Xavier rides defense to win over Eastern Michigan, 2-0 start

The offense was slow to arrive, but Xavier's defense was right on time Nov. 6.

The Musketeers turned a sluggish start against Eastern Michigan into another double-digit victory Friday night at Cintas Center, opening the season 2-0 for the 19th consecutive year with a 76-53 win.

The final score might be disguised as a comfortable buy-game win, but the path there was anything but routine as Xavier's defense turned the tide in a big way against Eastern Michigan.

Xavier trailed for over 12 minutes in the first half as the underdog Eagles threw the game's first punch. Xavier's defense then took over while the offense struggled to find a rhythm.

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Eastern Michigan's Jaiden Martin hit a corner 3-pointer at the 12:04 mark to give the Eagles an 18-11 lead. Xavier then held Eastern Michigan without a bucket for 10:46 and used that defensive intensity for a 21-2 run.

Xavier forced 13 first-half turnovers while the offense relied heavily on attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line. Xavier was in the double bonus early in the first half and connected on 12 freebies while shooting just 35.7%.

Overall, Xavier's defense held Eastern Michigan to just 27.6% shooting (16-for-58). The Eagles won on the glass, 39-33, and grabbed 18 offensive rebounds, but the Musketeers made up for it by turning 22 turnovers into 25 points.

Xavier's offense eventually found its footing, shooting at a 70.4% clip in the second half with plenty of success around the rim. The Musketeers scored 36 of their 42 second-half points from the paint. The depth so often talked about with this team was on display again as 10 different Musketeers once again logged double-digit minutes and made a bucket.

Xavier was led by Chance Westry, who had a team-high 13 points off the bench. He was joined in double figures by Filip Borovicanin (10), while four other Musketeers had at least eight points.

Xavier (2-0) will host Detroit Mercy on Tuesday, Nov. 10 before a neutral site contest against Mississippi State at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia on Friday, Nov. 13.