It’s been over 200 days since the Musketeers last took the court in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament… In case you need a refresher, here’s a quick guide for everything you need to know about Xavier basketball this year.
1. Let the Madness begin
This Friday kicks off Family Weekend here at Xavier which also marks the official start to the basketball season. To celebrate, we have Muskie Madness, a tip-off that showcases the 2015-16 basketball season. Come introduce yourself to the men and women’s basketball teams and join in the excitement.
Fan Fest starts at 5:30PM/Main event starts at 7:00 PM
Floor seating for the first 500 students and free entry for the public.
Full schedule of games can be found here.
2. Team 94
Ninety-three teams have come together before this year, but now we have these guys ready to take center court every week in the Cintas Center. With team 94 it is sure to be a good season. Get to know the full team here.
For the latest on XUMBB and behind the scene looks at the team be sure to follow their Twitter and Instagram.
3. Put me in coach
A former Xavier player, Chris Mack, is starting his 7th season as the head coach of the men’s team. Mack has led the team to three Sweet 16 appearances as coach.
4. OUR House
The show must go on, and here at X the show goes on in Cintas. Our home court advantage is INSANE. We win more than 87% of our games at Cintas. So take your spot in the student section and help cheer on the Muskies to a victory each week. (Tickets are free for all full-time undergraduate students; make sure to reserve yours online!)
5. One Musketeer (feat. Blue Blob)
Everyone knows we are Musketeers, but what about that blue little blob running around on the court? Yeah that’s the Blue Blob (you heard me right). Check out the mascot rolling across the court at games.
6. Our very own Bleacher Report
In my opinion, this is the best place to get your inside scoop and up-to-date Xavier basketball info. Follow them on Twitter or check out their website.
7. We get X-TREME
The X-treme Fans Board is a student run group that organizes the student section and some giveaways at games. But then again aren’t we all a little X-treme…
8. Rivalry in Cincinnati is more than one week
Around Cincinnati, you’re either a Musketeer or a Bearcat. And every year, Cincinnati sets aside one day strictly dedicated to that rivalry (aka the Crosstown Shootout). Being separated by only 2.7 miles, this makes Xavier-UC the closest power conference rivalry in all of college basketball. Mark your calendars, my fellow collegiettes, because the Shootout is coming back to Cintas for the first time in four years on December 12th.
9. Bigger is better
As of the 2013-14 season we are officially a part of the newly aligned Big East conference (Sorry UC).
Butler University (Indianapolis, IN), Creighton University (Omaha, NE), DePaul University (Chicago, IL), Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.), Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI), Providence College (Providence, RI), St. John’s University (New York City, NY), Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ), Villanova University (Philadelphia, PA) and your Xavier Musketeers make up the Big East Conference.
Conference play begins in late December, something you can’t miss. The Big East Tournament is held at Madison Square Garden in New York City every March.
10. We are GOOD
Winning is something we have become accustomed to in Norwood. Xavier has been to 13 of the last 15 NCAA tournaments and five of the last eight Sweet 16s. That puts us up there with the Duke’s and Kentucky’s of the world.
So here’s to hoping for another emotional but always exciting basketball season Xavier collegiettes, and remember…