Game Thread: Xavier vs Georgetown University (2/4/2025)

[paulxu]

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/2a1f45a0-e1cc-4202-89d7-1b7b5c27f309_1.3c18d8e111cdcd7e8a271effb6000907.jp eg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFFVS.https://sportslogohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/georgetown_hoyas_1996-pres_s.png


CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 13-9 overall and 5-6 in the BIG EAST Conference, host the Georgetown University Hoyas, 14-8 overall and 5-6 in the BIG EAST, on Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. at Cintas Center. Xavier is coming off a loss at Creighton on Jan. 29, while Georgetown is coming off a win over Butler on Jan. 31. GU won the first meeting this season 69-63 on Jan. 3 in Washington, D.C.

The first 3,000 fans on Tuesday night will receive a Sean Miller bobblehead.

THE MATCHUP

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MUSKETEERS (13-9, 5-6 BIG EAST)
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOYAS (14-8, 5-6 BIG EAST)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025 AT 8:30 PM ET
AT CINTAS CENTER IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

TV, RADIO AND LIVE STATS

TV/Stream: FS1 with play-by-play from Connor Onion and analysis from LaPhonso Ellis.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW-AM 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. (https://goxavier.com/)

[Xville]

Would it be the worst idea in the world to start Hugley in this game, and see what he can do against Sorber right out of the gate? He can’t do worse than free on the defensive end, and it puts free at his natural spot as well as swain. Doubt miller does it, but I’d like to see it.

[GoMuskies]

I think we should plan on winning this one.

[drudy23]

Win please.

[paulxu]

Information updated.

Bobblehead night.

[xukeith]

Not a big fan of Cooley but he can coach well.

I am hoping X wins by 15.

[Xville]

X -8.5

[noteggs]

Wow seems like a bigger spread than I thought

[Xville]

Gameday! Time for the beginning of an epic run. We may have done that once or twice before :)

[drudy23]

If you've heard Miller at all this week with the media, he is imploring the fans to come out and be loud. I think he realizes an 8:30pm tip against a mid-tier team might mean some empty seats and a subdued crowd. He's been pleading to the high hills all week on radio.

Students need to lead the way.

[noteggs]

According to Rothstein, Epps playing is a game time decision. Said reason why was undisclosed

[Xville]

According to Rothstein, Epps playing is a game time decision. Said reason why was undisclosed

Hasn’t he been injured off and on for a while now, or is that some kind of cover for something disciplinary?

[noteggs]

Hasn’t he been injured off and on for a while now, or is that some kind of cover for something disciplinary?

Good question, in his last game he only played 22 minutes. 2 before he played regular stater minutes.

[noteggs]

Student section looks to be only 3/4 full. Maybe they are pre gaming

[bjf123]

Student section looks to be only 3/4 full. Maybe they are pre gaming

Lots of empty seats in the rest of Cintas, too.


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[Xville]

Lots of empty seats in the rest of Cintas, too.


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I know I’m piling on, but overall our crowd has been bad this year. Period. Yes, UConn was great and I have a feeling Creighton will be if we rattle off a good run. But it’s not close to what it’s been in previous years. If you listen to miller, it’s very clear he’s felt the same way.

[Xville]

Don’t understand not trying Hugley at the jump. Free is a bad defender, and it’s not really fair for him to even try to guard sorber.

[Xville]

Then you put in hunter? Come on.

[GoMuskies]

Careful what you wish for...

[Xville]

Careful what you wish for...

Just saying, coming off his best game, reward him and build that confidence. He’s our best interior defender as sad as that sounds

[GoMuskies]

Hunter walked hilariously on the inbound after the foul. No idea how the refs missed it.

[Xville]

My gawd we look horrible so far

[GoMuskies]

Yes, awful.

[Xville]

What are you talking about laphonso? Good call? Did you get a message from Val Ackerman before the game? Safespace for the ref?

[GoMuskies]

2 big 3s sure can turn a game around.

[Xville]

Did x wake up and realize there was a game going on?

[waggy]

real nice play by maddox

[Xville]

lol the ref that is at half court makes the call on free. The officials in this league are pure comedy

[nickgyp]

Hugley’s non-called travel was brought to you by AAA….

[bjf123]

Does Conwell ever have his drive to the basket not get blocked?


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[Xville]

Does Conwell ever have his drive to the basket not get blocked?


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Extremely rare. Very good shooter, below average athleticism for this level. I like him a lot but he needs to use bb iq a lot more

[GoMuskies]

Awful start, nice finish!

[Xville]

Well, played maybe our worst ten minutes of the year (outside of that first St. John’s game) and up by 4. I feel good about the 2nd half

[nickgyp]

Hoyas’ defense sure is pesky but nice Xavier run to finish the half.

[bjf123]

Pretty bad effort from both benches in the first half. Ours scored 3 and theirs scored 2. Ugh.


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[GoMuskies]

Swain dunk was Posey-esque.

Also, Conwell tends to drive me crazy with his decision making.

[Xville]

Swain is going to look good in an nba uniform

[Xville]

Time to extend the lead this next 4 minute war and put this one to bed.

[GoMuskies]

Swain is going to look good in an nba uniform

In two years. Let's keep him out of a Kentucky uniform while he learns to shoot next year!

[Xville]

In two years. Let's keep him out of a Kentucky uniform while he learns to shoot next year!

Fair enough.he doesn’t strike me as that kind of guy, but ya never know

[Xville]

Time to extend the lead this next 4 minute war and put this one to bed.

X decided to do the opposite. Bold strategy cotton

[Xville]

Um, how was that not a travel on Mack, and not a trip against McKnight? Lol

[Three Point Pete]

Gotta keep that dribble drive going!

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[GoMuskies]

This ain't great for the ole ticker.

[xudash]

Time for a little regression to the mean for Georgetown. No more lucky 3’s dropping and call the damn fouls correctly.

[nickgyp]

This ain't great for the ole ticker.

Could be worse….if it was bad for a new ticker……

[Xville]

Nice set there, with the finish from swain!

[nickgyp]

Hugley passing like Magic!

[Xville]

Foster has had the quietest double-double I think I’ve ever seen lol

[GoMuskies]

Conwell and McKnight have been horrible tonight.

[Xville]

Conwell and McKnight have been horrible tonight.

I concur. Along with Maddox and hunter doing absolutely zero again

[Xville]

Ok Maddox heard me. About time

[GoMuskies]

Maddox miracle might be the difference. I hope.

[waggy]

Maybe try foster on peavy.

[nickgyp]

Maddox miracle might be the difference. I hope.
It was certainly a prayer.

[Xville]

Could x maybe not make this last 4 minutes a stressful event? Extend it to 10 with around 2 minutes left and call it a night? Too much to ask?

[xudash]

Could x maybe not make this last 4 minutes a stressful event? Extend it to 10 with around 2 minutes left and call it a night? Too much to ask?

No. Seems perfectly reasonable to me.

[Xville]

Thank you Maddox

[Xville]

That should 100% be a flagrant

[xudash]

These refs. My God.

[Xville]

WTH was foster doing? You had a 2 on 1. X’s bb iq is so bad at end of games

[GoMuskies]

Foster pulling up on the 2 on 1 was puzzling.

[Xville]

These refs. My God.

I really can’t handle big eat refs anymore this year. They have been atrocious.

[Xville]

Ok foster you are forgiven after making that 3

[GoMuskies]

Not sure about Foster's decision to pull up and shoot that three, but I liked the outcome!

[nickgyp]

Ok foster you are forgiven after making that 3

Thought it was ill-advised as it went up but I changed my mind…����������

[Xville]

Make your free throws and be done

[GoMuskies]

Don't pull a Kansas!!!!

[Xville]

Can Gtown miss a shot lately? Geezus

[xudash]

Don't pull a Kansas!!!!

If we lose, it’s your fault for bringing that up!

[GoMuskies]

Don't pull a Kansas!!!!

Ha, we tried.

[nickgyp]

Georgetown has played well tonight. They have a good team. Very good win overall.

[GoMuskies]

Reflection session incoming.

[Xville]

What the heck just happened with Cooley and the fan?

That was a win, that’s all I can say. 8 more to go

[GoMuskies]

XVille, were you in the front row giving Ed the business about Providence all night?

[Xville]

XVille, were you in the front row giving Ed the business about Providence all night?

Hmm I was thinking it was final4. He’s the high dollar donor apparently that knows Christopher personally lol

[Three Point Pete]

Foster had his best game, and he needs to keep it going

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[xukeith]

Great game for Foster.

How many more pounds can Swain add for next season?

[drudy23]

Dub.

[Xavier]

McKnight and conwell were rough. Still got the win. Sorber is a stud, I’d kill for a guy like him as a freshman.

[noteggs]

Fun game to watch. Crowd was somewhat full but lacked energy.

When Williams fouled out, why wasn’t that play reviewed? Probably a common foul, but looked like he almost took off Conwell’s head.

[OTRMUSKIE]

McKnight and conwell were rough. Still got the win. Sorber is a stud, I’d kill for a guy like him as a freshman.

Let’s go get him. Prob a million will do it don’t you think? That’s disgusting to even say.

[XUGRAD80]

X is now 1-0 in this 10 game season. Good job!

[Xville]

8 more regular season games, but I tmo the next two determines if x can get an at large. Win both and I feel confident. I’m glad the nova game is at noon on a sunday. That crowd and arena should be nice and sleepy.

[Final4]

You got half of that right Junior but I don't know Greg personally and never claimed that I did.

[Final4]

Hmm I was thinking it was final4. He’s the high dollar donor apparently that knows Christopher personally lol

You got half of that right Junior but I don't know Greg personally and never claimed that I did.

[Xville]

You got half of that right Junior but I don't know Greg personally and never claimed that I did.

Do you have a permanent stick up your ass or is it just a temporary thing that you use for fun? Please tell me you were that fan, it would sure explain a lot.

[bjf123]

What the heck just happened with Cooley and the fan?

That was a win, that’s all I can say. 8 more to go

Apparently, a fan was “verbally abusing” a couple of Georgetown players at the end of the game and Cooley went to defend them. If true, I don’t blame him. Depends on what all was being said. Looks like Greg Christopher in the one photo.

https://x.com/hoyacoachcooley/status/1887001827297681842?s=46

https://x.com/erniefriar11/status/1887137908924064192?s=46


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[Xville]

Apparently, a fan was “verbally abusing” a couple of Georgetown players at the end of the game and Cooley went to defend them. If true, I don’t blame him. Depends on what all was being said. Looks like Greg Christopher in the one photo.

https://x.com/hoyacoachcooley/status/1887001827297681842?s=46

https://x.com/erniefriar11/status/1887137908924064192?s=46


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Correct. That's everything I've heard, including from a buddy of mine that was on that side of the court. Why fans feel that they have the right to insert themselves into a game they aren't playing, and talking smack to a 18-22 year old kid is astonishing. A 50 something year old overweight bald guy trying to act tough. Frankly, it's embarrassing. And yes, that's GC. I don't think Cooley reacted in the most appropriate way either, but had it been reversed, i wouldn't have blamed Miller for acting like that.

[muskieindent]

What a game by Foster.Hope he plays with that same level of confidence the rest of the year.He didn't hesitate to take that last 3 with about a minute left and the game still in doubt. We're going to have to come up with a lot of $ to keep Swain.He clearly is the star of this team

[Xville]

What a game by Foster.Hope he plays with that same level of confidence the rest of the year.He didn't hesitate to take that last 3 with about a minute left and the game still in doubt. We're going to have to come up with a lot of $ to keep Swain.He clearly is the star of this team

Pay the man his money. I’d much rather have x develop and retain talent and give them what they need, because we know what they can do at this level, rather than going out to the portal to bring guys in that may or may not hit.

I understand we need to do both, but my point is, pay swain whatever we need to, unless it’s just ridiculous. Swain doesn’t seem like the type of guy to throw an unreasonable number out there, relative to his production

[murray87]

8 more regular season games, but I tmo the next two determines if x can get an at large. Win both and I feel confident. I’m glad the nova game is at noon on a sunday. That crowd and arena should be nice and sleepy.

Yes, hoping everyone is too distracted by a certain football game later in the day to even bother with coming out. Let's roll in and grab the road W boys!

[bjf123]

Correct. That's everything I've heard, including from a buddy of mine that was on that side of the court. Why fans feel that they have the right to insert themselves into a game they aren't playing, and talking smack to a 18-22 year old kid is astonishing. A 50 something year old overweight bald guy trying to act tough. Frankly, it's embarrassing. And yes, that's GC. I don't think Cooley reacted in the most appropriate way either, but had it been reversed, i wouldn't have blamed Miller for acting like that.

Wonder if there will be any consequences for the fan’s actions? Seats that close to the floor are not cheap! Maybe he was guest of GC?


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[drudy23]

Foster has been solid all year.

And now, he gives us a great performance. If he can elevate even a little bit, it just continues to make this team better.

If we can get Conwell going again, which he will, and with Swain's resurgence and Hugsie's improved play, we can make a run.

[MHettel]

Pay the man his money. I’d much rather have x develop and retain talent and give them what they need, because we know what they can do at this level, rather than going out to the portal to bring guys in that may or may not hit.

I understand we need to do both, but my point is, pay swain whatever we need to, unless it’s just ridiculous. Swain doesn’t seem like the type of guy to throw an unreasonable number out there, relative to his production

But what if he wants to play point guard? Then what?

[Xville]

But what if he wants to play point guard? Then what?

Touche' but luckily Swain doesn't have those kinds of handlers around him for what I have gathered, and plus he's a classic 3 and d guy at the NBA level as he continues to develop his shot. Not saying he's at this level yet, but his game and career could mirror an Andre Iguodala kind of output if he continues to develop. The D is pretty much there, he has the athleticism...just continue to work on his outside shot, and the kid could have a very very nice career.

[Three Point Pete]

Fun game to watch. Crowd was somewhat full but lacked energy.

When Williams fouled out, why wasn’t that play reviewed? Probably a common foul, but looked like he almost took off Conwell’s head.I think that any foul above the shoulders has to be reviewed, correct?
Why was McKnight called for his third foul when he was clearly tripped?

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[MHettel]

Touche' but luckily Swain doesn't have those kinds of handlers around him for what I have gathered, and plus he's a classic 3 and d guy at the NBA level as he continues to develop his shot. Not saying he's at this level yet, but his game and career could mirror an Andre Iguodala kind of output if he continues to develop. The D is pretty much there, he has the athleticism...just continue to work on his outside shot, and the kid could have a very very nice career.

I think what I meant is that you might lose someone for a completely ridiculous reason. Not specifically swain playing PG, but make no mistake that the is gonna be ALOT of money out there, and with the 5th year Covid Class and the regular seniors all leaving there will be an inordinate amount of holes to fill and not enough transfers to fill them. That’s a sellers market.

[Xville]

I think what I meant is that you might lose someone for a completely ridiculous reason. Not specifically swain playing PG, but make no mistake that the is gonna be ALOT of money out there, and with the 5th year Covid Class and the regular seniors all leaving there will be an inordinate amount of holes to fill and not enough transfers to fill them. That’s a sellers market.

Good or bad depending on how you look at it but I think x is in a good position for next year. Let me explain.

Of course we lose quite a bit, but also a significant opportunity due to a lot of money coming off the books:

McKnight
Free
Hunter
Foster
Maddox
Green

X also has guys in the fold where a few “contracts” have already been negotiated from my understanding:

Anderson
Traore
Conwell?
Nyk Lewis
Jordan Forsythe


Guys on the team currently that could come back if both sides agree:

Swain
Hugley
Conwell? I don’t know his situation if it was year by year or two year agreement.
Fletcher? Does miller want him back. Can he be a contributor at this level next year?

All this plus the additional influx of nil is to say that I believe x will be well positioned to get what they need:

A legit four
A hybrid wing like a foster
A 2

If we can hold on to the guys miller wants, x has the potential to be very good once again next year.

Long way to go of course and things change quickly but as it stands as of this moment, I feel good about the direction x is heading in

[Xavier]

I expect swain, conwell, traore, hugely back. I really don’t know what to expect from Traore after his injury. I’d honestly rather them look hard for legit Center. We’ve been dying for that for awhile. Traore play some 4 with Swain at the 3 and our defense and rebounding would be very good.

Hard to speculate much right now. But for the foreseeable future I want a good center/PF to always be top of the wish list. The swain turn around has been huge. Everyone was basically upset at the lack of development of swain under Sean (myself included) and now he is the biggest reason for the season turnaround and being the leader of next years team.

[Xville]

I expect swain, conwell, traore, hugely back. I really don’t know what to expect from Traore after his injury. I’d honestly rather them look hard for legit Center. We’ve been dying for that for awhile. Traore play some 4 with Swain at the 3 and our defense and rebounding would be very good.

Hard to speculate much right now. But for the foreseeable future I want a good center/PF to always be top of the wish list. The swain turn around has been huge. Everyone was basically upset at the lack of development of swain under Sean (myself included) and now he is the biggest reason for the season turnaround and being the leader of next years team.

If that C can play on both sides of the ball with a good scoring punch im all for it. From everything i understand, Traore was brought in more for his defense and rebounding...I'd like to add some scoring in the post

[drudy23]

I expect swain, conwell, traore, hugely back. I really don’t know what to expect from Traore after his injury. I’d honestly rather them look hard for legit Center. We’ve been dying for that for awhile. Traore play some 4 with Swain at the 3 and our defense and rebounding would be very good.

Hard to speculate much right now. But for the foreseeable future I want a good center/PF to always be top of the wish list. The swain turn around has been huge. Everyone was basically upset at the lack of development of swain under Sean (myself included) and now he is the biggest reason for the season turnaround and being the leader of next years team.

Even if Traore comes back, you have to replace Free's offensive production. This program HAS to get a quality big that can score. It's priority #1 if you ask me.

[hoopster68]

To me the victory over Gtown showed the Muskies can win even when all cylinders (Conwell, et al) are misfiring. Good for Maddox, Foster & Big John! Keep the pressure on Muskies, the Big Dance awaits.