Game Thread: Xavier v Villanova University (2/7/2024)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.http://villanova.com/images/2006/3/7/mascot-199w.jpg


CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 12-10 overall and 6-5 in the BIG EAST Conference, open a two-game homestand on Wednesday night against the Villanova University Wildcats, 12-10 overall and 5-6 in the BIG EAST. Xavier enters the contest on a two-game winning streak, while Villanova is coming off a Sunday victory over Providence.

Graduate student Quincy Olivari leads the BIG EAST in scoring (19.1 ppg.), 3-point field goals (3.1 per game) and 3-point field goal percentage (fifth in the nation at .454). He was named Naismith Trophy and BIG EAST Conference Player of the Week after averaging 33.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.5 steals per game in wins over St. John's and at DePaul.

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (12-10, 6-5 BIG EAST)
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY WILDCATS (12-10, 5-6 BIG EAST)
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M. ET
CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO AND LIVE STATS

Television: FS1 with play-by-play from Jeff Levering and analysis from LaPhonso Ellis.
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)

[drudy23]

Win please.

[xukeith]

Really hope X's defense comes out strong like the beginning of DePaul game and SJU game.

[American X]

Win please.

Yes, winning on Wednesday sets up a huge opportunity on Saturday for a quality win against Creighton. 2-0 this week makes a bid much more realistic.

[Xville]

Time for some payback!

[X-band '01]

https://youtu.be/mLnZhbbM_ks?si=zuGWOUpcez_B9pU0&t=15

Powerful enough to make Judd Nelson shit his pants

[Xville]

Opened at 3, now x -4. Should handle them at home, get it done!

[XUMIOH12]

Feel like it's important to get out to an early lead against nova at some point. They play so slow, at 330th tempo in the country. Would be nice to force things on them with some quick transition from our guards. Also, wouldn't mind seeing Xavier use some 3/4 court faux press. Nova isn't likely to attack it aggressively past half court and would give them less time on each shot clock to grind out their offense.

[XUMIOH12]

Worried about Dixon, have to find a way to contain him. Played them without Moore last game, but he doesn't worry me as much sicne we have better matchup options there.

[American X]

Feel like it's important to get out to an early lead against nova at some point. They play so slow, at 330th tempo in the country. Would be nice to force things on them with some quick transition from our guards. Also, wouldn't mind seeing Xavier use some 3/4 court faux press. Nova isn't likely to attack it aggressively past half court and would give them less time on each shot clock to grind out their offense.

For teams with near identical records and ratings, a real contrast in styles and experience. Xavier's Speedy Gonzales type of basketball versus Villanova's paint drying. Plus a chasm of difference in cumulative years of experience. Hopefully with the home crowd energy, Xavier can impose its style more than Villanova can drain the clock until our demise.

[bjf123]

Quincy wearing a Jerome Hunter jersey for the player introductions!


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[Blue Blooded-05]

Des is a 50% shooter from 3 in his career while wearing corn rows

[Three Point Pete]

Need to feed inside

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[noteggs]

Freak- James Breeding as ref

[xu82]

I’m guessing the under is looking good.

[noteggs]

I’m guessing the under is looking good.

Especially with Nova’s offensive tempo

[Xville]

We are looking really good… really aggressive attacking the rim and playing some suffocating d

[noteggs]

We are looking really good… really aggressive attacking the rim and playing some suffocating d

Agree

Feels like we should have a bigger lead

[Tim]

It's Mr Hyde Claude, sigh. Here's hoping Dr Jekyll appears in the second half.

[noteggs]

Just when Sean said next 4 minutes are important

[Xville]

Absolutely hate the way nova plays. They set basketball back fifty years, it’s freaking hideous

[Xuperman]

Agree

Feels like we should have a bigger lead

A lead?

[Xuperman]

Agree

Feels like we should have a bigger lead

Gone

[KabeX]

Kinda like my golf game - how to really screw up a good drive. C'mon boys!

[Xuperman]

Des is a 50% shooter from 3 in his career while wearing corn rows

Corn rows not helping. Plz stop.

[Xville]

Kinda like my golf game - how to really screw up a good drive. C'mon boys!

Ha we have similar golf games

[xu82]

Just when Sean said next 4 minutes are important

I think he has been proven to have been correct.

Just not the way we hoped.

[noteggs]

Think we lost that war

[Xville]

The ball was moving great the first 10 minutes, now it’s stopped

[KabeX]

Go to get the requisite Skyline showing/free commercial out of the way. Now let's play some freakin ball!

[Xuperman]

Now 2 for ELEVEN from 3.

[KabeX]

The inside thing will work. Just got be patient.

[Xville]

So frustrating. Best ten minutes of the season followed by ten ugly minutes…. Save olivari’s 3 :)

[KabeX]

Sure needed that one! Now figure it out please.

[Three Point Pete]

The inside thing will work. Just got be patient.Keep it in the [emoji439].

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[bjf123]

The inside thing will work. Just got be patient.

Hope so. It sure isn’t working so far.


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[noteggs]

Boy what a rough last 8 minutes. Night and day

[Three Point Pete]

Ciani is 2-2, need him back.

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[KabeX]

That last 3 brought us all the way up to 23%. Nova doing their usual crap against us at 45%. Thing is they're not doing anything special. Certainly not like Wright's teams. We gotta move the ball IN AND OUT of the paint. Perusing the perimeter is not going to work.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Masterful coaching by Neptune. He figured out how to stop the bleeding and reverse momentum. The guys they wanted to take open outside shots, Claude, Abou and McKnight were provided with those opportunities while taking away our strengths.

Let's see how Miller counter punches after halftime.

[Three Point Pete]

That last 3 brought us all the way up to 23%. Nova doing their usual crap against us at 45%. Thing is they're not doing anything special. Certainly not like Wright's teams. We gotta move the ball IN AND OUT of the paint. Perusing the perimeter is not going to work.Tell Abou that 0-5 is forcing a bad shot, like Kabe posted, kick it back.

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[Xuperman]

Masterful coaching by Neptune. He figured out how to stop the bleeding and reverse momentum. The guys they wanted to take open outside shots, Claude, Abou and McKnight were provided with those opportunities while taking away our strengths.

Let's see how Miller counter punches after halftime.

Neptune masterful?

He did nothing but bring in a known sniper in Hausen...Dixon is already the best player on the floor AND drains a deep 3.

Unfortunately, this Xavier team has been a real disappointment at Cintas. This is going to be a real struggke.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

No room for error now, this is a must win so it's time to show it in this half.

[KabeX]

Just can't have a veteran player loose his $hit so much. Hurting the team dude. Grow up.

[noteggs]

3-18 from 3. Why the heck are we shooting so many!

[Three Point Pete]

3-18 from 3. Why the heck are we shooting so many!Far better results from inside

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[Xuperman]

This game feels really uncomfortable...Like all season, just no Cintas magic in the air.

[Xville]

Nova fouls every single time on d.. sometimes the refs call it, sometimes they don’t.

[Xville]

Huge 3 Dayvion!!!! Man I love that guy more and more. So glad we have him next year too

[Xuperman]

If Hausen is a ZERO factor in this game.....a W is likely. NO Hausen.

[KabeX]

Do not foul the 3 point shooter. Please!

[KabeX]

I don't mind Ellis - certainly not like some do. But has he ever saw a BAD call by an official?

[noteggs]

He always says they are right 96% of the time

[Xuperman]

Where is Olavari? C'mon man....this is the season.

[HenryMuto]

Honestly I didn't even realize Hunter or Freemantle were still on the team until today hearing Hunter out for year and seeing Freemantle just now on TV.

[HenryMuto]

That 6 point lead is gone now tied at 50.

Pretty much a must win game tonight. Got to have this one.

[Blue Blooded-05]

They are getting to the hoop with ease

[Xville]

Q is getting absolutely abused on d tonight. Love the kid but geez

[KabeX]

Jezus, not good time for the Ole defense. 3 straight layups. Ugh.

[Xuperman]

I doesn't matter what happens tonight.

This team is not a tournament team. Simply not rostered properly. WAY TOO INCONSISTENT in all areas.

[Xville]

Foul ref???!!!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

So very close, they need this. Focus and play some D and keep scoring and we got this. It's a home game, pull it out!!!

[Xville]

I doesn't matter what happens tonight.

This team is not a tournament team. Simply not rostered properly. WAY TOO INCONSISTENT in all areas.

Go join the uc board.

[KabeX]

No idea if we're a tournament team. That's why we play the games. Now go win this one!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Go join the uc board.

They can basically lose 2 from here on out but this one is winnable. They NEED it.

[noteggs]

Foul ref???!!!

Two bad calls in a row!!!

[Xville]

They can basically lose 2 from here on out but this one is winnable. They NEED it.

They need this one but they can lose 3. Regardless they should only lose two more anyways. Will they lose more? Maybe but they really shouldn’t the way the schedule is.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Two bad calls in a row!!!

Looking at it objectively, that carry call on Nova was questionable. it was really 3 bad calls in a row.

[KabeX]

Need Des driving and not shooting 3s

[Blue Blooded-05]

I wouldn’t complain if Claude shoots 0/0 from three the rest of the season.

[HenryMuto]

What a block !!!!!!
Get that weak stuff out of here !

[Xville]

Ousmane d tonight!!!!!

[Xuperman]

Go join the uc board.

Why would I do that you worthless lunatic?

[HenryMuto]

That hurts now they can tie it at the line JFC

[GoMuskies]

Stupid

[Xville]

Ugh that was halfway down

[KabeX]

Not a good foul. Would have had a 2 for 1 there with a chance to win if they scored. Now they have that.

[Xuperman]

I wouldn’t complain if Claude shoots 0/0 from three the rest of the season.

Is there going to be a conversation that he is the WORST single season 3 point shooter in the history of the program?

[paulxu]

Playing the Nova slow down game. Right into their hands.

[Xville]

Go inside here whether it’s McKnight, Claude driving or a dump in to ousmane

[Xuperman]

Is there going to be a conversation that he is the WORST single season 3 point shooter in the history of the program?

Yes.

[KabeX]

Needless to say they absolutely must score.

[Xville]

Is there going to be a conversation that he is the WORST single season 3 point shooter in the history of the program?

Why do you continue to be so negative? What is wrong with you.

[paulxu]

Looking at it objectively, that carry call on Nova was questionable. it was really 3 bad calls in a row.

He brought the ball up to his chest, held it there a moment, took some steps, then dropped it to continue dribbling,

That's a carry.

[Xuperman]

If Hausen is a ZERO factor in this game.....a W is likely. NO Hausen.

Well f it.

[HenryMuto]

Too early to foul up 3 with how they can make FT's. I expect Nova to drive for a quick 2. Hope they blow it somehow.

[KabeX]

Good. Now be sure to NOT FOUL the 3 point shooter!

[Xville]

One stop come on boys

[HenryMuto]

WOW THEY don't even get a shot off LOL

[KabeX]

Yes!

[paulxu]

Cannot believe they didn't shoot the ball.

[Strange Brew]

Phew!

[Xville]

Fuck yes!!!!! Win Saturday and this team is on the bubble! Huge steel balls tonight

[HenryMuto]

GREAT defense there just unreal D on that last one.

HAD TO HAVE THIS win HAD TO HAVE IT and got it.

HUGE win

[KabeX]

Victory beer has been popped!

[KabeX]

Gotta hand it to Abu. Great D. Just need him to keep a little cooler head.

[XUGRAD80]

yes!

[Blue Blooded-05]

What a stop when we needed it! Swain, McKnight & Ousmane, especially

[Xville]

Gotta hand it to Abu. Great D. Just need him to keep a little cooler head.

True on both! I love the intensity he just needs to turn it down half a notch

[Three Point Pete]

Looks like Djokovic was benched again for bricking a 3. But Nemeiksa 0-4, makes you wonder.

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[Xuperman]

Looks like Djokovic was benched again for bricking a 3. But Nemeiksa 0-4, makes you wonder.

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There is no shortage of "bricks".

[XUGRAD80]

My player of the game…Swain.

8pt 5rbs 2assists 2steals and a couple of very key baskets. It’s going to fun watching him develop.

Ousmane easily the defensive star of the game.

It feels really good to beat Nova!

[Xville]

Looks like Djokovic was benched again for bricking a 3. But Nemeiksa 0-4, makes you wonder.

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Could be wrong but think it may be for d. Djokovic really struggles on that side of the court right now.

[Xuperman]

My player of the game…Swain.

8pt 5rbs 2assists 2steals and a couple of very key baskets. It’s going to fun watching him develop.

Ousmane easily the defensive star of the game.

It feels really good to beat Nova!

I will agree and add the Green 3!!!

[profson]

Neptune masterful?

He did nothing but bring in a known sniper in Hausen...Dixon is already the best player on the floor AND drains a deep 3.

Unfortunately, this Xavier team has been a real disappointment at Cintas. This is going to be a real struggke.

Going to the zone was a good move.

[atljar]

Yikes, some harsh words from Miller on Gytis.... I thought he was playing for Villanova and a you can be mediocre, but you can't be terrible on both sides of the ball for 17 min

[Xuperman]

We beat Villanova..... We beat VILLANOVA.

[KabeX]

Yikes, some harsh words from Miller on Gytis.... I thought he was playing for Villanova and a you can be mediocre, but you can't be terrible on both sides of the ball for 17 min

Yeah but they were fair. Not like he was throwing him him under the bus for a loss masquerading his lack of coaching ability like some Gnomes ... sorry ... I mean coaches that we all might know and love (to hate).

[xukeith]

Listened to Miller post game on WLW. Miller joked Nemenska hurts when he plays for Villanova. He did nothing right all game so he put Swain in.

[profson]

Looks like Djokovic was benched again for bricking a 3. But Nemeiksa 0-4, makes you wonder.

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What does it make you wonder? Before today he was 43.5% on 3PA at Cintas this year. Just a bad day. It happens.

[SkyWalker]

I was on pins and needles all night long. Two observations. Great defensive effort and the big problem is not Claude shooting threes, it's Claude missing threes. He is such a great offensive player taking the ball to the basket. Why settle for three?

[muskiefan82]

Any win over Villanova is a good win. They have owned us so I will rejoice in this victory

[Three Point Pete]

What does it make you wonder? Before today he was 43.5% on 3PA at Cintas this year. Just a bad day. It happens.20 mins. for Gytis, 3 for Lazar, and 9 for Sasa.
Maybe an extra shift for the other guys?

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[American X]

Honorary Steel Balls Award to Abou Ousmane for 9 rebounds, 5 blocks, and stellar defense on the last no-shot possession.

[Xavier]

Claude and McKnight love working in the mid range. And pretty decent getting past there guy, just feel like the zone should open up the ability to get there and score more. Clearly I’m wrong because it absolutely kills our offense.

[OTRMUSKIE]

If dez stopped shooting 3’s we might win every remaining game. He is 17/75 for 22% Stop shooting them. You’re so good close to the basket like Odom
Was. Next time he shoots a 3 if it’s not bc of the shot clock then he needs to be benched for a few mins.

[xumadman]

Hats off to Ousmane, Swain, and Claude's defense tonight. This game goes to show that even when your shots aren't falling solid d can win you the game. Well done!

[xukeith]

Honorary Steel Balls Award to Abou Ousmane for 9 rebounds, 5 blocks, and stellar defense on the last no-shot possession.

And a record number of fouls: 1

[nickgyp]

Hats off to Ousmane, Swain, and Claude's defense tonight. This game goes to show that even when your shots aren't falling solid d can win you the game. Well done!

Agreed that Claude shouldn’t shoot threes especially when he so good around the basket. Final seconds Xavier defense was excellent but Nova’s failure to even get an attempted shot off was baffling. I get trying to find Hauser but not even attacking the rim? Either Neptune had no second option or the Wildcat players just failed to execute. Not complaining as X’s defense had something to do with it but it was a shock that no shot occurred.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Haven't read the thread so I am sure these may have been mentioned but Mcknight fighting through that double screen to cover the 3 Nova was trying to get to their 3 point shooter was amazing.

Also Miller eviscerating Gytis in the postgame presser. Ouch.

[X-band '01]

Honorary Steel Balls Award to Abou Ousmane for 9 rebounds, 5 blocks, and stellar defense on the last no-shot possession.

That's why Ousmane was named Star of the Game by Joe and Byron despite having only 3 points. His defense on the final possession was huge. Neptune didn't anticipate him being on the perimeter for the final possession. As good as Hauser was from 3-point land during the game (and being a DiVincenzo-like punk at times), he wanted nothing to do with the ball on the final shot. Not at all what you'd expect from someone on that team.

Another big gaffe was Nova not trying to foul Ousmane on Xavier's final possession. He would have easily bricked a FT in that situation and they let the ball get into Q's hands. For all the adjustments that Neptune made in the 1st half, he was badly outcoached by Miller in the endgame.

[UCGRAD4X]

We are the Boss-a-Nova

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7es2WHl2SQo%2FWVZF_xCxH1I%2FAAAAAAAAO94%2Fjp_LVjo8 kiY86-m4hAtUhnrdSmwtsVujACLcBGAs%2Fs640%2Fgiphy.gif&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=163a332e8b6576972d15f45abfde9d097d293c168ca7ea 8344dd4532e8d0582c&ipo=images

[bleedXblue]

Any hear Miller's post game comments with Byron and Joe about Gytis? Ouch

[XUMIOH12]

Wasn't pretty, but i'll take the tough W. Time to get ready for creighton

[muskieindent]

I was on pins and needles all night long. Two observations. Great defensive effort and the big problem is not Claude shooting threes, it's Claude missing threes. He is such a great offensive player taking the ball to the basket. Why settle for three?

I know a few of those 3's were with the shot clock running down but agree that his game is getting to the basket.

[muskieindent]

I have to think Neptune is getting a lot of heat from the Nova fan base.He might be their Travis Steele. Great defensive team but their offense struggles.Justin Moore was a non factor for them.Incredible that they didn't even get a shot off at the end . We definitely proved we can win ugly last night.

[Cincypunk.org]

Swain is going to be an elite defender and rebounder. He has a gift of anticipating where the ball is going to be. I also love his patience on offense. He can probably start to be a little more aggressive and hopefully that develops but for now he does a good job picking which offensive opportunities are available to him.

I thought Lazar played good D for the 3 minutes he was in. He certainly has shown improvement. Now if he could just hit the wide open shots…

[drudy23]

Any hear Miller's post game comments with Byron and Joe about Gytis? Ouch

It was somewhat tongue in cheek, and provided a laugh for Joe and Byron, but it was honest.

It wasn't a Cronin throw completely under the bus.

[drudy23]

I will say, regardless if we make it or not, guys are getting better. If we can get ANY consistency in the post, we can beat anyone in this league (except maybe UConn).

[Xavier]

It was somewhat tongue in cheek, and provided a laugh for Joe and Byron, but it was honest.

It wasn't a Cronin throw completely under the bus.

Meh….if you watch the post game presser it’s a bit less tongue and check. Straight up “he was terrible tonight, he really was. About as bad as you can play as a starter. We need him to play better” It’s as blunt of negative feedback that I’ve heard from Sean.

[94GRAD]

It was somewhat tongue in cheek, and provided a laugh for Joe and Byron, but it was honest.

It wasn't a Cronin throw completely under the bus.


Meh….if you watch the post game presser it’s a bit less tongue and check. Straight up “he was terrible tonight, he really was. About as bad as you can play as a starter. We need him to play better” It’s as blunt of negative feedback that I’ve heard from Sean.

I've never seen Sean lose his shit more than he did after Gytis' last 3 attempt. It definitely was not tongue-in-cheek.
.

[D-West & PO-Z]

It was somewhat tongue in cheek, and provided a laugh for Joe and Byron, but it was honest.

It wasn't a Cronin throw completely under the bus.

Did you hear the postgame presser (not the one with Joe and Byron). Miller said he played as bad as any starter could. He was not happy with Gytis and there was nothing tongue and cheek with his comments in the presser.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Meh….if you watch the post game presser it’s a bit less tongue and check. Straight up “he was terrible tonight, he really was. About as bad as you can play as a starter. We need him to play better” It’s as blunt of negative feedback that I’ve heard from Sean.

Yeah, sorry, didn't see your response. I thought the same thing, I've never heard him as bluntly negative about a single player before.

[drudy23]

Did you hear the postgame presser (not the one with Joe and Byron). Miller said he played as bad as any starter could. He was not happy with Gytis and there was nothing tongue and cheek with his comments in the presser.

I did not, just heard him with Joe and Byron on the drive home.

My guess is it got to this point because Sean has been trying to drive this home for a couple months. Everyone has their breaking point. It's still not a Cronin attempt to belittle someone.

[noteggs]

Meh….if you watch the post game presser it’s a bit less tongue and check. Straight up “he was terrible tonight, he really was. About as bad as you can play as a starter. We need him to play better” It’s as blunt of negative feedback that I’ve heard from Sean.

Agreed

For those who want to watch

https://x.com/xaviermbb/status/1755428385273049264?s=42&t=U5TyKr_wshJKowj_nNzfHg

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Thanks for the link. I also cannot recall Miller so bluntly calling out a player previously. He mentioned playing full games and getting nothing from "that" position, meaning the "4'. I suspect the frustration has been growing throughout the season and it came out at the presser. I feel a bit sorry for Gytis that he was singled out but on the other hand, Miller's candor is also pretty refreshing. Let's see how he plays Saturday. Maybe calling him out will be a great move.

[UCGRAD4X]

When Abou stepped out on Hassen and Hassen started to move past him, I was sure he was going to lean into Abou and put up a shot. He did lean in somewhat and initiated the contact, but since he turned to pass it, there was no call. They seem to call that if on the shot more often than not. I wonder if his teammates were somewhat surprised he passed it off and threw them off a bit and contributed to not getting off a shot.

[xudash]

Thanks for the link. I also cannot recall Miller so bluntly calling out a player previously. He mentioned playing full games and getting nothing from "that" position, meaning the "4'. I suspect the frustration has been growing throughout the season and it came out at the presser. I feel a bit sorry for Gytis that he was singled out but on the other hand, Miller's candor is also pretty refreshing. Let's see how he plays Saturday. Maybe calling him out will be a great move.

+1

[X-band '01]

Frankly, Miller's more blunt about the team and/or players after wins than he is during losses. I remember games against St. Bonaventure and Richmond in particular where he was very late getting to the postgame show and just lighting the team up. They even clinched the A-10 against Richmond and didn't bother cutting down the nets until the following game when they improved.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Frankly, Miller's more blunt about the team and/or players after wins than he is during losses. I remember games against St. Bonaventure and Richmond in particular where he was very late getting to the postgame show and just lighting the team up. They even clinched the A-10 against Richmond and didn't bother cutting down the nets until the following game when they improved.

Totally agree which makes what he's doing different than Mick. But he still lit Gytis up but hopefully it lights a fire under Gytis.