I simply cannot believe it.  XU got it done when it counted.  BJ Raymond hit his biggest two shots in his career, and Josh Duncan played a completed game. Without Josh, I don't think the Musketeers had a chance.  He carried them through the WVU runs and played courageously for over 12 minutes with 4 fouls.

I realize we play an absolute giant of a team in UCLA next.  Yes, they've been to the last two final fours.  That being said, two teams have taken them to the wire in this tournament.  That gives us a shed of hope. 

My Uncle Greg has his 50th birthday party tomorrow.  It should be a blast watching the game with all of the family.  Matt is also a season ticket holder, so he should be quite hyped for the game himself.

Go Muskies!!!

Jamie and Joey are supporting out team in person.  They may be the most die hard fans out of all of us, including KC!  I wish I could be there myself, but an 8 month pregnant wife and 2

kids seem to think otherwise.

I'll be happy with a gutsy performance tonight, win or lose.  Ultimately, the season has been a success. 

Once again, Xavier dug a hole for themselves going down 9-0 in the first few minutes.  KC and Jay were going nuts!  The hat was off and thrown to the floor, and the beers were being sucked down.  Then they called a timeout and proceeded to come out on a tear.  The lead evaporated quickly and XU finally took tied the game up late in the first half.  

The game plan was simple.  Get the ball inside. Whether it is CJ driving or Duncan, Brown and Love posting up, the interior points were huge.  CJ was at his best, scoring 18 points and again being sharp from the foul line. 

Drew Lavender was amazing.  He hit 8-8 from the line in the last couple minutes, sealing the victory for the Muskies.  Derrick Brown played an excellent defensive game and got every rebound in his area.  Duncan had another all star performance. His phantom charging foul late in the game hurt though.  He needs to learn to pull up and hit the 10 foot jumper!

West Virginia is next on the list.  Bob Huggins is the coach so it should be quite interesting. 

A look at Xavier's nine-game history in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, with team seedings:

1987: No. 5 Duke 65, No. 13 Xavier 60

1990: No. 6 Xavier 74, No. 3 Georgetown 71

1991: No. 11 Connecticut 66, No. 14 Xavier 50

1993: No. 1 Indiana 73, No. 9 Xavier 70

1997: No. 2 UCLA 96, No. 7 Xavier 83

2002: No. 2 Oklahoma 78, No. 7 Xavier 65

2003: No. 6 Maryland 77, No. 3 Xavier 64

2004: No. 7 Xavier 89, No. 2 Mississippi State 74

2007: No. 1 Ohio State 78, No. 9 Xavier 71 (OT)

Could XU have received a tougher draw in the first round?  Georgia just made a miracle run in the SEC tourney.  They won 2 games in the same day, that is unheard of!  The Muskie players were at Miller's house on Saturday rooting GA on, as XU went through a similar season two years ago. 

Seeds and match ups aside, it is important that we recognize how great a season XU had.  Wins vs 6 NCAAA Tournament bound teams, the highest regular season win total ever, 6 unselfish players in double figures, and winning the league.  That is one hell of a resume. 

XU received a #3 seed once before, in David West's senior year.  They lost in the 2nd Round to Maryland that year though.  Playing an SEC team in the first round will force XU to not overlook the game.  I just hope the shooting woes stop and XU's defensive intensity gets a kick start.

Congratulations Muskies!