Game Thread: Xavier v. South Carolina (11/25/2024)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://mascothalloffame.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SC-1-e1678981618678.jpg

FORT MYERS, FLA. --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 5-0, take on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, 3-2, on Monday night at 8:30 p.m. in the Fort Myers Tip-Off at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Michigan and Virginia Tech play in the first game of that night's doubleheader.

Xavier will play five of its next seven games away from Cintas Center, starting with the South Carolina game. XU plays either Michigan or Virginia Tech on Nov. 27, at TCU on Dec. 5, at Cincinnati on Dec. 14 and its BIG EAST opener at UConn on Dec. 18. XU, which has home games on Dec. 1 vs. South Carolina State and Dec. 10 vs. Morgan State, is third among "others receiving votes" in the latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll (11-18-24) and second among "others receiving votes" in the USA Today Sports Coaches Poll (11-18-24).

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (5-0, 0-0 BIG EAST)
SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS (3-2, 0-0 SEC)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024 AT 8:30 PM ET
AT THE SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION ARENA, FT MYERS, FL

BROADCAST AND LIVE STATS INFORMATION

TV/Stream: FS1 with Jeff Levering and Donny Marshall on the call.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW 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 available on the Varsity Network and on Sirius XM.

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

[94GRAD]

Paul, who are you rooting for? :spaz::spaz::spaz:

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFF

Cocks do have some fine cheerleaders though.

[Three Point Pete]

Well, I'll say it again: Wake played atrocious ball, so I can't make any further evaluation.
I think that it will be interesting to watch Swain match up with their 6'8" slasher, Zach Davis. It's time to make basketball fun again!

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[Xavier]

The line is X-6.5. Honestly thought it would be closer to 9. 6.5 is just closer than expected for a game I don’t except to have any trouble with.

[UCGRAD4X]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFF

Cocks do have some fine cheerleaders though.

better than the other way around...

[GoMuskies]

Didn't SC think they were going to get Miller two years ago?

SC is massive.

Free with 2 is not ideal.

[noteggs]

Yes they did

[Xville]

Time to step up hugley

[GoMuskies]

Well, we appear to be horrendous with Free out.

[noteggs]

Great start. Now so much

[GoMuskies]

Hugley appears to be bad.

[Xville]

Good job hugley. Geezus that was a horrible couple minutes.

[bjf123]

13-0 SC run and two fouls on both Fremantle and Hugley. That ain’t good.


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[Three Point Pete]

Man, there's a lid on the basket!

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[GoMuskies]

So Sean, what is it you would say we try to do on offense?

[Xville]

Lots of passing around the perimeter and then throwing up an awkward three.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

8.5 mins and all three bigs have fouls. What is going on?

[noteggs]

13-0 SC run and two fouls on both Fremantle and Hugley. That ain’t good.


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And without SC’s starting center

[GoMuskies]

Free is never allowed to come out again.

[Xville]

That’s better :) . Still would like to see the ball move more toward the basket in the half court offense though.

[GoMuskies]

Poor Hugley just doesn't belong in a game like this.

[waggy]

Poor Hugley just doesn't belong in a game like this.

Well apparently he wont be for long.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

6 of our 8 fouls are from our bigs, they are all out classed on that end of the court. They are going to have to figure out how to make shots. BE having a tough day.

[Three Point Pete]

1/6 3's ..has to get better

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[ArizonaXUGrad]

Good lord 9 fouls already in the half.

[Xville]

In x’s defense those “fouls” weren’t fouls

[ArizonaXUGrad]

In x’s defense those “fouls” weren’t fouls

True, same refs for both sides. I am sure they will even things out.

[GoMuskies]

Two missed front ends. Brutal

Our shot selection is....poor.

[Xville]

Outside of free, Our guys are playing rattled on offense. A lot of dribbling and bad shots.

[Three Point Pete]

In x’s defense those “fouls” weren’t foulsThey were "fowls"" for the gamecocks

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[Strange Brew]

True, same refs for both sides. I am sure they will even things out.

Later on in The game. When it doesn’t matter in the flow.

[noteggs]

Odd game for sure. Where are the assists we’re known for?

[Xville]

Well, x got punched in the mouth this half. Get to the locker room, and then hit back

[noteggs]

Hope we are not rolling the dice with free in

[bjf123]

Whoever is in charge of updating the score ribbon on the screen is having a bad day.


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[GoMuskies]

Played like complete garbage and only down 5. Feel okay about winning this one still.

On the other hand, yikes.

[Xville]

Played like complete garbage and only down 5. Feel okay about winning this one still.

On the other hand, yikes.

Ha, yeah I’m with ya on both points

[bjf123]

Well that was a fugly half of basketball. 1-11 from 3 is a big reason.


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[noteggs]

2 assists and 1 for 11 is not ideal for a half.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

First game away from home, I hope they come out different. 21 total fouls, SC has two with three we have one. Defense will be interesting in the second half.

[Muskeagle]

2 assists and 1 for 11 is not ideal for a half.

Tough to accumulate assists when you don't make shots. Not saying the shot selection is great, but when you shoot around 30% and stay in the game because of a ton of offensive rebounds...the assist total will not look good.

[Three Point Pete]

Well that was a fugly half of basketball. 1-11 from 3 is a big reason.


Sent from my iPad using TapatalkFugly indeed fell from that tree, hitting every branch on the way down.
Numbers should come around on FG%

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[Strange Brew]

Played like complete garbage and only down 5. Feel okay about winning this one still.

On the other hand, yikes.

Kind of tough to gameplan when both of the major bigs pick up two “fouls” in the first 10 min.

[drudy23]

Free is essential to this team because he’s the only guy that can get a bucket in the paint in the half court. If he’s out, they will continue to hedge aggressively on shooters. Need to establish the paint to open up the perimeter.

[drudy23]

2 bench points in a half where the bench got a ton of minutes.

Our second wave has ALOT of work to do.

[MHettel]

Hunter doesn’t look anywhere near where he was 2 years ago. Invisible on both ends of the court

[GoMuskies]

Just way more crisp on offense already.

[Xville]

Hell of a game from swain so far. Coming out party?

[GoMuskies]

Great Xavier crowd!!!

[waggy]

Swain!

[GoMuskies]

I guess Miller decided Green can't play in this game? Or he's pissed at the crazy shot he jacked in his one minute of action?

Just looked at the box score, and i guess it was two shots. I only remember one particularly egregious one.

Enjoying this second half much more!!!

[Three Point Pete]

Conwell is coming!

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[bjf123]

Great Xavier crowd!!!

Cintas Center South!


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[drudy23]

I guess Miller decided Green can't play in this game? Or he's pissed at the crazy shot he jacked in his one minute of action?

Just looked at the box score, and i guess it was two shots. I only remember one particularly egregious one.

Enjoying this second half much more!!!

Physicality of game more likely.

[drudy23]

Or bad shot selection - take your pick.

[Three Point Pete]

Or bad shot selection - take your pick.Agreed, take a better shot!

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[Xville]

Hell yeah! This is more like it

[noteggs]

Just glad we got over the 7 point hump lead

[GoMuskies]

Finish them

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Up 7 at the under 8 TO, got to use our experience to put them away.

[Xville]

Connell having a nice second half. Love the two man game with free he’s had.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Letting them hang around, I don’t like that.

[GoMuskies]

Can't handle prosperity.

[Xville]

Ugh let them right back in it. Finish them!

[xukeith]

X bench is less than desired. Hunter a bright spot. Hugley? ugh

[Xville]

X bench is less than desired. Hunter a bright spot. Hugley? ugh

Hopefully hugley turns it around. Three years ago, he was almost a double double guy, but looks like a freshman right now. Right now, that one season looks like just an outlier. Wish we had traore.

[GoMuskies]

What happened to him? Did he get hurt?

[GoMuskies]

Nice second half. Beat Michigan.

[Xville]

Got punched in the first half, but really responded in the 2nd and hit back. Get some rest and be ready to go Wednesday!

[muskiefan82]

Hopefully, they shoot better against Michigan. Crappy from 3 and still win... I'll take it.

[MauriceX]

What happened to him? Did he get hurt?

Not sure if you are referring to the post just before yours, but if you are, Traore is out for the season with a knee injury he sustained before the season.

[American X]

Resilient win when not everything was going right first time away from home. Need to stick with this team through forty minutes. Straighten things out for a tough Michigan test.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

12 months ago this was a loss. Now it’s a win and a gritty one. Won the boards, fast break points, and adjusted to the officiating better in the second by 5 fouls. Good win away from home and good experience for them.

[Xville]

What happened to him? Did he get hurt?

Hugley? I know he had at least one knee injury, maybe two? It was also reported somewhere he had some mental challenges going on which could have arisen from the injuries, not sure. He looks pretty uncomfortable out there right now, but hoping the light comes back on real soon!

[Three Point Pete]

X bench is less than desired. Hunter a bright spot. Hugley? ughMaybe Big John had an off night. I believe he'll come around.
Green needs to be more patient.

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[noteggs]

Hopefully hugley turns it around. Three years ago, he was almost a double double guy, but looks like a freshman right now. Right now, that one season looks like just an outlier. Wish we had traore.

Wish we did as well with Lasina! Big John is getting used to his playing weight….hopefully

[Xville]

Ended up being a good win, covered and nice to win away from home though x definitely has the crowd with them. Michigan will be tough!

[GoMuskies]

Not sure if you are referring to the post just before yours, but if you are, Traore is out for the season with a knee injury he sustained before the season.

Hugley

[Three Point Pete]

Tough, but not unbeatable. Need both 1st and 2nd half from Conwell

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[XUGRAD80]

This type of game will pay dividends later in the year.

X has more points from turnovers, more rebounds, more points in the paint, more 2nd chance points, and more steals. They won because of their rebounding and defense.

[Xavier]

Just a reminder of what how good Freemantle is. Such a shame he got hurt two years ago. What could have been.

Thought overall it was a poor performance tonight. Some context though- Both bigs had 2 fouls in first 5 minutes. Shot 4-18 from 3, and gave up a 17-0 run. Seemed rough from the FT line. Still won by 9. It’s the type of game we easily lose last year. Maybe it’s a good sign they still put up 75 with the offense looking like that though?

Will say the one thing I was happy about (besides Freemantle) was the rebounding. Feel like that’s been getting better

[XUBison]

Great Xavier crowd!!!

I live 10 minutes from the gym. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the X crowd was awesome— way better than SC. Lots of Michigan fans coming out while we entered. Should be fun on Wednesday.

[Xville]

Swain grew up last night, that was one hell of a game on both sides of the floor. He did all the little things that don't necessarily show up on the stat sheet while showing up on the sheet as well. X doesn't win the game without him. Free of course was awesome as well.

Michigan is going to be tough...two 7 foot starters so our guys are really going to have to battle on the boards, and make shots. Should be a great one!

[Smails]

Very gritty win and easily one that we would have lost last year. I was curious to see what would happen to us if the 3 balls were not falling and we certainly passed that test. I didn't think we would be able to win a game by being the better inside team, but that happened too. Great to see Swain play with some fire. Need to get Hugley and Green to give us more consistent minutes..

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Swain grew up last night, that was one hell of a game on both sides of the floor. He did all the little things that don't necessarily show up on the stat sheet while showing up on the sheet as well. X doesn't win the game without him. Free of course was awesome as well.

Michigan is going to be tough...two 7 foot starters so our guys are really going to have to battle on the boards, and make shots. Should be a great one!

I expect Michigan will defend in similar manner to SC. Come out and challenge the three point shooters and try to force us into the paint----the teeth of their bigs.

Still a bit disappointed in Hugely. Looks like he still needs to lose weight to be able to effectively play more minutes. Right now, I can't see him contributing more than 10-15 minutes per game max.

Overall, agree with the tone. We weren't really sharp but still managed a win.

Also need more out of our bench ex Hugely. Saw Hunter step up a bit more last night, but we need still more from him. Same with Green and Maddox.

Tomorrow night will be interesting. Has the flavor of a March Madness game.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Tomorrow vs. Michigan will be the first where we are the underdog at least according to Kenpom. Michigan is 12 spots better. Yes it's meaningless and matchups mean more on the court, but it's an easy metric to look at for fans.

[Xville]

Tomorrow vs. Michigan will be the first where we are the underdog at least according to Kenpom. Michigan is 12 spots better. Yes it's meaningless and matchups mean more on the court, but it's an easy metric to look at for fans.

Yeah agreed. I’m guessing it will be 2-3 based on Kenpom. Should be fun!

[GoMuskies]

Yeah, Xavier will be an underdog and should lose, so it will be a very excellent sign for our season if we can pull out a win. Should be fun!

[Xavier]

Early in season... but I didn’t think Michigan looked too good in the loss at wake. I think X is better now and will be all year. But it is a Q1 game. The 7 footers will be a good test for BE play.

[drudy23]

We have the better team - is there a line yet?

[GoMuskies]

I don't see a line yet. Probably not until late afternoon.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

My layperson's guess would be the game hinges on Zach not picking up fouls and same for Foster or whomever picks up Gayle Jr. If Zach can stay out there and score enough, our guards should take over like last night. We get up and down too well and teams have to choose what they want to defend, whether it's crash the offensive boards (SC didn't) or try and slow transition. Michigan averages close to 7 more TOs than we do, that could be something we could exploit.