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Xavier faces stiff Lehigh test in season opener

The Enquirer/Kareem Elgazzar

Xavier men's basketball had already turned its collective focus to Lehigh University by the time players and coaches ascended to the dais for post-game comments following Saturday's comfortable yet unrefined exhibition win against Ferris State University.

They turned the page quickly – a necessary move because upset-minded Lehigh figures to present a formidable challenge in Friday's season opener at Cintas Center.

"We've got to have a great week because we've got Lehigh, who's not a slouch," sophomore guard Edmond Sumner said following the Ferris State win.

In addition to the talented Lehigh squad tipped by many to represent the Patriot League in the NCAA Tournament, Xavier will have to cope with the excitement and accompanying pressures that arise naturally from preseason accolades and top-10 national rankings in both major, national polls.