Patience and execution provided the difference as Xavier defeated Waterloo West, 63-47, in Mississippi Valley Conference boys basketball at Xavier Tuesday night.

“They have a high energy defense so we felt if we could show good patience on offense, move the ball, and reverse the ball we could create gaps and take advantage of them,” said Xavier Coach Matt Jenkins.

Xavier (5-8, 4-4) executed its game plan to perfection; right down to hitting 10 3-pointers and 15-of-16 free throws. An aggressive defense, coupled with offensive execution, provided a balanced attack for which West had no answer.

Brian Ropp came off the bench to lead the balanced Saints offense with 17. Ben McDermott put up 14 and Matt Mattke added 11.

“We tried to work the ball into the post and when they collapsed we would move back out to the perimeter.  They were paying so much attention to Matt (Mattke) and Ben (McDermott) in the first half that they were leaving me open,” explained Ropp.  "So I took my shots."

McDermott scored all of his points in the second half on four 3-point baskets and a pair of free throws.  He attributed his success to Ropp, who had three 3-pointers.

“When Brian showed success in the first half, they put more pressure on him and that freed me up in the second half,” said McDermott.

“Our offense was patient and did a nice job of executing, but our defense played with great intensity," said Jenkins.  “We have always had that kind of intensity, but now we are trusting in each other and feeding on each others' success.”

Dale Jones led all scorers with 21 points for Waterloo West (6-7, 3-6).  Malik Green had 14.

Xavier hosts No. 1 Iowa City West at 7:30 p.m. Friday and plays at Jefferson on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

WATERLOO WEST (47): Moore 2 3-4 8, Green 6 0-0 14, Mallett 1 0-0 2, Jones 7 4-4 21, Morgan 0 0-0 0, Hightower 0 0-0 0, Young 1 0-0 2, Smith 0 0-0 0, Roby 0 0-0 0. Totals 17 7-8 47.

XAVIER (63): Sampson 1 0-0 3, McDermott 4 2-2 14, Hosch 3 1-2 7, Valentine 1 0-0 3, Mattke 3 4-4 11, Ropp 5 4-4 17, Clasen 2 2-2 6, Nelson 0 0-0 0, Frazier 0 0-0 0. Totals 19 15-16 62.

Halftime — Waterloo West 25 Xavier 27. 3-point goals — Waterloo West 6 (Moore 1, Green 2, Jones 3),  Xavier 10 (Sampson 1, McDermott 4, Valentine 1,Mattke 1, Ropp 3). Fouled out -- Moore.