Preview: Struggling Saint Francis (PA) Visits Xavier in Nonconference Finale CINCINNATI (Interstat) — The Xavier women’s basketball team looks to carry momentum into the heart of its Big East schedule when it hosts winless Saint Francis (PA) in a nonconference finale Sunday at Cintas Center. The Musketeers (7-3) have won three straight, including a 77-70 victory at crosstown rival Cincinnati on Dec. 7 and a 64-57 home win over Long Island on Tuesday. Forward MacKenzie Givens has been central to that surge, averaging 21.0 points over the last three games. She scored 25 points with eight rebounds against Cincinnati and followed with 18 points and three blocks against Long Island. Xavier’s defense has been key during the streak, holding opponents to an average of 58.0 points. They face a Red Flash team mired in an 0-8 start. Saint Francis (PA) is coming off a 46-69 loss at Maine on Nov. 29, its seventh defeat by double digits this season. The team has struggled offensively, failing to reach 55 points in five of its eight games. A bright spot for the Red Flash has been forward Bati Assefa, who is averaging 7.0 rebounds over her last five contests. She posted seven rebounds in consecutive games against Iona and Maine. Guard Aleah James led the team with nine points in the loss to the Black Bears. Historically, this matchup has been one-sided. Xavier holds a 7-0 all-time record against Saint Francis (PA), with the last meeting an 85-48 Musketeers victory on Dec. 15, 2022. For Xavier, this game serves as a final tune-up before Big East play intensifies. The Musketeers open their conference slate at Butler on Dec. 19. Saint Francis (PA) continues a difficult road stretch, visiting Pittsburgh on Dec. 18 before opening Northeast Conference action in January. Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon. Xavier will be a heavy favorite against a Red Flash squad still searching for its first win and facing one of its toughest opponents of the season.