Xavier vs. Villanova recap: Wildcats blow Musketeers away

Well, that was unexpected.

Villanova is incredibly tough to beat at The Pavillon (37 straight wins), but I don't think anyone foresaw the Wildcats (11-2, 1-0) defeating the sixth-ranked Xavier Musketeers (12-1, 0-1), 95-64.

Xavier was dealt an early blow as point guard Edmond Sumner took a terrifying spill following a drive to the basket in the first two minutes of the game. The Musketeers led 5-4 at the time of Sumner's injury, which was the last time they led in this contest.

Without Sumner, Xavier looked entirely out of sorts. They committed a season-high 19 turnovers, got into early foul trouble, and had horrendous play all around.

James Farr was the only Musketeer able to get anything going. He had 15 points and seven rebounds.

The Wildcats were led by Ryan Arcidiacono's season-high 27 points and career-high tying seven three pointers.

Arcidiacono was one of five Villanova players in double figures. Josh Hart had 15, Kris Jenkins had 13, Daniel Ochefu had 12 (and 10 rebounds), and Phil Booth had 10.

Villanova returned to their three-point shooting ways, and it paid off for them, making 13 of 25 shots from beyond the arc.

Jalen Brunson, hampered by a "stomach virus" was limited in his performance in Thursday's game, but still finished with nine points.

Up next for the Wildcats, they'll travel to Omaha to face the Creighton Bluejays on Saturday night as part of the Big East Tip-Off Marathon.

Xavier, on the other hand, will return home and welcome the Butler Bulldogs to Cintas Center on Saturday afternoon.