Xavier Opens Homestead With Dominant Victory Over Bulldogs 100-75

by Tim Daniel

A Friday afternoon Tip-Off at the Cintas Center wasn't an issue for Xavier as they began their lengthy home stand with a dominant victory over Bryant 100-75.

The Musketeer's athleticism, and defensive ability have been the big story through the young season, but today their offense was rolling. The team was led by Grad Transfer Quincy Olivari who had 22 points in the game shooting 50% from the perimeter. Olivari had 14 points in the first half hitting 4 of his 5 threes. Gytis Nemeiksa also had a perfect half going 4/4 from the floor with two of those shots also being from downtown.

 



In the second half, the Musketeers kept things going continuing to take advantage of open space from the perimeter, and pushing the pace to where Bryant had trouble keeping up. Xavier had 32 points on the fast break and also limited Bryant to 8 points on the break.

Although things did get a bit chippy in the half as Abou Ousmane, was ejected from the game halfway through the second half. Ousmane finished with six points, six rebounds, and six turnovers in 13 minutes. With Ousmane being disqualified for the remainder of the game, Xavier fans got their first glimpses of Lazar Djokovic on the Cintas Center court. Djokovic showed his pick-and-pop ability that had him so highly coveted as well as a calmness offensively that you don't see too often from a guy in just his third NCAA game. Djokovic ended the game with 10 points.

 


Some other big plusses in the game for Xavier include Dayvion McKnight's impressive playmaking abilities on display. Coach Sean Miller has mentioned in the past he wants to see Dayvion be more aggressive but in this game, McKnight was able to find his open teammates to continue to put points on the board. McKnight finished the game with eight assists, eight rebounds, and 11 points. Trey Green also did a great job as an additional ball-handler with five assists.

 



Dailyn Swain didn't have to do a whole lot today due to the score, but the length and athleticism continue to show up, including a few highlight-reel dunks.

Xavier will look to keep their momentum going on Monday evening when Greg Kampe and the Oakland Golden Grizzlies come to the Cintas Center. Oakland is currently 3-3 on the season coming off of back-to-back wins over Loyola Marymount and Marshall. Tip-off will be at 6:30 PM EST.

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