Any thoughts on the season so far?

[Mr. Neutral]

I don't get to see the women play, so I only follow them online. I'll say upfront that while McGuff seems to have upgraded the program, I just get the feeling that his teams underachieve more than they overachieve. Any observations/comments from posters who see them in person?

Record: 10-4
RPI: 27
SOS: 32

Good (top 50) wins: #30 Indiana
Bad (100+ RPI) losses: none

[xuhuh!]

@ charlotte 1/11/9, 12 noon, ESPN2..seen a few games this year and mcguff continues to recruit a more athletic team..without all-american harris they still play great ball and have only lost to some highly regarded or ranked teams..the program is in good hands..back 2 back A10 Champs...

[passthepuck?]

Anne and I are season ticket holders and we have been to a few games this year. Here are the problems with judging women’s basketball:
1. The talent gap. It is often very hard to judge if your team is any good based upon whom they have played. For example, they smoked New Hampshire, but UNH looked like a high school team. They had maybe one young lady who could play (not start) on the X team.
2. In every game there will be a period of time where neither team will do anything. Some nights both teams can go a good five minutes without scoring. The team that wins is usually the team that gets it going while the other doesn’t.
3. The coaching gap. There are some bad coaches out there. Michigan State has a talented team, but they are clueless as a team. On the other hand the guy from UC seems to know what he is doing and how to beat X. Actually pretty simple, pack it in and force the long ball.

As for Xavier. They are good but inconsistent. The Elite 8 team would hold an opponent down and never let up. Special Jennings is quick as lighting. There are not many first step guards in women’s basketball, Special can take anyone off the dribble. And you gotta love the name. Give T’Shia Phillips the ball in the post and good things are going to happen. She rebounds very well, but is sometimes frustrated by the double and triple teams. I really like Tudy Reed’s game. With all due respect she plays like a man, think CJ Anderson. She will take your lunch money. Jerri Taylor has become money from three-point land. I miss Amber Harris. She is quite a player. Last year she made a play that I have never seen before. The shooter was going to take a three pointer. Amber flew by with her right hand to block the shot. It was a fake. As she was flying by the shooter reloaded and shot. Amber twisted her body in mid-air and blocked the shot with her left hand.
Coach’s resume speaks for itself. With Temple and GW both past powerhouses winning two championships is a testament to his coaching and the kind of player he recruits.
I would encourage anyone to come out and see them. They are very entertaining and they have the same Xavier dive on the floor whatever it takes attitude.

[joeabe]

I saw X women play at LSU..Our coach did a fantastic job....I usually do not complain about officiating but T'shia had 3 fouls before the National Anthem was over....he used her perfectly and we won going down the stretch after the game being tight the entire way....I have not seen many women basketball games but found it very good after adjusting for the speed of the game...