XAVIER vs MURRAY STATE

[MADXSTER]

1541 vs 1542

Xavier University Musketeers (3-0)
W Northern Arizona 93-60 Preseason pick was 3rd in Big Sky
W Long beach State 97-74 Preseason pick was 3rd in Big West
W Stephen F Austin 81-63 Preseason pick was 1st in Southland

vs. Murray State Racers (1-1) Preseason pick was 1st in OVC
L Houston 77-74
W Middle Tennessee 68-49

Monday Nov. 24, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Cintas
Television: FOX Sports 1
Radio: 700 WLW-AM

GameTracker

Live Chat

[MADXSTER]

Murray State was picked to win the OVC this year after picking up 15 first place votes. Cameron Payne was also the preseason pick for POY honors.

[Xtemporaneous]

After graduating from their biggest rival, I have to say that I hate Murray!

Kinda like Dayton to Xavier.

[X-band '01]

After graduating from their biggest rival, I have to say that I hate Murray!

Kinda like Dayton to Xavier.

Who is their biggest rival - Morehead?

[GuyFawkes38]

Another solid, top hundred squad. Last year, Murray St. ended on a high note by winning the CIT. Lots of experience back this year. Maybe our first test for the front court. Jarvis Williams is a returning senior with nice touch around the rim. Who knows. Might get interesting.

[GoMuskies]

After graduating from their biggest rival, I have to say that I hate Murray!

Kinda like Dayton to Xavier.

I'm basically the opposite. My college choice basically came down to Xavier or Murray State, so I've still got a soft spot for the Racers.

[BMoreX]

X -10

[BMoreX]

Others receiving votes: Oklahoma 109, Stanford 80, Providence 63, Utah 38, Minnesota 21, Northern Iowa 17, Rhode Island 16, Syracuse 15, Oklahoma St 14, Memphis 10, Georgetown 10, Baylor 7, Indiana 6, California 5, Nebraska 5, Illinois 5, Cincinnati 4, NC State 4, Wyoming 4, UTEP 3, Maryland 3, Dayton 3, BYU 2, Northeastern 1, Xavier 1

Would ya look at that.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Would ya look at that.

How is UC getting votes? The crosstown shootout is always crazy and unpredictable but I dont see how we dont beat them by double digits. They look terrible so far.

[GoMuskies]

Here's the Murray State board. It's not super active, but there is some discussion of tonight's game.

http://www.racerfans.com/board/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=9a1e8ac87bc017c82915705b501434e3

[THRILLHOUSE]

How is UC getting votes? The crosstown shootout is always crazy and unpredictable but I dont see how we dont beat them by double digits. They look terrible so far.

It was just one voter that has UC in the Top 25 - Aaron Brenner beat writer for Clemson. He inexplicably has the Bearcats at #22. http://collegebasketball.ap.org/poll-voter/aaron-brenner (he is also the only writer to put Dayton in the Top 25)

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Another solid, top hundred squad. Last year, Murray St. ended on a high note by winning the CIT. Lots of experience back this year. Maybe our first test for the front court. Jarvis Williams is a returning senior with nice touch around the rim. Who knows. Might get interesting.

Excellent.

Looking forward to this!

[muskiefan82]

It was just one voter that has UC in the Top 25 - Aaron Brenner beat writer for Clemson. He inexplicably has the Bearcats at #22. http://collegebasketball.ap.org/poll-voter/aaron-brenner (he is also the only writer to put Dayton in the Top 25)

Brenner represents the lullaby league and they are strong gnome supporters.

[basket]

It's either SEMO, as that's where I graduated from OR SIU?



After graduating from their biggest rival, I have to say that I hate Murray!

Kinda like Dayton to Xavier.

[PM Thor]

FYI.
With the Ferguson Grand Jury coming in any moment now, Cincinnati Police has recalled officers for any issues or problems that may happen. Not to be alarmist, but thought everyone should know if they are attending tonights game that this has occurred.

[muskiefan82]

FYI.
With the Ferguson Grand Jury coming in any moment now, Cincinnati Police has recalled officers for any issues or problems that may happen. Not to be alarmist, but thought everyone should know if they are attending tonights game that this has occurred.

Good Lord, but thank you nevertheless.

[coasterville95]

God willing, the only thing we notice tonight is that XU 50 has to step it up and fill in for the positions the CIncinnati Police would typically cover.

[coasterville95]

Interesting less than 4 hours from tip no less than three ticket offers have been posted in the Tuickets forum. Posting tickets this late would seem to indicate last minute bail outs. What's scaring people away, the news PM Thor posted, the lingering heavy winds. I know some areas had power outages that were just recently restored and people may be recovering from that.

[GoMuskies]

Fear of the Racers? Have no fear, Isaiah Canaan has graduated.

[paulxu]

I hope there's a good crowd for Sr. Rose.

[GoMuskies]

Something about how our fans are treating this game is giving me an ominous feeling about tonight. I just have a feeling Murray is going to give us a big scare.

Hope I'm way off base and it's a 50 point blowout.

[LadyMuskie]

It seems early in the season for the perennial WTF loss. That's usually near exam week.

[GoMuskies]

Clearly what I meant was that we are going to jump all over this team right from the start. :)

[xu82]

Clearly what I meant was that we are going to jump all over this team right from the start. :)

Yeah, that's how I took it...

[BMoreX]

Trevon is good

[paulxu]

I like when we push the pace.
I don't like our transition defense. They've got some easy buckets going back.
Myles looked a little out of sorts on the 2 turnovers.

S'melo is S'mooth.

[gladdenguy]

If Dee Davis is good this team is a top 20 basketball team and its not even close. Jalen gonna dominate like this its a top 15 team. Fun to watch.

[sirthought]

Doesn't it look like they were working to get Dee his shots better?

Seems like he wasn't forcing things as much because guys were helping him.

[xu82]

Ben Howland went to the Eggs-zavior School of Shut Upperey.

[XUFan09]

Doesn't it look like they were working to get Dee his shots better?

Seems like he wasn't forcing things as much because guys were helping him.

I didn't really think about that before, but I think you're right.

Agree with gladden.

FYI, LiveChat (http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=XavierHoops) is up.

[sirthought]

Yeah, Howland doesn't seem as charismatic as I would have guessed a guy with his resume.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Thought we looked better on defense for a lot of the half. I never want Bluiett out of the game. This team is a lot of fun to watch.

[paulxu]

Looks like a MS player with skinny legs like Semaj has cramps.

[coasterville95]

I really hope the Sr. Rose tribute video was shown on TV or is made available. Halftime included a video, remarks from Fr. graham. A standing ovation and a banner added to the rafters in her honor.

In other news: we have a team this year. A young, energetic exciting team to watch.

[BMoreX]

Fuck that's a concussion

[RealDeal]

Damn

[paulxu]

I think you could see his head bounce off the court.

[BMoreX]

Jalen ejected for coming off the bench.

Sumner in!

[Art Vandelay]

who??

[paulxu]

Does that kill his red shirt possibility?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jalen isnt going to be suspended for next game is he?

[BMoreX]

Does that kill his red shirt possibility?

Yes but I don't think that was gonna happen anyway.

[LA Muskie]

Does that kill his red shirt possibility?
Yes.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think you could see his head bounce off the court.

You definitely could. Probably gonna need a CT scan.

[Caveat]

Jalen also threw a solid "X" up to the crowd while being escorted off the court. Hero move.

[Art Vandelay]

who hit their head?? I'm not able to watch or listen

[bobbiemcgee]

jp hammered hard...guy who hit him ejected

[paulxu]

Does Sumner know the way to the team buffet table?

[LA Muskie]

who hit their head?? I'm not able to watch or listen

JP

[Art Vandelay]

ugh

[coasterville95]

I think you have to actively throw a punch to get suspended right. Jalen ejected to prevent the situation from escalating?

[paulxu]

Maybe he's a gangsta.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I know for a fact in the NBA if you run off the bench you get suspended next game. Any Knicks fan knows that from playoff fights with Pacers. I wasnt sure about college.

[coasterville95]

Can I say Zip Em Up again? :).

[LA Muskie]

Jalen isnt going to be suspended for next game is he?
No. Section 4, Article 2:

Any individual who leaves the bench area and enters the playing court but does not participate in a fight (Art. 2.j) shall not be assessed a CLASS B technical foul (no free throws awarded). That individual shall be ejected but is not subject to suspension.

[paulxu]

Yikes, there are a LOT of empty seats in our building.

[D-West & PO-Z]

No. Section 4, Article 2:

Any individual who leaves the bench area and enters the playing court but does not participate in a fight (Art. 2.j) shall not be assessed a CLASS B technical foul (no free throws awarded). That individual shall be ejected but is not subject to suspension.

Thanks!

[spursy]

Yikes, there are a LOT of empty seats in our building.
I've been to two games this season and the xavier crowd has exited very early when the result is clear. Kinda expected this early in the season but fans need to know where to park if they are worried about post game traffic...park on nearby side streets (there are plenty especially off williams) and traffic will be a non-issue.

[LA Muskie]

Thanks!
As for the play in issue, they must have called it a Flagrant 2 Personal Foul, defined as follows:

Flagrant 2 personal foul. A flagrant 2 personal foul is a personal foul that involves contact with an opponent that is not only excessive, but also severe or extreme while the ball is live.

To be honest, it seemed like a stretch call to me. I'm not even sure it was a Flagrant 1. About the only thing I can think of is that they took context into account, since the call is reviewable (did anyone notice if they actually reviewed it?).

[PMI]

Scary moment with JP hitting his head. Looked so similar to a high school buddy of mine who did that and had some really, really bad after effects for months. I really hope JP's isn't as significant.

Otherwise, great game. I guess any talk about Sumner redshirting was put to rest. Given how concussions are treated (and how serious it looked unfortunately) there's a possibility JP's minutes will be there for the taking for quite awhile. Sumner is going to a stud in due time. Hope he can catch up quickly. Dee played a really good game tonight. The offense looked great when he was running the show and defensively he really works. Trevon Bluiett is just too good of an offensive player. Scary to think how good his career could be. Man, if Jalen puts it all together this team really could be elite offensively. I feel really good about these guys. Will be interesting to see them handle adversity whenever it comes, but I think we've got a bunch of ballers who are going to be a tough out every night. Manhandling Murray State is a solid win.

[D-West & PO-Z]

As for the play in issue, they must have called it a Flagrant 2 Personal Foul, defined as follows:

Flagrant 2 personal foul. A flagrant 2 personal foul is a personal foul that involves contact with an opponent that is not only excessive, but also severe or extreme while the ball is live.

To be honest, it seemed like a stretch call to me. I'm not even sure it was a Flagrant 1. About the only thing I can think of is that they took context into account, since the call is reviewable (did anyone notice if they actually reviewed it?).

I think they did. Yeah that wasnt flagrant too. I will buy that it was a flagrant, wasnt much attempt at the ball from what I saw, but I dont think an ejection was warranted.

[Masterofreality]

Now we go on the road.

Good that the first road games are actually neutral court games in a tournament. Solid scheduling by Mario.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Scary moment with JP hitting his head. Looked so similar to a high school buddy of mine who did that and had some really, really bad after effects for months. I really hope JP's isn't as significant.

Otherwise, great game. I guess any talk about Sumner redshirting was put to rest. Given how concussions are treated (and how serious it looked unfortunately) there's a possibility JP's minutes will be there for the taking for quite awhile. Sumner is going to a stud in due time. Hope he can catch up quickly. Dee played a really good game tonight. The offense looked great when he was running the show and defensively he really works. Trevon Bluiett is just too good of an offensive player. Scary to think how good his career could be. Man, if Jalen puts it all together this team really could be elite offensively. I feel really good about these guys. Will be interesting to see them handle adversity whenever it comes, but I think we've got a bunch of ballers who are going to be a tough out every night. Manhandling Murray State is a solid win.

Yeah I'm guessing JP is out at least one game, might be whole thanksgiving tourney. Obviously all guessing but he hit his head really hard, not to mention his back.

[LA Muskie]

Wow. Great game all around. So much to be excited about. Especially Trevon, who looks NOTHING like a freshman out there. Myles had a rough one, but that's about all I can drum up that's not a glowing endorsement. And I'm going to dwell on the positive.

[LA Muskie]

Yeah I'm guessing JP is out at least one game, might be whole thanksgiving tourney. Obviously all guessing but he hit his head really hard, not to mention his back.

I'm wondering if you even put him on a plane. At the same, time, you hate to take a trip like that away from the kid...

[sirthought]

I think sitting JP would be prudent based on that body blow.

The good news is there are more minutes for Remy Abel, Myles Davis, Trevon Bluiett, who are all handling the 2/3 spots a bit better than JP has been (other than the one game when he was hitting everything).

If we tighten up the rotation for the holiday tournament, there's nothing bad about that.

[xu82]

Mack said afterward he thought it was a head injury but it turns out it's more of a sore back. Hard to believe as his head seemed to bounce, but that would be good news. The only thing worse than a back injury is a head injury. Being able to count and remember your name comes in handy later in life. Hoping it looked worse than it was - beacause it looked very bad. Tough kid.

[X-band '01]

Now we go on the road.

Good that the first road games are actually neutral court games in a tournament. Solid scheduling by Mario.

San Diego is just a 2-3 hour drive from Fullerton; it's as good as a road game for Thursday.

[bobbiemcgee]

I think JP will shake it off somehow. Tough, tough kid. Liked the team reaction coming to his aid. Stain was livid and let refs know. Jalen, well you can't really blame him. Kneejerk reaction. These guys seem very close already.

[BMoreX]

Sounds like more of a back and tailbone issue than head injury.

[Xavgrad08]

The JP Macura play was really scary. Hopefully, he recovers and does not have any lasting side effects. Nice to see Sean Omara get some time. I think Omara will be a really solid player down the line. Blueitt is incredibly talented and does not force things. I can't wait for the tournament in California.

[sirthought]

Really proud of how the younger guys on the team were actually productive when they got an opportunity to play.

Sean O'Mara had a chance to score in double figures if he could hit a free throw. He's not reacting as smoothly as the older bigs but he looks like a great prospect.

Happy to see Sumner and Austin getting some time as well. They weren't depended on, but looked good. Sumner with three assists is really positive for the limited minutes he played.

Myles needs to just keep working at it. Despite not scoring tonight I thought he did some good things to help the team win.

[PMI]

Mack said afterward he thought it was a head injury but it turns out it's more of a sore back. Hard to believe as his head seemed to bounce, but that would be good news. The only thing worse than a back injury is a head injury. Being able to count and remember your name comes in handy later in life. Hoping it looked worse than it was - beacause it looked very bad. Tough kid.

That would be great news. I thought it was a clear concussion based on how long he was down (although he never seemed to lose consciousness from what I could see) and how he looked getting up. But hopefully he somehow eluded that. A back injury is no joke, but a head injury could be really bad and long term. Nice to see him come back to the bench. Hope we hear good news on him soon.

[BMoreX]

@slrussell: .@TrevonBluiett on @jpmacura's fall: "When he fell, everybody on the bench was frozen. Well, except Jalen. But yeah, we were all shocked."

[paulxu]

Jalen = Jack Reacher.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Sounds like more of a back and tailbone issue than head injury.

Replay it. He definitely drilled his head and he grabbed his head. I don't care what mack says or that JP says his back hurts more. I'll be really surprised if he plays Thursday.

[xu82]

Jalen = Jack Reacher.

The real Jack Reacher - not Midget Cruise.

[xu82]

Replay it. He definitely drilled his head and he grabbed his head. I don't care what mack says or that JP says his back hurts more. I'll be really surprised if he plays Thursday.

He did immediately grab his head. I grabbed mine too.

[muskiefan82]

Is there any additional penalty for Jalen outside of missing the rest of the game tonight?

[coasterville95]

Cruddy photo of the Sr. rose banner. 1546

[Emp]

Austin isn't impressing at either end. Sumner has so much more size and upside. I don't care how skinny he looks, he can play and is the heir apparent at PG. Play him, lots.

[xu82]

Austin isn't impressing at either end. Sumner has so much more size and upside. I don't care how skinny he looks, he can play and is the heir apparent at PG. Play him, lots.

So young, have patience. And I trust Mack to do the right thing. Sumner needs some gym time and a few desserts (hourly). I want to see him guard a quick PG, he's pretty long to pull that off and I wonder about his lateral quickness. Not a hater, just wondering. Tall and really LONG arms. I'm hoping for great things.

[NY44]

Austin isn't impressing at either end. Sumner has so much more size and upside. I don't care how skinny he looks, he can play and is the heir apparent at PG. Play him, lots.

Agreed. I don't get the skinny critique, Semaj is still rail thin.

[redhawkmuskie]

I think it is a bit early to write off Larry like that. Plus, I am nearly positive that Austin Jr. is a true point guard while Sumner is a combo guard. Both should end up being very valuable players in the upcoming years but perhaps in different ways.

[X Factor]

Austin isn't impressing at either end. Sumner has so much more size and upside. I don't care how skinny he looks, he can play and is the heir apparent at PG. Play him, lots.

Larry is 4 games into his college career. Damn!

What were you saying about BJ Raymond and Jason Love?

[xu82]

Randolph is looking solid. He had his ups and downs. They have a lot to learn and adjust to. Not wise to judge after just a few games.

[XUFan09]

Randolph is looking solid. He had his ups and downs. They have a lot to learn and adjust to. Not wise to judge after just a few games.

I'm really happy with Randolph as the backup point guard right now. Sumner's addition to the lineup should make the guard rotation interesting, but for now, he's basically replacing Macura. I expect to see him generally at the 2 this season.

[XUMIOH12]

San Diego is just a 2-3 hour drive from Fullerton; it's as good as a road game for Thursday.

I would be extremely surprised to see a significant San Diego contingent when the game is at 4:30pm on Thanksgiving

[SemajParlor]

I know for a fact in the NBA if you run off the bench you get suspended next game. Any Knicks fan knows that from playoff fights with Pacers. I wasnt sure about college.

Knicks- Heat late 90's rivalry was underrated. JVG on the bottom of the pile was an all time classic moment.

[SemajParlor]

Randolph is looking solid. He had his ups and downs. They have a lot to learn and adjust to. Not wise to judge after just a few games.

Very solid. Big fan of Randolph.

[LA Muskie]

I would be extremely surprised to see a significant San Diego contingent when the game is at 4:30pm on Thanksgiving

1:30 our (Pacific) time.

[throwbackmuskie]

Austin isn't impressing at either end.

hard to impress in garbage time. He will be fine.

Hope there are no lingering effects for Macura.

Jalen will not miss anytime, I saw some ask.

Good win over a solid team.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Knicks- Heat late 90's rivalry was underrated. JVG on the bottom of the pile was an all time classic moment.

I've never loved the Knicks more than '97-'01. The only team that comes close to my hatred of the Heat in those years is any UC basketball team.

F PJ Brown.

JVG is my favorite coach of all time.

[MADXSTER]

The biggest thing I like about this team is that the teams Xavier should be beating by 15-20 points is that they are beating them by that margin. It's not like we're 4-0 and winning by 6-7 points instead of 15-20. Xavier is not playing to the level of their competition either. They are taking the other team's best shot and then putting the hammer down.

Can't say enough about the bigs. Great job last night.
S'melo is playing about as good as anyone could ask.
Randolph looks like he belongs out there, not out of place and also directing players.
Very impressed with Edmond. His no look passes to O'mara were very nice.
O'mara can credit his opportunities due to Edmond looking and finding him.

JP may be pressing a bit. His 1st shot was 25' from the basket. Not what Xavier wanted. Hope he is okay.

I love that this team is still making Mack try to figure out who his top players because they are playing so well.

[kyxu]

The biggest thing I like about this team is that the teams Xavier should be beating by 15-20 points is that they are beating them by that margin. It's not like we're 4-0 and winning by 6-7 points instead of 15-20. Xavier is not playing to the level of their competition either. They are taking the other team's best shot and then putting the hammer down.

Can't say enough about the bigs. Great job last night.
S'melo is playing about as good as anyone could ask.
Randolph looks like he belongs out there, not out of place and also directing players.
Very impressed with Edmond. His no look passes to O'mara were very nice.
O'mara can credit his opportunities due to Edmond looking and finding him.

JP may be pressing a bit. His 1st shot was 25' from the basket. Not what Xavier wanted. Hope he is okay.

I love that this team is still making Mack try to figure out who his top players because they are playing so well.

Interested to see how Xavier performs in California. Aside from Tennessee, who we beat by 4 points, we were trouncing teams last year to go to 5-0 before we got to the Thanksgiving tournament, where it all unraveled.

Lots of talent and lots of scoring options on this team, but their first taste away from the Cintas Center will be telling.

[XUMIOH12]

1:30 our (Pacific) time.

oops, forgot about the time change. Still think it will be pretty empty.

[waggy]

Bluiett does not smell. You might want to rethink the new nickname before it gets legs.

[XU 87]

After watching this team struggle on offense the last few years, it's really nice to watch a team that can score points in bunches. X is absolutely destroying some quality teams. X outrebounded MSU something like 56-27 last night. MSU had 7 rebounds at half.

This team can go inside. This team can shoot outside. This team has a bunch of guys who can take the ball to the hoop. We have a three (Bluiett) who can rebound and then lead the fast break. The defense is still a work in progress to some extent. But I think that will just improve as time goes on.

I realize it's only 4 home games, but I think this is a top 25 team, to say the least.

[throwbackmuskie]

Interested to see how Xavier performs in California. Aside from Tennessee, who we beat by 4 points, we were trouncing teams last year to go to 5-0 before we got to the Thanksgiving tournament, where it all unraveled.

Lots of talent and lots of scoring options on this team, but their first taste away from the Cintas Center will be telling.

Outside of Tenn, last year’s 1st four games do not compare to this year. SFA and Murray are both tourney teams. LBST just beat K State as well. So I think the excitement this year is justified.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

There will be ups and downs but this is a fun team and a potentially good team. I really hope Macura is ok with no concussion and just a bruised back. I really like that kid. Remember, only Blueitt was supposed to come in and make a difference. Macura contributing this much early is fantastic especially for kid that wasn't rated in the top 100.

This class is legit. Austin is really the worst that kid was a good player on a great AAU team and former Tennessee commit for Martin. He will improve.

[xudash]

Look, I would think that two things should be abundantly clear by now:

1. The team chemistry on this team is real; no "cancer" or "personality clashes" in the locker room - these guys enjoy playing together.

2. The balance is unlike anything we've had for a long time; no one or two man shows, and a lot of help between upper and lower classmen.

We may have our bumps along the way, but this edition of Xavier basketball looks like a very torqued out A1/M1 Abrams Tank at this point.

[drudy23]

After watching this team struggle on offense the last few years, it's really nice to watch a team that can score points in bunches. X is absolutely destroying some quality teams. X outrebounded MSU something like 56-27 last night. MSU had 7 rebounds at half.

This team can go inside. This team can shoot outside. This team has a bunch of guys who can take the ball to the hoop. We have a three (Bluiett) who can rebound and then lead the fast break. The defense is still a work in progress to some extent. But I think that will just improve as time goes on.

I realize it's only 4 home games, but I think this is a top 25 team, to say the least.

I would agree...more will take notice after we take care of business in Cali...we are the best team in the field.

[Xavier]

Look, I would think that two things should be abundantly clear by now:

1. The team chemistry on this team is real; no "cancer" or "personality clashes" in the locker room - these guys enjoy playing together.

2. The balance is unlike anything we've had for a long time; no one or two man shows, and a lot of help between upper and lower classmen.

We may have our bumps along the way, but this edition of Xavier basketball looks like a very torqued out A1/M1 Abrams Tank at this point.

I really think that Brazil trip went a far way to how they are playing now. Very good chemistry.

[LA Muskie]

oops, forgot about the time change. Still think it will be pretty empty.

It will be. All of these tourneys are. But I'll be there. We may have more than USD because there's a contingent of XU alum who travel to the Thanksgiving tourney every year. Plus the location is very convenient to Disneyland for those who want an excuse to do that...

[blobfan]

Look, I would think that two things should be abundantly clear by now:

1. The team chemistry on this team is real; no "cancer" or "personality clashes" in the locker room - these guys enjoy playing together.

2. The balance is unlike anything we've had for a long time; no one or two man shows, and a lot of help between upper and lower classmen.

We may have our bumps along the way, but this edition of Xavier basketball looks like a very torqued out A1/M1 Abrams Tank at this point.

We have a couple of great Seniors to lead the way. As much as Stainbrook seems to be the vocal, jovial one, Dee is a Senior and our PG. Say what you want about his occasional bad choices on the court but is quietly consistent and seems pretty even-tempered. It's good to have both types of glue on a team.

[waggy]

BTW, I noted that Dee pulled back from a bad number situation and reset the offense on at least one occassion last night. It was nice to see.

[paulxu]

Matt Stainbrook leads the nation in shooting percentage.
Dee Davis is 12th in the nation in assists.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/player/_/stat/field-goals

Credit everyone on the team for maximizing our strengths with things like feeding Stainbrook in rhythm for the basket.

The thing I like most about JP and S'melo (sorry, Small Melo = S'melo just makes good sense) is that they both play like they've had way more than 4 division 1 games under their belt. Blueitt is very calm on the floor. So much fun to watch.

[bobbiemcgee]

After last nite, I prefer TREY - von.

Anybody have update on JP? His back probably hurts worse than mine this morning.

[xudash]

After last nite, I prefer TREY - von.

Anybody have update on JP? His back probably hurts worse than mine this morning.

I agree. If we have to assign nicknames, then I think he is going to be special enough within Xavier basketball and on the national stage to deserve his own, unique handle. We don't need retreads for this young man.

[Caveat]

I don't know if this has been brought up already, but when was the last time Xavier didn't have anyone from the Cincinnati area on the roster? Feels like it's been a really long time.

[XU 87]

I don't know if this has been brought up already, but when was the last time Xavier didn't have anyone from the Cincinnati area on the roster? Feels like it's been a really long time.

I think it's been awhile. The last two years, we had Semaj and Stenger. I think Stenger was a walk-on before that, transferring from NKU. Before Semaj there was Griffin McKenzie. Before that was Duncan and CJ. Before that we had the kid from Hughes and Doellman. But there may have been a gap or two with all of those.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I think it's been awhile. The last two years, we had Semaj and Stenger. I think Stenger was a walk-on before that, transferring from NKU. Before Semaj there was Griffin McKenzie. Before that was Duncan and CJ. Before that we had the kid from Hughes and Doellman. But there may have been a gap or two with all of those.

Dont forget the man, the myth, the legend.......

Johnny Wolf

[Cincypunk.org]

the kid from Hughes

Adrion Graves?

[xufan02]

The last guy Xavier recruited heavily from Cincinnati was Devin Williams of Withrow. He is at WVU playing for Huggins.

[XU 87]

Dont forget the man, the myth, the legend.......

Johnny Wolf

He was here around the same time as Doellman- I think a year behind Doellman. Wolf was a decent player while here and was the starting point guard during the A-10 tourney X won in Cincinnati.

Adrion Graves was the kid from Hughes. Pretty big recruit who didn't do much while here. And from what I heard, it took some great efforts on his part to even get to X. Pretty tough upbringing.

Devin Williams moved to Florida from Cincinnati his senior year. (although I think '02 already knows that).

[XU 87]

Going further back- Keith Jackson before Doellman, although they played a few years together. Kelsey before Keith Jackson, although I think there was a gap between those two. I can't think of anyone between Kelsey and Jackson. Something tells me I'm missing someone.

P.S. Yes, I missed someone in between Kelsey and Keith Jackson- Brandon McIntosh, who I believe was from Roger Bacon. But there was a year or two in between with no scholarship players from Cincinnati.

[GoMuskies]

No one on the '98-'99 roster was from the Cincy area (I'm not counting walk-ons).

[D-West & PO-Z]

He was here around the same time as Doellman- I think a year behind Doellman. Wolf was a decent player while here and was the starting point guard during the A-10 tourney X won in Cincinnati.

Adrion Graves was the kid from Hughes. Pretty big recruit who didn't do much while here. And from what I heard, it took some great efforts on his part to even get to X. Pretty tough upbringing.

Devin Williams moved to Florida from Cincinnati his senior year. (although I think '02 already knows that).

My brother played AAU with Adrion Graves. He had a lot of talent but yeah I think some other issues.

Johnny Wolf is a year younger than me and I am Josh Duncans age, so I think Doellman was a couple years older than that. I liked Johnny a lot as a player, I thought he did pretty well when given the opportunities.

[XUFan09]

My brother played AAU with Adrion Graves. He had a lot of talent but yeah I think some other issues.

Johnny Wolf is a year younger than me and I am Josh Duncans age, so I think Doellman was a couple years older than that. I liked Johnny a lot as a player, I thought he did pretty well when given the opportunities.

Doellman is one year older than you.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Doellman is one year older than you.

Got ya, I was too lazy to look it up.

[XUFan09]

Doellman is my favorite all-time player, and he's two years older than me. Made it easier to figure out.

Sidenote: Just thinking about Johnny Wolf, he was a huge tool. I lived down the hall from the basketball freshmen. B.J. Raymond was quiet but friendly, Derrick Brown was engaging and charismatic...and then there was Johnny Wolf.

[Masterofreality]

.......and then there was Johnny Wolf.

But he ate quality breakfasts.

[bobbiemcgee]

Sr Rose makes Sportscenter:

http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/112514aah.html

[xudash]

Sr Rose makes Sportscenter:

http://www.goxavier.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/112514aah.html

Well deserved doesn't describe it.

[GoMuskies]

Murray lost by 35 to Valpo on a neutral court yesterday. So....maybe I wasn't quite accurate when I said Murray State is a good team.