Xavier University Athletics
Xavier University
Saint Louis
Musketeers Falter Against Billlikens at Cintas Center, 73-68
01.25.12 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 25, 2012
Box Score |
Quotes |
Notes |
Photo Gallery 
CINCINNATI -The Xavier men's basketball team fell to Saint Louis, 73-68, despite junior Mark Lyons scoring a career-high 27 points. The Musketeers were able to battle back in the second half, tying the game, but a late surge by the Billikens was too much to overcome.
With the loss, Xavier falls to 13-7 on the season and 4-3 in Atlantic 10 play. Saint Louis improves to 16-4 on the year and 4-2 in conference action. The Musketeers had its 43-game A-10 game home winning streak snapped by the Billikens. The last time Xavier had lost at home to a conference opponent was on Feb. 28, 2006 with a 68-58 loss to Saint Joseph's.
Lyons exploded for 22 points in the second half en route to his career-high 27 points. He was 7-of-12 from the floor, including 5-of-6 from long range and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Senior Tu Holloway was clutch again from the free throw line, going a spotless 14-for-14 from the charity stripe. With his 22 points, Holloway surpassed Gary Lumpkin and is now No. 16 on the Xavier 1,000 point club with 1,527 career points. Holloway also dished out five assists which gives him his third consecutive 100+ assist season. Junior Jeff Robinson was the leading rebounder for the Musketeers with six boards to go with 10 points.
The Musketeers shot 40.5 percent from the floor to the Billikens' 43.1 percent. SLU, who made seven treys in the first half could not connect in the second half from long range. Xavier finished the game shooting 90.0 percent from the free throw line to Saint Louis' 78.6 percent.
SLU lead XU in points in the paint (28-18), points off turnovers (16-13) and fast break points (8-2). Xavier held the advantage in bench points, 35-26.
The Musketeers mounted a 10-2 run, helped by two treys from Lyons, early in the second half to tie the game at 50 at the 10:20 mark. After that the Billikens went on an 8-0 run and never looked back. The closest the Musketeers would get is within three on multiple occasions.
As both teams heading into the locker rooms for intermission, SLU lead 41-29. Saint Louis was hot in the first half, shooting 51.7 percent from the floor to Xavier's 45.5 percent. The Billikens were 7-of-14 from 3-point range, while the Musketeers mustered 1-of-5 shooting from behind the arc.
Saint Louis was led by Brian Conklin who had 19 points. Rob Loe was the Billikens' leading rebounder with eight boards.
The Musketeers are next headed to Charlotte to take on the 49ers on Saturday, Jan. 28 for a 7 p.m. match-up. The game is set to be televised on Fox Sports Ohio. Stay tuned to GoXavier.com for more information on Xavier men's basketball.
