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- Kris Dunn started fast for the Providence Friars. Dunn scored 7 of Providence's first 9 points. Dunn finished the half with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
- Speaking of starting, a new starting lineup was sent out by each team with Providence's Ed Cooley opting to replace freshman Jalen Lindsey with sophomore Junior Lomomba. Xavier's Chris Mack went with Remy Abell, Dee Davis, Myles Davis, James Farr and Matt Stainbrook.
- Stainbrook was solid early with some crafty maneuvers at the rim and equally crafty passes out of the high post. He picked up his 2nd foul with 6:09 to go and spent much of that final 6 minutes planted to the bench. He scored 6 points to lead Xavier but was just 3/10 from the field.
- LaDontae Henton started slow but picked it up to lead all scorers with 12 points and 5 rebounds in the opening stanza.
- Kyron Cartwright gave Providence some quality first half minutes, including 4 points off the bench.
- Both teams were woeful from 3-point land. The Friars and Musketeers combined for just 1/16 from downtown. Providence's Henton has the only made 3-pointer.
- Providence outrebounded the Xavier Musketeers, 18-10. Xavier is outscoring the Friars in the paint though, 18-10. Xavier has only made four trips to the charity stripe, converting half of their attempts. Providence has been 11 times and converted 7 of those. Xavier and Providence both turned it over 5 times but the Friars turned Xavier's turnovers into 8 points, while Xavier only scored a point off those Providence cough ups.