It wasn't a smooth shooting night and Cleveland State was as advertised – tough – but the Xavier Musketeers managed to hold on in Cintas Center on Tuesday night for a 72-68 win to advance to the second round of the National Invitational Tournament.
Xavier had five players in double figures, led by Adam Kunkel's 14 points off the bench. Zach Freemantle added a double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots.
Paul Scruggs and Jack Nunge each had 12 points. Colby Jones had 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Xavier, a No.