CINCINNATI (AP) — J.P. Macura scored 18 points, and Xavier’s defense dug in during a dominant first half, sending the ninth-ranked Musketeers to a 64-42 victory over Northern Iowa on Saturday. Xavier (6-0) completely controlled a rematch of teams playing for the second time in six days. The Musketeers beat Northern Iowa 67-59 for championship of Tire Pros Invitational in Orlando last Sunday.

The Musketeers looked very comfortable in their second go-round against the Panthers (3-2). Northern Iowa had trouble finding open shots while Xavier raced ahead 30-10, going 4 of 13 from the field with seven turnovers. The Musketeers led 35-12 at halftime — the fewest points they had allowed in any half for 34 years.

Xavier pushed the lead to 26 points early in the second half and was never threatened. Jeremy Morgan scored 14 points — all in the second half — for Northern Iowa.