Xavier: 66

Marist: 62

In the opener to the Richard Pitino era, Xavier fans got a bit more than they bargained for from the Red Foxes. Jovan Milicevic had a couple of clutch plays to end the game and push the Musketeers over the top. 

Cintas Center, Cincinnati Ohio, Attendance of 9,776! 

Date: 11/3/2025

I want to highlight Xavier’s defense, especially the eleven steals and 2 b locks this team generated, that defense led to 15 points off of turnovers and this likely pushed them over the edge to win the game. Xavier also did very well at drawing fouls, however, they shot 72% from the FT line. Overall, Marist, while very competitive just didn’t do enough to get over the hump at the end of the game. 

Top Performances: 

The Player of the Game for either team was #4 Rhyjon Blackwell for Marist. He almost singlehandedly willed the Red Fox back into the game in the 2H. He ended with 24/4/0. 

Marist also had double digit performances from Elijah Lewis (15), and Jadin Collins-Roberts (11). They rebounded the ball well with Lewis having 7, Collins-Roberts and Jaden Daughtry having 6 each. They ended the game with 2 more rebounds (33) than Xavier (31). 

For Xavier: 

Malik Messina-Moore led the team with 16 despite a 1-5 performance from 3. He did go 7-7 from the FT line. He added in 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. He turned the ball over once in 37 minutes of action! 

All Wright and Jovan Milicevic had 14 a piece. Wright added 1 rebound and 3 assists in 27 minutes while Milicevic added 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Wright had a steal while Jovan had a block. All Wright did not turn the ball over while Jovan had 1 TO. 

Also notably, Roddie Anderson had a 7/4/4 performance with 2 steals and 1 turnover. 

Anthony Robinson anchored the post with 5 rebounds, but only added 4 points. However, he had a team leading 3 steals and he added a blocked shot. 

Tale of the Tape

Shooting Splits: 

Xavier was 18-53 (34%)/7-26(27%)/23-32(71.9%)

Marist was 21-44 (47.7%)/3-10 (30%)/17-25(68%)

Xavier, while maintaining their up-tempo style turned the ball over 11 times, while Marist had 18 turnovers. 

Marist won the points in the paint battle 28-16, and the fast break points break down 7-6. However, Xavier did win the points off turnovers battle 15-8. 

A Positive and A Negative

First and foremost: Xavier fans need to realign their expectations for this year. This team is completely new and a brand new coaching staff. Have some patience with this squad.

All Wright and Jovan Milicevic were positive surprises tonight. Jovan had the look of a guy who was willing to step up in those critical moments and never appeared scared to take the shot. For All Wright, his scoring punch (especially the 4 3’s) really lifted this team at some crucial times. All is a sophomore and has a lot of ball ahead of him. If he can keep the turnovers down and play serviceable defense, Xavier has found their PG of the future! 

Filip Borovicanin only played 12 minutes, went 0-5 from the field, had 1 rebound, 1 assist and a turnover. HE shows some flashes of a really solid player at times, but this team needs more from him. 

Next Up

• Next for Xavier: Thursday, 11/6/25 vs. Le Moyne at 7PM on ESPN+
• Next for Marist: Sunday, 11/9/25 @ Dartmouth at 2PM on ESPN+