Xavier blows 17-point lead, holds on to beat Miami (Ohio) 70-67 with more clock controversy

Xavier holds on for 70-67 win over Miami (Ohio)

CINCINNATI — Jordan Crawford made four free throws in the last 23 seconds Wednesday night, and Xavier held on for a 70-67 victory over Miami (Ohio) in a game that ended with more clock controversy.

Xavier (7-4) was coming off a 69-68 loss at Butler on Saturday, when the officials ruled that the clock should have run out after the winning basket with 1.2 seconds to go, preventing the Musketeers from getting a final shot. This time, a clock question gave Miami (3-9) a chance to tie it.

Dante Jackson stole Miami’s inbound pass with 6.7 seconds left, but the officials waved off the play because one of them was checking the clock at the time. Given a second chance, Miami’s Kenny Hayes shot an air ball on his 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

Xavier blew a 17-point first-half lead before rallying. Crawford led the Musketeers with 19 points. Hayes had 24 for Miami.