March Madness 2025: Xavier Rallies Past Texas, Mount St. Mary’s Triumphs

The road to the NCAA tournament continued with the First Four matchups, marking the final step before the madness truly begins. Tuesday and Wednesday night featured intense battles as teams fought to secure their place in the main tournament bracket.

On the men’s side, the action on Tuesday saw No. 16 Alabama State go head-to-head with No. 16 St. Francis in a thrilling matchup that remained close all the way through. Both teams displayed grit and determination, but Alabama State ultimately edged out St. Francis 70-68, earning their ticket to the first round. Meanwhile, No. 11 North Carolina made a dominant statement against No. 11 San Diego State, dismantling their opponents with a commanding 95-68 victory. North Carolina’s high-paced offense and strong defensive execution proved too much for San Diego State, sending them into the first round of the tournament with momentum on their side.


More excitement ensued on Wednesday night, beginning with No. 16 Mount St. Mary is looking at No. 16 from America. From the opening tip-off, Mount St. Mary’s played with a lot of energy and tried to take advantage of every chance to score. Their consistent offensive play and disciplined defense allowed them to control much of the game, securing an 83-72 victory over American. The win solidified their place in the tournament, proving that they were more than ready for the next challenge.

The men’s First Four’s final game featured No. 11 Xavier and No. 11 Texas in a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Texas started strong, taking an early lead and maintaining control throughout much of the first half. Nevertheless, Xavier insisted on continuing. In the second half, they came back with vigor and precision. Their offensive execution and ability to capitalize on defensive stops allowed them to close the gap and eventually take the lead. Texas fought hard to reclaim control, but Xavier held their ground, securing a hard-fought 86-80 comeback victory. With the win, Xavier punched their ticket to the first round and proved their resilience on the national stage.

On the women’s side, the First Four games delivered just as much excitement and drama. No. 11 Iowa State was relieved to have star center Audi Crooks back in the lineup after an injury had sidelined her. Her presence was immediately felt as she put on a dominant performance, scoring 27 points and leading Iowa State to a 68-63 victory over No. 11 Princeton. Both teams traded leads and made important plays on both ends of the floor to keep the game competitive. However, Crooks’ impact down the stretch helped Iowa State secure the win and advance to the tournament’s first round.

Earlier in the evening, No. 16 Southern took on UC San Diego in another high-stakes matchup. Southern showcased their defensive strength and ability to convert key offensive opportunities, ultimately claiming a 12-point victory. Their solid team performance allowed them to control the game’s tempo and emerge victorious, earning them a well-deserved spot in the first round of the tournament.

As the First Four wrapped up, excitement and anticipation continued to build for the tournament’s first round. The path to the championship gets even tougher now that teams are officially in the main bracket. For those that fought their way through the First Four, the journey is just beginning. The stage is set for unforgettable moments, shocking upsets, and thrilling battles as the NCAA tournament gets into full swing. Fans can now look forward to an action-packed few weeks as the best teams in college basketball compete for the ultimate prize.