Boum and Nunge Lead X Past West Virginia
By
Jay Skeldon,
12/3/2022
Souley Boum and Jack Nungle led the way for Xavier as the Musketeers hung tough physically and mentally against West Virginia, knocking off the visiting Mountaineers, 84-74, in a BIG EAST-Big 12 Battle before a sold-out Cintas Center crowd of 10,460 on Saturday night. With the win, Xavier improves its record to 6-3 while the Mountaineers drop to 6-2. Boum was outstanding on this night, leading all scorers with a game-high 23 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field, 2-of-3 from behind the arc, and 11-of-14 from the free throw line. Boum also dished seven assists in the winning effort. 7-0 senior Jack Nunge added a double-double effort of 17 points and hauled in 14 rebounds while making his presence felt on the interior all game against WVU.
After giving up 43 points in the first half to West Virginia, the Musketeers increased their pressure and defensive toughness and limited second chances on the glass, giving up only 31 in the second stanza. As a team, X outrebounded a very physical and big Mountaineer team for the game, 34-28.
Other key contributors for Xavier included Colby Jones (14 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds) and Adam Kunkel (11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists) who returned to action after having missed the last two games due to being in concussion protocol.
Xavier's next game is against intracity rival, Cincinnati Bearcats (5-3), in the annual Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout. Game time is set for Saturday, December 10 at 3:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Arena.
Souley Boum and Jack Nungle led the way for Xavier as the Musketeers hung tough physically and mentally against West Virginia, knocking off the visiting Mountaineers, 84-74, in a BIG EAST-Big 12 Battle before a sold-out Cintas Center crowd of 10,460 on Saturday night. With the win, Xavier improves its record to 6-3 while the Mountaineers drop to 6-2. Boum was outstanding on this night, leading all scorers with a game-high 23 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field, 2-of-3 from behind the arc, and 11-of-14 from the free throw line. Boum also dished seven assists in the winning effort. 7-0 senior Jack Nunge added a double-double effort of 17 points and hauled in 14 rebounds while making his presence felt on the interior all game against WVU.