Mid-Majors No More
I had a feeling the Xavier-West Virginia Regional Semifinal would be an epic, and it was. The Xavier Musketeers prevailed in overtime, 79-75, largely because West Virginia couldn't make its free throws in OT. The Mountaineers missed 4 of 6 free throws in overtime, which is inexcusable.
But it's time to recognize Xavier for what they are--a bona fide basketball powerhouse. Even though they're frequently considered a "mid-major" program from the Atlantic-10, they have a solid record of achievement in the NCAA tournament this decade. The Musketeers have made the field of 64 seven times in the last eight years, and they've won 9-tournament games over that time span. They made it to the regional finals four years ago, when they lost to eventual champion Duke. I have a feeling their season may end Saturday, when they play the winner of the UCLA-Western Kentucky game, but keep an eye on the "X."
But it's time to recognize Xavier for what they are--a bona fide basketball powerhouse. Even though they're frequently considered a "mid-major" program from the Atlantic-10, they have a solid record of achievement in the NCAA tournament this decade. The Musketeers have made the field of 64 seven times in the last eight years, and they've won 9-tournament games over that time span. They made it to the regional finals four years ago, when they lost to eventual champion Duke. I have a feeling their season may end Saturday, when they play the winner of the UCLA-Western Kentucky game, but keep an eye on the "X."
posted by John Murphy at
10:44 PM
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