Xavier Musketeers’ Gritty Road Performance Sparks Hope Amid Challenging Season
In a heart-stopping BIG EAST showdown Wednesday night, Xavier University’s women’s basketball team nearly overcame a 15-point deficit before falling 68-65 to Butler at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. The Musketeers’ relentless effort – led by freshman standout Meri Kanerva’s 19-point performance – showcased their growing resilience despite extending their road losing streak to 33 games.
Game Highlights and Turning Points
- Fourth-quarter surge: Trailing 58-43 early in the final period, Xavier unleashed a 19-4 run capped by Júlia Garcia Roig’s clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 62-62 with 2:47 remaining.
- Defensive intensity: Forced 18 turnovers leading to 22 points, including 5 steals from senior guard Tae’lor Purvis.
- International flair: Finnish guard Kanerva (16.3 ppg last 4 games) combined forces with Spanish teammates Garcia Roig and Daniela López for 78% of Xavier’s scoring.
Historical Context and Progress
| Statistic | 2023-24 Season | 2024-25 Season |
|---|---|---|
| BIG EAST Wins | 0 | 1 (vs Butler Jan 18) |
| Avg Margin of Defeat | -22.1 ppg | -9.8 ppg |
| Freshman Scoring Leader | Aizhanique Mayo (9.8 ppg) | Meri Kanerva (12.1 ppg) |
Second-year coach Billi Chambers emphasized growth: “Our team showed championship-level fight tonight. We’re building something special here with our international recruits and local talent like MacKenzie Givens.”
What’s Next for Xavier?
- Feb 22: Home matchup vs #1 UConn at Cintas Center (SNY)
- March 1-4: BIG EAST Tournament in Uncasville, CT
- 2025 Recruiting: Currently ranked #14 nationally with three four-star commitments
