SXU Forward James Stevenson driving to the basket SXU Athletics
SXU vs. Judson University (59-86) (L)
The SXU men’s basketball team clashed against Judon in a CCAC conference match on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at the Lindner Center in Elgin, IL.
After winning their last four games and their last two in dramatic fashion, they unfortunately fell to Judson59-86.
It was an off night for the Cougars as they could not get themselves going from the start on the offensive side.
Judson came out of the gate controlling the pace of the game. They went on a 5-20 scoring streak, putting SXU in a tough position to comeback. They shot 7-26 (26.9%) from the field entering the half and down 45-22. From 3, they were 3-12 (25.0%).
Saint Xavier did shoot better from the floor in the second half, 13-29 (44.8%), but from behind the arc shots just did not fall for the Cougars. They attempted 12 threes and only connected on one (8.33%).
The Cougars ended up shooting 20-55 (36.4%) from the field, but from three point land they shot a measly 4-24 (16.7%). From the freethrow line, they converted 15 from 25 (60.0%).
It was a season low from three for SXU, they just could not find their groove throughout the game from downtown.
Senior guard Steven Ukiteyedi recorded the most points with 18 for the Cougars. He also had eight rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in 18 minutes of action from the bench.
Junior forward Andre Brandon scored 13 points with four rebounds and one block in 24 minutes.
Junior guard Trey Ward played 28 minutes off the bench and finished the night with 10 points. This was his 4th game with 10 points or more this season. He added one rebound, two assists, one block, and two steals.
Marko Tojagic concluded with eight points, two rebounds, and a single assist. He played 20 minutes off the bench.
Senior guard Cedric Johsnon did not feature in this game for SXU.
Saint Xavier had some good looks on offense, but the ball was not going through the net, they were simply out-shot by Judson. The Eagles scored 42 points in the paint versus SXU who only scored 18.
SXU vs. Governors State University (77-64) (W)
SXU faced off against Governors State University on Saturday, Jan. 27 on Bob Hallberg Court at the Shannon Center.
Saint Xavier came out victorious with a 77-64 bounce back performance to get back in the win column.
SXU played a solid game, shooting much better from the floor. They took control of the game by taking a 10 point lead to start the second half. The Cougar’s gained their biggest lead of 19 with 3:50 left in the game.
The Cougars shot 30-55 (54.5%) from the floor, 6-13 from behind the arc (46.2%), and 11-15 from the foul line (73.3%).
There are concerns with the Cougars play, which was 24 turnovers. They have to make sure they take much better care of the ball as they advance through the season.
Freshman forward James Stevenson led the way for SXU, scoring 21 points along with eight rebounds, and one block in 33 minutes. Brandon closed out the afternoon with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, one block, and a steal in 30 minutes of play.
Tojagic scored 13 points in 11 minutes off the bench. He added three rebounds, and one steal.
Senior guard Julian Barr provided eight points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. An overall strong game for Barr in 19 on the floor.
Junior guard Sando Hill tallied six points, two assists, two rebounds, and two steals. Freshman guard Jordan Streeter finished with four points, two assists, one block, and a rebound.
SXU dominated the paint, they scored 44 to the Jaguars 26. The Cougars did a good job of getting to the paint and putting the ball in the net.
Saint Xavier’s record now moves to 13-7 overall, and 8-4 in conference. They stand in fourth place in the standings.
The Cougars next matchup will see them take on Trinity Christian College at the Shannon Center tonight, Jan. 31. Tip-off is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. They are hoping to start another winning streak.
*This article was updated on 2.8.24 to correct a spelling error in the headline*
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