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HOUSTON – Justin Bloxom went 5 for 5 with two home runs, and Kansas State made an impressive NCAA tournament debut with a 16-8 victory over Xavier on Friday.

Bloxom had two doubles and finished with five RBIs, and teammate Jordan Cruz also had three hits and drove in five runs for the Wildcats.

Kansas State (42-16) roughed up Xavier starter Zac Richard (4-1) for eight hits and eight runs in 2 1-3 innings, handing him his first loss of the season. Kansas State led 12-0 after an eight-run third inning.

Wildcats starter Lance Hoge earned the win after scattering eight hits over five innings, allowing three runs. Bobby Freking led the Musketeers (38-20) with a homer and three RBIs.