No. 22 Xavier Edges South Carolina State in Hard-Fought Victory

The Musketeers overcome turnovers and a late surge by the Bulldogs to secure a 71-68 win at home.

Zach Freemantle led Xavier with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Dayvion McKnight added 14 points, including a crucial late three-pointer.
Xavier's struggles with turnovers continued, committing 16, but they capitalized at the free-throw line, outscoring South Carolina State 26-15 from the stripe.
South Carolina State's Omar Croskey scored 16 points, including key baskets in the second half, but the Bulldogs fell short despite multiple late-game rallies.
Drayton Jones, South Carolina State's leading scorer, was ejected in the second half after receiving technical and flagrant fouls, shifting momentum to Xavier.
Xavier improved to 7-1 on the season and remains undefeated at home, with their next challenge being a road game against TCU in the Big East-Big battle.