West Virginia men can't hold early lead, lose to Xavier at Charleston Classic

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Jovan Milicevic scored 21 points and Xavier rallied from a first-half deficit to defeat West Virginia 78-68 at the Charleston Classic on Sunday.

The Musketeers (4-3) trailed 23-15 then allowed five points over the final 9 1/2 minutes of the first half, taking a 36-28 lead at the break. Tre Carroll hit four 3-pointers and scored 12 to lead the way in the first 20 minutes.

West Virginia closed to within 44-41 with 15 1/2 minutes left in the game, but Milicevic responded with a 3-pointer and a layup and Roddie Anderson III added four points to build a 53-43 lead for Xavier.

West Virginia got as close as 66-61 near the 5-minute mark, but All Wright and Filip Borovicanin buried 3-pointers to put the Musketeers back in charge. Their lead reached 13 points twice in the final minute.

Carroll scored 17 points while going 6 of 11 overall and 5 for 6 from 3-point range. Wright finished with 14 points and Anderson scored 11.

The Mountaineers (5-2) were led by Treysen Eaglestaff, who finished with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists. Honor Huff added 16 points and Brenen Lorient had 11 points and three blocks.