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GAME NOTES: Two teams trying to remain in the thick of the Atlantic 10 race clash at Halton Arena today, as the Charlotte 49ers host the Xavier Musketeers.

The Musketeers are coming off yet another convincing victory, as they thrashed Saint Joseph's, 88-52, on Wednesday. It was the team's second straight victory and the sixth in the past seven games, with all but one of those wins coming by double figures. Xavier is now 9-2 in conference play and just a half game back of Richmond for first place.

Another team that is in the running of the A-10 title is Charlotte, which is 8-3 in conference play. The 49ers actually led the conference race until a recent two-game losing skid dropped the squad from the top spot. The most recent of the team's setbacks came on Wednesday, a surprising 83-77 loss to Duquesne.

As for the all-time series, Xavier holds a 7-1 lead over Charlotte and that includes an 86-74 victory in the first meeting of the season.

The Musketeers shot a sizzling 55.6 percent from the floor, as they coasted past Saint Joseph's on Wednesday. Xavier also held an incredible 53-17 advantage on the boards, including an 18-5 edge on the offensive glass. Jordan Crawford turned in 20 points and four steals to lead the charge, while Mark Lyons had 19 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from long range. On the season, Crawford is averaging a healthy 19.6 ppg to pace Xavier and he also grabs 4.7 rpg and shoots 39.6 percent from downtown. Jason Love tacks on 11.5 ppg and team-high 8.6 rpg for the Musketeers, while Terrell Holloway contributes 10.9 ppg and a team-best 4.1 apg.

The 49ers made just 32.8 percent of their attempts from the floor and only 4- of-18 from long distance, as they were upended by Duquesne on Wednesday. Charlotte did convert 29-of-33 free throws and dominate the offensive boards, 22-9, to keep things interesting, but it just wasn't enough in the end. Shamari Spears guided the squad in the loss with a double-double of 20 points and 12 boards, while Dijuan Harris posted 15 points. On the season, Spears tops the club in scoring at 16.6 ppg and he is also ripping down 6.2 rpg. Derrio Green, who had 13 points on Wednesday, chips in 13.7 ppg to complete a short list of double-digit scorers.

Charlotte is coming off a disappointing loss, but it knows the importance of this game and should bounce back with a big win over Xavier today.