Xavier has won its first two games by a combined 68 points, extending its winning streak to 19 games and setting up a chance to start the season 3-0 for the 20th time in 27 seasons. The Musketeers will look to finish their three-game homestand with a third straight victory when they face Detroit Mercy on Tuesday, November 10, at the Cintas Center.
After a 45-point rout of Mount St. Mary’s in the opener, Xavier overcame a slow start against Eastern Michigan to pull away for a 76-53 victory. The Musketeers’ defense stood out in that game, holding Eastern Michigan scoreless for nearly 11 minutes and limiting them to just 28 percent shooting. Head coach Richard Pitino praised the defensive effort but said rebounding remains an issue. Xavier grabbed 56 rebounds against Mount St. Mary’s but lost the boards battle 39-33 to Eastern Michigan, allowing 18 second-chance points. “Gotta do a much, much better job than that,” Pitino said.
Xavier’s defense will be tested against a Detroit Mercy team that struggled offensively in its 93-32 season-opening loss to Marquette. The Titans shot just 22 percent from the field and committed 20 turnovers, scoring only 32 points on the night. Detroit Mercy is coached by Mark Montgomery, who is in his third season with the program and holds a 25-40 record there. The Titans were picked to finish seventh in the Horizon League this year after falling just short of an NCAA Tournament berth last season, losing 66-63 in the Horizon League Championship game to Wright State.
Xavier’s offense has averaged 86.5 points per game through two contests, led by forwards Jovan Milicevic and Filip Borovicanin, who are averaging 11.5 and 9 points per game respectively. Guards Tru Washington and Ruben Dominguez add 7.5 and 5.5 points per game. Center Mike Nwoko contributes 9.5 points per game. On defense, the Musketeers have allowed 52.5 points per game. The team’s length and athleticism have helped suffocate opponents, forcing poor shooting nights.
One area where Xavier has room to improve is free-throw shooting. Despite getting to the line frequently, about 27 attempts per game across exhibitions and regular-season matches, the Musketeers are converting only 65.9 percent. “We shoot them every day,” Pitino said. “Free throws are hard, but I love the fact that we’re getting to the line more.” Last season, Xavier averaged just 17.8 free throws per game, lacking guards who could pressure the rim or big men who drew fouls effectively.
Detroit Mercy’s projected starting lineup features guards Lance Stone (5’8”, 5 points per game), Ayden Carter (6’5”, 7 points per game), Tyler Spratt (6’7”, 8 points per game), forward London Maiden (6’8”), and center Xavier Istomin-Moore (7’1”, 2 points per game). The Titans have struggled to find offensive rhythm early on, a challenge they face again against a Musketeers team ranked No. 42 in KenPom, compared to Detroit Mercy at No. 305.
Xavier leads the all-time series with Detroit Mercy 52-43. The teams were former rivals in the Midwestern Collegiate Conference. The upcoming game tips off at 7 p.m. at the Cintas Center, with coverage on ESPN+ and 700WLW radio.
Xavier aims to use its defensive pressure and rebounding improvements to extend its winning streak, while Detroit Mercy will try to bounce back from a tough start against a well-rounded Musketeers squad.
According to Yahoo Sports.
