MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.-  STU took to the floor for the closing round of the Miami Gardens Classic Wednesday night.  The Bobcats welcomed the Xavier (La.) Gold Rush (9-3) to the Fernandez Center where they pulled out a 79-61 victory.

Statistically, the first half of this game was fairly even.  The rebounding battle was separated by a single board in favor of Xavier, and the only real advantage to be seen came from turnovers where the Bobcats netted just four as compared to eight for the Gold Rush.  The Bobcats took an 11-2 run after being down 14-13 at the thirteen minute mark, and did not relinquish their lead for the remainder of the game.  Antonio Jones recorded 13 points and 6 rebounds in the first half, while Patrick Louissaint provided 6 points and 4 boards off the bench.

The second half proved to be no contest as STU built their lead up to 20 points with eleven minutes left in the game.  Xavier made a late run to bring the Bobcat lead down to 14 with two and half minutes remaining, but STU was more than the Gold Rush could handle.  

Three Bobcats scored in double figures, including Antonio Jones (who led all scorers, 26), Preston Jackson (10) and Tracy Razz (10).  Jones nearly had a triple double with 9 rebounds and 8 assists to go along with his 26 points.  Jones was named to the Miami Gardens Classic All-Tournament Team.  The Bobcats will face Northwood January 6 at 7 p.m. in the Fernandez Center.