Edmund Sumner scored 19 points in his Xavier debut and guard J.P. Macura added 17 points off the bench helping the Musketeers hold off Miami (Ohio) 81-72 on Friday night before 10,372 at Cintas Center.

Miami (0-1) had no answer for Xavier's size in the post particularly that of junior forward Jalen Reynolds who scored 10 of his 16 points in the first half.

Xavier outscored Miami 30-20 in the pain and scored 19 of its points off turnovers.

The Musketeers led by five at halftime before beginning the second half with a 7-0 run capped by a Sumner layup.

But Miami roared back as the Musketeers went more than seven minutes without scoring cutting the XU lead to 61-60 with 6:57 left.

Xavier (1-0) responded with a 7-0 run to regain control to win its 26th consecutive season opener including the last 16 at Cintas Center.

Senior guard Eric Washington led Miami with 19 points, including three 3-pointers.

Geovonie Mcknight and Jere Vucica each scored 11 points for the RedHawks, who haven't defeated Xavier since 2010.

Friday night's game was physical and closely officiated with 52 fouls called.