Xavier Musketeers Edge Past No. 19 UConn in Thrilling Basketball Match

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In a closely contested game, the Xavier Musketeers defeated No. 19 UConn 76-72. Led by Zach Freemantle and Dailyn Swain, who both scored 15 points, the Musketeers took control with a 14-3 run in the first half. UConn responded with a strong comeback, but Xavier’s late free throws sealed the win. The game was marked by intense competition, with both teams showcasing their skills. Xavier’s victory moves them to 13-8 overall, while UConn drops to 14-6.

Xavier Musketeers Edge Past No. 19 UConn in Thrilling Basketball Match
In a game that will be remembered for its intensity and strategic play, the Xavier Musketeers emerged victorious over No. 19 UConn with a final score of 76-72. The match, held at Cintas Center, was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams.

The game began with a strong opening basket by Xavier, which was quickly matched by UConn. The first five minutes saw both teams trading buckets, setting the stage for a closely contested match. However, Xavier’s momentum shifted with a 14-3 run, extending their lead to 10 points. This was their largest lead of the first half, but UConn responded with a strong comeback, outscoring Xavier 18-4 over a five-minute stretch to take a four-point lead.
Despite UConn’s efforts, Xavier maintained their composure. Zach Freemantle and Marcus Foster contributed significantly with threes, while Dayvion McKnight’s bucket just before the buzzer set the halftime score at 41-40 in favor of Connecticut. Dailyn Swain led the Musketeers with 10 points in the first half, shooting 6-of-7 from the floor.
The second half saw Xavier regain their lead, only to be matched by UConn’s subsequent scoring. However, Xavier outscored Connecticut 13-2 over the next five minutes, extending their lead out to 10 points, 69-59, with five minutes remaining in the game. UConn had a late 9-3 run to pull within two in the final two minutes, but a pair of Marcus Foster free throws sealed the win, setting the final score at 76-72.
The game was marked by impressive performances from both teams. Zach Freemantle matched Swain for team high with 15 points and grabbed five rebounds. Dante Maddox Jr. finished with 14 points, leading Xavier with nine points in the second half. Jerome Hunter scored 12 points, going 5-of-5 from the free throw line, and grabbed five rebounds, including a pair of offensive boards. Dayvion McKnight added 11 points for the Musketeers.
The victory moves Xavier to 13-8 overall and 5-5 in BIG EAST play, while UConn drops to 14-6 overall and 6-3 in BIG EAST play. The Musketeers head back out on the road for their next match-up, traveling to Omaha to face Creighton on Wednesday, January 29, set for an 8:00 p.m. ET start on FS1.


  1. What was the final score of the game?
    The final score was 76-72 in favor of Xavier.
  2. Who led the scoring for Xavier?
    Zach Freemantle and Dailyn Swain each scored 15 points.
  3. What was the largest lead for each team in the first half?
    Xavier’s largest lead was 10 points, while UConn’s largest lead was four points.

  4. How did Xavier regain their lead in the second half?
    Xavier outscored UConn 13-2 over the next five minutes to move back in front by multiple possessions.

  5. What was the significance of Marcus Foster’s free throws?
    Marcus Foster’s free throws sealed the win for Xavier, setting the final score at 76-72.

  6. Who contributed significantly with threes in the game?
    Zach Freemantle and Marcus Foster contributed significantly with threes.

  7. What was the halftime score?
    The halftime score was 41-40 in favor of Connecticut.

  8. How many rebounds did Jerome Hunter grab?
    Jerome Hunter grabbed five rebounds, including a pair of offensive boards.

  9. What was the outcome of UConn’s late 9-3 run?
    UConn’s late 9-3 run pulled them within two points in the final two minutes, but Xavier’s free throws sealed the win.

  10. What is Xavier’s next match-up?
    Xavier’s next match-up is against Creighton on Wednesday, January 29, set for an 8:00 p.m. ET start on FS1.


The Xavier Musketeers’ victory over No. 19 UConn was a testament to their strategic play and team effort. Despite UConn’s strong comeback, Xavier maintained their composure and sealed the win with crucial free throws. This win moves Xavier to 13-8 overall and 5-5 in BIG EAST play, showcasing their potential in the conference.

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