Xavier Recap

Final Score: Creighton 73, #24 Xavier 67

Box Score

Recaps: CU | XU
Media: OWH | Cincinnati Enquirer | AP
Photo Galleries: OWH | Cincinnati Enquirer

Coming into this game, a big point of debate was "should we call this a must-win game?" While I'm not generally keen on the idea that there are must-win contests in December, the contest with Xavier was about as close to it as you can get. With the Jays being so slow out of the box to start the year and the opportunity for signature non-conference wins dwindling, this was the perfect opportunity. Xavier is arguably the best team we'll see all year (with maybe Wichita State challenging for that distinction). They have an abundance of size, athleticism, speed and depth. The Musketeers faced similar preseason expectations as the Jays: picked to win their league to start the year and, with so much returning talent, regarded as a threat to go deep in March. However, unlike Creighton, Xavier had handled that burden well coming into tonight. Beating Villanova and falling in a hard fought contest versus a top 5 team in Alabama earned the Musketeers their first top 25 ranking since the final poll of 2004. After having their early troubles on the road, the Jays came into this game needed to protect home court and look for that spark that could get this ship going back in the right direction.

The thing that struck me the most about this game was precisely the energy the Jays showed. The primary problem that has faced this team so far this year was that lack of intensity and focus. CU came out and brought it on the defensive end of the court. For most of the night, the Jays were in a strong 2-3 zone to clamp down on the talented forwards that the Muskies bring to the table. The key to their success was the dominant play inside of Anthony Tolliver. The A-Train was a beast, blocking and altering shots and making Xavier hesitant to even try to get the ball inside. Xavier quickly became one dimensional and fell in love with the outside jumper. However, here was where both Funk and Miles truly shined on the night. Both continued their stellar defensive efforts that they showed in the second half on Wednesday night against Dayton. Funk especially drew the assignment of guarding Stanley Burrell through most of the first half, holding him to zero field goals and two points total at the break. I also have to take note at the hustle in the passing lanes the Jays showed. In recent years, everyone knows what players like Johnny Mathies or DeAnthony Bowden could bring to the table, with the threat of picking your pocket and taking it down the court for the basket at any moment. We haven't had that so far this year, but tonight CU picked up nine steals, with Nate leading the way with three for himself.

Offensively, Nate and Anthony were the stars. Much has been discussed recently of whether Anthony should primarily a low post weapon or whether he should be allowed to try and expand his game with the mid-range and outside shot. Tonight, however, Tolliver committed to making it happen down low and was extremely effective, leading the Jays with 17 points on the night. Funk is still recovering from his recent illness and the effect on his three point shooting still shows. That said, Nate is continuing to take the ball at the basket and create higher percentage opportunities. Also, with Josh Dotzler getting in early foul trouble, Nate had to shoulder the load at the point for most of the game. Finishing the game with six assists compared to only two turnovers, Nate was doing a superb job distributing the ball and creating opportunities for his teammates.

Creighton started both periods quickly with good sized runs to put the Musketeers back on their heels and behind the eight ball. Give credit to the tenacity of Sean Miller's squad, however, they persevered and gave the Jays all they wanted for 40 minutes. In the end, however, this game was won in the manner that Dana Altman basketball demands: go out and outwork your opponents and flat out want it more than they do. That is exactly what this team has been missing this year and what gives us the most compelling reason for hope.