Georgia 78, Xavier 77 — Charleston Classic

November 22, 2025 | TD Arena, Charleston, SC

Xavier falls to 3-3 | Georgia improves to 6-0

Xavier showed every bit of grit and toughness you could ask for Friday night in Charleston. Trailing by as many as 14 in the second half, it would’ve been easy for the Musketeers to roll over. Instead, they fought back, controlled long stretches of the final 10 minutes, and actually held the lead until the final 10 seconds — when Smurf Millender drilled a dagger three against a Xavier 2-3 zone that had held Georgia to 1–15 from deep over the first 19 minutes of the half.

All Wright’s clean look at the buzzer narrowly missed, and the Musketeers fell by one.

And while “moral victories” aren’t a common part of the high-major vocabulary, this season is different for Xavier. As I’ve said consistently to start the year: 2025–26 is about progress.

Tonight was another step forward — and, honestly, a sign that this group has the potential to steal some games people don’t expect.

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Box Score Breakdown

Xavier

Jovan Milicevic continued his emergence as arguably Xavier’s best all-around player. He finished with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal, though he did commit 3 turnovers.

Tre Carroll was again a stabilizing force, putting up 19 points, 10 boards, and an assist with 3 turnovers.

All Wright delivered a breakout performance: 17 points, including the massive go-ahead three in the final minute, plus 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and zero turnovers in 34 minutes.

Filip Borovicanin was a stat-sheet monster: 12 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and just 1 turnover in 33 minutes.

Malik Messina-Moore continues to do almost everything except score. He shot just 1-8 (1-4 from three), but still produced 6 points, 6 boards, 3 assists, a steal, and no turnovers. For Xavier to win games like this, his efficiency has to tick upward — but his impact is still felt.

The rest of the rotation struggled:

• Backup bigs Anthony Robinson and Pape N’Diaye played just 4 combined minutes and didn’t attempt a shot.
• Isiah Walker logged 7 minutes with 2 rebounds and no points.
• Roddie Anderson went 2-10 (0-3 from deep), but added 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and no turnovers in 19 minutes.

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Georgia

This was my first look at the Bulldogs this season — and I’ll absolutely be tuning in again. Mike White has built a strong, deep, athletic roster, and the style they play is genuinely fun.

Blue Cain led with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and an assist.
Smurf Millender added 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, including the decisive shot.
James chipped in 10 points, 7 boards, and 1 assist.

Beyond that, this team is balanced. Georgia had five players score between 5–8 points, and they rotate waves of athletes who defend, rebound, and compete.

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NKY’s Takeaways

1. Xavier is not a lost cause — Even in a rebuilding year

They’re streaky, especially from three, and that inconsistency cost them tonight. But the growth is real, and the belief should be rising.

2. Offensive structure is improving, but still a work in progress.

At times, the lack of defined set-piece offense leads to rushed shots or possessions with no clear direction. It’s better than it was, but still cost Xavier a couple of key possessions late.

3. Jovan Milicevic and All Wright are the building blocks.

Both are sophomores. Both are trending upward. And both are being trusted with bigger roles every game. Developing — and retaining — them is essential to the long-term plan.

4. Georgia is a tournament team if this is who they are.

Their athleticism and depth are very real. But their shot selection must improve. Xavier’s 2-3 zone invited long threes, and UGA was too willing to settle. Better teams will punish that.

5. Xavier must get something from Robinson and N’Diaye.

This is a looming concern that cannot be overstated. Milicevic can log 30–35 minutes most nights, but foul trouble or matchups could force Xavier to go deeper — and right now, there’s no reliable answer behind him.

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Big Picture

Through six games, Xavier has improved week-over-week. The record may not show it, but the direction of the program under this staff is clear.

This season is still a rebuild, and patience remains essential — but performances like tonight’s help reveal who the foundational pieces are, what the identity is becoming, and how far this team has come in a short time.

If they continue to take steps like this, the Musketeers will be far more competitive — and far more fun — than anyone thought two weeks ago.

Next Up: Xavier plays WVU at 3:30 on Sunday 11/23. Georgia will battle Clemson at 1:00 on Sunday 11/23 for the Charleston Classic title! Both games will be on ESPN.