Big East

Xavier opens Big East defense with 74-65 win at DePaul

Published Dec. 29, 2018 4:59 p.m. ET

CHICAGO (AP) — Naji Marshall returned to the Xavier lineup after missing a game due to injury to score 19 points and grab 14 rebounds as the Musketeers opened the defense of their Big East Conference regular season title by handing DePaul a second straight home court defeat, 74-65 on Saturday afternoon.

Marshall and Tyrique Jones both sat out Xavier's win over Detroit Mercy December 21 with injuries. Both came back to score in double digits.

Femi Olujobi scored at the basket with 5:12 left to put the Blue Demons up, 61-55, but Marshall hit two free throws and a 3-pointer as Xavier (9-5) went on a 9-0 run to retake the lead for good while limiting DePaul to just two points in the final two minutes.

Marshall was 5 of 12 from the floor and knocked down two of his attempts from beyond the arc. Ryan Welage contributed 17 points and Jones contributed 13.

Paul Reed had 17 points and nine rebounds for DePaul (8-4).

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