Game Thread: Xavier v Oakland (11/27/2023)

[bleedXblue]

I guess Lazar is still figuring it out.

"it" might be successfully boxing out, standing strong defensively . He has a great upside but that comes with learning, building muscle, and losses .

See my note above.......he has a lot of growing to do in order to be counted on consistently

[waggy]

When your most experienced returning player is just a sophomore this is to be expected. They’ve actually done pretty well considering that.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

When your most experienced returning player is just a sophomore this is to be expected. They’ve actually done pretty well considering that.

Yes. Disappointing loss but expectations of some on this board may be higher than warranted.

[waggy]

Yes. Disappointing loss but expectations of some on this board may be higher than warranted.

Flip side is that they also have 3 experienced transfers. Those guys have to produce. Maybe you'd like to see a little more scoring punch from McNight, but he's been okay. Really Abou is the guy who has been the biggest problem. His fouling issue is something the staff is going to have to solve. They already have their fingers in enough dikes, but it is what it is.

[American X]

Trey Townsend is still picking Desmond Claude out of his teeth.

The ball movement this game and last game looked better, but maybe our guys are just not that good at finishing the shots.

Locking down Saint Mary's then letting Oakland have open gym on our floor is baffling.

Place some blame on the coaches with Xavier looking lost against the zone. It looked like they had no idea it was coming and no prep.

[xukeith]

This year's success depends a lot on what X can get consistently out of Ousmane, Gytis, Claude, McKnight and Olivari. Those 5 know the grind and will not be blown away with a strong wind unlike Lazar, Swain, Green, etc.

Although the frosh are shaky and slight of build, they do show some promise.
Just gaining muscle and experience will amp up their confidence and make them even more gifted.
Green has a nice stroke but he needs to develop consistent drives, free throw opportunities, all while being a passing guard too.

Ciani is solid and steady but not comfortable with post moves on offense. He will improve.

Not sure if Ousmane can be a night in night out non-fouling machine. He does bang, and rebound well. It counts for something.

Hope Miller and coaches can also learn from this recent embarrassment and improve vs Houston.
I am guessing Houston line will be X + 14.

[bleedXblue]

This year's success depends a lot on what X can get consistently out of Ousmane, Gytis, Claude, McKnight and Olivari. Those 5 know the grind and will not be blown away with a strong wind unlike Lazar, Swain, Green, etc.

Although the frosh are shaky and slight of build, they do show some promise.
Just gaining muscle and experience will amp up their confidence and make them even more gifted.
Green has a nice stroke but he needs to develop consistent drives, free throw opportunities, all while being a passing guard too.

Ciani is solid and steady but not comfortable with post moves on offense. He will improve.

Not sure if Ousmane can be a night in night out non-fouling machine. He does bang, and rebound well. It counts for something.

Hope Miller and coaches can also learn from this recent embarrassment and improve vs Houston.
I am guessing Houston line will be X + 14.

14? Cmon now. I see it at 9 or so.

[GoMuskies]

At home? I think the line will be more like 7 or 8.

[Xville]

At home? I think the line will be more like 7 or 8.

I’m thinking 5-6. Algorithms really like x right now. Sagarin shows I think 5 on a neutral court. Kinda wild

[xukeith]

Just listened to Sean Miller show recording from Dilly Bistro.
It was very entertaining despite such a disappointing loss.
Miller has some great stories, and perspective. He swears he will never lose a game like that ever again.

Lots of chatter about Abou and how he committed 7 fouls last night. It is hard to imagine any player in Miller's mind that yells, slaps and smacks opponents chests more than Abou.