Xavier edged out Texas 86-80 in a heart-stopping First Four matchup at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. The Musketeers’ remarkable comeback was spearheaded by Marcus Foster (22 points, eight rebounds) and Zach Freemantle (15 points), as they trailed by 13 points before mounting a stunning rally.
Foster’s 4-of-5 three-point performance played a crucial role in the comeback, while Freemantle provided consistent scoring. The Longhorns, led by Tre Johnson (23 points), initially took control, but Xavier’s bench players, including Dante Maddox Jr., helped trim the deficit to just eight at halftime.
As the game wore on, Xavier capitalized on Texas’ poor shot selection and turnovers, taking advantage of the Longhorns’ mistakes. The Musketeers then made key plays in crunch time, including a go-ahead shot from Freemantle, to secure their first-round victory.
Xavier’s win over Texas has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, with many praising the team’s determination and resilience. With momentum on their side, the Musketeers will now face sixth-seeded Illinois in the round of 64 in the Midwest Region.
Source: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25173379-xavier-beats-texas-march-madness-first-four-thrills-cbb-fans-comeback-win