The Musketeers are off to an encouraging start this season. How far can it take them?

With a last-second shot to give Xavier the 74-73 win over fellow Big East opponent Providence on Sunday, the Musketeers have now hit two game winning field goals this season. They currently sit at 10-2 overall and in fifth place in their conference.

The clinching basket was at the hands of freshman Colby Jones who dedicated the shot to his grandpa. “My teammates and coaches really put their arms around me,” said Jones after the game. “I’m thankful I hit that shot to make him proud. I’m sure he’s watching over me.”

The two losses this season came back-to-back against No. 13 Creighton and Seton Hall. Besides those slips, head coach Travis Steele’s team has delivered emphatic victories (last month against Oklahoma comes to mind), close wins (over Eastern Kentucky and Toledo) and in heated contests (notably in the Crosstown Shootout to the Cincinnati).

Casual basketball fans from the Tristate may choose to make the Musketeers the team they follow this season. The Cincinnati Bearcats (3-6) are struggling to put together any momentum, while Dayton (6-3) no longer looks to be the dominant force it was a year ago.

If they continue to improve, the foundations are being laid for a successful season. Xavier is fourth in points per game, third in rebounds per game and second in steals per game in the Big East. They are conference leaders in assists and blocks per game as well.

Xavier will try to continue their undefeated calendar year when looking for revenge over Seton Hall on Saturday. Although unlikely to be a dominant team this year, it’s up in the air whether Xavier can carry this form with them into the Big East Tournament—and, possibly, beyond.