Game Thread: Xavier v Seton Hall (1/14/2024)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://i.pinimg.com/736x/9a/e8/d5/9ae8d5333824b5b39584710fd27037cf.jpg


CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 13-11 overall and 7-6 in the BIG EAST Conference, visit the Seton Hall University Pirates, 15-9 overall and 8-5 in the BIG EAST, on Wednesday night in Newark, N.J. Xavier is looking to bounce back from a loss to Creighton on Saturday, while Seton Hall is trying to bounce back from a loss at Villanova.

Xavier's talented three-guard tandem of sophomore Desmond Claude, graduate student Quincy Olivari and senior Dayvion McKnight has combined to average 47.1 ppg. and 10.5 apg. this season.

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (13-11, 7-6 BIG EAST)
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY PIRATES (15-9, 8-5 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M. ET
PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, N.J.

TV, RADIO AND LIVE STATS

Television: CBS Sports Network with play-by-play from Andrew Catalon and analysis from Steve Lappas.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW-AM with play-by-play from Xavier Hall of Famer Joe Sunderman ('79) 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)

[XUMIOH12]

Have to win this one

[Xville]

No pressure...just an absolute must win

[drudy23]

Win please.

We are due for a "everything goes right" game, but you usually don't get more than 1-2 of those per year, and we already had one at Providence.

[paulxu]

We got 2 points from our front line the last game.
If we don't get more, we may not win many more games.

Come on guys! Let's GO.

[Xville]

Win this, and X is in 4th place due to the tiebreaker.

A couple of notes from last game...1.) Seton Hall could not hit the broad side of a barn last game. I wouldn't expect that this time around. 2.) Ousmane had his best all-around game in an X uniform with 16 points, 10 boards and 5 blocks. X matches up with Hall well due to them not having a good post presence either.

Get it done boys.

[bleedXblue]

What is Kadary Richmond's status? Kind of a big deal

[Xville]

What is Kadary Richmond's status? Kind of a big deal

Something happen last game that I missed? Otherwise, hes been back from the previous injury for 3-4 games now.

[American X]

Let's keep our season from turning into ashes. A road win against a quality team would be huge, especially since losing may mean having to beat Marquette twice. We could really use a breakout game from one of the role players (Hi Dailyn! Hi Trey!).

[Xavier]

Beating Marquette twice isn’t going to happen. Winning tonight does give them the ability to get to 18 wins by beating butler on the road. Which might be easier than beating Marquette at home.

Anyways, it gets frustrating playing all these teams that have big wins (SH beat both Marquette and Uconn) all the while we aren’t able to snag one. I have no idea what to expect tonight. I think we can win going away with it. Crash the boards hard. Really need this one

[bleedXblue]

Something happen last game that I missed? Otherwise, hes been back from the previous injury for 3-4 games now.

he's playing a lot less minutes than pre injury and I thought I heard he left his last game early........

[XUBoston]

X absolutely needs to win tonight. This is a Q1 game as of right now but SH is teetering on being Q2 as they are 75 in the NET. X needs Q1 wins. There are only 4 left (MU x2 Butler and tonight). I think they need at least 2 more to help their resume

[xukeith]

X absolutely needs to win tonight. This is a Q1 game as of right now but SH is teetering on being Q2 as they are 75 in the NET. X needs Q1 wins. There are only 4 left (MU x2 Butler and tonight). I think they need at least 2 more to help their resume

X needs 5 more wins. SH, Prov., DePaul, Hoyas, and one at Butler or 1 of two games with Marquette.

[X-band '01]

Seton Hall is a very turnover-prone team; I'd expect to see a little more pressure than what we saw on Saturday against Creighton.

Hopefully we see a lot more Green and Swain tonight; keep in mind that during the last meeting with the Hall, the best lineup on the floor did not have any of the 3 Euros.

[Three Point Pete]

We need Ousmane to contain Bediako

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[bjf123]

X absolutely needs to win tonight. This is a Q1 game as of right now but SH is teetering on being Q2 as they are 75 in the NET. X needs Q1 wins. There are only 4 left (MU x2 Butler and tonight). I think they need at least 2 more to help their resume

Did someone ahead of them fall out? I thought they were 76, making it a quad 2 game.


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[Xville]

Why Gytis? He’s been useless for weeks

[Xville]

Great start lol. Glad to see they came out really focused and ready to roll

[bjf123]

Well that was an ugly first war.


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[Xavier]

Osman has been really bad lately. Not sure if he’s worn out or what. Absolute awful start

[Xville]

Osman has been really bad lately. Not sure if he’s worn out or what. Absolute awful start

I’m a little sick of the ball going to him and he absolutely refuses to pass it back out no matter what

[SkyWalker]

Awful start

[Xville]

Playing in a half empty gym too and this team not taking advantage

[Xavier]

Did Sean tell them he was going to OSU before the game or something. What a bad effort

[Xville]

This is getting comical. Why is Gytis out there?

Walk ons should be in considering the effort of the team right now

[SkyWalker]

This absolutely sucks.

[A Fan]

Something ain’t right.

[noteggs]

Worse than UConn start?

[SkyWalker]

This is getting comical. Why is Gytis out there?

Walk ons should be in considering the effort of the team right now

He scored our only bucket.

[GoMuskies]

Yo!

[GoMuskies]

Miller to Ohio State?

[xukeith]

Holloway has a good game plan.

X looks like nobody cares.

[Xville]

O is bad but the d has been the worst I have seen this year besides the UConn second game

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

This Xavier team I am watching is far worse than its record. Miller seems to be doing his best to stay positive in the huddle.

[Xville]

Starting to look engaged at least finally 10 minutes into the game

[Xville]

Ok nevermind. About to turn this off

[xukeith]

Miller is being taken to the woodshed tonight coaching. X has no idea what to do on defense and offense.

[HenryMuto]

Win by 20 at home down by 20 on the road what a funny game

[Xavier]

Man. We finally start playing, get it to 12 and they push it to 20. Was about to list a few guys who just flat out suck tonight but it goes on and on. So freaking bad

[A Fan]

I never saw a college team that looked like they just did not want to play.

[noteggs]

Speechless

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I don't see the posters here yet who think we can make it, but can we shut down the bubble talk now?

[xukeith]

This is what happens when a defense prevents transition break outs.

Miller flow offense doesn't work tonight . Pop goes NCAA bubble.

[noteggs]

I thought the zone takes away inside play?

[X-band '01]

This team gave up the wrong things for Lent.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Miller is strategically using this game to shut down any potential talk of him leaving for another program. He’s playing the long game. Gotta respect that.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This does not surprise me in the least. When you don't have one major facet of the game, teams are going to key in on what you have. It's clear teams are and that facet we have that works isn't working today.

[noteggs]

At least we have more time to overcome a 20 point lead.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This team will turn some things around and win more, just not like some on here thought. I could see going 10-10 in BE play.

[Xavier]

This does not surprise me in the least. When you don't have one major facet of the game, teams are going to key in on what you have. It's clear teams are and that facet we have that works isn't working today.

Which is crazy because Osman had his bast game in the big East against these guys last time (16 and 10)

[Xville]

This does not surprise me in the least. When you don't have one major facet of the game, teams are going to key in on what you have. It's clear teams are and that facet we have that works isn't working today.

The offense is not the problem tonight, it’s giving up 41 currently to a bad offensive team and turning the ball over constantly

[ArizonaXUGrad]

The offense is not the problem tonight, it’s giving up 41 currently to a bad offensive team

Um, so 21 in the first half is good? On what planet?

[Xville]

Um, so 21 in the first half is good? On what planet?

No but the major problem is defense

[xukeith]

No but the major problem is defense

It has been awful defense. Like no scouting was done on SH. Huge laying an egg by Miller.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

No but the major problem is defense

I do appreciate your optimism, but it's wasted on this team. I don't blame them at all, it's tough to get up for every single game. They will have down ones. The talent is what brings them through and they lack it on the front court.

[Xville]

Case in point swain just completely left his man wide open for 3 after one simple pass

[Xville]

I do appreciate your optimism, but it's wasted on this team. I don't blame them at all, it's tough to get up for every single game. They will have down ones. The talent is what brings them through and they lack it on the front court.

X beat this team by twenty at home with great d. Hall had 54 all game, today x has already given up 47. Hall couldn’t throw it in the ocean last game so I expected a little bit better output, but x is acting like they are playing UConn

[Xavier]

Case in point swain just completely left his man wide open for 3 after one simple pass

Was that swain? Seemed like out of no where Green ran off his guy while swain was defending the ball. Thought maybe they were trying to trap at end of half or something and swain had to run half the court to get back.

Could’ve missed something earlier in the play though

[bleedXblue]

Been a fan for 30 years. Two of the worst performances by a Xavier team I have ever seen all in the span of 3-4 games. WTF is this? Not ready to play, totally inept on both sides of the ball. You gotta wonder.

[bleedXblue]

The offense is not the problem tonight, it’s giving up 41 currently to a bad offensive team and turning the ball over constantly

uh its both sides of the ball ...come on man

[X-band '01]

X beat this team by twenty at home with great d. Hall had 54 all game, today x has already given up 47. Hall couldn’t throw it in the ocean last game so I expected a little bit better output, but x is acting like they are playing UConn

To be fair, Seton Hall took a lot of fucked up shots in that game and got themselves in an early hole.

Tonight, Xavier has not had a single positive thing on either end of the floor. Not one.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

It has been awful defense. Like no scouting was done on SH. Huge laying an egg by Miller.

I'm not sure if poor scouting is the issue but poor play sure is. This team doesn't respond well to adversity and that isn't all that surprising given its youth. I wonder if Miller will just play the freshman for the entire second half. I also wonder what changes, if any, he will make to playing time going forward, after this game.

Another absolutely embarrassingly pitiful performance. Looks like X ought to warm up the bus.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Been a fan for 30 years. Two of the worst performances by a Xavier team I have ever seen all in the span of 3-4 games. WTF is this? Not ready to play, totally inept on both sides of the ball. You gotta wonder.

Yes. Me too. Shocking.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Our offense just totally disappears sometimes. Mostly bc we have no offense in the post.

Abou travels every time he touches it.

Claude has a long way to go to be the guy. He’s much improved but not quite the 1st team all big East we thought he might be.

What a dreadful performance.

[XUBison]

Been a fan for 30 years. Two of the worst performances by a Xavier team I have ever seen all in the span of 3-4 games. WTF is this? Not ready to play, totally inept on both sides of the ball. You gotta wonder.

The fact this team has stayed in the tourney conversation well into February speaks volumes about Sean‘s coaching prowess. This team sucks.

[bleedXblue]

I'm not sure if poor scouting is the issue but poor play sure is. This team doesn't respond well to adversity and that isn't all that surprising given its youth. I wonder if Miller will just play the freshman for the entire second half. I also wonder what changes, if any, he will make to playing time going forward, after this game.

Another absolutely embarrassingly pitiful performance. Looks like X ought to warm up the bus.

Youth? We have a starting lineup with 2 seniors and 2 juniors?

[Lloyd Braun]

Ok so we spotted them 22 first half points…

Cut it to single digits by the under 4 and ya never know.

[Xville]

I’d like to at least see some fight in the second half and not a complete lay down like the UConn game.

This team is 7-6 in conference with wins against everyone in the middle of this conference, so let’s stop with the team is so bad stuff. It’s bad tonight, but just saying let’s not go overboard.

[Xuperman]

I don't see the posters here yet who think we can make it, but can we shut down the bubble talk now?

XVille is here. Like Jack Torrence at the Overlook Hotel.....he's always been here.

[Section 200]

The fact this team has stayed in the tourney conversation well into February speaks volumes about Sean‘s coaching prowess. This team sucks.

Absolutely- I think it’s likely that Steele would have won less than 5 games with this roster and schedule. Miller was able to hide flaws but playing all teams twice just exposes so much. Glad we have the bye this weekend to regroup

[bjf123]

Ok so we spotted them 22 first half points…

Cut it to single digits by the under 4 and ya never know.

Sounds like I made the right decision to stop watching at 18-4.


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[Xavier]

I’m still here. And I don’t think it’s likely. Team rankings had it at 57% this morning. I think we will go into the last week of season 16-13 and have to win at butler and home to Marquette. Both games (before tonight) were projected to be within 4 points.

Granted tonight was SH -1.5..

[Xville]

Going to see one epic comeback on the road. A man can dream

[Section 200]

That may be technically true but everyone except Dez that plays is new and Dez is a sophomore.

[Xville]

Thank gawd no ousmane or Gytis

[X-band '01]

Best decision of the night to not let Gytis anywhere near the floor. At least Nzeh's getting a chance....

[Xville]

Nzeh has more moves than ousmane has

[nickgyp]

Going to see one epic comeback on the road. A man can dream

Perhaps but I turned it off. May “watch” second via comments on this board. Easier on the eyes.

[X-band '01]

XVille is here. blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.....blah blah blah blah.

Hi

[Xuperman]

When this is all said and in the books.....is the the most disappointing season since the BE reset?

[Xville]

At least the effort is there so far in the 2nd half.

[X-band '01]

At least it was until #50 hit the floor.

[XUGRAD80]

This is mildly embarrassing :spaz:

[Xavier]

When this is all said and in the books.....is the the most disappointing season since the BE reset?

They will be 5th after today, not sure where some of the Steele teams ended. They will likely finish 5th is my guess.

[Xuperman]

This is mildly embarrassing ��

This observation is no where near to reality.

[Xville]

Can they at least cut it to 15 with ten minutes left and make it somewhat of a game? That’s all I’m really asking for at this point

[bleedXblue]

Our entire front court needs an overhaul for next year. Holy

[Xville]

I’d say not making the tourney 4 years in a row is embarrassing. This is a blip

[bleedXblue]

who told Claude that Richmond was a shooter? Seriously WTF is he doing

[bleedXblue]

I’d say not making the tourney 4 years in a row is embarrassing. This is a blip

Do you think next year is going to be much better?

[X-band '01]

Don't throw it to stone hands!

EDIT: Apparently the board doesn't like all caps posts.

[Xville]

Do you think next year is going to be much better?

Yeah why wouldn’t I?

[bleedXblue]

Yeah why wouldn’t I?

Why would you?

[Xville]

Keep fighting guys!

[Xavier]

Yeah why wouldn’t I?

Some people are quick to forget Sean brought X a 3 seed and sweet 16 run last year, while beating UConn twice. Sheesh

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Why would you?

I have to believe that Miller will not let happen, next year, what we've endured this year. I think he will shake things up in the off season via the portal. I also think the career prospects of Abou and Gytis are very limited after tonight.

[Xville]

Why would you?

1.) Our freshmen that are really good will be sophomores.
2.) Claude will have another summer where he can refine his shot
3.) dayvion’s second season in the miller system.
4.) possibly a healthy 1st team all big East back in the front court.
5.) miller will get a frontcourt guy in the portal. The ones we have now were supposed to play behind Jerome and free, then it got to be too late.
6.) miller won’t let this happen with the roster again

[XUBison]

Quincy is still fighting.

[Xavier]

I’m so glad Osman is getting sent a message. Wish he didn’t have to. But it’s long overdue

[Xville]

Can they at least cut it to 15 with ten minutes left and make it somewhat of a game? That’s all I’m really asking for at this point

Ahead of schedule. Keep chipping away and ya never know.

Get it down to 10 at the 8 minute mark

[Xville]

Swain is having a bad game.

Had a few chances to get a rebound and continue to chip away and he didn’t box out

[nickgyp]

“Watching” via this board is just as bad as viewing on the tube.

[X-band '01]

Add that to the list of defensive gaffes. Giving up a drive to a player with one shoe on.

[Xavier]

It’s always hard to really judge when it’s a blow out but we just look much better with Osman on the bench

[nickgyp]

Wearing just one “Chuck”….

[XUBison]

Offense is better, D still sucks.

[Xville]

Should be down 10. Even free throws have been bad on 1:1s tonight

[Xavier]

Back to back misses on front end of 1 and 1. Could’ve been 10 with 6 left

[Xville]

Defense still absolute garbage this half.

[Xville]

It’s always hard to really judge when it’s a blow out but we just look much better with Osman on the bench

Defense is still really bad but o is better. But like you said, may just be hall relaxing a bit

[Xuperman]

“Watching” via this board is just as bad as viewing on the tube.

Yeah,
This combined with the brutal embarrassment at UConn, is beyond anything we have seen in since the BE reset.

[Lloyd Braun]

Maybe try going under the screens for Richmond. I coach 5th graders and can see this… not a great game from players OR coaches today.

[XUBison]

Never in a game we had to have.

[nickgyp]

Well, at least, I haven’t thrown anything at my tablet….

[Xville]

Good night all. Maybe miller can figure something out in a week.

[bleedXblue]

1.) Our freshmen that are really good will be sophomores. Ok be objective. Neither will even sniff all frosh selection.
2.) Claude will have another summer where he can refine his shot. Ok, Ill agree but we lose Oilivari
3.) dayvion’s second season in the miller system. I think hes playing about as good as he can at this level.
4.) possibly a healthy 1st team all big East back in the front court. Ok, but huge question mark around ability for him to play a full season
5.) miller will get a frontcourt guy in the portal. The ones we have now were supposed to play behind Jerome and free, then it got to be too late. Ok, I can agree but we need more than 1 guy
6.) miller won’t let this happen with the roster again Well I sure hope so b/c this past offseason was a toliet flush

[bleedXblue]

Yeah,
This combined with the brutal embarrassment at UConn, is beyond anything we have seen in since the BE reset.

yes thank you for being real and objective

no shows and being out worked is total bullshit

[XUBison]

Maybe we can trade Quincy and his expiring contract for some draft picks.

[nickgyp]

Puzzling that Xavier came out with no intensity in a “must win” situation. The 10 first half turnovers and two points in the first eight minutes; seemed like absolutely no one came ready to play. I guess it happens because it just did. Puzzling.

[xuwillie]

Puzzling that Xavier came out with no intensity in a “must win” situation. The 10 first half turnovers and two points in the first eight minutes; seemed like absolutely no one came ready to play. I guess it happens because it just did. Puzzling.

This is most concerning. Is miller already checking out?! This team would do it to any coach

[paulxu]

At least the front line contributed more than 2 pts like last game. (21)
Of course Ousmane had 0.

[CP05XU08CU13]

This “team” might be the biggest embarrassment to ever wear a Xavier uniform. No heart or desire to get better as the season has progressed. Stupid mistakes and missed opportunities keep recurring. This is just a much a reflection of Sean and his staff as it is on the players. Barring a miracle, this team is not making the NCAA tournament. The #4 spot in the league has been up for grabs for most of the year. Sean gets another year to right the ship or his seat is going to get real hot. Too much money has been invested in him for mediocre results!

[XUBison]

this “team” might be the biggest embarrassment to ever wear a xavier uniform. No heart or desire to get better as the season has progressed. Stupid mistakes and missed opportunities keep recurring. This is just a much a reflection of sean and his staff as it is on the players. Barring a miracle, this team is not making the ncaa tournament. The #4 spot in the rleague has been up for grabs for most of the year. Sean gets another year to right the ship or his seat is going to get real hot. Too much money has been invested in him for mediocre results!

lol. Hyperbole much?

[xuwillie]

Lack of defense is what concerns me the most. Have the players given up for a reason or are the coaches not as prepared? Sean miller teams would usually always play hard

[Xville]

Lack of defense is what concerns me the most. Have the players given up for a reason or are the coaches not as prepared? Sean miller teams would usually always play hard

Sean has mentioned a few times and insinuated that this team won’t go to the level that is required in the big East. I think for most it’s probably because they are freshmen or first year players in this conference. Some are just too damn skinny and need to find a weight room.

[xuwillie]

Sean has mentioned a few times and insinuated that this team won’t go to the level that is required in the big East. I think for most it’s probably because they are freshmen or first year players in this conference. Some are just too damn skinny and need to find a weight room.

Hope that’s is but seems like our D is getting worse as the season goes when you’d think it should be getting better . Marquette will put a hundo on this team twice

[CP05XU08CU13]

lol. Hyperbole much?

Yes, very much so. Sorry I am not content with mediocrity. I like winners!

[drudy23]

Not much to say vs. what was obvious.

- defense was atrocious, and it's become a pattern in the paint. where did the gaping middle come from all of a sudden?
- lazar - didn't expect him to be lauri markennan, but man, getting nothing from him for the entire season wasn't in the plan
- roller coaster claude - two steps forward, one step back
- turnovers

[drudy23]

This “team” might be the biggest embarrassment to ever wear a Xavier uniform. No heart or desire to get better as the season has progressed. Stupid mistakes and missed opportunities keep recurring. This is just a much a reflection of Sean and his staff as it is on the players. Barring a miracle, this team is not making the NCAA tournament. The #4 spot in the league has been up for grabs for most of the year. Sean gets another year to right the ship or his seat is going to get real hot. Too much money has been invested in him for mediocre results!

That's funny.

[CP05XU08CU13]

That's funny.

Primarily just venting tonight over another poor performance. I know Sean and company are not going anywhere unless they choose to do so.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think part of the problem were the posters who insisted that X was still "in the conversation" for the tournament. Like I posted, it is possible I get a date with Kate Beckinsale but reality is a tad different. You don't lose two 5th year senior frontcourt players for the year and expect anything better than what we are seeing. Also, this a team of transfers and freshmen who have zero idea what it's like in the Big East. Only Claude knows and his experience is like 10mpg. Frankly, I am impressed because I believe they finish 10-10 which is 4 games better than I voted.

The "I like winners" guy, good lord if you like winners so much put your money in NIL and Sean might have gotten Hunter Dickenson. It's also just a game that students at your school. Just because X is losing games and playing to mediocre results in no is a reflection on you as a person. You didn't play the game. It drives me nuts when people boast like they played and they won the game. Xavier losing sucks and it's a bummer, but it does not affect your life other than watching a loss. That is the sum total of it.

[XU 23]

Welp.

[American X]

From ashes your season once came and to ashes it returns. Does watching this game cover all of Lenten penance?

Did Paul Scruggs give Dailyn Swain a pep talk on how to throw the ball directly to the other team? I guess we know why he does not get 30 minutes, they don't allow 9 fouls a game.

All we have to do now is win at Butler and beat Marquette twice.

[Xville]

I think part of the problem were the posters who insisted that X was still "in the conversation" for the tournament. Like I posted, it is possible I get a date with Kate Beckinsale but reality is a tad different. You don't lose two 5th year senior frontcourt players for the year and expect anything better than what we are seeing. Also, this a team of transfers and freshmen who have zero idea what it's like in the Big East. Only Claude knows and his experience is like 10mpg. Frankly, I am impressed because I believe they finish 10-10 which is 4 games better than I voted.

The "I like winners" guy, good lord if you like winners so much put your money in NIL and Sean might have gotten Hunter Dickenson. It's also just a game that students at your school. Just because X is losing games and playing to mediocre results in no is a reflection on you as a person. You didn't play the game. It drives me nuts when people boast like they played and they won the game. Xavier losing sucks and it's a bummer, but it does not affect your life other than watching a loss. That is the sum total of it.

X was still in the conversation. Had they won last night, they would have been 4th in the big East and probably finished with at least a 12-8 record. That gets them in. Last night negated that, but it doesn’t take away their standing before the game.

I now think the team wins 10-11 which sucks because had they just not lost two buy games that still gets them in. Turning into a season of what ifs… hopefully miller gets two solid portal guys and free/hunter are fully healthy at some point next year.

[XUGRAD80]

From ashes your season once came and to ashes it returns. Does watching this game cover all of Lenten penance?

Did Paul Scruggs give Dailyn Swain a pep talk on how to throw the ball directly to the other team? I guess we know why he does not get 30 minutes, they don't allow 9 fouls a game.

All we have to do now is win at Butler and beat Marquette twice.


Nothing to it, right? LOL

[XUGRAD80]

I think part of the problem were the posters who insisted that X was still "in the conversation" for the tournament. Like I posted, it is possible I get a date with Kate Beckinsale but reality is a tad different. You don't lose two 5th year senior frontcourt players for the year and expect anything better than what we are seeing. Also, this a team of transfers and freshmen who have zero idea what it's like in the Big East. Only Claude knows and his experience is like 10mpg. Frankly, I am impressed because I believe they finish 10-10 which is 4 games better than I voted.

The "I like winners" guy, good lord if you like winners so much put your money in NIL and Sean might have gotten Hunter Dickenson. It's also just a game that students at your school. Just because X is losing games and playing to mediocre results in no is a reflection on you as a person. You didn't play the game. It drives me nuts when people boast like they played and they won the game. Xavier losing sucks and it's a bummer, but it does not affect your life other than watching a loss. That is the sum total of it.


Have to agree with this 100%. Even the people that DID play the game realize that they aren’t doing it anymore. How THIS team performs is no reflection on anything from the past. Nor does it reflect on anyone from the past or anyone that isn’t currently on the roster. We watched X lose. They are having a tough year. Maybe they haven’t developed like we thought they might. Maybe they will have some different people on next years team than we thought they might earlier in the season. But life goes on. There’s another game coming up. Sure it would make March a lot more fun if we saw X playing the tournament and making it into the 2nd weekend or beyond, but if that doesn’t happen it’s not the end of the world for most. It shouldn’t be the end of the world for anyone.

[Blue Blooded-05]

At this point I feel bad for Quincy Olivari.

The guy has proven he’s capable of contributing anywhere. In his final chance to make the dance, he chose a program with a proven track record, a proven coach and team returning core of Free, Hunter & Claude. McKnight committed just prior to his announcement. While Ousmane committed shortly after him, I’m sure he knew he was coming and he certainly knew who he was given their CUSA ties. Throw in promising freshmen in Swain and Green, and you have a solid 8-man rotation that could be contending for a 4 or 5 seed right now.

Life can be unfair. He deserved better.

[Xville]

At this point I feel bad for Quincy Olivari.

The guy has proven he’s capable of contributing anywhere. In his final chance to make the dance, he chose a program with a proven track record, a proven coach and team returning core of Free, Hunter & Claude. McKnight committed just prior to his announcement. While Ousmane committed shortly after him, I’m sure he knew he was coming and he certainly knew who he was given their CUSA ties. Throw in promising freshmen in Swain and Green, and you have a solid 8-man rotation that could be contending for a 4 or 5 seed right now.

Life can be unfair. He deserved better.

Agreed, not just as a basketball player but as a human being. He is someone that deserves to experience March madness. Obviously nothing in life is given and it can be unfair but man he doesn’t deserve this mediocrity.

[webxu]

I think part of the problem were the posters who insisted that X was still "in the conversation" for the tournament. Like I posted, it is possible I get a date with Kate Beckinsale but reality is a tad different. You don't lose two 5th year senior frontcourt players for the year and expect anything better than what we are seeing. Also, this a team of transfers and freshmen who have zero idea what it's like in the Big East. Only Claude knows and his experience is like 10mpg. Frankly, I am impressed because I believe they finish 10-10 which is 4 games better than I voted.

The "I like winners" guy, good lord if you like winners so much put your money in NIL and Sean might have gotten Hunter Dickenson. It's also just a game that students at your school. Just because X is losing games and playing to mediocre results in no is a reflection on you as a person. You didn't play the game. It drives me nuts when people boast like they played and they won the game. Xavier losing sucks and it's a bummer, but it does not affect your life other than watching a loss. That is the sum total of it.

Throw in losing Logan Duncomb also from the frontcourt, not sure Sean was counting on him contributing a ton, but i am sure he could have given us some more than were seeing most nights down low..

[Xville]

Have to agree with this 100%. Even the people that DID play the game realize that they aren’t doing it anymore. How THIS team performs is no reflection on anything from the past. Nor does it reflect on anyone from the past or anyone that isn’t currently on the roster. We watched X lose. They are having a tough year. Maybe they haven’t developed like we thought they might. Maybe they will have some different people on next years team than we thought they might earlier in the season. But life goes on. There’s another game coming up. Sure it would make March a lot more fun if we saw X playing the tournament and making it into the 2nd weekend or beyond, but if that doesn’t happen it’s not the end of the world for most. It shouldn’t be the end of the world for anyone.

Agreed. Not to make this the political thread but 9 kids just got shot… people can’t even enjoy a Super Bowl celebration anymore and here locally 1400 kids just got their blessings in a backpack taken away because of some school baloney so I’m trying to help with that. I’d like for Xavier basketball to be good, but in the grand scheme of things, it means very little.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

So, now where does Miller go from here? Kachi and Sasa got minutes last night and I'd give them more from here on out. Ciani has improved a bit over the season but neither Abou nor Gytis have. One of the most interesting aspects of last night was that even when Miller was giving the freshman minutes in the second half, Lazar stayed stuck on the bench. What does that say? The guy who was touted as the "second best player on the team" at the beginning of the year, got zero minutes. I think I saw him once during the game but the box score gives him nothing. Anyway, what the hell happened with Lazar this year? At this point, I'd give him minutes to see what we have for next year but Miller not putting him in seems to me to be a sign of something more serious. Pure speculation on my part, but I think Lazar is out of here at season end.

And even if Hunter and Free come back as the old selves next year (something I'll believe when I see) I don't see room on this roster for Gytis and Abou. I feel for them both but I don't see Big East level talent in either. I will always remember that early play last night with Abou dribbling the ball, slowly backing in from twenty feet out, only to throw up a completely comical shot attempt. It was a horrible sign of things to come.

[A Fan]

Others may not understand your reference to Blessings in a Backpack which is a charitable initiative in Jefferson County Kentucky Schools to give kids take- home meals for the weekend since they would not otherwise be fed.Their funding has been reduced so 1400 kids will now go home with an empty backpack. It is relevant to the Final2% thread since that it also a charity seeking to compensate basketball players for their NIL value. It all comes down to values.

[XU 23]

Dropped 8 spots in the NET after that. Still at 58 which is surprisingly high. It is only fair for the top 68 teams in NET to be the field this year in my totally unbiased opinion.

[Xville]

So, now where does Miller go from here? Kachi and Sasa got minutes last night and I'd give them more from here on out. Ciani has improved a bit over the season but neither Abou nor Gytis have. One of the most interesting aspects of last night was that even when Miller was giving the freshman minutes in the second half, Lazar stayed stuck on the bench. What does that say? The guy who was touted as the "second best player on the team" at the beginning of the year, got zero minutes. I think I saw him once during the game but the box score gives him nothing. Anyway, what the hell happened with Lazar this year? At this point, I'd give him minutes to see what we have for next year but Miller not putting him in seems to me to be a sign of something more serious. Pure speculation on my part, but I think Lazar is out of here at season end.

And even if Hunter and Free come back as the old selves next year (something I'll believe when I see) I don't see room on this roster for Gytis and Abou. I feel for them both but I don't see Big East level talent in either. I will always remember that early play last night with Abou dribbling the ball, slowly backing in from twenty feet out, only to throw up a completely comical shot attempt. It was a horrible sign of things to come.

Great questions.

First off with Abou. I don't know how the conversations went with him to get him to commit to X, but at the end of the season, I'd think Miller would tell him that he's going to be a backup next year ,and if he doesn't like it, he should find another place to play. Of course you say it nicer than that, but that should be the gist of it. You have the same conversation with Gytis. Absolutely 100% have to get a five that is Big East Level. To me that's priority #1, even before replacing Olivari imo.

As far as the next game, I think Abou should start on the bench, and either Ciani or Nzeh start. Heck maybe start them together and see what happens. Nzeh has earned some minutes, and I don't see a drop off in the frontcourt with those guys over Abou for the last several games, so lets go with it.

[drudy23]

After seeing how active and athletic Nzeh can be last night, not sure how it took this long. He's not setting the world on fire, but has similar skill level and brings a more athletic big to the table. Doesn't seem to be a downgrade.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

After seeing how active and athletic Nzeh can be last night, not sure how it took this long. He's not setting the world on fire, but has similar skill level and brings a more athletic big to the table. Doesn't seem to be a downgrade.

I think the idea is that Ousmane should be tougher and smarter down low both defensively and offensively. Seeing that makes me understand more about his circumstance last year. Did he not play for "personal reasons" in the NIT for North Texas?

Without some low post presence, it allows the defense to focus entirely on keeping our guards out of the lane and tightly defended on the perimeter.

[Xavier]

After seeing how active and athletic Nzeh can be last night, not sure how it took this long. He's not setting the world on fire, but has similar skill level and brings a more athletic big to the table. Doesn't seem to be a downgrade.

I thought he definitely looked like he deserved more of a shot. He did look like he was getting a little lost on D but his athleticism made up for it. Our offense is based on movement and big screening at the top to give driving lanes. Last night was the first pick and role to the hoop olly oop play all year. It was open a couple more times, too. Feel like that threat alone helps open things up.

I also think Ciani has shown the best touch, good passer and decent footwork. Feel like both of them could’ve seen more time.