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Musketeers Rally Late to Edge Georgetown in Big East Thriller
By
Musketeer Madness,
12/20/2025
Xavier showed grit on the road Friday night, erasing a halftime deficit and closing strong to secure an 80–77 Big East win over Georgetown at Capital One Arena . The victory moved the Musketeers to 9–4 overall and 1–1 in league play, snapping a tense back-and-forth contest that featured 11 lead changes and seven ties.
Georgetown controlled much of the first half, leaning on transition chances and early perimeter shooting to build a 40–35 advantage at the break. Xavier kept contact behind timely buckets from Tre Carroll and Malik Messina-Moore, but struggled to find rhythm from deep, hitting just 3-of-13 from three before halftime.
The Musketeers flipped the script after the break, shooting nearly 53 percent in the second half and turning defensive stops into points. Xavier repeatedly answered Georgetown runs, finally grabbing the lead for good inside the final four minutes as Jovan Milicevic knocked down a key three and Carroll finished through contact in the paint .
Carroll delivered his best performance of the season, pouring in a game-high 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting while adding eight rebounds and four assists. Messina-Moore added 14 points and four assists, and Filip Borovicanin anchored the interior with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists, helping Xavier control the glass 45–36.
Xavier’s bench also made a difference. Roddie Anderson III scored 14 points, including two clutch free throws in the final 10 seconds to seal the outcome, while Pape N’Diaye chipped in six points and four rebounds in limited minutes. Overall, the Musketeers totaled 22 bench points and held a 15–9 edge in fast-break scoring.
Georgetown was led by Malik Mack’s 21 points and Julius Halaifonua’s 19, but the Hoyas struggled at the foul line, converting just 25-of-43 free throws. That inefficiency loomed large late as Xavier executed down the stretch and closed the door with poise.
With a balanced attack and timely execution, Xavier earned a hard-fought road win that could pay dividends as Big East play continues. The Musketeers will look to build on the momentum as they return home for their next conference test against reigning national champion, UConn, on New Year's Eve at Cintas Center.
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