March Madness 2025 Results: Xavier Comes Back to Beat Texas in First Four; Mount St. Mary’s Tops American
March Madness 2025 has already delivered thrilling games and unforgettable moments, with the First Four matchups setting the stage for an exciting tournament. On March 19, two high-stakes games determined which teams would advance to the main bracket of the NCAA Tournament. Xavier stunned Texas with a remarkable comeback, while Mount St. Mary’s secured a dominant victory over American, solidifying their place in the competition. Let’s dive into the highlights of these electrifying games.
Xavier’s Stunning Comeback Against Texas
In one of the most exhilarating games of the First Four, Xavier mounted an incredible second-half rally to defeat Texas. The game started with Texas in control, as they built a comfortable lead early on. Their strong defensive presence and efficient shooting kept Xavier struggling to find a rhythm. By halftime, Texas held a commanding 12-point lead, seemingly poised to advance.
However, the second half belonged to Xavier. The Musketeers came out of the locker room with renewed energy, tightening their defense and executing sharp offensive plays. Their aggressive full-court press disrupted Texas’s ball movement, leading to multiple turnovers that Xavier capitalized on.
Key Performers for Xavier:
- Desmond Walker: 22 points, 6 assists, 4 steals
- Elijah Thomas: 18 points, 9 rebounds
- Jordan Smith: 12 points, 3 three-pointers in the final 5 minutes
Texas struggled to regain momentum as Xavier’s offensive onslaught continued. With just under two minutes left, Jordan Smith sank a clutch three-pointer to tie the game, sending the crowd into a frenzy. On the next possession, Xavier forced a turnover and converted it into a fast-break layup, giving them the lead for the first time. Texas had one final chance to tie or win the game, but a missed three-pointer sealed their fate.
Final Score: Xavier 74 – Texas 71
This remarkable comeback secured Xavier’s spot in the tournament, and their resilience has made them a team to watch moving forward.
Mount St. Mary’s Dominates American
In the second First Four matchup of the night, Mount St. Mary’s showcased their dominance over American, winning convincingly and earning their ticket to the main tournament. Right from the tip-off, Mount St. Mary’s established control, executing a well-balanced attack and stifling American’s offense.
First Half: Setting the Tone
Mount St. Mary’s quickly built a double-digit lead, fueled by sharp shooting from beyond the arc and a strong defensive effort. Their ability to control the tempo of the game forced American into tough shots, resulting in a dismal first-half shooting percentage.
Key Players for Mount St. Mary’s:
- Jalen Carter: 20 points, 7 rebounds
- Marcus Reynolds: 15 points, 8 assists
- Chris Henderson: 14 points, 3 steals
By halftime, Mount St. Mary’s led by 15 points, and they never looked back. American attempted to stage a comeback in the second half, but Mount St. Mary’s countered every run with efficient scoring and tenacious defense. The game ended with a comfortable victory for Mount St. Mary’s, proving they are more than ready for the challenges ahead.
Final Score: Mount St. Mary’s 78 – American 61
What’s Next in March Madness 2025?
With the First Four games concluded, the main tournament bracket is officially set. Xavier and Mount St. Mary’s will now prepare for their next matchups against higher-seeded opponents. If their First Four performances are any indication, these teams have the potential to make deep runs in the tournament.
Looking Ahead:
- Can Xavier continue their Cinderella story? Their ability to fight back from adversity makes them a dangerous team.
- Will Mount St. Mary’s keep their momentum? Their well-balanced approach could pose a challenge for higher-seeded opponents.
March Madness 2025 is already living up to expectations, and with more thrilling games ahead, fans can expect more unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for further updates as the tournament progresses!