Texas Eliminated from NCAA Tournament After Falling to Xavier in First Four

The NCAA Tournament, widely known as March Madness, is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the United States every year. With high-stakes games and the thrill of underdogs defying expectations, it is no surprise that millions of fans tune in to witness the chaos unfold. However, for some teams, March Madness represents the pinnacle of their season, and elimination can be especially crushing. One such team was the Texas Longhorns, who, despite a strong season, were eliminated in an unexpected early round after falling to Xavier in the First Four. This was a devastating blow to the Longhorns, who were hoping to make a deep run, and it serves as a poignant reminder of how brutal the single-elimination format of the NCAA Tournament can be.

The Road to the NCAA Tournament

The Texas Longhorns entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament with high expectations. Despite facing challenges during the regular season, they had a solid overall record and managed to perform well in the Big 12 Conference. The team’s journey to the Tournament began with a series of ups and downs. Early in the season, they had a tough start, struggling with injuries and inconsistency. However, as the season progressed, they found their rhythm, and their roster began to gel. By the time March rolled around, they were a team on the rise, boasting a powerful mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent.

Head coach Chris Beard, who took over the Longhorns’ program just a few seasons ago, had instilled a tough defensive mentality while also encouraging a fast-paced, high-scoring offense. Texas was an aggressive team, unafraid to press, attack, and challenge their opponents. Their strong defense was a key component of their game plan, often stifling opposing offenses and allowing them to dictate the tempo. With players like Marcus Carr, Timmy Allen, and Dillon Mitchell, the Longhorns seemed poised to make a deep run into the NCAA Tournament.

The team’s performance in the Big 12 Tournament was a mixed bag, as they won some crucial games but failed to secure the championship. Still, their résumé was solid enough to earn them a spot in the Tournament, albeit in the First Four—an opening-round play-in game for teams that did not earn a top seed in the bracket. Despite their strong regular-season performance, the Longhorns found themselves in the unflattering position of having to battle through the First Four if they wanted to stay alive in the competition.

The First Four

The First Four is a unique part of the NCAA Tournament, often serving as a final opportunity for underdog teams to make their mark on March Madness. The teams that play in the First Four must win their way into the main bracket of 64 teams. While the First Four may not receive the same level of attention as the later rounds of the Tournament, it has produced some memorable moments in the past. Teams that perform well in the First Four often use that momentum to propel themselves into the Tournament’s later stages.

For Texas, the First Four game against Xavier was not just a chance to advance—it was a make-or-break moment. Fans and analysts alike expected the Longhorns to breeze through this game and make a statement. However, Xavier, a team that had flown under the radar for much of the season, had other plans.

Xavier was no slouch, and their head coach, Sean Miller, had built a competitive squad capable of hanging with some of the nation’s best. The Musketeers boasted a combination of experience and youth, with standout players who could score in multiple ways. Texas, despite being the higher seed, could not afford to underestimate their opponent. Xavier’s offensive firepower and defensive grit would prove to be a formidable challenge.

The Game: Texas vs. Xavier

The game between Texas and Xavier was a tightly contested matchup from the outset. Texas, led by their star players, started off strong with solid offensive plays and tight defense. Marcus Carr was effective early on, driving to the basket and hitting key shots to give the Longhorns an early lead. Timmy Allen also contributed with key rebounds and defensive stops, doing everything he could to provide leadership on the court.

However, Xavier’s response was swift. The Musketeers capitalized on some early mistakes from Texas and settled into their rhythm. They used their superior three-point shooting to create separation, with forward Zach Freemantle lighting up the scoreboard from deep. Freemantle’s shooting ability forced Texas to scramble defensively, as they had to adjust their coverage to account for his perimeter shooting. Xavier’s ability to stretch the floor created openings for their other players, and the Musketeers began to establish a rhythm.

The game quickly turned into a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads throughout the first half. Texas, despite showing moments of brilliance, was struggling to find consistency on both ends of the floor. Their defense, which had been their trademark all season, was not as stifling as they would have hoped, and Xavier was taking full advantage.

As the second half began, it became clear that Xavier’s game plan was starting to take hold. The Musketeers’ fast break and transition offense began to pick up steam, with several quick layups and fast-break dunks putting the Longhorns on their heels. Texas, in contrast, seemed unable to break through Xavier’s defense, which was physical and organized. Despite several runs and attempts to close the gap, the Longhorns could not stop Xavier’s momentum.

In the final minutes of the game, Texas made one last push to rally, but it was too little, too late. With their shooting faltering and Xavier continuing to execute at a high level, the Longhorns fell short. When the final buzzer sounded, Xavier had emerged victorious, defeating Texas by a score of 74-68.

Immediate Aftermath

The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Texas. Fans, players, and coaches alike were left to reflect on what went wrong. For a team with championship aspirations, the First Four exit was an early and unexpected end to a season full of promise. Texas had the talent, the coaching, and the pedigree to make a run in the Tournament, but in the end, Xavier’s superior execution and composure in crunch time proved to be the difference.

For Chris Beard, this early elimination was a hard blow. As the head coach of Texas, Beard had experienced success at every stop in his career, and he had elevated the Longhorns to new heights in a short period of time. However, this loss to Xavier would certainly be a difficult one to process, as his team had failed to meet the high expectations set for them at the beginning of the season.

The Longhorns’ performance also raised questions about their lack of consistency throughout the season. While they had flashes of brilliance, particularly on defense, they had struggled to maintain that intensity on a game-to-game basis. Their offensive struggles in the loss to Xavier highlighted the need for more offensive cohesion and shot-making in high-pressure situations. For many, it was a game that Texas simply could not afford to lose if they wanted to prove their status as one of the nation’s elite teams.

The Broader Implications for Texas Basketball

This loss marked a significant moment for Texas basketball, especially considering their recent success. With the elimination from the NCAA Tournament, the program now faces a crossroads. The team will need to assess its roster and make improvements heading into the next season. There will likely be questions surrounding the future of key players, especially those like Marcus Carr, who may look to pursue professional opportunities after the season.

Additionally, the loss raises important questions for the Texas athletic department and the direction of the basketball program. The school has invested heavily in the success of its basketball team, and with the loss, there may be added pressure on the coaching staff to take the program to the next level. However, there is no doubt that Chris Beard’s leadership and the foundation he has built at Texas will allow the team to rebound and refocus for the future.

The Texas Longhorns’ unexpected elimination in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament was a disappointing outcome for a team that had high hopes for a deep run. Their loss to Xavier is a reminder of how unforgiving the Tournament can be. In a single-elimination format, even the most talented teams can be sent home early. For Texas, the road to recovery will require introspection, improvement, and a recommitment to the values that brought them success in the first place.

Despite this setback, the future of Texas basketball remains bright. With the right adjustments and continued development, the Longhorns will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in years to come. While their 2025 NCAA Tournament journey may have ended abruptly, the lessons learned from this experience will only serve to fuel their determination to rise again in future seasons.