AMHERST, Mass. — Once again, Kevin Frey and Lloyd Price disappeared against Massachusetts.

        Price totaled just four points (1-for-8 shooting) and three rebounds, and Frey scored just three points on 1-for-8 shooting. In XU's other loss to UMass, Price totaled six points (2-for-8) and two rebounds, and Frey totaled seven points (1-for-6) and one rebound.

        “It's not just me and Kevin,” Price said. “It's a team win or a team loss.”

        XU coach Skip Prosser has said repeatedly he needs consistent production from Price and Frey. But both players have been troubled by injuries, and there have been just three games in which both scored in double figures.

        Frey's production seems especially essential. This season and last, XU is 23-2 when he scores in double figures, 17-14 when he doesn't.

        “I don't know why I couldn't get it going tonight,” Frey said.

        RPI TALK: Despite the trouble Xavier had filling out its nonconference schedule this season, that slate hasn't hurt it in the Ratings Percentage Index.

        Subtracting their games against XU, the 11 nonconference foes are a collective 134-106 (.550). XU's strength of schedule ranks 83rd in the RPI, sixth-toughest of the 11 A-10 teams.

        XU entered play Wednesday 24th in the RPI.

        “We tried to schedule teams we thought could help our RPI,” coach Skip Prosser said.

        Some have lived up to XU's hopes. Wisconsin (13th in the RPI) is 15-7, though it has won just five of its last 11 games. UC (31) is 16-7. Marquette (67), 12-10, leads Conference USA's American Division. Kent State (98), 17-7, leads the Mid-American Conference East. Princeton (118) is 11-8 and leads the Ivy League.

        Some couldn't match early expectations. Samford (189 RPI) is 12-11. Louisiana-Monroe (257) is 8-14. San Francisco (201) is 11-14. Toledo (73), 15-9, has fallen from a late-December perch atop the RPI.

        Eastern Kentucky (301) is horrid, just 3-16 against Division I teams. Miami (115) is improving, having won seven of nine to rise to 13-12.

        JACKSON FINALIST: XU signee Keith Jackson (Purcell Marian) has been named one of 100 finalists for McDonald's All-American honors. XU has never had a signee make the McDonald's All-American team.

        UP NEXT: XU plays host to Rhode Island (5-20, 1-11 A-10) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. XU beat URI 99-82 Jan. 13 in Providence.

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