By: Isabel Smith ~Staff Writer~

After an exciting home overtime win over Robert Morris on Nov. 30, the women’s basketball team fell short of the same success in two road games against St. John’s University and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).

On Dec. 3, Xavier traveled to New York for its Big East opener against the St. John’s Red Storm where Xavier lost 65-42.

Junior forward Briana Glover led the Musketeers in scoring for the second straight game and had her sixth game of the season in double figures.

The Muskies held the lead at 8-4 before St. John’s went on to score six unanswered points and gain a 10-8 advantage. Glover added a layup, creating the third tie of the period.
St. John’s held its largest lead of the half at 21-12 until the Musketeers hit a streak to get within three points at halftime.

St. John’s came back ready to play and went on a 10-2 run to open the second half, leading to its first double figure lead of the game.

Xavier continued to fight, but the Red Storm eventually extended its advantage to 20 points with less than four minutes remaining before ending with a final score of 65-42.
Four days following this season’s inaugural Big East match-up, the Musketeers headed to Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Dec. 7 to face the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders in a non-conference contest.

Middle Tennessee began the game with power and hit eight of 10 shots, putting 19 points on the board within the first six minutes.

The Blue Raiders held a lead as big as 25 before XU went on a scoring spree and posted nine unanswered points to narrow the margin to 16 (46-30).

In the second period, Middle Tennessee remained in the lead by double figures. Xavier added 13 turnovers to bring the total to 27 turnovers against MTSU.

The Muskies couldn’t over come their opposition and fell 90-68.
Again, Glover led the team with 16 points and freshman guard Kindell Fincher showed her strength with 13 points.

Sophomore guard Raeshaun Gaffney had 10 points and four rebounds and assists.
The Musketeers resume play on Dec. 10 in Cintas Center as they face the Monmouth Hawks.