Xavier pulls away from Florida Gulf Coast, 71-57

CINCINNATI (AP) Three Musketeers scored in double figures, combining for 36 points, and James Farr pulled down nine rebounds as Xavier held off Florida Gulf

CINCINNATI (AP) Three Musketeers scored in double figures, combining for 36 points, and James Farr pulled down nine rebounds as Xavier held off Florida Gulf Coast, 71-57 on Sunday.

Remy Abell led the way with 13 points, with Dee Davis and Matt Stainbrook adding 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Myles Davis sparked a 10-3 first-half run, converting a pair of free throws and knocking down a 3 to start the spurt that ultimately gave the Musketeers (9-3) their first double digit lead at 19-9. By halftime it was a 14-point advantage, 43-29, and Stainbrook scored the first five points of the second half to push the lead to 48-33 less than three minutes into the period.

The victory moved coach Chris Mack (120-60) into a tie for third place on the all-time Xavier wins list.

Bernard Thompson and Julian DeBose each scored 17 points to lead Florida Gulf Coast (9-4).