Xavier Basketball: Musketeers release their 2017-18 non-conference schedule
Xavier basketball is among the top programs in the Big East, and their non-conference schedule poses some interesting match-ups to watch out for.
One of the top programs in the country over the last several seasons, Xavier is ready to be a top-25 team in 2017-18. Minus Edmond Sumner, they bring back an incredible roster that has a chance to build on their Elite Eight appearance a season ago. Trevon Bluiett could easily enter the year as the leading candidate for Big East Player of the Year, and a talented core is surrounding him.
Villanova is still going to be the favorite to win the conference this upcoming season, but nobody is going to be counting Xavier out. Chris Mack and company always find a way to get things done and will surely be relevant when tournament time rolls around in March. Recently, the Musketeers released their non-conference schedule, including several fun games.
Let’s take a look at a quick rundown of how their season will get started. Hint: It’s a lot of home games.
Morehead State Eagles at Xavier Musketeers
When: November 10th
Prior history against each other: Xavier leads the series 4-3. Xavier won the last meeting 79-56 in 2013.
Rider Broncs at Xavier Musketeers
When: November 13th
Prior history against each other: This will be the first ever meeting between these teams.
Xavier Musketeers at Wisconsin Badgers
When: November 16th
Prior history against each other: The series is tied 2-2. Wisconsin won the last meeting 66-63 in 2016.
Hampton Pirates at Xavier Musketeers
When: November 20th
Prior history against each other: This will be the first ever meeting between these teams.
Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational
When: November 23-24
Prior history against Kansas State: The series is tied 2-2. Kansas State won the last meeting 101-96 in 2010.
Prior history against Arizona State: Arizona State leads the series 2-1. Arizona State won the last meeting 77-55 in 2007.
Prior history against George Washington: Xavier leads the series 27-9. Xavier won the last meeting 71-56 in 2013.
Baylor Bears at Xavier Musketeers
When: November 28th
Prior history against each other: Baylor leads the series 3-0. Baylor won the last meeting 76-61 in 2016.
Cincinnati Bearcats at Xavier Musketeers
When: December 2nd
Prior history against each other: Cincinnati leads the series 46-31. Cincinnati won the last meeting 86-78 in 2017.
Kent State Golden Flashes at Xavier Musketeers
When: December 6th
Prior history against each other: Xavier leads the series 11-3. Xavier won the last meeting 62-55 in 2012.
Colorado Buffaloes at Xavier Musketeers
When: December 9th
Prior history against each other: The series is tied 1-1. Colorado won the last meeting in 2016.
East Tennessee State Buccaneers at Xavier Musketeers
When: December 16th
Prior history against each other: Xavier leads the series 2-1. Xavier won the last meeting 8-55 in 1999.
Marshall Thundering Herd at Xavier Musketeers
When: December 19th
Prior history against each other: Xavier leads the series 3-2. Xavier won the last meeting 69-46 in 2004.
Xavier Musketeers at Northern Iowa Panthers
When: December 22nd
Prior history against each other: Xavier leads the series 2-0. Xavier won the last meeting 64-42 in 2016.
Although rotations are not completely set in the non-conference and some teams have a lot of learning to do, the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee puts a lot of stock into these games and how they can affect your strength of schedule. On first glance, it looks like Xavier has enough high-profile games where they can excel in non-conference strength of schedule, as they did a season ago.
Games against Wisconsin, Baylor, and Cincinnati will all help, as will the Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational.
Next: Four-star Eric Hunter narrows his list of teams to six
Xavier is always a fun team to watch because of how talented they are. The Musketeers are one of the most consistent teams in the entire country and their non-conference schedule poses some challenges that are surely must-watch TV. Barring injuries, the 2017-18 campaign for Xavier should be special, as they likely enter the year in the top-25. Watch out for some great action.