Nov. 14, 2007

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CINCINNATI - The Xavier University women's basketball team will take on Penn State in the Musketeers' home opener set for Thursday, November 15 at 7 p.m.  The first 3,000 fans will receive a free Blue Blob Bobblebody courtesy of Wing Eyecare.  The Musketeers come into Thursday's home opener with a 0-1 record while the Lady Lions sport a spotless 3-0 mark.  Both teams are receiving votes in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll.     

XU in Home Openers
The Musketeers are 27-9 all-time in home openers.  The Musketeers have had much more success in home openers of late, winning 15 consecutive home openers dating back to a 99-68 victory over West Virginia on December 8, 1992.  XU's last loss in a home opener came on 12/3/91; an 83-81 setback to Ohio.  XU defeated Florida 86-70 in the 2006-07 home opener.

Xavier Not at a Loss
XU's loss to Louisville on November 30, 2006 marked the Musketeers' first two-game losing streak since the team dropped a 74-72 decision to No. 22 Maryland on December 4, 2004; a span of 66 games.  Since the Maryland game, XU is 23-1 following a loss.  Xavier lost its last game, 82-71, at Florida so the streak is back on the line.

New Magic Number
The standard of 80 points had stood as a key to a Xavier victory as the Musketeers won 39 straight when scoring 80 or more from 1999-2002. But since Kevin McGuff has taken over, a new magic number has been established. Xavier has gone 65-4 (.942) in five seasons under McGuff when scoring at least 70 points.  XU's only losses when scoring 70+ points were an 82-79 overtime loss at Richmond on 1/5/04, a 74-72 loss to No. 22 Maryland on 12/4/04, a 76-72 loss at Charlotte on January 3, 2006 and most recently the 82-71 loss to open up the 2007-08 campaign.

XU vs. the Lady Lions
The Musketeers lost the only previous meeting between these two squads, a 73-66 overtime setback in University Park, Pa. on December 7 of last season.  XU is 3-9 all-time vs. teams currently playing in the Big 10.

Harris Earns Preseason Accolades
After an outstanding rookie season, sophomore forward Amber Harris has been garnering a significant amount of award recognition.  Harris has been tabbed as a Preseason All-America Third Team selection by The Sporting News while also being placed on the Watch List for the prestigious John R. Wooden Award.  She also earned mention on the Preseason All-Atlantic 10 First Team after being honored as a First Team pick and Rookie of the Year last season.