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Musketeers Erupt After Halftime, Roll Past Missouri State
By
Musketeer Madness,
12/12/2025
Xavier turned a tightly contested first half into a runaway after the break, pouring in 44 second-half points to pull away from Missouri State for a convincing 75–57 win Wednesday night at the Cintas Center. The victory pushed the Musketeers to 8–3 on the season and showcased their depth, defensive pressure, and perimeter shooting.
The first 20 minutes were a back-and-forth affair, with 13 lead changes and neither team able to create separation. Xavier took a narrow 31–28 edge into the locker room behind balanced scoring and steady work on the glass, while Missouri State kept pace by attacking the paint and living at the free-throw line
Everything changed early in the second half. Xavier opened on a blistering run, fueled by turnovers and transition chances, stretching the margin into double digits within the first seven minutes. The Musketeers’ defense forced mistakes, and the offense made the Bears pay, turning steals into fast-break points as the lead ballooned to 21 at its peak.
Filip Borovicanin led the way with an all-around performance, scoring 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting while grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out eight assists. Jovan Milicevic added 17 points, and Tre Carroll chipped in 13, helping Xavier shoot 40 percent from three-point range (12-of-30) and post a strong 52 percent effective field-goal percentage.
Xavier’s bench and ball movement proved decisive. The Musketeers totaled 23 assists on 28 made field goals and outscored Missouri State 15–6 in fast-break points. Malik Messina-Moore orchestrated the attack, finishing with seven points and three assists, while All Wright and Roddie Anderson III provided timely scoring and defensive energy.
Missouri State was paced by Keith Palek III, who scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, but the Bears struggled from the perimeter, hitting just 3-of-14 from beyond the arc. Those shooting woes, combined with Xavier’s second-half surge, were too much to overcome.
With the crowd of 9,112 roaring, Xavier closed the game with poise, emptying the bench late and cruising to the 18-point victory. The Musketeers’ ability to flip the switch after halftime offered another encouraging sign as they continue to build momentum heading deeper into the nonconference schedule.
Next up for Xavier is Creighton as it plays host to the Blue Jays to open BIG EAST conference action. Game time is set for 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 17 at Cintas Center.
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