Shootout game thread and then some

[muskieman]

certainly the defense or lack of defense in the second half gave UC a chance to come back. When they tied it and Souley took the ball down the court I said to my wife all good because he will score or get fouled. It was interesting that UC's killer chose to call an illegal time-out and take the T because of the missed foul shot called by Sean. As Sean says, they need to work on playing the D in the second half like they played in the first half, and his frustration with the bench players like Kyky and Edwards while giving kudos to Hunter. He said Des needs to give more. He also said he knows those he pointed out are capable of doing the job and that the important thing was the W.

I'm happy with the W and got some cardiac exercise in the last 3 minutes

[bluegrass]

I think the second half meltdown could be due to our starters playing too many minutes. Did KyKy even play today? The international tech was an interesting strategy. I’ve never seen that done before. I’ll never complain about about a win at UC.

[X-lucidity]

I am in full 100% agreement with Bluegrass - I shall NEVER complain in any way shape or form when we grab the 'Dub at UC. Period, end of story.

[muskieman]

I think the second half meltdown could be due to our starters playing too many minutes. Did KyKy even play today? The international tech was an interesting strategy. I’ve never seen that done before. I’ll never complain about about a win at UC.

He was in the game, but playing is another story. He took an ill-advised three and then played "let's give my opponent a straight line drive to the basket" because he could keep the guy in from of him. After showing he couldn't contribute, Sean replaced him.

[Timeless]

I am in full 100% agreement with Bluegrass - I shall NEVER complain in any way shape or form when we grab the 'Dub at UC. Period, end of story.

1 point or 50 points, I don't care because a win is a win. and against the Bearcats it is doubly sweet because they walk away pissed and we have a W. Also, one more thing...Boum is THE MAN you want the ball in his hand at the end of a tight game. Claude and Hunter were decent off the bench but the others gave us a rebound, a to and a couple of fouls

[ChitownSteve]

I think the second half meltdown could be due to our starters playing too many minutes. Did KyKy even play today? The international tech was an interesting strategy. I’ve never seen that done before. I’ll never complain about about a win at UC.

The lack of production by the bench, thus requiring a fatiguing amount of playing time for the starters, was precisely the point made by Coach Miller, as he talked post-game with Joe and and Byron. He also cited a couple of inappropriate three’s (read Tandy and Hunter). Overall Coach Miller is happy with the Offense. Fortunately, we know he will address current deficiencies.

Yes, like many, my ticker was racing at the end. What a W! Plus, the best part was our new grand-daughter was wearing a “Dribbling for Xavier Basketball” shirt as she sat on her Dad’s lap, watching her first Crosstown Classic.

[connecticut72]

I am happy that the ref at he end of the game had the guts to make that foul call when Souley drove hard to the hoop. I have seen a lot of refs swallow their whistles at the end of game in situations like that. I agree our defense suffered in the second half but I do believe it was because of excessive time by the starters. Sean had a real tight rotation yesterday and rightfully so. He sent a strong message to the bench after the game as to what he expects from them. We will need it in the Big East for sure. Lastly we committed 21 turnovers that is away too many, particularly against quality opponents.

[muskieman]

I think the second half meltdown could be due to our starters playing too many minutes. Did KyKy even play today? The international tech was an interesting strategy. I’ve never seen that done before. I’ll never complain about about a win at UC.

The lack of production by the bench, thus requiring a fatiguing amount of playing time for the starters, was precisely the point made by Coach Miller, as he talked post-game with Joe and and Byron. He also cited a couple of inappropriate three’s (read Tandy and Hunter). Overall Coach Miller is happy with the Offense. Fortunately, we know he will address current deficiencies.

Yes, like many, my ticker was racing at the end. What a W! Plus, the best part was our new grand-daughter was wearing a “Dribbling for Xavier Basketball” shirt as she sat on her Dad’s lap, watching her first Crosstown Classic.

Congrats on the granddaughter! Tell Dad the new rule: he must hold her for every game.

[X-man]

I am happy that the ref at he end of the game had the guts to make that foul call when Souley drove hard to the hoop. I have seen a lot of refs swallow their whistles at the end of game in situations like that. I agree our defense suffered in the second half but I do believe it was because of excessive time by the starters. Sean had a real tight rotation yesterday and rightfully so. He sent a strong message to the bench after the game as to what he expects from them. We will need it in the Big East for sure.

Lastly we committed 21 turnovers

that is away too many, particularly against quality opponents.

The box score shows 12 TO's, not 21. That's not bad against a team that forces a lot of TO's.

[Sonoma Muskie]

Considering the spark UC showed in the 2d half, we should definitely ban Kenyon Martin from future games at Cintas!!
Is he available through any motivational speakers bureau?.

Seriously X needs to address our lethargy starting the 2d half.
Did Sean fail to use the bench causing starters’ fatigue?
Or was. It a classic case of playing to the scoreboard rather than a reinvigorated opponent?