The Xavier Musketeers (21-11) face off against the Texas Longhorns (19-15) tonight in the First Four of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. This highly anticipated matchup, set to tip off at 9:10 p.m. ET at the University of Dayton Arena, is the fourth time these two teams have met in March Madness since 1990. The winner will secure the No. 11 seed in the Midwest Region, advancing to take on the No. 6 seed Illinois on Friday, March 21.
Following a frustrating end to the regular season, the Musketeers had their seven-game win streak snapped by Marquette, losing 89-87 in the Big East quarterfinals on March 13. Meanwhile, the Longhorns, who started strong with an 11-2 record but fell to 19-15 overall after a tumultuous conference season (6-12 in SEC play), also faced disappointment, losing to Tennessee 82-73 in the SEC quarterfinals just days later. Both teams now find themselves at a crucial juncture, needing a victory to continue their journey in the tournament.
As the game approaches, the odds favor Xavier with the Musketeers established as 2.5-point favorites. The over/under for the total points scored sits at 151.5, indicating an expectation of a high-scoring affair. This game captures the essence of March Madness, where both teams bring their relentless competitive spirit and the stakes are at their highest.
Initiating broadcast coverage, truTV will air the game, which is also available for streaming on platforms including Max, DirecTV, Sling, and Hulu with Live TV. Those interested in broader NCAA March Madness coverage can access a variety of channels and streaming options, with CBS Sports, TNT Sports, and Paramount+ offering numerous games throughout the tournament.
Xavier's play has been marked by their resilience, rebounding from a rough start to the season. After an underwhelming 9-7 record while struggling in conference play, the team managed to find its footing, finishing strong with a 12-4 record in the latter half of the season. Key players for Xavier include senior forward Zach Freemantle, who leads the team with an average of 17.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, and junior shooting guard Ryan Conwell, scoring 16.8 points with a shooting percentage of 41% from three-point range. Their performances will be crucial in propelling Xavier forward in this pivotal matchup.
On the other hand, Texas has shown impressive offensive efficiency, ranking 37th in the nation, with a solid balance in their scoring. Freshman guard Tre Johnson, who is anticipated to be a top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, leads Texas with an impressive average of 19.8 points per game. Johnson demonstrated his scoring prowess in a recent game against Arkansas, where he notched 39 points. Meanwhile, Texas' center Arthur Kaluma provides a strong presence in the paint, averaging 12.4 points and 7.6 rebounds, making him a vital player for the Longhorns' success tonight.
As the teams prepare to clash, key strategies are critical for success. Xavier must capitalize on free throws, as Texas has struggled with fouls, being ranked 319th in defensive free throw rate. Moreover, pushing the pace and scoring quickly could disrupt Texas's defensive setup and keep them off balance. Conversely, Texas can shift the game in their favor by controlling their shooting patterns; they perform better when limiting three-point attempts. By forcing Xavier into difficult two-point shots, Texas aims to exert its will in the paint and gain a competitive edge.
As fans gear up for the action, the atmosphere in Dayton promises to be electric. With Xavier essentially playing a home game, the proximity could influence crowd support, potentially impacting the momentum on the court. Ample enthusiasm from Musketeers supporters is expected, with chants likely echoing throughout the arena as they rally behind their team.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: in 40 minutes, one team's season will conclude, while the other forges ahead in the quest for a championship. With everything on the line, neither team will hold back as they engage in a battle that encapsulates the essence of NCAA tournament basketball. March Madness is upon us, and this First Four tilt between Xavier and Texas is sure to deliver excitement and drama.
