Xavier Faces Santa Clara on Monday in Early Test of the Pitino Era

Overview

• Tip is Monday, Nov. 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET at Cintas Center, with television coverage on FS1.
• Xavier is 2-0 under first-year coach Richard Pitino for the program’s 18th straight 2-0 start, though both home wins were narrow and the team has slid to No. 91 in KenPom.
• Santa Clara is 2-0 and leads the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 56.8%, posting 47 total rebounds in each game and grabbing 25 offensive boards against McNeese State.
• Xavier has been out-rebounded 33-31 in both games and continues to seek more interior production at center to keep the Broncos from generating second chances.
• The Musketeers rank No. 19 nationally in forcing turnovers and look to convert takeaways into points after Santa Clara committed 15 turnovers in its last outing, with NBA scouts expected to evaluate guard Thierry Darlan following his recent eligibility ruling.