The men's basketball team plays Saint Joseph's tonight at the historic Palestra on the Penn campus. The game will be broadcast at 7 p.m. on ESPN2 and 55KRC-AM.
Xavier has not played a game in the Palestra since the 1980-81 season when Bob Staak and the Musketeers lost to La Salle, 65-60, on December 10, 1980.
The Musketeers got a chance to practice this afternoon at The Palestra. Among those in attendance were two of the three announcers for tonight's game, Jon Sciambi and Tom Brennan, and the ESPN2 producer Rick Willenzik. In addition to get plenty of background information and prep from Tom Eiser, Brennan spent considerable time talking to Xavier Athletic Director Mike Bobinski about his role on the NCAA Basketball Selection Committee and about the process itself. The third announcer for tonight, Doug Gottlieb, arrived this afternoon on a flight because he had to do SportCenter this morning. He'll be rushing out after the game as well because he has a flight out tonight so he can be back on set for SportsCenter tomorrow.
That's some great exposure in front of some guys that will be doing plenty of studio work as we approach and work our way through March Madness.
For the record, the Xavier practice today is the second time Xavier has practiced at The Palestra since joining the Atlantic 10 Conference. The Musketeers got snowed in by a few feet of snow after beating La Salle on January 6, 1996. Instead of playing Temple on the night of Jan. 8 on national tv, the Musketeers played on the afternoon of Jan. 9 without tv and very few fans. The only practice they could get in was at the Palestra, which was across the street from their hotel (Penn Tower). It was like an Alaskan Adventure watching the team make its way a couple blocks through the snow. Fortunately, the weather is much better today in Philadelphia.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Xavier vs. George Washington Live Blog
Welcome to this LIVE blog of the Xavier vs. George Washington match-up in Cintas Center this Sunday afternoon. The Musketeers are set to take the floor in their retro jerseys from the 1994-95, 1995-96 seasons (Skip Prosser's first year as XU Head Basketball Coach). The jerseys will be available for purchase on http://www.goxavier.com/.
Introdctions - The retro jerseys look fantastic. This blogger will be very jealous of the lucky Musketeer fans that win them in the GoXavier.com auctions.
First Half
19:18 - The Musketeers have opened with two straight turnovers, both of which credited to CJ Anderson. The fans are still standing for the first basket.
18:16 - Jason Love took a charge down low, giving the fans a little extra to clap about. The Colonials have come out with a full-court press...
17:52 - Rb Diggs for GW stole a Xavier pass and reverse-slammed the ensuing fast break opportunity. Thankfully, BJ Raymond sank a jumper for XU's first basket, tying the game at 2-2. A lot of sloppy play from both sides to open the half.
15:44 - Jason Love stole an errant GW pass, the fifth turnover of the game already, and took the fast break attempt on his own. Like Pau Gasol running the Lakers' break, Love sprinted down the floor for the lay-up. His shot was blocked, but GW goaltended, giving XU a 6-2 lead at the first media timeout.
14:23 - There's a trey from Dante Jackson. He's playing the two guard with Holloway on the floor as well. GW is still searching for their second basket.
13:02 - GW found its second basket in the form of a giant Damian Hollis dunk. Hollis started his move from the baseline, taking off just inside the paint. Musketeer fans boo'd as Hollis threw the ball back towards the XU baseline after his lame, earning a warning from the officials.
12:36 - Brad Redford hits from WAY downtown. There's a good start for the freshman.
11:44 - What a play! Derrick Brown sailed high above the rim to block a GW shot against the basket. On the ensuing fast break, Dante Jackson found Redford on the wing WIDE open for his second three of the game. GW immediately took a timeout. Once again the freshman is left open by opposing defenses. They must have film on him by now, and if not, they can check out youtube for his high school shooting resume.
11:09 - Xavier is enjoying a healthy 18-6 lead thanks to 4-6 shooting from beyond the arc. Dante Jackson hit yet another, making the Redford-Jackson combo 4-5 on the day so far.
8:31 - Six-of-nine three point shooting for XU is leaving GW in the dust. XU now has a 26-10 lead after GW broke into double digits with a Tony Taylor jumper.
6:02 - Derrick Brown just claimed his fourth rebound of the game. The junior seems to be having his way with the Colonials on the boards.
5:26 - While Brown is going hard to the hoop, the Colonials won't have it. They've fouled him very hard on several attempts now rather than let up the easy slam. Brown is 3-4 on his free throw attempts.
4:36 - Redford got a steal on one end, took the lead on the fastbreak, let everyone clear through around him, saw that none of the Colonials decided to guard him, and drained his third three of the game. He's the game's leading scorer with nine points and has only shot the ball three times.
3:13 - C.J. Anderson just drove the lane and had his shot blocked out of bounds. Karl Hobbs could be very clearly heard yelling to his players, "WHAT DOES CJ DO? WHAT DOES CJ DO? HE DRIVES!!"
2:22 - Derrick Brown took the lead on a fast break, with the crowd moving to the edge of their seats, and gave one of his best dunking performances of his career. The junior took off from the A-10 logo, displayed incredible hang time WAY above the rim, and gave the ball an authorative tomahawk slam home. Let's hope the photographers got that one in frame, he may have been above the frame of the backboard cam. Look for this one on ESPN's Sportscenter tonight.
Halftime - Xavier leads 36-20 at the half. Redford is still the leading scorer for XU, going 3-4 from deep.
Second Half
18:03 - Raymond is great at the pump fake. His fake beyond the arc on the left wing sent a Colonial sailing by while he took another dribble, reset himself, and sank the open jumper.
17:14 - Dante Jackson read the GW lob inbounds pass perfectly, jumping like a defensive back to knock it free and drain the breakaway layup.
15:47 - At the first media timeout of the half, the XU lead has ballooned to 44-23. At this rate, the potential to double GW's score is very real. The Colonials have three points so far in the half.
14:59 - There's another triple for Redford. After Kenny Frease made an attempt that hit the rim well short, the ball found its way to Redford yet again. The freshman regains his place as the game's leading scorer.
12:32 - Dante Jackson and Katuka for GW have been assessed technical fouls. There was a little pushing and some aggressive words exchanged. Katuka has been getting into it with Frease, Love, and CJ Anderson most all of the game.
10:51 - While XU is well in control of the game, CJ Anderson is having a rough day. The senior is now 0-3 on field goals and 2-3 from the charity stripe. Both him and Kenny Frease have yet to make a bucket from the field.
10:10 - The Musketeers are getting free throws, but have not scored a field goal since the 15:04 mark. The lead is now 16. Make that 13, Witherspoon just sank a three.
9:04 - There we go: Dante Jackson drained his third trey in four attempts. The GW run is no more.
7:03 - CJ made a great spin move and floater over two GW defenders... But the officials called traveling. Anderson is now 0-4 from the field with four made free throws.
6:51 - Jason Love went down on the last play grabbing his shoulder. Head Trainer Mike Mulcahey looked him over on the bench, and he elected not to bring him back to the locker room. Love seems to be alright.
5:41 - There's a basket for Anderson - the senior is on the board from the floor after a driving layup hit the bottom of the basket.
4:55 - The full-court press is on for GW. Xavier has yet to make a turnover, breaking it consistently, but the Colonials are certainly making it a rough going from baseline to baseline.
The Musketeers can't seem to get a rhythm going in their half-court offense though. The lead is now 11.
1:26 - Even with a 17-point lead with less than two minutes left, Sean Miller has elected to keep all his starters in. A blowout victory may be just what the doctor ordered for the Musketeers.
0:15 - CJ Anderson just hit the second three-pointer of his career. Way to go CJ!
Final Score - Xavier wins 71-53. Be sure to check www.GoXavier.com for all the recap information for today's game. Thanks for visiting the X-Blog!
Introdctions - The retro jerseys look fantastic. This blogger will be very jealous of the lucky Musketeer fans that win them in the GoXavier.com auctions.
First Half
19:18 - The Musketeers have opened with two straight turnovers, both of which credited to CJ Anderson. The fans are still standing for the first basket.
18:16 - Jason Love took a charge down low, giving the fans a little extra to clap about. The Colonials have come out with a full-court press...
17:52 - Rb Diggs for GW stole a Xavier pass and reverse-slammed the ensuing fast break opportunity. Thankfully, BJ Raymond sank a jumper for XU's first basket, tying the game at 2-2. A lot of sloppy play from both sides to open the half.
15:44 - Jason Love stole an errant GW pass, the fifth turnover of the game already, and took the fast break attempt on his own. Like Pau Gasol running the Lakers' break, Love sprinted down the floor for the lay-up. His shot was blocked, but GW goaltended, giving XU a 6-2 lead at the first media timeout.
14:23 - There's a trey from Dante Jackson. He's playing the two guard with Holloway on the floor as well. GW is still searching for their second basket.
13:02 - GW found its second basket in the form of a giant Damian Hollis dunk. Hollis started his move from the baseline, taking off just inside the paint. Musketeer fans boo'd as Hollis threw the ball back towards the XU baseline after his lame, earning a warning from the officials.
12:36 - Brad Redford hits from WAY downtown. There's a good start for the freshman.
11:44 - What a play! Derrick Brown sailed high above the rim to block a GW shot against the basket. On the ensuing fast break, Dante Jackson found Redford on the wing WIDE open for his second three of the game. GW immediately took a timeout. Once again the freshman is left open by opposing defenses. They must have film on him by now, and if not, they can check out youtube for his high school shooting resume.
11:09 - Xavier is enjoying a healthy 18-6 lead thanks to 4-6 shooting from beyond the arc. Dante Jackson hit yet another, making the Redford-Jackson combo 4-5 on the day so far.
8:31 - Six-of-nine three point shooting for XU is leaving GW in the dust. XU now has a 26-10 lead after GW broke into double digits with a Tony Taylor jumper.
6:02 - Derrick Brown just claimed his fourth rebound of the game. The junior seems to be having his way with the Colonials on the boards.
5:26 - While Brown is going hard to the hoop, the Colonials won't have it. They've fouled him very hard on several attempts now rather than let up the easy slam. Brown is 3-4 on his free throw attempts.
4:36 - Redford got a steal on one end, took the lead on the fastbreak, let everyone clear through around him, saw that none of the Colonials decided to guard him, and drained his third three of the game. He's the game's leading scorer with nine points and has only shot the ball three times.
3:13 - C.J. Anderson just drove the lane and had his shot blocked out of bounds. Karl Hobbs could be very clearly heard yelling to his players, "WHAT DOES CJ DO? WHAT DOES CJ DO? HE DRIVES!!"
2:22 - Derrick Brown took the lead on a fast break, with the crowd moving to the edge of their seats, and gave one of his best dunking performances of his career. The junior took off from the A-10 logo, displayed incredible hang time WAY above the rim, and gave the ball an authorative tomahawk slam home. Let's hope the photographers got that one in frame, he may have been above the frame of the backboard cam. Look for this one on ESPN's Sportscenter tonight.
Halftime - Xavier leads 36-20 at the half. Redford is still the leading scorer for XU, going 3-4 from deep.
Second Half
18:03 - Raymond is great at the pump fake. His fake beyond the arc on the left wing sent a Colonial sailing by while he took another dribble, reset himself, and sank the open jumper.
17:14 - Dante Jackson read the GW lob inbounds pass perfectly, jumping like a defensive back to knock it free and drain the breakaway layup.
15:47 - At the first media timeout of the half, the XU lead has ballooned to 44-23. At this rate, the potential to double GW's score is very real. The Colonials have three points so far in the half.
14:59 - There's another triple for Redford. After Kenny Frease made an attempt that hit the rim well short, the ball found its way to Redford yet again. The freshman regains his place as the game's leading scorer.
12:32 - Dante Jackson and Katuka for GW have been assessed technical fouls. There was a little pushing and some aggressive words exchanged. Katuka has been getting into it with Frease, Love, and CJ Anderson most all of the game.
10:51 - While XU is well in control of the game, CJ Anderson is having a rough day. The senior is now 0-3 on field goals and 2-3 from the charity stripe. Both him and Kenny Frease have yet to make a bucket from the field.
10:10 - The Musketeers are getting free throws, but have not scored a field goal since the 15:04 mark. The lead is now 16. Make that 13, Witherspoon just sank a three.
9:04 - There we go: Dante Jackson drained his third trey in four attempts. The GW run is no more.
7:03 - CJ made a great spin move and floater over two GW defenders... But the officials called traveling. Anderson is now 0-4 from the field with four made free throws.
6:51 - Jason Love went down on the last play grabbing his shoulder. Head Trainer Mike Mulcahey looked him over on the bench, and he elected not to bring him back to the locker room. Love seems to be alright.
5:41 - There's a basket for Anderson - the senior is on the board from the floor after a driving layup hit the bottom of the basket.
4:55 - The full-court press is on for GW. Xavier has yet to make a turnover, breaking it consistently, but the Colonials are certainly making it a rough going from baseline to baseline.
The Musketeers can't seem to get a rhythm going in their half-court offense though. The lead is now 11.
1:26 - Even with a 17-point lead with less than two minutes left, Sean Miller has elected to keep all his starters in. A blowout victory may be just what the doctor ordered for the Musketeers.
0:15 - CJ Anderson just hit the second three-pointer of his career. Way to go CJ!
Final Score - Xavier wins 71-53. Be sure to check www.GoXavier.com for all the recap information for today's game. Thanks for visiting the X-Blog!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Xavier vs. Charlotte Live Blog
Welcome to another edition of the X-Blog, as the Xavier University men's basketball team gets set to take on the Charlotte 49ers. This is an opportunity for the Musketeers to get back on track away from Cintas Center, having lost two straight on the road.
UPDATE 6:15 - Head coach Sean Miller was visited by an old friend prior to tonight's game: Orlando Magic Stan Van Gundy. In town to play the Charlotte Bobcats tomorrow, Van Gundy paid Miller a visit in the lobby of the team hotel. Miller served as an assistant under Van Gundy at the Univeristy of Wisconsin.
UPDATE 6:57 - As we near tipoff, I notice one distinct difference in the atmosphere at the arena tonight: the student section is in the lower bowl along the sideline. Not tucked in the corner or along the baseline, but taking up three and a half sections along the sideline where the benches are located. The rest of the arena is sparcely populated at the moment, but the student section is out in full force in their prime seats.
UPDATE 7:08 - This is shaping up to be a defensive battle, although there have been a number of stopages. At 4-3 in the first media timeout, Xavier hasn't been able to get out and run much yet, and neither team looks quite in sync on offense.
UPDATE 7:17 - Despite only hitting two of their 11 attempts from the field thus far, the Musketeers are even with 49ers, 9-9. XU is doing with free throw shooting, hitting all four of their attemps from the charity stripe thus far, drawing enthusiastic applause from coach Miller with every make.
UPDATE 7:26 - Jamel McLean is back to his energetic ways. After hustling and fighting for a pair of defensive rebounds, McLean took a nice feed from Holloway to the basket and drew the foul while making the basket to head into a media timeout. His athletic ability continues to amaze.
UPDATE 7:36 - At 24-23 in favor of Charlotte with just over three minutes left in the half, credit has to be given to the intensity of the 49ers defense, led by Charlie Coley. He has two blocks, both coming on what looked like sure buckets for XU. There are no easy baskets in this game.
UPDATE 7:47 - A three-pointer by Javarris Barnett as time expired to end the half has given Charlotte a 29-27 lead at the break. The Xavier defense, which had been less than stellar in the Musketeers' previous two road losses, has been on the mark tonight, but you have to believe coach Miller will tweak the offense at halftime.
UPDATE 8:10 - Xavier won the first four-minute war of the half, outscoring the 49ers 8-7 before the buzzer sounded for the first media timeout. Xavier still trails, 36-35, but the Musketeers have four more chances to win each battle.
UPDATE 8:21 - At Xavier, the best offense is a good defense. After Jason Love blocked a shot on one end, B.J. Raymond hit a three-pointer in transition to give XU the 41-39 advantage. For those keeping track, the Musketeers won that four-minute battle 6-3.
UPDATE 8:31 - The crowd is buzzing as the horn sounds for a media timeout and Charlotte clings to a one-point lead, 47-46. The offense has certainly picked up for XU in the second half, but one of the players reponsible for that uptick in production, C.J. Anderson, just picked up his fourth foul and headed the bench.
UPDATE 8:44 - It all comes down to the final four-minute battle. Charlotte holds a three-point edge, 56-53, with 3:27 to play. Check goxavier.com for a recap and stats from tonight's game after the final buzzer sounds.
UPDATE 6:15 - Head coach Sean Miller was visited by an old friend prior to tonight's game: Orlando Magic Stan Van Gundy. In town to play the Charlotte Bobcats tomorrow, Van Gundy paid Miller a visit in the lobby of the team hotel. Miller served as an assistant under Van Gundy at the Univeristy of Wisconsin.
UPDATE 6:57 - As we near tipoff, I notice one distinct difference in the atmosphere at the arena tonight: the student section is in the lower bowl along the sideline. Not tucked in the corner or along the baseline, but taking up three and a half sections along the sideline where the benches are located. The rest of the arena is sparcely populated at the moment, but the student section is out in full force in their prime seats.
UPDATE 7:08 - This is shaping up to be a defensive battle, although there have been a number of stopages. At 4-3 in the first media timeout, Xavier hasn't been able to get out and run much yet, and neither team looks quite in sync on offense.
UPDATE 7:17 - Despite only hitting two of their 11 attempts from the field thus far, the Musketeers are even with 49ers, 9-9. XU is doing with free throw shooting, hitting all four of their attemps from the charity stripe thus far, drawing enthusiastic applause from coach Miller with every make.
UPDATE 7:26 - Jamel McLean is back to his energetic ways. After hustling and fighting for a pair of defensive rebounds, McLean took a nice feed from Holloway to the basket and drew the foul while making the basket to head into a media timeout. His athletic ability continues to amaze.
UPDATE 7:36 - At 24-23 in favor of Charlotte with just over three minutes left in the half, credit has to be given to the intensity of the 49ers defense, led by Charlie Coley. He has two blocks, both coming on what looked like sure buckets for XU. There are no easy baskets in this game.
UPDATE 7:47 - A three-pointer by Javarris Barnett as time expired to end the half has given Charlotte a 29-27 lead at the break. The Xavier defense, which had been less than stellar in the Musketeers' previous two road losses, has been on the mark tonight, but you have to believe coach Miller will tweak the offense at halftime.
UPDATE 8:10 - Xavier won the first four-minute war of the half, outscoring the 49ers 8-7 before the buzzer sounded for the first media timeout. Xavier still trails, 36-35, but the Musketeers have four more chances to win each battle.
UPDATE 8:21 - At Xavier, the best offense is a good defense. After Jason Love blocked a shot on one end, B.J. Raymond hit a three-pointer in transition to give XU the 41-39 advantage. For those keeping track, the Musketeers won that four-minute battle 6-3.
UPDATE 8:31 - The crowd is buzzing as the horn sounds for a media timeout and Charlotte clings to a one-point lead, 47-46. The offense has certainly picked up for XU in the second half, but one of the players reponsible for that uptick in production, C.J. Anderson, just picked up his fourth foul and headed the bench.
UPDATE 8:44 - It all comes down to the final four-minute battle. Charlotte holds a three-point edge, 56-53, with 3:27 to play. Check goxavier.com for a recap and stats from tonight's game after the final buzzer sounds.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Xavier vs. Fordham Live Blog
Welcome again to the X Blog for LIVE coverage of the Xavier vs. Fordham Valentine's Day match-up. The lights have been dimmed, the starters announced, and we are ready to tip off!
First Half
19:58 - Head Coach Sean Miller called a meeting with the X-Treme fans yesterday to discuss ways to make the group even louder and more organized. The team entered the building down the stairs next to the student section, there was a new intro. video, and the student section is screaming "boing" for every dribble, "pass" for every pass, and "BRICK!" for every Fordham shot. The meeting seems to have worked.
15:37 - At the first media timeout, both teams are shooting 40 percent. Dante Jackson hit a three-pointer after several Musketeer possessions at the 17:44 mark for XU's first basket.
14:27 - Dante Jackson is off to a great start. He just hit his second trey on three attempts, leading the Muskies with eight points already in six minutes of play. Not to be out-done, Redford sank one from downtown as well. The XU lead is three, 13-10.
12:38 - Jio Fontan of the Rams drained a three-pointer with one second left on the clock. He pulled up from at least five feet behind the arc. Sean Miller can't believe it, and neither can the fans. Five of the last seven made baskets have been three's.
9:44 - Apparently Brad Redford wasn't talked about much in the Rams' game plan. He was left open behind the arc on the second straight possession, which is a no-no for any Xavier opponent. Redford capitalized, draining both attempts. He's now 3-4 from deep.
4:26 - A Brad Redford steal just turned into a BJ Raymond three-pointer. Derrick Brown followed with one of his own on the next possession. The Musketeers are 8-14 from beyond the arc, and have been left open for them on a consistent basis. If the Rams don't extend to the perimeter, this percentage will leave them behind VERY fast. The flurry of treys has led to a 16-6 run over the last 6:41.
0:30 - Sean Miller has called a timeout to set up a play for the final 30 seconds and get Brad Redford in the game. Let's see if the freshman can get another.
Halftime - Redford dished to Brown on the block for a slam to finish the half. The freshman demanded the defensive respect that left Brown wide open.
Second Half
17:37 - Xavier has come out strong from halftime. Jason Love added four points to his total already this half, helping XU open a 9-2 run so far. Fordham has yet to hit a field goal. This could be a long second half for them. XU shows no signs of slowing down.
11:21 - Redford may have been six feet behind the line on that last three. The Rams have not learned their lesson. The freshman is now 5-7 from deep.
9:49 - A HUGE Jamel McLean block led to a fast break that would have ended in a giant Derrick Brown slam if the pass was not deflected out of bounds. That break had the makings of a fantastic finish...
5:31 - WOW! Derrick Brown just posterized a Fordham defender on a fast break. Dante Jackson left the ball for him and Brown took off with no concern for the Fordham defensive attempt. Hopefully someone got a picture of that.
4:16 - Stephen Duckett just sank a trey from Brad Redford distance, bring the fans to their feet. XU has tied their season-high for three-pointers.
Final - Xavier has defeated Fordham 88-53. Everyone that played for XU scored a bucket, including a three-pointer for Stephen Duckett and a layup for Joe Hughes. For such a blowout, a surprising number of fans have stayed through 'til the final buzzer. Many career and season highs were set tonight. For a full recap of the game, check www.GoXavier.com.
First Half
19:58 - Head Coach Sean Miller called a meeting with the X-Treme fans yesterday to discuss ways to make the group even louder and more organized. The team entered the building down the stairs next to the student section, there was a new intro. video, and the student section is screaming "boing" for every dribble, "pass" for every pass, and "BRICK!" for every Fordham shot. The meeting seems to have worked.
15:37 - At the first media timeout, both teams are shooting 40 percent. Dante Jackson hit a three-pointer after several Musketeer possessions at the 17:44 mark for XU's first basket.
14:27 - Dante Jackson is off to a great start. He just hit his second trey on three attempts, leading the Muskies with eight points already in six minutes of play. Not to be out-done, Redford sank one from downtown as well. The XU lead is three, 13-10.
12:38 - Jio Fontan of the Rams drained a three-pointer with one second left on the clock. He pulled up from at least five feet behind the arc. Sean Miller can't believe it, and neither can the fans. Five of the last seven made baskets have been three's.
9:44 - Apparently Brad Redford wasn't talked about much in the Rams' game plan. He was left open behind the arc on the second straight possession, which is a no-no for any Xavier opponent. Redford capitalized, draining both attempts. He's now 3-4 from deep.
4:26 - A Brad Redford steal just turned into a BJ Raymond three-pointer. Derrick Brown followed with one of his own on the next possession. The Musketeers are 8-14 from beyond the arc, and have been left open for them on a consistent basis. If the Rams don't extend to the perimeter, this percentage will leave them behind VERY fast. The flurry of treys has led to a 16-6 run over the last 6:41.
0:30 - Sean Miller has called a timeout to set up a play for the final 30 seconds and get Brad Redford in the game. Let's see if the freshman can get another.
Halftime - Redford dished to Brown on the block for a slam to finish the half. The freshman demanded the defensive respect that left Brown wide open.
Second Half
17:37 - Xavier has come out strong from halftime. Jason Love added four points to his total already this half, helping XU open a 9-2 run so far. Fordham has yet to hit a field goal. This could be a long second half for them. XU shows no signs of slowing down.
11:21 - Redford may have been six feet behind the line on that last three. The Rams have not learned their lesson. The freshman is now 5-7 from deep.
9:49 - A HUGE Jamel McLean block led to a fast break that would have ended in a giant Derrick Brown slam if the pass was not deflected out of bounds. That break had the makings of a fantastic finish...
5:31 - WOW! Derrick Brown just posterized a Fordham defender on a fast break. Dante Jackson left the ball for him and Brown took off with no concern for the Fordham defensive attempt. Hopefully someone got a picture of that.
4:16 - Stephen Duckett just sank a trey from Brad Redford distance, bring the fans to their feet. XU has tied their season-high for three-pointers.
Final - Xavier has defeated Fordham 88-53. Everyone that played for XU scored a bucket, including a three-pointer for Stephen Duckett and a layup for Joe Hughes. For such a blowout, a surprising number of fans have stayed through 'til the final buzzer. Many career and season highs were set tonight. For a full recap of the game, check www.GoXavier.com.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Xavier vs. Dayton Live Blog
Welcome to the latest edition of the X-blog. With the Musketeers taking the court just about a half hour before tonight's tipoff, the fans were kind enough to welcome them with a chorus that will be a familiar echo tonight: boos. At this point in the season, XU is no stranger to hostile environments and is used to playing with an 'X' on their back (pardon the pun). As we move closer to tipoff, here are tonight's starters:
Xavier:
F - Derrick Brown
F - C.J. Anderson
C - Jason Love
G - B.J. Raymond
G - Terrell Holloway
No surprises here for XU. One of the things to watch, for those tuning in on ESPN Classic at 7, will be point guard play. The intense defensive pressure Dayton places on its opponents will be a challenge for the duo of Holloway and Dante Jackson.
Dayton:
F - Charles Little
F - Chris Wright
C - Kurt Huelsman
G - Marcus Johnson
G - London Warren
UPDATE 7:00 - It's on. Starting lineups are being introduced and we are mere minutes from tipoff.
UPDATE 7:03 - A spin-off of the Pittsburgh Steelers terrible towel, the Dayton faithful have been given white towels, providing a stark contrast to the "Red Out" in effect for tonight's game. You can tell this game means more than the average game to these fans.
UPDATE 7:05 - The first taste of this tenacious Dayton defense resulted in a shot clock that got down around five before a charging call ended the Musketeers' first impression. After a three-point play and a putback, Dayton has a 5-0 lead.
UPDATE 7:07 - And the second time down the floor, this time there was a shot clock violation on XU. Getting into the offense hasn't been difficult for the Muskies, but finding breathing room has. Anytime an XU player touches the ball, he is quickly created by a Flyer mere inches away.
UPDATE 7:09 - After tweaking his ankle in the game against Duquesne, it's a welcome sight to see freshman Kenny Frease enter the game less than three minutes into the game. We'll be keeping an eye on him as the game progresses.
UPDATE 7:12 - B.J. Raymond just took the lid off the basket for the Musketeers, getting their first field goal to make it 8-3 in favor of Dayton heading in the first media timeout. It's difficult to say if there are any specific strategies the Flyers are using, because they work as hard as any team that XU has played this season on defense. The Muskies are going to have to take and make a lot of tough shots tonight.
UPDATE 7:17 - One of the team leaders, senior C.J. Anderson is on the bench with two fouls, both coming on charges (although the second one was questionable). Dante Jackson has entered the game and that will certainly effect the Musketeer rotation in the first half.
UPDATE 7:18 - And as that is posted, Anderson has walked to the scorer's table and will check back into the game. Head coach Sean Miller is showing a lot of faith in one his team leaders.
UPDATE 7:24 - I have to admit that trying to blog for this game is going to be a challenge. Those of you seeing what I am seeing on ESPN Classic are witnessing two of the toughest defensive teams in the conference. Every drive to the basket is contested. There is a always a defender there on the catch. And the refs are certainly allowing the game to be physical.
UPDATE 7:28 - One of the strengths of this Musketeers program is not only the coaching, but the fact that players respond to that coaching. The last handoff by Love to Raymond, who then pump-faked the over-aggressive Flyer defending him, is an example of that quality.
UPDATE 7:35 - At the under eight-minute media timeout, Dayton holds an eight point lead, but already has three players with two fouls each. Kurt Huelsman and Marcus Johnson, both starters, each have a pair, as does starting point guard London Warren. Complicated matters for the Flyers, the other half of Dayton's dynmaic point guard tandem, Rob Lowery, went out with a knee injury mid-way through the half. That will force the Flyers to turn to sophomore Stephen Thomas.
UPDATE 7:38 - Another Flyer just picked up his second foul, with Chris Wright getting called for the charge. This may have no bearing on the game, as it's still early, but it bears watching as the game progresses.
UPDATE 7:41 - Reiterating what coach Miller said after the Temple game, Raymond may be playing as well as any player at his position in the country right now. He's averaging over 20 points in the last five games and has 10 tonight after hitting a trey to pull XU within one, 22-21.
UPDATE 7:45 - The true mark of a shooter is being willing to take the next shot. After getting blocked while trying to take a three-pointer in transition on his last attempt, freshman Brad Redford showed no fear when pulling the trigger on a trey that pulled XU within one, 25-24, once again.
UPDATE 7:49 - Right now, XU is being outrebounded by Dayton, 17-15. Although, the seven offensive rebounds that the Musketeers have allowed might be more concerning for coach Miller. Another part of tonight's story line is that the Muskies have only attempted four free throws while the Flyers are in double digits. A strange phenonmenon for a team that is near the nation's leaders in free throw attempts per game.
UPDATE 7:56 - At halftime, Dayton leads 33-28, getting an extra point on a strange play that resulted in a pair of free throws with less than two seconds to play. After the Flyers wound the play clock down under 5 seconds, an off balance jumper charomed off the rim. With still around four seconds to play, the Musketeers let the rebound wander aimlessly, where the Flyers' Thomas picked it up and drew the foul. He hit one of two free throws will the Muskie will surely hear about the mental mistake at half time.
UPDATE 8:12 - In response to the XU blunder at the end of the first half and Anderson's three fouls, coach Miller is going with a second half staring lineup of Jason Love, Jamel McLean, Derrick Brown, B.J. Raymond and Dante Jackson. A little shake up for the Musketeers.
UPDATE 8:15 - Foul trouble is once again rearing its ugly head for the Flyers, with starters London Warren and Kurt Huelsman picking up their third fouls in the first two minutes of the second half.
UPDATE 8:22 - After getting a boost from Raymond in the first half, Brown has pulled XU within three, 42-39, with back-to-back dunks. The first came off an inbound play under the basket, and the second was the result of a Dayton turnover that Frease turned into a long outlet pass that Brown threw down. Brown has six points in the half.
UPDATE 8:37 - The Flyers have been scorching from the field in the second half, hitting eight of their first 12 shots. UD only shot 40.7 percent from the field in the first half.
UPDATE 8:47 - Having won the last six games between these two teams by an average of over 14 points, XU is trailing Dayton 57-50 with just about seven minutes to play. The Flyers have tried to pull away a few times, but Brown's 12 second-half points have kept XU in this game.
UPDATE 8:55 - Marcus Johnson scored five straight points as part of a 7-0 run by UD, giving the Flyers their largest lead of the game, 64-50. With around five minutes to play, XU will need stops on defense to mount a comeback.
Xavier:
F - Derrick Brown
F - C.J. Anderson
C - Jason Love
G - B.J. Raymond
G - Terrell Holloway
No surprises here for XU. One of the things to watch, for those tuning in on ESPN Classic at 7, will be point guard play. The intense defensive pressure Dayton places on its opponents will be a challenge for the duo of Holloway and Dante Jackson.
Dayton:
F - Charles Little
F - Chris Wright
C - Kurt Huelsman
G - Marcus Johnson
G - London Warren
UPDATE 7:00 - It's on. Starting lineups are being introduced and we are mere minutes from tipoff.
UPDATE 7:03 - A spin-off of the Pittsburgh Steelers terrible towel, the Dayton faithful have been given white towels, providing a stark contrast to the "Red Out" in effect for tonight's game. You can tell this game means more than the average game to these fans.
UPDATE 7:05 - The first taste of this tenacious Dayton defense resulted in a shot clock that got down around five before a charging call ended the Musketeers' first impression. After a three-point play and a putback, Dayton has a 5-0 lead.
UPDATE 7:07 - And the second time down the floor, this time there was a shot clock violation on XU. Getting into the offense hasn't been difficult for the Muskies, but finding breathing room has. Anytime an XU player touches the ball, he is quickly created by a Flyer mere inches away.
UPDATE 7:09 - After tweaking his ankle in the game against Duquesne, it's a welcome sight to see freshman Kenny Frease enter the game less than three minutes into the game. We'll be keeping an eye on him as the game progresses.
UPDATE 7:12 - B.J. Raymond just took the lid off the basket for the Musketeers, getting their first field goal to make it 8-3 in favor of Dayton heading in the first media timeout. It's difficult to say if there are any specific strategies the Flyers are using, because they work as hard as any team that XU has played this season on defense. The Muskies are going to have to take and make a lot of tough shots tonight.
UPDATE 7:17 - One of the team leaders, senior C.J. Anderson is on the bench with two fouls, both coming on charges (although the second one was questionable). Dante Jackson has entered the game and that will certainly effect the Musketeer rotation in the first half.
UPDATE 7:18 - And as that is posted, Anderson has walked to the scorer's table and will check back into the game. Head coach Sean Miller is showing a lot of faith in one his team leaders.
UPDATE 7:24 - I have to admit that trying to blog for this game is going to be a challenge. Those of you seeing what I am seeing on ESPN Classic are witnessing two of the toughest defensive teams in the conference. Every drive to the basket is contested. There is a always a defender there on the catch. And the refs are certainly allowing the game to be physical.
UPDATE 7:28 - One of the strengths of this Musketeers program is not only the coaching, but the fact that players respond to that coaching. The last handoff by Love to Raymond, who then pump-faked the over-aggressive Flyer defending him, is an example of that quality.
UPDATE 7:35 - At the under eight-minute media timeout, Dayton holds an eight point lead, but already has three players with two fouls each. Kurt Huelsman and Marcus Johnson, both starters, each have a pair, as does starting point guard London Warren. Complicated matters for the Flyers, the other half of Dayton's dynmaic point guard tandem, Rob Lowery, went out with a knee injury mid-way through the half. That will force the Flyers to turn to sophomore Stephen Thomas.
UPDATE 7:38 - Another Flyer just picked up his second foul, with Chris Wright getting called for the charge. This may have no bearing on the game, as it's still early, but it bears watching as the game progresses.
UPDATE 7:41 - Reiterating what coach Miller said after the Temple game, Raymond may be playing as well as any player at his position in the country right now. He's averaging over 20 points in the last five games and has 10 tonight after hitting a trey to pull XU within one, 22-21.
UPDATE 7:45 - The true mark of a shooter is being willing to take the next shot. After getting blocked while trying to take a three-pointer in transition on his last attempt, freshman Brad Redford showed no fear when pulling the trigger on a trey that pulled XU within one, 25-24, once again.
UPDATE 7:49 - Right now, XU is being outrebounded by Dayton, 17-15. Although, the seven offensive rebounds that the Musketeers have allowed might be more concerning for coach Miller. Another part of tonight's story line is that the Muskies have only attempted four free throws while the Flyers are in double digits. A strange phenonmenon for a team that is near the nation's leaders in free throw attempts per game.
UPDATE 7:56 - At halftime, Dayton leads 33-28, getting an extra point on a strange play that resulted in a pair of free throws with less than two seconds to play. After the Flyers wound the play clock down under 5 seconds, an off balance jumper charomed off the rim. With still around four seconds to play, the Musketeers let the rebound wander aimlessly, where the Flyers' Thomas picked it up and drew the foul. He hit one of two free throws will the Muskie will surely hear about the mental mistake at half time.
UPDATE 8:12 - In response to the XU blunder at the end of the first half and Anderson's three fouls, coach Miller is going with a second half staring lineup of Jason Love, Jamel McLean, Derrick Brown, B.J. Raymond and Dante Jackson. A little shake up for the Musketeers.
UPDATE 8:15 - Foul trouble is once again rearing its ugly head for the Flyers, with starters London Warren and Kurt Huelsman picking up their third fouls in the first two minutes of the second half.
UPDATE 8:22 - After getting a boost from Raymond in the first half, Brown has pulled XU within three, 42-39, with back-to-back dunks. The first came off an inbound play under the basket, and the second was the result of a Dayton turnover that Frease turned into a long outlet pass that Brown threw down. Brown has six points in the half.
UPDATE 8:37 - The Flyers have been scorching from the field in the second half, hitting eight of their first 12 shots. UD only shot 40.7 percent from the field in the first half.
UPDATE 8:47 - Having won the last six games between these two teams by an average of over 14 points, XU is trailing Dayton 57-50 with just about seven minutes to play. The Flyers have tried to pull away a few times, but Brown's 12 second-half points have kept XU in this game.
UPDATE 8:55 - Marcus Johnson scored five straight points as part of a 7-0 run by UD, giving the Flyers their largest lead of the game, 64-50. With around five minutes to play, XU will need stops on defense to mount a comeback.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Women's Hoops on ESPN.com
Also check out this link, in which ESPN.com ranks the 10-best women's basketball teams to not play in a BCS Conference (you know how we hate the M*d-M***r phrase at Xavier). You may need an insider account but below is the XU synopsis.
2. Xavier (20-4): Speaking of teams on a roll, Xavier has yet to lose in 2009 after it improved to 10-0 in the new calendar year with a win at Richmond over the weekend. The Musketeers are understandably known for the defensive symphonies they can orchestrate (see: Rhode Island's 29-point performance), but on the offensive end, they're actually shooting the ball better than they did a season ago. Chalk that up to Ta'Shia Phillips and her 63.5 percent shooting inside the arc, but it's also true from long range. The team had just two players hit as many as 20 3-pointers last season; this season, four players have already eclipsed that mark and three of them are shooting better than 36 percent from back there.
2. Xavier (20-4): Speaking of teams on a roll, Xavier has yet to lose in 2009 after it improved to 10-0 in the new calendar year with a win at Richmond over the weekend. The Musketeers are understandably known for the defensive symphonies they can orchestrate (see: Rhode Island's 29-point performance), but on the offensive end, they're actually shooting the ball better than they did a season ago. Chalk that up to Ta'Shia Phillips and her 63.5 percent shooting inside the arc, but it's also true from long range. The team had just two players hit as many as 20 3-pointers last season; this season, four players have already eclipsed that mark and three of them are shooting better than 36 percent from back there.
Cintas Center's Toughest Place to Play Campaign Update
Check out the latest blog post on EA Sports.com, which details EA Sports' visit to Cintas during the Temple game.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Xavier vs. Temple February 5, 2009
Welcome to this LIVE blog of the No. 9/9 Xavier University Musketeers match-up with the Temple Owls. The game is being televised nationally on ESPN.
75:45 until tip-off: More than an hour before tip-off, you can already tell that this game is not like all the rest. The match-up and the presence of EA Sports producers has ratcheted up the fanfare. There are sheets of newspaper over ALL of the lower-level seats, which should make for an incredible explosion after the first XU basket. There are extra lights set up for the introduction, and the entrances warn that there will be "strobe lights used" as well. Hubert Davis and Jon Sciambi will be calling the game for ESPN. There is a rumor that there are over 20 NBA scouts in attendance as well. Few fans have arrived yet, so it is still to be seen whether the Blue and White Night marketing plan will yield a perfect rotation of Xavier colors throughout the Cintas Center. This is a special night for Muskie basketball!
31:34 until tip-off: The fans are starting to trickle in now, and there's a notable segregation of blue-wearing fans and white-wearing fans. The Blue and White Night is on its way to success. Xavier photographer Greg Rust is taking photos of the X-TREME fans for use in the Xavier Magazine. A better game could not have been chosen. So far, the fan signs that are visible read "Christmas is Overrated" and "Where is Erin Andrews?"
6:42 until tip-off: Stanley Burrell is in the house! He just walked in through the players entrance and the fans didn't miss it. He has a full head of black hair now, no more of the shaved look. Welcome back Stan.
1:00 until tip-off: Blue and White Night is a success to the tune of at least an 80% participation rate. Kudos to the Xavier marketing department for conducting a successful campaign and thanks to the fans!
Tip-off: Cintas Center is a madhouse. I'm sure it looks great on ESPN too.
First Half
19:10 - C.J. Anderson has gone at the Temple front court twice now with success. The Owls will have to be more physical to stop what many consider Xavier's toughest man on the floor.
15:23 - The student section is almost entirely blue, and they let Temple hear it after B.J. Raymond sank a three-pointer to give XU a 9-6 lead.
12:49 - Temple took the lead on a three-pointer, 12-9, and followed it up with a lay-up from Dionte Christmas. Sean Miller took a timeout, he doesn't like what he sees. The fans are waiting for the Musketeers to answer the Owl 10-0 run.
11:48 - The McAllister's Deli Feed Your Row Trivia Question went to Father Graham tonight. The question being "Who has the best student section in college basketball?" Naturally, Xavier was the choice, and the students roar. It was announced immediately after that Father Graham was sending 50 LaRosa's pizzas to the student section. What a great guy.
11:04 - Brad Redford hit from three feet behind the line on a wide open shot. The Owls must know that his range goes into the upper deck. Not to be outdone, BJ Raymond drained two straight treys of his own with a roar fit for March.
7:17 - The Owls came out of the media timeout and showed a full-court zone press. A coach will tell you the best way to deter a press is score off it on a fast break. The Musketeers made two swift passes to find Brad Redford for another trey. The Owls didn't return to the press after their next made basket.
5:02 - Nobody boxed out Derrick Brown, so he cleaned up a CJ Anderson miss with a slam. He's been looking for a dunk on several of the XU fast breaks now.
3:49 - BJ Raymond is on fire. He just hit his fourth deep ball on five attempts, this one coming as the shot clock wined down. The senior leads the game with 12 points, all on three's. Meanwhile, Dionte Christmas is 2-6 with four points.
0:58 - Derrick Brown dropped a three, pushing the Xavier shooting from behind the arc to 7-11. The 63.6 percentage is a reason XU is ahead.
Halftime - Xavier leads 38-34 at half time. Xavier is shooting 51 percent from the field while Temple is shooting 44 percent. XU also leads fast break points 13-2.
16:17 - That's three straight calls from the officials that the fans were none too happy about. A push by Brown, carrying by Anderson, and now a foul on Redford that let to a Temple old-fashioned three point play.
15:16 - Jamel McLean just had three straight physical rebounds for his team. The crowd definitely recognized, and when his third (an offensive rebound) was followed with a foul on the shot, the crowd nearly exploded when the lay-in went in-and-out. McLean will shoot two. Assistant Coach Chris Mack ran nearly across the court to tell him what a great job he's doing.
14:06 - BJ Raymond is giving the Cintas Center crowd and ESPN viewers a show. He's now 5-7 from downtown. Maybe the EA Sports crew can put an "automatic from beyond the arc" cheat in their next game for the Muskie senior.
9:26 - It's finally Brad Redford's game to shine. He's missed opportunities recently, going 0-8 in the previous three games. Tonight is a different story, as he is now 4-7 including a J.J. Reddick-esque trey off several staggered screens that brought the crowd to their feet and the Xavier bench running to congratulate after the ensuing timeout.
3:21 - The game has been well in hand for quite some time now. XU leads 74-59 at the moment. Three Musketeers are in double-digits, with Anderson and Brown at nine points. The performance has the feel of last season's balanced attack.
0:55 - The student section just orchestrated the first recurring fan wave this blogger has seen in four years at least. The lower and upper decks both threw their hands in the air at the right times, completing four successful rounds of the Cintas Center.
Final Score - Xavier 83, Temple 74. Check out www.GoXavier.com for the official recap of the game, statistics, and photos.
75:45 until tip-off: More than an hour before tip-off, you can already tell that this game is not like all the rest. The match-up and the presence of EA Sports producers has ratcheted up the fanfare. There are sheets of newspaper over ALL of the lower-level seats, which should make for an incredible explosion after the first XU basket. There are extra lights set up for the introduction, and the entrances warn that there will be "strobe lights used" as well. Hubert Davis and Jon Sciambi will be calling the game for ESPN. There is a rumor that there are over 20 NBA scouts in attendance as well. Few fans have arrived yet, so it is still to be seen whether the Blue and White Night marketing plan will yield a perfect rotation of Xavier colors throughout the Cintas Center. This is a special night for Muskie basketball!
31:34 until tip-off: The fans are starting to trickle in now, and there's a notable segregation of blue-wearing fans and white-wearing fans. The Blue and White Night is on its way to success. Xavier photographer Greg Rust is taking photos of the X-TREME fans for use in the Xavier Magazine. A better game could not have been chosen. So far, the fan signs that are visible read "Christmas is Overrated" and "Where is Erin Andrews?"
6:42 until tip-off: Stanley Burrell is in the house! He just walked in through the players entrance and the fans didn't miss it. He has a full head of black hair now, no more of the shaved look. Welcome back Stan.
1:00 until tip-off: Blue and White Night is a success to the tune of at least an 80% participation rate. Kudos to the Xavier marketing department for conducting a successful campaign and thanks to the fans!
Tip-off: Cintas Center is a madhouse. I'm sure it looks great on ESPN too.
First Half
19:10 - C.J. Anderson has gone at the Temple front court twice now with success. The Owls will have to be more physical to stop what many consider Xavier's toughest man on the floor.
15:23 - The student section is almost entirely blue, and they let Temple hear it after B.J. Raymond sank a three-pointer to give XU a 9-6 lead.
12:49 - Temple took the lead on a three-pointer, 12-9, and followed it up with a lay-up from Dionte Christmas. Sean Miller took a timeout, he doesn't like what he sees. The fans are waiting for the Musketeers to answer the Owl 10-0 run.
11:48 - The McAllister's Deli Feed Your Row Trivia Question went to Father Graham tonight. The question being "Who has the best student section in college basketball?" Naturally, Xavier was the choice, and the students roar. It was announced immediately after that Father Graham was sending 50 LaRosa's pizzas to the student section. What a great guy.
11:04 - Brad Redford hit from three feet behind the line on a wide open shot. The Owls must know that his range goes into the upper deck. Not to be outdone, BJ Raymond drained two straight treys of his own with a roar fit for March.
7:17 - The Owls came out of the media timeout and showed a full-court zone press. A coach will tell you the best way to deter a press is score off it on a fast break. The Musketeers made two swift passes to find Brad Redford for another trey. The Owls didn't return to the press after their next made basket.
5:02 - Nobody boxed out Derrick Brown, so he cleaned up a CJ Anderson miss with a slam. He's been looking for a dunk on several of the XU fast breaks now.
3:49 - BJ Raymond is on fire. He just hit his fourth deep ball on five attempts, this one coming as the shot clock wined down. The senior leads the game with 12 points, all on three's. Meanwhile, Dionte Christmas is 2-6 with four points.
0:58 - Derrick Brown dropped a three, pushing the Xavier shooting from behind the arc to 7-11. The 63.6 percentage is a reason XU is ahead.
Halftime - Xavier leads 38-34 at half time. Xavier is shooting 51 percent from the field while Temple is shooting 44 percent. XU also leads fast break points 13-2.
16:17 - That's three straight calls from the officials that the fans were none too happy about. A push by Brown, carrying by Anderson, and now a foul on Redford that let to a Temple old-fashioned three point play.
15:16 - Jamel McLean just had three straight physical rebounds for his team. The crowd definitely recognized, and when his third (an offensive rebound) was followed with a foul on the shot, the crowd nearly exploded when the lay-in went in-and-out. McLean will shoot two. Assistant Coach Chris Mack ran nearly across the court to tell him what a great job he's doing.
14:06 - BJ Raymond is giving the Cintas Center crowd and ESPN viewers a show. He's now 5-7 from downtown. Maybe the EA Sports crew can put an "automatic from beyond the arc" cheat in their next game for the Muskie senior.
9:26 - It's finally Brad Redford's game to shine. He's missed opportunities recently, going 0-8 in the previous three games. Tonight is a different story, as he is now 4-7 including a J.J. Reddick-esque trey off several staggered screens that brought the crowd to their feet and the Xavier bench running to congratulate after the ensuing timeout.
3:21 - The game has been well in hand for quite some time now. XU leads 74-59 at the moment. Three Musketeers are in double-digits, with Anderson and Brown at nine points. The performance has the feel of last season's balanced attack.
0:55 - The student section just orchestrated the first recurring fan wave this blogger has seen in four years at least. The lower and upper decks both threw their hands in the air at the right times, completing four successful rounds of the Cintas Center.
Final Score - Xavier 83, Temple 74. Check out www.GoXavier.com for the official recap of the game, statistics, and photos.
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