Xavier basketball schedule: Power ranking Musketeers’ non-conference opponents

In just over four months, Xavier’s 2024-25 season will tip off when the Musketeers host Texas Southern.

Xavier’s non-conference schedule was released Friday afternoon with plenty of intrigue behind several marquee matchups from the Skip Prosser Classic, the Fort Myers Tip-Off and the annual Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout.

Last season, Xavier’s non-conference woes set the tone for the program’s first losing season in nearly three decades. Can Xavier get off to a better start this fall? Here’s a power ranking of the toughest games on tap for the Musketeers.

More: Report: Former Xavier guard Quincy Olivari agrees to Exhibit-10 deal with LA Lakers

(Note: Xavier will only play two of its three neutral opponents in the Fort Myers Tip-Off)

12. IU Indy (home)

Last season (IUPUI): 6-26 (10th Horizon League, No. 360 KenPom)

Overview: In the final year as IUPUI, the Jaguars were one of the worst teams in the country, finishing just one game out of the basement of the Horizon League. Now IU Indy, Paul Corsaro was named the Jaguars’ next head coach in March after four seasons at the University of Indianapolis (DII).

11. Siena (home)

Last season: 4-28 (11th MAAC, No. 357 KenPom)

Overview: Last season, Siena won its fewest games since 1960 and opted for a change as longtime Syracuse assistant and former national champion Gerry McNamara was named the Saints’ new head coach. Siena’s lone addition via the transfer portal was Reid Ducharme, who appeared in five games as a freshman at Xavier last season.

10. Morgan State (home)

Last season: 11-20 (5th MEAC, No. 334 KenPom)

Overview: Morgan State has had just one winning season since the Kevin Broadus era began in 2019 and went just 4-13 in non-conference play last season. Morgan State is led by guard Will Thomas, who averaged 14 points per game in 2024.

9. Texas Southern (home)

Last season: 16-17 (3rd SWAC, No. 267 KenPom)

Overview: Last season broke a three-year run of NCAA Tournament appearances as a No. 16 seed for Texas Southern under the…

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Author : Cincinnati.com | The Enquirer

Publish date : 2024-06-28 21:01:28

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