Xavier has won 7 straight, off to strong start in inaugural Big East season

Xavier guard Semaj Christon scores against Butler in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, in Cincinnati. Christon led Xavier to a 79-68 win with 20 points. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) (The Associated Press)

Xavier center Matt Stainbrook (40) blocks a shot by Butler forward Kameron Woods (31) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) (The Associated Press)

Forward Isaiah Philmore spent last night sleeping on a too-small couch in the Xavier locker room.

Burst pipes in a dorm sent a half-dozen Musketeers scurrying for places to sleep in the early-morning hours Wednesday. They were getting ready to move into a hotel short-term while trying to keep up on the court.

Other than the flood waters, the Musketeers (12-3, 2-0 Big East) have had a smooth transition to their new league. They've beaten St. John's and Butler to start conference play, extending their winning streak to seven games.

They're tied for second with No. 8 Villanova, a game behind Creighton. They host Marquette (9-6, 1-1) on Thursday night.

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