Report: Xavier will begin Big East play on the road against defending champion UConn

Four days after the all-important Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout, the Xavier Musketeers will face an even tougher road test to begin conference play.

According to a report from CBS Sports’ Reporter Jon Rothstein, Xavier will start the Big East portion of its schedule on the road against the UConn Huskies Dec. 18.

The remainder of Xavier’s Big East schedule is expected to be released later this week.

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UConn head coach Dan Hurley, a lifelong Cincinnati Bengals fan, was the Ruler of the Jungle for Week 1 at Paycor Stadium on Sunday.

Hurley, who turned down an offer this summer to jump to the NBA and become the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, has led UConn to back-to-back national championships.

Last season, Xavier’s trip to Hartford, Connecticut was a mid-season tragedy as UConn obliterated the Musketeers, 99-56. The 43-point defeat was Xavier’s worst loss this century.

Xavier went 0-3 against UConn last season, losing a competitive game at Cintas Center, 80-75. In the Big East Tournament quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden in March, UConn used a big second half to run past Xavier, 87-60.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Xavier basketball to begin Big East season against UConn