After game thoughts.

[xuhoops17]

I was very impressed with the way our guys were able to come away with a win, and was very satisfied seeing this X team for the first time in person. Thought that it was a huge blow when Dante couldn't play in the second half, as BJ is no point guard but had a tremendous effort in his absence. His shot wasn't falling tonight, but I felt like he never lost his confidence and just kept letting them fly, and wound up hitting a big one. I personally expected to see more of Redford at the point, but it seems like Sean thinks he is too much of a defensive liability.

Miami was a quality win for this Xavier team. I am a Pitt student and went to our game a few weeks ago against them, and although our team is absolutely loaded, I could tell Miami's defense was giving us problems (it was a 3 point game at halftime but Pitt's athleticism just wore Miami down in the second half). Charlie Coles is a nut but does a great job of teaching team defense.

Only downside to the game: Hayes getting fouled with 15 seconds left and Miami down 9, hitting both free throws to cut the deficit to 7, followed by Miami giving up after that knowing they had lost. The line was 8, and I am now headed for the top of a building...

[muskienick]

It is true that the Muskies' offense is still in the early developmental stage, the free throw shooting is the pits, and the point guard injury situation is a definite worry. But the frigging defense is outstanding! It is hard for me to view the games from a totally objective point of view (since I agonize over Muskie Basketball), but I'd have to say that Xavier's defense seems like its playing six or seven guys against the opposition's five. I remember watching earlier versions of Satan's Bearcat teams thinking that rotten SB had found a way to play what seemed like a 3-2-3 full-court zone press against the opponents. Coach Miller and his staff have taught this youthful version of our Muskies to buy into defensive pride more than any other since ... well.... ever! As long as they continue to play team defense like they have been so far this season, they will be able to overcome their weaknesses and injuries on most nights. But I think our FT shooting will inch up to the 70% level and beyond by season's end and our young players will develop to produce the depth at all positions that we will need to make the next long run in the NCAA Tourney.

[muskieman]

nick, you are right. The D is so good sometimes that the opponent looks tired after the first 10 minutes. You can see that they get frustrated which leads to an X run or to the opponent hurrying their shots.