Xavier kicked off the new season last night, absolutely demolishing Mount St. Mary’s with a 97-52 victory at Cintas Center, extending their nation-leading streak to 37 consecutive season-opening wins. This wasn’t some nail-biter, folks; this was a statement. The Musketeers came out with high expectations for the 2026-27 season, and they did not disappoint, dominating in every facet of the game from tip-off.
A New Season, A Different Vibe
Remember last year? It was a grind. Xavier had to scratch and claw for a tight 66-62 win over Marist in their opener. Marist wasn’t even a powerhouse, finishing the year at No. 201 in KenPom with a 19-12 record. That kind of opener was a preview of what was to come, with Xavier finishing under .500 at 15-18 for the second time in three years. But this year? Forget about it. The new-look Musketeers absolutely blew the doors off their opponents. They dropped 97 points. *Ninety-seven*. Against 52. That’s a 45-point beatdown. No scratching, no clawing, just pure dominance. It’s the kind of performance you want to see when you’ve got high expectations rolling into a new year.
The Streak is Real, and It’s Getting Louder
Thirty-seven consecutive season opener wins. Let that sink in for a second. That’s not just a streak; that’s an institution. For context, the next longest streaks in the nation belong to Texas Tech, East Carolina, and Duke, all tied at 27. Xavier isn’t just winning these games, they’re owning them. To come out with that kind of dominant performance, especially after a couple of tough seasons, shows this team means business. Jovan Milicevic is back, and the roster is looking ready to make some noise. This isn’t just about winning one game; it’s about setting a tone, making a statement that the Musketeers are back and ready to compete.
This is just the start, folks. That 45-point margin isn’t just a number; it is a sign. With expectations sky-high, this kind of statement game sets the tone for everything to come. We are ready to see what these new-look Musketeers can do.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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