Michigan vs Xavier: 2024-25 Fort Myers Tip-off finals game preview, TV schedule
In a game that'll fly under the radar during Feast Week, Michigan and Xavier will face off in the Fort Myers Tip-Off Championship. Which team will end up getting the big win?
Wednesday, November 27th, 8:30 pm ET. FS1
Arena: Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Florida
There are now fewer than 50 teams without a loss in NCAA Basketball, including the Xavier Musketeers (6-0). Their latest victory was on Monday night, beating South Carolina in the Fort Myers Tip-Off, 75-66. It was a balanced effort collectively, with five players scoring at least nine points. Zach Freemantle, who missed all of last season with an injury, had 16 points and nine rebounds.
Ryan Conwell scored 13 points on 4/14 shooting, an off-night compared to his strong start to the campaign. He led the team through six games on 17.3 ppg. This is the second power-conference victory for the Musketeers, beating Wake Forest 75-60.
The Demon Deacons have played both teams, previously beating Michigan by two points. Since then, the Wolverines (5-1) have won four straight, including over TCU and Virginia Tech. The victory over the Hokies on Monday night was by a 75-63 margin, returning from an early double-digit deficit.
Roddy Gayle Jr. had 20 points to lead all scorers, while forward Will Tschetter had 10 points off the bench. On the season, Gayle is tied with guard Tre Donaldson with 13.0 ppg, while Nimari Burnett (10.8 ppg) is the other double-digit contributor.
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This is a matchup where the frontcourt could decide the game, as Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin have had a rocky start playing together with the Wolverines. Fremantle and 6’7 forward Dailyn Swain will be the toughest opposing frontcourt for them to this point, and if they struggle, look for Xavier to find a way to win the game.
Prediction: Xavier 76, Michigan 67