Xavier got off to a strong start, leading 10-6 at the first media timeout with 15:41 left in the first half. Quentin Goodin provided the offensive spark Xavier needed, scoring eight points and assisting on the other two.
The Musketeers stayed in front over the next few minutes, leading 15-10 with 10:41 left in the first half. Due to injuries to Tyrique Jones and Naji Marshall, Keonte Kennedy, Elias Harden, and Dontarius James all had played at least a couple minutes during this time.
Things stayed even through the next timeout, as Xavier led 19-14 with 7:54 remaining in the first half.