Xavier avoided a sour fate on Tuesday night. In their season opener, the Musketeers edged Niagara 63-60. The Purple Eagles made a late push after trailing by seven points with under 60 seconds to play. They made it a bit hot for the Muskies, but Xavier made some crucial free throws down the stretch to ensure victory and a clean night for the Big East.
Paul Scruggs and Colby Jones led the way with 17 and 16 points respectively. Scruggs and Jones also picked up five rebounds each with 10 assists between them. Scruggs led that category with six, as the veteran guard was very productive on the night.