The Fairfield Stags and the Xavier Musketeers meet Tuesday in college basketball action from Cintas Center. Fairfield is currently 0-2 following a loss to New Hampshire on Friday. As for Xavier, they’re 2-0 and fresh off a win versus Montana. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Fairfield opened up the year with a tough matchup versus Wake Forest. The Stags were down by seven at halftime and couldn’t make up any more ground in a 71-59 loss. Caleb Fields was the top team scorer with 14 points and four rebounds.
In game two versus New Hampshire, the Stags fell behind 43-35 by halftime. Fairfield scored 36 more points from there in an 83-71 loss. Fields was again the top scorer with 19 points and seven rebounds. James Johns added 13 points in 21 minutes as well.
Over on the Xavier side, their year began with a home matchup versus Morgan State. The Musketeers were up 50-26 by the break and cruised to a 96-73 win. Souley Boum was tops in scoring with 23 points. Jack Nunge added 16 points and eight rebounds.
Xavier continued to roll in game two versus Montana. The Musketeers boasted a 49-37 lead by halftime and ultimately won 86-64. Zach Freemantle topped the team on 18 points, and Nunge chipped in 15 points with four rebounds.
PICK: I’ve got to stay with Xavier. The Musketeers haven’t exactly been challenged yet, but they’ve posted a couple of strong victories in their first two outings. Xavier shot a scorching 64 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from 3-point range in their win over Montana, notching 23 team assists along the way in a dominant effort.
As for Fairfield, they probably should have been more competitive versus New Hampshire. Overall the Stags haven’t shown much life; it’s going to be a tough road before getting back for the December homestand. I don’t think Fairfield will hang around for long in this one.