Xavier 83, Gardner-Webb 59: Matt Stainbrook scored 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Musketeers cruised past the visiting Runnin' Bulldogs in the first meeting between the two schools.

Semaj Christon chipped in with 14 points and Brandon Randolph added seven assists as Xavier (1-0) won its 24th straight season opener. Four players finished in double figures for the Musketeers, who shot 52.8 percent from the field.

Donta Harper led the way with 20 points for Gardner-Webb (0-1), which went just 2-of-11 from three-point range. The Runnin' Bulldogs committed 13 turnovers in Tim Craft's debut as coach.

Xavier missed its first six shots before going on an 11-2 run, which gave it a two-point lead midway through the first half. The Musketeers extended their advantage to 41-22 at the break thanks to Christon's 11 points.

Gardner-Webb cut the deficit to 15 after Isaiah Ivey's 3-pointer with 12:47 left, but that's as close as it would get. Xavier pulled away for good when Stainbrook's layup made it 65-44.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Christon has now scored in double figures in 20 straight games dating to last season. … Xavier G Dee Davis missed the game after suffering a concussion two weeks ago. … Both teams combined to miss 19 free throws in the first half.