Xavier 99, Old Dominion 69
Cintas Center | 9,326 | 11/18/2025
Xavier delivered its first truly positive performance of the season on Tuesday night, cruising to a 30-point win over Old Dominion. After four straight games where even the wins felt flat, the Musketeers finally put together a complete effort — and they did it in historic fashion.
Xavier became just the second Big East team in the last 15 years to have four players score 20+ points in the same game, a feat that only one team in the country accomplished last season.
A Complete Performance at Last
From the opening tip, Xavier looked like a different team. The Musketeers were faster, more physical, more connected, and clearly more prepared to dictate the game’s tempo. Richard Pitino’s system is built on pace, toughness, and constant pressure, and for the first time this year, Xavier fully leaned into that identity.
Old Dominion — which plays at the 243rd-fastest tempo nationally — was visibly gassed midway through the first half. Xavier, the 82nd-fastest team, pushed the tempo relentlessly, and ODU never matched the pace or physicality.
Four 20-Point Scorers
Xavier’s offensive explosion was driven by four different players reaching the 20-point mark:
All Wright — 20 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl
A defensive menace all night and incredibly efficient. Just one turnover.
Tre Carroll — 20 pts, 5 reb, 7 ast, 1 TO
His best all-around performance to date. Played under control and made winning plays all night.
Roddie Anderson III — 20 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast, 2 TO, 1 stl
Set the tone early. Attacked the lane with purpose and defended at a high level.
Jovan Milicevic — 20 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast, 1 TO, 2 blk, 1 stl
Arguably the most important development for Xavier’s long-term outlook.
Jovan Milicevic: The Missing Link
Across the last two games, Milicevic has emerged as the stabilizing force Xavier desperately needed in the frontcourt. His 15-point outing against Iowa was limited by foul trouble, but his efficiency and confidence have continued to grow.
It’s important to remember: he’s just a sophomore with two more years of eligibility after this season. His size, feel, and shooting touch provide exactly what Xavier lacked early in the year. His development — and keeping him on the roster — is absolutely vital for 2025 and beyond.
Filip Borovicanin: The Glue Guy
Borovicanin posted a terrific 9/5/7 line with 1 block, 2 steals, and zero turnovers. His defensive presence and length consistently cover for others, and while he won’t lead the team in scoring, he is the connector that makes both ends of the floor function. Simply put: Xavier struggles without him.
Pape N’Diaye’s Encouraging Minutes
N’Diaye played just nine minutes, but they were meaningful — 5 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. He’s starting to look like he belongs on the court. He still loses a few balls he should secure, but his rim protection and instincts are rapidly improving. He won’t be a high-usage player, but he’s developing into a solid guy in spot minutes.
The Anthony Robinson Situation
After logging 24, 27, and 27 minutes to start the season, Robinson has played only 8 and 6 minutes the last two games.
It’s clear Pitino is sending a message: effort and attitude are non-negotiable. Robinson’s minutes early in the year came with moments where his motor looked inconsistent.
Against ODU, though, he responded — 5 points (all FTs) and 4 rebounds in just six minutes. Xavier needs him in the long run. Milicevic can’t anchor the frontcourt alone, and Robinson’s physicality is crucial. If this version of him sticks, Xavier’s ceiling rises significantly.
Key Team Stats
Turnovers / Transition
- Xavier forced 14 turnovers and committed just 9
- 23–9 advantage in points off turnovers
- 25–11 edge in fast-break points
This was Xavier playing in rhythm and dictating pace, not reacting to it.
Rebounding
- 48–28 rebounding advantage
- 19 offensive rebounds
This is where Xavier’s physicality showed up most dramatically.
Ball Movement
- 29 assists on 33 made field goals
This is the most connected — and unselfish — Xavier has looked all season.
Three-Point Shooting
- 16-for-36 (44%)
Spacing looked dramatically better with Wright, Carroll, Milicevic, and Moore sharing the floor.
Final Thoughts
This was the first game where Xavier looked like a recognizable, fully functional team — the version fans hoped to see this season. For this to become the norm, two things must remain consistent:
- Share the basketball
- Be the more physical and aggressive team every night
With the Charleston Classic up next, Xavier will face Georgia before seeing either Clemson or West Virginia. If the Musketeers can bottle up Tuesday’s energy and connectedness, they’ll have a real chance to leave South Carolina with a win or two.
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