By: Isabel Smith ~Staff Writer~

Following a vital 11-point road win over the Providence Friars, the Xavier women’s basketball team headed into the first weekend of February prepared to challenge two Big East opponents on home turf.

Xavier celebrated a win against Marquette but suffered a hard loss against DePaul.

The Musketeers first faced off against the Marquette Golden Eagles at Cintas Center, winning 91-72.

Xavier not only came out on top, but also set a season-high for points scored by getting within nine of the century mark.

The Muskies began with a powerful 12-3 run with a couple of 3-pointers, starting the game off with a punch.

The Golden Eagles rallied and were able to tie the game twice, the second tie at 26 points with 7:44 remaining.

Xavier was able to pull away from the competition and create a sizable lead.
Marquette posted some points with a 4-0 run, but the Musketeers would not relinquish the lead and held the score at 44-36 before heading into the break.
In the second half, the Golden Eagles were only able to get within eight points of the Musketeers.

Xavier eventually pushed the game out of reach with a double-figure lead that carried it to victory.

Xavier was able to outscore Marquette and even lead by as many as 23 points.
The impressive Musketeer effort was aided by notable performances from several players.

Junior forward Briana Glover demonstrated her on-court experience with a career-high 26 points and by going 6-6 from the foul line.

The team’s first double-double this season came from junior guard Jenna Crittendon with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Senior guard Maleeka Kynard also posted double figures in the game with 16 points.

Just two days after the victory of Marquette, Xavier returned to action for an early game against the DePaul Blue Demons.

The Musketeers walked away with an 87-63 loss after facing their Chicago rivals.

Xavier’s turnovers played a big role in the loss.

The Blue Demons were able to score 42 points off 29 Xavier turnovers.
DePaul held a 21-point lead at the end of the first half.

Xavier tried to make a comeback in the second half while shooting 65 percent, but the Blue Demons did not give up the lead.

Kynard displayed her talent this game as well, shooting 4-of-4 at the foul line, adding to her total of 15 consecutive free throws.

The Musketeers will face Georgetown on Feb. 13 in Washington, D.C. Xavier won the earlier meeting at home against