Class 3A second-ranked Xavier raced out to an 18-2 lead in the first quarter and extended it to 38-17 at half, then coasted to a 71-48 victory over Ottumwa Tuesday night in a non-conference boys basketball game at Xavier.

Xavier (3-0) displayed an efficient offense and a half-court defense that simply did not allow Ottumwa to penetrate the lane for most of the first half.

Adam McDermott led the way for the Saints, scoring 21 points that included four 3-pointers.

“We try to attack by hitting the gaps of the defense or get the ball into (Matt) Nelson,” said McDermott.  “He either scores or gets the ball to us; he’s a really good passer.  I like to shoot the 3s and my team does a nice job of setting me up for them.”

Calvin Winker was the only other Saint in double figures with 11 points. Andrew Bisenius and Nelson score nine and eight, respectively.

“I have worked hard on my game,” said Winker.  “Good movement without the ball has helped me to get some really good looks at the basket.”

“We are always trying to improve,” explained Xavier Coach Ryan Luehrsmann.  “This is a mature group of guys and they have worked hard in the off season and continue to improve in games and in practice.  It is paying off, but we have to keep improving with each game to reach our potential.”

“Our kids understand how we need to approach the game and they play unselfishly," said Luehrsmann. "They know we need to improve as individuals and work to put it all together as a team.  We want to be known as a developmental program."

The Saints travel to Dubuque on Friday to play Hempstead.

OTTUMWA (48): Hopwood 1 2-2 4, Altfillisch 2 1-2 5, Schneckloth 0 0-1 0, Roane 2 0-0 6, Burns 5 7-9 18, SMoreland 3 3-5 10, Ryder 0 0-0 0, MMoreland 2 1-3 5, Walker 0 0-0 0, Rupp 0 0-0 0. Totals 19 14-22 48.

XAVIER (71): McDermott 8 1-2 21, Burger 2 0-0 5, Ramlo 2 0-0 4, Winker 5 1-1 11, Nelson 4 0-4, 8, Hill 0 0-0 0, Bisenius 4 0-0 9, Downey 2 0-1 6, Welch 0 0-0 0, Klosterman 1 0-0 3, Clasen 0 0-0 0, Hasley 0 0-0 0, Gradoville 1 0-1 2, Biermann 0 2-2 2. Totals 29 4-11 71.

Halftime – Xavier 38, Ottumwa 17. 3-point goals – Ottumwa 3 (Roane 2, Burns 1), Xavier 8 (McDermott 4, Burger 1, Bisenius 1, Downey 2). Fouled out – none.