CINCINNATI, OH -- Xavier unleashed a smothering defensive effort on visiting Miami Wednesday, keying a lopsided 82-55 Musketeer win over the RedHawks at the Cintas Center.
Xavier (4-3) showed no ill effects from its recent participation in the prestigious Maui Invitational Tournament. After an early Miami lead -- built on Bam Bowman’s inside scoring -- Xavier took over.
Some early foul trouble sent Bowman to the bench, but as much as anything, momentum shifted with Xavier’s pressure on defense. By game’s end, XU would post its 27-point win with the help of a 28-0 edge in points off turnovers. It also held Miami to 33.3 percent (17/63) from the field and 24.1 percent (7/29) on threes.
There were too many threes and too many turnovers, according to MU head coach Jack Owens. “We’ve got to get stronger with the basketball, and we can’t continue to … settle for perimeter shots,” he said.
Xavier matched Miami’s total of seven treys with 22 attempts (31.8%) and hit 33-of-61 overall (54.1%). The Musketeers also helped themselves with just three turnovers.
Muskie sophomore Naji Marshall led all scorers, hitting 7-of-10 from the field and 2-of-3 treys on the way to 17 points. Tyrique Jones connected on just 4-of-11 from the field but finished with a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds with the help of made five free throws. Paul Scruggs chipped in 12 points.
Bowman led Miami with 14 points. However, just one of those came after intermission. Abdoulaye Harouna came off the bench to contribute 14 points.
The RedHawks last lead was at 13:48 of the first period following a Nike Sibande tip-in. Xavier then went on a 14-3 run to grab a 27-17 advantage following Ryan Welage’s triple at 8:16.
After six straight Miami points, the Musketeers answered with 13 points to go up 40-23.
Xavier took a 42-28 lead into the break and quickly put the game away with a 10-1 blitz when play resumed.
➤➤ The RedHawks came into the game intent on scoring inside and hoping to match Xavier on the boards.
The inside scoring -- through Bowman -- was successful early. Rebounding, meanwhile, was one of the few Miami statistical advantages on the night. MU finished with with a 41-33 rebounding edge.
➤➤ The RedHawks top three scorers (Sibande, Brown, Lairy) combine for an average of 45 ppg. Xavier held the trio to 1 total points.
➤➤ MU was 6-of-11 from the charity stripe. Xavier hit 9-of-12.
➤➤ Steals have been a Miami strength under Owens, but Xavier had a 9-2 advantage in Wednesday’s game.
➤➤ Xavier holds a 54-48 lead in the all-time series with Miami and has won the last four meetings.