The Xavier Musketeers are set to face the Texas Longhorns in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament at UD Arena on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. After a thrilling season, the Musketeers have secured a spot as a No. 11 seed in the tournament, marking an important comeback after an early exit from the Big East tournament.
Xavier ended their regular season with 21 victories, highlighted by a remarkable seven-game winning streak. Their journey to the NCAA Tournament had a nail-biting conclusion, as head coach Sean Miller reflected on the feeling when the team's name was announced during Selection Sunday: "I don't know if I've ever experienced a better feeling in sports than the one I had when our name was announced tonight with our players at my house on Selection Sunday," Miller stated. "It was hard to describe. It was magical. It was a reminder of why you want to be a part of college basketball."
As the team gear prepares to meet Texas, the stakes are high, with the victor advancing to face No. 6 Illinois in the next round of the tournament. The Musketeers will be aiming for revenge against Texas, who previously knocked them out in the Sweet 16 last year, ending Xavier's hopes for a deeper run in the tournament.
Xavier's latest match-up follows a strong performance at home, where they previously defeated Dayton 98-74 at UD Arena in October, a hopeful sign as they return to the same venue. On a betting note, the Musketeers are favored by 3.5 points against the Longhorns, signaling confidence in their ability to succeed in this high-pressure environment.
The opening tip-off is scheduled for 9:10 p.m. ET, and the game can be viewed on truTV. Fans will be looking forward to a thrilling showcase as the teams battle it out for advancement. Historically, Xavier is well-loved for their passionate fan base, which is expected to fill the stands at UD Arena, potentially providing them with a home-court advantage.
The Longhorns enter this tournament with their own momentum, securing an at-large bid and boasting an impressive roster that includes standout performer Tre Johnson, who averages 19.8 points per game.
Working as a cohesive unit, both teams match up well against each other, with Xavier scoring 78 points per game compared to Texas' 78.4 points. Given these statistics, Xavier has shown a strong record of 18-2 when scoring over 72 points — a promising statistic as they prepare to confront Texas.
The Longhorns are not to be underestimated; Texas earned this NCAA Tournament spot by finishing strong in the SEC, and with experience from their rigorous conference, they are equally eager to validate their ranking. Their head coach Rodney Terry shared his optimism about the team's performance throughout the season and emphasized their underdog mentality going into this tournament.
This matchup will not only be significant in terms of rankings and statistics but also in terms of pride. Both teams have historic legacies and are battling for another chance at tournament glory. This game promises to be an electrifying experience for both players and fans alike.
As tournament anticipation builds and fans gear up for the showdown on Wednesday night, Xavier is ready to lock horns with Texas, with both teams eyes set firmly on 64 spots in the next round of March Madness!
