No rematch for Kentucky, as Texas collapses and loses to Xavier

The Longhorns squandered a game they should have won, and now the SEC begins 0-1. Here’s what went wrong.

Xavier’s Marcus Foster during the Xavier vs. Texas NCAA Tournament First Four game in Dayton on March 19, 2015.

The SEC’s entry into postseason basketball started with a loud thud. Texas, a team that many thought could make it to the round of 32, faltered under pressure, blowing a 13-point lead to Xavier in heartbreaking fashion. The final score? 86-80, Xavier.

But this wasn’t just any defeat. It was a monumental collapse. Texas had the game in hand. Fans were already envisioning a matchup with Illinois. Then, suddenly, it all fell apart.

Texas’ Stars Shine, But Not Enough

Tre Johnson dazzled for the Longhorns, scoring 23 points on 6-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range. His aggressive play kept Texas in control for much of the game, and at one point, it seemed like his efforts would carry them through. Tramon Mark added 16 points and 5 assists, while Kadin Shedrick contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds. The stats were there, but when it mattered, the performance lacked the necessary efficiency.

Texas won the rebounding battle, outworking Xavier 33-28. They also shot a solid 75% from the free-throw line. Still, it wasn’t enough.

Xavier’s Resilience and Tenacity

For the Musketeers, Marcus Foster was exceptional. His 22 points on 8-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, were critical. Every time Texas seemed ready to pull away, Foster nailed a crucial shot that kept Xavier in the game.

But it wasn’t just Foster. Zach Freemantle added 15 points, Dailyn Swain and Dayvion McKnight both had 11, and Ryan Conwell chipped in with 11 as well. It was a team effort, and Texas couldn’t match Xavier’s balanced, relentless attack.

Then came the finishing surge. Xavier closed the game with a 16-6 run, an accomplishment they had not achieved all season — erasing a double-digit deficit.

The SEC’s Rocky Start

For the SEC, beginning the postseason 0-1 is not just an unfortunate start, but fuel for critics who argue the SEC is overrated. 13 other teams, including Kentucky, will have their opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. For now, Texas will have to endure the 12-hour wait while the critics talk.

Texas, once a team with so much promise, is now out of the tournament. Their hopes of a deep run have vanished, and one of the nation’s top freshmen, Tre Johnson, is heading home.

What’s Next?

Xavier, on the other hand, moves forward full of confidence and momentum. They’ll face Illinois next, and that team should be ready to face a squad riding high after a stunning comeback.

As for the SEC? They’ll need to hope this was a temporary setback. The road ahead is only going to get tougher.