Xavier’s Season Comes to an End, Losing to Texas 78-76 in OT: Recap

Xavier’s season came to an end Sunday, losing to Texas 78-76 in overtime.

The game started out going back and forth, with neither team leading by more than two points in the first four minutes. Xavier led 5-3 and 7-5, but Texas led 8-7 at the first media timeout with 15:28 left in the first half.

Xavier went up 11-10 on a dunk by Naji Marshall in transition, but Texas immediately took the lead back on a three, and remained ahead 15-13 with 11:34 to go in the first half.

The Musketeers were able to take the lead back, and went up 20-16 on a three by Marshall. They led 20-19 with 7:44 remaining in the first half.

Texas took the lead back 21-20, and after the teams traded baskets, and leads, they were able to put a little bit of cushion in their lead, 28-24. Xavier trailed by only two, however, with 3:44 left in the first half.

The Longhorns were able to maintain their lead, and got up by as many as eight, 38-30, with under a minute left in the first half. They led Xavier 38-32 at the half.

Xavier came out fast to start the second half, taking the lead back, 39-38, in just over a minute of play. The run forced a Texas timeout with 18:42 left in the second half. Xavier extended the run to 13-3, and led 45-41 with 15:58 remaining in the second half.

Texas responded with a 9-2 run that put them ahead 49-47 with 13:18 left in the second half.

The Longhorns continued to build their lead back up, and had Xavier down 57-51 with 7:41 left in the second half.

Xavier made a run to come back however, after going down 60-51, and trailed only 61-59 with 5:27 to go in the second half. Quentin Goodin pulled Xavier back within one, 63-62, but Texas scored on the next possession to put Texas back up three, 65-62, with 4:05 to play in the second half.

Xavier pulled back within one, 70-69 with 44.9 seconds remaining in the second half on a basket by Tyrique Jones. Goodin hit a free throw to tie, and the game went to overtime tied at 70-70.

Texas was able to edge out the win in overtime 78-76.

Jones finished with a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in addition to grabbing a steal.

Marshall finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Goodin had 14 points, four assists and a steal.

Zach Hankins also finished in double-figures with 13 points, to go along with nine rebounds and a steal.