Musketeers Close Out Non-Conference Schedule With Win Over Winthrop 75-59

                       (Photo by Noah Garel)

Although tonight was the first night since the Crosstown Shootout that Xavier took the court, the layoff didn't show any rust from the home team.

The Musketeers hosted Winthrop tonight for the annual Skip Prosser Classic, the Eagles are coached by Skip's son Mark Prosser. While Winthrop had a few solid stretches through the game, it was overall a fantastic night for the Home Team.

Defensively, Xavier was locked in holding Winthrop to 38% from the floor, forcing 13 turnovers and blocking 12 shots including an impressive display of athleticism by Desmond Claude on a Chase Clayton blocked shot that went a few rows into the stands. Xavier was able to use their defensive rebounding prowess and ability to force turnovers to push the pace to their liking, leading Winthrop 27-0 on Fast Break points.

Offensively, the group of 4 Sean Miller looks to lead and helped the Musketeers get the win. Quincy Olivari continues his high scoring run with a 22 point game shooting 50% from the floor and hitting three 3-point field goals. Desmond Claude continues his Swiss-army knife skillset for Xavier with 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Dayvion McKnight, who played 39 minutes had 11 points and nine assists while only committing two turnovers. Lastly, Abou Ousmane had a 7 point, nine rebounds, four blocks game for Xavier. 

Some other big factors in the game include Xavier blocking 12 shots as a team, having a ten point advantage with points in the paint (38-28), and keeping Winthrop from getting to the free-throw line through the first half. Winthrop came into the game as a consistently good offensive team that the Musketeers did not allow to get on track through the 40 minute battle. 

Xavier now sits at 6-5, and after a troubled stretch during this 6-game home stand were able to break even with these last two wins going 3-3. Now that non-conference play is over, it's time to get Big East play started and Xavier will do just that on Wednesday when they head to Carnesecca Arena to face Rick Pitino and the St. John's Red Storm. the Johnnies are 7-3 after getting the win today vs Fordham. 

That game will be at 7:00 PM on Wednesday and will be broadcast on FS1.