COL BKB: Xavier 74, Dayton 65

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., March 13 (UPI) -- No. 12 Xavier used a stiff defense Thursday to beat Dayton 74-65 at the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Tournament in Atlantic City, N.J.

After a 14-2 run helped Xavier build a 58-48 halftime advantage, Dayton could not reduce its deficit under double figures until it drew within 66-59 with 1:15 remaining on Marcus Johnson's three-pointer.

Josh Duncan's 16 points led five Xavier players in double figures. C.J. Anderson finished with 15 points and seven rebounds while Stanley Burrell scored 13, Drew Lavender 12 and Derrick Brown 11.

Brown added nine rebounds for the Musketeers (27-5), who limited Dayton to 42 percent shooting while getting away with 14 turnovers.

Xavier made 24 of 34 free throws to atone for some sloppy play.

Johnson led Dayton with a game-high 26 points. Brian Roberts recorded 13 points, five rebounds and three assists but no other player scored in double figures for the Flyers (21-10), whose four-game winning streak ended.