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James Farr’s career-night sparks No. 5 Xavier to win over Seton Hall

James Farr, Ismael Sanogo

Xavier forward James Farr (2) is fouled by Seton Hall guard Ismael Sanogo (14) as he goes up for a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

AP

James Farr continued his sensational senior season, as the 6-foot-9 lefty overpowered Seton Hall to the tune of a career-high 24 points, 15 boards, four assists, three steals and a pair of blocks as No. 5 Xavier pulled away late in an 84-76 win.

Entering the season, the big question for the Musketeers was how they were going to replace Matt Stainbrook’s presence up front. The expectations was that Jalen Reynolds would turn into a double-double machine, but as Reynolds has bee unable to consistently remain out of foul trouble, Farr has turned into one of the better bigs in the league.

He’s averaging 10.1 points and 8.8 boards. He’s seventh nationally in offensive-rebounding percentage. He can score on the block and he hits more than 80 percent of his free throws. He’s been an anchor in the middle and a major part of Xavier’s climb to top five nationally and a team many believe can make a run at the Final Four.

Saturday was the best game that Farr has played this season, and the Musketeers needed is. Xavier got 15 points from Trevon Blueitt and 13 from Edmond Sumner, but they couldn’t shake free of the Pirates until late in the second half. It was a win the Musketeers badly needed after they had lost at home to Georgetown earlier in the week.