xuperman]

We’d be so much better if Claude could shoot.

Man, his season numbers are HORRIFIC!!!

I wonder if the Des Claude thread will provide any insight?

[XUBison]

Djokovic gets embarrassed baseline.

On that note, has anyone ever actually witnessed him making a shot?

[xukeith]

Who makes outside shot next year?

[GoMuskies]

Kept fighting at least.

[Xville]

Get a stop here and you never know

[GoMuskies]

Did half the crowd leave? Sounds like it.

[Xville]

Another fucking missed layup gawd damn it

[xukeith]

It should be X down 3

[Xville]

Had a chance at the end to really tighten UConn’s butthole and missed another wide open layup.

[Xville]

Missed layups are killing this team more than anything

[GoMuskies]

Do you believe in miracles?

[Xville]

Should be down 1

[GoMuskies]

Got a miracle cover. Does that count?

[Xville]

Got a miracle cover. Does that count?

lol. I got it right on the number so I’ll take the tie

[XUBison]

I feel like we weren’t really trying to win the game down the stretch. Maybe we’re vying for draft position?

[Blue Blooded-05]

In a different universe this team has Free and Hunter and took down two top 5 teams at home.

[Xville]

Massive opportunity. I see w classic game where X is better for 32-34 minutes but lose a tight one because the other 6-8 minute stretch

This is honestly about what happened. The first 4 minutes and the second war of the second half x lost 24-6. The other 32 minutes? X won 69-56.

Just can’t play a full 40 minutes for a lot of reasons.

[Xuperman]

This is honestly about what happened. The first 4 minutes and the second war of the second half x lost 24-6. The other 32 minutes? X won 69-56.

Just can’t play a full 40 minutes for a lot of reasons.

How about this reason....high usage guy goes 3-12. THREE for 12.

BLark is losing his mind!!!

[Xville]

How about this reason....high usage guy goes 3-12. THREE for 12.

BLark is losing his mind!!!

We know. You hate des.

Who else on this team can create their own shot? Who is the ball given to when the shot clock is winding down?

Des is the least of this team’s worries. He’s not a great shooter at this stage in his career, but he’s also being forced to do things because of limitations elsewhere.

[drudy23]

They have better players. Period.

We scrapped and clawed, and made a game of it, but the talent gap is pretty wide.

The loss of Free and Rome doomed us before the season even started.

[X Factor]

We know. You hate des.

Who else on this team can create their own shot? Who is the ball given to when the shot clock is winding down?

Des is the least of this team’s worries. He’s not a great shooter at this stage in his career, but he’s also being forced to do things because of limitations elsewhere.

No one hates Des, but he's 8-29 the past two games. What is he being forced to do because of limitations elsewhere?

He was an ALL BE freshman last year. He's done some good things this year as far as his assists and rebounding, but his shooting has been awful.

The team NEEDS his scoring. He has scored, but VERY inefficiently, especially in the four BE games.

[Xuperman]

We know. You hate des.

Who else on this team can create their own shot? Who is the ball given to when the shot clock is winding down?

Des is the least of this team’s worries. He’s not a great shooter at this stage in his career, but he’s also being forced to do things because of limitations elsewhere.

Hate is shooting stats (and they are EPIC..ly horrible), but NOT the young man. He has simply been asked more of, WAY TOO EARLY.

You should start a blog on "how to be an effective Troll".

[Xville]

They have better players. Period.

We scrapped and clawed, and made a game of it, but the talent gap is pretty wide.

The loss of Free and Rome doomed us before the season even started.

Sucks. If x has those two they are 10-5 at worst and probably win another somewhere along the way. Something to look forward to next year though!

[drudy23]

Xville is right. Des hasn't played well, but he was catapulted into the be-all end-all for this team when Free and Rome went out.

Do you all really think he would be playing this poorly with Free and Rome on the floor? Last year, the supporting cast around him made him the 3rd-4th option, which allowed him to play to his strengths and with complete freedom.

With the lack of inside presence, he's going to struggle. Remember a couple of years ago when Free struggled immensely because no one could hit a jump shot? We're in the Big East - great coaches at every turn. If they are able to take away your best player because of a poor roster, they 100% will.

[Xville]

Hate is shooting stats (and they are EPIC..ly horrible), but NOT the young man. He has simply been asked more of, WAY TOO EARLY.

You should start a blog on "how to be an effective Troll".

You were fine with Steele up until the very end, as if you have any credibility whatsoever

[Xuperman]

No one hates Des, but he's 8-29 the past two games. What is he being forced to do because of limitations elsewhere?

He was an ALL BE freshman last year. He's done some good things this year as far as his assists and rebounding, but his shooting has been awful.

The team NEEDS his scoring. He has scored, but VERY inefficiently, especially in the four BE games.

He is 10 for FORTY FIVE from distance....that is Jason Carter bad.

That is is the reality in his head, and it's going to take some serious coaching to get him out of that fog.

[XUBison]

Sucks. If x has those two they are 10-5 at worst and probably win another somewhere along the way. Something to look forward to next year though!

Maybe?

[drudy23]

He is in a 7 for THIRTY FIVE stretch from distance....that is Jason Carter bad.

That is is the reality in his head, and it's going to take some serious coaching to get him out of that fog.

Even with his struggles, which I just laid out the reasons, is there a better option that anyone thinks we have to put out there in his place?

No.

[Xville]

Maybe?

What is maybe about it? You don’t think free and rome would have been the difference in Oakland, Delaware, Washington, nova?

Do people forget how good those two were last year, or did I just imagine that?

[X-band '01]

Did half the crowd leave? Sounds like it.

Half the crowd left and some upper bowlers got some good seats for the final 3 minutes. UConn damn near cost themselves the game with bad foul shooting and continuously putting Olivari at the line.

At the end of the day, it wasn't even the 3s that killed Xavier. It was transition offense by UConn and continuous breakdowns that led to a huge edge for UConn on the fast break. Sean Miller had said that were targeting 10-11 TOs for the game, but ended up committing 14 and the extra 6 points was the ballgame.

Now the team has to turn the page and take advantage of a wounded Providence team. It's a tough road game, but a winnable one right now.

[XUBison]

What is maybe about it? You don’t think free and rome would have been the difference in Oakland, Delaware, Washington, nova?

Do people forget how good those two were last year, or did I just imagine that?

Maybe they’ll be something to look forward to, as in, I’m not counting on it.

[Xuperman]

Even with his struggles, which I just laid out the reasons, is there a better option that anyone thinks we have to put out there in his place?

No.

No. We are screwed....not going to be the season we all are used to.....other than the usual Bearcat carcass.

[Three Point Pete]

Maybe?Highly probable!

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[drudy23]

Half the crowd left and some upper bowlers got some good seats for the final 3 minutes. UConn damn near cost themselves the game with bad foul shooting and continuously putting Olivari at the line.

At the end of the day, it wasn't even the 3s that killed Xavier. It was transition offense by UConn and continuous breakdowns that led to a huge edge for UConn on the fast break. Sean Miller had said that were targeting 10-11 TOs for the game, but ended up committing 14 and the extra 6 points was the ballgame.

Now the team has to turn the page and take advantage of a wounded Providence team. It's a tough road game, but a winnable one right now.

I left at the under 4 - it wasn't surprising they made a run. They tend to do that, but it didn't mean anything.

UConn took their foot off the gas. That 3.5 minute run didn't make it "closer" - we are nowhere close to UConn right now.

Every game is this conference is a winnable game. There's not a team we can't beat. But as I keep saying, close losses typically lend their hand to more close losses until you can figure out how to get over the hump.

[Xville]

In miller’s postgame it was very measured, but you could tell he was pissed about that second war in the 2nd half when guys seemingly did not get back on transition d. That’s really where x lost the game.

X did a lot of things right last night including getting some offense from Gytis, and the rebounding was really good. However, they did not capitalize much from all those 2nd chance points, and x has to get at least some production from the bench.

[muskieindent]

In miller’s postgame it was very measured, but you could tell he was pissed about that second war in the 2nd half when guys seemingly did not get back on transition d. That’s really where x lost the game.

X did a lot of things right last night including getting some offense from Gytis, and the rebounding was really good. However, they did not capitalize much from all those 2nd chance points, and x has to get at least some production from the bench.

20 offensive rebounds but only 15 second chance points doesn't quite add up.They'll do some things well but not others.Foul shooting was great but field goal % sucked

[Xville]

20 offensive rebounds but only 15 second chance points doesn't quite add up.They'll do some things well but not others.Foul shooting was great but field goal % sucked

I took a look and saw Ousmane had 8 of those Orebs. 8 offensive rebounds and only 9 points. I don't think there is anyone that tries harder than Ousmane, but he just lacks a lot of offensive skill. It goes back to the frontcourt just being a glaring issue.

[muskieindent]

I took a look and saw Ousmane had 8 of those Orebs. 8 offensive rebounds and only 9 points. I don't think there is anyone that tries harder than Ousmane, but he just lacks a lot of offensive skill. It goes back to the frontcourt just being a glaring issue.

Yeah I saw that too.I hate to compare but if Freemantle gets 8 offensive rebounds,he's scoring close to 20 points.Ousmane just doesn't have great touch around the basket but he's our only real option inside.

[drudy23]

20 offensive rebounds but only 15 second chance points doesn't quite add up.They'll do some things well but not others.Foul shooting was great but field goal % sucked

UConn shot really well, and it seemed easy at times.

We didn't, even though we probably won every other area of the box score.

Efficient offense is deadly.

[Xville]

Yeah I saw that too.I hate to compare but if Freemantle gets 8 offensive rebounds,he's scoring close to 20 points.Ousmane just doesn't have great touch around the basket but he's our only real option inside.

Agreed. I think Ciani and Djokovic will get there eventually, (and i think both will benefit greatly going to war with Rome and Free everyday next year) but right now they are just too soft in the upper body and need to develop.

[HomerCecil]

I personally groan when I see Ciani and Djokovic on the floor at the same time. I just don't think they can both be out there simultaneously (at least not yet) at key points.

[bleedXblue]

If its not one thing its another with this team. Thought we made progress against Nova and thought we took a step back last night. Transition D was abysmal.

We do hang in there against the best teams in the country......just cant close the deal....

[xukeith]

I personally groan when I see Ciani and Djokovic on the floor at the same time. I just don't think they can both be out there simultaneously (at least not yet) at key points.

I agree. Everyone knows Lazar, Green and Ciani, don't really provide much impact in recent games. Ciani and Lazar probably will be a lot stronger next season, but to play them time together against a top 4 team? Play all the transfers and upperclassmen. It is safer.

[UCGRAD4X]

UConn shot really well, and it seemed easy at times.

We didn't, even though we probably won every other area of the box score.

Efficient offense is deadly.

They shot so well because so many of them were uncontested.

I really though rebounding was going to be the key to this game.

DOH!

[Three Point Pete]

20 offensive rebounds but only 15 second chance points doesn't quite add up.They'll do some things well but not others.Foul shooting was great but field goal % suckedA year ago, they won at Gampel shooting 50% ... shooting 34% is not going to win many games. It's good to see the rebounds, but missing most of the second chance shots killed us. Another poster said the guards have to dunk, not taking difficult layups.

Abou will probably get better with his put backs he seems to be tougher at the rim lately. Sean was saying he is the best OR guy in the conference. His confidence and touch around rim is better than in the early games with PF and TO stats declining.

Lazar has to "air mail." It looks like after he gets the ball, he always puts it low or even takes a dribble. And Lazar will improve with experience. He is a shooter 55% FG and has range out to the top of the key 33% (Mladost Serbia stat). Byron's comments are very encouraging and reflect Lazar's progress. I believe that he has a lot of misses already, and the shots are going to drop closer to his numbers.

A nice surprise, Gytis scored 10 points in 22 minutes, which was unexpected. I hope improvements continue.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

[X-band '01]

In miller’s postgame it was very measured, but you could tell he was pissed about that second war in the 2nd half when guys seemingly did not get back on transition d. That’s really where x lost the game.

X did a lot of things right last night including getting some offense from Gytis, and the rebounding was really good. However, they did not capitalize much from all those 2nd chance points, and x has to get at least some production from the bench.

UConn really put the lights out after the 8-minute mark; once the deficit got up to 14 people headed for the exits even as UConn took their foot off the gas.

[drudy23]

They shot so well because so many of them were uncontested.

I really though rebounding was going to be the key to this game.

DOH!

Yes, they were open alot. Probably has more to do with offensive schemes and efficiency as it does with bad defense.

Guys were getting open looks because they run great stuff and execute.

I can promise you that our guys were not leaving them open on purpose, especially in the halfcourt.

Hurley is a really good coach.