Xavier Musketeers basketball game-by-game predictions for 2026-27

One year ago, there was not much nationwide optimism for a Xavier basketball program starting from scratch amidst a coaching change. Xavier was picked to finish eighth in the Big East.

Xavier found some momentum during non-conference play, going 8-3 with a win over Cincinnati in the Crosstown Shootout. Big East competition was a different story as Xavier went just 6-14 and finished tied for 10th in the conference.

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One year later, Xavier is working with a bigger budget for its program and loaded up its roster in the transfer portal, getting deeper, bigger and more experienced, along with a few key returning pieces and incoming freshmen.

After going 3-0 in exhibition contests, there’s optimism around Cintas Center with the start of the regular season coming up on Monday, Nov. 2.

More: Pitino says ‘selfish basketball’ led to Xavier’s 2nd-half struggles

More: Xavier wraps up exhibition play at 3-0. Why it matters.

Xavier basketball game-by-game predictions this season

Nov. 2 vs. Mount St. Mary’s (No. 295 KenPom) − Win

Xavier won three exhibition contests in three different ways. The Musketeers use the wake-up call it received against Kent State to win its 37th consecutive regular-season opener.

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Nov. 6 vs. Eastern Michigan (No. 175 KenPom) − Win

Xavier starts 2-0 for the 19th consecutive season.

Nov. 10 vs. Detroit Mercy (No. 291 KenPom) − Win

Xavier opens the season with three wins in three buy games.

Nov. 13 vs. Mississippi State (No. 69 KenPom) − Win

It’s Xavier’s first regular-season game away from Cintas Center, and the Musketeers hold off Mississippi State, which was picked to finish 15th in the 16-team SEC.

Nov. 17 vs. Cleveland State (No. 279 KenPom) − Win

Xavier returns home and beats up on one of the worst teams in the Horizon League.

Nov. 20 vs. Iowa (No. 43 KenPom) − Win

Wrapping up a home-and-home with Ben McCollum’s Hawkeyes, Xavier gets its revenge from last year’s 19-point loss in Iowa City. The Musketeers pull out a close win to improve to…

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Publish date : 2026-10-29 04:29:00

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