Tu Holloway struggled with his teammates in the first half but rallied to take over against Western Michigan on Friday at the Cintas Center.
Trailing by nine points at halftime, Xavier was in danger of losing its first ever Cintas Center opener in the 10-years of the building's existence.
The Broncos won 18 games last season and built a nine-point lead at the break by boxing out on the defensive boards and taking care of the basketball. Their guards held Holloway to 1-for-5 from the field in the first half.
But Holloway took control of the game and scored 20 or his 25 points after WMU built an 11-point advantage with the first score of the second half.
"The bigger the moment, the bigger Tu plays," Xavier coach Chris Mack said.
Xavier is missing two veteran players in addition to the loss of leading scorer, Jordan Crawford and leading rebounder Jason Love. Brad Redford, tore the ACL in his knee in pre-season practice and Jamal McClean broke a bone under his eye socket in an exhibition game.
Holloway had to step up when the going got tough.
Western Michigan had only four turnovers and allowed Xavier just one offensive rebound in the first half but seven turnovers and seven offesive rebounds by the Musketeers, cost the Broncos the upset.
"Our problems came on the offensive end," Western Michigan coach, Steve Hawkins said. "When we started turning the ball over, we became disorganized in transition. Holloway showed what he can do late in the game. He took over. He was very aggressive."
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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