Xavier holds on for a narrow victory against South Carolina State
- Zach Freemantle led Xavier with 17 points, and Dayvion McKnight added 14 points.
- Xavier built a lead with a 14-2 run and held off a late charge from South Carolina State.
- The Musketeers improved their record to 7-1 with this victory.
On Sunday night in Cincinnati, Ohio, the No. 22 Xavier Musketeers faced off against the South Carolina State Bulldogs in an intense college basketball matchup. The game concluded with a score of 71-68, showcasing the skill and determination of both teams. Zach Freemantle contributed significantly to the Musketeers' success, scoring a total of 17 points. His performance, alongside Dayvion McKnight who scored 14 points, was crucial in maintaining Xavier's lead. McKnight's 13 points came in the second half, highlighting his importance in critical moments of the game. The game was marked by a high-stakes atmosphere, particularly in the second half when Xavier initially led comfortably before witnessing a surge from South Carolina State. The Bulldogs, who had a tough start but rallied back, went on a scoring run that culminated in consecutive baskets from Omar Croskey, who scored 14 of his total 16 points in this period. This spirited comeback brought South Carolina State within one point of Xavier, putting significant pressure on the Musketeers. Xavier's performance at the free-throw line proved pivotal in sealing the win. Trey Green executed a flawless 4 of 4 from the line in the game's closing seconds, ensuring that the team maintained its lead through to the final buzzer. Prior to this victory, Xavier had celebrated six consecutive wins at the start of the season before suffering a loss to Michigan. This game represented an important bounce-back moment for the team as it looks to regain momentum in the current season. With this win, Zach Freemantle advanced in the all-time scoring list for Xavier, moving past Joe Viviano. The victory also helped stabilize the team's record at 7-1 following their recent setback. Looking ahead, South Carolina State is scheduled to host Samford, while Xavier will travel to play TCU, further compounding the importance of this match as they must prepare quickly for upcoming challenges.