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  • Career-Game For Jerome Hunter Leads Xavier Past Kennesaw State As Musketeers Win

Career-Game For Jerome Hunter Leads Xavier Past Kennesaw State As Musketeers Win

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Basketball

Jerome Hunter scored a career-high 24 points on Friday afternoon at Greensboro Coliseum, leading Xavier to a 72-67 win over Kennesaw State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Musketeers (26-9) advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19. Xavier will play the winner of the Iowa State/Pitt game. The Owls' season comes to an end with a 26-9 record.

Trailing by as many as 13 points (61-48) with 9:57 left in regulation, the Musketeers engineered a 15-0 run to regain the lead (63-61) with just over four minutes on the clock. The remainder of the game featured three lead changes and two ties.

Adam Kunkel knocked down a three pointer with 1:44 left left in regulation to put the Musketeers ahead by two points (67-65). Kennesaw State tied the game, 67-67, on the ensuing possession. 

Colby Jones knocked down a free throw with 16 seconds left in regulation to give Xavier a one-point lead (68-67). Jack Nunge blocked Terrell Burden's game-winning shot attempt with four seconds left on the clock, while Souley Boum came down with the rebound.

Boum went 4-for-4 from the foul line in the closing seconds of the game to seal the five-point win (72-67). 

Xavier Notables

  • Jerome Hunter scored a career-high 24 points on 8-for-11 shooting. His previous career high was 16 points vs Minnesota on Feb. 17, 2021. He now has 14 double-figure scoring games this season. The senior forward added five rebounds and was 8-for-8 from the foul line.
  • Colby Jones scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds. The guard also dished out four assists. He now has 30 double-figure scoring games this season.
  • Jack Nunge posted his 11th double-double of the season, scoring 10 points and grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds. He added three assists, two blocks and two steals.
  • Souley Boum scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds. He added two assists and was 6-for-6 from the foul line. The guard now has 31 double-figure scoring games this season.
  • Xavier posted a .462 field-goal percentage (24-for-52) and was 2-for-12 from behind the arc. The Musketeers were also 22-for-30 from the foul line.
  • Xavier held a 14-11 advantage in points off of turnovers and scored six more points in the paint (36-30). Kennesaw State scored 18 more bench points (19-1) than Xavier.