Xavier Leaves Vegas On High Note With Win Over Gaels 66-49

Xavier left Friday Nights matchup vs Washington with a disappointing loss. After Sean Miller questioned his teams toughness, Xavier took the challenge head on tonight vs Saint Mary's and took care of business.

With 5:45 remaining in the first half, San Mary's tied the game up at 18-18 when Augustas Marciulionis went on a six-point run by himself giving San Mary's a much needed shot in the arm. After that though, Xavier took over ending the half with a 10-0 run of their own including Quincy Olivari's third three-pointer of the game and Trey Green drawing a foul on a three pointer and hitting all three free-throws. Green had five points during the 10 point closeout run.

Xavier came out for the second half and ensure that the Gaels wouldn't have a chance to get back in the game. Desmond Claude came out and scored the first two baskets of the half getting four of his nine second half points. Claude close the game out with 11 points, but also contributed seven assists and only had one turnover.

Dayvion McKnight also had a big contribution in the second half helping put the game away with ten points and didn't miss a shot the whole half going 4-4 from the field, hitting a three, and also knocking down his single free-throw attempt in the half. McKnight ended the game with 14 points, leading the team in scoring but also had quite the stat sheet filling performance with five rebounds and four assists. 

Defensively, the Musketeers continued their solid play they have shown through the young season. Xavier held Saint Mary's to just 26% from the field (18/70), 22% from the perimeter (5/23) and forced eleven turnovers. Xavier also had six blocked shots with Sara Ciani and Daily Swain each having two of their own.

A lot of positives to take for the Musketeers as they move forward with the season. Xavier will have two games at home before #6 overall Houston comes into Cintas Center on December 1st starting with a noon Black Friday tip-off vs Bryant.