By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

It was only a brief scrimmage Saturday night, but Musketeer Madness at Cintas Center offered a glimpse of the depth Xavier University will play with this season.

Playing in front of Xavier fans for the first time, freshmen Justin Cage and Justin Doellman each made significant contributions during the 30-minute scrimmage and demonstrated their ability to compete for playing time, if not starting roles, this season.

Doellman scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds. Cage scored 15 points. A third freshman, Brandon Cole, who redshirted last season, grabbed six rebounds.

"It's very important for us because we're adding depth," said Xavier coach Thad Matta. "Those guys can come in and make plays for us offensively and defensively. It's a huge thing because it also gives us great competition in practice every day."

Doellman, who played at Ryle High School, scored on multiple offensive rebound putbacks and passed well in transition.

HOOP VISION: Junior Keith Jackson performed most effective in transition offense Saturday, getting several dunks on the fast break. He also hit a pair of turn-around jumpers in the half court set despite playing with a cut on his eye.

RECRUIT WATCHES: Indianapolis Ben Davis junior Kyle Duncanattended Musketeer Madness with his high school coach and a teammate. The visit was unofficial and was limited to watching the scrimmage. Duncan has visited Bowling Green, Western Kentucky and Illinois.

ANKLE AGGRAVATION: Point guard Dedrick Finn reaggravated an ankle injury and sat out the end of the scrimmage. He is not expected to miss practice.

TICKETS ON SALE: Single game tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Tuesday for remaining tickets to regular-season games at Cintas Center. Several hundred tickets are left for the Dec. 28 game against Elon and the Feb. 28 game against Duquesne.

Less than one hundred tickets remain for all other games. Tickets can be purchased through the arena box office or Ticketmaster at 562-4949.

Tickets for the Feb. 3 Crosstown Shootout are not available.