IOWA CITY, Iowa (Interstat) — The undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes will look to continue their strong start when they host the Xavier Musketeers in a nonconference men’s basketball game Friday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Iowa (2-0) has won its first two games by an average of 25.5 points, most recently a 77-58 victory over Western Illinois on Nov. 7. Guard Bennett Stirtz leads the Hawkeyes, coming off a 24-point, seven-assist performance.

Xavier (2-1) arrives in Iowa City seeking to rebound from its first loss, an 87-68 defeat to Santa Clara on Monday. Despite the loss, Roddie Anderson scored 29 points and Tre Carroll added 21 for the Musketeers.

The game presents a contrast in early-season momentum. Iowa’s defense has held opponents to an average of 63.5 points, while Xavier is looking to tighten up after allowing 87 points in its last outing.

This is the first significant test for the Hawkeyes, who opened with home wins over Robert Morris and Western Illinois. For Xavier, the matchup begins a challenging stretch before opening Big East play next month.

Tipoff is set for Friday night. Iowa hosts Southeast Missouri State on Tuesday, while Xavier returns home to face Old Dominion on Nov. 18.