Thu Nov 21 00:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Xavier Musketeers Host Siena in Home Finale Before Tournament Play

CINCINNATI, OH – Riding high after a decisive victory over Wake Forest, the Xavier Musketeers (3-0) prepare for their final home game before heading to the Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament. They will face Siena College (3-1) Wednesday night at Cintas Center.

Xavier’s win over Wake Forest marked a significant milestone, showcasing the team’s potential after a season start described by head coach Sean Miller as having “peaks and valleys.” The Musketeers’ offense, particularly their three-point shooting (ranked No. 15 nationally), presents a significant challenge for Siena, who are allowing opponents a 40% success rate from beyond the arc.

However, Xavier’s defensive rebounding remains a concern, an area Siena, strong in offensive rebounding (No. 37 in KenPom), could exploit. The pace of the game will be a key factor; Xavier aims to play fast, while Siena prefers a slower tempo.

Siena, under first-year coach Gerry McNamara, enters the game with a 3-1 record, exceeding their win total from last season. Their leading scorer is Justice Shoats, a junior guard averaging 15.7 field goal attempts per game. Adding intrigue to the matchup is the presence of Reid Ducharme, a former Xavier player who transferred to Siena and will face his former team. Ducharme, despite starting all four games for the Saints, is averaging just 3.8 points.

While Xavier boasts key players like Ryan Conwell (18.8 ppg) and Zach Freemantle (18 ppg), the team’s consistency in rebounding and the offensive development of Marcus Foster (currently averaging under double-digits but contributing strongly in other areas) are points of focus.

The game tips off at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Cintas Center. Xavier holds a 4-1 all-time advantage against Siena.

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