Texas Southern looking to produce more madness against Xavier





For the record, thank you to sTu for not embarrassing the SWAC in the play in game. They dominated! That’s what needs to happen when any SWAC team is in that game. Folks used to complain about us being in that game, but we were know for losing it. I say dominate, take the easier tournament win, and make the board think twice about what SWAC teams go to the play in game. On top of winning it, sTu slapped the MEAC in the face! Something we don’t do much in the modern era of HBCU sports.

Salute to sTu.
 
A couple of keys, in my eyes, for TSU tonight:

1. REBOUND!!!! The Tigers have not been a great rebounding team all season. They aren't a great defensive team either, but they play good enough defense to get stops, but often fail to punctuate a good defensive possession with the rebound, and give up too many 2nd chance points. Those hurt against good/great teams.

2. START FAST!!!! The Tigers have gotten off to slow starts often this year. They usually start picking it up towards the end of the 1st half, and usually come out of halftime firing on all cylinders. If they get down big early, it may be more than they can overcome.

3. Trayvon Reed (#5, the big fella) has got to stay out of foul trouble. He has had a tendency this year to pick up cheap fouls while either swatting for blocks or leaving his feet. He is 7'2 and has a ridiculous wingspan. Get to the spot, put your hands straight up, and be a wall. Hell take the charge. He played a great game against NCCU (10 pts, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks). He his a good anchor in the middle of the defense making teams think twice about attacking the rim, but he can only do that if he remains on the floor.

4. This one is obvious.....LIMIT TURNOVERS. The Tigers will need every possession they can muster. Their shooters can get on streaks and light it up with the best of them. But the only shots that will go in are the ones they are able to get off. Can't get a shot up if you turn the ball over.


I'll be rooting for them. Hopefully they are focused and not getting sucked into the hoopla of the last game. That one is done. On to the next one.
 
As long as Xavier doesn't jump out on say a 20 point run the first 10 minutes and gets us rattled I think we'll be ok.

They'll be runs made on both sides but like said above please limit the turnovers, silly shots just to draw a foul and stay aggressive. Thankfully in the opening round we didn't have officials who grow tired of Davis' constant berating and let us play.

Hopefully, we won't get officials who are determined to give the one seed preferential treatment and call it both ways.
 
My take, Last year N Carolina was a mismatch.
This year # 1 seed is not as dominating. We must shoot well early. Trae is going to get his but need help from Bruce or #1
 
Good first couple of possessions, but are starting to stall a bit. And like I said earlier, can't have careless turnovers against a team like this who thrives in transition.
 



TxSU went on a 16-0 run before Xavier scored. They took Xavier's first punch and are feeding off Jefferson
 
That kinda looked like a goaltend. The first one did too, but the replay showed it was the right call, but very close. That one looked like either a goaltend or a foul at regular speed.
 
Does TxSU have one more run in them? Jefferson is getting to the rim but going in their against trees and they have missed a couple fouls
 
Not gonna say it's OVER, but everything you said is correct. They settling for shots instead of creating them. And Xavier ain't missing NOTHING on the other end.
 
All things considered, not a bad half for TSU. Revisiting my 4 points from earlier, #1 hasn't really come into play. #2, they started kinda fast, and got really cold really quick, but I think have somewhat recovered. #3 and #4 have been spot on so far. Lets hope TSU comes out hot to start the half like they have been known to do.

And for heavens sake, SOMEBODY get in front of Macura.
 
Trae Jefferson went on an 8-0 run by himself.

TxSU really got hurt when the big man went out. He made an instant difference when he came back in 2 fouls and all
 
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