Game Thread: Xavier v Butler (1/16/2024

[paulxu]

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CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 8-8 overall and 2-3 in the BIG EAST Conference, host the Butler University Bulldogs, 11-6 overall and 2-4 in the BIG EAST, on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. XU is coming off an impressive 85-65 win at Providence on Saturday, while BU is trying to bounce back from a 78-72 home loss to Seton Hall on Saturday.

Xavier, which is opening a two-game homestand, has played the fifth-toughest schedule in the nation, according to the latest KenPom rankings. XU has 10 newcomers on the 2023-24 roster, including six freshmen who have logged 31 percent of the minutes played this season, the most for XU since 1995-96. One of those freshmen, Trey Green, exploded for a game-high and career-high 23 points in the win at PC.
THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (8-8, 2-3 BIG EAST)
BUTLER UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS (11-6, 2-4 BIG EAST)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024 AT 6:30 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: 55KRC 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).

[Xavier]

Xavier needs a few unexpected wins. I think they can get them, but you can’t lose these types of games and have to find even more unexpected ones. All that to say this is about as must win as it gets. I think it’s back and forth for a bit and X pulls away.

[xudash]

Somewhere along the way we were discussing whether or not this team could "improve", or something to that effect.

I can't see how anyone would deny at this point the job Sean Miller has done in pulling this group together.

Yes, Providence was wounded, given their loss of Bryce Hopkins. But it was Providence and it was away and it was a 20-POINT WIN.

Our guys are hungry. I have to imagine that they've tasted enough disappointment so far this season. I'm not suggesting that we'll win out from here. Who would possibly think that in their right mind. I just believe we could be looking at an upward trajectory from here on out. We'll see if that becomes enough or if we simply put ourselves too far in a hole with the OOC results.

Tomorrow will certainly be telling. Butler has been crap in recent years, but they're more together this year. I agree with you XAVIER - X pulls away in the second half.

[Xville]

I expect x to be 10-10, then a run will happen. A 8-3 or 9-2 regular season finish from there is what I see

[bleedXblue]

I fu%^ing hate Butler F them

Lets kick their ass

[xudash]

I expect x to be 10-10, then a run will happen. A 8-3 or 9-2 regular season finish from there is what I see

That feels about right. At the very least, I like your thinking.

IF they truly have arrived at playing mostly effectively for 40 minutes (i.e. not soiling themselves in key 4-minute wars), and given that they really seem to enjoy playing together, while understanding that they may have a path forward to the NCAAT, a run of that magnitude isn't out of the question.

We're fans! We're allowed to (still) be positive!!

[xudash]

I fu%^ing hate Butler F them

Lets kick their ass

Here. Here.

Xavier Police should be on the lookout for any hillbillies that show up with an ugly bulldog. I remember one year they let that dumbass take a leak on one of our statues or signs. Taking a skillet to its face isn't going to do anything that hasn't already been done to it genetically.

If they try it again, detain them and make all of them eat 12 cheese coneys apiece, including that UGA copycat dog. The dog can then unload in the car before they reach the Indiana state line.

One thing is clear. Butler fans are certainly jealous of Xavier Basketball.

[X-band '01]

It's too cold for them to really travel this time to Cintas. Shame, I know.

[X-band '01]

Here. Here.

Xavier Police should be on the lookout for any hillbillies that show up with an ugly bulldog. I remember one year they let that dumbass take a leak on one of our statues or signs. Taking a skillet to its face isn't going to do anything that hasn't already been done to it genetically.

If they try it again, detain them and make all of them eat 12 cheese coneys apiece, including that UGA copycat dog. The dog can then unload in the car before they reach the Indiana state line.

One thing is clear. Butler fans are certainly jealous of Xavier Basketball.

So when I see on the scoreboard to send a text alert for sighting something suspicious, should I do so if Blue IV does make an appearance?

[xudash]

So when I see on the scoreboard to send a text alert for sighting something suspicious, should I do so if Blue IV does make an appearance?

Drinks on me ALL NIGHT at Dana’s if you do it!

Dinner on me at The Precinct if you intercept him and dump him into the penguin exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo.

[Xville]

x -5. X should cover that all day at home, but thats why they play the games

[bleedXblue]

This is going to be a very tough game dont like the matchup for X at all

They shoot it well and have multiple guys that can hurt you

Now, you could say the same thing about us........especially with Green emerging but I think they have more depth.

Now, they dont defend as well as us.

Game should come down to 3 PT defense and taking care of the ball

[Strange Brew]

Let’s go X!

[KabeX]

How about guarding their best player?

[Xville]

Defense wanna show up?

[Xuperman]

Does anyone else think we are getting bullied physically?

[Three Point Pete]

Was that a rebound?

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[Strange Brew]

Does anyone else think we are getting bullied physically?

It’s early but… it’s over. :)

Let’s go X!

[Xville]

Alright much better and settling in.

[Strange Brew]

Alright much better and settling in.

Thanks for joining as the tide turned.

[Xville]

Our guys are starting to look really comfortable playing together… maybe they are gelling? Lol. Good to see Dayvion such in control of the offense. Really starting to look like the guy I thought x was getting.

[Three Point Pete]

Well, Posh can't guard Des

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[Strange Brew]

Our guys are starting to look really comfortable playing together… maybe they are gelling? Lol. Good to see Dayvion such in control of the offense

Welcome to the party Ville. :)

[KabeX]

Me likes those 17-2 runs. Way to turn this "puppy" around!

[KabeX]

Well, Posh can't guard Des

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I'm not sure they have anyone who can. And Des has realized that.

[Strange Brew]

Me likes those 17-2 runs. Way to turn this "puppy" around!

Sometimes one must ask themselves. “What do you believe”.

Haha, I stole that from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

However, but, maybe? :)

[Xville]

Welcome to the party Ville. :)

What are you talking about? I have been the one consistently saying this team was winning 13 conference games. Where you been

[Strange Brew]

What are you talking about? I have been the one consistently saying this team was winning 13 conference games. Where you been

Listening to you tilting at windmills for Haley.

Back to hoops.

[HenryMuto]

21-2 X run

[Xville]

Listening to you tilting at windmills for Haley.

Back to hoops.

You must be on the sauce again

[KabeX]

Oh my Ousman!

[Three Point Pete]

Abou! Shocking [emoji44]

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[Strange Brew]

21-2 X run

Those are nice. Now adjust your grip as Byron would say.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Am I seeing things… or did I just see…

[Xville]

Maybe the “fans” who said this team was going to win 6 conference games or were creating sky is falling threads should come back and eat some crow

[noteggs]

Can’t believe this is the same team I saw in December. Let alone November…

[KabeX]

Those are nice. Now adjust your grip as Byron would say.

Yes. One of my favorite quotes of all time.

[Strange Brew]

Can’t believe this is the same team I saw in December. Let alone November…

Let’s go X!! :)

[Three Point Pete]

Butler 7 FG in 15 min!

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[noteggs]

Interesting lineup now

[KabeX]

OK let's stop with the TOs and keep the ball moving please.

[Strange Brew]

You have two coaches who know each other well and one school that wants to be the other. I’ll let you figure it out.

[Strange Brew]

Love it! No whistle. Play on until you get one.

[T 4D]

Thru all my frustrations with this years’ version of X Men, when they put a run on your ass….

[Strange Brew]

Thru all my frustrations with this years’ version of X Men, when they put a run on your ass….

The. Xavier. Way.

[KabeX]

This is starting to get really fun.

[Strange Brew]

That’s mean. :)

[Xville]

Ugly last two minutes but overall a very satisfying half of basketball! Go x!

[T 4D]

The. Xavier. Way.

The upcoming opposition and, the lack of football teams that I like to see win had me cramming the ‘04 tourney games into this past weekend.I had to also replay the ruin of the NFL teams I hate but, it told me that precise thing. No lies told…..

[Three Point Pete]

Good to see Dayvion such in control of the offense. Really starting to look like the guy I thought x was getting.

No surprise from the 1000+ points 2 time all-Conf USA star. He has finally settled in as a decent point guard!

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[GoMuskies]

Let's smoke them right away second half. My heart can use a rest day.

[noteggs]

How was that not the act of shooting?

[KabeX]

Not a good start. C'mon boys.

[KabeX]

Gyteus gets an assist for that

[KabeX]

poor start and still won that war.

[noteggs]

Gyteus gets an assist for that

Off the face absolutely!

[Strange Brew]

Off the face absolutely!

Excellent improve!

[Xuperman]

How was that not the act of shooting?

No doubt, sometimes sh!t makes no sense. Totally grabbed his arm after he was going up.

[Strange Brew]

Tentative.

Let’s go X!

[Three Point Pete]

Nemo is getting net!

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[Strange Brew]

Go inside.

[KabeX]

Ugh. One thing we haven't done tonight is box out. Paid for it there.

[Xville]

Settling way too much last four minutes

[noteggs]

Not ideal start to second half

[Strange Brew]

Not a good start. C'mon boys.

Do not fret my NKY Tiger. :)

[Xuperman]

19 down to 6? We simply can't get any stops......or buckets.

[Strange Brew]

19 down to 6? We simply can't get any stops......or buckets.

It’s over. All hope is lost. ;)

[Xville]

X definitely thought the game was over. Time to regroup and play with some intensity again

[Xville]

Holy crap McKnight! What a runout!

[Xville]

Boom Shaka laka

[Strange Brew]

Well, do you believe or not? :)

[KabeX]

Crap. Now I have to stay up to watch Sport Center Top 10.

[noteggs]

Wow, X can be rather explosive!

[Xuperman]

What I am seeing here is.....Buck Futler has a very good/physical defense.

[Strange Brew]

What I am seeing here is.....Buck Futler has a very good/physical defense.

What you are seeing is called fuckery.

[Xuperman]

Pierre Brooks is a Bryce Hopkins doppelganger.

[Xuperman]

What you are seeing is called fuckery.

For a home game?

[Xville]

Way to fight euros!

[Strange Brew]

For a home game?

No, I’m speaking of the opponent.

[Xville]

Alrighty win this last war and move on to Friday

[Strange Brew]

Alrighty win this last war and move on to Friday

It’s not over yet.

[Xuperman]

It’s not over yet.

Because beak nose has these guys playing some serious physical D.

[KabeX]

It’s not over yet.

Bus is warming up tho

[Three Point Pete]

Never a doubt!

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[Xuperman]

Man....Des Claude is showing an epic baller mentality! Considering he's but a SOPH, and the crazy pressure he has certainly had to deal with, his personal confidence in his game is on full display. Coach Miller's confidence in this young man is undoubtedly a big part of getting him where he can be the predicted force going forward.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Thad Matta is the oldest 56 year on earth

[Xville]

Good win.. team is really coming together. Our guards are damn good

[Strange Brew]

That. Was. Awesome.

Well done boys. Well done.

[paulxu]

Good game Muskies!!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

It was scary when they were able to tie us, but we didn’t quit and came back to win by double digits.

[GoMuskies]

The Muskies have managed to at least make this season interesting. Fun game.

[Xuperman]

The Muskies have managed to at least make this season interesting. Fun game.

Sean Miller as managed.....that is a given!!

[XUGRAD80]

Now I’m not saying that he could carry Lark’s lunch for him, but…….

Claude is starting to develop the game that Larkin used to have as his trademark where he would take his opponents down low on the right side of the lane and get fouled while shooting and scored a lot of points from the FT line. When he shows the ability to do that sort of thing when the game is close and X absolutely needs a basket he’s going to be a real weapon.

A much needed win on the home floor.

[JTG]

It was scary when they were able to tie us, but we didn’t quit and came back to win by double digits.
Very scary, but we D'd up and put our foot back on the gas.

[Xavgrad08]

Xavier has improved a great deal from the start of the season. Green making shots from the outside has been much needed for this team. Claude is playing really well. McKnight and Ousmane have settled into their roles. Lots of season left with some big opportunities ahead.

[CP05XU08CU13]

Excellent game! I totally agree that the guards are playing a lot better. Our boys from Slovenia and Serbia need to become more physical and start imposing their will. They are hard to watch. Need to make more free throws as well!

[X-band '01]

Who was it that said Xavier wasn't very physical in the game early on?

[Xville]

Who was it that said Xavier wasn't very physical in the game early on?

Paul McMillan

[Strange Brew]

Paul McMillan

I’m curious. What about him?

Way to kill the vibe.

Great job by the Muskies tonight. Somewhere JP is practicing his Thunderdunk! :)

[Strange Brew]

Now I’m not saying that he could carry Lark’s lunch for him, but…….

Claude is starting to develop the game that Larkin used to have as his trademark where he would take his opponents down low on the right side of the lane and get fouled while shooting and scored a lot of points from the FT line. When he shows the ability to do that sort of thing when the game is close and X absolutely needs a basket he’s going to be a real weapon.

A much needed win on the home floor.

There was only one Byron, West, etc.

That said, I do like Claude’s game.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Byron also used that backboard a lot. Also to the player above, Butler didn’t just tie the game, they took
A 2 point lead after being down 19

[Strange Brew]

Byron also used that backboard a lot. Also to the player above, Butler didn’t just tie the game, they took
A 2 point lead after being down 19

The glass is your friend. Swishing the cylinder is difficult on the move. :)

Good for BU on their comeback. Glad the boys reminded them whose court they were on.

[Xville]

Numbers are starting to look really good. 28 in kenpom, 38 in net. Beat g town, and then somehow steal one of the two very difficult road contests, and x would be in great shape for a February run.

[XUGRAD80]

Numbers are starting to look really good. 28 in kenpom, 38 in net. Beat g town, and then somehow steal one of the two very difficult road contests, and x would be in great shape for a February run.

I think that the team is starting to “gel”. Just about where Sean thought they would be at this time in the season. :biggrin:

And I agree that they stand a good chance of stealing one of those road contests and going on a Feb run. Wouldn’t that be fun!

[Xavier]

Just keep winning. Season flashes before our eyes after butler took a 2 point lead coming back from 19. I think X had 2-3 times where butler punched back and X responded well. earlier in the season I’m not sure they respond and pull the win out after blowing the lead.

This is just such a classic Sean team that gets better as the season moves along. Refreshing to say the least.

[nickgyp]

Attended game; solid win despite losing 19 point lead. Guard play was excellent. Hoped for more from Euros but Gytis put up good numbers and he was tough at the end. Bodes well for the future.

[bleedXblue]

Really think Dayvion has turned a corner........playing really well. If we can get 3 of 4 guards to give us consistent production night in and night out that bodes very well.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Attended game; solid win despite losing 19 point lead. Guard play was excellent. Hoped for more from Euros but Gytis put up good numbers and he was tough at the end. Bodes well for the future.

In some ways losing that lead and then being forced to recover, was a good thing. It is hard to protect a large lead coming out of halftime. Everybody has had time to cool off, the opponent gets the halftime interval to stop the bleeding. Momentum has already been stopped and it is difficult for the leading team to pick up right where they left off. So, we were ripe for a momentum change. Interesting, Butler came out aggressively on our guards which most teams would not have done even just a few games back. But our shooting has improved to the point where they have to respect it. Our guards had the opportunity to drive and dish and with better frontcourt play, those opportunities were available.

I also am waiting on Cianni and Lazar. I think they just need more minutes. Playing well will earn them more minutes but they need more P.T. to gain the confidence and more relaxed feeling to play well. I believe it will happen but it is a slow process.

Losing that lead, then coming back will (I hope) be more fuel to build our confidence when those situations re-occur. And they will.

[muskiefan82]

Did I miss it somewhere, but Cam Kraft did not seem to be there last night

[xukeith]

Did I miss it somewhere, but Cam Kraft did not seem to be there last night

Kraft redshirted. I think he is spending time with family since Christmas break.

[muskiefan82]

Kraft redshirted. I think he is spending time with family since Christmas break.

I knew he redshirted. Good that he can be with family

[bleedXblue]

I knew he redshirted. Good that he can be with family

Hmmm, I would expect that he will be transferring if he isn't with the team. He should be in school for 2nd semester, no?

[X-band '01]

In some ways losing that lead and then being forced to recover, was a good thing. It is hard to protect a large lead coming out of halftime. Everybody has had time to cool off, the opponent gets the halftime interval to stop the bleeding. Momentum has already been stopped and it is difficult for the leading team to pick up right where they left off. So, we were ripe for a momentum change. Interesting, Butler came out aggressively on our guards which most teams would not have done even just a few games back. But our shooting has improved to the point where they have to respect it. Our guards had the opportunity to drive and dish and with better frontcourt play, those opportunities were available.

I also am waiting on Cianni and Lazar. I think they just need more minutes. Playing well will earn them more minutes but they need more P.T. to gain the confidence and more relaxed feeling to play well. I believe it will happen but it is a slow process.

Losing that lead, then coming back will (I hope) be more fuel to build our confidence when those situations re-occur. And they will.

There's a fine line between earning PT and playing for the sake of playing. We're just now seeing a shorter bench that typically happens this time of year. Nothing personal to Lazar and Ciani.

Also keeping in mind this was about the time last year that the car began running on 3 wheels after Freemantle had his season-ending injury at Creighton.

[mid major]

I knew he redshirted. Good that he can be with family

Idk if I've missed something but I haven't seen Reid Ducharme on the bench either since a couple of games ago.

[Final4]

Hmmm, I would expect that he will be transferring if he isn't with the team. He should be in school for 2nd semester, no?

I had heard that he told the staff before the season started that he wanted to transfer and requested a redshirt to preserve a year of eligibility.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Idk if I've missed something but I haven't seen Reid Ducharme on the bench either since a couple of games ago.

I haven't noticed his presence so I'll take a look Friday. Here's what is interesting about the lack of Kam and Ducharme sightings.........

Miller said on his radio show a couple of weeks back (when asked about next season's roster) that he would be looking in the portal at the end of this season for a couple of transfers. I don't remember his exact wording, but I did take note of his comment because the only certain scholarship open for next year is Quincy's and it is spoken for by Jonathan Powell. Miller has said, multiple times, that Craft requested a red shirt year. While Miller attributed Craft's reasoning to his falling down the depth chart after his knee injury, reading between the lines, it could just as well be an effort to preserve a year of eligibility.

Ducharme hasn't sniffed the floor recently and while I haven't heard any talk about a red shirt year for him, if he stays off the floor, I think he retains a year of eligibility as well. I saw a post somewhere on this board awhile back that indicated playing after the first of the year would use eligibility.

So Miller is already talking about the portal at season end for scholarships not now available. Ducharme and Craft disappear from the bench. If those two intend to transfer and want this year of eligibility to travel with them, they want to avoid any chance of being put in a game. If the flu hits the team, a rash of injuries or let's say a brawl gets several players suspended, Ducharme a Craft don't want to be available to play. So, maybe they have voluntarily put themselves on ice. Miller, for his part, may not want the added burden of including players in team practices, etc. if they have signaled their intention to transfer.

So, if you think about it, Ducharme and Craft leaving the team may be the best decision for all parties involved. Not saying I know anything because I don't. Just speculating.

[muskieindent]

Ducharme was a 4 star recruit. Kind of disappointing that he isn't getting any action I assume he and Kraft won't be back next year

[mid major]

Thanks for the follow up. It would seem both Kam and Ducharme transferring would be the most ideal situation for everyone involved. Both came in highly recruited, but it doesn't appear to have worked out. It sure appears like Green has shot up the depth chart.

[xavierj]

Reid has been sick. I think Reid will be at the game tonight. Not sure about Kam but from what I heard is that Sean was not very happy he chose to redshirt. But to Sean’s credit he allowed it. Xavier was under no obligation to agree to it and I think Sean felt he could play this year. So yeah doesn’t sound like he will be back but things can change.

It’s not unusual for freshman not to play so I wouldn’t just assume Reid won’t be back. I do think Xavier will still look for a shooter in the portal. A bigger guard since Trey and Dayvion will be back. Sean mentioned on one of his recent shows that in addition to Powell they may add another 1 to 2 players to next years class. Wants to keep the Euro route open so wouldn’t be surprised to see a portal addition and one guy from the Europe. The numbers will work out one way or another.