Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament Semifinals: No. 1 Xavier bowed out of the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament semifinals 79-71 to No. 4 Rhode Island, placing the Musketeers in danger of falling into the NIT. Jimmy Baron and Kahiem Seawright each put up 17 points for the Rams, who beat Xavier for the first time this millennium. Rhode Island led early in the game before letting Xavier rally to claim a five-point lead in the second half. The Rams returned the favor to take a six-point lead with two minutes to go, which held up in the final minutes. The Rams will play No. 3 George Washington for the conference title.
The Colonials smothered No. 7 St. Louis, ending the Billikens’ run a day after they snuck past No. 2 Massachusetts. George Washington’s defense held St. Louis to 16 points in the first 24 minutes. St. Louis hit only 13 field goals in the game and committed 20 turnovers. Maureece Rice led the Colonials with 22 points. George Washington is now the favorite in the tournament and is looking for its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. [3/09/07]
