Xavier University Athletics

Paul Scruggs Posts Game High 24 Points in Loss to Florida
11.24.19 | Men's Basketball
Xavier takes first loss of the season, falling 65-70 in championship game at the Charleston Classic.
CHARLESTONÂ - 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.Â
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Men's Basketball vs Florida by Xavier Musketeers on Exposure
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 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.Â
- 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.Â
- The Gators responded with a 7-2 run to give Xavier a 23-28 deficit heading into the final media of the half.Â
- 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.Â
- There were eight lead changes and six ties in the first half alone.Â
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 SECOND HALF |
- Paul Scruggs opened the second half with two quick three pointers to bring the Xavier deficit to nine, 35-44.Â
- 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.Â
- 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.Â
- The Gators went on a 8-3 run to extend their lead 53-66.Â
- 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.Â
- 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
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 NOTABLES |
- Paul Scruggs scored a season high in points with 24, shooting 10-22 from the field.Â
- Quentin Goodin tallied 11 points, shooting 3-4 from beyond the arc while grabbing five boards.Â
- Tyrique Jones finished the game with 13 points and seven rebounds.Â
- Naji Marshall and Jason Carter led the Musketeers in assists with four a piece.Â
- 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.Â
- Xavier turned 16 Florida turnovers into 16 points.
- The Musketeers outscored the Gators in points in the paint, 30-28.Â
- Xavier outrebounded Florida on the offensive end 10-5. Â
- Paul Scruggs and Tyrique Jones were both named to the Charleston Classic All-Tournament Team following the championship game.
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 UP NEXT |
- The Musketeers return to Cintas Center on Nov. 30 in a noon tip-off against Lipscomb. The game will be broadcast on FSN.Â
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 PHOTOS |
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Men's Basketball vs Florida by Xavier Musketeers on Exposure
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