CINCINNATI -- A short bench and pesky foe didn't stop No. 9 Xavier from beating Marshall 81-77 in a non-conference home finale Tuesday night.
The injury-depleted Musketeers led by as many as 23 points before Marshall roared back in the second half, pulling within two possessions with 21 seconds left. C.J. Burks' 3-pointer made it a five-point game.
Kerem Kanter made two free throws to help Xavier prevail. A 3 by Jon Elmore at the buzzer ensured the final margin.
Xavier played without starters J.P. Macura (blurred vision) and Kaiser Gates (dizziness).