Xavier hosts Santa Clara in an unbeatens clash following strong starts by both teams.

Xavier (2-0) hosts Santa Clara (2-0) in a non-conference clash, coming off a 74-69 win over Le Moyne led by Malik Messina-Moore’s 17 points. Under first-year coach Richard Pitino, the Musketeers are adjusting after early inconsistency, benching starters Roddie Anderson III and Filip Borovicanin for energy. Both players, along with Jovan Milicevic, transferred from New Mexico. Santa Clara, also unbeaten, defeated McNeese State with Sash Gavalyugov scoring 19 points and Allen Graves grabbing 13 rebounds. The Broncos feature Thierry Darlan, a Central African Republic native and former NBA G League player, who made history as the first to play college basketball after a G League stint, recording 13 points and 13 rebounds in his debut. Coach Herb Sendek praised Santa Clara’s young roster. The game tests Xavier’s development early in the season.