GAME NOTES: The Xavier Musketeers will close out a season-opening four-game homestand at the Cintas Center on Monday night when they take on the Murray State Racers in non-conference action.

Since losing its season-opener at home on Nov. 14 to Houston, 77-74, Murray State has rebounded nicely with two straight wins to pull to 2-1 on the young season. The Racers most recently made easy work of Brescia on Thursday, 89-56.

Xavier has been practically flawless during its 3-0 start, winning each of its games by at least 18 points. The Musketeers had no problem dismissing defending Southland Conference champion Stephen F. Austin on Friday, 81-63, giving them 18 wins in their last 20 tries at the Cintas Center.

Murray State has defeated Xavier in all three all-time meetings, but the programs haven't met since 1955.

The Racers did what was expected of them against lesser competition in their most recent game, opening up the game on a 24-2 run and cruising to the 33- point win from there. They shot an impressive 50.8 percent from the field on the evening while holding Brescia to under 40 percent shooting. The biggest difference came in the turnover battle, as the Racers created 26 takeaways while committing just 13 miscues themselves. Pacing five teammates in double figures with 21 points was Jarvis Williams, who shot 9-of-11 from the field. Jonathan Fairell tallied a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, Cameron Payne also scored 15 and T.J. Sapp and Justin Seymour netted 10 points apiece.

Murray State has done a good job generating offense this season, as it scores 77.0 ppg on 45.3 percent from the floor, although it hasn't had much success from 3-point range (.273). Additionally, it plays great defense, allowing just 60.7 ppg. Williams is a nightly double-double threat with 19.7 ppg and 9.3 rpg, and he shoots an outstanding 65.7 percent from the floor. Payne is an excellent second option with 17.0 ppg.

The Musketeers ran out to a seven-point lead at halftime of their most recent game and never let go of that advantage in the second stanza on their way to the 18-point victory. They were red-hot from the floor from start to finish, connecting on just shy of 57 percent of their shots overall. Meanwhile, SFA was held to only 37.9 percent shooting. Matt Stainbrook was nearly perfect en route to 20 points, knocking down 8-of-9 from the field. Trevon Bluiett netted 16 points, Remy Abell scored 12 and Dee Davis logged nine points and 12 assists.

Unsurprisingly, Xavier has shown few flaws on either end of the floor during its hot start to the season. It shoots 58.4 percent from the field, including 39.3 percent from 3-point distance, for 90.3 ppg while allowing just 65.7 ppg. The squad also boasts impressive margins in terms of rebounding (+2.7) and turnovers (+4.0). Bluiett leads the way with 18.0 ppg on 67.9 percent from the field. Stainbrook (16.3 ppg) is off to an even hotter start shooting at a scorching 86.4 percent. Myles Davis (11.7 ppg), J.P. Macura (10.3 ppg) and Abell (10.0 ppg) round out a deep crop of scorers.

While the Racers' are a solid squad and should give Xavier a fight, the Musketeers are one of the nation's best home teams and will find a way to stay unbeaten.