Game Thread/NIT Championship: Xavier v Texas A&M (3/31/2022)

[paulxu]

Wherever he ends up next year, he took the time to post this late last night:

https://twitter.com/zachfreemantle/s...30307544600577

[paulxu]

Also, graphic on ESPN's main page under the video of Nunge's last shot:

Jack Nunge's go-ahead hook shot seals first NIT championship for Xavier

Really?

[IM4X]

Wherever he ends up next year, he took the time to post this late last night:

https://twitter.com/zachfreemantle/s...30307544600577

I like seeing the love people are showing him! Congrats to Free and entire team!

[IM4X]

Completely disagree. Yes, its the NIT. At the beginning of the season and, even just a few games ago, no one among us (most of all, this team) wanted to be here. But, the young men, as a group, sucked it up and played together in a manner they have not previously (or, at least, for many games).

The players and coaches in the team photo (with the very conspicuous absence of Free) clearly are celebrating a real victory. And they should so do, without any of us----who didn't play, who didn't endure their disappointment, who weren't booed or had to watch their home crowd leave games early----belittling their accomplishment.

We didn't make the Big Dance. We didn't deserve to be in the show. But, none of our players or coaches sulked. They moved on in the best way they could. They accepted the opportunity to keep playing.

There is nothing shameful about their NIT victory. What is shameful is those on this board who disparage the effort, discipline and maturity it took this group to pull together after a hugely disappointing season. They were knocked down, in a humiliating manner, but rose off the canvas and came back in spectacular manner.

Congrats to this team!

These X players and this coaching staff stepped up and truly did the best they could with the situation. They won every single game in the tournament. They beat a team in the Championship game that very likely should have been in the dance.I love the heart of this team and Jonas and his staff. They deserve nothing but praise. Great job to our Musketeers! I am damn proud of you all!

oh and Free is in the the back of photo (being mostly blocked by Stanley).

[American X]

Free is in the the back of photo (being mostly blocked by Stanley).

If Stanley can block out so well, why didn't Steele play him more???

[muskiefan82]

If Stanley can block out so well, why didn't Steele play him more???

Gotta fight through that screen!! LOL

[UCGRAD4X]

If Stanley can block out so well, why didn't Steele play him more???

Because he's only blocking out Free.

[whopper]

i look at this game like a round of 32 game trying to make the 2nd week. Our NIT champ is like a sweet 16 in some respects(you only need to win 2 games in NCAA we won 5). It is almost like an ex champ going on the tennis or golf Challenger circuit to build our way back up. I think we are a top 25 team now and would not have dreamed that 3 weeks ago. I pray Free is back as he made adjustments(maybe forced) where he is now a productive player without being a focal point of offense (few big men are anymore..not even Timme/Cockburn etc) the game had changed in 2 years

[IM4X]

If Stanley can block out so well, why didn't Steele play him more???

Good question.

[IM4X]

I think we are a top 25 team now and would not have dreamed that 3 weeks ago. I pray Free is back as he made adjustments(maybe forced) where he is now a productive player without being a focal point of offense (few big men are anymore..not even Timme/Cockburn etc) the game had changed in 2 years

Crossing my fingers they all come back. They have very good chemistry now. The are like brothers. It would be a shame for them to split up.

Come on back fellas! This year the NIT championship. Next year the NCAA championship.