Back to the Xavier Musketeers Newsfeed

Xavier's defense faces tough tests at Creighton, Butler

A Xavier basketball program that prides itself on defense has surrendered an average of 82.5 points in its last two games.

The No. 6 Musketeers allowed 83 points to St. John’s and 82 to Marquette, a pair of teams not known for their high-octane offenses. The last time Xavier (21-2, 9-2 Big East) held a team under 70 was Jan. 30 at DePaul.

“I think (defense has) taken a back seat a little bit. I don’t think we’ve made a point of emphasis as a team,” sophomore Trevon Bluiett said.

“I think we’ve kind of strayed away from that, and that’s something that we need to get back to going in towards the end of the season just because we know defense wins championships.