UMass at Xavier Game Thread

[paulxu]

http://www.findresumetemplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/xavier.gif...VS...http://www.hoopseliteacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/UMASS-PRIMARY-LOGO_G-copy-293x150.jpg

Xavier Musketeers (16-11, 8-5 A-10) vs. Massachusetts Minutemen (17-9, 7-6 A-10)

Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Cintas Center (10,250) in Cincinnati, Ohio

Television: CBS Sports Network with Brad Johansen and Steve Lappas.

Radio: 55KRC-AM with Joe Sunderman (‘79) and Byron Larkin (‘88).

The XU broadcast is available via iHeart Radio.

Notes and Stats (http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/022813aaa.html)

Live Chat (http://zippychat.com/room/yhwjv)

[aceylone7777]

So pumped for this. Ryan's, then front row here I come again. Gotta love spring break...LET'S DO THIS!

[GoMuskies]

Xavier clinches a spot in Brooklyn with a win. 99.9% to make it there anyway, but best to remove all doubt. We also clinch a finish ahead of UD in the A-10 standings with a win.

[Masterofreality]

Tomorrow will be a clinic on how NOT to coach College Basketball.

Instructor: Derek Kellogg.

[PMI]

Tomorrow will be a clinic on how NOT to coach College Basketball.

Instructor: Derek Kellogg.

After John Pastnor on Tuesday I thought I got all the tutelage I needed, but I guess it never hurts being over-educated.

[mid major]

Tomorrow will be a clinic on how NOT to coach College Basketball.

Instructor: Derek Kellogg.
I took this clinic a few weeks ago. It was 40 minutes long. Umass @ VCU. Kellogg is flat out horrible. Completely schooled in the second half.

[paulxu]

2 hours till kick..er..tip-off.

Bourbon time!

[XUFan09]

My take (http://fromstaaktomack.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/xavier-vs-masachusetts/)

[xudash]

Gentlemen, xudash (zoodash) Is in the house. Well, actually I'm sitting in a rental car behind the Gallagher Center, waiting for my wife to finish up some shopping in the bookstore.

What a great weekend to be back on campus, following the announcement about the Big East.

By the way, it's overcast and spitting snow, but this campus is beautiful.

[paulxu]

Well hell, I'm jealous.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Huge game not only to keep on track at an attempt at a top 4 seed but to also not just fall further down into the pack. We lose this and are tied with UMASS in conference. Lets go Muskies!

[Jesuit4Life]

Let's get that tourney bye!

Stream:
Install Streamtorrent (http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Stream-Torrent-Download-129131.html) and add this channel (st://A1gCgpwEdVADUAaCoAHIgBaAN1L9Yocpd5lcYuKQ8ahMihcGND IwVFYzimEAikEHZGVmYXVsdIqiHlNwb3J0cywgV29ybGRXaWRl IEZ1biwgR2VuZXJhbA==).
http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/172415/1/watch-massachusetts-vs-xavier.html

[paulxu]

Side note....Dez is 11 for 12 in the game against Wake right now.

[X-ceptional]

Trav's back at it again... man, he has been great to watch this year

[paulxu]

Don't foul that little guy. Just block it.

[X-Fan]

Let's get that tourney bye!

Stream:
Install Streamtorrent (http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Stream-Torrent-Download-129131.html) and add this channel (st://A1gCgpwEdVADUAaCoAHIgBaAN1L9Yocpd5lcYuKQ8ahMihcGND IwVFYzimEAikEHZGVmYXVsdIqiHlNwb3J0cywgV29ybGRXaWRl IEZ1biwgR2VuZXJhbA==).
http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/172415/1/watch-massachusetts-vs-xavier.html
Anyone get this to work? It came up for me, but has the Belmont game.

[paulxu]

I wouldn't be upset if they could figure out how to get Brad 1 shot.

[paulxu]

Wonder why we don't do that more often.

(Dee sporting the Adidas sleeve look)

[Jesuit4Life]

Anyone get this to work? It came up for me, but has the Belmont game.

I'm having trouble again even connecting to it, but I just sent the streamer a message so hopefully he'll switch it. We're supposed to be on that channel.

[paulxu]

What happened on the second Brad 3? Did they not count it?

[paulxu]

Come on X. Tighten up.

[coasterville95]

A combined 16 fouls in the first ten minutes. This officiating crew loves their whistles. Better hope the free throw shooting is good.

Paul: they called Brad for traveling on that waved off three pointer. The crowd took it about as well as you might expect

[coasterville95]

Oh as they already Ted up Mack for being a great coach.

[paulxu]

Well, we really looked sloppy the last 5 minutes.

[X-ceptional]

This game took an unfortunate turn...

[paulxu]

yeah....11-2

[X-Fan]

I'm having trouble again even connecting to it, but I just sent the streamer a message so hopefully he'll switch it. We're supposed to be on that channel.
Looks like they switched it. Thanks!

[paulxu]

This is REALLy sloppy.

[paulxu]

Could someone work on Zeke's FT for us?

[paulxu]

hah! Robinson misses a bunny. WTF.

[mistabeecee41]

awful first half.

[paulxu]

Cannot believe how out of sorts we look.
Semaj reverting to street ball; 1 on 5.
Stupid fouls out of frustration.
Lack of passing, no blocking out on shots or foul shots.
Ugly.
Will be interesting to see what corrections Mack makes at the half.
We need some fire in the belly.

[X-ceptional]

Yeah, that sucked... take the one point lead, though, and come out ready to play in the 2nd half.

[X-ceptional]

What the hell is going on?

[paulxu]

We have 2 teams this year.
The one that beat Butler and Memphis and built a 17 pt lead on VCU.
Then another team that lost that lead.

It's a toss up which team will show up any given game...or half.

[mistabeecee41]

seriously. semaj. stop it.

[paulxu]

The slop continues. Now a bullshit foul on Philmore.

While Semaj continues his street ball ways.

[paulxu]

Nice acting though.

[X-ceptional]

At LEAST they waived the T off Philmore, but that douche from UMASS deserves a Technical--how can you put up with that bullshit?

[paulxu]

Well, we had 2 great plays. Made me so proud.
Then they hit 2 3's. Crap.

[X-ceptional]

3-pt defense, anyone?

[paulxu]

Can I pay somebody for them to miss a 3?

[mistabeecee41]

they are making EVERY shot over brad. except for the one where he fouled the shooter.

[BMoreX]

Ton of offense it seems like, following on twitter

[paulxu]

OK. 3 missed 3's. And we got ZERO rebounds.
So they decided to make the 4th.

[paulxu]

Somebody there at Cintas tell Dee not to go into the paint during the next time out.

[X-ceptional]

Vinson is a douche

[paulxu]

We need the NBA flopping rule.

[paulxu]

Well, some Xavier is scoring.
Mumford has got 30 so far against Temple.

[xfan'17]

Can I pay somebody for them to miss a 3?

seriously its getting ridiculous

[powerofX]

Vinson is a douche

Just wait for the blue hair dude from slu later this week

[bjf123]

According to the box score they just showed on the scoreboard, Cantino has 2 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 fouls. Somebody screwed up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[X-ceptional]

Philmore with the 3? OK then...

[Porkopolis]

This game is crazy. If Redford dunks over their center I won't be surprised at this point.

[paulxu]

That I would pay to see.

[X-ceptional]

It's getting to be that time.... gotta make something happen.

[X Factor]

UMass blew their wad today from three. Unbelievable how many 3's they hit today.

I wish X had more shooters.

[paulxu]

13 of 25, 52%. Incredible.

[mistabeecee41]

13 of 25, 52%. Incredible.

too bad it's not one of those 'they just hit tough shots' kinda stats. our defense was horrendous

[X Factor]

Great play Taylor! Ball game.

[X-ceptional]

Damn.

[xfan'17]

Sad that only the third loss at home since 2007 is umass. Gotta give them credit they shot lights out

[Xman95]

Didn't get to see the game today, but probably a good thing. My head probably would have exploded watching these teams combine to go 29/49 from the foul line. That's f-ing pathetic.

Also seems X decided against playing defense as the game went on. I saw some stats about midway through the 1st half and they seemed to be holding UMass around 36% shooting. Minutemen finished a tick under 50%. That's a big jump.

Oh well, I think we all knew this team would be average this year. It's frustrating, but that's what happens when you lose 5 starters. At least the current core is getting some experience and will hopefully take a step forward next year, along with the new guys. And maybe they'll even catch fire at the end of the year and somehow steal the A-10 Tourney. Maybe?

[GoMuskies]

There was one particular play that summed up the Xavier defensive effort in the second half: Chaz Williams got the ball at the top of the key, drove past four (4!) Xavier "defenders" and made a wide open layup. Not good.

[GoMuskies]

Looking like 1-3 on the long homestand (barring a miracle). And we will have won the most meaningless of the four. Oh, well.

Trying to remember that this team exceeded my expectations....

[PMI]

Looking like 1-3 on the long homestand (barring a miracle). And we will have won the most meaningless of the four. Oh, well.

Trying to remember that this team exceeded my expectations....

The silver lining is that after this season comes to a merciful end, we will never have to deal with the pain of Atlantic 10 refereeing again.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The silver lining is that after this season comes to a merciful end, we will never have to deal with the pain of Atlantic 10 refereeing again.

People will bitch about the Big East refereeing too. Trust me.

[coasterville95]

True that, I think most fan bases think the guys in stripes have a personal vendetta against their chosen team.

As soon as we lose that Marquette game, on the road, by 1 point, it will entirely be the officials fault.

[GoMuskies]

The good news is that GW lost to SLU today, meaning that the Colonials and Flyers each have 8 losses. Since they play each other the last game of the season, one of them will finish with at least 9 losses. So 13th is officially off the table for Xavier!

EDIT: Bad news is that Xavier looks to be headed for an 8-8 logjam with a bunch of teams that beat Xavier this year. The 10/11 (maybe even 12?) seeds look very much in play if Xavier can't get another win (which would probably place Xavier 7th).

[paulxu]

In another thread somebody mentioned Mack should have taken a TO to stop their run.
I went back and looked at the play-by-play, and actually he was using the TV timeouts very effectively.
We were matching them for most of the half, with at least a 2 for a 3, and the TV TO's were working until about the 12 minute mark.
Semaj missed one of 2 FT's which would have brought us to down 1. It was the 12:12 mark. TV TO should be on deck at the 12 mark.
They hit a layup (now down 4) at the 11:58 mark. Should there have been a TV TO here?????
We miss next shot! No TV TO yet. They go down, miss, rebound, miss, rebound (and I think again) finally making a 3 at the 11:11 mark (now down 7)

Ball game. We cut it back to 3 a couple of times, but that sequence above was a killer.
Maybe Mack should have called a TO at the 12 minute mark, but can't when they've got the ball. Guess he could have at 11:58, but other than that short sequence, we were doing OK.

[CinciX12]

People will bitch about the Big East refereeing too. Trust me.

Yeah I'm going to complain about Big East officials too.

As for the game. I am just sick of it. I am sick of this team. I am sick of the predictable nature of this team. And I am sick of losing.

[mohr5150]

Is it bad for me to say that I am very happy to never have to see Jeff Robinson play in a Xavier uniform in person ever again after today? He will probably go down as my most disliked player ever simply because of the differential between potential and performance. I would have to think he has the biggest differential in that department of any X player in recent memory. I am very disappointed to say that I won't get to watch Brad Redford warm up again. He is an amazing shooter when no one is around him. As for Taylor, meh. He's had a solid senior year. This senior class isn't one that will go into the annals of Xavier lore, although the love fest for Redford by the home crowd will probably make it rank higher than it should be. I just hope several of the guys in this freshman class can shoot threes, because it is killing us this season having one guy who can shoot from outside the three point line.

[drudy23]

Sigh...I miss Tu.

[coasterville95]

Yeah, I was looking at that, we did poorly against the rest of the bunch that are headed for 8-8 land. Glad to hear that 13th is off the table.

Give us the 12th seed so we can sneak up on everybody.

[sgarcia]

Is it bad for me to say that I am very happy to never have to see Jeff Robinson play in a Xavier uniform in person ever again after today? He will probably go down as my most disliked player ever simply because of the differential between potential and performance. I would have to think he has the biggest differential in that department of any X player in recent memory. I am very disappointed to say that I won't get to watch Brad Redford warm up again. He is an amazing shooter when no one is around him. As for Taylor, meh. He's had a solid senior year. This senior class isn't one that will go into the annals of Xavier lore, although the love fest for Redford by the home crowd will probably make it rank higher than it should be. I just hope several of the guys in this freshman class can shoot threes, because it is killing us this season having one guy who can shoot from outside the three point line.

Justin Martin will take over this mantle in 2 years.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Justin Martin will take over this mantle in 2 years.

I strongly disagree. I think this year was a big year for JMart. I think the amount of playing time, experience, and coaching is great for him and I believe he is going to turn a corner next year and be a realy god player for us by the time his time is done. We have seen it time over time with numerous guys that have gone through XU. I might be wrong but I really think some guys had to take over too much too soon this year and that has caused frustration on the fans part towards those players.

[NY44]

I strongly disagree. I think this year was a big year for JMart. I think the amount of playing time, experience, and coaching is great for him and I believe he is going to turn a corner next year and be a realy god player for us by the time his time is done. We have seen it time over time with numerous guys that have gone through XU. I might be wrong but I really think some guys had to take over too much too soon this year and that has caused frustration on the fans part towards those players.

I agree. I blame Martin's struggles on his concussion, he hasn't been the same player since. Before the injury he scored double digits every game. I'm confident he'll come back strong next year.

[kmcrawfo]

Justin Martin will take over this mantle in 2 years.

I believe Justin Martin will be very solid. BJ Raymond with more rebounding....

He improved greatly from last year. Just a sophomore.

[kmcrawfo]

In my opinion, I find Dee Davis to be more frustrating to watch than most anyone else. I pretty much accept that Robinson is extremely streaky and goes with his confidence game by game...

I and those who sit around me seem to shake our heads more at Dee more than anyone else....

I do not like being overly critical of players as I love and respect this team, but if Dee is starting or getting more than 10-15 minutes as a Semaj backup next year I think we are in trouble....

I feel good with Semaj and Martin and Philmore in the starting lineup next year... We need a 2-guard and stud up front to round things out....

[GoMuskies]

I feel good with Semaj and Martin and Philmore in the starting lineup next year... We need a 2-guard and stud up front to round things out....

Randolph and Stainbrook are intended to fit the bill, I would think. Hopefully they're as good as advertised.

[jhelmes37]

To me the hard part is that this is what I expected. And this team has surpassed most of our expectations......and they still lose a lot.

I'm not really upset or anything. But it's depressing. We are not used to it. Mediocrity is a tough pill to swallow.

This must be how Dayton fans feel, like, all the time.

[kmcrawfo]

To me the hard part is that this is what I expected. And this team has surpassed most of our expectations......and they still lose a lot.

I'm not really upset or anything. But it's depressing. We are not used to it. Mediocrity is a tough pill to swallow.

This must be how Dayton fans feel, like, all the time.

To be fair... This is probably a pretty accurate assessment.

This team is a bit of a tease, though... They show just enough promise to make you think your going to get more good action.

Then... things come crashing back to reality.

[paulxu]

I'm still happy that we are (for the most part) in there scrapping.
Dee is just not the same as he was a while back. 2 pts, 3 TO's and lost among the trees.
For all his supposed faults I like when Brad is in for him. Gave us some pts, rebounds...and always, every time leaves it all on the floor.
I've never seen him play a game where you could say anything less.
We won with him and no Dee against Memphis. Glad I'm not the coach.
Thanks for the ride Muskies. It's not over yet.

[aceylone7777]

A few thoughts from the student section tonight:

I realize we are on break, but the people that were there were pathetic. Me and probably 5 other people seemed to be the only ones jumping up and down on defensive possessions while other people stood around while I could hear myself and not many others yelling on offense. So. Frustrating.

Not sure if anyone got to hear me yell multiple...things towards Kellogg. It's true; he didn't coach at all. All he does is yell "BOX OUT" (which I reminded him quite a bit about), and stomp one foot while somehow shuffling down the court. The amount of treys was ridiculous and very reminiscent of VCU. Got in Chaz's grill about that damn mouthpiece hanging out of his mouth too. Really surprised we got him in the foul trouble we did, and still lost.

Despite the loss...I had some fun with it. Can't wait for SLU, when our student section actually GIVES A SHIT.

And afterwards...yeah, a Yuengling and Dana's chicken tenders helped.

Ugh.

[LA Muskie]

Honestly I think it is unfair to be upset with this team or this season. They have exceeded all reasonable expectations. We just don't have the horses this year. And we all knew and know that.

[Masterofreality]

It is just a shame that for, arguably the three biggest home games of the year, other than the one with the Cryers, Spring Break was scheduled....and a week before usual.

I blame Luther Smith.

[XUFan09]

Honestly I think it is unfair to be upset with this team or this season. They have exceeded all reasonable expectations. We just don't have the horses this year. And we all knew and know that.

Yup. People seem to cognitively accept that the expectations aren't that high this season, but emotionally expect this team to put together some sort of Sweet 16 run again.

[SlimKibbles]

Disappointed with how X played. Those of is in the middle of 102 all thought X lacked energy or something. Sounds like Coach Mack thought the same. I re-watched most of the game on DVR and it was all rather glaring. And, Vinson from UMass should be ashamed of himself for the acting job he did yesterday. Thought that while at the game and even moreso after seeing the replay. He was pathetic in the second half. You want to pull that crap, go play soccer in Europe.

By the way, on a side note, I noticed something interesting. Forgive me if it's been mentioned already (too lazy to check). But CJ Anderson was not sitting on the sidelines for once. You say, "So what?" Well there was a point in the Memphis game where an XU player, either Martin or Philmore, made a good play near the bench and his momentum carried him out of bounds near CJ. Well I saw CJ put his hand on the back of whoever it was in a "good play" kind of thing as the player turned to run back up the court. I looked over at Coach Mack who saw the whole thing and he was burning a hole through CJ even though play was going on at the other end of the court. This staring lasted 5-10 seconds. Apparently didn't like that one bit. I wonder if CJ's absence was related to that.

[PMI]

Disappointed with how X played. Those of is in the middle of 102 all thought X lacked energy or something. Sounds like Coach Mack thought the same. I re-watched most of the game on DVR and it was all rather glaring. And, Vinson from UMass should be ashamed of himself for the acting job he did yesterday. Thought that while at the game and even moreso after seeing the replay. He was pathetic in the second half. You want to pull that crap, go play soccer in Europe.

By the way, on a side note, I noticed something interesting. Forgive me if it's been mentioned already (too lazy to check). But CJ Anderson was not sitting on the sidelines for once. You say, "So what?" Well there was a point in the Memphis game where an XU player, either Martin or Philmore, made a good play near the bench and his momentum carried him out of bounds near CJ. Well I saw CJ put his hand on the back of whoever it was in a "good play" kind of thing as the player turned to run back up the court. I looked over at Coach Mack who saw the whole thing and he was burning a hole through CJ even though play was going on at the other end of the court. This staring lasted 5-10 seconds. Apparently didn't like that one bit. I wonder if CJ's absence was related to that.

I might be misreading it, but are you saying it looked like Mack was furious over CJ patting someone for a good play?

[SlimKibbles]

I might be misreading it, but are you saying it looked like Mack was furious over CJ patting someone for a good play?

It might have been more CJ somewhat prevented the player from going further off the court and maybe gave him a pat and a push. I don't know. I took it as Mack wasn't happy with the fact CJ put his hands on one of his players during a game. I just thought it was really odd how Mack was giving him the death-stare after that. Forgive my total speculation about all of this. It was just something I remember seeing happening on Tuesday and thought about it yesterday at the game when CJ wasn't sitting in his usual spot.

[Xman95]

I believe Justin Martin will be very solid. BJ Raymond with more rebounding....

He improved greatly from last year. Just a sophomore.

Sure, he might be a 35-yr-old sophomore, but he's still just a sophomore.

[ThrowDownDBrown]

If Martin becomes even half the player BJ was as a senior then I'll be happy. Sadly though he doesn't have half the work ethic BJ had

[NY44]

Honestly I think it is unfair to be upset with this team or this season. They have exceeded all reasonable expectations. We just don't have the horses this year. And we all knew and know that.

I agree that it's unfair to be upset with the team, but it's very reasonable to be upset with the season. I don't want to open up a discussion about our administration, but let's be honest, we should have had a much better team and year than we have. You can't blame the players for that though.

[kyxu]

I think it's ok for us to go back to the standard home whites now.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If Martin becomes even half the player BJ was as a senior then I'll be happy. Sadly though he doesn't have half the work ethic BJ had

How do you know?