CINCINNATI (AP) — J.P. Macura scored a career-high 20 points and hit a pair of 3-pointers down the stretch Saturday, rallying No. 6 Xavier to a 90-82 victory over Marquette.
The Musketeers (21-2, 9-2 Big East) have won five in a row and six of seven against the Golden Eagles (15-9, 4-7), who led throughout the second half before Macura led Xavier's comeback. He had back-to-back 3s that put Xavier ahead to stay with 2:55 to go.
Trevon Bluiett had 23 points and a career-high eight assists. Edmond Sumner had 20 points, 15 in the first half.
The Golden Eagles had three straight turnovers down the stretch, helping Xavier hold on. Henry Ellenson led Marquette with 22 points, and Haanif Cheatham added 21. The Golden Eagles had a 35-27 edge on the boards, only the second time Xavier has been outrebounded.
Sumner gave Xavier the first significant lead of the game. He had a pair of dunks and a 3-pointer, and Bluiett hit a 3 that put the Musketeers ahead 19-12. Cheatham hit a 3 that started a 15-0 run for Marquette for a 29-20 lead, with five different players scoring during the spurt.
The Golden Eagles led the rest of the half, taking a 39-35 lead to the break. The only other time Xavier trailed at halftime was during an 81-72 home loss to Georgetown on Jan. 19. That's the only game in which Xavier has been out-rebounded this season.
Xavier dominated the boards 49-38 in the win at Marquette, but the Golden Eagles kept it close by using its front line to full advantage in the rematch.
The Golden Eagles led by as many as seven in the second half before Xavier went on an eight-point run. Macura had a pair of free throws and a fast-break layup gave Xavier its first lead of the half 65-63 with 7:14 to go. Macura had another fast-break layup off a steal, and Myles Davis' 3 pushed the lead to 72-67.
After Marquette twice pulled even, Macura hit the back-to-back 3s that left Xavier in control.
A LOT OF POINTS
Marquette was only the fourth team to score 80 points against Xavier this season. The Musketeers have given up 80 in back-to-back games for the first time while winning both.
FOUL TROUBLE
Cheatham picked up his fourth foul with 17:09 left. He was Marquette's second-leading scorer with 12 points at the time. Bluiett got his fourth with 10:31 to go, when he had 17 points.
TIP-INS
Macura made his fourth start and his first since the win at Marquette. Coach Chris Mack has praised his effort in recent games.
UP NEXT
Musketeers play at Creighton on Tuesday.
