By: Tom Eiser, Xavier Athletic Communications
CINCINNATI --- The Xavier University Musketeers, 11-2, open BIG EAST Conference play on Monday night at No. 10/9 Villanova, 9-2 and the defending BIG EAST Champion.
Xavier has enjoyed some success in BIG EAST Conference openers. XU is 5-1 in BIG EAST openers, including wins in each of its last three. This marks the third straight season and the fourth time in five years that Xavier has opened BIG EAST play on the road.
The Wildcats are coming off a home win over then-No. 1 Kansas, while Xavier is coming off a win at TCU.