Tennessee 51, Xavier 47: Josh Richardson scored 12 points and the host Volunteers overcame a 10-point, second-half deficit to win their sixth straight at home and fourth in a row overall.

It was 44-43 Tennessee with just under a minute left when Jordan McRae’s driving layup gave the Vols some breathing room.

Tennessee (8-3) found itself in another defensive struggle after scoring under 40 points in consecutive games earlier this season.

Xavier (7-5) lost its third straight despite 12 points and seven rebounds from Travis Taylor.

Xavier led 25-21 after a half in which the teams combined to hit 2-of-17 3-pointers. Musketeers leading scorer Semaj Christon (14.2) didn’t record his first field goal until the final minute. He finished with five points on 1-for-9 shooting.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Tennessee has held all 11 opponents under 70 points, and six of the last seven to 60 or fewer. … Vols leading scorer Trae Golden (13.2) was held to five points on 0-for-5 shooting. … This was the fourth of a six-game homestand for Tennessee.