The Xavier Musketeers look to continue rolling Tuesday night as they host the Detroit Mercy Titans. This is Xavier’s final tune-up before their neutral site matchup Friday with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Despite the impactful game looming ahead, the Musketeers can’t look past the Titans.

Note: Freshman forward Asher Elson will be available for the first time this season

Get to Know the Titans

The Titans have started their season 0-1 under third-year head coach Mark Montgomery, picking up a 93-32 loss to Marquette. In their three exhibitions, they beat Grand Valley State 90-80, tied Alabama A&M 70-70 and lost to Wayne State 82-75.

In their season opener, they were led by the guard trio of Tyler Spratt, Ayden Carter and Lance Stone. Spratt managed 8 points and 2 rebounds, while Carter put up 7 points and 6 rebounds. Stone added 5 points, 2 boards and 4 assists. The Titans’ big men were practically non-existent against Marquette.

In KenPom, Mercy is currently ranked at No. 306 in the country. That puts them at No. 11 in the Horizon League. Their ranking also makes them the second-lowest rated team on Xavier’s schedule. Torvik has the Titans at 263, which puts them eighth in the Horizon. This rating makes them the third-lowest team the Musketeers are set to play.

Keys to the Game

Start Fast: The Musketeers started slow against Eastern Michigan. It took them a bit of time to regain a significant lead and shut down the Eagles’ chances of winning. This time around, they will be looking to pull away early and never look back, similar to game one versus Mount St. Mary’s.

Work Out Small Issues: Xavier has their first real test Friday night against Mississippi State. Tuesday night against the Titans is being viewed as a tune-up game for that matchup. The Musketeers should use this opportunity to work on and fix any small issues or mistakes that a Power Five opponent will not let happen. Specifically, preventing offensive rebounds and free throw shooting. Eastern Michigan grabbed 18 offensive boards against the Musketeers and Xavier shot only 60% from the line.

Build Rhythm: In games like these, a quick bucket or two can turn into a double-digit run. The sooner the Musketeers can explode on a run, the sooner the game will be solely in their hands.

Projected Starting Lineups

Xavier

G Tru Washington

Averaging 7.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.0 APG and 3.0 SPG

G Ruben Dominguez

Averaging 5.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG and 0.5 APG

F Filip Borovicanin

Averaging 9.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG and 5.0 APG

F Jovan Milicevic

Averaging 11.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 1.5 APG

F Mike Nwoko

Averaging 9.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 2.0 APG

Detroit Mercy

G Lance Stone

Averaging 5.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG and 4.0 APG

G Tyler Spratt

Averaging 8.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG and 0 APG

G Ayden Carter

Averaging 7.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG and 0 APG

F London Maiden

Averaging 0 PPG, 3.0 RPG and 0 APG

C Xavier Istomin-Monroe

Averaging 2.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 0 APG

Predictions

The Musketeers improve to 3-0 in easy fashion, as there is a significant talent gap between the two teams.

Our Prediction: Xavier wins 100-58

Torvik’s Prediction: Xavier wins 94-68

KenPom’s Prediction: Xavier wins 92-65