Game Thread: Xavier vs Georgetown University (1/19/2024)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://sportslogohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/georgetown_hoyas_1996-pres_s.png


CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 9-8 overall and 3-3 in the BIG EAST Conference, host the Georgetown University Hoyas, 8-9 overall and 1-5 in the BIG EAST Conference, on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. at Cintas Center. Xavier, winner of two-straight games, is looking to secure its first three-game winning streak of the season.

Xavier has played the third-toughest schedule in the nation, according to the latest KenPom rankings. Only Purdue and Arizona have played tougher schedules to date. XU ranks No. 26 in KenPom and No. 35 in the NCAA NET rankings.

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (9-8, 3-3 BIG EAST)
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOYAS (8-9, 1-5 BIG EAST)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 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 Lisa Byington and analysis from Nick Bahe.
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. (https://goxavier.com/)

[GIMMFD]

I missed the last three games due to life and what not, and the 2-1 results (+ keeping UConn close) has me thinking I need to continue to skip watching games until we have a stinker or two, you're welcome for preserving your sanity XHoops and the subsequent run of wins we go on.

[X-band '01]

Wondering if someone like Jayden Epps will put up video game-like numbers like Primo Spears did last year when Georgetown came to Cintas. They have almost no supporting cast.

[Xville]

not a fan of these nothing to win, everything to lose type of games. Hopefully, it is a comfortable win and no heartburn tonight.

[GoMuskies]

not a fan of these nothing to win, everything to lose type of games.

Imagine thinking you'd ever say that about a Xavier/Georgetown game. LOL

[GIMMFD]

Imagine thinking you'd ever say that about a Xavier/Georgetown game. LOL

I remember being in the stands as a student for I think around 2014-2015 where Georgetown was up 16 and we came back on them, the despair in losing to them by that much even then was heavy (granted they got significantly worse since then too lmfao)... and then elation. I'll take a much less nervy win tonight if possible please lol.

[xu82]

What’s the spread on this thing?

[Xville]

What’s the spread on this thing?

Opened at 14; down to 12.5.

[xavierj]

Opened at 14; down to 12.5.

I saw 14.5 at one point and now 11.5.

[Xville]

Regardless, if they don’t beat them by 15+ it’s a disappointment lol. A win is a win but this should not be an ulcer induced game

[xavierj]

Regardless, if they don’t beat them by 15+ it’s a disappointment lol. A win is a win but this should not be an ulcer induced game

Agree. Make shots and they should roll.

[paulxu]

You guys are probably jinxing the hell outta this game. We had a better line with Oakland.

[xu82]

But that was then.


So, did I double jinx un-jinx us?

[paulxu]

It's time to start gelling, and maybe forgetting the 3 for a while.

Edit: but not 3 pt defense

[GoMuskies]

Regardless, if they don’t beat them by 15+ it’s a disappointment lol. A win is a win but this should not be an ulcer induced game

LoL

[Xville]

Woof that was a bad 5 minutes

[bjf123]

Regardless, if they don’t beat them by 15+ it’s a disappointment lol. A win is a win but this should not be an ulcer induced game

Feeling a little queasy right now.


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[paulxu]

One of my best friends is a lawyer in Cincy, Georgetown grad, and is there with a bunch of Hoyas tonight.
He's loving this so far.

[Xville]

X has figured out their zone. We will be fine

[Xville]

Good to see swain looking for some offense there. That should be a flagrant

[Xville]

When did g town become a good 3 pt shooting team? Geezus

[noteggs]

6-8 on 3’s. Interesting

Edit 7-9

[GoMuskies]

I'd guard Heath.

[Xville]

Good gawd. They gonna miss?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Peaks and valleys guys. Hopefully they get it together.

[Three Point Pete]

Hoyas shooting 50%. Time for some defense

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[Xville]

Just live bet x -3. That’s a gift

[Xville]

I love miller

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I have our floor in the BE at 6-14 with that Butler win and this one.

[GoMuskies]

Just live bet x -3. That’s a gift

I'd like some of that.

[Xville]

Swain is playing awesome… love his d.

He’s look good in some 1-3-1 zone with him at the top like Mack used to do with jp

[Xville]

I have our floor in the BE at 6-14 with that Butler win and this one.

Not a chance

[Xville]

These refs are painful on both sides

[noteggs]

Think our defensive efficiency is going to take a hit

[bjf123]

Need to hope they regress to the mean from 3 or we’re toast.


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[GoMuskies]

I took us -250. Was -1000 pregame, so way better!

[GoMuskies]

Getting ready to take off. Bring home a winner guys!

[Xville]

Ousmane is killing us. I want more ciani this game honestly

[bjf123]

This one’s over. Stick us with the proverbial fork. We’re done.


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[GoMuskies]

A loss here officially kills the season. C'mon fellas!

[Xville]

Defense is atrocious and x has given up 10 offensive rebounds

[Xville]

Ok down 12 at the 16… get it down to at least 8 at the 12

[noteggs]

Guess we play to talent. Unfortunately we play worse if they are worse.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Not a chance

Sure about that?

Down 12 to the basement of the BE at home. This team plays great then takes a dump. They year will be up and down and everything in between. Hopefully they pull it out and come back here, but a loss sucks and is not unexpected.

[Xville]

Holy crap what a move by McKnight

[Xville]

Sure about that?

Down 12 to the basement of the BE at home. This team plays great then takes a dump. They year will be up and down and everything in between. Hopefully they pull it out and come back here, but a loss sucks and is not unexpected.

Yes I’m sure. Their bottom is 10 easily. They will most likely win 12-13. I have said 13 all year, and 6 is a joke.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Here is my take, having a good front court is like controlling the line of scrimmage in football. If you can run the ball and stop the run, you will wear teams down over the course of the season. Easy buckets from the front court, wears down defenses that allow guards to operate.

Edit - lucky for me I found a 1792 BIB store pick this week for 38 bucks which is a decent price here. I am going to bust that open.

[Xville]

Uh that wasn’t a foul against swain? Wtf? He slapped his wrist ref

[bjf123]

We can’t hit the ocean standing on the beach tonight.


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[Xville]

Ok down 12 at the 16… get it down to at least 8 at the 12

Ahead of schedule. Get down to at least 3 by the 8

[HenryMuto]

Not sure why X is struggling tonight so much but just get the win anyway possible.

[Xuperman]

Sure about that?

Down 12 to the basement of the BE at home. This team plays great then takes a dump. They year will be up and down and everything in between. Hopefully they pull it out and come back here, but a loss sucks and is not unexpected.

Regardless of the outcome, this is a huge reality check in real time.

[Xville]

Night night g town

[Xville]

Regardless of the outcome, this is a huge reality check in real time.

Last years team lost to DePaul. Was that a reality check? Every team has bad games. Why you go to negative town any chance you get with this team is questionable at best

[xuwillie]

Night night g town

Ultimate jinx post right here

[Xuperman]

Ultimate jinx post right here

Worst post of this thread.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Anyone's game at this point, hoping the guards didn't wear themselves down clawing back.

[GoMuskies]

Airplane wifi is no good for trying to watch a game on YouTube TV. So I have to white knuckle on this thread and ESPN gamecast.

[Blue Blooded-05]

We gotta get a stop somehow

[Xville]

Ballcheck time. Haven’t stopped them much at all this game. Pretty embarrassing d

[Xuperman]

Regardless of the outcome, the Cintas mystique has not been a factor for awhile now. This season is proof point.

[Xville]

How many effing offensive rebounds this team give up? Fuck

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Just can't stop them, come on.

[Xville]

Alright… get two more stops in a row and win this shit

[GoMuskies]

Hopefully the place is going nuts! One point game.

[Xuperman]

DMc got fouled.

[Xville]

D is so so bad this game. Epps is a good player but good gawd

[Xville]

That’s the swain dunk I have been waiting for!!

Now get a stop!

[Blue Blooded-05]

What game was it when Swain could have dunked it late and missed a layup?

That didn’t happen tonight

[Xuperman]

A star is born!!!!

[HenryMuto]

X wins !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
X Wins !!!!!!

A win is a win I will take it

[Blue Blooded-05]

Never a doubt!!!

[Xville]

Never a doubt! Swain’s best game in a x uniform! Whew!

[GoMuskies]

Wow. Refuse to lose!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Give them credit, but this is definitely the peaks and valleys of this season. There are teams that just matchup better against some teams than others. Try to remember we beat the National Champs twice last year.

[bjf123]

We had no business winning that game, but I’ll take it!


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[XUGRAD80]

Never give up. Don’t ever give up.

Had it all the way…..:eek:

[Nigel Tufnel]

Miller doubling Epps was genius. He wasn’t gonna beat X in the last possession. Love X’s coach.

[Xville]

We had no business winning that game, but I’ll take it!


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X deserved one of those after having two one point losses.

[noteggs]

Found a way to win and sometimes that’s what it takes to keep the mo going!!!

[Xuperman]

That was not much to get a "nut" over. That was unsettling in multiple areas. A horrid Hoyas team waltzes into Cintas and nearly goes 3 digit scoring? This 13 wins aspiration crap is not at all realistic based on what we all just witnessed......it just is.

[Xville]

So excited for swain. That kid is going to be an absolute beast

[JTG]

Didn't they take UConn to the wire last week?

[Xville]

That was not much to get a "nut" over. That was unsettling in multiple areas. A horrid Hoyas team waltzes into Cintas and nearly goes 3 digit scoring? This 13 wins aspiration crap is not at all realistic based on what we all just witnessed......it just is.

Yes! Let’s go to negative town after a win! Yes!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

It’s about time X won a close one. I can’t believe Georgetown made 20/21 FTs while we only shot 69%. There is no easy game in the BE this year. I was praying for a miracle comeback in the second half and I was rewarded.

[Xuperman]

We had no business winning that game, but I’ll take it!


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The disturbing thing is, it was used up against a terrible Georgetown team......at HOME!!!

[XUGRAD80]

So excited for swain. That kid is going to be an absolute beast

Totally agree….7 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 0 turnovers, 1 big block, 1 huge dunk. He is really starting to develop and has an unlimited future.

[paulxu]

Miller doubling Epps was genius. He wasn’t gonna beat X in the last possession. Love X’s coach.

This.

[XUGRAD80]

The disturbing thing is, it was used up against a terrible Georgetown team......at HOME!!!

Can’t deny what you’re saying, BUT……that was a classic trap game, especially for a team made up of freshman and inexperienced in the Big East players. Coming off some big victories, on a Friday night after a snow storm closed down the city, sparser crowd than normal, against a team with a losing record, AND with 2 HUGE games on the agenda for next week. An experienced team lead by upperclassmen would probably know better than to fall into such a trap, but that’s all part of the learning curve. Let’s hope that they learn their lesson from this one and it doesn’t happen again.

[Blue Blooded-05]

That was not much to get a "nut" over. That was unsettling in multiple areas. A horrid Hoyas team waltzes into Cintas and nearly goes 3 digit scoring? This 13 wins aspiration crap is not at all realistic based on what we all just witnessed......it just is.

If Georgetown shoots their season average from three we beat them by 10.

Let’s focus on the positives. They played probably their best game of the season and yet we got the win.

[Strange Brew]

Yes, that was awesome.

Carry on Musketeers! :)

[Xuperman]

If Georgetown shoots their season average from three we beat them by 10.

Let’s focus on the positives. They played probably their best game of the season and yet we got the win.

So what. Shouldn't the Hoyas scoring total be THE focus for any further game analysis? This was at Cintas.

Based on this game, can any fan question the consistency of championship quality defense?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I saw a pregame graphic that showed our freshman get 30% of our minutes. I think it was prior to the Butler game actually. It was the most since 95-96. This is what you get when you have that many minutes played by first year guys.

Future is absolutely bright. Miller is coaching his best ball right now and getting the most out of a team lacking in crucial areas. He has some good youth and some returning (hopefully) players that will make the team better next season.

This season is not done by far, they can go on some kind of a run but I think NCAA would require a BE tourney win.

[Xuperman]

I saw a pregame graphic that showed our freshman get 30% of our minutes. I think it was prior to the Butler game actually. It was the most since 95-96. This is what you get when you have that many minutes played by first year guys.

Future is absolutely bright. Miller is coaching his best ball right now and getting the most out of a team lacking in crucial areas. He has some good youth and some returning (hopefully) players that will make the team better next season.

This season is not done by far, they can go on some kind of a run but I think NCAA would require a BE tourney win.

Spot on,
This post is exactly where things are on Victory Parkway.

[Xavier]

So what. Shouldn't the Hoyas scoring total be THE focus for any further game analysis? This was at Cintas.

Based on this game, can any fan question the consistency of championship quality defense?

Championship quality defense? Lol they never had that.

Go ahead and question if X has a shot to get an at large, no issue doing that. Just know most metrics and computer numbers give X over a 50% at this point. I agree that what Sean is doing this year gives me more excitement for the future than ever before even with the struggles

[Xuperman]

Championship quality defense? Lol they never had that.

Huh? I am referring to consistency.
The St.Marys, Houston, Nova and SHU games were stellar. This thing tonight was an absolute head scratcher.

[noteggs]

Regardless of the BE competition, winning like this a huge confidence builder for a young team we have.

Next

[X-band '01]

Miller doubling Epps was genius. He wasn’t gonna beat X in the last possession. Love X’s coach.

In the postgame, Miller recalled that Arizona played similar defense against Kemba Walker/UConn in the Elite 8 (forget if it was 2011 or 2014). Walker was on a run of game winner after game winner and Miller was hellbent on having someone else beat him in the endgame.

While UConn did win that game, Georgetown wasn't as prepared for someone other than Epps to hit a potential game-winner. Even Jay Heath (who had a good game in his own right) couldn't convert.

[X-band '01]

What game was it when Swain could have dunked it late and missed a layup?

That didn’t happen tonight

Now that you mention it, it was the Delaware game. Changed the momentum of that game for the worse.

That was definitely a confidence builder for Swain and the team. Georgetown simply had no answers in the paint for Xavier.

[Xuperman]

Regardless of the BE competition, winning like this a huge confidence builder for a young team we have.

Next

No doubt,
And let's just put this to rest......Sean Miller is at the very top at IN GAME motivating and an off the chart example with his player COMMUNICATION skills.

Anytime he is on Mic during a game, it just illustrates everything special for X going forward.

[Xavier]

Huh? I am referring to consistency.
The St.Marys, Houston, Nova and SHU games were stellar. This thing tonight was an absolute head scratcher.

You said the consistency of championship quality defense. Maybe I’m not understanding what they means, I’m saying they’ve never shown that ability in the first place.

[Xuperman]

You said the consistency of championship quality defense. Maybe I’m not understanding what they means, I’m saying they’ve never shown that ability in the first place.

Ok, but those 4 were impressive efforts. I didn't even add the UCONN game. I am expressing a lack of consistency, with no real understanding as why.

[waggy]

Streaking…..!

[Xuperman]

Streaking…..!

That's an excellent battle cry, because this deep in reality record is daunting.

[Strange Brew]

Streaking…..!

Well, there is a time/place for everything I suppose. :)

[xukeith]

Tied for 3rd!

[OTRMUSKIE]

X absolutely doesn’t have to win the Beast Tourney. Now ask me again in two weeks and that might change. People need to give Gtown credit. That team is coached by a guy who has given Xavier fits for years. Cooley is a great coach and his team was just on fire tonight I’ll take the win but I see Gtown being a formidable opponent for the foreseeable Future.

[Xville]

Next three weeks determines this teams’ chances. Go 4-2 and they are right in the mix.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Had to have it win. Got two stops when we needed it, didn't wait and watch and let their best player beat us, great job by Miller at the end coaching this team to a win.

Swain, what a dunk, so glad he didn't settle for the outside shot. And what a line he had.

7pts, 6 boards, 5 assts, 2 steals, 2 blocks, on 50% shooting in 21 efficient mins. Exactly the big time game we needed from him.

Wasn't pretty but they got it done.

[kane79]

Ok, but those 4 were impressive efforts. I didn't even add the UCONN game. I am expressing a lack of consistency, with no real understanding as why.

cause they are young men, not robots

[Strange Brew]

Next three weeks determines this teams’ chances. Go 4-2 and they are right in the mix.

Indublity. :)

[XUGRAD80]

cause they are young men, not robots

Exactly. Young men with emotions, that have played 4 BE games in 9 days. GT had a week to prepare for that game. X had a couple of days. I’ve expressed this before, but it is still true…..it is IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to be physically and (most importantly) mentally sharp for every game of a season. They are inconsistent because they are young and inexperienced. The younger and more inexperienced they are the more susceptible they are to being inconsistent, and this team is very young and inexperienced. They have to LEARN how to prepare mentally to be more consistent. It’s not something that is just known and understood because they have been playing all their lives. The Big East level of play and competition is something that almost everyone on this team is still learning about and is experiencing for the 1st time in their lives. I’d suggest cutting them a little slack and lowering your level of expectation for this team.

[xukeith]

Based on this year's struggles who would have thought X would have the 2nd kenpom offense in BE and 2nd kenpom 3 point made fg %?
Claude looks very smooth driving to left and right side of middle 1/2 .

[webxu]

Based on this year's struggles who would have thought X would have the 2nd kenpom offense in BE and 2nd kenpom 3 point made fg %?
Claude looks very smooth driving to left and right side of middle 1/2 .

Sean Miller is a wizard.

[JTG]

Miller's inside the huddle @ the 4 min mark was telling. He said "If you back down you lose" and he gave them a look like, If you do back down you may never see the floor again. He was breathin' fire.

[nickgyp]

Exactly. Young men with emotions, that have played 4 BE games in 9 days. GT had a week to prepare for that game. X had a couple of days. I’ve expressed this before, but it is still true…..it is IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to be physically and (most importantly) mentally sharp for every game of a season. They are inconsistent because they are young and inexperienced. The younger and more inexperienced they are the more susceptible they are to being inconsistent, and this team is very young and inexperienced. They have to LEARN how to prepare mentally to be more consistent. It’s not something that is just known and understood because they have been playing all their lives. The Big East level of play and competition is something that almost everyone on this team is still learning about and is experiencing for the 1st time in their lives. I’d suggest cutting them a little slack and lowering your level of expectation for this team.

All very true. Tremendous game. Georgetown played a great game. The early barrage of three pointers and the 95% free throws. The Hoyas, to their credit, never let up but fortunately X came back. Cooley is an excellent coach. One of the best games at Cintas ever.

[xudash]

Miller's inside the huddle @ the 4 min mark was telling. He said "If you back down you lose" and he gave them a look like, If you do back down you may never see the floor again. He was breathin' fire.

This is such a good point.

[GIMMFD]

I missed the last three games due to life and what not, and the 2-1 results (+ keeping UConn close) has me thinking I need to continue to skip watching games until we have a stinker or two, you're welcome for preserving your sanity XHoops and the subsequent run of wins we go on.

I will say that I watched the first half, and after G'Town shot 71% from three, I turned it off for the sake of the team, so I expect beers from everyone. That's my contribution and analysis.

[drudy23]

We won, at this point, that's all that matters. Just keep winning as many games as possible.

[drudy23]

And props to Claude in the last 2 weeks. He needs to be that guy for this team to continue to improve.

[PURPLE REIGN]

And props to Claude in the last 2 weeks. He needs to be that guy for this team to continue to improve.

He finished strong against GTown, but he struggled for 90% of that game. Credit to him for never "hanging his head" and stepping up when X needed him most.

[Xville]

He finished strong against GTown, but he struggled for 90% of that game. Credit to him for never "hanging his head" and stepping up when X needed him most.

He did? I looked back at the first half and he was 3-6 with 7 points, 3 boards and 3 assists

[Xavier]

I think he was struggling on defense in the first half. He got pulled pretty quickly a couple times because of his defense. After a gtown 3, quick time out and Sean was a good 5 feet on the court pointing right at him and threw his thumb over his shoulder towards the bench. It was a classic Sean move.

But he definitely turned it around, especially later in the game.

[xukeith]

Miller mentioned he thought X was tired playing 4 games in 9 days. That is a ton of points to allow when tired.
X has one more day of rest compared to Creighton. We will see if X rested beats CU tired.