Did Xavier Win Their Last Basketball Game?
The Xavier Musketeers, the men’s basketball team of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, is one of the most popular teams in college basketball. They are a perennial power in the Big East conference and one of the top teams in the country. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that the question of whether Xavier won their last basketball game is always on the minds of their fans.
Background of Xavier Basketball
The Xavier Musketeers have been one of the top programs in college basketball for decades. They have won nine conference championships and made 17 NCAA tournament appearances, including six Sweet Sixteen berths and two Elite Eight appearances. They have also been ranked in the top 25 of the AP Poll for 35 consecutive weeks, a streak that currently stands as the third-longest in the nation.
Xavier’s Recent Opponents
The Musketeers’ last game was against the Seton Hall Pirates on March 8th, 2020. Seton Hall is another top-tier program in the Big East, and the Pirates are currently ranked #15 in the AP Poll. The Pirates have been a tough opponent for Xavier in recent years, as they have won five of the last six matchups between the two teams.
The Game Summary
The game was a closely contested affair, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Xavier was able to take a late lead in the second half, but Seton Hall was able to rally late and take the lead with less than a minute remaining. However, the Musketeers were able to get a crucial stop on defense and convert a layup with just seconds remaining to win the game 77-76.
Impact of the Win
The win was a huge one for the Musketeers, as it solidified their standing as a top team in the Big East. It also put them in a strong position to make the NCAA tournament. The win also marked the first time in program history that Xavier had a winning record against Seton Hall in Big East play.
Key Players
The Musketeers had several key contributors in their win over Seton Hall. Senior guard Quentin Goodin led the way with 22 points and 4 assists. Junior forward Naji Marshall had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore guard Paul Scruggs was also instrumental with 16 points and 7 rebounds.
Other Important Factors
The Musketeers were able to get the win despite some key injuries. Sophomore forward Tyrique Jones was out with an ankle sprain, and junior guard J.P. Macura was out with a knee injury. They were both replaced in the starting lineup by freshman forward Elias Harden and sophomore guard Kyle Castlin, respectively.
Xavier’s Remaining Schedule
The win over Seton Hall was the Musketeers’ last regular season game of the year. They will now head into the Big East tournament as the #3 seed, and they will face the #6 seed Georgetown Hoyas in the quarterfinals.
Xavier’s Chances of Making the NCAA Tournament
The win over Seton Hall put the Musketeers in a strong position to make the NCAA tournament. They currently have a record of 22-10 and an RPI of 35, which is good enough for a tournament berth. However, they will have to make a strong run in the Big East tournament to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Xavier was able to win their last game against Seton Hall, 77-76. The win was a huge one for the Musketeers, as it solidified their standing as a top team in the Big East and put them in a strong position to make the NCAA tournament. They will now head into the Big East tournament with a chance to secure a tournament berth and continue their strong season.
Xavier Musketeers, Seton Hall Pirates, Big East, NCAA tournament, AP Poll, Quentin Goodin, Naji Marshall, Paul Scruggs, Tyrique Jones, J.P. Macura, Elias Harden, Kyle Castlin, Georgetown Hoyas, RPI