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BIG EAST Conference preview: Title runs through either Marquette or DePaul

By Erica Ayala

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 14: Commissioner Val Ackerman addresses the media during the Big East Men's & Women's Basketball Media Day at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2015 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 14: Commissioner Val Ackerman addresses the media during the Big East Men's & Women's Basketball Media Day at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2015 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Head coach Brian Neal optimistic about young team

MILWAUKEE, WI – MARCH 04: Xavier Musketeers guard Na’Teshia Owens (20) drives during a Big East Tournament game between Xavier Musketeers and the Butler Bulldogs on March 04, 2017, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, WI. (Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – MARCH 04: Xavier Musketeers guard Na’Teshia Owens (20) drives during a Big East Tournament game between Xavier Musketeers and the Butler Bulldogs on March 04, 2017, at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, WI. (Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Xavier Musketeers have a sub-.500 record in head coach Brian Neal’s five-year tenure. Last season, they tied for ninth place, their worst finish since the 2013-14 season.

While head coach Brian Neal feels his team is the youngest and most inexperienced team in the league, there is nothing but upside. The Musketeers have nine underclassmembers suiting up this season, but Neal believes he has the most teachable team as he enters his sixth season.

Neal will test his young team early as they host Big Ten opponent University of Minnesota led by  Gophers and WNBA legend Lindsay Whalen. Xavier will also travel to Wake Forest and Cincinnati.

2017-18 Record: 16-16; Seventh place

2018-19 Preseason Poll: Tenth place

Key Returners:

Texas-native Na’Teshia Owens is the highest scoring returner from last season. She averaged 7.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. However, Owens will need to crank up production in her junior year if she and Xavier want to climb the BIG East polls. With no seniors on the roster, Neal will likely lean on her for leadership on and off the court.

Games to Watch:

Opening Game: Xavier at Chicago State – Wednesday, November 7 at 7:00 pm

University of Minnesota at Xavier – Wednesday, November 14 at 7:00 pm

BIG EAST Opener: Saturday, December 29 at Georgetown – 5:00 p.m on BIG EAST Digital Network (BEDN)

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