Xavier University athletics’ Musketeers defeat Texas 86-80 in the NCAA Tournament after a thrilling comeback.

In a game that will go down in NCAA Tournament history as one of the most thrilling upsets of the season, Xavier University Athletics’ Musketeers stunned the Texas Longhorns 86-80 in a second-round showdown. The victory was a testament to the Musketeers’ resilience, poise under pressure, and ability to execute when it mattered most. For Texas, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow — a heartbreaking loss that dashed their hopes of a deep run and ended their tournament dreams earlier than expected.

With momentum swinging in both directions throughout the game, the matchup between the two teams delivered high-stakes drama, clutch performances, and an unforgettable finish. Texas, which had been one of the tournament favorites after a strong regular season, appeared to be in control early but ultimately fell victim to a Xavier team that seemed to grow stronger as the game progressed.

For Xavier, this victory represented a landmark achievement — a comeback that showcased their ability to stay calm under fire and execute their game plan to perfection. Meanwhile, Texas was left reeling from the sting of missed opportunities, uncharacteristic mistakes, and an inability to close out a game that was in their hands for much of the contest.

This article will examine the key moments, performances, and reasons behind Xavier’s stunning win over Texas, highlighting both the Musketeers’ incredible resilience and the Longhorns’ costly missteps.

First Half: Texas Builds an Early Lead

The game started with a flurry of action, with both teams coming out firing. Texas, looking to assert themselves early, quickly grabbed an early lead behind the strong play of Marcus Carr, Timmy Allen, and Dylan Disu. Texas’ offense, while not always fluid, was efficient enough in the opening stages to push out to a comfortable lead. The Longhorns were aggressive both inside and on the perimeter, utilizing their size advantage and depth to bully Xavier’s defense early.

Xavier, on the other hand, was slow to get going. While their offense was functional, they struggled to find a rhythm against Texas’ stout defense, led by Arterio Morris and Jabari Rice, who pressured the ball and helped shut down any initial fast breaks or clean looks from the Musketeers. As the first half progressed, the Musketeers could not seem to find any sustained offensive flow. Texas capitalized on this, with timely baskets from Timmy Allen and Jabari Rice, who shot the ball well from the outside, pushing the lead to double digits at various points in the half.

The defensive intensity of Texas was one of the key themes of the opening period. The Longhorns clogged up passing lanes and forced Xavier to take difficult shots. Even when Xavier did break free for a decent look, the Texas defense was often there to contest, creating difficult conditions for the Musketeers. With about six minutes remaining in the first half, Texas had expanded its lead to 12 points, looking poised to cruise into halftime with a comfortable advantage.

However, Xavier managed to claw their way back in the final few minutes before the break. A couple of quick baskets from Souley Boum and Colby Jones gave the Musketeers some much-needed momentum, cutting the Texas lead to just six points at halftime, 40-34. The late surge from Xavier was a sign of what was to come — a glimpse into the team’s ability to respond under pressure.

Second Half: Xavier’s Explosive Comeback

As the second half unfolded, Xavier came out with renewed energy. Travis Steele, Xavier’s head coach, had clearly made adjustments during the break. The Musketeers played with a sense of urgency, realizing they couldn’t afford to let Texas dictate the pace of the game. The opening minutes of the second half were all Xavier, as the Musketeers outscored the Longhorns 10-4 in the first five minutes, cutting Texas’ lead to just one point. A three-pointer from Boum and an and-one basket from Zach Freemantle helped set the tone, and it was clear that Xavier was starting to feel the confidence they had lacked in the first half.

Meanwhile, Texas seemed to lose some of their early swagger. The Longhorns, once in control, struggled to match the intensity of Xavier’s defense. Their shots began to fall short, and the crisp ball movement they had exhibited in the first half turned into a series of forced attempts and ill-advised decisions. Marcus Carr, in particular, struggled to find his rhythm, and the Longhorns were missing key opportunities. As the game grew tighter, the pressure began to mount on the Texas players, and Xavier’s defense was suffocating, forcing the Longhorns to rush their possessions.

The tipping point came with just under 10 minutes remaining. A Colby Jones layup capped off a 12-0 Xavier run that gave the Musketeers their first lead of the game, 64-62. From there, the energy in the arena shifted dramatically. Xavier fans, who had been quiet for most of the game, erupted in support of their team, while the Texas contingent fell into nervous silence. The Longhorns, now playing from behind, looked rattled and disjointed, and their defense began to show cracks.

As the clock ticked down, Xavier continued to exploit Texas’ weaknesses. Boum, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, became the star of the second. He hit key three-pointers and crucial mid-range shots, putting the Musketeers up by five with just over five minutes remaining. At the same time, Jones’s versatility as a playmaker and scorer shined through, as he dished out assists and scored important buckets to keep Xavier in control.

The Longhorns, desperate to regain their rhythm, attempted to mount a comeback in the final minutes. Dylan Disu and Timmy Allen both had solid performances, but they were unable to get consistent support from their teammates. Texas also struggled at the free-throw line, missing critical free throws down the stretch, which allowed Xavier to maintain their lead.

With about two minutes left, Xavier led 80-74, and it was clear that the Longhorns were running out of time. Texas fouled in desperation, trying to stop the clock, but Xavier was calm and collected at the charity stripe. Boum and Jones iced the game with clutch free throws, giving Xavier an 86-80 victory and sealing Texas’ elimination from the tournament.

Key Players: Xavier’s Stars Shine

Xavier’s comeback victory was driven by several standout performances, most notably from Souley Boum and Colby Jones.

• Souley Boum was the heartbeat of Xavier’s second-half explosion. The senior guard finished with 28 points, including 12 in the final 10 minutes, and also contributed 4 assists and 3 rebounds. Boum’s ability to score from all over the floor, combined with his clutch shooting, made him the difference-maker when the game was on the line. His performance in the final minutes, including a critical three-pointer that pushed Xavier’s lead to five, was emblematic of the Musketeers’ resilience.
• Colby Jones was just as important, finishing with 18 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. His versatility allowed him to contribute in multiple facets of the game, whether it was creating plays for teammates, hitting timely shots, or defending against Texas’ stars. Jones’ leadership was key in the Musketeers’ comeback, and his poise under pressure kept Xavier in control during the game’s most critical moments.
• Zach Freemantle, Xavier’s big man, added 12 points and 6 rebounds. He provided the physical presence in the paint that allowed the Musketeers to match Texas’ size, and his and-one play late in the second half shifted the momentum in Xavier’s favor.

Texas’ Disappointment: Missed Opportunities and Lack of Execution

For Texas, the defeat to Xavier was a devastating end to what had been a promising season. Despite a strong start and the talent on their roster, the Longhorns simply could not execute in key moments, especially down the stretch.

• Marcus Carr, who had been a steadying presence throughout the season, struggled mightily. He finished with just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting, and his inability to take control of the game during the second half was a major factor in Texas’ collapse. Carr’s turnover with less than two minutes remaining, followed by a missed three-pointer, exemplified the lack of composure from the Longhorns when it mattered most.
• Timmy Allen, another leader for Texas, played admirably but finished with just 14 points on 6-of-15 shooting. He battled in the post but couldn’t get the offensive support he needed from his teammates.
• Dylan Disu, who had been a bright spot in the first half, struggled to maintain his production in the second, finishing with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Despite his efforts, the Longhorns could not find enough balance on offense, and their defensive lapses proved costly.

Overall, Texas was unable to capitalize on their early momentum, and their failure to execute both offensively and defensively in the second half cost them dearly. Coach Rodney Terry, who had done an admirable job leading the team in the absence of Chris Beard, will now face questions about his leadership and what the Longhorns need to do to return to tournament contention in future seasons.

**Conclusion: A St

inging Defeat for Texas, A Historic Victory for Xavier**

The 86-80 upset victory by Xavier over Texas in the NCAA Tournament was an unforgettable moment in March Madness. Xavier’s comeback was a masterclass in perseverance, execution, and clutch play, led by the performances of Boum and Jones. For Texas, the defeat is a tough pill to swallow, as their hopes for a deep tournament run were dashed due to a combination of missed opportunities, mental lapses, and poor execution under pressure.

Xavier now advances to the next round with momentum and confidence, while Texas will have to regroup and reflect on what went wrong in this devastating loss. For Xavier, this win is one for the history books — a thrilling reminder of the magic and unpredictability of March Madness. For Texas, it’s a painful lesson in the importance of finishing strong when the stakes are highest.