Men's Basketball Falls to No. 6 Houston at Cintas Center

Friday, December 1

Cincinnati, Ohio

6:30 p.m.

Xavier University

4-4,0-0Big East

Houston

8-0,0-0Big 12

Houston

Xavier

Men's Basketball Falls to No. 6 Houston at Cintas Center

12.01.23 | Men's Basketball

Box Score Photos Box Score (PDF)Season Stats (PDF)

Quincy Olivari leads the Musketeers with 17 points, Desmond Claude adds 14

By: Xavier Athletic Communications

CINCINNATI - Quincy Olivari and Desmond Claude hit double figures as Xavier men's basketball fell to No. 6 Houston, 66-60, at Cintas Center on Friday evening in the BIG EAST-Big 12 Battle. The Musketeers moved to 4-4 on the season.

Houston jumped out to an early lead, going ahead by as many as 12 in the first five minutes. Xavier chipped away at the lead with a 11-2 run to cut it down to a one-possession game with just under 10 minutes left if the first half. Houston would extend the lead back out to seven before Xavier used an 8-0 run to move in front, 25-24, with six minutes left in the first half. The Cougars moved back in front, taking a 36-31 lead into halftime. Quincy Olivari led Xavier with 11 first half points, shooting 3-of-5 from outside.

After Xavier cut the Houston lead to three to open the second half, the Cougars went on a 10-0 run to take their largest lead of the game at 46-33 less than four minutes into the half. Xavier responded with a 10-0 run of its own to cut it down to a one-possession lead, 46-43. The Musketeers chipped away at the lead, retaking the lead, 52-51, with 6:57 to play, but a 6-0 Houston run put the Cougars ahead for good.

NOTABLES

Quincy Olivari led Xavier with 17 points, connecting on four three pointers. Olivari also led Xavier with four assists.
Desmond Claude added 14 points and grabbed five rebounds.
Xavier finished with a 42-39 advantage, led by six for Dayvion McKnight.
The Musketeers held a 15-14 advantage on offensive rebounds but Houston outscored Xavier 18-6 on second-chance points.
Houston's LJ Cryer led all scorers with 23 points.

UP NEXT

Xavier remains at home for its next match-up, hosting Delaware on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Cintas Center. The Musketeers and Blue Hens are set to tip off at 6:30 p.m. on FS1.

HIGHLIGHTS