Xavier's Tournament Hopes Up In The Air As Calendar Flips To Selection Sunday

Author Krops 01 Apr 2025

So here we are, folks. The moment every college basketball team lives for—or dreads. Selection Sunday has arrived, and for Xavier University, it's like waiting outside the principal's office, wondering if they're getting a gold star or detention. The Musketeers have had a rollercoaster of a season, and now, as the calendar flips to Selection Sunday, their NCAA tournament hopes are hanging by a thread—or maybe just a prayer. Let's dive in and see what’s really going on.

There’s this weird vibe in the air as Selection Sunday approaches. It’s like that feeling when you’re waiting for your test results, but instead of grades, it’s about whether Xavier makes the Big Dance or not. The Musketeers have been on a bit of a wild ride this year, with some wins that felt like pure magic and some losses that left fans scratching their heads. Now, all eyes are on the Selection Committee, and the question on everyone's mind is: Will Xavier hear its name called?

For those who don’t know, Selection Sunday is basically the Super Bowl of college basketball bracket nerds. It’s the day when the NCAA Tournament bracket gets revealed, and teams either celebrate making the cut or start planning their summer vacations. Xavier has been in this position before—some years they’ve made it, others they’ve missed out. This year feels different though, with the season ending on a bit of a sour note. Let’s break it all down and see if the Musketeers have what it takes to make the big show.

What Happened During the Season?

Alright, let’s rewind a bit and talk about the season Xavier just had. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but there were definitely some high points. The Musketeers started off strong, winning some key games early on. They even had a few moments where it looked like they might be headed for a top seed. But then, as the season progressed, things started to get a little shaky.

Big Wins and Heartbreaking Losses

Let’s talk about the good stuff first. Xavier had some big wins this season that really showed what they’re capable of. They beat some ranked teams, which is always a good sign for the Selection Committee. These wins gave them a solid resume and made them a contender for the tournament. But then, there were those heartbreaking losses. You know the ones I’m talking about—the games where it seemed like they had it in the bag, only to let it slip away in the final minutes. Those losses hurt, and they definitely left a mark on their tournament resume.

Here’s a quick list of some of the highlights and lowlights:

Wins: Beat ranked opponents like Creighton and Providence
Losses: Dropped crucial games against teams like DePaul and Butler
Close Calls: Several games decided by single digits, showing inconsistency

It’s a mixed bag, but that’s college basketball for you. Every game matters, and every loss can feel like a punch in the gut when Selection Sunday rolls around.

How Does Xavier Stack Up Against Other Teams?

Now, let’s talk about the competition. Xavier isn’t the only team hoping to hear its name called on Selection Sunday. There are dozens of other teams vying for those final spots in the tournament. So how does Xavier stack up against the rest of the field?

Strength of Schedule

One thing working in Xavier’s favor is their strength of schedule. They played in a tough conference, and that always looks good to the Selection Committee. A strong schedule shows that they weren’t just padding their stats with easy wins. But at the same time, their inconsistency in close games is a concern. The committee will be looking at their overall performance, not just their wins and losses.

According to ESPN’s Tournament Odds (as of this writing), Xavier is sitting on the bubble. That means they’re right on the edge, and it could go either way. If they get in, it’ll be a celebration. If they don’t, it’ll be a long offseason ahead.

What the Experts Are Saying

Let’s see what the experts are saying about Xavier’s chances. Analysts like Joe Lunardi, known as the “Bracketologist,” have been weighing in on who’s in and who’s out. Lunardi has Xavier on the bubble, but he’s optimistic about their chances. He says their strong non-conference schedule and wins against ranked opponents could be enough to get them over the line.

Key Metrics to Watch

There are a few key metrics that the Selection Committee looks at when deciding which teams make the tournament. These include:

Net Rankings: Xavier’s NET ranking is decent, but not great
Quadrant Wins: They’ve got some good wins in Quadrant 1 and 2
Losses: Too many bad losses in Quadrant 3 and 4

It’s a balancing act, and the committee has to weigh all these factors. If Xavier can make a strong case with their resume, they might just squeak in.

The Role of the Selection Committee

Let’s talk about the Selection Committee for a second. These are the people who decide which teams make the tournament and which ones don’t. They have a tough job, and they have to weigh a lot of different factors when making their decisions. For Xavier, it’s all about making a strong case with their resume.

What the Committee Looks For

Here’s what the committee is looking for when they evaluate teams:

Wins Against Top Teams: Did Xavier beat any ranked opponents?
Strength of Schedule: Did they play a tough schedule?
Recent Performance: How did they finish the season?

Xavier has some things working in their favor, but they also have some red flags. The committee will have to weigh all these factors before making their decision.

What Happens If Xavier Makes the Tournament?

Okay, let’s imagine the best-case scenario for a second. What happens if Xavier makes the tournament? Well, it’s going to be a wild ride. The Musketeers have shown that they can play with anyone on their best night, so who knows what could happen. They might even make a deep run if everything goes their way.

Possible Matchups

If Xavier does make the tournament, here are some possible matchups they could face:

First Round: A lower seed like a 12 or 13
Second Round: A higher seed like a 5 or 6
Beyond: Who knows? Stranger things have happened in March Madness

It’s going to be a tough road, but that’s what makes March Madness so exciting. Anything can happen, and Xavier has the potential to be a sleeper team if they get in.

What Happens If Xavier Misses the Tournament?

Now, let’s talk about the worst-case scenario. What happens if Xavier doesn’t make the tournament? Well, it’s going to be a long offseason for the Musketeers. They’ll have to regroup and start preparing for next season. But hey, there’s always next year, right?

Lessons Learned

If Xavier misses out, there are still some valuable lessons to be learned:

Consistency: They need to be more consistent in close games
Defense: Their defense needs to step up
Leadership: They need strong leadership to guide them through tough moments

It’s not the end of the world, but it’s definitely a wake-up call for the team and its fans.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Xavier?

So there you have it, folks. Xavier’s tournament hopes are up in the air as the calendar flips to Selection Sunday. It’s going to be a nail-biter, and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. Whether they make the tournament or not, one thing is for sure: the Musketeers have shown that they can compete with anyone on their best night. That’s something to be proud of.

Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered:

Xavier had a rollercoaster of a season with some big wins and heartbreaking losses
They’re sitting on the bubble as Selection Sunday approaches
The Selection Committee will weigh their resume and decide their fate
If they make it, it could be a wild ride in the tournament
If they don’t, they’ll have to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger next year

So, what do you think? Will Xavier hear its name called on Selection Sunday? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends. And hey, if you’re looking for more college basketball insights, be sure to check out our other articles. Until next time, keep it locked here for all things hoops!