Xavier Basketball: Gritty Start, Fierce Fights Ahead for the Musketeers

The Xavier Musketeers are off to a 2-0 start this season, a record that would typically bring a sense of comfort and confidence. However, their narrow home victories over Marist and Le Moyne have instead sparked cautious optimism, punctuated by a gritty, “scratch and claw” mentality that defines their early season narrative. As the competition stiffens, the true test for this Xavier basketball squad is about to begin.

“We can find a way to win,” guard Roddie Anderson III noted, capturing the essence of their initial outings. “We haven’t blown a team out yet, and we’re probably not gonna have too many blowouts. We’ve got a group that’s willing to fight and willing to play with each other.” This fighting spirit will be crucial as Xavier prepares for a challenging week ahead.

Upcoming Gauntlet: Santa Clara and Iowa Loom Large

The Musketeers are about to face a significant step up in competition. Their 2-0 record has seen their KenPom ranking drop nearly 30 spots since the season opener, a clear indicator of the perceived quality of their early wins. This week brings two critical matchups:

• Monday, November 10: A home clash against the Santa Clara Broncos at the Cintas Center (8:30 p.m. ET, FS1).
• Friday, November 14: Their first true road game, a tough battle at Iowa.

These games are not just about wins and losses; they’re about establishing identity and confidence against more formidable opponents. The Santa Clara matchup, in particular, presents an intriguing clash of styles.

Scouting the Santa Clara Broncos: A Rebounding Juggernaut

The Santa Clara Broncos, led by seasoned coach Herb Sendek, come to the Cintas Center with their own 2-0 record. While they haven’t made the NCAA Tournament since the Steve Nash era in 1996, Sendek has built a consistently strong program, winning 20+ games in four consecutive years. The Broncos present a unique challenge, particularly with their relentless attack on the glass.

Santa Clara Snapshot:

• Head Coach: Herb Sendek (10th season, 163-120 record)
• Offense: 81 ppg
• Defense: 60 ppg
• Key Threat: Nation’s highest offensive rebounding percentage (56.8%). They grabbed 25 offensive rebounds against McNeese State!
• Players to Watch: Elijah Mahl (F, 16.5 ppg), Christian Hammond (G, 12.5 ppg), and the newly eligible NBA G-League transfer, Darlan, who recorded a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double in his debut.

Despite shooting just 39.4% from the field and struggling at the free-throw line (15-of-25) against McNeese State, Santa Clara’s 12 three-pointers and relentless rebounding effort propelled them to victory. This ability to create second-chance opportunities will be a major test for the Xavier Musketeers.

Xavier’s Internal Battles: Finding Consistency and Production

Under first-year head coach Richard Pitino, Xavier’s early season has highlighted both promising signs and areas needing significant improvement. While the team’s ability to “find a way to win” is commendable, deeper statistical analysis reveals some concerns.

Musketeers’ Key Figures:

• Head Coach: Richard Pitino (1st season, 2-0 record)
• Offense: 70 ppg
• Defense: 65.5 ppg
• Guards Leading the Charge: Roddie Anderson III (11 ppg) and Malik Messina-Moore (16.5 ppg) have been consistent contributors.
• Awaiting the Breakout: Florida Atlantic transfer Tre Carroll (F, 11 ppg) has shown flashes but has been inefficient, shooting just 8-of-25 from the field. Coach Pitino remains confident, stating, “He can score any way possible… Offensively, I don’t worry about him. He’s got all of the tools.”

The Critical Rebounding Challenge

Perhaps the most pressing concern for Xavier basketball is their performance on the boards. They’ve lost the rebounding battle in both games by the same 33-31 margin. This issue becomes glaringly apparent when facing a team like Santa Clara, which thrives on offensive rebounds.

The production from Xavier’s big men – Anthony Robinson, Pape N’Diaye, and Jovan Milicevic – has been limited offensively and on the glass. Robinson, for instance, has only two made field goals and nine rebounds in 51 combined minutes. Coach Pitino acknowledged their development, “I think they’re both a work in progress,” highlighting the need for them to make their mark on the glass against the Broncos.

Defensive Identity: Forcing Turnovers

On a positive note, Xavier has established a strong defensive identity, ranking 19th in the nation in forcing turnovers. Their strategy of trapping the ball and generating deflections has made opposing offenses uncomfortable. This “boom or bust” approach saw Le Moyne shoot 52.9% but also commit 18 turnovers. This strength will be vital against a Santa Clara team that, despite its rebounding prowess, has shown vulnerability to turnovers (15 against McNeese State).

The Battleground: Rebounds vs. Turnovers

The Monday night showdown will likely come down to two key statistical battles: Santa Clara’s dominant offensive rebounding versus Xavier’s ability to force turnovers. If the Musketeers can limit second-chance opportunities and convert their defensive takeaways into quick points, they can offset their current struggles on the glass.

This week marks a pivotal moment for Xavier basketball. These challenging matchups will test their resilience, expose their weaknesses, and ultimately reveal the true character of this fighting squad. Can they translate their “will to fight” into decisive victories against tougher competition? All eyes will be on the Cintas Center.