Golden Eagles handle Xavier, 81-72, on National Marquette Day

Despite allowing Xavier to shoot almost 55 percent, Marquette was able to get a huge win over the Musketeers on National Marquette Day, 81-72.

Xavier shot 54.2 percent for the game, but couldn’t get key stops when it needed to.

Marquette forced 19 turnovers, while only committing five of its own.

Xavier went on a 7-0 run after a Todd Mayo free throw with 6:43 left. Derrick Wilson ended the run by making one of two free throws.

After a pair of Mayo free throws, following Matt Stainbrook’s fifth foul, Xavier scored five straight points to make it 75-71 with 1:54 left.

Xavier’s Isaiah Philmore missed a wide open layup and then fouled Gardner, who promptly made two free throws to make it 77-71 with 1:19 left.

After Christon missed a pair of free throws, Jamil Wilson made both of his attempts to extend the lead to eight with less than a minute to play.

Jake Thomas hit six threes, including three in the first four minutes of the second half to stem a Xavier charge. Thomas finished with 18 points for the game.

Jamil Wilson and Davante Gardner each had 16 points, while Mayo chipped in 13.

Justin Martin led Xavier with 20 points.

Marquette led 39-29 at halftime on the heels of 11 forced turnovers and 10 assists on 15 made baskets. Jamil Wilson led Marquette with nine points in the half and Davante Gardner added eight.

Derrick Wilson played possibly his best half at Marquette, scoring six points and adding five steals and three assists. He also made three of his five shots.

The Golden Eagles limited Semaj Christon to six points in the half.

More to come.