Xavier triumphs over South Carolina to secure victory in Fort Myers Tip-Off

In Fort Myers, Florida, on November 25, 2024, the No. 22 Xavier Musketeers faced off against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament. Despite a challenging start where Xavier found themselves down 17-7, they managed to come back and take the lead in the second half through significant runs. The Gamecocks led 34-29 at halftime but couldn't withstand Xavier's resurgence. Zach Freemantle contributed significantly to the win, tallying 16 points, while Dailyn Swain added 14 points, and Ryan Conwell chipped in with 13 points. This victory improved Xavier’s season record to 6-0, solidifying their performance against SEC opponents. Xavier’s ability to overcome early adversity was a key factor in their victory, especially as they faced a hostile environment away from their home court at the Cintas Center. The Musketeers struggled with their three-point shooting, making only four of 18 attempts, a stark contrast to their previous games where they averaged over ten three-pointers per game. South Carolina's defense played a crucial role in this early scoring drought for Xavier, contesting shots and preventing second chances. The game featured notable contributions from other players, with Dayvion McKnight scoring 11 points and Jerome Hunter adding 10 points off the bench. South Carolina fought hard, led by Collin Murray-Boyles with 13 points. Their strong defensive lapses during critical moments allowed Xavier to regain control of the game and maintain a lead that never seemed threatened despite a late surge by the Gamecocks. Looking ahead, Xavier now prepares for a challenging schedule that includes matchups against ranked teams, including No. 16 Cincinnati, No. 2 UConn, and No. 10 Marquette in the upcoming weeks. The victory against South Carolina not only boosts their confidence but also sets the stage for what promises to be a competitive few weeks in their basketball campaign.