By: Isabel Smith ~Guest Writer~

On Sept. 9, the 2014-15 Xavier men’s basketball schedule was released, including the season’s Big East conference games.

The schedule looks appealing for Musketeer fans, as 11 of the 17 home games are weekend matchups. Once again, most games will be shown on television this year.

After yet another return trip to the NCAA tournament by earning an at-large bid as one of the last four teams in, Xavier looks to build on last season’s success. The incoming freshman class for the Musketeers is sure to be the most highly talented recruiting class in school history.

These freshmen will need to perform at a high level to keep Xavier competitive in the Big East.
Xavier opens its regular season with a game against the Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks on Nov. 14 at Cintas Center.

The Musketeers’ early schedule also features competition in the Wooden Legacy in Fullerton, Calif., with many high caliber teams including, University of Texas-El Paso, Princeton University, University of San Diego and the University of Washington. Important nonconference road games include Missouri and Auburn.

Xavier’s Big East Conference opener will be an exciting matchup against the Georgetown Hoyas on New Year’s Eve at Cintas Center.

Other highlights include games against crosstown rival Cincinnati (Feb. 18 at UC), 2014 Big East Champion Providence (Jan. 22 at PC and Feb. 7 at XU) and 2014 Big East Regular Season Champion Villanova (Jan. 14 at VU and Feb. 28 at XU).