Can Xavier gather itself for visit from No. 16 Baylor?

Xavier head coach Chris Mack and senior forward RaShid Gaston react to the Musketeers' first loss of 2016-17. Xavier lost to Baylor, 76-61. The Enquirer/Pat Brennan

Xavier basketball's defensive prowess, or lack thereof, was the primary question being asked of the team as it departed the Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational last week.

The Musketeers' defense wilted over the course of three games in five days and ultimately bottomed out in a 102-86 loss to Arizona State, now the No. 20-ranked team in America according to the Associated Press.

It could prove to be the most inopportune of moments for No. 21-ranked Xavier (5-1) to have to reform its ranks as it begins on Tuesday a busy week…