Troy University Athletics
Xavier Battles Past Troy, 78-54
12/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Basketball (M)
Official Game Statistics
Troy vs. Xavier Game Notes
CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Bobby Dixon scored 18 points and dished out eight assists, but a 49-23 rebounding deficit help Xavier post a 78-54 victory over Troy Thursday night at the Cintas Center. Jacob Hazouri was the only other Trojan in double figures with 10 points.
Xavier (6-2) opened a 17-7 lead early in the contest and later led 34-21 with 6:05 left in the opening period. But Troy rallied over the next two minutes, using a 10-5 run to close the deficit back to single digits, 39-31 with 3:28 remaining. Dixon hit a three-pointer to start the run, then added a layup at the end.
The final 2:50 of the half, though, was the difference. The Musketeers effectively put the Trojans away, forcing turnovers on all three possessions while running off a 10-0 spurt. Stanley Burrell hit two free throws and a jumper, Justin Doellman grabbed three rebounds enroute to four points and Brian Thornton got a fast break layup.
Thornton led all scorers with a season-high 27 points, Doellman posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards and Burrell tallied 17 points, seven boards and six assists.
Xavier built the lead to 20 points twice in the second half before Troy mounted a rally. Trailing 57-37 with 15:28 remaining, Sammy Sharp dunked off an offensive rebound to start an 8-0. Dixon and Boo Ramsey each hit threes in the run.
The teams traded baskets before the Musketeers rattled off a 13-13 run that pushed the lead to 22 points. It reached 26 later in the half before settling at 24.
Troy shot just 37.9 percent for the contest, compared to 46 percent for Xavier. The big difference came in the rebounding department, wher the Musketeers held a 49-23 advantage.
The Trojans now have a week off for Christmas before returning to action at the Duquesne Holiday Tournament. Troy faces the host Dukes in the opening game, Friday, Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. (EST).
