an, want to be winning but to entertain equally as much too. I

CINCINNATI -- Seventh-ranked Xavier allowed an average of 83 points in its first five games.But, in the past two contests, both against Northern Iowa -- one of the nations best 3-point shooting teams -- the Musketeers gave up only 59 and 42 points, respectively.Defense was a struggle for Xavier at times last season, too. But, it appears this seasons team is beginning to figure things out at that end of the floor.I dont worry about offense, I never do, said head coach Chris Mack. Well figure out ways to score. Were going to have those nights when we dont. But if we defend at this level, well be in most every game we play.The Musketeers finally get to face a new opponent when they host North Dakota State on Tuesday night (6:30 p.m. ET) at Cintas Center.Among the keys to the turnaround is the maturation of point guard Edmond Sumner, a dynamic offensive player whos taken some time to develop into a quality defender. He held Northern Iowas hot shooting guard Jeremy Morgan scoreless in the first half of Saturdays 64-42 win.Edmond a year ago was lost off the ball, said Mack. Hes grown up a lot.Xavier (6-0) played Northern Iowa twice in six days -- in the championship game of the Tire Pros Invitational in Orlando (won by Xavier 67-59) and in Saturdays regularly scheduled matchup at Cintas Center.It was the first time since 1960 that the Musketeers played the same non-conference opponent in consecutive games.Now Xavier faces an opponent it has never met.The Bison (5-2) are coming off a 64-50 loss to Missouri State on Sunday in which they couldnt overcome a 17-point halftime deficit. North Dakota State got 19 points from sophomore guard Khy Kabellis and Paul Miller finished with nine, but it never was closer than 10 points after halftime.The Bison boast one of the nations top 3-point shooters in junior guard A.J. Jacobson, although he connected just once in Sundays loss. He is 14-of-18 from beyond the arc this season. The Bison shoot 36 percent as a team from 3-point range.Kabellis getting on a roll bodes well for North Dakota State. He scored 13 of his points in the second half and was 3 of 7 from 3-point range Sunday.It was nice to see him get going, Bison coach David Richman told the Fargo Form. We needed that from the start though, from everybody.The Bison will need contributions from everyone if they are going to be competitive against Xavier, a top-10 Big East Conference opponent on the road.The Musketeers are firing on all cylinders, led by J.P. Macura, whos averaging 17.7 points and 3.5 assists. Guards Trevon Bluiett and Sumner both are averaging better than 16 points per game.Xavier must not get caught looking ahead to Saturdays clash with No. 9 Baylor in Waco, Texas.Good teams lock in on the challenge and the moment, said Mack. Custom Nike St. Louis Cardinals Jerseys . -- Linebacker Myles Jack ran for four touchdowns, defensive end Cassius Marsh caught a scoring pass, and No. Custom Nike Atlanta Braves Jerseys . The 28-year-old from Calgary matched his career best after missing just one shot in his two rounds of shooting in the mens 10-kilometre sprint competition. Smith finished in 23 minutes 15. https://www.customnikebaseballjerseys.com/ . A knee to the thigh might have stung him the most, but his sixth straight double-double made up for the brief burst of pain. Custom Nike Baseball Jerseys Sale . SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. Custom Nike Baseball Jerseys Outlet . The Olympic champion curler and TSN curling analyst immediately went online to look at the Halls long list of honoured members. Thats when the enormity of the honour sunk in.Peter Schmeichel says Manchester United have bored him to death this season and manager Louis van Gaal has taken the club backwards. The former United No 1 said the tactics employed by the Dutchman are in direct contrast to those employed by Sir Alex Ferguson, under whom Schmeichel played more than 400 times.Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Schmeichel said: Manchester United - a club that love and have followed since I was a kid - have bored me to death this season. We are one of those clubs that has been dragged in completely the wrong direction. We never used to play football the way we play now. We never played for 1-0 and then defend. We always went for the second goal and the third. Van Gaal has gone against the ethos of Man Utd, according to Schmeichel All the hard work that Sir Alex put in to recover what was there from Sir Matt Busby has been undone in a very short period of time. I, as a fan, want to be winning but to entertain equally as much too. I want exciting players. Referencing rumours linking Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the club, Schmeichel said he would love United to sign the Paris Saint-Germain striker, despite his agent Mino Raiola denying to Sky Sports News HQ that a deal has been offered. Louis van Gaal admits Manchester United have not reached his expectations this season, but the Dutchman says the players are making progress I read about Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the newspapers.dddddddddddd I would love for him to come to Manchester United, Ive said this for a long time. He was born to play for Manchester United.Hes like an Eric Cantona, who can inspire all the guys in the dressing room but also the supporters. Thats what its all about. Its not about having a Sunday nap at Old Trafford. Also See: Souness: United need Ibrahimovic Sky Live: Man Utd v Bournemouth No United offer for Zlatan, says agent Agent reveals busiest clubs ' ' '