Xavier 89 | Marquette 87 | Madison Square Garden | New York | 3/11/2026
This was an absolute thriller, X and MU were trading blows the entire game. There were multiple large runs by each team and it looked like each was going to pull away. However, they both brought it back each time and it came down to the wire.
Xavier led 82-81 with 46.3 seconds to go. Roddie Anderson brought the ball up and handed it off to Carroll with around 30 seconds to go. Carroll proceeded to hit a spin move on Ben Gold and drill a one-handed jumper from the Big East logo in the paint. MSG erupted and so did John Fanta (called the game). This basket proved to be the dagger, as Xavier led the rest of the game and closed it out with some excellent free throw shooting.
Tre Carroll was back in full force, posting 18 points, despite a slow start. As for Marquette, Nigel James Jr. was superb down the stretch, it just wasn’t enough. I have got to give a TON of credit to Richard Pitino, he outcoached a proven, talented coach in Shaka Smart.
Shout-out Tu Holloway, as he was honored in the 3rd Class of Big East Legends during the under 16 timeout of the 2nd half. That’s a really cool accomplishment on top of what was already a storied career. It was also cool to see Rick Pitino and some of his family there to support his son, Richard.
Revisiting the Keys
Quick Start: The Muskies executed this perfectly, as they jumped out to an early lead. However, they did end up losing it. That wasn’t the point though, the goal was to avoid an early deficit that they so often find themselves in.
Involve Everyone: Xavier also executed this one very well. They had four guys in double digits: Jovan Milicevic (21), Tre Carroll (18), Malik Messina-Moore (18), and Filip Borovicanin (10). Roddie Anderson added 9. This balanced attack helped X overcome Marquette’s zone defense and ultimately put up 89 points.
Limit Fouls: I discussed Jovan Milicevic in the preview and how they wanted to keep him from fouling out. Credit Marquette, they ended up doing exactly that. They got Jovan out of the game and this helped them down the stretch, but it ultimately wasn’t enough.
Key Performances
Xavier
- Jovan Milicevic: 21 pts, 3 reb
- Malik Messina-Moore: 18 pts, 3 ast
- Tre Carroll: 18 pts, 9 reb, 4 ast
- Filip Borovicanin: 10 pts, 6 reb, 7 ast
Marquette
- Nigel James Jr: 18 pts, 7 ast, 3 stl
- Royce Parham: 22 pts, 9 reb
- Chase Ross: 16 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast
What a great win for the Muskies! Pitino has got this team headed in the right direction. Let’s move onto the preview for Xavier’s next game; the UConn Huskies.
Xavier vs UConn
Madison Square Garden | New York | 7:00 PM | FS1 | Big East Tourney Quarterfinals
Xavier rolls into this game as massive underdogs, with UConn being one of the top teams in the nation. However, the Muskies now have momentum on their side with the win last night. The Huskies are infuriated after their loss against Marquette on Saturday. These two squads have met twice this year already, both resulting in UConn dominating from the tip. Xavier must have a very different approach in order to win this. Will Xavier shock the CBB world or will UConn handle business?
Keys to the Game
Start Fast: UConn has come out of the gate and killed X two times now, if X can start out with a lead; or just remain competitive, they have a much better chance here.
Shut Down the 3 Ball: Braylon Mullins, Solo Ball, and Alex Karaban all love to let the ball fly from deep. This trio went on a tear for the Huskies in the first two meetings. X must shut down the perimeter, while making their threes. If X isn’t hitting from 3, they are in serious trouble.
Rebound: Tarris Reed Jr. is dominant for UConn down low, and had an absurd amount of second chance points in the first two meetings. Xavier must have all bodies boxing out and fighting for rebounds in order to prevent these chances.
Starting Rotations
These are based on past games and are subject to change.
Stats are minutes per game, points per game, rebounds per game, and assists per game
Xavier
- Malik Messina-Moore: 33.2 MPG, 10.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.9 APG
- Jovan Milicevic: 25.8 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.4 APG
- Filip Borovicanin: 31.0 MPG, 10.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 4.2 APG
- All Wright: 22.9 MPG, 7.7 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 2.0 APG
- Tre Carroll: 31.4 MPG, 18.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.6 APG
UConn
- Alex Karaban: 33.8 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.2 APG
- Tarris Reed Jr: 26.2 MPG, 13.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.2 APG
- Braylon Mullins: 27.1 MPG, 12.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.3 APG
- Silas Demary Jr: 29.1 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.5 APG
- Solo Ball: 29.6 MPG, 13.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.6 APG
Prediction
Does Xavier have the March magic in them? I think they have some, but UConn’s pure firepower is too much for the X-Men. UConn wins 81-73.
All Pictures courtesy of Xavier Athletics
