Naji Marshall took control of the game in the second half and led the Xavier Musketeers to a 84-71 win over the University of Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix.
The Musketeers are tuning up for their big rivalry game against the University of Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday at 5:00 pm.
The Musketeers will take a two-game winning streak and a record of 8-1. The Phoenix will play at Eastern Illinois on Saturday.
Perhaps the Musketeers were looking ahead. Travis Steele was unhappy with the effort even in the win.
"Our heads weren't in the game on either side of the ball," Steele said. "That's on me. I have to figure these guys out. The tape doesn't lie. There is no sensitivity in our film sessions. We need to do a better job or we are going to learn the hard way. I don't want to learn the hard way."
Green Bay slowed the Musketeers down and made them look out of sync in the first half. Xavier used its depth and strength to wear down the Phoenix and win what turned into a physical game.
"For the most part we did what we wanted to do, keep it packed in and make them hit jumpers. I thought the guys in the first half did a great job of executing it," Phoenix coach Linc Darner.." In the second half, they decided to slash and drive get it to the rim and then go get the rebound. They are a lot bigger and stronger than we are. I thought our guys did a great job. They only had four offensive rebounds in the first half. They had 14 in the second half."
Marshall notched 12 points in the first half on by hitting four of six shots, including a 3-pointer and making all three of his free throws. He matched the point total in the second half, making all four shots from the field. His 24 points was the game high.
Tyrique Jones scored 14 points and pulled in 14 rebounds, seven of which were on the offensive glass. It was Jones' fifth double-double of the season and 16th of his career. Paul Scruggs scored 4 1points and Quentin Goodin added 11 points.
Although turnovers were down for Xavier, they had trouble scoring early in the first half. They built an eight-point lead near the middle of the first half to build an 38-30 lead but Green Bay closed out the first half with a 5-0 run. Will Chevalier missed a 3-pointer at the first half buzzer that would have tied the game. Xavier took a 38-35 lead into halftime.
Green Bay freshman, Amari Davis from Trotwood Madison near Dayton, led his team with 19 points. He scored 28 in the Phoenix last game against Montana State.
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