Xavier Opens Continental Tire Main Event Vs Washington

Coming off of the loss vs Purdue, Xavier has the opportunity to get back on the winning track tonight vs the Washington Huskies. Tip-Off will be at 11:59 PM EST and the game will be broadcast on ESPN2. The Musketeers will find out their opponent on Sunday will be either San Diego State or Saint Mary's depending the results of both games.

The Huskies also come into this game with a 2-1 record. They are led by Kentucky Transfer Keion Brooks who is averaging 24.3 PPG, and 8.0 TRB through the first three games. Washington also has fellow former Kentucky transfer Sahvir Wheeler whose averaging 16.0 PPG and 6 APG.

Washington hasn't made the NCAA Tournament since the 2019 season, Similar to Xavier, Washington hasn't necessarily shot the ball well so far this season with a team average of 32.8%, but they have defended the three well holding opponents to 21st overall in the country at 22%.

Xavier comes into the game as 2.5 point favorites, and the games over/under is set at 153.

How does Xavier win this game? Simply put they need to find an offensive spark. Tre Green and Dailyn Swain have both been bright spots in helping Xavier score points the last two games. Though Green hasn't shot the ball to expectations, the confidence in himself seems to be something that will get him rolling soon. 

Desmond Claude is off to a solid 38.5% from deep to start this season, but the turnovers have been an issue so far. Going against a veteran player like Brooks could be a challenge for Claude but if he is able to hold onto the ball, Xavier should be able to pull this off based on their talent and coaching.

Xavier projected starters:

Dayvion McKnight SR G 6-0 195

Quincy Olivari GR G 6'3 200

Desmond Claude SO G 6'6 207

Gytis Nemeiksa Sr F 6'8 220

Abou Ousmane Sr F 6'10 244

Washington projected starters:

Sahvir Wheeler Sr G 5'9 180

Paul Mulchay Sr G 6'6 213

Moses Wood Sr F 6'8 210

Keion Brooks Sr F 6'7 210

Wilhelm Breidenbach Jr F 6'10 231