Xavier wins narrowly against South Carolina State in a tense finish
- Zach Freemantle led Xavier with 17 points, while Dayvion McKnight contributed 13 of his 14 points in the second half.
- Xavier overcame an early deficit and led by 13 points late in the game before South Carolina State made a strong comeback.
- The Musketeers secured the win by making 10 of 12 free throws in the final moments.
On December 1, 2024, in Cincinnati, Ohio, No. 22 Xavier faced South Carolina State in a closely contested college basketball game. Xavier, which had a strong start to the season with six consecutive wins followed by a loss to Michigan, was looking to bounce back against a struggling Bulldogs team. The game began with South Carolina State taking an early lead, thanks to an 18-11 run, but Xavier countered with a significant 21-4 run, giving them a 32-22 advantage after some pivotal plays. As the game progressed, the tides changed when Dayvion McKnight of Xavier made a crucial impact in the second half, scoring 13 of his total 14 points during that period. This momentum was crucial as Xavier built their lead to the largest of the game at 58-45 following a layup by Jerome Hunter, who also contributed with 10 points. However, South Carolina State demonstrated resilience and went on a 12-point scoring streak, closing the gap to just one point with three minutes remaining. Despite the pressure, Xavier maintained their composure, particularly in the final moments when Trey Green's perfect free-throw shooting (4 for 4) helped secure the win while forcing the Bulldogs to settle for tough shots. The scoring highlights also included notable performances from South Carolina State's Omar Croskey, who scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half, and Michael Teal, who contributed 14 points as well. The game was marked by a few turnovers from Xavier that South Carolina State capitalized upon, yet the Musketeers held firm with strong free-throw shooting when it ultimately mattered. This victory left Xavier with a record of 7-1 while South Carolina State’s record fell to 4-5. Looking ahead, both teams prepared for their next matches, with the Bulldogs set to host Samford on the upcoming Thursday, while Xavier aimed to build on their momentum with a road trip to TCU. The competitive nature of the game highlighted Xavier’s capacity to win in challenging situations, showcasing their growth as they move deeper into the season.