Crossword Genius

Needing games, expert reacts with ace number 2? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excreta

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'2?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'needing games expert reacts with ace number' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'ace' could be 'a' (abbreviation) and 'a' is located in the answer.
'number' could be 'xc' (XC is an example) and 'xc' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for excreta that I've seen before include "motion" , "waste" , "Ordure" , "Discharge" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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