Paul Scruggs Posts Game High 24 Points in Loss to Florida

Sunday, November 24

Charleston, S.C.

8:30 PM

Xavier University

6-1

Florida

5-2

Florida

Xavier

Paul Scruggs Posts Game High 24 Points in Loss to Florida

11.24.19 | Men's Basketball

Box Score Box Score Season Stats Photos

Xavier takes first loss of the season, falling 65-70 in championship game at the Charleston Classic.

By: Laura Topp, Xavier Athletic Communications

CHARLESTON - Despite erasing a 17-point deficit, Xavier drops first game of the season to the Florida Gators, 65-70 in the Charleston Classic Championship on Sunday night. Paul Scruggs led all scorers with 24 points with one block and one steal. Quentin Goodin shot 4-9 from the field and contributed 11 points. Tyrique Jones went 5-7 from the line and tallied 13 points with seven rebounds.

FIRST HALF

After a quick Florida jumper to open the first 20 minutes, Paul Scruggs responded with a quick and-one to give Xavier its first lead of the night.
Naji Marshall found Tyrique Jones across court for the lob and alley-oop to put the Musketeers up 5-4.
Paul Scruggs and Tyrique Jones combined for a 9-4 Xavier run to give the Musketeers a 21-19 advantage with 6:20 remaining in the half.
The Gators responded with a 7-2 run to give Xavier a 23-28 deficit heading into the final media of the half.
Florida closed the half going on a 12-6 as they lead the Musketeers 29-39 at the break.
Tyrique Jones led all scorers at the half with 10 points and five rebounds.
There were eight lead changes and six ties in the first half alone.

SECOND HALF

Paul Scruggs opened the second half with two quick three pointers to bring the Xavier deficit to nine, 35-44.
Zach Freemantle contributed to Xavier's 7-0 run with two back-to-back buckets in the paint to keep the deficit within 10 at the 12:59 mark.
Naji Marshall found Quentin Goodin for the layup in transition to bring Xavier closer, 48-54 with 10:21 left in regulation.
Paul Scruggs responded to Florida's two made free throw with a bucket outside the paint, 56-50 Florida.
The Gators went on a 8-3 run to extend their lead 53-66.
After a Florida shot clock violation, Naji Marshall found Quentin Goodin for a contested three, bring Xavier within five, 62-67, with two minutes remaining.
The Musketeers outscored the Gators in the final seven to make it a one possession game, but Kerry Backshear sealed the game with a pair of free throws, 65-70 Florida

NOTABLES

Paul Scruggs scored a season high in points with 24, shooting 10-22 from the field.
Quentin Goodin tallied 11 points, shooting 3-4 from beyond the arc while grabbing five boards.
Tyrique Jones finished the game with 13 points and seven rebounds.
Naji Marshall and Jason Carter led the Musketeers in assists with four a piece.
The Musketeers shot an impressive 80 percent from the line, going 12-15 throughout the 40 minutes.
Dontarius James contributed two defensive rebounds for XU.
Xavier turned 16 Florida turnovers into 16 points.
The Musketeers outscored the Gators in points in the paint, 30-28.
Xavier outrebounded Florida on the offensive end 10-5.
Paul Scruggs and Tyrique Jones were both named to the Charleston Classic All-Tournament Team following the championship game.