We scored 10 pts over the last 10 and a half minutes and 1 pt over the last 6 minutes. We completely fell apart when X went zone.

Question for the b-ball gurus on the board. Why not play Kirk at small forward. His strength in scoring is around the rim, he plays bigger than his 6’4 frame he already rebounds and no one has to defend his outside shot.

Could Preston run the point and let Kirk play more to his strength underneath?

Re: 50/50 in the MAC, is there anyone besides Buffalo that you've seen that is that much better in the MAC thus far? I lean towards no.

And if it's just a "damn game", why is Ohio paying the coach over half-a-million dollars/year?

From what I can tell this looks to be the idea once Preston gets up to speed. By MAC play, we'll probably see more combos of Preston at the point and some version of TK, Gollon/Dartis, Block, Cowart and BVP at the 2-3.

I know people on this board like to complain about our lack of recruiting good players, but this staff does do a great job at recruiting versatile guys. Most of the guys on the team can probably play at least two positions, sometimes three.

Here's a newsflash: If we're still here and still complaining, we are decidedly NOT fair weather fans. It's been raining on Bobcat basketball for a number of years now.

I agree, and it's a shame given the talent on the roster. Saul deserves credit for recruiting guys like Carter and BVP, but he also deserves blame for guys who have either regressed or show no signs of coach-ability under his tutelage. That's been a recurring theme during every season he's been here.

Also,when looking back at the game, have to take into account that one of,if not their best starters was out with the flu.

Some thoughts on the game after watching from the standing room area at Xavier.

1. The line up as we finished the first half was the way to go. Vander Plas looks confident and wants the ball. Gavin Block made some head scratching mistakes.

2. Our mistakes weren't because of a talent deficit but due to simple fundamental mistakes in the way we played defense and tried to rebound the ball. They are certainly fixable but why this could happen at this level is beyond me.

3. The last time I was a at a Xavier basketball game was when we played them 10 years. They seem to have added some things i.e. better concessions (which after seeing that leaves a lot to be desired for the Convo experience.) They also had various lounges in the standing room area and more private ones as well where there was a plethora a of games and other interactive choices. I was amazed that standing room was all that was left. We are hardly a feared non-conference opponent and Xavier is in for a rebuilding year which shows the level of support they have, and that leads into my next point.

4. Within a 75 mile radius of that area lies three potent basketball programs each with a core group of supporters (Dayton, UC and Xavier) No other part of the state even comes close to that and Cincy is suppose to be a big baseball town.

5. Perhaps the late night drive was playing tricks with my mind but in a vain attempt to listen to some post game analysis and find a Cincy station who carried the Xavier game, I came across the Miami game. I could have swore Marty Brennaman or some such impersonator was doing the play by play.

To all you folks who just want to gripe, moan, and complain about the head coach after every loss...how ya been? Haven't seen you around much for the last 3 games. Hope all is well!

i was hoping for a competitive first 20 minutes and we got 34.

preston was a huge surprise in the 2nd half. way to go young man!

TOs were frustrating, but thats somewhat expected by a very young team on the road vs Big East squad in a sold out arena.

I think Gollon, once 100%, makes this team markedly better on offense. I'm not sure about D. I think young Mr. Preston has proven to be a solid and capable defender, perhaps better than Gollon. That's a good problem to have though, and regardless, having one more guard in the rotation is a good thing to have.

Sad that Jordan won't likely play. I'll hope he gets to 100%, and is able to spend his final year of eligibility breaking Nick Kellogg's school 3-point records.

LOL!!!! So very very true!!!! However, when we win it's the great play of the players, then when we lose these same people want to critique the coaching staff and their decisions.

If it's all positive and constructive, you've got some sort of filters or have blocked some posters. If you can tell me how to do that, I'd be forever in your debt.