Xavier Soars Over Eagles

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The Xavier Musketeers built a sizeable lead at halftime but had to hold on to top the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 71-57.

The Eagles trailed by 17 at the break but battled to within eight in the second half.

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"We responded and didn't let it get to us," said senior Matt Stainbrook, who scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Xavier 9-3. Stainbrook made four of his six shots to improve on his 65.5 percent field goal percentage which is fifth in the nation.

"When you come back from Christmas break, you work on a lot of things. And you have the confidence factor after a loss (in overtime at Auburn)" Xavier coach Chris Mack said. "One of the things we must do is defend. There point guard is leading the nation in assists for a reason."

Brett Cromer has 708 assists the most by any active player in the NCAA.  Cromer was credited with nine against the Musketeers.

Remy Abell led the Musketeers with 13 points.  Dee Davis added 12.

James Farr had a game-high nine rebounds before leaving with under four minutes left in the game with cramps.

Bernard Thompson had a career-high 17 points.  Thompson is the only active player with 1,500 points, 500 rebounds and 225 steals.

"Remy Abell is our best perimeter defender," Mack said. "When he went out to get a rest, Thompson hit a couple three's.  When a shooter gets confidence."

Mack follows his 120th career win with a meeting with Georgetown on New Year's Eve at 10:00 pm. Mack is tied with his predecessor, Sean Miller, who is the head coach for No. 3 Arizona.