The Saint Xavier University Cougars men's basketball team has been a dominant force in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I basketball landscape. With a rich history of success, the team has consistently produced talented players and achieved impressive wins. In this article, we will delve into the team's performance and highlights, showcasing their achievements and notable moments.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Saint Xavier University men's basketball team has a proud tradition of excellence, with a winning legacy that spans over four decades. The team has won numerous conference championships, including 12 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) titles, and has made several appearances in the NAIA National Tournament. Their commitment to excellence has earned them a reputation as one of the top programs in the NAIA.
Recent Success
In recent years, the Saint Xavier University men's basketball team has continued to excel, with several notable performances. During the 2019-2020 season, the team finished with a 25-8 overall record, including a 17-5 mark in conference play. They also made an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament, where they advanced to the second round, ultimately falling to the eventual champion.
Player Highlights
The Saint Xavier University men's basketball team has produced several talented players over the years, many of whom have gone on to achieve success at the next level. One notable example is Maxwell Land, a guard who played for the team from 2016 to 2020. Land was a three-time All-CCAC selection and was named the conference's Player of the Year in 2019. He also holds the school record for most career three-pointers made.
Coaching Staff
The Saint Xavier University men's basketball team is led by a highly experienced coaching staff, headed by Coach Tom Hayes. Coach Hayes has been at the helm of the program since 2006 and has led the team to numerous conference championships and NAIA National Tournament appearances. He is assisted by a talented group of coaches, including Associate Head Coach Tom O'Malley and Assistant Coaches John Efstathiou and Tim Lavelle.
Team Statistics and Rankings
The Saint Xavier University men's basketball team has consistently ranked among the top programs in the NAIA in terms of team statistics. During the 2019-2020 season, the team ranked 15th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 84.5 points per game. They also ranked 10th in the nation in rebounding margin, outrebounding their opponents by an average of 8.5 boards per game.
Championships and Accolades
The Saint Xavier University men's basketball team has won numerous championships and accolades over the years. Some notable achievements include:
- 12 CCAC conference championships
- 10 NAIA National Tournament appearances
- 2 NAIA National Tournament quarterfinal appearances
- 1 NAIA National Tournament semifinal appearance
CCAC Conference Championships
The Saint Xavier University men's basketball team has dominated the CCAC conference, winning 12 championships since the conference's inception in 1996. Their most recent championship came in 2020, when they defeated the University of St. Francis in the conference tournament championship game.
Notable Games and Moments
The Saint Xavier University men's basketball team has been involved in several notable games and moments over the years. One notable example is their 2019 matchup against the University of Pikeville, in which they came from behind to win 95-92 in overtime. The game was highlighted by a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Maxwell Land, which sent the game into overtime.
Gallery of Saint Xavier University Basketball Team
Conclusion
The Saint Xavier University men's basketball team has a rich history of success, with a legacy of excellence that spans over four decades. With a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and a commitment to excellence, the team is poised for continued success in the years to come.
FAQ Section
What is the Saint Xavier University men's basketball team's conference affiliation?
+The Saint Xavier University men's basketball team is a member of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC).
How many CCAC conference championships has the Saint Xavier University men's basketball team won?
+The Saint Xavier University men's basketball team has won 12 CCAC conference championships.
Who is the head coach of the Saint Xavier University men's basketball team?
+The head coach of the Saint Xavier University men's basketball team is Tom Hayes.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Saint Xavier University men's basketball team's performance and highlights.