Dynamic Spirit: Unveiling the Heart of Xavier University Athletics

CINCINNATI – Freshman Meri Kanerva achieved a career-best 20 points in Thursday’s 65-60 defeat against DePaul at Cintas Center.

The Musketeers’ record stands at 5-9 (0-3 BIG EAST), while the Blue Demons improved to 7-9 (2-1 BIG EAST).

Xavier continues BIG EAST competition on Wednesday, Jan. 8, against No. 7 UConn. The game is set to tip-off at 7:30 p.m. from the XL Center and will be broadcast nationally on SNY.

 

SIGNIFICANT

• Xavier struggled during the first quarter, making only two baskets as the Blue Demons established a 20-8 lead after 10 minutes of play. In the second quarter, the Musketeers improved, shooting 53.8 percent (7-for-13) and outscoring DePaul by two points (19-17), reducing the deficit to 10 points (37-27) at halftime.
• The Musketeers fought back to get within one point on two occasions in the final quarter. A Meri Kanerva score with 6:05 remaining in regulation made it 54-53, yet DePaul outpaced Xavier, 11-7, to finish the game and secure the victory at Cintas Center.
• In the second half, the Musketeers outscored DePaul, 31-28.
• Meri Kanerva recorded a team and career-best 20 points on 7-for-18 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Additionally, she provided a game and career-high seven assists, marking her ninth career game with double-digit scoring.
• Aizhanique Mayo contributed 12 points on 4-for-9 shooting, including three 3-pointers, in 18 minutes off the bench. She also secured four rebounds, achieving 15 career games with double-digit scoring.
• Petra Oborilova completed the double-figure scoring with 11 points. She netted three 3-pointers, distributed five assists, and grabbed three rebounds, reaching double digits in scoring ten times during her career.
• Loren Christie led the team with nine rebounds, in addition to seven points and a game-high seven blocks. This marks the most blocks by a BIG EAST player this season and ties for 10th in the NCAA. The seven blocks also place her fourth in the history of the school’s single-game records.
• Irune Orio contributed seven rebounds, four points, and two assists in 24 minutes off the bench.
• Xavier concluded the game with a field-goal percentage of .396 (21-for-53) and converted 11-for-26 from beyond the arc. The Musketeers also recorded 7-for-15 from the free-throw line.
• Xavier matched its season high with 11 three-pointers made, equaling the same number against Temple on Dec. 21, 2024.
• Xavier restricted DePaul to a season-low field-goal percentage of .355 (22-for-62). The Blue Demons made 6-for-19 from three-point range and converted 15-for-23 from the foul line.
• DePaul dominated the rebounding battle, 40-36, and had a significant 26-8 edge in points gained from turnovers. The Blue Demons also managed four more second-chance points (17-13) than Xavier and led 26-18 in points scored in the paint.
• Additionally, DePaul outscored Xavier by nine fastbreak points (12-3). However, Xavier led with an 18-5 advantage in points contributed by bench players.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

IMAGES

Women’s Basketball vs DePaul by Xavier Musketeers on Exposure