Men’s basketball preview: First Four matchup against Xavier

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is set to commence with the First Four matchups on March 18-19 in Dayton, Ohio. Among these preliminary games, the Xavier Musketeers, holding a #11 seed, will face the Texas Longhorns, also seeded #11, on March 19 at 9:10 p.m. ET. The victor of this contest will advance to the main bracket to compete against the #6 seed Illinois Fighting Illini in the Midwest Region’s first round.

Xavier Musketeers Season Overview

Under the guidance of head coach Sean Miller, in his third season of his second tenure with the team, the Xavier Musketeers concluded the 2024-25 regular season with a 21-11 overall record and a 13-7 mark in the Big East Conference, securing a fourth-place finish.

The Musketeers demonstrated a potent offense, averaging 78.0 points per game, while their defense allowed an average of 70.9 points per game, resulting in a positive scoring margin of 7.2.

Key Players

• Zach Freemantle (Forward): Leading the team with an average of 17.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, Freemantle has been instrumental in Xavier’s offensive and defensive schemes.

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• Dayvion McKnight (Guard): As the primary facilitator, McKnight contributes 4.3 assists per game, orchestrating the team’s offensive plays effectively.

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• Dailyn Swain (Guard): Defensively, Swain leads the team with 1.5 steals per game, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

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Team Statistics

• Field Goal Percentage: The Musketeers have a shooting accuracy of 46.6%, making 848 of 1,818 attempts.

• Three-Point Shooting: They have converted 38.8% of their three-point attempts, with 264 made out of 680 attempts.

• Free Throw Efficiency: The team boasts a free throw percentage of 79.4%, successfully making 537 of 676 attempts.

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Texas Longhorns Season Overview

The Texas Longhorns enter the First Four with a 19-13 overall record, having faced a challenging schedule in the competitive Big 12 Conference. Their season included notable victories and close contests against top-tier teams, reflecting their resilience and capability to compete at a high level.

Key Players

• Timmy Allen (Forward): A versatile player, Allen leads the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 15.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

• Marcus Carr (Guard): As the team’s primary playmaker, Carr averages 5.2 assists per game, along with 14.3 points, providing a dual threat on offense.

• Dylan Disu (Forward): Defensively, Disu contributes significantly with 1.8 blocks per game, anchoring the team’s interior defense.

Team Statistics

• Points Per Game: The Longhorns average 74.5 points per game, while allowing 69.2 points to opponents, indicating a balanced approach on both ends of the court.

• Field Goal Percentage: They shoot 45.2% from the field, demonstrating efficiency in their offensive executions.

• Three-Point Shooting: The team has a 36.5% success rate from beyond the arc, making them a threat from long range.

Matchup Analysis

The upcoming clash between Xavier and Texas promises to be a compelling contest, with both teams showcasing distinct strengths and strategies.

Offensive Comparison

Xavier’s offense, averaging 78.0 points per game, is slightly more prolific than Texas’s 74.5 points per game. The Musketeers’ higher field goal and three-point percentages suggest a more efficient shooting performance. However, Texas’s balanced scoring, with multiple players capable of contributing significantly, adds depth to their offensive arsenal.

Defensive Comparison

Defensively, both teams exhibit comparable statistics, with Xavier allowing 70.9 points per game and Texas conceding 69.2. Texas’s interior defense, bolstered by Disu’s shot-blocking presence, could pose challenges for Xavier’s forwards, including Freemantle. Conversely, Xavier’s perimeter defense will need to be vigilant against Texas’s competent three-point shooters.

Key Factors to Watch

• Rebounding Battle: Control of the boards will be crucial, as securing rebounds can limit second-chance opportunities and fuel fast-break points.

• Turnover Margin: Both teams must prioritize ball security. Live-ball turnovers could lead to easy transition points for the opposition.

• Free Throw Shooting: In a potentially close game, proficiency at the free-throw line could be the deciding factor. Xavier’s impressive free-throw percentage may provide them with an edge in clutch moments.

Historical Context

Xavier’s appearance in the NCAA Tournament marks their 30th participation, reflecting a storied history in college basketball.

Texas, with a rich basketball tradition, aims to advance beyond the First Four and make a deep tournament run, building on their previous performances.

Coaching Strategies

Coach Sean Miller’s experience and tactical acumen have been pivotal in Xavier’s success this season. His ability to make in-game adjustments and motivate his players will be tested against Texas. Texas’s coaching staff, known for emphasizing defensive intensity and disciplined offense, will look to exploit matchups and dictate the game’s tempo.