CINCINNATI, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- David West scored 16 of his 24 points in a five-minute span to open the second half Friday night as No. 20 Xavier pulled away for an 87-58 victory over Ball State.
West, a preseason All-American, managed just four points and a pair of fouls in the first half while Xavier (6-2) was grabbing a 31-27 edge. But the senior forward scored the Musketeers' first 10 points of the second half as they took control.
After West did all the scoring in a 10-4 run, Lionel Chalmers made a three-pointer and West added an inside hoop. Ball State (5-4) got a basket from Cameron Echols to get within 46-33.
Xavier's Anthony Myles converted a layup, West scored four points and freshman Will Caudle's basket capped to a 23-6 run for a commanding 54-33 advantage.
Chris Williams scored 24 points to lead the Cardinals, who lost their second straight.
