down UMASS

AMHERST, Mass. -- Jordan Crawford scored 25 points to help Xavier defeat Massachusetts 87-79 on Wednesday night, staying on top the Atlantic 10 Conference and winning its fourth straight.

The Musketeers (16-6, 8-1) trailed 69-68 with 4:37 to go, before scoring nine unanswered points. Jamel McLean's free throw put Xavier ahead 77-69 with 2:48 left.

The Musketeers, the A10 leader in scoring at 79.8 points per game, outscored the Minutemen 22-6 in the first half to take a 32-19 lead. Crawford's layup capped the run with 8:05 to go until halftime.

Massachusetts (8-14, 2-6) wouldn't lead again until taking a 63-62 advantage on Anthony Gurley's free throws with 7:28 to play.

Terrell Halloway scored 16 points, Jason Love 15 and McLean 14 for the Musketeers.
Ricky Harris paced the Minutemen with 24 points. Javron Farrell added 12, Terrell Vinson 11 and Freddie Riley 10 for Massachusetts.

Xavier battles Dayton at UD Arena Saturday at noon with the action on 700 WLW.