Xavier

Marquette rallied furiously, but Xavier’s defense got the job done. | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The first of the Big Four games goes Xavier’s way as, ponderously, a season starts to swing. If you listen to our podcast (Thanks!), you’ll know that Brad and Bryan pointed out that Xavier desperately needed good results from their upcoming four games. The first of these four … [Read more...] about Xavier 59-57 Marquette: A stirring on the EKG

Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images There was never much hope, just a fool’s hope. Why do we watch sports? For some of us, it’s a fate handed down from parents stubbornly adherent to northern Ohio even in a move south. A determination to be different leads to a dogmatic approach to cheering (Cleveland vs The World). For others, it’s a … [Read more...] about Perchance, to dream

Put the team on your back, son. | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images Obviously that's hyperbole, but only just. Imagine you're Ryan Conwell. There are just under 5 minutes left in the game, and it's a game your team has to win. You were held more or less silent in the first half. Sure, you picked up 4 assists, but you only had 6 points, and you weren't brought to Xavier to pass … [Read more...] about Ryan Conwell beat Villanova on his own

13th year senior Eric Dixon leads Nova | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Must win games in January are rarely a good sign. Did you know that Xavier has split with Villanova over the last two seasons? I know that’s hard to process, because it seems like the Wildcats have beaten Xavier by 20 every time they’ve played since X joined the Big East. That’s not true. In fact, Xavier … [Read more...] about Xavier v. Villanova: Preview, matchups, keys to the game

Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Someone had to be the hero for Xavier to finally win one of these. I guess that’s how you break out of a shooting slump. I wrote in the last recap that Ryan Conwell had found other ways to contribute when his shot wasn’t falling. After a six-point first half and only one made three, he decided to get … [Read more...] about Ryan Conwell drags Xavier home