Xavier Musketeers to Host Siena Saints in Non-Conference Clash

As the Xavier Musketeers prepare for their fifth game of the season, head coach Sean Miller reflects on the journey thus far, describing it as a series of «peaks and valleys.» Having achieved a 3-0 start, the Musketeers are set to face Siena College at the Cintas Center on Wednesday evening, buoyed by their recent win over a high major team.

Looking back at the Musketeers’ early success, the team aims to maintain their perfect record on their home turf. Following this matchup against Siena, Xavier will leave Cincinnati to compete in the Fort Myers Tip-Off, with their first game against South Carolina scheduled for November 25 at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena.

The upcoming game on Wednesday will be broadcast on FS1 and 700 WLW. According to KenPom rankings, Xavier stands at No. 44 while Siena is positioned at No. 295. Historically, Xavier has dominated this matchup, holding a 4-1 all-time record against Siena, including a current four-game winning streak.

For Xavier, the projected lineup features Dayvion McKnight, Ryan Conwell, Marcus Foster, Dailyn Swain, and Zach Freemantle. Ryan Conwell is currently averaging 18.8 points per game, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output which averages 85.2 points per game, while the defense limits opponents to an average of 66.5 points.

Siena, under the guidance of new head coach Gerry McNamara, enters the match with a 3-1 record. Despite a promising start with three consecutive wins, the Saints suffered their first loss against Albany. Siena’s offense averages 74 points per game, with Justice Shoats emerging as the leading scorer at 19.8 points per game.

Siena’s lineup is expected to include Marcus Jackson, Major Freeman, Reid Ducharme, Brendan Coyle, and Peter Carey. Reid Ducharme, who transferred from Xavier, is striving to find his rhythm at Siena, having started all four games this season despite a slow offensive start.

Overall, Xavier’s defensive strategy will be crucial against a Siena team that secures 14.8 offensive rebounds per game. While Xavier’s defensive rebounding has been variable, they are well-positioned to capitalize on Siena’s struggles beyond the arc; Siena’s opponents have been successful on 40% of their three-point attempts.