If you’re looking for the Xavier basketball score today, here is the reality: the Musketeers don't have a game scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026. They are currently in a short "reloading" window after a statement win earlier this week.
Xavier’s last time on the hardwood was Wednesday, January 14, when they absolutely dismantled Butler 89–75 at the Cintas Center. That game wasn't just another notch in the win column; it was a signal that Rich Pitino’s squad has finally found its rhythm after a rocky start to the conference season.
Xavier Basketball Score Today: Breaking Down the Butler Win
Honestly, the scoreline doesn't even tell the whole story. Xavier jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. They led by as many as 23 points in the second half.
Tre Carroll was the undisputed star of that matchup. He finished with 29 points and 9 rebounds, essentially bullying the Butler frontcourt for 40 minutes. When he's playing like that, Xavier looks like a completely different team.
It wasn't a solo effort, though. The Musketeers had five players in double figures.
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- Malik Messina-Moore: 15 points, 9 assists
- Filip Borovicanin: 14 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds
- Jovan Milicevic: 14 points (6-of-9 shooting)
- Roddie Anderson III: 11 points, 7 rebounds
Passing the ball has become this team’s superpower. They finished the game with 18 assists on 35 made field goals. That kind of unselfishness is exactly what Rich Pitino preached when he took the job.
The Turnaround at Cintas Center
Prior to this week, things were looking a bit shaky. Xavier had dropped games to DePaul and Marquette, leading some fans to wonder if the transition to the Pitino era was going to be a long, painful rebuild.
Then came the Providence game on January 10. Xavier won that one 97–84. Suddenly, the offense clicked. Between the Providence win and the Butler blowout, the Musketeers have averaged 93 points over their last two games.
The defense is still a work in progress—they're giving up more points than coaching would like—but when you're shooting nearly 50% from the floor, you can afford a few defensive lapses.
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What’s Next for Xavier?
Since there isn't a Xavier basketball score today, fans are already looking ahead to the next big test. The Musketeers have nearly a week off to prepare for a brutal road trip.
They travel to Omaha to face Creighton on Wednesday, January 21. That is a 7:00 PM ET tip-off on FS1. Creighton already handed Xavier a massive 98–57 loss back in December, so this is a major revenge game.
After that, they return home to face St. John's on January 24. It’s a make-or-break stretch for their Big East standings.
Why the Butler Win Matters
Xavier is currently sitting at 11–7 overall and 3–4 in Big East play. Before this two-game win streak, they were buried near the bottom of the conference. Now? They’re middle-of-the-pack and climbing.
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The most impressive stat from the Butler game? Points in the paint. Xavier outscored the Bulldogs 50–34 inside. They also dominated the fast break, 29–16. They are playing fast, aggressive, and—most importantly—confident basketball.
If you are tracking the Xavier basketball score today to see where they land in the latest bracketology, they still have work to do. They need a "Quad 1" win, and beating Creighton on the road next Wednesday would be exactly that.
Actions to Take Now
If you're a die-hard Musketeer fan or just a bettor keeping an eye on the Big East, here is what you should be doing while the team is off:
- Watch the Creighton Tape: If you can, go back and look at how Creighton shut them down in December. Xavier’s ball movement has improved significantly since then, and seeing how they handle the Bluejays' pressure next week will be the ultimate litmus test.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Roddie Anderson III has been a workhorse, reaching double figures in every Big East game so far. Keeping him and Tre Carroll healthy during this practice week is vital.
- Check the Standings: Keep an eye on Seton Hall and Villanova scores this weekend. Those are the teams Xavier is currently chasing for a top-tier spot in the conference tournament.
Xavier is officially a "buy" right now. They’ve covered the spread in their last two outings and finally look like the team people expected at the start of the season.