DAYTON, Ohio — In a thrilling NCAA Tournament First Four game on March 19, 2025, the Xavier Musketeers staged a remarkable comeback, defeating the Texas Longhorns 86-80. This victory propels Xavier to the Round of 64, where they will face the Illinois Fighting Illini on March 21, 2025, in Milwaukee.
The game, held at the University of Dayton Arena, was akin to a home game for Xavier, located only 47 miles from their Cincinnati campus. The enthusiastic crowd, filled with Musketeers fans, erupted with cheers and chants of “Let’s go X!” Seeing such support motivated the team, bringing a palpable energy to the court. As Xavier’s head coach Sean Miller noted, “That’s one of the greatest games I’ve been a part of,” attributing much of the win to the emotional boost provided by their fans.
Initially, however, it was Texas that controlled the game. The Longhorns jumped out to a commanding 13-point lead in the first half. They capitalized on early foul trouble for Xavier’s star player, Zach Freemantle, effectively utilizing their physicality in the paint to dominate the scoring. Texas led 47-39 at halftime, having scored 26 points in the paint during the opening half.
Not to be deterred, Xavier regrouped in the second half. With the Musketeers trailing by as many as 10 points midway through the second half, Marcus Foster emerged as a key player during a pivotal 34-18 run that ultimately secured the victory for Xavier. Foster, who led the team with a season-high 22 points, delivered an impressive performance that included four crucial 3-pointers and eight rebounds. Miller praised his team’s resilience, emphasizing their refusal to back down.
Foster’s performance was critical, especially as Freemantle faced ongoing foul issues, finishing the game with 15 points, including vital buckets in the closing minutes. In an emotional moment post-game, Foster reflected, “I just wanted to be the player everybody could count on.” His teammates also stepped up, with Dailyn Swain and Ryan Conwell each contributing 11 points, while Dante Maddox Jr. added 10 points.
The final minutes of the contest saw intense swings in momentum. With 1:48 remaining and the score tied at 78, Freemantle hit a turnaround jumper that broke the tie. He then extended Xavier’s lead with two crucial free throws, ultimately sealing the game with a dunk just before the final buzzer, sending the Xavier crowd into a frenzy.
On the other side, Texas, despite a strong game from freshman Tre Johnson, who finished with 23 points, struggled to maintain their momentum against the resilient Musketeers. Texas coach Rodney Terry expressed disappointment with the early tournament exit and speculated about his job security, saying, “At the end of the day, it’s in God’s hands.” This loss marks Terry’s second consecutive early tournament exit, and speculation is rife regarding his future after finishing with a 62-36 record in three seasons at Texas.
“I wish we would have had more Dayton fans than Xavier fans,” Terry lamented, acknowledging the significant impact of the supportive crowd on the game’s outcome. For Xavier, however, the win is a step towards redemption as they aim for a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament.
Looking ahead, Xavier’s attention now turns to their next challenge against the No. 6 seed Illinois. Foster remains optimistic, understanding the challenge ahead: “We’ve got to be a mature ballclub and understand that just because the fans get loud and rowdy, we can’t let that affect our confidence.” This mindset will be crucial as Xavier continues to navigate the competitive landscape of college basketball.
The Musketeers’ thrilling victory not only highlights their determination but also sets up an exciting matchup in the upcoming rounds of the tournament. With momentum on their side, they aim to make a significant mark in this year’s NCAA Tournament, continuing to build on this impressive performance.