WHITE SULPHER SPRINGS, W. Va − Xavier’s early-season schedule has featured some unconventional surroundings, but the Musketeers have found success wherever they’ve played.
Last month, Xavier began exhibition play with an outdoor victory over Dayton in the CareSource Invitational at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.
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On Friday, Nov. 13, Xavier cruised to a 81-63 win over Mississippi State at The Greenbrier Resort’s Colonial Hall, earning its first significant victory of the season in a ballroom-turned-basketball court that holds just 1,200 spectators.
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In an intimate setting typically used for corporate conventions, banquets and congressional retreats featuring U.S. Presidents, Xavier was able to pass the first major test of the regular season to improve to 4-0.
Xavier guard Tru Washington (3) celebrates after making a 3-pointer against Mississippi State in The Greenbrier Tip-Off in White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia on Friday, Nov. 13.
Xavier’s deep roster once again got contributions across the board. Xavier’s bench combined for 34 points and 17 rebounds, though the Musketeers were led by starting guard Tru Washington, who turned in a game-high 21 points and 8 rebounds.
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Mississippi State jumped out to an early 4-0 lead before Washington scored five straight points and the Musketeers never looked back. Xavier led for over 36 minutes Friday night.
A Xavier offense that relied on getting to the rim over its first three games found success from the perimeter against the Bulldogs. Xavier was 10-for-23 on 3-pointers and knocked down 22 of 32 at the free throw line.
Facing a Mississippi State team that has been one of the best rebounding teams in the country early on, Xavier won 43-42 on the glass.
Xavier returns to Cintas Center for a two-game homestand, starting with Cleveland State on Tuesday, Nov. 17. The Iowa Hawkeyes then visit on Friday, Nov. 20.
The Enquirer will update this story.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Xavier pulls away from Mississippi State in Greenbrier Tip-Off
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