RIDER GAMEDAY

Who: Rider (1-0) at No. 17 Xavier (1-0)

When: Monday, 8:30 p.m., Cintas Center, Cincinnati

TV/ Radio: FS1/ 107.7 FM The Bronc

Last Time Out: Rider def. Hampton, 90-75; Xavier def. Morehead St., 101-49.

Series History: First Meeting. This is an out-bracket game of the Las Vegas Invitational.

Big Game Hunting: Rider is looking for its first victory against a high-major opponent since a 77-57 victory over Southern California on Nov. 17, 2010 (the Broncs beat TCU three days later, but the Frogs weren’t yet part of the Big 12).

Opening Shot: The Broncs connected on 14-of-31 attempts (45.2 percent) from beyond the arc in their victory over Hampton. The 14 made 3s were more than in any game last season. Rider has to shoot a high percentage from beyond the arc if it has any hope of staying close to the Musketeers. Jordan Allen, who was 5-for-12in the curtain raiser, is the main threat from long range, as is Tyrei Randall off the bench. Window Shopping: Can Rider compete on the glass? The Broncs, whose tallest player is 6-9 Tyere Marshall, were plus-8 on the boards against Hampton and grabbed 19 offensive boards. Both Marshall (10 and 12) and Frederick Scott (15 and 14) posted double-doubles. Xavier finished plus-9 on the glass against Morehead State in its opener, but he Musketeers also had a 38-point lead at halftime. Scouting Xavier: The Musketeers have won 31 straight nonconference home game, making a tall task nearly impossible. All-America candidate Trevon Bluiett had 25 points on 9-for-12 shooting in the opener. Xavier shot 67.9 percent for the game, while clamping down defensively by holding the overmatched Morehead State to 23.7 percent. J.P. Macura was 6-for-7 from the floor and scored 18 points. Rider is better than Morehead State, but stopping the Musketeers will be difficult.