MBB Minute: Xavier Hits 101 Again
Xavier has scored 101 points in each of its two games this season after Monday’s 101-75 victory over visiting Rider. Trevon Bluiett posted game highs of 26 points and nine rebounds. Four other Musketeers reached double figures, including forward Tyrique Jones who finished with 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting and eight boards.
DePaul picked up its first win at Wintrust Arena, defeating Delaware State 81-57. Tre’Darius McCallum led a balanced scoring attack with 17 points. Max Strus added 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Freshman Jaylen Butz came off the bench to contribute seven points and 13 rebounds, the highest rebound total by a Blue Demon since November 16, 2013.
The third annual Gavitt Tipoff Games began Monday with Providence losing 86-74 to No. 14 Minnesota. The Friars led 39-36 at halftime, but were outscored 50-35 in the second half. Kyron Cartwright and freshman Nate Watson each scored 12 points for PC. Cartwright also had nine assists.
The Gavitt Tipoff Games continue Tuesday with Marquette hosting No. 20 Purdue at 8:30 ET on FS1. The Golden Eagles are 1-0 after an 80-59 win over Mount St. Mary’s. Marquette and Purdue have not met since the 1969 NCAA Mideast Regional Final when Purdue eked out a 75-73 overtime win to advance to the Final Four.
Villanova, ranked No. 5 in the AP poll, plays Nicholls at the Wells Fargo Center on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. The Wildcats defeated Columbia 75-60 in their opener. Freshman Omari Spellman had 11 points and 11 rebounds in his collegiate debut.
St. John’s plays Central Connecticut in Carnesecca Arena at 6:30 p.m. on FS2. The Red Storm knocked off New Orleans 77-61 behind Marcus LoVett’s 23 points and four steals. After meeting the Blue Devils, St. John’s hosts Nebraska in the Gavitt Tipoff Games on Thursday.