Xavier University's men's basketball team returned to practice Friday – the first team activity allowed since the Musketeers announced a positive COVID-19 test seven days earlier – in preparation for its Big East Conference opener against Marquette Sunday (2 p.m., FS1) at Cintas Center.
After having three games postponed due to COVID, it will be the first game for Xavier (7-0) since a Dec. 9 win over Oklahoma. Marquette (5-3, 1-1 Big East) enters coming off a loss to Seton Hall on Thursday.
Marquette's record is a bit deceiving through eight games. The Golden Eagles were tested early and they already have a pair of top-10 wins over Wisconsin and Creighton, and close losses to UCLA and Oklahoma State.