XU Hoops: Xavier Pounds Providence

Xavier avenged an earlier loss to Providence, by winning 75-61 in Rhode Island on Saturday. The Musketeers (13-13, 5-8, 126th) have won back-to-back games after besting Creighton earlier this week. Tyrique Jones had a double-double for Xavier, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Naji Marshall (14), Zach Hankins (13), and Quentin Goodin (13) all were in double digits. Nate Watson had 16 points for the Friars (14-12, 4-9, 111th). Xavier plays Seton Hall (15-9, 6-6, 57th) on the road Wednesday at 7 PM. TV: CBSSN Radio: 700 WLW

Tyrique Jones (0) had 19 points and 12 rebounds Saturday (The Enquirer)

Big East Standings

TEAM	CONF	GB	OVR
#13 Villanova	11-1	—	20-5
#10 Marquette	10-2	1	21-4
St. John’s	6-6	5	18-7
Seton Hall	6-6	5	15-9
Butler	6-7	5.5	15-11
Georgetown	5-7	6	15-10
DePaul	5-8	6.5	13-11
Xavier	5-8	6.5	13-13
Creighton	4-8	7	13-12
Providence	4-9	7.5	14-12

 

XU Hoops: Muskies’ Snap Losing Streak

At long last, Xavier was able to secure a victory, 64-61 OT over Creighton Wednesday night. The overtime victory snaps a six-game losing streak for Xavier (12-13, 4-8, 133rd). The Musketeers were led by Naji Marshall’s 23 points. Tyrique Jones (12) and Zach Hankins (10) also reached double digits. Martin Krampelj led the Blue Jays (12-12, 4-8, 102nd) with 18 points.  The season for Xavier has been very disappointing, but is it salvageable? At this point, X is hoping for an overall winning record. That is no guarantee in the Big East conference. The only guaranteed postseason for the Muskies’ is the conference tournament in New York City. Any hopes of playing after that, will depend on how Xavier fares in Madison Square Garden. XU will play Providence (14-11, 4-8, 98th) Saturday at 2 PM in Rhode Island. TV: FOX Radio: 700 WLW

Naji Marshall’s 23 points and clutch play helped X win (The Enquirer)

XU Hoops: Muskies’ fall to Friars

Xavier lost a tough contest Wednesday night to Providence 64-62. The Musketeers (11-9, 3-4, 101st) were led by Paul Scruggs’ 14 points. Tyrique Jones and Zach Hankins each scored 12 points. Unfortunately, the Friars (12-7, 2-4, 83rd) were led by reserve Isaiah Jackson’s 13 points, Alpha Diallo’s 11, and Nate Watson’s 11. A questionable travel call late in the game allowed Providence to essentially run out the clock. Xavier will play nationally ranked Marquette (17-3, 6-1, 11th) on Saturday at the Cintas Center. Tip-off will be at 2 PM. TV: FS1 Radio: 700 WLW

Isaiah Jackson (44) led Providence with 13 points off the bench (AP/ John Minchillo)