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#889 Xavier +18 over Purdue 7:30 PM CT

Purdue has elite offensive numbers this season in a 2-0 start looking for a redemptive season after the early tournament exit in March. The Boilermakers have scored 98 and 87 in a 2-0 start but the next two games will be much more difficult tests as Purdue is taking on a very tough non-conference schedule this season including games with Gonzaga, Alabama, and Arizona, in addition to tonight’s draw with Xavier. The Musketeers were a Sweet 16 team last season as a #3 seed and while the roster has received a significant overhaul from that veteran group, Sean Miller still has a lot to work with this season. Rice transfer Quincy Olivari steps into a big role and along with Western Kentucky transfer Dayvion McKnight this is a veteran backcourt. Freshman Dailyn Swain as a lot of potential as does Lithuanian import Gytis Nemeiksa as the front court will be able to hold up capably in this draw. Xavier hasn’t matched last season’s excellent 3-point shooting so far this season, but the 3-point defense has been impressive in a 2-0 start and the Musketeers are playing fast which will put some strain on Zach Edey and the Boilermakers, with Edey generally having a strict minutes limit. Two newcomers start for Purdue as replacing Brandon Newman and David Jenkins won’t be simple even if neither filled the box scores routinely. Purdue had a great non-conference record last season, but the three big tournament wins were neutral site games and Purdue’s best non-conference home win came by only five points last November. Xavier should be able to disrupt Purdue’s preferences by pushing the pace of this game as the underdog has some appeal at a price Xavier doesn’t see often given the consistent success of the program.