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CINCINNATI – Missouri State’s Keith Palek III racked up game-highs 23 points and 11 rebounds to help the visiting Bears stay close, but a 17-0 run by home standing Xavier midway through the second half proved to be the difference in a 75-57 MoState loss here Friday.
Xavier shot 52 percent from the field in the second half and converted 6-of-7 attempts during the pivotal run over a six-and-a-half minute stretch in the final period. After Palek’s layup at the 17-minute mark drew the Bears within 39-35, the Musketeers (8-3) used the strength of three 3-pointers and some key fast-break opportunities to push ahead 54-35 by the 11-minute mark.
Trey Williams Jr. broke the MSU slump with a triple with 10:37 to go – one of just three long-range buckets by the Bears on the night – to put the Bears back on track. But with the damage already done, Xavier pushed its advantage to 20 on three occasions down the stretch with Melakih Cunningham’s layup in the final minute deciding the final margin…