Game thread - MU vs Xavier

[IWB]

Great, officiating crew is Stevens, Corbett & Anderson.

[mufansince72]

I like Burton starting

[mufansince72]

Going without a point guard now?

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Todd ran a bit of point in the last game, maybe trying that early? Not a recipe for success if the first possession is any indication.

I love Burton. Still needs that whole value of possession understanding, but man what a talent.

[AlexJesswein]

Going without a point guard now?

We had one?

I kid....

[MUMac]

Going without a point guard now?

And they had a bad TO with it. Two bad TO's, otherwise a nearly perfect start to the game. I like the way they are attacking the zone. Burton starting and being a focal point early was brilliant.

[mufansince72]

We had one?

I kid....

don't get me started:) Although ball security has been bad, it's nice seeing the defense being honest.

[mufansince72]

I guess Dawson figured he could shoot 5 seconds into the game as Dwill picked up his second foul

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Nicely done, Davante. Shoved to the ground, coming up he thought about going after him, but thought better of it and turned away. Very mature play by Ox.

[MUMac]

I guess Dawson figured he could shoot 5 seconds into the game as Dwill picked up his second foul

Wasn't a smart play. Too far out, too quick in the play. You can get that shot any time. I thought he was fouled on the follow through, at least that was a foul during the season. Still, not a good play.

[MUMac]

Nicely done, Davante. Shoved to the ground, coming up he thought about going after him, but thought better of it and turned away. Very mature play by Ox.

Unfortunately, the officials were shielded from his reaction and acted like he went after him.

[MUMac]

Mayo is really becoming a bad player to have with the ball on the break.

[IWB]

MU's 7th turnover - Mayo needs to wake up!

[CaribouJim]

MU's 7th turnover - Mayo needs to wake up!

If he only had a good handle he would be so deadly.

[mufansince72]

Hopefully "Good" Mayo shows up in the second half.

[MUMac]

MU's 7th turnover - Mayo needs to wake up!

Hopefully it bodes well for his 2nd half. He has played really poorly this half. Hurting the team. It seems like when he does that, he has a great 2nd half. Let's hope so, at least.

John Dawson with an ill advised drive that results in a charge.

[IWB]

Will Davante ever draw another foul when going to the hoop?

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Watching Mayo and Dawson at the point demonstrates Derrick's value. He has flaws, but these turnovers are killing us.

[MUMac]

I really wish Jamil could hit the 3 when MU rotates the ball. He lingers out at the 3 line, but misses the wide open 3 too many times. If he could have been consistent with those, it could be a difference in the season.

[Halo]

It's amazing how Jamil Wilson has turned into "just a guy". Basically Juan Anderson out there. I wonder what happened.

[Halo]

And we let the last 3.5 seconds go off.

[MUMac]

MU puts in the defensive team on the last series and let him drive all the way to the hoop. Xavier stole that half. MU played well until the last 3 minutes, then they puked on the floor.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I hate how the clock runs at the end of the first half. Xavier guys kicking it around for 3 seconds so MU can't get a desperation shot off. That always annoys me.

[MUMac]

I hate how the clock runs at the end of the first half. Xavier guys kicking it around for 3 seconds so MU can't get a desperation shot off. That always annoys me.

There wasn't an MU guy trying to get the ball. It did not matter if the X player kicked it or not. Where is the inbounder?

[goldenlegal22]

The defensive gameplan to pack the lane worked well till Xaiver knocked down a few. Then we stretched out and got beat off the dribble. Have to stick with what was working.

And agree on Jamil. Really is a head scratcher.

[Markedman]

Can't win if all your points are coming from 2 guys......bad Mayo showed up and Jamil again disappeared...Jake with 1 hoop.....

Again we give up so many open looks from 3 because we can't guard the dribble or guys take chances........

[GOMU1104]

It's amazing how Jamil Wilson has turned into "just a guy". Basically Juan Anderson out there. I wonder what happened.

He's not a "number one option"-type player. He's best as a 2nd/3rd.

Unfortunately this team doesn't have a #1...

[MU/Panther]

Too many turnovers.

[Nukem2]

He's not a "number one option"-type player. He's best as a 2nd/3rd.

Unfortunately this team doesn't have a #1...
We do, its Deonte.

[Markedman]

out shot them 57 to 44 and are still losing

[Nukem2]

Otule having a tough game.

[Halo]

He's not a "number one option"-type player. He's best as a 2nd/3rd.

Unfortunately this team doesn't have a #1...

He's at best 4 or 5 the second half of the season.

[MUMac]

Otule having a tough game.

He has company with Jamil and Todd.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

There wasn't an MU guy trying to get the ball. It did not matter if the X player kicked it or not. Where is the inbounder?

Not just this game, end half scenarios like that should be dead balls. Always felt that. *Shrugs*

[RJax55]

Mayo needs to shoot open 3s

[Markedman]

Smart play by Jake.....lol

Hanging around

[Halo]

Jamil showing life

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Crowd sounds heavily pro-Xavier. Guessing the debutants are out in force.

[RJax55]

Where's Burton? We need him out there.

[MU_Iceman]

No idea how MU is losing this game to be honest. Out shooting them, out rebounding them...4 more TO's is the story I guess.

[Markedman]

Can't contain Christon...beating us off the dribble and making great passes when doubled........

[AbovetheRim]

I love MU, but this team just isn't fun to watch.

[Markedman]

As much as i will miss watching Davante play offense I'm not going to miss watching him play D.......

We pass up open looks for off balance heaves at the basket.......I just hate that

[CaribouJim]

I love MU, but this team just isn't fun to watch.

Deonte alone is worth the price of admission today.

[Markedman]

5 more turnovers and 4 less rebounds lead to 9 less shots.....simple game

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Turnovers just killing us today. Hard to overcome all those.

[MUfan12]

Jamil missing those two FTs sums up his night nicely.

[CaribouJim]

Come on Jamil - MU has missed 3 out of the last 4 right?

[Markedman]

Davante 1-3 at the line...Jamil misses 2 in the clutch

[RJax55]

Brutal from JW.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Has any senior been more underwhelming than Jamil? I really thought this would be his time, his team. Just can't step out of the shadow.

[CaribouJim]

Can we have offense/defense with deonte???

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

And it feels like that's the season...come on boys, give us another reason to cheer!

[Markedman]

Mayo really woke up in the 2nd half....too bad he was so bad in the first.......

[Markedman]

It is just amazing how many times Mayo hass done this.....nothing in the first half and unreal in the 2nd.....wow

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I'd love to see a quick drive here. Enough time for it.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

The paint was vacant :(

[Markedman]

Good enough to compete...not good enough to win...story of the year

[kneelb4zerg]

Torch this crappy year. Want to erase it from my brain.

[RJax55]

Good enough to compete...not good enough to win...story of the year

Yep. Sums up the season

[AlexJesswein]

Roll call for NIT selection Sunday at the annex?

[CaribouJim]

Other than that short stint at the end, did Deonte play in the last 8 or so minutes?

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Completely crushed. I can't remember feeling the breath sucked out of me as fast as the ball getting to Stainbrook on the count of 4.5. Gutted. Damn. What a season.

Not in a good way.

[MU_Iceman]

Unbelievable that you can shoot 58% and 46% from 3 and lose. Thank GOD this debacle of a season is over.

[mufansince72]

I liked the fight in the team the last four games. Burton looks like he will be good. Mayo came alive the last 5 games or so. Jamil really disappointing. Still need better PG play next year. Lose a lot of front court experience in Davante and Chris.

[warriorfan4life]

Fought hard the last half of the season, just do not that take over the game guy like Christon for Xavier. Expect us to be better and back in the NCAA's next year, and a major contender two years from now.

[kneelb4zerg]

Someone on scoop saying Burton was hurt last part of game

[mufansince72]

Fought hard the last half of the season, just do not that take over the game guy like Christon for Xavier. Expect us to be better and back in the NCAA's next year, and a major contender two years from now.

I agree with the fought hard last half of the season. Jury is still out on whether they will be better next season. Let's see who is on the roster.

[Nukem2]

Other than that short stint at the end, did Deonte play in the last 8 or so minutes?

No. Buzz went with experience. But the offense died other than Todd. Let's play the frosh in the NIT.

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

Sorry to beat a dead horse but we MUST get better pg play next year. Can Duane Wilson step up and take some quality mins from Derrick?

[mufansince72]

I think we may be on the NIT bubble.

[Nukem2]

Sorry to beat a dead horse but we MUST get better pg play next year. Can Duane Wilson step up and take some quality mins from Derrick?
PG play is not going to be the problem next year. Inside play is going to be crucial.

[mufansince72]

Sorry to beat a dead horse but we MUST get better pg play next year. Can Duane Wilson step up and take some quality mins from Derrick?

I see a three headed point guard next year. I think Duane, John and Derrick will all play that position. I think we will play a lot of three guard offense.

[Markedman]

david d. dawson ‏@dddawson1 14m
@Daily_Eagle if Dawson can play now why not play him earlier??? SMH!!!

And I'm SMH at parents who post things like this......

[mufansince72]

PG play is not going to be the problem next year. Inside play is going to be crucial.

Inside play will be crucial, but I don't know why you think that PG play will not be a problem?

[CaribouJim]

Someone on scoop saying Burton was hurt last part of game

OK - thanks. That sucks. Looking forward to his game next year - he will be a load.

[CaribouJim]

I think we may be on the NIT bubble.

I don't thinks so at all - they'll make it.

[Nukem2]

Inside play will be crucial, but I don't know why you think that PG play will not be a problem?
Between Derrick, John and Duane. PG play will be ok. Right now interior play looks difficult for next year.

[warriorfan4life]

OK - thanks. That sucks. Looking forward to his game next year - he will be a load.

Burton will be the best four-year player that Buzz has signed, and I think could be the best player that Buzz has signed period. He just needs to embrace the defensive end as much as he does the offensive end.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I see a very sloppy team next year. I see spotty point play, with different guys bringing different positives but no one being able to really be the man for 30 mpg. I also see a decided disadvantage inside, as we simply aren't that big.

We will see a lot of youth minutes. That'll be a double edges sword. I have a feeling the results of this year may be a fond memory come this time next year.

[Halo]

Buzz can't do it for them. Make the free throws, execute the defense.

[Markedman]

Now he says Jamil has been hurt for 3 weeks................

[Halo]

Now he says Jamil has been hurt for 3 weeks................
With what? Heart?

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

I see a very sloppy team next year. I see spotty point play, with different guys bringing different positives but no one being able to really be the man for 30 mpg. I also see a decided disadvantage inside, as we simply aren't that big.

We will see a lot of youth minutes. That'll be a double edges sword. I have a feeling the results of this year may be a fond memory come this time next year.

Sorry the hamster in my head is running on empty- you think we will be considerably worse next year?

[kneelb4zerg]

with what? Heart?

lame......

[MU/Panther]

david d. dawson ‏@dddawson1 14m
@Daily_Eagle if Dawson can play now why not play him earlier??? SMH!!!

And I'm SMH at parents who post things like this......
What is SMH?

[MUfan12]

Now he says Jamil has been hurt for 3 weeks................

Of course he has been. Probably because of the schedule and quick turnarounds.

Look, he could be legitimately hurt. But why play him normal minutes for those three weeks, and bring it up now?

[zklup54]

The fact is this year, we had no leaders to take over. Yes Todd stepped up, but he is not a leader. Jamil never became tje player we thought and Derrick hindered the offense tremendously. I do think next year there will be growing pains, but the talent we have coming in and on the bench is very good, i don't see why there is reason to think we won't be better than this year. We will actually have guards who can score, and a lot of switchables. I think we have a bright future. We can let this season get to us for a few days but then turn the page and who knows maybe we can win the NIT.

[Markedman]

SMH=shaking my head

Dawson dad is the one who said Jamil is hurt not Buzz....Complaining again on twitter about his kid not getting more minutes

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

Sorry the hamster in my head is running on empty- you think we will be considerably worse next year?

Not Brew, but I don't see us being considerably worse next year, but I don't see us being better either. I think we can expect much of the same... You never know though, maybe a few guys blossom during the off season, let's hope at least.

[mufansince72]

I hope everyone stays. While we will be weak inside, at least for the first semester, I see a potentially very young, and very exciting team that will improve as the season goes on. I think MU should try to play a 40 minutes of hell kind of pace since we will be undersized, and will have a ton of guards and wings if everyone stays. I see Duane, Dawson, and Dwill sharing the point. I see Ahmed Hill, JJJ, Dawson, Mayo all playing the 2 and 3 guard position. I see Burton playing a 3 guard or wing and sometimes as a 4. I see Steve Taylor playing 4 and sometimes 5. The Big kid from out east will play some spot minutes. That will all change second semester when our transfer Center/PF becomes eligible, as I think he will play immediately when eligible. Team should be exciting. However I think they need to play fast uptempo style.

[mufansince72]

What is SMH?

Shaking My Head

[CaribouJim]

Burton will be the best four-year player that Buzz has signed, and I think could be the best player that Buzz has signed period. He just needs to embrace the defensive end as much as he does the offensive end.

I agree - crazy quick - crazy strong - crazy good. Can't wait to see him develop.

[warriorfan4life]

I wish we could get Fischer eligible from day one (there have been worse abuses of that rule), and I expect him to bring some of the best of Chris and Davante in one package. There will be a bit of rust to knock off when he returns, but he will at least have the value of practicing with the team (whereas being totally away from the team destroyed the flow of Mayo's sophomore year). I also look forward to what a healthy Steve Taylor can provide, as it is a distant memory to the strong signs he showed in the second half of his freshman year. Finally, in regards to the frontcourt I expect Buzz to have a JUCO guy up his sleeve (really hoping we can land Willie Atwood).

The backcourt will be similar (mostly young but talented), and I hope that a healthy Duane Wilson and the arrival of Ahmed Hill can add the playmaking dimension that we only had from Mayo. I expect that Derrick Wilson will be a steadying presence, and hope that he has better playmakers around him to help mask his weaknesses (and he can be a 15-25 minute a night guy, not 30+ like this year).

[WindyCityGoldenEagle]

I think we will get manhandled by teams with strong offensive front courts. I see many head scratching moments and inconsistent play occurring next year. At this point I'd expect a similar record to this year unless Duane can grab mins from Derrick and our front court finds a defensive identity in a hurry.

[MUfan12]

Dawson dad is the one who said Jamil is hurt not Buzz....Complaining again on twitter about his kid not getting more minutes

Gotcha, thanks.

He's a piece of work on there, that's for sure.

[kneelb4zerg]

Pointless to predict records at this point. I just hope for a better edge on the team from day one, not starting when it's basically too late.

[CaribouJim]

Gotcha, thanks.

He's a piece of work on there, that's for sure.

Does he know that he is not doing his son any favors?

[Halo]

Burton will be the best four-year player that Buzz has signed, and I think could be the best player that Buzz has signed period. He just needs to embrace the defensive end as much as he does the offensive end.

Agree with all of this.

[mufansince72]

Agree with all of this.

I'm pleasantly surprised by Burton. I did not think he would be that good of a college player.

[CaribouJim]

I think we will get manhandled by teams with strong offensive front courts. I see many head scratching moments and inconsistent play occurring next year. At this point I'd expect a similar record to this year unless Duane can grab mins from Derrick and our front court finds a defensive identity in a hurry.

I can see a starting lineup come Big East play with Deonte @ 3, Steve 4, Luke 5, Todd 2, 1 TBD. I'm assuming Steve will be healthy - I sure hope so.

[MU/Panther]

First time this year, I am mad at Buzz for not playing Burton in the final 7 minutes. He said because of defense.

[warriorfan4life]

Best part about Burton is that he will be here at least three years because he's only 6-4. I think he a chance to make the NBA despite his size, but he may already be on his way there if he as 6-6/6-7

[CaribouJim]

First time this year, I am mad at Buzz for not playing Burton in the final 7 minutes. He said because of defense.

So it wasn't an injury?

[kneelb4zerg]

So it wasn't an injury?

I was just lifting speculation from Scoop. Could have been way off.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

Sorry the hamster in my head is running on empty- you think we will be considerably worse next year?

I can see this team taking another step back. We are losing 56% of our scoring and 51% of our rebounding. We will have 2 guys over 6'6", one of whom is still struggling with schemes and the other won't play a minute of basketball for Marquette until December. And while we are adding some shooters, we are also losing our best three-point shooter as 65.6% of our three-point makes are leaving.

I'm sure there will be a lot of people trying to compare next year's team to Lazar and the midgets. But there are two things that team had that this team doesn't. The first is a frontcourt of Lazar and Jimmy. I love Steve and Juan, but neither have shown themselves to be at that level. Going into that year, Lazar was a proven star and Jimmy had the look of someone who could be really good. The second is three-point shooting. Lazar, Acker, Cooby, DJO, you could count on all of them to knock down a three at a very high rate. I don't see one guy on next year's team that can do that.

Hopefully I'm just overreacting and trying to prepare myself for a down year. Maybe Todd and Deonte can shoulder the scoring load, maybe Duane and Ahmed can give us some legit outside shooting threats, maybe Fischer will step in from day one and be the offensive/defensive combo center that Gardner and Otule were only in one person. But I think that's a lot to ask from a team that will have 9 freshmen and sophomores.

The years after I see being bright. I think 2015-16 and beyond we should see this team get back to where we want them to be. But next year? I'm already worried that we're really going to miss the guys that are graduating.

[CaribouJim]

I was just lifting speculation from Scoop. Could have been way off.

That's fine.

So IF it was for defense were Deonte's defensive assignments scoring at a rate of a point a minute like Deonte was?

I'm sorry, but I just don't get it. Xavier had not yet come close to solving Deonte.

I love Buzz - I think he is the 2nd best coach ever for MU and he is young enough to move into #1 down the road. But this year has been filled with head scratching.

I just wonder if a Travis Diener or a Steve Novak would have had substantive minutes with this team as freshmen - a .500 team.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

And frankly, if it was for defense, it didn't work. Here are the Xavier possessions once Burton came out:

5:28 - Philmore made layup
4:35 - Stainbrook made layup
3:32 - Stainbrook 2/2 free throws
2:32 - Christon missed three
1:31 - Martin 2/2 free throws
0:49 - Martin 2/2 free throws

And that was the last time we played them straight up on defense. 5/6 trips resulted in a score, and 10 points on 6 trips good for 1.67 points per possession. While we did score 5/6 ourselves, getting a robust 12 points, we really needed a stop and just couldn't get it.

[TheSultan]

Dawson dad is the one who said Jamil is hurt not Buzz....Complaining again on twitter about his kid not getting more minutes


Well Mr. Dawson, when your kid comes in and takes an NBA range 3 pointer the first time he touches the ball...and later in the half just runs over the biggest and slowest player Xavier has, you aren't going to see much more of the floor. (Just stop and take the jumper at the FT line.)

It is painfully obvious why John Dawson doesn't play more. Like a lot of freshmen, his decision making is very much questionable. And if you aren't giving much upside, I can see why Buzz went with Mayo as basically his back up point.

[TheSultan]

First time this year, I am mad at Buzz for not playing Burton in the final 7 minutes. He said because of defense.


You know, I didn't realize that Burton wasn't in the last seven minutes until I read this. Yeah, I am not sure about that decision. Especially since Jake wasn't doing much of anything on either end of the floor.

[MUAlphaBangura]

You know, I didn't realize that Burton wasn't in the last seven minutes until I read this. Yeah, I am not sure about that decision. Especially since Jake wasn't doing much of anything on either end of the floor.

Believe it was the last time Deonte came out of the game, Jake actually subbed in for him on a defensive play. Guess that tells us all we need to know about Buzz's confidence in Deonte's defensive ability right now.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

We had 12 points in 6 possessions after Burton went out. I love the kid, I probably have higher hopes for him that most people here, but he wasn't going to make our offense more efficient than that. We needed to get a stop and couldn't.

[TheSultan]

Believe it was the last time Deonte came out of the game, Jake actually subbed in for him on a defensive play. Guess that tells us all we need to know about Buzz's confidence in Deonte's defensive ability right now.

Jake was getting blown off the ball repeatedly though.

Oh well...