Ryan Conwell scored a career-high 34 points and converted a four-point play to highlight a decisive 9-0 run as the Xavier Musketeers rallied for a 69-63 win over the visiting Villanova Wildcats on Tuesday night in Cincinnati.Conwell, who netted 13 of Xavier’s final 14 points, drained a three with 1:40 remaining while being fouled by Kris Parker. Conwell hit the ensuing free throw to give Xavier (11-7, 3-4 Big East) a 59-58 lead, its first since the 6:24 mark of the first half.His three on the Musketeers’ next possession helped seal Xavier’s second straight win, as Villanova (11-7, 4-3) got no closer than four points over the final 54 seconds.Eric Dixon and Jordan Longino had 18 points apiece for the Wildcats, who lost their second straight since upsetting then-No. 9 UConn last Wednesday. Wooga Poplar chipped in 14 points.Xavier knocked down its first five shots from the field to race ahead 13-4 in the opening six minutes.But the Musketeers missed nine of their next 10 shots, allowing Villanova to slowly work its way back into the game. The Wildcats took their first lead, 18-16, on the strength of a 14-3 run, capped by a Longino three with 9:41 left in the first half.Xavier missed 18 of its final 22 shots in the first half, which Villanova closed with a 28-11 run.
Ryan Conwell’s career night leads Xavier past Villanova
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