Sports
By Luke Essig, Sports Editor
The Xavier Musketeers lost 75-70 to the Murray State Racers in their preseason opener at the Cintas Center on Oct. 18.
While they failed to win, the Musketeers showed some great flashes of potential that should encourage fans this season. With eight new transfers playing on Saturday, two stood out among the rest.
Tre Carroll’s size and physicality will be huge for Xavier this season.
Despite the loss, Xavier’s Tre Carroll, a transfer from Florida Atlantic University, led the game in points and assists, with 21 and 13. The six-foot-eight forward, rocking hair down past his shoulders, will undoubtedly be a rock for the Musketeers this season.
The electricity was brought in the first half when University of Virginia transfer Anthony Robinson slammed down two poster dunks within 10 minutes of each other. While the student section was not packed to capacity, the Cintas Center erupted as if it was. Accompanied by six rebounds, Robinson will be a force to be reckoned with at the rim this season.
Anthony Robinson brings an electric spark to a new Xavier team.
After a tumultuous offseason, Xavier fans appreciate the loyalty shown by Roddie Anderson III. A redshirt last season, Anderson III made his debut for the Musketeers Sunday. He who will soon be a fan favorite and a great story scored 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Not everything went as smoothly as the Musketeers would have liked. With new head coach Richard Pitino, there were some obvious growing pains.
The team shot 13.3% from three and let Murray State go on runs where they would extend the lead to up to ten points. Pitino was frustrated, but spoke in an encouraging post on X after the game.
“Thoughts on tonight. 1) The game doesn’t count. I repeat, the game doesn’t count! 2) Gotta finish at the rim better. 3). Game pressure was good for our guys. 4). Didn’t win the rebound battle. 5) Have to guard the 3 point line better. Back to work tomorrow!”
The accountability and transparency from Pitino after a demoralizing loss was highly appreciated by fans online. There are no doubts in and around Xavier basketball that they will put it all together before the season opener against Marist University on Nov. 3.
