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Balanced Scoring, Fast-Break Attack Power Xavier Past Providence
By
Musketeer Madness,
1/10/2026
Xavier put together one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating Providence 97–84 at the Cintas Center to earn a Big East victory in front of 9,693 fans. The Musketeers improved to 10–7 overall and 2–4 in conference play, while the Friars dropped to 8–8 and 1–4 in the league.
Xavier set the tone early, shooting efficiently and building a 44–35 lead at halftime. The Musketeers connected on 40.5 percent of their shots in the opening half and knocked down six three-pointers, using strong ball movement and transition opportunities to control the pace. Providence kept contact behind steady scoring from Jason Edwards and Stefan Vaaks, but Xavier’s ability to score in multiple ways prevented the visitors from gaining momentum.
The Musketeers quickly extended the lead after the break, opening the second half on a run fueled by perimeter shooting and fast-break points. Xavier shot 57.9 percent from the field in the second half and pushed the margin to as many as 21 points, consistently answering Providence baskets with timely scores.
Malik Messina-Moore led Xavier with a game-high 23 points, knocking down 5-of-9 from three-point range while adding three rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 38 minutes. Jovan Milicevic followed closely with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, and added eight rebounds. Tre Carroll contributed 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, and four blocks, providing impact on both ends of the floor.
Filip Borovicanin added 15 points and a team-high 10 rebounds for his double-double, while Roddie Anderson III chipped in 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals off the bench. Xavier finished the game with 23 assists on 37 made field goals, underscoring its unselfish offensive approach.
As a team, Xavier shot 49.3 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range, while scoring 30 fast-break points and 44 points in the paint. Providence was led by Vaaks’ 21 points and Edwards’ 16, but the Friars were unable to keep pace with Xavier’s offensive efficiency and depth as the Musketeers closed out a convincing home victory.
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