Gettysburg, PA – While visiting the historic battlefield of Gettysburg during a snowy drive from Cleveland, I reflected on the events of July 4, 1863, specifically a letter sent by Confederate General James Longstreet. He received a note from Union lines informing him that he had been wounded and captured, yet he humorously clarified that he was still alive and well. This poignant moment calls to mind the current situation surrounding Richard Pitino, the head coach of the Xavier Musketeers men’s basketball team.
Although Xavier has not faced outright losses, the performances in their first two games have raised concerns among fans and observers. With lackluster offensive displays and shaky defense, questions loom regarding the team’s trajectory. Like Longstreet had to assure his friends of his wellbeing, Pitino may find himself doing the same as he navigates the early season.
Pitino’s Musketeers are set to face Santa Clara, whose head coach, Herb Sendek, may have a nostalgic connection to Gettysburg, having grown up with tales of the Civil War. Santa Clara boasts a 2-0 record, though one of those wins came against a non-Division I opponent. Their most recent victory displayed their resilience, as they held their opponent in check despite some early struggles.
Xavier’s defense will be tested against Santa Clara’s leading scorer, 6-foot-7 Elijah Mahi, who has averaged 16.5 points per game. His ability to score off the dribble and shoot from beyond the arc makes him a significant threat. While Santa Clara struggled with shooting and turnovers in their opening game, they made up for it with impressive rebounding, grabbing nearly 60% of their missed shots.
The Musketeers’ defense against perimeter scorers has been shaky, allowing opposing players to thrive in the opening games, a trend they must reverse to avoid an upset in this matchup. Additionally, Xavier’s search for a consistent second scorer remains crucial, with Malik Messina-Moore currently leading the team in scoring, but with an overall shooting percentage that falls well below expectations.
The matchup hinges on three key areas: the performance of Tre Carroll, who needs to become the offensive force expected of him; the ability to score effectively inside the arc, where Xavier currently struggles compared to their three-point shooting; and forcing Santa Clara into turnovers, which may level the playing field for the Musketeers.
With both teams eager to prove themselves, Xavier’s home game against Santa Clara is poised to be pivotal, potentially establishing the direction of their season moving forward. As the Musketeers aim to solidify their identity, fans will be hopeful for a return to form in order to keep their perfect record intact.