The La Salle (Cincinnati, OH) varsity basketball team will be hosting St. Xavier (Cincinnati, OH) for a home conference game today at 7:30 p.m.

Matchup Details:

• St. Xavier @ La Salle
• Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

St. Xavier vs. La Salle: A Riveting Rivalry in Cincinnati Basketball

The rivalry between St. Xavier and La Salle is a staple in Cincinnati basketball, and this year, the matchups are intensifying. With the teams’ most recent faceoff happening on January 13, 2025, where St. Xavier triumphed with a dominant 41-30 win, there’s a lot to unpack as the season progresses.

Team Records & Rankings

St. Xavier (24-25) has had an impressive season, boasting a 14-3 overall record. Their performance in the league has been flawless, with a perfect 3-0 record in conference play. The team has been particularly strong at home, with an 8-1 mark, and they’ve managed to hold their own on the road, with a 3-0 record away from home. Their strong offensive play, with an average of 51.4 points per game (PF), is supported by solid defensive numbers, having allowed only 670 points (PA) this season. St. Xavier’s ability to win games both at home and on the road, along with their undefeated conference record, makes them a formidable force.

On the other hand, La Salle (24-25) has faced some struggles this season, holding a 10-7 overall record. Their conference performance has been disappointing, with a 0-3 record, and their away games have proven to be particularly challenging, having posted a 2-4 record in these matchups. Despite scoring 854 points (PF) this season, their defense has been leaky, giving up 749 points (PA). La Salle will need to improve its performance across the board to match the consistency shown by St. Xavier.

Head-to-Head History

The most recent matchup between these two teams came on January 13, 2025, where St. Xavier emerged victorious, winning 41-30 in a conference game at La Salle. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to put up points. St. Xavier dominated in the first and final quarters, outscoring La Salle 14-7 in the opening period and finishing strong with a 15-point output in the fourth quarter. La Salle could only muster 11 points in the final period, sealing their fate in this low-scoring affair.

Statistical Comparison

St. Xavier’s statistical advantages are evident across nearly every category. The team outperforms La Salle in scoring, averaging 51.4 points per game compared to La Salle’s 50.2. The gap is even wider in rebounding, where St. Xavier pulls down 26.5 boards per game compared to La Salle’s 21.1. St. Xavier also has the upper hand in assists (12.6 vs. 10.4) and steals (6.6 vs. 6.5).

Key Players

St. Xavier’s offense is led by Donovan Waleskowski, who averages 13.1 points per game, while Jacob Wassler provides both scoring and rebounding, pulling down 7.4 boards per game and contributing 2.8 assists per game. Wassler’s all-around play has been crucial to St. Xavier’s success, along with Brendan Deeley, who leads the team in steals with 1.8 per game.

For La Salle, Drae Arnold has been their standout player, averaging 12.7 points per game and leading the team in both assists (3.2) and steals (1.8). Brady O’Connor also provides a spark for the team, contributing 4.2 rebounds per game. However, La Salle’s reliance on Arnold and O’Connor hasn’t been enough to overcome their inconsistent play this season.

Common Opponents

When comparing both teams’ performances against common opponents, the contrast is clear. St. Xavier has a 2-0 record against teams like Archbishop Moeller and Elder, while La Salle has struggled, going 0-3 against those same opponents. This trend shows that St. Xavier has been the more dominant team when facing similarly tough competition.

Final Thoughts

As the season progresses, the rivalry between St. Xavier and La Salle will be one to watch. St. Xavier’s strong overall record, combined with their perfect conference record and superior team statistics, gives them a significant advantage in this rivalry. La Salle, however, will look to rebound from their tough losses and prove they can compete with one of the top teams in the city.

With another matchup between these two teams set for February 1, 2025, at La Salle, the outcome will be pivotal in determining how both teams head into the later stages of the season. Can La Salle find their rhythm, or will St. Xavier continue their dominance? Fans in Cincinnati are certainly in for an exciting game.