Tough loss...but we'll be fine

[X-Fan]

I agree with most of the posts on the STJ game. I feel our main issue right now comes down to taking care of the ball. With Drew not handling the ball as much we are having some issues. Our offense isn't executing as well and our guys are getting used to handling the ball more.

I say the situation with Drew will turn out to be a positive. Look, we have been getting EVERY teams BEST shot since the IU game (if not the whole season). We are getting tournament tested every night. With Stan and Dante getting used to handling the ball, we'll be very tough to stop once Drew is at full strength in the NCAA Tourney.


Winning on the road is tough.
Winning on the road in your conference is VERY tough.
Winning on the road, at STJ, is ALWAYS tough.
Add all the other factors (Sr. Night, Alumni FH Renovation, Drew's ankle and not being in game shape, etc...) and it's really really tough.

I'm not happy we lost, but we all saw it coming (TO's, bad offensive execution, etc...). I'm sure the guys are tired and looking forward to getting on to the A10 and NCAA tourneys. The team will go back to work and focus on Richmond.

With all that said, does anyone realize that you don't play "road games" in a tourney format? We won't be in conference opponents gyms where our opponent knows and hates us so well. We'll be on a neutral site were Xavier can beat ANYONE.

[XinAlbany]

I agree! I know it was a loss and we probably lost out on a #2 seed in the tourney, but there were a few positives from what I could see. The first being that Drew did look like he had a little more hop in his step than in the previous few games. Hopefully it is a sign of improvement for the postseason because I believe he is the key to a long postseason run. I have faith in Stanley, who is possibly the most emotional player I have EVER seen, to play the point while Drew gets fresher legs but probably not the entire game.

Also, X played horribly tonight and it was only a 5 point game. Like X fan said, St. Joes is a difficult team without it being their last home game there before renovations, senior night, and having Nelson come back. There was a point when X was down 15 and could have completly given up, and it looked like they were about to, but they didn't. They continued to fight and came close to pulling it out. Hopefully this game gets them refocused because if they HAD to loose, this was probably the best game to loose from here on out. (Plus it may help get another bid for the A10)

[xcellent]

What you had to like is that even though we played like crap all night, we actually got back in the game at the end unlike the ASU and Temple games. We change a couple things and we win that game. Hopefully we learned from that and it will help us out later.

[Wisexuowl]

<I know it was a loss and we probably lost out on a #2 seed>

I don't think so. AP had us at #8 going into the game; Stanford at #7; We both lost. I think Duke, #5, will lose Saturday.

So, I think there will be some shuffling between 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, but beat Richmond and I think we aty at #8 Monday.

This was not a "bad loss" nor was Stanford's, and Duke's probable loss won be either.

But the tourney (A-10) will count a lot between a #2, and a #3. BTW, I always thought a #2 was a "reach" for us.

[bluegrass]

We've been struggling on offense for the last 3 games-UD,GW and this game.I'm sure a lot of that is due to Drew's problems.I think we've only had 1 or 2 guys in double figures in those games.We need to beat Richmond and then get some wins in Atlantic City.I think a 3 seed is more likely unless we win the tourney.

[picknroll]

Drew's infamous ankle sprain has very little to do with our recent poor rebounding and free throw shooting. Those are related to our collective "sprained" concentration and focus.

[wkrq59]

While there is no such thing as a "good" loss, there were several positives to be taken from last night.
If anyone ever questioned Stalney's leadership ability and his passion for the gameall doubts were erased. He almost willed Xavier to win with that late rush.
It may not seem like it, but I thought Drew showed some improvement especially the waySean used him as much as possible on offense only.
Derrick Brown also erased all doubts about his pasion for the game and work ethic.
Josh could hardly be effective considering the beating he got. Again, the A10 refs suck. I thpought Love and BJ and CJ showed flashes of encouraging play, but the entire team with the exception of Stanley suffered from an uncharistic bit of poor foul shooting.
I suspect that will improve tomorrow night.
At this time of year, free throws, rebounding and defense win basketball games.