COL BKB: Xavier 79, Creighton 66

CINCINNATI, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Drew Lavender opened a 10-point run late in the first half Wednesday that started No. 20 Xavier on its way to a 79-66 decision over Creighton.

Creighton lost for the first time this year in a game delayed 30 minutes when the lights failed to come on at Cintas Center following player introductions.

Lavender scored 28 points and his three-pointer began a first-half surge that broke open a tie game and gave the Musketeers a 35-25 lead.

Xavier (7-1) shot 59 percent from the field with B.J. Raymond adding 15 points and Derrick Brown had 13.

Creighton (5-1) was paced by P'Allen Stinnett with 12. Xavier owned as much as an 18-point lead in the first half.