BE Tournament Game Thread: Xavier v Butler (3/13/2024)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/TeoAAOSw101fsFoH/s-l200.jpg

NEW YORK --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 15-16 overall and 9-11 in the BIG EAST Conference, open BIG EAST Conference Tournament play on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Madison Square Garden vs. the Butler University Bulldogs, 18-13 overall and 9-11 in the BIG EAST. Butler, which has been off since hosting Xavier on March 6, is the No. 8 seed and Xavier is the No. 9 seed. XU is coming off an 86-80 loss on Saturday to No. 8 Marquette, which will be the No. 3 seed at MSG.

Xavier and Butler, which split the two regular season meetings this season, have also split four all-time meetings in BIG EAST Tournament play.

THE MATCHUP

NO. 9 SEED XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (15-16, 9-11 BIG EAST)
NO. 8 SEED BUTLER UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS (18-13, 9-11 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024 AT 4:00 P.M. ET
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NEW YORK

TV, RADIO AND LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Tim Brando and analysis from Bill Raftery. Sideline reporter is Kristina Pink.
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).


Xavier Athletic Hall of Famer J.P. Macura, who was a key member of XU's 2018 BIG EAST Regular Season Champions, will be honored during the Butler game as part of the BIG EAST Basketball Legends Program. XU's 2018 team earned an NCAA No. 1 seed.

[Xville]

X -1

I’ll take ending butler’s season in exchange for another beat down by UConn. Let’s get it done!

[murray87]

If X pulls off a miracle and wins the BE tourney, I wonder what seed they'd put us in as? 10 or 11?

[JTG]

If X pulls off a miracle and wins the BE tourney, I wonder what seed they'd put us in as? 10 or 11?

Dayton play in for sure.

[drudy23]

Win please.

[drudy23]

Dayton play in for sure.

Pretty sure they wouldn't do that if we won the auto bid. That only happens for 16 seeds (which is pretty unfair honestly). The 4 play-in games should be non-conference tournament champions on the bubble.

[GoMuskies]

Pretty sure they wouldn't do that if we won the auto bid.

They wouldn't because they couldn't. As you say, play-ins are for at-larges only....unless they decided we were one of the worst 16 seeds.

[GoMuskies]

Getting nervous for no real reason here. March.

[Xavier]

Do I think X has a chance against Uconn? Hell no. Do I want to hope it’s an everything goes right type game and we pull off an upset? Yes.

Beat butler and give me a few more hours to dream

[Xville]

lets get this done then worry about tomorrow. F butler...send them home!

[Xville]

djokovic finally starting to look comfortable out there. Wish the guards would have fed him the ball a few times that he was open to get some more confidence offensively.

[noteggs]

Abou reminds me of the receiver who looks to run before he catches the ball. Strong hands when rebounding but terrible when catching it in the interior

[XUBob]

Abou has cost X six points because he can’t catch.

[Xville]

Abou reminds me of the receiver who looks to run before he catches the ball. Strong hands when rebounding but terrible when catching it in the interior

I'm pretty tired of him. He just looks awkward and uncoordinated most of the time. Djokovic filled in decently at the 5. I think X is better with a Djokovic/Nzeh mix at that position at this point.

[Xville]

claude came to play!

[Xville]

a lid on the rim from 3...What was Q doing? Now probably has to sit the rest of the half.

[noteggs]

Get him back in. 7-0 run since he left

[Xville]

8 turnovers in 14 minutes. not a recipe for success

[GoMuskies]

Olivari is drunk.

[American X]

Speaking of drunk, Ousmane dribbling, shooting and passing from top of the key is just what this team has been missing.

[Xville]

Claude came to play, anyone else wanna join him?

[GoMuskies]

These are two very equally matched, shitty teams.

[Xville]

playing decent. If X can make just a few threes in the 2nd half, they win.

[noteggs]

Speaking of drunk, Ousmane dribbling, shooting and passing from top of the key is just what this team has been missing.

Don’t forget moving screens and fouling

[Xville]

These are two very equally matched, shitty teams.

Shitty might be harsh..I'd go with mediocre :)

[GoMuskies]

Ousmane is not coming back, right? He is very bad.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Ousmane is not coming back, right? He is very bad.

Please Abou. Please, please, please do not come back next year. Please.

[American X]

UConn must be quaking in fear at facing either of these teams.

[Xville]

Ousmane is not coming back, right? He is very bad.

Geez I wouldn't think so...I'd ride with Djokovic and Nzeh has the backups once we get the legitimate 5 in the portal.

[GoMuskies]

Can someone help Claude please? He's been amazing.

[GoMuskies]

Watching the first half I was thinking how much better we'd be if Claude could shoot even a little bit...and then I realized: thank GOD he can't shoot, because if he could he'd be off to the NBA ASAP, and next year would shape up as a complete disaster.

So hopefully he learns to shoot this summer. Glad he didn't last summer.

[KabeX]

Watched the 1st half in an Uber (Orlando). Only one almost silent F Bomb. Don't think my driver heard it. She was very nice. Our freakin outside shooting is anything but. Beat these annoying little F'ers and give me another day please.

[MHettel]

Please Abou. Please, please, please do not come back next year. Please.

Ouch!

[UCGRAD4X]

WTF was that Des?

[GoMuskies]

4 threes in a row?!? Who are these guys?

[Xville]

Q and Djokovic both got fouled there but ya know whatever

[Xville]

Time for q to start hitting the law of averages now.

[GoMuskies]

They are pounding us down low. Hope we can figure something out to slow them down.

[GoMuskies]

Ousmane having as much offensive freedom as he does is a major black mark on Miller's coaching.

[Xville]

This team is beyond frustrating

[GoMuskies]

Olivari sobered up at halftime.

[GoMuskies]

This team is beyond frustrating

Relevant

[noteggs]

Guess BOC went back to 2022 charge calls. Couldn’t help himself because he missed the old days

[GoMuskies]

Olivari drunk again.

[Xville]

Olivari made some really bad decisions there. A pass to Claude for a layup and x is up 5. Instead shoots a run out 3.

[GoMuskies]

Foul the 97% FT shooter. Great.

[GoMuskies]

Telfort needs to miss a FT. Please.

[KabeX]

Well here we go again - down to the wire with those annoying ... just win this damn it.

[noteggs]

First don’t foul. Second never Davis

[xukeith]

This is stressful!

Hunter and Freemantle would improve but not by a ton IMO.

[Xville]

That Claude guy is pretty good. Can we close that stupid thread now?

[Xville]

This is stressful!

Hunter and Freemantle would improve but not by a ton IMO.

Considering our bigs have 8 pts tonight and that’s probably above average for this season, I disagree. We are missing about 26 points a game from
Them and good d by hunter

[GoMuskies]

McKnight killing

[Xville]

Boom goes the dynamite! F butler.

[noteggs]

That Claude guy is pretty good. Can we close that stupid thread now?

Way way overdue!

[GoMuskies]

Please hit FTs.

[GoMuskies]

Son of a bitch.

[Xville]

Come on clock!

[GoMuskies]

What the fuck

[Xville]

Dayvion wtf man. Two dumb mistakes in a span of two seconds

[GoMuskies]

What the fuck again.

Should be ours. Probably. Maybe.

[Xville]

Think it’s out on butler…right finger touched it at the end

[xukeith]

Agree. But not conclusive I guess

[GoMuskies]

This team is beyond frustrating

Still

[Xville]

What???? His fucking finger moves backwards at the end. Did a ghost do that?

[GoMuskies]

Winner! Let's shoot 75% tomorrow

[HenryMuto]

Almost threw that one away but the steal to seal the deal.
Survive and Advance only need to beat UCONN next!

[Xville]

Yeah buddy!!! Go home butler. We have the right to get ruff rided by UConn!! Woot woot

[KabeX]

Go home whiny bitch$es!

[bjf123]

Looks like I’m betting on UConn tomorrow. I bet against X and we win. You’re welcome.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xville]

Ya never know. Maybe x plays their best game all year and UConn comes out with their d game and we pull it out!

[drudy23]

If X can find a way tomorrow, Friday is very winnable. We're due for a "everything goes right" game.

Find a way!

[D-West & PO-Z]

djokovic finally starting to look comfortable out there. Wish the guards would have fed him the ball a few times that he was open to get some more confidence offensively.

If there is any silver lining to swain and Ciani injuries, it’s Lazar getting extended run and showing some improvements as a springboard to next year. He has the most potential by far of the Euros and I think he sticks around.

[Masterofreality]

As I said before the season, while some idiots on here scoffed at me…
Butler abjectly sucks, did not make the Thursday Bracket in NY, will not make the Dance, and Thad Beaknose Matta is a poser.
Never doubt the Masterofreality.
And if you do? F you..
(I’m drunk and happy at MSG)

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

If there is any silver lining to swain and Ciani injuries, it’s Lazar getting extended run and showing some improvements as a springboard to next year. He has the most potential by far of the Euros and I think he sticks around.

He does show some athleticism and earlier in the season, it appeared to me that he was fighting Miller and trying to play a different role than the one in which he has now settled. He wanted, it seemed, to stay outside, throw up threes and avoid the dirty work underneath. I was pretty sure he was going to leave at season end but now I'm not so certain.

I don't think he's a huge contributor next year as he needs to get stronger and become way better defensively. But I think he'll improve over this year. I hope we don't need a lot of minutes from him next year because I'm counting on the return of Free and Hunter and the addition of a quality "5". I'm going to slit my wrists if we have to rely on Abou next year.

[Xville]

He does show some athleticism and earlier in the season, it appeared to me that he was fighting Miller and trying to play a different role than the one in which he has now settled. He wanted, it seemed, to stay outside, throw up threes and avoid the dirty work underneath. I was pretty sure he was going to leave at season end but now I'm not so certain.

I don't think he's a huge contributor next year as he needs to get stronger and become way better defensively. But I think he'll improve over this year. I hope we don't need a lot of minutes from him next year because I'm counting on the return of Free and Hunter and the addition of a quality "5". I'm going to slit my wrists if we have to rely on Abou next year.

I’m hoping he is a backup to free and whoever is the legit 5 next year and learns/develops from them and due to that is able to become a big time starter/contributor his junior year.

[drudy23]

Hunter had a heart attack and blew out his achilles. There's no chance he comes back 100% as the Jerome we know. Few people do.

Doesn't mean he can't contribute at some point, but that rehab is grueling, both physically and mentally.

[Xavier]

I'm going to slit my wrists if we have to rely on Abou next year.

If he does come back, and see decent minutes, there is a chance we might see him pass the ball out of the paint for the first time. It does not matter the situation, how many guys are on him, if he’s out of control, etc etc…..every time he has the ball even close to the paint it’s going up.

Agreed with drudy, hunter is a wild card.

[MHettel]

If there is any silver lining to swain and Ciani injuries, it’s Lazar getting extended run and showing some improvements as a springboard to next year. He has the most potential by far of the Euros and I think he sticks around.

2 points on 1-5 shooting with zero FT attempts? In 33 minutes.

That qualifies as showing some improvement? “By far” the most potential?

[Xville]

2 points on 1-5 shooting with zero FT attempts? In 33 minutes.

That qualifies as showing some improvement? “By far” the most potential?

Do you watch the games? I’m seriously starting to question if you do. There are other aspects of the game than shooting percentage. Miller wouldn’t have had him play 33 minutes if he wasn’t playing really well. Plus, it’s not crazy to understand that he has the most potential of the euros.

[drudy23]

2 points on 1-5 shooting with zero FT attempts? In 33 minutes.

That qualifies as showing some improvement? “By far” the most potential?

He had a disappointing year.

But you can see the potential. Cmon, you know you can. It doesn't mean it will pan out, but he's been much better these last couple games.

He played 33 minutes. That alone shows he's making strides.

[D-West & PO-Z]

2 points on 1-5 shooting with zero FT attempts? In 33 minutes.

That qualifies as showing some improvement? “By far” the most potential?

Byron and Joe were singing his praises as a huge part of winning the game today with Miller (assistant Miller) on the phone during the post game.

He was the second leading rebounder and passed well with 3 assists.

Maybe since college basketball is ruined you don’t watch the games anymore and only look at box scores? Not sure, but that could explain it.

There are 2 other Euros, one is a junior who can barely see the floor even with the injuries to Ciani and Swain and the other is Ciani who I do think shows some promise but in a much more limited way than Lazar. I don’t think it’s even remotely a stretch to think Lazar has the most upside.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Hunter had a heart attack and blew out his achilles. There's no chance he comes back 100% as the Jerome we know. Few people do.

Doesn't mean he can't contribute at some point, but that rehab is grueling, both physically and mentally.

Yeah you're probably right. I'm thinking we have three big needs in the portal. We've got to get a "5". A real one who we can count on to score, rebound, pass and play defense. We need to replace Olivari and we need a backup plan for Hunter. Given what happened at the end of last summer, we just cannot assume that Hunter (or for that matter, Free) are going to come back and play at their former levels. That's a minimum of three starters (or high minute contributors). Then we've got to replace the guys leaving. I'd like to see Ciani and Lazar stick around, get better and contribute more next year. But I do not think we can count on either for big production so we shouldn't kid ourselves and miss the opportunity to further improve this team, via the portal, now when we can.

Miller has lots of work to do starting very soon.

[MHettel]

He had a disappointing year.

But you can see the potential. Cmon, you know you can. It doesn't mean it will pan out, but he's been much better these last couple games.

He played 33 minutes. That alone shows he's making strides.

So swain and Ciani not being available has nothing to do with him getting 33 minutes?

[Xavier]

So swain and Ciani not being available has nothing to do with him getting 33 minutes?

Did a different cianni come in when we had foul trouble late in first half? (At some point he played. Thought he came in after Osman had two quick fouls, but not sure when.)

[MHettel]

Byron and Joe were singing his praises as a huge part of winning the game today with Miller (assistant Miller) on the phone during the post game.

He was the second leading rebounder and passed well with 3 assists.

Maybe since college basketball is ruined you don’t watch the games anymore and only look at box scores? Not sure, but that could explain it.

There are 2 other Euros, one is a junior who can barely see the floor even with the injuries to Ciani and Swain and the other is Ciani who I do think shows some promise but in a much more limited way than Lazar. I don’t think it’s even remotely a stretch to think Lazar has the most upside.

Lazar is shooting 33% from the field, 24% from 3, and 59% from the line. He’s got 19 assists and 24 turnovers on the year. He been awful offensively on a team desperate for offense from the frontcourt.

I don’t see the potential in Lazar. We will know soon enough if the coaches want to keep him around. And if he does stay, how much rope does he get next year.

This team has been BAD this year, and he’s one of the worst performers on the team.

[MHettel]

Did a different cianni come in when we had foul trouble late in first half? (At some point he played. Thought he came in after Osman had two quick fouls, but not sure when.)

Ciani played 1 minute. He hurt his leg several days ago and hasn’t see. The court in 15 days.

So I’m connecting the dots by assuming that since the last time he played he got removed due to injury that the injury has been the reason for the SHARP decline in his minutes. If you want to assume that Lazar has just moved ahead of him in the rotation, then I guess that’s your prerogative. I can actually buy an argument that Nzeh was ahead of Ciani for now.

[drudy23]

Lazar is shooting 33% from the field, 24% from 3, and 59% from the line. He’s got 19 assists and 24 turnovers on the year. He been awful offensively on a team desperate for offense from the frontcourt.

I don’t see the potential in Lazar. We will know soon enough if the coaches want to keep him around. And if he does stay, how much rope does he get next year.

This team has been BAD this year, and he’s one of the worst performers on the team.

I don't think anyone is saying he's the guy for next year. Just that he's shown some promise the last few games. Enough to see where it takes him.

If Miller wants to bring in a stud transfer where Lazar is a back-up, fine by me (and likely everyone here). If he's our best post guy still next year, then I'll be concerned.

[Xavier]

I actually do think he jumped him. Just feels like the offense flows slightly better with him out there. But I can agree the injury probably played more into him getting more time, both in practice and on the court. Ciani showed some slight potential this season then took a dip. IMO.

Reason I like Djokovic ceiling more is he is more athletic, moves much better, and his stroke looks good even if it hasn’t fallen much. Ciani showed a few things, the best passing big IMO. But slowed considerably, Nzeh definitely jumped him.

[Xville]

I don't think anyone is saying he's the guy for next year. Just that he's shown some promise the last few games. Enough to see where it takes him.

If Miller wants to bring in a stud transfer where Lazar is a back-up, fine by me (and likely everyone here). If he's our best post guy still next year, then I'll be concerned.

Agreed! I’ll add If people really don’t see the potential in lazar, then they don’t know basketball, period end of story. He is athletic, he is big and he can run the floor. Not saying he is going to be all big East next year, but his ceiling is there which is more than can be said for the rest of the “big” men currently on the team.

I suspect miller and staff want to keep him around and he will be backup next year with the potential to be a starter at the four his junior year. Not saying he will be, but he’s got the tools, he just needs to be molded and develop.

[drudy23]

IMO, he's exactly the type of player that Sean could mold into a very good player by the time he leaves here (assuming he stays).

These are the type of developmental projects that have been Xavier's hallmark, you just don't see it as often anymore in the current climate of college basketball.

On typical Xavier teams, often ones that are much better, he could have developed around a core of older players. He doesn't have that luxury with this squad.

[X-band '01]

As I said before the season, while some idiots on here scoffed at me…
Butler abjectly sucks, did not make the Thursday Bracket in NY, will not make the Dance, and Thad Beaknose Matta is a poser.
Never doubt the Masterofreality.
And if you do? F you..
(I’m drunk and happy at MSG)

If you're drunk, I hate to imagine the three posters on here right now trying to show off who has the biggest Internet penis on the board.

[MHettel]

Agreed! I’ll add If people really don’t see the potential in lazar, then they don’t know basketball, period end of story. He is athletic, he is big and he can run the floor.

.

I always love reading your asshat preface before you attempt to make a point.

“Anyone that knows anything about basketball disagrees with you”

Or

“Well, the coaches all disagree with you”

And now, “if you don’t see the potential, the. You don’t know anything”

Honestly, if you have a solid argument just make it.

It’s very desperate to try to just appeal to some “authority” to make your point.

By the way, I really like the “athletic, big and can run the floor” observation. Reminds me of Dionte Miles. Or Jeff Robinson. Or any number of other guys that also sucked at basketball

[D-West & PO-Z]

I always love reading your asshat preface before you attempt to make a point.

“Anyone that knows anything about basketball disagrees with you”

Or

“Well, the coaches all disagree with you”

And now, “if you don’t see the potential, the. You don’t know anything”

Honestly, if you have a solid argument just make it.

It’s very desperate to try to just appeal to some “authority” to make your point.

By the way, I really like the “athletic, big and can run the floor” observation. Reminds me of Dionte Miles. Or Jeff Robinson. Or any number of other guys that also sucked at basketball

Dionte Miles was a stiff who could barely control his body. If you think he was athletic, maybe you don't know anything about basketball. Kenny Frease looked like Lebron in terms of athleticism compared to Dionte Miles.

[Xavier]

Yeah. Athletic bigs who can run the floor are definitely not something you want when looking at potential. I think you’re doing this on purpose lol.

[noteggs]

If you're drunk, I hate to imagine the three posters on here right now trying to show off who has the biggest Internet penis on the board.

Okay that is freaking hilarious and pub reps!

Well truth be told, rumor has it mine is bigger…

[Xville]

I always love reading your asshat preface before you attempt to make a point.

“Anyone that knows anything about basketball disagrees with you”

Or

“Well, the coaches all disagree with you”

And now, “if you don’t see the potential, the. You don’t know anything”

Honestly, if you have a solid argument just make it.

It’s very desperate to try to just appeal to some “authority” to make your point.

By the way, I really like the “athletic, big and can run the floor” observation. Reminds me of Dionte Miles. Or Jeff Robinson. Or any number of other guys that also sucked at basketball

Yeah weird that I’d take the opinion of our coaches over some anonymous poster on the internet’s opinion who consistently gets things wrong but then double and triples down.

[Xville]

Yeah. Athletic bigs who can run the floor are definitely not something you want when looking at potential. I think you’re doing this on purpose lol.

I think he’s just that clueless. We are talking about someone who has questioned miller’s ability to coach.

[Xavier]

I think he’s just that clueless. We are talking about someone who has questioned miller’s ability to coach.

Which is so bizarre. All millers success is simply because he had more talent than others. (Which….is a big part of being a good coach. Lol). And says last year success was a “loaded” roster. It was maybe 7 deep. That never finished higher than 6th in the Big East..

Difference of opinion, I guess. No need to derail the thread. Let’s focus on how athletic bigs than can run the floor isn’t something X should be looking for

[MHettel]

I think he’s just that clueless. We are talking about someone who has questioned miller’s ability to coach.

Yeah. Me and the Arizona AD.

[Xville]

Yeah. Me and the Arizona AD.

lol

1.) that’s not why miller was let go at ua but you already knew that and

2.) you mean this ad? lol https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/2024/01/23/arizona-wildcats-ad-dave-heeke-fired/

[MHettel]

lol

1.) that’s not why miller was let go at ua but you already knew that and

2.) you mean this ad? lol https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/2024/01/23/arizona-wildcats-ad-dave-heeke-fired/

Oh, I must have missed something. Please do let me know why Miller was fired.

[GoMuskies]

To be fair, Miller probably would have been given more grace by Arizona if his last three teams didn't kinda suck. His firing was a compliance thing for sure, but there was on on court performance element to it, too.