First Four March Madness 2025: Scores, Highlights, and Results

The First Four of the 2025 men’s NCAA Tournament has concluded, delivering thrilling games and unexpected outcomes.

Among the highlights was Xavier’s dramatic comeback against Texas, which set the stage for the main tournament.

This blog post will delve into the key moments, standout performances, and what lies ahead for the teams involved.

Table of Contents

Xavier’s Thrilling Comeback Against Texas

Xavier’s 86-80 victory over Texas was nothing short of spectacular. The Musketeers rallied from a 13-point deficit, showcasing resilience and determination.

Playing just 45 miles from their Cincinnati campus in Dayton, Xavier enjoyed what felt like a homecourt advantage. This support was crucial as they wiped out a 12-point deficit in the second half and ended the game on a 16-6 run.

Key Performances

Zach Freemantle, Xavier’s oft-injured big man, played through foul trouble in the second half. He scored 15 points, including a pivotal jumper to take the lead and a slam in the final second to seal the victory.

Marcus Foster led the Musketeers with 22 points, while Texas’ Tre Johnson, named SEC Freshman of the Year, scored 23 points in what is likely his final collegiate game.

Freemantle: 15 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Foster: 22 points
Johnson: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 4-of-7 from 3-point range

Freemantle’s journey has been remarkable. After missing the last tournament due to foot surgery and sitting out the entire next season, his performance in this game was a testament to his perseverance.

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Coach Sean Miller praised him, saying, *The basketball gods always reward the player that does every single thing right in that biggest moment of his career.*

Game Statistics

The game statistics highlight Xavier’s efficiency and resilience:

Field Goals: Xavier 32/58 (55%) – Texas 27/55 (49%)
3-pointers: Xavier 12/25 (48%) – Texas 8/17 (47%)
Free throws: Xavier 10/16 – Texas 18/24
Rebounds: Xavier 28 – Texas 33
Offensive rebounds: Xavier 4 – Texas 9
Assists: Xavier 17 – Texas 11
Steals: Xavier 6 – Texas 5
Blocks: Xavier 2 – Texas 2
Turnovers: Xavier 7 – Texas 10
Fouls: Xavier 18 – Texas 13

Xavier’s superior shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, was a key factor in their victory.

The Musketeers made 12 of 25 three-point attempts, which will be something to watch as they advance to face Illinois in the Midwest Regional.

Texas’ Disappointing End

For Texas, the loss marks the beginning of an uncertain offseason. The Longhorns, the last of a record 14 SEC teams to make the field, slipped in with a 6-12 conference record.

Coach Rodney Terry, with a 62-37 record over three seasons, faces an uncertain future despite three NCAA Tournament appearances.

Fan Reactions

Fans expressed their disappointment and frustration with Texas’ performance:

*Outcoached and outplayed. Embarrassing end for Texas. Can’t say I’m sad this will be the end of Rodney Terry.* – Tyler M.
*Texas’s offense was barely even trying the last 5 minutes or so. Just a bunch of standing around watching the ball. Very poorly coached.* – Brian C.
*Amazing how a school with as much money to buy players as Texas can play this poorly.* – John W.

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Despite the talent on the team, including the standout performance by Tre Johnson, Texas was unable to close out the game.

Johnson’s likely departure for the NBA adds another layer of uncertainty for the Longhorns.

Looking Ahead

With the First Four now complete, the madness truly gets underway with a feast of 16 games on Thursday.

Fans can look forward to a day packed with action, starting with:

12:15pm: (9) Creighton vs. (8) Louisville
12:40pm: (13) High Point vs. (4) Purdue
1:30pm: (14) Montana vs. (3) Wisconsin
2pm: (16) SIU Edwardsville vs. (1) Houston
2:50pm: (16) Alabama State vs. (1) Auburn
3:15pm: (12) McNeese vs. (5) Clemson
4:05pm: (11) VCU vs. (6) BYU
4:35pm: (9) Georgia vs. (8) Gonzaga

All times are in ET, so plan your day accordingly to catch all the action while you pretend to work.

Xavier vs. Illinois

Xavier’s next challenge will be against Illinois, a team known for its fast-paced style similar to the Musketeers.

Xavier’s hot shooting, particularly from three-point range, will be crucial against an Illinois team that has been prone to allowing a lot of points over the past month.

The Musketeers have won eight of their last nine games, and their resilience will be tested once again.

Conclusion

The First Four of the 2025 men’s NCAA Tournament has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting March Madness.

Xavier’s thrilling comeback against Texas was a highlight, showcasing the drama and unpredictability that defines this tournament.

As the main event kicks off, fans can look forward to more unforgettable moments and upsets.

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For a detailed breakdown of the First Four and upcoming matchups, visit the New York Times live blog.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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