|
Musketeers Hold Off South Carolina State for Thrilling Win
By
Musketeer Madness,
12/1/2024
The Xavier men's basketball team improved their record to 7-1 with a narrow 71-68 victory over South Carolina State at the Cintas Center. In front of a packed home crowd of 9,512, the Musketeers weathered an intense battle, highlighted by a dominant second-half performance at the free-throw line that secured the win.
South Carolina State (4-5) started strong, utilizing a 13-point run midway through the first half to establish a seven-point lead. The Bulldogs capitalized on Xavier's early turnovers and relied on the sharp shooting of Omar Croskey, who scored 16 points, including three three-pointers. However, Xavier responded with a late nine-point run to close the gap, entering halftime with a 32-26 advantage.
The second half saw Xavier extend their lead to as much as 13 points, led by Zach Freemantle’s consistent play. Freemantle recorded 17 points and seven rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. Dayvion McKnight added 14 points, including a crucial 9-for-10 performance at the free-throw line. Despite their strong showing, the Musketeers faced resistance from South Carolina State's bench, which outscored Xavier's reserves 43-14.
South Carolina State made a late push, cutting the lead to one point in the closing minutes. Michael Teal and Mitchell Taylor combined for 25 points and fueled the Bulldogs' rally with key baskets and defensive stops. However, Xavier's clutch free-throw shooting in the final minutes, where they hit 76% of their second-half attempts, proved decisive in maintaining their lead.
The game featured plenty of back-and-forth action, with four lead changes and seven ties. Xavier’s ability to generate fast-break opportunities, outscoring the Bulldogs 27-17 in transition, was a key factor. Dailyn Swain contributed nine points, four assists, and a team-high four steals, exemplifying the Musketeers' defensive intensity.
This gritty win continues Xavier's strong start to the season as they look to build momentum for upcoming challenges. Xavier returns to action on Thursday when it travels to Fort Worth, Texas to face off against TCU in the BIG EAST/BIG 12 Battle. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m.
|
|
