{
  "id": 18617981,
  "title": "Xavier rides defense to win over Eastern Michigan, 2-0 start",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/xavier-rides-defense-to-win-over-eastern-michigan-2-0-start",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-07T02:13:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/xavier-rides-defense-win-over-021333656.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On November 6, Xavier's defense propelled the Musketeers to a 76-53 victory over Eastern Michigan, beginning their season with a 2-0 record for the 19th consecutive year. Eastern Michigan's Jaiden Martin scored early in the game, but Xavier's defense stifled the Eagles for most of the first half. The Musketeers held Eastern Michigan without a basket for 10 minutes and 46 seconds, capitalizing on 13 turnovers to power a 21-2 run. Despite shooting just 35.7% from the field and the free-throw line, Xavier's defense held Eastern Michigan to a paltry 27.6% shooting (16-for-58). The Musketeers answered with 12 free throws and turned 22 turnovers into 25 points. Xavier's offense found its stride in the second half, with 36 of their 42 points coming from the paint. Headlined by Chance Westry's 13 points off the bench, 10 different Musketeers logged double-digit minutes and contributed to the win. Xavier will face Detroit Mercy on Tuesday, November 10, before a neutral site matchup against Mississippi State at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia on Friday, November 13.",
  "summary": "Xavier is 2-0 for the 19th consecutive season after a stellar defensive effort led to a victory over Eastern Michigan at Cintas Center Nov. 6.",
  "key_points": [
    "Xavier's defense stifled Eastern Michigan for most of the first half",
    "Musketeers held Eagles without a basket for 10 minutes 46 seconds",
    "Xavier won 2-0, beginning their season with a perfect start"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Xavier’s ability to convert defensive stops into easy points ensures their long-standing streak of early-season success continues even when their offensive shooting remains inefficient.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}