Xavier got off to its best start all season, scoring 12 while holding Ohio to just three points in the first three minutes. By the first media timeout with 15:28 left in the first half, Xavier led 15-5, shooting 75% from the field.
Ohio would respond with an 11-0 run after a Ryan Welage three to make the score 18-16. With 11:12 left in the first half, Xavier only led 22-18.
It was a game of runs for the next few minutes, as Xavier extended their lead to 27-18 before Ohio made it 27-26 with 6:13 to go in the first half.