BYU led Xavier most of the game, but the Musketeers mounted a 16-3 run at the Cougars after trailing 55-47. Hurting with Trent Plaisted, Cummard and Balderson in foul trouble, BYU went to a zone and Xavier hit big shots in that span with 10 minutes left. In that run, Xavier knocked down three consecutive 3-pointers, one by Lavender, and led 60-55 with just less than minutes to play.

Xavier's run came after Mike Rose hit a pair of 3s and Balderson added another to put the Cougars up 55-44 with 12:47 to play.

"Rose is one of the best shooters I've ever seen," said Xavier's Miller. The Cougar senior finished with 15 points on 5-of-6 treys.

Other than free throws, the game was a draw statistically, just how a No. 8 vs. No. 9 seed should go. BYU shot 43 percent to Xavier's 42 and hit 47.4 percent (9-for-19) from the arc to Xavier's 47.1 (8-for-17). Xavier had one more rebound (37-36). Both teams had 10 turnovers and 10 assists. BYU shot a respectable 76 percent from the line to the winner's 79.

Of the free-throw discrepancy, Rose said, "You have to adjust to the personality of the game. I'm proud of the effort our team gave. They competed, like they have all season long."

In the first half, the Cougars rode the outside shooting of Ainge and Rose to take a 38-32 halftime lead. The senior guards combined for 19 points with five 3-point shots. Xavier fought back from an early deficit with runs of 7-0 and 11-2 on the Cougars and led 28-26 with 5:05 on a pair of field goals by Doellman.

BYU outscored the Musketeers 10-2 to end the half with Rose and Ainge knocking down a pair of 3s in the final 1:10.

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E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com