Claude's 25 Helps Xavier Start 1-0 vs Robert Morris

With all the roster turnover, Xavier expects Desmond Claude to be a star for the season, and he certainly shined bright in game one.

Claude led all scorers with 25 points shooting 10/17 from the floor and 2/4 from the perimeter. Desmond also added three assists which tied for second on the team.

Xavier also got big contributions from transfers Gytis Nemeiksa who had a 10 point, twelve rebound double-double and Abou Ousmane who had 11 points and six rebounds. Xavier held their own in the paint with a 50-28 advantage.

The shooting showed that it is a work in progress, Xavier as a team only had 11 attempts from downtown making four of them. Transfer Quincy Olivari hit two deep threes that contributed to his 13 point game. Fellow transfer Dayvion McKnight had 10 points and added five assists.

On the other end Robert Morris may not have been able to match the talent level of Xavier, but they did play physical and had some strong stretches of play. The Colonials were led by Justice Williams who had 21 points on 6/14 shooting. 

Xavier had stretches that showed they are still working out some kinks and figuring out how to play together, but overall a solid first game to start the season.

Up next: Xavier will host Jacksonville on Friday at the Cintas Center. Tip-Off will be at 6:30 PM EST.