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UF
CINCINNATI — Nate Johnson had 16 points to lead five Xavier players in double figures as the Musketeers defeated Florida 72-56 in the NIT second round on Sunday.
Jack Nunge added 12 points for the Musketeers (20-13). Colby Jones chipped in 11, Dwon Odom scored 10 and Zach Freemantle had 10. Odom also had seven rebounds.
Florida totaled 23 points in the second half, a season low for the team.
Kowacie Reeves had 14 points for the Gators (20-14). Tyree Appleby added 10 points. Colin Castleton had 10 points.
"Hard way to go out, but I'm proud of these guys," Florida interim coach Al Pinkins said. "I didn't really talk basketball in our postgame talk. We kind of talked life with these guys. They've been through a lot for young men, and it'll make them stronger. I talked to our seniors that are leaving, those guys have been through so much this year. I just think those guys will all be successful. I kind of made it not about the game tonight — threes, misses, makes. I wanted to send those guys out with a little something positive.
"We didn't play the way we were capable of ... but I'm proud of that group, won 20 games ... they have a lot to be proud of."