Monday, December 29, 2008
Xavier Men's Basketball Schedule Toughest In The Nation According To New RPI Rankings
Today’s new RPI ratings back up what most Musketeer fans already know. Xavier plays a tough schedule. XU is ranked sixth the latest RPI ratings for collegerpi.com (12-29-08). One key reason for the lofty ranking is the fact that XU’s strength of schedule is ranked first in the nation. XU's only losses have come to RPI number two (Butler) and RPI number four (Duke).
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Xavier vs. Butler Live Blog
UPDATE 6:41 - Both teams are on the floor, shooting around. Cintas Center is still relatively empty less than 20 minutes before tip-off, especially considering this game is sold out. The weather is most definitely playing a role in the late arrivals. A "wintry mix" fell on Cincinnati this afternoon, causing treacherous driving conditions.
UPDATE 7:10 - Head coach Sean Miller prognosticated it may take the Musketeers a few minutes to get into this game after last weekend's loss to Duke. After junior Derrick Brown scored the first two points of the contest with his signature move, a dunk, the Bulldogs rattled off eight straight points - including two threes from Willie Veasley. The two teams headed into the first media timeout with Butler leading, 10-4.
UPDATE 7:19 - Freshman Kenny Frease has had a good showing early in this game. He's scored six straight points for XU and has three rebounds.
UPDATE 7:28 - Freshman Terrell Holloway's running jumper at 8:46 was the Musketeers' first field goal since Frease's jumper at 14:12. With that kind of drought one would think Butler should be ahead by more than five, 17-12, but XU's smothering defense has created several Bulldog turnovers and Xavier also has seven blocks already in the contest.
UPDATE 7:40 - Back-to-back threes from senior BJ Raymond and sophomore Dante Jackson got XU right back into this game as the score was knotted at 21 apiece with just under five minutes remaining in the first half. The Butler bench thought it best to cool off a hot-handed XU and called a quick 30-second break.
UPDATE 7:45 - Freshman Brad Redford is back in the game for Xavier and he stepped about a foot back behind the three-point line and launched a beautiful three with a Bulldog in his face. The ball swished through the bottom of the net to give XU its first lead, 26-24, since leading 2-0 to start the contest. BU's Ronald Nored answered with a three of his own. Butler's back on top, 27-26.
UPDATE 7:50 - Heading into intermission, Butler is leading by three, 29-26. Three Bulldogs have six points while XU's Jackson leads all scorers with seven. Xavier trailed by three to Miami, 27-24, at halftime back on Nov. 29 in a similar low-scoring event. In that game, the Musketeers outscored the RedHawks 36-26 in the second frame to collect the seven-point victory. Here's hoping this game turns out the same way.
UPDATE 8:06 - About a minute into the first half junior Jason Love and Butler's Matt Howard seem to be having some words under the basket. The refs stopped play to bring both guys together and have a little talk. The next trip down the floor for the Bulldogs Love fouled Howard on his way to the basket. Hmmm.
UPDATE 8:24 - Another tussle between Love and Howard resulted in Howard completing an old-fashioned three-point play to give the Bulldogs the six-point lead, 42-36. Xavier managed to put together a 6-0 run to pull to within two, 44-42, capped off by a putback by Derrick Brown. Brown only has five points so far in this contest; he averages 14.4.
UPDATE 8:28 - BU's Veasley just hit his fourth three of the night to end the XU run. After the media timeout, Veasley picked up his fourth foul as well. Redford drained two free throws on the ensuing possession. After an empty trip down the floor for Butler, Brown snatched on offensive rebound and "SLAMMMMMMMMMED" it home, as Cintas Center annoucer Herb Bauer would say. The Bulldogs called a timeout to quiet the crowd. BU still leads, 49-46.
UPDATE 8:40 - Garrett Butcher must have thought Derrick Brown wouldn't shoot a three because he definitely wasn't gaurding him so Brown swished it. Holloway converted on an and-one situation to get XU to within one, 53-52, but Gordon Hayward answered with a three. .... Cintas Center has errupted in a chorus of boos that has lasted the entire media timeout and now continues as play resumes. Brown was called for traveling after the made three and the 10,250 other refs in the building disagreed.
UPDATE 8:44 - And the booing continues...
UPDATE 8:48 - And just when you thought it was over, the same ref calls a foul on Redford and ... more boos.
UPDATE 8:54 - With 3:37 left, the last media timeout has been called. Xavier has the ball with 11 remaining on the shot clock, trailing by six. This one seems like it is going to come down to a marathon of free throws (there have been 36 taken in this contest so far).
UPDATE 8:59 - Xavier head coach Sean Miller has just received a technical foul. Seems like he was talking to the ref that everyone keeps booing at. Wonder what he said?
UPDATE 9:05 - Another three from Brown (they just don't seem to think he'll shoot it) and Xavier is back to within three, 68-65, with just under two left.
UPDATE 9:08 - 49.7 seconds remain, Butler has the ball with three on the shot clock and a five-point advantage, 70-65. Check in with www.GOXAVIER.com to find out the outcome of the game.
UPDATE 7:10 - Head coach Sean Miller prognosticated it may take the Musketeers a few minutes to get into this game after last weekend's loss to Duke. After junior Derrick Brown scored the first two points of the contest with his signature move, a dunk, the Bulldogs rattled off eight straight points - including two threes from Willie Veasley. The two teams headed into the first media timeout with Butler leading, 10-4.
UPDATE 7:19 - Freshman Kenny Frease has had a good showing early in this game. He's scored six straight points for XU and has three rebounds.
UPDATE 7:28 - Freshman Terrell Holloway's running jumper at 8:46 was the Musketeers' first field goal since Frease's jumper at 14:12. With that kind of drought one would think Butler should be ahead by more than five, 17-12, but XU's smothering defense has created several Bulldog turnovers and Xavier also has seven blocks already in the contest.
UPDATE 7:40 - Back-to-back threes from senior BJ Raymond and sophomore Dante Jackson got XU right back into this game as the score was knotted at 21 apiece with just under five minutes remaining in the first half. The Butler bench thought it best to cool off a hot-handed XU and called a quick 30-second break.
UPDATE 7:45 - Freshman Brad Redford is back in the game for Xavier and he stepped about a foot back behind the three-point line and launched a beautiful three with a Bulldog in his face. The ball swished through the bottom of the net to give XU its first lead, 26-24, since leading 2-0 to start the contest. BU's Ronald Nored answered with a three of his own. Butler's back on top, 27-26.
UPDATE 7:50 - Heading into intermission, Butler is leading by three, 29-26. Three Bulldogs have six points while XU's Jackson leads all scorers with seven. Xavier trailed by three to Miami, 27-24, at halftime back on Nov. 29 in a similar low-scoring event. In that game, the Musketeers outscored the RedHawks 36-26 in the second frame to collect the seven-point victory. Here's hoping this game turns out the same way.
UPDATE 8:06 - About a minute into the first half junior Jason Love and Butler's Matt Howard seem to be having some words under the basket. The refs stopped play to bring both guys together and have a little talk. The next trip down the floor for the Bulldogs Love fouled Howard on his way to the basket. Hmmm.
UPDATE 8:24 - Another tussle between Love and Howard resulted in Howard completing an old-fashioned three-point play to give the Bulldogs the six-point lead, 42-36. Xavier managed to put together a 6-0 run to pull to within two, 44-42, capped off by a putback by Derrick Brown. Brown only has five points so far in this contest; he averages 14.4.
UPDATE 8:28 - BU's Veasley just hit his fourth three of the night to end the XU run. After the media timeout, Veasley picked up his fourth foul as well. Redford drained two free throws on the ensuing possession. After an empty trip down the floor for Butler, Brown snatched on offensive rebound and "SLAMMMMMMMMMED" it home, as Cintas Center annoucer Herb Bauer would say. The Bulldogs called a timeout to quiet the crowd. BU still leads, 49-46.
UPDATE 8:40 - Garrett Butcher must have thought Derrick Brown wouldn't shoot a three because he definitely wasn't gaurding him so Brown swished it. Holloway converted on an and-one situation to get XU to within one, 53-52, but Gordon Hayward answered with a three. .... Cintas Center has errupted in a chorus of boos that has lasted the entire media timeout and now continues as play resumes. Brown was called for traveling after the made three and the 10,250 other refs in the building disagreed.
UPDATE 8:44 - And the booing continues...
UPDATE 8:48 - And just when you thought it was over, the same ref calls a foul on Redford and ... more boos.
UPDATE 8:54 - With 3:37 left, the last media timeout has been called. Xavier has the ball with 11 remaining on the shot clock, trailing by six. This one seems like it is going to come down to a marathon of free throws (there have been 36 taken in this contest so far).
UPDATE 8:59 - Xavier head coach Sean Miller has just received a technical foul. Seems like he was talking to the ref that everyone keeps booing at. Wonder what he said?
UPDATE 9:05 - Another three from Brown (they just don't seem to think he'll shoot it) and Xavier is back to within three, 68-65, with just under two left.
UPDATE 9:08 - 49.7 seconds remain, Butler has the ball with three on the shot clock and a five-point advantage, 70-65. Check in with www.GOXAVIER.com to find out the outcome of the game.
Freshman Walsh To Miss 4-6 Weeks
Xavier men's basketball freshman Brian Walsh suffered a broken hand, a left hand fracture, during Xavier's practice on December 18. Doctors have determined that it will take 4-6 weeks for Walsh to recover and heal. Walsh had played in eight games this season.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Musketeers Dodge The Snow
The men's basketball squad was scheduled to leave the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport on a 3 p.m. flight on Friday. But Thursday night the travel agent informed Director of Basketball Administration Mario Mercurio that our flight was going to be cancelled due to a big snow storm headed East. That began a couple hours of scrambling to find a flight with 35 open spots. Fortunately, an 8:30 a.m. flight was found and the process of contacting all the travel party members began. That process took until well after midnight.
The XU basketball travel party left Cintas Center at about 6:30 a.m. Long check-in lines and security lines for the holiday season almost put the good luck to an end. But the last of the travel party made it to the gate just minutes before the doors closed for the flight. The flight arrived at LaGuardia Airport about 10 a.m., a short time before the snow began to fall. It's been snowing pretty steady ever since.
XU caught another break with its scheduled practice. The Musketeers were scheduled to leave their hotel in East Rutherford to practice in The Bronx at the Gauchos Gym, former stomping ground for current XU assistant Book Richardson. Scheduled practice was slated for 2-4 but travel to and from the Bronx looked like a long and slippery commute. It turned out, though, that the NJ Nets cancelled a scheduled shoot and the Musketeers were able to practice on the Izod Center floor that will be the site of Saturday's game. That's about 10-15 minutes from the hotel even with teh bad weather. The CBS producer and announce team of Clark Kellogg and Verne Lundquist took in practice and got the usual prep, rundown and notes from Tom Eiser.
The team finished a lively practice at about 4:15 p.m. and made the 10-15 minute bus ride to the hotel.
The squad's now back in the hotel, awaiting team dinner and a film session later this evening. Considering the blast of bad weather that's hit this area, the Musketeers can consider themselves very lucky. Hopefully they still have some left to go with a top effort tomorrow.
The XU basketball travel party left Cintas Center at about 6:30 a.m. Long check-in lines and security lines for the holiday season almost put the good luck to an end. But the last of the travel party made it to the gate just minutes before the doors closed for the flight. The flight arrived at LaGuardia Airport about 10 a.m., a short time before the snow began to fall. It's been snowing pretty steady ever since.
XU caught another break with its scheduled practice. The Musketeers were scheduled to leave their hotel in East Rutherford to practice in The Bronx at the Gauchos Gym, former stomping ground for current XU assistant Book Richardson. Scheduled practice was slated for 2-4 but travel to and from the Bronx looked like a long and slippery commute. It turned out, though, that the NJ Nets cancelled a scheduled shoot and the Musketeers were able to practice on the Izod Center floor that will be the site of Saturday's game. That's about 10-15 minutes from the hotel even with teh bad weather. The CBS producer and announce team of Clark Kellogg and Verne Lundquist took in practice and got the usual prep, rundown and notes from Tom Eiser.
The team finished a lively practice at about 4:15 p.m. and made the 10-15 minute bus ride to the hotel.
The squad's now back in the hotel, awaiting team dinner and a film session later this evening. Considering the blast of bad weather that's hit this area, the Musketeers can consider themselves very lucky. Hopefully they still have some left to go with a top effort tomorrow.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Xavier vs. Cincinnati Live Blog
UPDATE, 7:37: Well here we are at "lovely" Fifth Third Arena ... I never understood the layout of this building. There is tons of wasted space in the corners they had to build so steep and high on the sides that they give out O2 to people sitting up there upon entry. I just don't get it. Meanwhile the Musketeers just took the floor and were welcomes to a chorus of boos.
UPDATE, 8:01: The D'Artagnan mascot fell down as he led the team out onto the floor ... Inauspicious or meaningless? I guess we will find out.
UPDATE, 8:16: Good start for the Musketeers ... UC is the most prolific offensive rebounding club in the country and XU leads 4-to-1 in that category. Holloway got off to a quick start in his first Crosstown Shootout. The freshman buried a 3-pointer and then recorded a steal on the next possession.
UPDATE, 8:25: Well, UC scores on its first possession and then has gone 6:30 without a bucket. The Bearcats have missed their last six attempts from the field while turning the ball over six times. Make that seven times.
UPDATE, 8:29: The UC faithful are none too pleased with this officiating crew early. I have heard one "*** A-10 officials" complaint. For the record, Karl Hess, Tim Higgins and John Cahill (pronounced Cal for some reason) work a lot of BIG EAST games and have each worked a Final Four.
UPDATE, 8:44: UC has made its living on second chance points this year and XU leads 12-2 in that stat after the latest tip in by Derrick Brown ... XU up 32-19, its largest lead of the game.
UPDATE, 9:32: XU led by 14 at the break and they are currently in the midst of taking Deonta Vaughn's best shot. After burying a 3-pointer at the end of the first half, Vaughn has scored 10 of UC's 13 second-half points. XU leads by 11 with 15:19 to go.
UPDATE, 9:41: Perhaps UC's cold shooting was due to Mick Cronin's tie. Cronin took the tie off during halftime and UC heated up from the field. Coinscidence?
UPDATE, 9:47: Who says the Crosstown Shootout has lost its luster? That makes five technical fouls tonight. In other news, Deonta Vaughn actually missed a shot but still leads all scorers with 22. 15 of which have come in the last 9:30.
UPDATE, 9:54: The lead is down to five points with just over nine minutes to go Mr. Momentum has clearly gone over to sit down on UC's bench. Let's see if XU can string together a couple stops to stop this run. The Bearcats are scorching the nets at a 52.9 percent clip this half including 54.0% from deep. Can that last?
UPDATE, 9:59: Big stop and board there by XU. Brown goes to the line with the Musketeers up three. A coupule of free throws would really take some of the air out of this place. It is rowdy in here.
UPDATE, 10:11: Is it really 10:11 p.m.? There is still 3:49 to go here. Oh well, big offensive board by Kenny Frease there. He was in just to give Jason Love a little break before the under four timeout but he made a big play and will be shooting a pair of free throws with XU up five when we get back.
UPDATE, 10:22: Derrick Brown made play after play and free throw after free throw as XU seems ready to hold off the Bearcats. Just a little blemish as he was hit with his second technical foul of the night at the 1:20 mark.
UPDATE, 8:01: The D'Artagnan mascot fell down as he led the team out onto the floor ... Inauspicious or meaningless? I guess we will find out.
UPDATE, 8:16: Good start for the Musketeers ... UC is the most prolific offensive rebounding club in the country and XU leads 4-to-1 in that category. Holloway got off to a quick start in his first Crosstown Shootout. The freshman buried a 3-pointer and then recorded a steal on the next possession.
UPDATE, 8:25: Well, UC scores on its first possession and then has gone 6:30 without a bucket. The Bearcats have missed their last six attempts from the field while turning the ball over six times. Make that seven times.
UPDATE, 8:29: The UC faithful are none too pleased with this officiating crew early. I have heard one "*** A-10 officials" complaint. For the record, Karl Hess, Tim Higgins and John Cahill (pronounced Cal for some reason) work a lot of BIG EAST games and have each worked a Final Four.
UPDATE, 8:44: UC has made its living on second chance points this year and XU leads 12-2 in that stat after the latest tip in by Derrick Brown ... XU up 32-19, its largest lead of the game.
UPDATE, 9:32: XU led by 14 at the break and they are currently in the midst of taking Deonta Vaughn's best shot. After burying a 3-pointer at the end of the first half, Vaughn has scored 10 of UC's 13 second-half points. XU leads by 11 with 15:19 to go.
UPDATE, 9:41: Perhaps UC's cold shooting was due to Mick Cronin's tie. Cronin took the tie off during halftime and UC heated up from the field. Coinscidence?
UPDATE, 9:47: Who says the Crosstown Shootout has lost its luster? That makes five technical fouls tonight. In other news, Deonta Vaughn actually missed a shot but still leads all scorers with 22. 15 of which have come in the last 9:30.
UPDATE, 9:54: The lead is down to five points with just over nine minutes to go Mr. Momentum has clearly gone over to sit down on UC's bench. Let's see if XU can string together a couple stops to stop this run. The Bearcats are scorching the nets at a 52.9 percent clip this half including 54.0% from deep. Can that last?
UPDATE, 9:59: Big stop and board there by XU. Brown goes to the line with the Musketeers up three. A coupule of free throws would really take some of the air out of this place. It is rowdy in here.
UPDATE, 10:11: Is it really 10:11 p.m.? There is still 3:49 to go here. Oh well, big offensive board by Kenny Frease there. He was in just to give Jason Love a little break before the under four timeout but he made a big play and will be shooting a pair of free throws with XU up five when we get back.
UPDATE, 10:22: Derrick Brown made play after play and free throw after free throw as XU seems ready to hold off the Bearcats. Just a little blemish as he was hit with his second technical foul of the night at the 1:20 mark.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Xavier vs. Ohio Live Blog
UPDATE, 7:39: You would think after about a month into the season we would have all the kinks ironed out here at Cintas Center ... but we don't. Hence the late blog start time. Anyway I guess there is some bad traffic on I-75 but this place looks pretty full. The crowd is also pretty into it early as XU jumps out to a 13-5 lead. CJ Anderson is a beast in the early goings.
UPDATE, 7:44: The McAllister's Deli trivia question asked which former XU head coach current Ohio head coach worked for A. Bob Staak, B. Skip Prosser, C. Pete Gillen or D. Thad Matta. 10,249 people cleary knew the answer because virtually all of Cintas Center booed loudly when Thad Matta's name was uttered. Unfortunately the one person in the building who didn't know the answer was the guy who was chosen for the contest and the crowd gave a collective groan when he answered A. Yikes.
First Terrell Holloway sighting in a while ... good to see him back on the floor.
UPDATE, 8:02: 19 of Xavier's 22 points have come in the paint ... the other three came on a 3-pointer by forward Derrick Brown. XU's frontline is once again dominating the opposition's big men.
UPDATE, 8:09: Derrick Brown becomes more and more unguardable every game ... he is 4-for-4 from the floor and has made each of his two attempts from deep. He has become a legit threat from beyond the arc this season.
UPDATE, 8:24: Pretty dominating conclusion to the the first half ... a 16-0 Xavier run over a 3:30 stretch did in the Bobcats. Great 20-mins for the Musketeers.
UPDATE, 9:08: XU shot 69.2 percent in the first half, the higest field goal percentage registered by the team since the quarterfinal round of the 2004 A-10 Tournament at UD Arena. Xavier shot 78.9 percent in the second half of that game en route to beating No. 1 Saint Joe's.
UPDATE, 9:10: Forgot to mention that then the Musketeers went and missed their first six shots of the second half. Anyone could have seen that coming.
UPDATE, 9:29: I think it's officially garbage time. With around five-minutes to go, Coach Miller emptied the bench. At least the squad will be well rested for Saturday's shootout. That does it for the blog tonight ... check GOXAVIER.com for a recap, notes, quotes and a photo gallery. Thanks for reading.
UPDATE, 7:44: The McAllister's Deli trivia question asked which former XU head coach current Ohio head coach worked for A. Bob Staak, B. Skip Prosser, C. Pete Gillen or D. Thad Matta. 10,249 people cleary knew the answer because virtually all of Cintas Center booed loudly when Thad Matta's name was uttered. Unfortunately the one person in the building who didn't know the answer was the guy who was chosen for the contest and the crowd gave a collective groan when he answered A. Yikes.
First Terrell Holloway sighting in a while ... good to see him back on the floor.
UPDATE, 8:02: 19 of Xavier's 22 points have come in the paint ... the other three came on a 3-pointer by forward Derrick Brown. XU's frontline is once again dominating the opposition's big men.
UPDATE, 8:09: Derrick Brown becomes more and more unguardable every game ... he is 4-for-4 from the floor and has made each of his two attempts from deep. He has become a legit threat from beyond the arc this season.
UPDATE, 8:24: Pretty dominating conclusion to the the first half ... a 16-0 Xavier run over a 3:30 stretch did in the Bobcats. Great 20-mins for the Musketeers.
UPDATE, 9:08: XU shot 69.2 percent in the first half, the higest field goal percentage registered by the team since the quarterfinal round of the 2004 A-10 Tournament at UD Arena. Xavier shot 78.9 percent in the second half of that game en route to beating No. 1 Saint Joe's.
UPDATE, 9:10: Forgot to mention that then the Musketeers went and missed their first six shots of the second half. Anyone could have seen that coming.
UPDATE, 9:29: I think it's officially garbage time. With around five-minutes to go, Coach Miller emptied the bench. At least the squad will be well rested for Saturday's shootout. That does it for the blog tonight ... check GOXAVIER.com for a recap, notes, quotes and a photo gallery. Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Xavier vs. Auburn Live Blog
Welcome to tonight's live blog of the Xavier vs. Auburn men's basketball game. Jason Love just floated up a turn-around hook to open the game, followed by a B.J. Raymond three-pointer. The Muskies are off to a great start.
UPDATE 8:19
Derrick Brown and Jamel McLean just worked a perfect give-and-go off the fast break to the tune of a Brown alley-oop slam. The junior seemed to take off from outside the paint.
UPDATE 8:25
B.J. Raymond is the leading scorer for XU so far with 10, including two three-pointers. Two Tigers have four points a piece to lead Auburn. The lead is 26-18. No dramatic runs, but the Musketeers are steadily building a healthy lead.
UPDATE 9:18
Dante Jackson saw Auburn's Korvotney coming from a mile away, stepping in on the block to take a charge and avoid the likely Tiger layup. Jackson has commanded the floor well this half, and more importantly, has committed no fouls.
UPDATE Halftime
At the half, it was all Raymond as the senior led all scorers with 16 points on 6-7 shooting, including 4-5 from behind the arc. Danté Jackson and Derrick Brown each contributed seven points and two rebounds apiece in the first stanza, pushing the Musketeers to a 37-26 halftime lead.
UPDATE 9:42
Raymond is red hot from behind the arc, now at five-for-six after the bomb he just dropped from three feet behind the line. The arc might as well be in the stands for Raymond tonight, he leads the Muskes with 19.
UPDATE 9:32
Brown just slammed home a wide-open dunk, pushing the Xavier lead to 56-37. The Tigers have yet to mount a run that would challenge the Muskie lead, and Raymond has added yet another three-ball to his line.
UPDATE 9:12
Kenny Frease just hit his first collegiate three-pointer. The freshman has had a few attempts earlier in the season and finally dropped one down. Maybe Raymond gave him a little advice during that last timeout.
UPDATE 10:05
B.J. Raymond cannot be stopped, he just hit his seventh deep ball tonight, eclipsing his previous career high set at... you guessed it, Auburn. Some players fill a full season stat line with the three-pointers Raymond has downed against the Tigers. There's something special about this match-up for him, maybe he should invite them to watch his next three point contest.
UPDATE
UPDATE 8:19
Derrick Brown and Jamel McLean just worked a perfect give-and-go off the fast break to the tune of a Brown alley-oop slam. The junior seemed to take off from outside the paint.
UPDATE 8:25
B.J. Raymond is the leading scorer for XU so far with 10, including two three-pointers. Two Tigers have four points a piece to lead Auburn. The lead is 26-18. No dramatic runs, but the Musketeers are steadily building a healthy lead.
UPDATE 9:18
Dante Jackson saw Auburn's Korvotney coming from a mile away, stepping in on the block to take a charge and avoid the likely Tiger layup. Jackson has commanded the floor well this half, and more importantly, has committed no fouls.
UPDATE Halftime
At the half, it was all Raymond as the senior led all scorers with 16 points on 6-7 shooting, including 4-5 from behind the arc. Danté Jackson and Derrick Brown each contributed seven points and two rebounds apiece in the first stanza, pushing the Musketeers to a 37-26 halftime lead.
UPDATE 9:42
Raymond is red hot from behind the arc, now at five-for-six after the bomb he just dropped from three feet behind the line. The arc might as well be in the stands for Raymond tonight, he leads the Muskes with 19.
UPDATE 9:32
Brown just slammed home a wide-open dunk, pushing the Xavier lead to 56-37. The Tigers have yet to mount a run that would challenge the Muskie lead, and Raymond has added yet another three-ball to his line.
UPDATE 9:12
Kenny Frease just hit his first collegiate three-pointer. The freshman has had a few attempts earlier in the season and finally dropped one down. Maybe Raymond gave him a little advice during that last timeout.
UPDATE 10:05
B.J. Raymond cannot be stopped, he just hit his seventh deep ball tonight, eclipsing his previous career high set at... you guessed it, Auburn. Some players fill a full season stat line with the three-pointers Raymond has downed against the Tigers. There's something special about this match-up for him, maybe he should invite them to watch his next three point contest.
UPDATE
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Xavier Reserve Point Guard Expected To Miss 2-4 Weeks
Xavier freshman point guard Terrell Holloway has been diagnosed with a left foot "low grade stress fracture." Holloway is expected to miss 2-4 weeks.
Holloway has played in all five Musketeer games, averaging 7.8 points and 2.4 rebounds in 21.0 minutes per game as a reserve. Holloway leads Xavier in free throw percentage at .964 (27-of-28).
Xavier, 5-0, hosts Miami (Ohio) on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
Holloway has played in all five Musketeer games, averaging 7.8 points and 2.4 rebounds in 21.0 minutes per game as a reserve. Holloway leads Xavier in free throw percentage at .964 (27-of-28).
Xavier, 5-0, hosts Miami (Ohio) on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
NOTES: This is the matchup the Musketeers must have looked forward to most when they saw the field for this tournament. As the top-ranked team in the tournament draw, Memphis will give XU a good gauge of where it stands at this early juncture. And with the long history between head coach Sean Miller and Tigers' head man John Calipari, there's no doubt the "little brother" would like to get the best of his "big brother." Memphis will present a tough test for the Musketeers, having shown through two games in this tournament that the Tigers are still among the fastest teams in college basketball, despite numerous new faces.UPDATE 7:36 p.m.: Musketeers lost the tip put got a steal on their first defensive possession. It's going to be key for XU to contain the potent attack of the Tigers tonight.
UPDATE 7:44 p.m.: XU came out strong, jumping out to a 7-1 lead as the Tigers were forced to take most of their shot from outside the arc. They finally hit on, pulling it to 7-4 as we go into the first media timeout. With a team like Memphis, it's important to either withstand the first 'punch' or dish it out, and the Musketeers seem to be doing a little bit of both. This game, on a neutral court with strong support from fans on both sides, has a distinct tournament feel.
UPDATE 7:54 p.m.: This game is living up to its billing as a championship game. Sophomore Jamel McLean turned a nice entry pass into a two-handed flush, and XU leads 14-11 at the under-12 media break. Most impressively, the Musketeers seem unphased by the stage they are on right now. Hopefully you are all getting a chance to watch this game on the ESPN family of networks!
UPDATE 8:00 p.m.: He's not just big, he's athletic. Kenny Frease just got some air and reached behind his head for an offensive rebound and drew the foul, hitting one of two to give XU a 17-13 advantage. With the Tigers cut to one with a three-pointer on the other end.
UPDATE 8:05 p.m.: At the under-eight-minute media timeout, the Musketeers are holding onto a two-point lead, 18-16. XU has done a good job keeping the Tigers out of the lane and off the offensive glass. Also, Derrick Brown has two fouls, so the Musketeers are out in front of Memphis without the preseason First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection.
UPDATE 8:10 p.m.: Memphis is pressure the rebounder on the defensive end, keeping him from getting the ball into the XU point guard's hands. It forced Coach Miller to call a timeout on last time down the floor and it's something Xavier will have to adjust to keep from giving up easy baskets.
UPDATE 8:13 p.m.: On any given night, any Musketeer can be the star. We saw it with Terrell Holloway hitting 10-of-10 free throws down the stretch in the first game of this tournament. We saw it with C.J. Anderson taking over in the second half against Virginia Tech. And now Jamel McLean is doing for Xavier in this first half. He has 1o points, scoring on a transition layup to put XU up 24-18.
UPDATE 8:18 p.m.: With the last media timeout of he half upon us, the Musketeers are ahead by six, 26-20, keeping the high-octane offense of Memphis mildly at bay. But that can change quickly, forcing XU to keep up the defensive intensity for all 40 minutes. Every minute is a battle, and the play is getting more physical each time down the floor.
UPDATE 8:29 p.m.: While the foul count doesn't always go up in a physical game, I can say that it has in this case. Both teams are denying easy baskets and fighting for every loose ball. That has both squads in the double bonus and has slowed down the pace of play as we near the end of the first half.
UPDATE 8:32 p.m.: After a three-pointer by the Tigers, XU will get the last possession of the half, already with a three-point lead...but Holloway travels to give the ball to Memphis with 10 seconds left on the clock.
UPDATE 8:33 p.m.: Although they gave up an offensive rebound in the final moments, the Musketeers take a three-point lead into the break after denying Memphis on the last possession of the half. At 32-29, I think it would be fair to say this score is more up the Musketeers' alley than the Tigers'.
UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: We are a couple minutes from the start of the second half, but I wanted to take some time to applaud the people here in Puerto Rico and, specifically, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. The accommodations have been wonderful...food superb...and the people wonderful. This is a fairly new facility and it shows. And with the competition at the tournament, it seems like this event has the chance to grow over the next couple of years.
UPDATE 8:47 p.m.: And the cake is awesome.
UPDATE 8:50 p.m.: Derrick Brown is back, after missing most of the first half with two fouls. He took his first shot off the dribble and missed, but it will still be interesting to see how long it takes him to get his rythm.
UPDATE 8:57 p.m.: Well, the halftime break hasn't seemed to slow down the defensive intensity of the Musketeers. They have held the Tigers to two points through the first three and a half minutes.
UPDATE 8:59 p.m.: First media time of the second half, and we are right where we started the last 20 minutes: with the Musketeers in front by three. A three-point play by the Musketeers made it a 37-34 game, and Memphis will have possession coming out of the break. Although a total of four fouls have been called in a little over four minutes played, the game hasn't been as physical as it was late in the first half. I get the distinct feeling that will change as more and more time ticks off the clock.
UPDATE 9:03 p.m.: We have our first tie. A three-pointer from the corner has us 37-37 all. After a strong offensive rebound by McLean (surprise, surprise) Holloway will go to the line for two with a chance to give the Musketeers the lead once again.
UPDATE 9:05 p.m.: Coach Calipari has just been given a technical foul. He didn't like a steal Holloway made, and was a bit too eager to argue his case. Incidentally, Holloway knocked down both the free throws. That turns out to be a four-point swing swing as Holloway stopped an easy layup for the Tigers and then hit both the free throws.
UPDATE 9:08 p.m.: B.J. Raymond is showing he's not just a three-pointer shooter. At his size, it's difficult for a lot of two-guards to D him up man-on-man in the post. He is adjust by backing people down and making shots in the lane. That will help him open up his game outside and make the Musketeers more dangerous on offense.
UPDATE 9:12 p.m.: At the under 12-minute media timeout, the Musketeers hold a six-point advantage, although it's been quietly built up. It's not that XU is flying around on offense, it's that the defense is shutting down the Tigers once again. Xavier has one the first two segments of this second half, but there is still just under 12 minutes to play...a lot of basketball.
UPDATE 9:17 p.m.: A block and a steal by the Tigers an this is a two-point game, 45-43, with the Musketeers holding onto the lead. Coach Miller has called a timeout, and you have to believe he is going to make sure the squad gets the most out of this next possession. He's going with the lineup probably the most efficient in Holloway, Raymond, Anderson, Brown and Love.
UPDATE 9:20 p.m.: Holloway to Frease. That's a combination Xavier fans should probably get used to as the duo perfectly executed a pick-and-roll. Frease finished it off with a nice mid-air adjustment to put the Musketeers back up by four, 49-45.
UPDATE 9:23 p.m.: This is has truly been a case of conflicting styles of play. While Memphis looks to run pretty much anytime it gets the ball, Xavier has been much more comfortable working its way through possessions, even winding the shot clock down on a couple occasions. While the Tigers' transition game had been held mostly in check through the first 30 minutes, it has started to show signs of life in the last three. XU still holds a three-point advantage, 51-48, but Memphis will be shooting a pair of free throws after the media timeout.
UPDATE 9:28 p.m.: As if the players aren't competing hard enough, the fans for their respective teams are getting into this contest, as well. They are trying to out-do each other with cheers during timeouts, and it's honestly to call a winner at this point.
UPDATE 9:30 p.m.: For the first time since being up 1-0, Memphis took the lead with a three-pointer to go up 52-51. But showing the confidence that put him at the line for 10-of-10 in the final minutes of the first round matchup against Missouri, Holloway took it the basket on the ensuing possession and gave XU a one-point lead by making both free throws.
UPDATE 9:33 p.m.: It will be a season of first's for Kenny Frease...but I am sure he wasn't looking forward to this one: he has fouled out with 4:21 remaining. Memphis went to the line and hit 1-of-2 to tie the game at 53-53.
UPDATE 9:35 p.m.: The horn blows signaling the final media timeout as the clock is stopped with 3:52 remaining. At 53-53, the stage is set for a great finish to an exciting O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off Invitational!
UPDATE 9:41 p.m.: HUGE bucket from Jackson with a chance to make it a three-point play after drawing the foul, as well. Xavier now has a three-point lead, 56-53, with Jackson going to the line and 2:25 on the clock. There's a good chance the next post will look like garble because the excitement is overwhelming in the arena. AND he hit the free throw. Four-point game.
UPDATE 9:45 p.m.: With under two minutes on the clock and post game responsibilities to attend to, that will be the end of the blog. Xavier leads by three, 57-54. Be sure to check GoXavier.com to get the final or just tune in to ESPN!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Men's Basketball vs. Virginia Tech Live Blog
Notes: A pair of 3-0 teams will take the court in the first semifinal of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off Invitational. Xavier defeated Missouri, 75-71, yesterday and Virgina Tech beat Fairfield, 74-57, to set up the matchup. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), in which VT claims membership, holds an undefeated, 29-0 record through the first two weeks of the college basketball season. The Musketeers will be looking to blemish that record this afternoon. Tip-off in just about 18 minutes!
UPDATE 1:26 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time): The Musketeers have hit the floor! Two minutes to introductions.
UPDATE 1:32 p.m.: Virginia Tech won the tip, fighting for an offensive rebound but have had to work deep into the shot clock on this first possession. It's safe to say, this is a harder defense than the Hokies faced against Fairfield.
UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: Just like yesterday, Derrick Brown got the Musketeers on the board first, this time with a jumper from the baseline. He is going to be tough to guard in the post this season.
UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: Already at the first media timeout. VT looks like a team that will like to push the tempo, taking a three-pointer early in a possession to take a 7-4 lead. I won't divulge which team, but a gentleman wearing an undisclosed NBA team logo on his polo just said that Xavier doesn't "have the horses" to make a run this year. While the Musketeers are young, it's hard to miss the talent at all five positions. I would have to respectively disagree with him.
UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Kenny Frease has shown why he was the Musketeers' top-rated recruit coming in, grabbing defensive boards in traffic on consecutive possessions. As he figures out which moves are going to work on the offensive end at the highest level of college basketball he is going to be a force.
UPDATE 1:49 p.m.: One of the things Coach Sean Miller mentioned in his post game press conference yesterday was the way Missouri challenges rebounds even after a player has brought them down. It didn't pop out at me during yesterday's game, but looking for it today, I see what he meant. The Hokies, like most teams, are more concerned about getting back on defense then trying to poke away the ball after a rebound. That's allowed the Musketeers to get into their offense much more comfortably this time around.
UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: Jamel McLean continues to shoot a high percentage because he is extremely active on the offensive boards. Very few players have his ability to score off the rebound like he does, whether it's a put-back dunk or tip-in.
UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: For all the talk of the tough Xavier defense, Virginia Tech plays a very similar style. Both teams play tough man-to-man and limit penetration, forcing teams to run through their offense. Right now VT is having slightly more success at that right now, holding a four-point lead, 21-17 with about four minutes to play.
UPDATE 2:08 p.m.: A slashing cutter just scored a layup, forcing Coach Miller to call a timeout. One of the things he has had to deal with this season is finding the right combination of players. With a lot of new faces and a tremendous amount of talent, that's a challenge at this early juncture.
UPDATE 2:19 p.m.: That's the Kenny Frease we have been waiting for! After strugging through the first 18 minutes of the half, Frease scored on back-to-back possessions. Making a quick move to the inside, he got a friendly roll the first time, which seemed to build his confidence. The next time down the floor, the Musketeers immediately found him on the block, where he turned to the baseline and banked a hook shot off the glass for two. Two-point game in favor of the Hokies, as we head into halftime.
UPDATE: 2:32 p.m.: The second half will begin shortly. Blogging will resume shortly after I try to snag a few pictures as the Musketeers will be attacking the basket nearest me. For those of you that can, be sure to check out the game on ESPNU!
UPDATE 2:42 p.m.: After tying the game on the first possession thanks to a nice move inside by Jason Love, the Musketeers trail 34-28 at the first media timeout. Back-to-back three-points by the Hokies offset a trey by Derrick Brown, who has continued to expand his game.
UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: The Hokies matched their largest lead of the game at eight points, but a strong bucket by McLean inside has pulled the Musketeers within six. On the other end, tough defense by Terrell Holloway kept VT from getting into its offense and forced a timeout by the Hokies. He may be one of the best on-ball defenders on the team.
UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: A pair of free throws by Frease after he was fouled grabbing an offensive rebound pulled the Musketeers within three, but five straight points from the Hokies have ballooned the margin back to eight. VT has shown range throughout the game, while the Musketeers have struggled with their jump shooting today.
UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: C.J. Anderson just converted a three-point play to pull Xavier within seven, 46-39. As one of the senior leaders on this team he was calling for the ball and made the best of the opportunity....AND HE DID IT AGAIN! Fighting for an offensive rebound, Anderson took it to the basket with authority, drawing a foul and making the basket. He missed the free throw, but it's a five-point game, 46-41. And now the Musketeers are in a zone.
UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: Coach Miller has lit a fire under these Musketeers. The zone has forced a turnover and toughness on the offensive glass has B.J. Raymond as the line with two free throw chances. He makes the first and...makes the second. Three-point game with eight minutes to play as the XU faithful chants D-FENSE!
UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: The Hokies scored on the other end and XU missed a jumper, giving the ball back to VT. They drew a questionable foul call inside and will go the line for two with a five-point advantage, 48-43, with 7:14 on the clock. The intenity in this arena, although sparsely populated, has gone up a notch.
UPDATE 3:14 p.m.: The Musketeers just can't seem to get over the hump. Every time they pull within three or four points, the ball either rims out or the Hokies hit a big shot. This time around, XU wound the shot clock nearly all the way down and missed the shot and VT went down to the other end and hit a three to give the Hokies a seven-point lead, 52-45.
UPDATE 3:17 p.m.: A three-pointer by Brown pulls the Musketeers within four and a moving pick by the Hokies gives the ball back to XU. Is there a doctor in the house? In a low scoring affair like this (52-48 with 3:45 to play), it's easy to draw comparison to a late-season tournament game. That's one of the benefits Coach Miller said there is to playing in a tournament like this: a field of competition that presents a tough challenge throughout.
UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: Alright, there is 1:17 left and it's a tie ball game. You will have to check GoXavier.com to get the final! Thanks for all the "tuned in" this blog and be sure to keep checking GoXavier.com for all the lastest news on Xavier athletics.
UPDATE 1:26 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time): The Musketeers have hit the floor! Two minutes to introductions.
UPDATE 1:32 p.m.: Virginia Tech won the tip, fighting for an offensive rebound but have had to work deep into the shot clock on this first possession. It's safe to say, this is a harder defense than the Hokies faced against Fairfield.
UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: Just like yesterday, Derrick Brown got the Musketeers on the board first, this time with a jumper from the baseline. He is going to be tough to guard in the post this season.
UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: Already at the first media timeout. VT looks like a team that will like to push the tempo, taking a three-pointer early in a possession to take a 7-4 lead. I won't divulge which team, but a gentleman wearing an undisclosed NBA team logo on his polo just said that Xavier doesn't "have the horses" to make a run this year. While the Musketeers are young, it's hard to miss the talent at all five positions. I would have to respectively disagree with him.
UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Kenny Frease has shown why he was the Musketeers' top-rated recruit coming in, grabbing defensive boards in traffic on consecutive possessions. As he figures out which moves are going to work on the offensive end at the highest level of college basketball he is going to be a force.
UPDATE 1:49 p.m.: One of the things Coach Sean Miller mentioned in his post game press conference yesterday was the way Missouri challenges rebounds even after a player has brought them down. It didn't pop out at me during yesterday's game, but looking for it today, I see what he meant. The Hokies, like most teams, are more concerned about getting back on defense then trying to poke away the ball after a rebound. That's allowed the Musketeers to get into their offense much more comfortably this time around.
UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: Jamel McLean continues to shoot a high percentage because he is extremely active on the offensive boards. Very few players have his ability to score off the rebound like he does, whether it's a put-back dunk or tip-in.
UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: For all the talk of the tough Xavier defense, Virginia Tech plays a very similar style. Both teams play tough man-to-man and limit penetration, forcing teams to run through their offense. Right now VT is having slightly more success at that right now, holding a four-point lead, 21-17 with about four minutes to play.
UPDATE 2:08 p.m.: A slashing cutter just scored a layup, forcing Coach Miller to call a timeout. One of the things he has had to deal with this season is finding the right combination of players. With a lot of new faces and a tremendous amount of talent, that's a challenge at this early juncture.
UPDATE 2:19 p.m.: That's the Kenny Frease we have been waiting for! After strugging through the first 18 minutes of the half, Frease scored on back-to-back possessions. Making a quick move to the inside, he got a friendly roll the first time, which seemed to build his confidence. The next time down the floor, the Musketeers immediately found him on the block, where he turned to the baseline and banked a hook shot off the glass for two. Two-point game in favor of the Hokies, as we head into halftime.
UPDATE: 2:32 p.m.: The second half will begin shortly. Blogging will resume shortly after I try to snag a few pictures as the Musketeers will be attacking the basket nearest me. For those of you that can, be sure to check out the game on ESPNU!
UPDATE 2:42 p.m.: After tying the game on the first possession thanks to a nice move inside by Jason Love, the Musketeers trail 34-28 at the first media timeout. Back-to-back three-points by the Hokies offset a trey by Derrick Brown, who has continued to expand his game.
UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: The Hokies matched their largest lead of the game at eight points, but a strong bucket by McLean inside has pulled the Musketeers within six. On the other end, tough defense by Terrell Holloway kept VT from getting into its offense and forced a timeout by the Hokies. He may be one of the best on-ball defenders on the team.
UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: A pair of free throws by Frease after he was fouled grabbing an offensive rebound pulled the Musketeers within three, but five straight points from the Hokies have ballooned the margin back to eight. VT has shown range throughout the game, while the Musketeers have struggled with their jump shooting today.
UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: C.J. Anderson just converted a three-point play to pull Xavier within seven, 46-39. As one of the senior leaders on this team he was calling for the ball and made the best of the opportunity....AND HE DID IT AGAIN! Fighting for an offensive rebound, Anderson took it to the basket with authority, drawing a foul and making the basket. He missed the free throw, but it's a five-point game, 46-41. And now the Musketeers are in a zone.
UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: Coach Miller has lit a fire under these Musketeers. The zone has forced a turnover and toughness on the offensive glass has B.J. Raymond as the line with two free throw chances. He makes the first and...makes the second. Three-point game with eight minutes to play as the XU faithful chants D-FENSE!
UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: The Hokies scored on the other end and XU missed a jumper, giving the ball back to VT. They drew a questionable foul call inside and will go the line for two with a five-point advantage, 48-43, with 7:14 on the clock. The intenity in this arena, although sparsely populated, has gone up a notch.
UPDATE 3:14 p.m.: The Musketeers just can't seem to get over the hump. Every time they pull within three or four points, the ball either rims out or the Hokies hit a big shot. This time around, XU wound the shot clock nearly all the way down and missed the shot and VT went down to the other end and hit a three to give the Hokies a seven-point lead, 52-45.
UPDATE 3:17 p.m.: A three-pointer by Brown pulls the Musketeers within four and a moving pick by the Hokies gives the ball back to XU. Is there a doctor in the house? In a low scoring affair like this (52-48 with 3:45 to play), it's easy to draw comparison to a late-season tournament game. That's one of the benefits Coach Miller said there is to playing in a tournament like this: a field of competition that presents a tough challenge throughout.
UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: Alright, there is 1:17 left and it's a tie ball game. You will have to check GoXavier.com to get the final! Thanks for all the "tuned in" this blog and be sure to keep checking GoXavier.com for all the lastest news on Xavier athletics.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Xavier vs. Missouri Live Blog
Notes: Virginia Tech plays Fairfield in the opening game of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. The winner of the Xavier-Missouri game will take on the winner of the VT-Fairfield contest at 2:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time tomorrow while the two teams that lose will play at 11:30 a.m. AST. (Atlantic Standard time is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time)
UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: Virginia Tech just defeated Fairfield 74-57 and will play at 2:00 p.m. (AST) tomorrow against the winner of the Xavier/Missouri game. As a point of reference, the times on the updates will be in Eastern Standard Time, for two reasons: 1) That's where all you loyal fans are getting these updates and 2) Because that's the time my computer is set on and I don't want to mess up the math. Xavier's game will start in about half an hour.
UPDATE 1:07 p.m.: The Musketeers have
taken the court and are warming up for their game with the Missouri Tigers. The picture to the right shows the team huddle.
UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: The starters for each team:
Xavier
Brown
Raymond
Anderson
Jackson
Love
Missouri
Carroll
Tiller
Lyons
Taylor
Lawrence
The teams have returned to the locker rooms and should return just before tip-off, which is just about nine minutes away.
UPDATE 1:21 p.m.: The Musketeers just returned the court with just over three and a half minutes before introductions to a standing ovation from a solid group of Xavier supporters. It's possible they made more noise for the Musketeers just now than either teams' fans did during the Virginia Tech/Fairfield game.
UPDATE 1:28 p.m.: Ladies and gentleman, we have tip-off. The Musketeers won it but were stopped on the first possession. Game on.
UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: Derrick Brown opens the scoring with a three-pointer, showing an improved stroke from long range this season.
UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: Early foul tally is Xavier 4 - Missouri 0, much to the disappointment of the Xavier faithful.
UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: Heading into the first media timeout, the game is tied at 5-5. Missouri scored 103 points in its last game against Chattanooga and 86 points in its opener against Prarie View A&M, but it's safe to say the Tigers haven't faced a defense at the level of XU's.
UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: First foul on Missouri comes on a turn to the inside from the post by freshman Kenny Frease. His size is unmistakable, but it's Frease's skill level that has been most impressive so far.
UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: Frease just picked up his second foul with 13:51 to play in the first half. He'll be replaced by Jason Love as the Musketeers go big with Love, Brown and sophomore Jamel McLean all on the floor.
UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: After showing he can hit the three earlier, Brown fakes the trey and takes it to the basket, drawing a foul to take us into the second media timeout with the Tigers in front, 14-12.
UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: Freshman Brad Redford just nailed a three-pointer with a hand in his face. For anyone who has seen Redford shoot, the sight of nothing but net is quite familiar.
UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: Stop me if you've heard this one before...McLean just grabbed a rebound and slammed home a put-back dunk in the same motion. It's like deja-vu all over again.
UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: Nice hustle play by B.J. Raymond takes us to the under-eight minute media timeout. After a defensive rebound, the Tigers turned their transition offense into high gear, but Raymond got back and planted his feet to draw a charge call. The team foul tally is now at Xavier 8 - Missouri 7.
UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: Drive and dish by Raymond give McLean an easy dunk to pull the Musketeers within one, 25-24, but the Tigers scored on their next possession to push the lead back to three.
UPDATE 2:11 p.m.: Jackson ties the game up at 29 with a three-pointer after the Musketeers show tremendous ball movement against the half-court trap of the Tigers.
UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: After trailing by as many as five, XU is back in front by two after a pair of free throws from Raymond. Rebounding has been the key for the Musketeers, who have kept the Tigers off the offensive glass for the most part.
UPDATE 2:17 p.m.: Another three-pointer for Brown puts the Musketeers up three, 35-32, with under 15 seconds to play, and Missouri calls a timeout to set up the assumed last play of the half. Brown has shown he can stretch the defense in this game and that should help him get to the basket in the second half.
UPDATE 2:19 p.m.: Head coach Sean Miller is showing why he belongs among the NCAA elite coaches. Coming out of the timeout, Xavier played a zone for the first time in the game and forced a missed shot by the Tigers to end the half. Musketeers take a 35-32 lead into the break. The pace of the game is benefiting Xavier right now, with stingy half-court and good transition defense keeping the score low. We'll be back with some half time stats.
UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: Although XU is holding onto a three-point lead, it doesn't take much imagination to assume Coach Miller is discussing the Musketeers' 12 first-half turnovers in the locker room right now. As he talked about during yesterday's interview (which can be seen on the men's basketball team page), the Missouri pressure defense has caused turnovers on the other side of the 10-second line. But, also as Coach Miller predicted, the front court is leading the way for XU. Brown leads all scorers with nine points and McLean has added six off the bench.
UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: While there's still a half to play, Xavier has done a good job of containing the Tigers' front court duo of Demarre Carroll and Leo Lyons, who came into the game averaging 43 points per game combined. Carroll has two points while Lyons is tied for the team lead with eight points thus far. The Musketeers have held the Tigers to 31.3 percent shooting and have dominated the boards, 24-15.
UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: Same starters for both teams as we get ready to begin the second half. Missouri starts with the ball and draws a foul underneath to get things back underway.
UPDATE 2:36 p.m.: Critical third foul called on Lyons of the Tigers puts him on the bench early in the second half after the Musketeers draw a charge.
UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Jackson draws a foul while trying to break the press, also drawing a sarcastic cheer from the crowd who apparently felt the call was long overdue.
UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: For the first minute and a half of the second stanza it looked like the pace would pick up, but some fouls have slowed things down a bit....As I type that there is a frantic exchange on both ends that results in the Tigers tying the game at 41-41. It would be so much easier if you could all read my thoughts.
UPDATE 2:47 p.m.: Even though he may not record the block each time, Frease has shown a tremendous ability to alter shots on defense. Not many players are used to driving and seeing someone of his stature waiting for them. I'd be scared, too.
UPDATE 2:51 p.m.: A three-pointer by Missouri's Kim English has given the Tigers a four-point lead, 47-44. After the bucket, the full-court pressure forced a Musketeers timeout with 29 seconds on the shot clock and the ball still in the backcourt. The timeout should help XU reset its offense and break the momentum Missouri has started to grab.
UPDATE 2:56 p.m.: Raymond was just rewarded for being fundamentally sound. After closing in on a driver, Raymond intercepted a skip pass almost on accident as it hit his outstretched arm and fell into is lap, as it were. He was then fouled in transition, giving him a one-and-one coming out of the media timeout trailing, 49-45.
UPDATE 3:01 p.m.: The Xavier rebounding advantage once again pays dividends as Brown pulls down an offensive board and finds Redford open for his second three-pointer of the night, giving the Musketeers a 50-49 lead.
UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: In the last minute of action, Raymond has gone 2-of-4 at the charity stripe, something Coach Miller would not approve of, but he has made up for it by grabbing two key rebounds, including one off his own miss. That may same him a lap or two when the Musketeers make it back to Cincinnati.
UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: Sloppy play has turned a Xavier advantage into a five-point Missouri lead. Turnovers on three straight possessions and an offensive rebound by the Tigers forced Coach Miller to call a timeout and regroup his troops.
UPDATE 3:12 p.m.: Raymond put it on the floor again and was able to draw a foul heading into the media timeout. With both teams in the double bonus, he will go to the line to shoot a pair with Xavier trailing by five, 59-54.
UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: Brown's ankle looks to be healing quite nicely. After taking a pass from Terrell Holloway, Brown was looking for the flush but settled for a pair of free throws to pull the Musketeers within three, 63-60, and prompting a timeout by the Tigers.
UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: With the Tigers holding onto a three-point advantage, they have three players with four fouls, including their top two scorers: Lyons and Carroll.
UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: As if on cue, Holloway drives to the basket and draws the foul on J.T. Tiller of the Tigers, their leading scorer in the game with 16 points, who has now fouled out. He's been one of their top threats from outside.
UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: Puerto Rico, we know drama. With 3:34 to play, Missouri is clinging to a three-point lead. For a moment it looked like the Musketeers would pull within one when Holloway drove the lane and tried to dish to an open Frease, but the pass went off his hands and out of bounds for the turnover. If Xavier is going to pull this one out, they are going to need to find a way to stop the Tigers without fouling, a tough task in the last few minutes.
UPDATE 3:35 p.m.: Raymond has fouled out. He went just 1-of-7 from the field but hit 8-of-10 from the charity stripe to finish with 11 points.
UPDATE 3:37 p.m.: Raymond's understudy, Jackson just pulled the Musketeers with a clutch three-pointer from the wing. Time was winding down on the shot clock, but the sophomore guard showed he was not afraid of the big shot.
UPDATE 3:38 p.m.: On the other hand, Jackson picks up his fifth foul on what could have been called a charge on Carroll, which would have been HIS fifth foul. They haven't called many charges yet. He missed both free throws, however, and Holloway drove the basket and drew a foul on the line. Coach Miller calls him and Redford two of the best free throw shooting freshman in the country.
UPDATE 3:41 p.m.: And for good reason. He hits both to give Xavier a one-point lead. The Musketeer defense made the play when it counts, forcing a turnover as they look to wind out the clock...missed shot by Holloway...rebound going the other way for the Tigers...English tries the three...NO GOOD...rebound grabbed by Anderson. He gets the ball to Holloway who is fouled, sending the freshman to the line with a chance to ice the game. Now that is free-thought blogging.
UPDATE 3:43 p.m.: Free throw one...good.
UPDATE 3:44 p.m.: Free throw two...good. And in a tactic that is widely underutilized, Coach Miller calls for the foul with a three-point lead and less than ten seconds to play. It pays off as the Tigers miss the first of two free throws. They hit the second and call a timeout, while Coach Miller subs in Redford, his other freshman free throw specialist.
UPDATE 3:46 p.m.: Xavier get the ball into Holloway, who will step the line for two more free throws. First one is...good. Second free throw is...going to have to wait as Missouri calls a timeout.
FINAL: As Holloway hits his second free throw and the Tigers miss a last-second three, the Musketeers claim a 75-71 victory in their opening game at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. I am not from New York, nor do I claim to know New Yorkers, but I do know that Terrell Holloway is not afraid of the big stage. The freshman finished with 11 points and iced the game with astounding poise under pressure at the free throw line. We will see if he is able to springboard off that to start his freshman season.
UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: Virginia Tech just defeated Fairfield 74-57 and will play at 2:00 p.m. (AST) tomorrow against the winner of the Xavier/Missouri game. As a point of reference, the times on the updates will be in Eastern Standard Time, for two reasons: 1) That's where all you loyal fans are getting these updates and 2) Because that's the time my computer is set on and I don't want to mess up the math. Xavier's game will start in about half an hour.
UPDATE 1:07 p.m.: The Musketeers have
taken the court and are warming up for their game with the Missouri Tigers. The picture to the right shows the team huddle.UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: The starters for each team:
Xavier
Brown
Raymond
Anderson
Jackson
Love
Missouri
Carroll
Tiller
Lyons
Taylor
Lawrence
The teams have returned to the locker rooms and should return just before tip-off, which is just about nine minutes away.
UPDATE 1:21 p.m.: The Musketeers just returned the court with just over three and a half minutes before introductions to a standing ovation from a solid group of Xavier supporters. It's possible they made more noise for the Musketeers just now than either teams' fans did during the Virginia Tech/Fairfield game.
UPDATE 1:28 p.m.: Ladies and gentleman, we have tip-off. The Musketeers won it but were stopped on the first possession. Game on.
UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: Derrick Brown opens the scoring with a three-pointer, showing an improved stroke from long range this season.
UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: Early foul tally is Xavier 4 - Missouri 0, much to the disappointment of the Xavier faithful.
UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: Heading into the first media timeout, the game is tied at 5-5. Missouri scored 103 points in its last game against Chattanooga and 86 points in its opener against Prarie View A&M, but it's safe to say the Tigers haven't faced a defense at the level of XU's.
UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: First foul on Missouri comes on a turn to the inside from the post by freshman Kenny Frease. His size is unmistakable, but it's Frease's skill level that has been most impressive so far.
UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: Frease just picked up his second foul with 13:51 to play in the first half. He'll be replaced by Jason Love as the Musketeers go big with Love, Brown and sophomore Jamel McLean all on the floor.
UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: After showing he can hit the three earlier, Brown fakes the trey and takes it to the basket, drawing a foul to take us into the second media timeout with the Tigers in front, 14-12.
UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: Freshman Brad Redford just nailed a three-pointer with a hand in his face. For anyone who has seen Redford shoot, the sight of nothing but net is quite familiar.
UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: Stop me if you've heard this one before...McLean just grabbed a rebound and slammed home a put-back dunk in the same motion. It's like deja-vu all over again.
UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: Nice hustle play by B.J. Raymond takes us to the under-eight minute media timeout. After a defensive rebound, the Tigers turned their transition offense into high gear, but Raymond got back and planted his feet to draw a charge call. The team foul tally is now at Xavier 8 - Missouri 7.
UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: Drive and dish by Raymond give McLean an easy dunk to pull the Musketeers within one, 25-24, but the Tigers scored on their next possession to push the lead back to three.
UPDATE 2:11 p.m.: Jackson ties the game up at 29 with a three-pointer after the Musketeers show tremendous ball movement against the half-court trap of the Tigers.
UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: After trailing by as many as five, XU is back in front by two after a pair of free throws from Raymond. Rebounding has been the key for the Musketeers, who have kept the Tigers off the offensive glass for the most part.
UPDATE 2:17 p.m.: Another three-pointer for Brown puts the Musketeers up three, 35-32, with under 15 seconds to play, and Missouri calls a timeout to set up the assumed last play of the half. Brown has shown he can stretch the defense in this game and that should help him get to the basket in the second half.
UPDATE 2:19 p.m.: Head coach Sean Miller is showing why he belongs among the NCAA elite coaches. Coming out of the timeout, Xavier played a zone for the first time in the game and forced a missed shot by the Tigers to end the half. Musketeers take a 35-32 lead into the break. The pace of the game is benefiting Xavier right now, with stingy half-court and good transition defense keeping the score low. We'll be back with some half time stats.
UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: Although XU is holding onto a three-point lead, it doesn't take much imagination to assume Coach Miller is discussing the Musketeers' 12 first-half turnovers in the locker room right now. As he talked about during yesterday's interview (which can be seen on the men's basketball team page), the Missouri pressure defense has caused turnovers on the other side of the 10-second line. But, also as Coach Miller predicted, the front court is leading the way for XU. Brown leads all scorers with nine points and McLean has added six off the bench.
UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: While there's still a half to play, Xavier has done a good job of containing the Tigers' front court duo of Demarre Carroll and Leo Lyons, who came into the game averaging 43 points per game combined. Carroll has two points while Lyons is tied for the team lead with eight points thus far. The Musketeers have held the Tigers to 31.3 percent shooting and have dominated the boards, 24-15.
UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: Same starters for both teams as we get ready to begin the second half. Missouri starts with the ball and draws a foul underneath to get things back underway.
UPDATE 2:36 p.m.: Critical third foul called on Lyons of the Tigers puts him on the bench early in the second half after the Musketeers draw a charge.
UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Jackson draws a foul while trying to break the press, also drawing a sarcastic cheer from the crowd who apparently felt the call was long overdue.
UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: For the first minute and a half of the second stanza it looked like the pace would pick up, but some fouls have slowed things down a bit....As I type that there is a frantic exchange on both ends that results in the Tigers tying the game at 41-41. It would be so much easier if you could all read my thoughts.
UPDATE 2:47 p.m.: Even though he may not record the block each time, Frease has shown a tremendous ability to alter shots on defense. Not many players are used to driving and seeing someone of his stature waiting for them. I'd be scared, too.
UPDATE 2:51 p.m.: A three-pointer by Missouri's Kim English has given the Tigers a four-point lead, 47-44. After the bucket, the full-court pressure forced a Musketeers timeout with 29 seconds on the shot clock and the ball still in the backcourt. The timeout should help XU reset its offense and break the momentum Missouri has started to grab.
UPDATE 2:56 p.m.: Raymond was just rewarded for being fundamentally sound. After closing in on a driver, Raymond intercepted a skip pass almost on accident as it hit his outstretched arm and fell into is lap, as it were. He was then fouled in transition, giving him a one-and-one coming out of the media timeout trailing, 49-45.
UPDATE 3:01 p.m.: The Xavier rebounding advantage once again pays dividends as Brown pulls down an offensive board and finds Redford open for his second three-pointer of the night, giving the Musketeers a 50-49 lead.
UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: In the last minute of action, Raymond has gone 2-of-4 at the charity stripe, something Coach Miller would not approve of, but he has made up for it by grabbing two key rebounds, including one off his own miss. That may same him a lap or two when the Musketeers make it back to Cincinnati.
UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: Sloppy play has turned a Xavier advantage into a five-point Missouri lead. Turnovers on three straight possessions and an offensive rebound by the Tigers forced Coach Miller to call a timeout and regroup his troops.
UPDATE 3:12 p.m.: Raymond put it on the floor again and was able to draw a foul heading into the media timeout. With both teams in the double bonus, he will go to the line to shoot a pair with Xavier trailing by five, 59-54.
UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: Brown's ankle looks to be healing quite nicely. After taking a pass from Terrell Holloway, Brown was looking for the flush but settled for a pair of free throws to pull the Musketeers within three, 63-60, and prompting a timeout by the Tigers.
UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: With the Tigers holding onto a three-point advantage, they have three players with four fouls, including their top two scorers: Lyons and Carroll.
UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: As if on cue, Holloway drives to the basket and draws the foul on J.T. Tiller of the Tigers, their leading scorer in the game with 16 points, who has now fouled out. He's been one of their top threats from outside.
UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: Puerto Rico, we know drama. With 3:34 to play, Missouri is clinging to a three-point lead. For a moment it looked like the Musketeers would pull within one when Holloway drove the lane and tried to dish to an open Frease, but the pass went off his hands and out of bounds for the turnover. If Xavier is going to pull this one out, they are going to need to find a way to stop the Tigers without fouling, a tough task in the last few minutes.
UPDATE 3:35 p.m.: Raymond has fouled out. He went just 1-of-7 from the field but hit 8-of-10 from the charity stripe to finish with 11 points.
UPDATE 3:37 p.m.: Raymond's understudy, Jackson just pulled the Musketeers with a clutch three-pointer from the wing. Time was winding down on the shot clock, but the sophomore guard showed he was not afraid of the big shot.
UPDATE 3:38 p.m.: On the other hand, Jackson picks up his fifth foul on what could have been called a charge on Carroll, which would have been HIS fifth foul. They haven't called many charges yet. He missed both free throws, however, and Holloway drove the basket and drew a foul on the line. Coach Miller calls him and Redford two of the best free throw shooting freshman in the country.
UPDATE 3:41 p.m.: And for good reason. He hits both to give Xavier a one-point lead. The Musketeer defense made the play when it counts, forcing a turnover as they look to wind out the clock...missed shot by Holloway...rebound going the other way for the Tigers...English tries the three...NO GOOD...rebound grabbed by Anderson. He gets the ball to Holloway who is fouled, sending the freshman to the line with a chance to ice the game. Now that is free-thought blogging.
UPDATE 3:43 p.m.: Free throw one...good.
UPDATE 3:44 p.m.: Free throw two...good. And in a tactic that is widely underutilized, Coach Miller calls for the foul with a three-point lead and less than ten seconds to play. It pays off as the Tigers miss the first of two free throws. They hit the second and call a timeout, while Coach Miller subs in Redford, his other freshman free throw specialist.
UPDATE 3:46 p.m.: Xavier get the ball into Holloway, who will step the line for two more free throws. First one is...good. Second free throw is...going to have to wait as Missouri calls a timeout.
FINAL: As Holloway hits his second free throw and the Tigers miss a last-second three, the Musketeers claim a 75-71 victory in their opening game at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. I am not from New York, nor do I claim to know New Yorkers, but I do know that Terrell Holloway is not afraid of the big stage. The freshman finished with 11 points and iced the game with astounding poise under pressure at the free throw line. We will see if he is able to springboard off that to start his freshman season.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Pictures from Wednesday's Practice
The Musketeers practiced at Guillermo Angulo Coliseum on Wednesday in preparation for the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, which begins on Thursday for Xavier against Missouri.
Head Coach Sean Miller addresses the team.
Half-court drills.
(From left to right): C.J. Anderson, Brad Redford, and Terrell Holloway (52) run through a drill as B.J. Raymond (11) looks on.
The Musketeers run through their offense in half-court drills.
Head Coach Sean Miller addresses the team.
Half-court drills.
(From left to right): C.J. Anderson, Brad Redford, and Terrell Holloway (52) run through a drill as B.J. Raymond (11) looks on.
The Musketeers run through their offense in half-court drills.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Xavier vs. Toledo Live Blog
UPDATE 7:42: Toodle-EE-Do got off to a quick start and led 4-3 at the 18:20 mark but the Musketeers regrouped with a 7-0 run.
UPDATE 7:58: One of the refs just whistled Dante Jackson for a carry. I wonder how they determine when to call that one. Meanwhile, Toldedo has cut the lead to three with 10:10 to go. Seven turnovers in the early going for XU.
UPDATE 8:06: Toledo's Justin Anyijong just went on his very own 7-o run to knot the game up but Jamel McLean answered with a couple of dunks to energize the crowd and, more importantly, reclaim the lead for XU.
UPDATE 8:22: Great finish to the half for the Musketeers. It was tied at 15 and the next thing you know Xaiver is going into the half with 36-19 lead. Not bad.
UPDATE 8:48: Toledo cut the Musketeer lead to 15 after a jumper by Tyrone Kent and a three from Anthony Byrd but XU answered the with a three of its own by BJ Raymond. With the lead back out to 18, 42-24, the Rockets called for a timeout. Out of the break, the Rockets immediatly turned the ball over - the Xavier "D" is too much!
UPDATE 9:04: Over a two-minute span neither team was hitting from the floor, with only one field goal going in for the Rockets. All seven of Xavier's points during this stretch came from the line, including a perfect 4-f0r-4 from Terrell Holloway.
UPDATE 9:07: And what a jinx that was... Holloway missed his next free throw... and then was called for a foul.
UPDATE 9:16: BJ Raymond just committed a cardinal sin... fouled a very hot-handed Tryone Kent as he made a three for the Rockets. Kent made his free throw. But... BJ answered right back with a three of his own. Musketeers still in control, 64-47.
UPDATE 9:30: Kent continues to light up Cintas as he hit back-to-back 3's for the Rockets... he now has 29 points. But with 3:16 left seems like his effort may be for naught. XU leads, 73-56.
UPDATE 9:35: Now the question is: Will Kent break a record tonight? Two more 3's and he's now got 35... he finally missed a shot with just over a minute remaining.
UPDATE 9:40: Confirmed, Kent has broken Delonte West's record for most points scored by an opponent's player in Cintas Center. West scored 33 on Jan. 17, 2004 when he was playing for the then-No. 1 ranked Saint Joseph's Hawks. Kent scored only five points in the first half - and 32 in the second for a new record 37 points.
In the end, Xavier comes out on top, 65-81.
UPDATE 7:58: One of the refs just whistled Dante Jackson for a carry. I wonder how they determine when to call that one. Meanwhile, Toldedo has cut the lead to three with 10:10 to go. Seven turnovers in the early going for XU.
UPDATE 8:06: Toledo's Justin Anyijong just went on his very own 7-o run to knot the game up but Jamel McLean answered with a couple of dunks to energize the crowd and, more importantly, reclaim the lead for XU.
UPDATE 8:22: Great finish to the half for the Musketeers. It was tied at 15 and the next thing you know Xaiver is going into the half with 36-19 lead. Not bad.
UPDATE 8:48: Toledo cut the Musketeer lead to 15 after a jumper by Tyrone Kent and a three from Anthony Byrd but XU answered the with a three of its own by BJ Raymond. With the lead back out to 18, 42-24, the Rockets called for a timeout. Out of the break, the Rockets immediatly turned the ball over - the Xavier "D" is too much!
UPDATE 9:04: Over a two-minute span neither team was hitting from the floor, with only one field goal going in for the Rockets. All seven of Xavier's points during this stretch came from the line, including a perfect 4-f0r-4 from Terrell Holloway.
UPDATE 9:07: And what a jinx that was... Holloway missed his next free throw... and then was called for a foul.
UPDATE 9:16: BJ Raymond just committed a cardinal sin... fouled a very hot-handed Tryone Kent as he made a three for the Rockets. Kent made his free throw. But... BJ answered right back with a three of his own. Musketeers still in control, 64-47.
UPDATE 9:30: Kent continues to light up Cintas as he hit back-to-back 3's for the Rockets... he now has 29 points. But with 3:16 left seems like his effort may be for naught. XU leads, 73-56.
UPDATE 9:35: Now the question is: Will Kent break a record tonight? Two more 3's and he's now got 35... he finally missed a shot with just over a minute remaining.
UPDATE 9:40: Confirmed, Kent has broken Delonte West's record for most points scored by an opponent's player in Cintas Center. West scored 33 on Jan. 17, 2004 when he was playing for the then-No. 1 ranked Saint Joseph's Hawks. Kent scored only five points in the first half - and 32 in the second for a new record 37 points.
In the end, Xavier comes out on top, 65-81.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Xavier vs. IPFW Live Blog
Xavier
Brown
Raymond
Anderson
Jackson
Love
IPFW
Daniels
Botts
Carson
Yearby
Mocevic
UPDATE 7:36: Full house here at Cintas Center for the Musketeers' 2008-09 season opener. The new intro video put together by technicallyl savvy Chris Schaaf really got the crowd fired up.
UPDATE 7:40: Anderson gets XU its first field goal of the night ... IPFW has turned the ball over three times in the first two minutes.
UPDATE 7:45: Big time play there by Frease ... he took a rebound away from a Don made a strong move and dunked it with one hand. Gotta love that.
UPDATE 7:54: The McCallister's Trivia Question is pretty unbelieveable ... Xavier men's basketball has graduated every senior since 1986. That's a lot of guys.
UPDATE 8:10: Xavier is really suffocating the Dons .... IPFW is shooting just 14.3 percent from the floor and has turned the ball over nine times. It's not like IPFW is missing a bunch of open shots, XU is contesting everything.
UDPATE 8:51: Well this one is all over but the cheering ... Xavier leads by 27 with under 14-minutes to go. If IPFW comes back this post will be the worst jinx of all time.
Brown
Raymond
Anderson
Jackson
Love
IPFW
Daniels
Botts
Carson
Yearby
Mocevic
UPDATE 7:36: Full house here at Cintas Center for the Musketeers' 2008-09 season opener. The new intro video put together by technicallyl savvy Chris Schaaf really got the crowd fired up.
UPDATE 7:40: Anderson gets XU its first field goal of the night ... IPFW has turned the ball over three times in the first two minutes.
UPDATE 7:45: Big time play there by Frease ... he took a rebound away from a Don made a strong move and dunked it with one hand. Gotta love that.
UPDATE 7:54: The McCallister's Trivia Question is pretty unbelieveable ... Xavier men's basketball has graduated every senior since 1986. That's a lot of guys.
UPDATE 8:10: Xavier is really suffocating the Dons .... IPFW is shooting just 14.3 percent from the floor and has turned the ball over nine times. It's not like IPFW is missing a bunch of open shots, XU is contesting everything.
UDPATE 8:51: Well this one is all over but the cheering ... Xavier leads by 27 with under 14-minutes to go. If IPFW comes back this post will be the worst jinx of all time.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Xavier vs. Findlay Live Blog
Xavier
G - Jackson
G - Raymond
C - Love
F - Brown
F - Anderson
Findlay
G - Parker
G - Lewis
C - Bostic
F - Roberts
F - Evans
Notes: Tonight's game will be the only exhibition contest of the season for Xavier. Findlay comes into tonight's showdown ranked No. 1 in Division II ... XU also played a closed scrimmage against Akron last Saturday but that can't be publicized any further, even in the blogosphere.
UPDATE 7:04: Pretty good crowd tonight and a good student turnout. I will guess the attendance number is somewhere in the neighborhood of 7,000.
UPDATE 7:06: Derrick Brown wins the tip ... you have to think he will win most of those this year.
UPDATE 7:08: XU has a bit of a beef/height advantage tonight and early rebound numbers exhibit that ... 4-0 Xavier.
UPDATE 7:13: First look at the highly-touted Terrell Holloway and Kenny Frease. The big fella get called for an illegal screen as he one of Findlay's players has a bruised kidney now.
UPDATE 7:21: A fast break dunk by Jamel McLean caps a 14-3 Xavier run and brings the crowd to its feet. The new guys look good in the early goings.
UPDATE 7:32: Kenny Frease just slammed it home, but was immediately called for a technical foul. Frease laughed it off, but Dante Jackson and B.J. Raymond had a few words to offer. The crowd didn't care, they loved the dunk, cheering "KENNY FREASE... KENNY FREASE."
UPDATE 7:46: Findlay is as good as advertised and plays an aggressive brand. The Oilers are 7-of-9 from the free throw line while Xavier is only 1-of-4. A big part of XU's game over the last couple year has been making more free throws than its opponent attempts and Findlay is making that tough. On a side note, does anyone know why Findlay's mascot is an Oiler?
UPDATE 8:05: Xavier leads 37-23 at the break. I thought this would be a good time to remind you about this year's halftime lineup, which was discussed on The X Blog here. Oh how I wish Red Panda was riding around on her unicycle right now.
UPDATE 8:19: A little attitude on this Findlay team. After a thunderous backdoor dunk, Josh Bostic got in Frease's face and got a little verbal. The official immediately lit him up with a technical. Just adding to the flavor.
UPDATE 8:35: B.J. Raymond just hit two straight three-pointers, making a calming motion with his hands and saying "I got it." XU leads 55-39 with 11 minutes left to play, so it sure looks like it.
UPDATE 8:43: Brad Redford checked in and buried two free throws then drained a 3-pointer from about three feet behind the line.
UPDATE 8:52: Tight sneakers now after Morgan Lewis has scored five straight points, cutting the Xavier lead to three points with under five-minutes to go.
UPDATE 9:18: This blogger thought that desperation 3-pointer had a chance and it did draw some iron. Lots of turnovers for XU but there is plenty of time to get that tightened up. Thanks for reading.
G - Jackson
G - Raymond
C - Love
F - Brown
F - Anderson
Findlay
G - Parker
G - Lewis
C - Bostic
F - Roberts
F - Evans
Notes: Tonight's game will be the only exhibition contest of the season for Xavier. Findlay comes into tonight's showdown ranked No. 1 in Division II ... XU also played a closed scrimmage against Akron last Saturday but that can't be publicized any further, even in the blogosphere.
UPDATE 7:04: Pretty good crowd tonight and a good student turnout. I will guess the attendance number is somewhere in the neighborhood of 7,000.
UPDATE 7:06: Derrick Brown wins the tip ... you have to think he will win most of those this year.
UPDATE 7:08: XU has a bit of a beef/height advantage tonight and early rebound numbers exhibit that ... 4-0 Xavier.
UPDATE 7:13: First look at the highly-touted Terrell Holloway and Kenny Frease. The big fella get called for an illegal screen as he one of Findlay's players has a bruised kidney now.
UPDATE 7:21: A fast break dunk by Jamel McLean caps a 14-3 Xavier run and brings the crowd to its feet. The new guys look good in the early goings.
UPDATE 7:32: Kenny Frease just slammed it home, but was immediately called for a technical foul. Frease laughed it off, but Dante Jackson and B.J. Raymond had a few words to offer. The crowd didn't care, they loved the dunk, cheering "KENNY FREASE... KENNY FREASE."
UPDATE 7:46: Findlay is as good as advertised and plays an aggressive brand. The Oilers are 7-of-9 from the free throw line while Xavier is only 1-of-4. A big part of XU's game over the last couple year has been making more free throws than its opponent attempts and Findlay is making that tough. On a side note, does anyone know why Findlay's mascot is an Oiler?
UPDATE 8:05: Xavier leads 37-23 at the break. I thought this would be a good time to remind you about this year's halftime lineup, which was discussed on The X Blog here. Oh how I wish Red Panda was riding around on her unicycle right now.
UPDATE 8:19: A little attitude on this Findlay team. After a thunderous backdoor dunk, Josh Bostic got in Frease's face and got a little verbal. The official immediately lit him up with a technical. Just adding to the flavor.
UPDATE 8:35: B.J. Raymond just hit two straight three-pointers, making a calming motion with his hands and saying "I got it." XU leads 55-39 with 11 minutes left to play, so it sure looks like it.
UPDATE 8:43: Brad Redford checked in and buried two free throws then drained a 3-pointer from about three feet behind the line.
UPDATE 8:52: Tight sneakers now after Morgan Lewis has scored five straight points, cutting the Xavier lead to three points with under five-minutes to go.
UPDATE 9:18: This blogger thought that desperation 3-pointer had a chance and it did draw some iron. Lots of turnovers for XU but there is plenty of time to get that tightened up. Thanks for reading.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
FSN's Men's Basketball Season Preview Schedule
As many of you probably know, FSN will be producing a pregame show before each of its XU men's basketball broadcasts. FSN also put together a season preview and it will air at the following times ...
November 9 at 4 p.m.
November 10 at 8 p.m.
November 11 at 12 p.m.
November 12 at 3 p.m.
November 13 at 9 p.m.
November 9 at 4 p.m.
November 10 at 8 p.m.
November 11 at 12 p.m.
November 12 at 3 p.m.
November 13 at 9 p.m.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Vote for Cintas Center as the Nation's "Toughest Place to Play"
For the first time ever, EA SPORTS will be naming one NCAA school's home venue the "Toughest Place to Play" in college basketball. We are told that Cintas Center has received a lot of votes and is currently in the top five.
Just when you thought you were done with elections ...
VOTE HERE
Just when you thought you were done with elections ...
VOTE HERE
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sean Miller Upcoming Appearances On TV/Radio
Xavier men's basketball coach Sean Miller will be in studio with Paul Daugherty for WLW's SportsTalk on Wednesday night from 8-9 p.m. Miller will be a guest on WKRC-TV's "The Sports Authority" on Sunday night, November 9.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Some WBB News This Afternoon
In between watching college football and cleaning up after any Halloween-related mess, keep an eye out for the first edition of this season's AP women's basketball poll. It may just be of particular interest for Xavier fans.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Findlay Exhibition Game Will Be On Radio
The Nov. 7 exhibition game against the University of Findlay will be broadcast on 700 WLW with Joe Sunderman and Byron Larkin calling the action. This will also be the premier of a new pre-game format that will include a player interview in addition to the pre-game thoughts of Sean Miller.
Xavier radio broadcasts are a productions of Xavier Sports Properties, which is a division of Learfield Sports.
Xavier radio broadcasts are a productions of Xavier Sports Properties, which is a division of Learfield Sports.
Media Week Continues
Xavier held a media Day yesterday in conjunction with A-10 Media Day. Today began three consecutive days of one-one-one interview sessions with Sean Miller, the assistant coaches and the veteran players for use on the upcoming preseason show (premiers on Nov. 9) and half hour pre-game shows on Fox Sports Ohio. Show host Ray Crawford and producer Brian Hunterman sat down with Miller, Jamel McLean, Dante' Jackson, Jason Love and Andrew Taylor. Afterwards they taped a good portion of the afternoon practice session in the auxiliary gym. Fox Sports Ohio wasn't the only media around today. Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News took in today's session. It looks like he'll be back at Cintas Center for one of XU's early games, most likely Toledo on Nov. 17.
There's more FS Ohio stuff on tap the rest of the week. Tomorrow will be sit-downs with C.J. Anderson, B.J. Raymond and Derrick Brown as well as Athletic Director Mike Bobinski. Friday the assistant coaches will share their thoughts with FS Ohio.
There's more FS Ohio stuff on tap the rest of the week. Tomorrow will be sit-downs with C.J. Anderson, B.J. Raymond and Derrick Brown as well as Athletic Director Mike Bobinski. Friday the assistant coaches will share their thoughts with FS Ohio.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Ta'Shia Phillips Feature in the Enquirer
Dustin Dow wrote an interesting article in Sunday's Enquirer about Ta'Shia Phillips. You can read it here and find out just how tough she is. With Amber Harris out for 3-4 months, XU will be counting on Phillips shoulder a serious load (terrible pun intended).
Monday, October 20, 2008
A Little Love From Jay Bilas
From the blog of ESPN’s Jay Bilas… “The most underrated players in college basketball are E'Twuan Moore, Purdue; Stefon Jackson, UTEP; Lee Cummard, BYU; Derrick Brown, Xavier; and Damion James, Texas. You can throw in Kentucky's Patrick Patterson, as well. Patterson played on a much-criticized team and was injured at the end of the season. He could be SEC Player of the Year in 2009.”
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Clark Kellogg Among Those Watching Xavier
Xavier men's basketball is getting ready for its third official practice of the preseason this evening at Cintas Center. CBS Sports Broadcaster Clark Kellogg was among the many visitors to Saturday's two-hour practice session. Kellogg said he tries to make it to at least 8-10 schools for at least one preseason practice. He's planning upcoming visits to see some familiar faces at Ohio State and Wake Forest. It's not the first time that Kellogg has seen XU this Fall but it's the first time he's seen the hoops team. Kellogg, whose daughter plays volleyball at Georgia Tech, saw XU volleyball play at Georgia Tech and at Ohio State this season. For the record, Kellogg said he's not sure if he'll be on the crew that calls the XU men's hoop game against Duke in December but he'd like to do the game. CBS has four big games slated that day and has not made the assignments yet.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Women's Hoops on ESPN.com
The women's basketball team will partake in what ESPN.com deems one of the "Top 10 Games to Watch of 2008-09". That game will be the Nov. 22 showdown at Cintas Center against Louisville. Xavier has been tabbed as a top-25 team by most preseason prognosticators while Louisville, a team that went to the NCAA Sweet 16 last season, is generally thought of as a top-10 team.
The contest will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports (formerly CSTV) and is set to tip-off at 12 p.m.
The contest will be televised nationally by CBS College Sports (formerly CSTV) and is set to tip-off at 12 p.m.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Musketeers Promote Reading in Florence
Volleyball's Lauren Kaminsky, men's soccer's Ricky Southerland and Andy Dimbi, and women's soccer's Kelly Farrell, Susan Loeffler and Carlyanne Wenzel traveled to Florence Elementary School to help promote the Xavier Reading Program, which the students started in September. The goal is for each student to read 15 books by mid November.
There are a few pictures here and the complete story written up in the Enquirer's Florence Community page can be found here.
There are a few pictures here and the complete story written up in the Enquirer's Florence Community page can be found here.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Miller On The Air
Xavier head coach Sean Miller is on the national college sports show on CBS College Sports television (formerly CSTV) tonight at 7 p.m.
Miller has also been making the rounds today on radio in Cincinnati. Miller was a guest on Alan Cutler's show this morning on 1530 Homer at 7:30 a.m. and Lance McAllister's show this afternoon at 4 p.m. on 1530 Homer. Tonight he's on 700 WLW's SportsTalk with Paul Daugherty at 6:25 p.m.
Miller has also been making the rounds today on radio in Cincinnati. Miller was a guest on Alan Cutler's show this morning on 1530 Homer at 7:30 a.m. and Lance McAllister's show this afternoon at 4 p.m. on 1530 Homer. Tonight he's on 700 WLW's SportsTalk with Paul Daugherty at 6:25 p.m.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Men's Soccer on Stingy Streak
Adam Sokolowski, Jake Vollmer, Ricky Sutherland, Tommy Clines and the rest of the Xavier men's soccer defense have not allowed a goal in the last 310 minutes. Xavier is 1-0-2 during that stretch and puts the scoreless streak on the line Sunday against Richmond. Game time is set for 1 p.m. at the XU Soccer Complex.
In other streaky news ... the Xavier Volleyball team defeated La Salle on Friday to improve to 24-0 all-time vs. the Explorers.
In other streaky news ... the Xavier Volleyball team defeated La Salle on Friday to improve to 24-0 all-time vs. the Explorers.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Women's Hoops Named as One of Nation's Top-16 Teams; McGuff Quoted in USA Today
Check out Dick Patrick's article on parity in the women's game, which was published in Tuesday's paper. Kevin McGuff was quoted in the article and Texas A&M head coach Gary Blair has some good things to say about XU.
Also, Xavier was rated as one of the best 16 teams in the nation by USA Today in it's 2008-09 Preview, which is available now.
Also, Xavier was rated as one of the best 16 teams in the nation by USA Today in it's 2008-09 Preview, which is available now.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Latest Feature Story
Check out Adam Kiefaber's latest feature story on XU tennis standout Doug Matthews. Adam has written several features on Xavier student-athletes and you can find these just to the right of the calendar on GOXAVIER.com.
Also keep your eyes peeled for an article in USA Today that will include a couple quotes from head women's basketball coach Kevin McGuff. USA Today, which owns the coutnry's highest circulation, has ranked the Musketeers in its preseason Top 16. Not bad for a little jesuit school in the Midwest.
Also keep your eyes peeled for an article in USA Today that will include a couple quotes from head women's basketball coach Kevin McGuff. USA Today, which owns the coutnry's highest circulation, has ranked the Musketeers in its preseason Top 16. Not bad for a little jesuit school in the Midwest.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Throwback Day
Mark your calendars ... The Xavier men's basketball team will be wearing "throwback" uniforms when it takes on George Washington on February 22. The team will don replicas of the unis it wore during the 1994-95 (Skip Prosser's first year at XU) and 1995-96 (XU's first year in the A-10) seasons.
Anyone know what is unique about these particular uniforms? The first one to post the correct answer will receive ... undying respect from the X blog.
Anyone know what is unique about these particular uniforms? The first one to post the correct answer will receive ... undying respect from the X blog.
Friday, September 19, 2008
We're Going Streaming
We will be streaming tonight's volleyball match against Middle Tennessee free of charge to fans. Just follow this link and create a free username and password to access the player.
Middle Tennessee enters the match with a 9-1 record and the Lady Raiders are ranked No. 14 in the country.
Middle Tennessee enters the match with a 9-1 record and the Lady Raiders are ranked No. 14 in the country.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Another Version of D'Artagnan ... Coming to a Cintas Center Near You
Here are some photos sent to us by the company that will produce the new 20 x 12 x 8 inflatable D'Artagnan mascot. You will see the model being made that will be used as a guide to produce the big guy (also pictured). I was trying to think about what that room reminded me of and then it hit me ... Carl's (Bill Muray) house in Caddyshack when he was making all those fake critters to try and dupe the gopher.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Marketing Announces Halftime Entertainment Lineup
Fan favorite Quick Change will return to perform at halftime on December 3 as Xavier faces Auburn. Quick Change has been voted the #1 Halftime Act in the NBA.
Making their return to Cintas Center for the first time in three years is The Red Panda Acrobat. Red Panda will perform her unicycle bowl flipping act on New Year’s Eve (December 31) when Xavier battles Robert Morris. Red Panda rides a seven foot unicycle, kicks several bowls at a time into the air and lands them in an ever-growing and wobbly stack of bowls on her head. Each successive flip is done with a greater number of bowls. You have to love the music and how surprised and happy she looks when she successully flips the bowls on her head. Outstanding.
John Casey and his high flying Frisbee catching Hyperdogs will return to Cintas Center the weekend of February 14-15. The Hyperdogs will perform at halftime of the men’s basketball game versus Fordham and return the following day on Sunday to perform again at halftime of the women’s game against Dayton. The Hyperdogs have been seen on ESPN, Animal Planet and Fox and Friends, to name a few.
More halftime entertainment, giveaways and promotions will be released later.
Making their return to Cintas Center for the first time in three years is The Red Panda Acrobat. Red Panda will perform her unicycle bowl flipping act on New Year’s Eve (December 31) when Xavier battles Robert Morris. Red Panda rides a seven foot unicycle, kicks several bowls at a time into the air and lands them in an ever-growing and wobbly stack of bowls on her head. Each successive flip is done with a greater number of bowls. You have to love the music and how surprised and happy she looks when she successully flips the bowls on her head. Outstanding.
John Casey and his high flying Frisbee catching Hyperdogs will return to Cintas Center the weekend of February 14-15. The Hyperdogs will perform at halftime of the men’s basketball game versus Fordham and return the following day on Sunday to perform again at halftime of the women’s game against Dayton. The Hyperdogs have been seen on ESPN, Animal Planet and Fox and Friends, to name a few.
More halftime entertainment, giveaways and promotions will be released later.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Mack On Atlantic 10 Web Site Called College Chalk Talk
There is a question and answer session with Xavier assistant coach Chris Mack on the College Chalk Talk web site:
http://collegechalktalk.com/five-questions/five-questions-xavier-university-assistant-coach-chris-mack/#respond
http://collegechalktalk.com/five-questions/five-questions-xavier-university-assistant-coach-chris-mack/#respond
Posey Enjoying An Extended Stay In Cincinnati
Two-time NBA Champion and 1999 Xavier graduate James Posey arrived in town yesterday prior to tonight's Hall of Fame festivities that will honor him as well as former volleyball star Sara Bachus and former athletic director Jeff Fogelson. "It's a great honor. I'm not sure it's really sunk in yet." Posey's group that will be in attendance tonight will include Posey's father. Posey made it just in time late yesterday afternoon to play with the men's basketball players during open gym time at Cintas Center. Although Jamel McLean got some bragging rights by blocking back-to-back three-point attempts in one game, Posey clearly showed why he is a valuable part of any team he plays for at any level. Senior B.J. Raymond was one of Posey's teammates and hit almost every shot he took yesterday. Posey worked out at Cintas Center today with XU assistant coach Chris Mack.
Posey's new team this year (New Orleans) includes former XU star, 2003 XU graduate and National Player of the Year David West. He said he hasn't been able to make any progress on a move to New Orleans due to the recent weather there and the impending back weather headed towards his main area of residence in Texas.
There will be a video interview with Posey on GoXavier.com this weekend.
Posey's new team this year (New Orleans) includes former XU star, 2003 XU graduate and National Player of the Year David West. He said he hasn't been able to make any progress on a move to New Orleans due to the recent weather there and the impending back weather headed towards his main area of residence in Texas.
There will be a video interview with Posey on GoXavier.com this weekend.
New A-10 Boss In Town
New Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette McGlade stopped by Xavier yesterday and today as part of her tour around to every A-10 school. Before leaving this afternoon, she met with Xavier President Michael Graham, S.J., Associate VP and Athletic Director Mike Bobinski, both head basketball coaches and some other University administrators. "She had a great visit," said Bobinski, "and said she was very impressed."
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Women's Basketball League Schedule to be Announced Later Today
The Atlantic 10 has announced that it will release Xavier's 14-game league schedule sometime this afternoon. We will have it up on GOXAVIER.com as soon as it is released.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Women's Hoops Ranked 21st By Athlon
The Xavier University women's basketball team has been ranked No. 21 nationally in Athlon's preseason poll. XU is the only team from the A-10 in the poll and is the only team to make the poll that does not play in one of the "Big Six" conferences. XU will play Louisville (No. 10), Arizona State (No. 8) and Michigan State (No. 23) and could play Oklahoma (No. 7) and North Carolina (No. 12) in the Preseason WNIT.
1. Connecticut
2. California
3. Stanford
4. Texas A&M
5. Duke
6. Maryland
7. Oklahoma
8. Arizona State
9. Tennessee
10. Louisville
11. Rutgers
12. North Carolina
13. Ohio State
14. Texas
15. Old Dominion
16. Vanderbilt
17. Oklahoma State
18. Virginia
19. Kansas State
20. Florida State
21. Xavier
22. Auburn
23. Michigan State
24. Utah
25. Pittsburgh
1. Connecticut
2. California
3. Stanford
4. Texas A&M
5. Duke
6. Maryland
7. Oklahoma
8. Arizona State
9. Tennessee
10. Louisville
11. Rutgers
12. North Carolina
13. Ohio State
14. Texas
15. Old Dominion
16. Vanderbilt
17. Oklahoma State
18. Virginia
19. Kansas State
20. Florida State
21. Xavier
22. Auburn
23. Michigan State
24. Utah
25. Pittsburgh
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Volleyball's Hillary Otte Earns National Recognition
The honors keep piling up for junior volleyball standout Hillary Otte. The rightside hitter was honored as the MVP of the Ohio State Sports Imports Classic after leading XU to the title over the weekend and she was also honored as as one of 10 Top Performers by Collegiate Volleyball Update (CVU).
The volleyball team will open the home portion of its schedule on September 9 when Western Kentucky visits Cintas Center at 7 p.m.
CVU.com Top Performers
Hillary Otte, Xavier, Junior, Right side, 6-0
Angie Porche, Valparaiso, Junior, Outside hitter, 5-8
Julie Rubenstein, Pepperdine, Senior, Outside hitter, 6-3
Megan Argabright, Western Kentucky, Senior, Middle hitter, 6-1
Yarimar Rosa, Florida International, Junior, Outside hitter, 5-10
Caitlyn Vann, Missouri, Sophomore, Defensive specialist, 5-6
Allison Nieters, Iona, Sophomore, Libero, 5-9
Jessica Walters, UNLV, Junior, Outside hitter, 5-9
Allison Raguse, Northern Colorado, Junior, Middle blocker, 6-0
Ashley Asberry, Middle Tennessee State, Senior, Middle blocker, 5-9
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Strong Finish by the Men's Golf Team in Pa.
The Xavier men's golf team struggled a bit during the first two rounds of Penn State's Rutherford Invitational, but the team really played well in Tuesday's final round. Here is the recap.
Freshman Sebastian MacLean (who will represent Bolivia in the World Team Championship this October in Australia) fired a one-under par 71. MacLean holds 15 Bolivian national championships and the team looks forward to him wearing an "X" on his polo for the next four years.
MacLean must feel right at home with the weather we have been having in Cincinnati.
Freshman Sebastian MacLean (who will represent Bolivia in the World Team Championship this October in Australia) fired a one-under par 71. MacLean holds 15 Bolivian national championships and the team looks forward to him wearing an "X" on his polo for the next four years.
MacLean must feel right at home with the weather we have been having in Cincinnati.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Physical First Half At XU Soccer Complex
It was a typical physical first half between Xavier and UC. Both teams managed just four shots each. But the Bearcats took advantage of their best chance in the 12th minute. UC led 1-0 at the break.
Crosstown Shootout Men's Soccer Style at XU
Despite some bad weather that delayed warmups, the introductions are finally here. The stands are packed across the field from the teams. The Xavier student "X-Treme" fans are out in full force. We are just minutes from kick-off.
Women's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule
The women's basketball team just finalized its non-conference gauntlet schedule for the 2008-09 season. Click here to view the non-conference slate. We should have the league schedule for you sometime next week.
2008-09 Schedule Notes
- Non-conference schedule consists of 16 games with a possibility for 17
- Nine home games, at least six away games
- XU could still host the WNIT second round game (if necessary) but would most likely play the semifinal and final (if necessary) on the road
As many as 11 opponents hailing from power conferences
- North Carolina* (ACC)
- Indiana*, Michigan State (Big 10)
- Oklahoma* (Big XII)
- Cincinnati, Louisville (BIG EAST)
- Arizona State (Pac-10)
- LSU, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State (SEC)
As many as 10 of last year’s Top-100 RPI Teams
- at North Carolina* (No. 3)
- at LSU (No. 8)
- Louisville (No. 12)
- at Oklahoma* (No. 13)
- at Arizona State (No. 33)
- at Georgia (No. 34)
- Michigan State (No. 52)
- Kentucky (No. 54)
- Indiana* (No. 74)
- Robert Morris (No. 97)
As many as seven of last year’s NCAA Tournament teams
- at LSU (Final Four)
- at North Carolina* (Elite Eight)
- Louisville (Sweet 16)
- at Arizona State (Second Round)
- at Georgia (Second Round)
- at Oklahoma* (Second Round)
- Robert Morris (First Round)
As many as four of last year’s WNIT teams
- Michigan State (Finalist)
- Kentucky (Third Round)
- Indiana* (First Round)
- at Mississippi State (First Round)
2008 Preseason WNIT
- Will open 2008-09 season on November 14 at Cintas Center against Robert Morris
- Winner will play either Indiana or Ball State on either November 16 or 17
- Winner of the second round contest will most likely play at North Carolina on either November 19 or 20 in the semifinal
* Potential opponent in the Preseason WNIT
- Non-conference schedule consists of 16 games with a possibility for 17
- Nine home games, at least six away games
- XU could still host the WNIT second round game (if necessary) but would most likely play the semifinal and final (if necessary) on the road
As many as 11 opponents hailing from power conferences
- North Carolina* (ACC)
- Indiana*, Michigan State (Big 10)
- Oklahoma* (Big XII)
- Cincinnati, Louisville (BIG EAST)
- Arizona State (Pac-10)
- LSU, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State (SEC)
As many as 10 of last year’s Top-100 RPI Teams
- at North Carolina* (No. 3)
- at LSU (No. 8)
- Louisville (No. 12)
- at Oklahoma* (No. 13)
- at Arizona State (No. 33)
- at Georgia (No. 34)
- Michigan State (No. 52)
- Kentucky (No. 54)
- Indiana* (No. 74)
- Robert Morris (No. 97)
As many as seven of last year’s NCAA Tournament teams
- at LSU (Final Four)
- at North Carolina* (Elite Eight)
- Louisville (Sweet 16)
- at Arizona State (Second Round)
- at Georgia (Second Round)
- at Oklahoma* (Second Round)
- Robert Morris (First Round)
As many as four of last year’s WNIT teams
- Michigan State (Finalist)
- Kentucky (Third Round)
- Indiana* (First Round)
- at Mississippi State (First Round)
2008 Preseason WNIT
- Will open 2008-09 season on November 14 at Cintas Center against Robert Morris
- Winner will play either Indiana or Ball State on either November 16 or 17
- Winner of the second round contest will most likely play at North Carolina on either November 19 or 20 in the semifinal
* Potential opponent in the Preseason WNIT
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Season Ticket Drawing Winner
Congratulations to Doug and Amy Nye! The Nyes are the winners of TWO FREE Season Tickets for the 2008-09 men’s basketball season. They, along with over 500 other season ticket holders, renewed their season tickets online prior to the July 25 deadline by logging in to their My Musketeers Account at GoXAVIER.com. The Nye’s have been season ticket holders since 1997.
Sean Miller on ESPN on Sunday
Men's basketball coach Sean Miller will be a live guest on ESPN's "Outside the Lines" with Bob Ley on Sunday morning, August 31. The subject will be the increasing competition in recruiting. The show airs live from 9:30-10 a.m. on Sunday on ESPN and ESPN HD.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Men's Schedule ... Women's Preview
We just released the 2008-09 men's basketball and you can check that out here.
We are just waiting on a few contracts to be signed before we finalize the women's basketball schedule. We can give you a small preview of this brutal slate though. XU could play as many as 11 opponents from power conferences, as many as 10 of last year's top-100 RPI teams and as many as seven of last year's NCAA Tournament teams. One of the highlights of the season includes a road game against a team that has been to five-straight Final Fours (that team begins with Louisiana and ends with State) and a home game against a team that wears green and white and calls Michigan home. Any other guesses?
We are just waiting on a few contracts to be signed before we finalize the women's basketball schedule. We can give you a small preview of this brutal slate though. XU could play as many as 11 opponents from power conferences, as many as 10 of last year's top-100 RPI teams and as many as seven of last year's NCAA Tournament teams. One of the highlights of the season includes a road game against a team that has been to five-straight Final Fours (that team begins with Louisiana and ends with State) and a home game against a team that wears green and white and calls Michigan home. Any other guesses?
Friday, August 22, 2008
Men's Soccer Exhibition Tonight
The Xavier men's soccer team will square-off against Oakland tonight at 7 p.m. at the XU Soccer Complex. This will be the final tune-up before the regular season opener against Cincinnati next Friday. We wanted to let everyone know that the first 250 fans to arrive at the XU vs. UC game on the 29th will receive a free t-shirt.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Website Redesign Complete ... Almost
The newly designed GOXAVIER.com is up and running. If any of you look closely enough, I'm sure you will find some things in places where they are not supposed to be as we try to tie up the loose ends. Bear with us though as we try to give GOXAVIER.com a new look.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Welcome to the X Blog
Hello and welcome to the official blog of Xavier Athletics, where you can get your XU athletics news fix first. We plan to post breaking news, partake in live blogging during select competitions and do just about anything else within reason right here. We want to make this blog as interactive as possible so feel free to leave a comment or shoot an email to mckennap@xavier.edu.
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