Xavier gets tough early-season test against Mississippi State

After a month of success, Xavier men's basketball faces a challenging early-season test against Mississippi State in the Greenbrier Tip-Off. The Musketeers, led by their second-year head coach Richard Pitino, have won their first three exhibition games and their last three games by an average of 37.7 points. They will be up against a Mississippi State team that has also won its first three games this season, averaging 95.3 points per contest while shooting 52.4% from the field.

Xavier's defensive tactics will be centered on slowing down Mississippi State's star player Josh Hubbard, who has been an instrumental part of the Bulldogs' scoring, scoring 22.1 points per game last season and is currently 142 points away from becoming the school's all-time leading scorer. Another key aspect for Xavier will be controlling the boards, as Mississippi State has the fourth-highest offensive rebounding percentage in the country.

Xavier, however, has shown their prowess in this department with two impressive defensive games, but they will be unable to afford any lapses in their rebounding battle. In a small arena such as Colonial Hall, Xavier's defensive intensity and height advantage will play a crucial role in their quest to secure a 4-0 start in the season.