Marquette falls to Xavier 86-79

CINCINNATI (WITI)-- Despite Davante Gardner's 19 point effort and Jake Thomas' 17 point hustle, the Golden Eagles fell 86-79 to the Musketeers. The loss makes Buzz Williams' bunch 1-2 in the Big East.

Marquette was only down 6 at the half (40-34) and never took the lead; despite Deonte Burton tying the game up at 69 with a lay-in.  Burton finished with 13 off the bench.

Xavier's Semaj Christon stole the show with 28 points, going 9-10 from the charity stripe and 3 for 3 from the arch.

Xavier hit over 30 Free Throws; Marquette was just 10-13.

The Golden Eagles host Seton Hall on Saturday, January 11th.