Watch: Xavier reacts to NCAA tournament bid, First Four matchup with Texas
The Xavier Musketeers men’s basketball team celebrated their selection to the NCAA Tournament with an outpouring of joy and excitement. Gathered at head coach Sean Miller’s residence, the team erupted in cheers upon learning of their First Four matchup against the Texas Longhorns.
This selection marks Xavier’s 30th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Musketeers finished the season with a 21-11 overall record and a 13-7 mark in the Big East Conference. Despite a narrow 89-87 loss to Marquette in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals, Xavier’s strong season performance secured them an at-large bid.
The upcoming game against Texas carries historical significance, as the Longhorns previously eliminated the Musketeers from the 2023 NCAA Tournament in the Sweet Sixteen with an 83-71 victory. This First Four matchup provides Xavier with an opportunity for redemption.
The First Four game is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:10 p.m. Eastern Time in Dayton, Ohio. The winner will advance as the No. 11 seed to face sixth-seeded Illinois on Friday in Milwaukee.
Fans and alumni have expressed their support and enthusiasm on social media, sharing in the team’s excitement and looking forward to the upcoming matchup.
The Xavier Musketeers men’s basketball team has secured an at-large bid to the 2025 NCAA Tournament and is set to face the Texas Longhorns in the First Four matchup. The announcement was met with exuberant reactions from the team, coaching staff, and fans alike.
The official Xavier Musketeers Twitter account shared a video capturing the team’s live reaction during the NCAA Tournament selection show. The footage shows players and coaches erupting in cheers and applause as their matchup against Texas was announced. This moment of joy underscores the culmination of their hard work throughout the season.
Head coach Sean Miller expressed his elation, stating, “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. It was hard to describe. It was magical. It was a reminder of why you want to be a part of college basketball.”
The Musketeers finished the season with a 21-11 record, including a 13-7 mark in Big East play. Despite an early exit from the Big East Tournament, their overall performance and strength of schedule were sufficient to earn them a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The team’s resilience and determination have been evident throughout the season, making this tournament berth a testament to their efforts.
The upcoming game against Texas is particularly significant, as the Longhorns previously eliminated Xavier in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2023 NCAA Tournament with an 83-71 victory. This rematch offers the Musketeers an opportunity for redemption and to advance further in the tournament.
The First Four matchup is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio, with the game set to tip off at approximately 9:10 p.m. Eastern Time. The winner of this game will advance as the No. 11 seed to face the sixth-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday, March 21, in Milwaukee.
This appearance marks Xavier’s 30th in the NCAA Tournament, with their most recent deep run being an Elite Eight appearance in 2017. The team’s rich history in the tournament adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding this year’s participation.
Fans and alumni are rallying behind the team, expressing their support and optimism on various social media platforms. The shared sense of pride and community is palpable as the Musketeers prepare for their upcoming challenge against Texas.
As the team gears up for the tournament, Coach Miller emphasized the importance of focus and preparation. He noted that while the excitement is justified, the team must channel that energy into their performance on the court to achieve their goals.
The Xavier community eagerly awaits the First Four matchup, hopeful that the Musketeers will make a significant impact in this year’s NCAA Tournament.