No. 16 Xavier Falls to Villanova at Cintas Center

Tuesday, February 21

Cincinnati, Ohio

6:30 p.m.

Xavier University

20-8,12-5Big East

Villanova

14-14,8-9Big East

Villanova

Xavier

No. 16 Xavier Falls to Villanova at Cintas Center

02.21.23 | Men's Basketball

Box Score Photos Box Score Season Stats

Souley Boum led four Musketeers in double figures

By: Xavier Athletic Communications

CINCINNATI - No. 16 Xavier men's basketball had a look at the game-winner in the final seconds, but were unable to move in front before the final buzzer, falling 64-63 to Villanova at Cintas Center on Tuesday evening. Souley Boum had 17 points to lead four Musketeers in double figures as Xavier moved to 20-8 overall and 12-5 in BIG EAST play.

After trading baskets for the first two minutes, Xavier used an 8-0 run to move in front, and built the lead out to as many as 13 in the first half, going into the half up six, 36-30, after Souley Boum hit a three at the buzzer. Boum had 12 first half points to lead all scorers in the first 20 minutes.

Xavier scored four points to open up the second half, extending the lead to 10, Xavier's largest lead of the second half. The Wildcats chipped away at the lead over the next 10 minutes, with the Wildcats taking the lead with nine minutes remaining, VU's first lead since the first two minutes of the game. After trading the lead over the next five minutes, the Wildcats extended the lead out to five, 64-59, going into the final two minutes. Xavier score four unanswered and had a look for the win in the final seconds, but were unable to move in front, falling 64-63.

NOTABLES

Souley Boum finished with 17 points after leading the Musketeers with 12 points in the first half.
Jerome Hunter finished with 14 points, shooting 5-of-6 from the floor and 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
Jack Nunge finished with 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the season.
Adam Kunkel added 10 points for the Musketeers.
Colby Jones added four points, seven boards and a game-high seven assists.
Xavier had a 14 turnovers, with 10 coming after the half, leading to a 19-2 advantage on points off turnovers for Villanova.