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Musketeers Edge No. 19 UConn in Thriller at Cintas Center
By
Musketeer Madness,
1/26/2025
In front of a raucous crowd of 10,613 at the Cintas Center on Saturday night, Xavier secured a thrilling 76-72 victory over No. 19 UConn. The Musketeers, now 13-8 overall and 5-5 in BIG EAST play, handed the Huskies their third conference loss of the season, dropping them to 14-6 overall and 6-3 in BIG EAST action.
Xavier showcased a balanced offensive attack, with five players scoring in double figures. Zach Freemantle and Dailyn Swain led the charge with 15 points apiece, each making crucial plays in the game's final moments. Swain's efficiency stood out as he shot 6-for-7 from the field and added four assists. Freemantle's gritty play in the post was pivotal, complemented by his five rebounds and two blocks.
The game featured an exciting start as both teams traded early leads. UConn jumped out to a four-point advantage just over a minute in, but Xavier quickly responded with a 9-0 run fueled by Swain's crafty finishes and Jerome Hunter's perimeter shooting. By halftime, the Huskies clung to a narrow 41-40 lead, with Solo Ball pacing UConn with 20 points, including three triples.
In the second half, Xavier's defense stepped up, holding UConn to just 42.3% shooting from the field. Key stops and timely fast-break opportunities helped the Musketeers regain control. Dayvion McKnight, who finished with 11 points and three steals, made his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Jerome Hunter came off the bench to provide 12 points, including a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line, igniting the crowd during critical stretches.
UConn's frontcourt duo of Samson Johnson and Hassan Diarra combined for 24 points, but their efforts fell short in overcoming Xavier's collective output. The Huskies were plagued by a lack of perimeter efficiency, shooting just 26.9% from beyond the arc. Aidan Mahaney contributed 14 points for UConn, but his late three-point attempt to tie the game fell short.
The turning point came with under three minutes to play when Freemantle converted a 3-point play to extend Xavier's lead to five. UConn battled back with quick buckets from Diarra and Ball, but Xavier's precision at the free-throw line down the stretch sealed the victory as the Musketeers went 17-for-24 from the stripe.
The win bolstered Xavier's confidence as they seek to climb the BIG EAST standings. Next up, Xavier travels to Omaha to face Creighton on Wednesday, January 29, at 8:00 p.m. ET in a game that will be broadcast on FS1. With momentum on their side, the Musketeers aim to secure another significant conference win.
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