Xavier Musketeers rally past Texas to win First Four matchup

On March 19, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio, the Xavier Musketeers faced off against the Texas Longhorns in a First Four NCAA tournament game. The Musketeers started slowly, allowing 47 points in the first half and trailing by as much as 13 points during the game. However, after halftime, Xavier ramped up its defensive intensity and managed to hold Texas to just 33 points in the second half. Marcus Foster led the Musketeers with 22 points, including critical contributions down the stretch, while Zach Freemantle overcame early foul trouble to finish with 15 points. The game was a back-and-forth battle, but Freemantle's turnaround jumper gave Xavier a crucial lead late in the game. Despite Texas's Tre Johnson scoring 23 points to lead his team, they couldn’t keep up with Xavier's surge. The victory allowed Xavier to advance to the first round of the tournament against Illinois, showcasing their resilience and teamwork, especially in the second half. The win also underscores the depth and talent of the Musketeers, who have shown a remarkable turnaround after facing challenges earlier in the season.