The game was back and forth from the beginning, featuring three lead changes and a tie in the first four and half minutes, after which Villanova led Xavier 7-6.
The Wildcats were able to keep Xavier at bay as Xavier through an extended scoring drought. The Musketeers were able to play strong defense, however, to keep Villanova from getting a big lead. Villanova led 12-10 with 11:59 left in the first half.
Xavier bring the game level twice, at 12-12 and 15-15 on a Ryan Welage lay in and three, before taking a 17-15 lead on a basket by Paul Scruggs with 8:23 left in the first half.