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The last time Xavier fans saw forward Jerome Hunter play in a game, the Musketeers were fighting for a spot in the 2023 Elite Eight. Hunter missed all of last season after a cardiac episode in the offseason and a torn Achilles in February.
It’s been an even longer wait for sixth-year forward Zach Freemantle. The New Jersey native needed season-ending foot surgery during Big East play of that Sweet 16 run and missed all of last season, too.
So it was no surprise that Xavier Nation gave their warmest welcomes to Freemantle and Hunter Friday night at Cintas Center during Musketeer Madness.
Forward Zach Freemantle (32) is entering his sixth year with the Xavier Musketeers. He missed all of last season with a foot injury.
Playing on opposite teams during the Blue-White scrimmage, Freemantle and Hunter both shined in spots. Freemantle won the opening tip, and it was followed by a Hunter block to force a shot-clock violation on the game’s opening possession.
Freemantle finished with 8 points on 4-of-8 shooting for Team Blue, but it was Hunter’s 7 points and 2 blocks that helped Team White pull out a 59-52 victory.
Here are the top takeaways from Musketeer Madness.
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Xavier pushes the pace
Much has been made about head coach Sean Miller’s up-tempo scheme and both Musketeer squads shined on offense in Friday’s scrimmage. The two teams had combined for 30 points at the opening media timeout (four minutes).
The scrimmage lasted just 24 minutes (two 12-minute halves). Over a full 40-minute stretch, the 59-52 final would’ve translated to 98-86. Xavier White shot 56.4% from the field and the two teams made it count at the charity stripe, too, combining to go 25-of-31, while struggling at times from three-point range (10-for-29).
A welcomed sight was Xavier’s work on the glass. Each team grabbed 21 rebounds and limited the other to five offensive boards. Team White’s biggest advantage came down low,…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/musketeer-madness-heres-top-takeaways-013049234.html
Author : Cincinnati.com | The Enquirer
Publish date : 2024-10-19 01:30:00
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