Coming off a week off, still without the services of Zach Freemantle, Xavier looked like a team that needed a break, not a team that just got one. A sluggish start on offense coupled with a typical start on defense to put X in a hole early and behind the eight ball in a game they needed to win to maintain their momentum heading into a huge showdown in Milwaukee. Instead, they battled valiantly to a loss that will look ugly come Selection Sunday and could well dictate their fate in the Big East title race. Some takeaways from a tough night in Hinkle:
Xavier’s defense means their offense can’t afford off nights
Xavier’s first half shooting lines make for some very ugly reading.