
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has represented Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the NCAA Tournament 29 or 30 times, with varying levels of success. The Musketeers have never won the NCAA Tournament, but they have twice won the NIT championship, most recently in 2022. They have also won eight regular-season and six conference tournament championships in the MCC, the predecessor to the Horizon League, and four Atlantic 10 tournament championships.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of NCAA Tournament Appearances | 30 |
| Years of NCAA Tournament Appearances | 1961, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023 |
| Number of NIT Championships | 2 |
| Years of NIT Championships | 1958, 2022 |
| Number of Atlantic 10 Tournament Championships | 4 |
| Years of Atlantic 10 Tournament Championships | 1998, 2002, 2004, 2006 |
| Number of MCC Tournament Championships | 6 |
| Number of MCC Regular Season Championships | 8 |
| Number of NCAA Tournament Elite 8 Appearances | 3 |
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Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has a long and storied history in the NCAA Tournament, with 29 appearances since their first in 1961. However, they have never won the national championship.
The Musketeers made school history in the 2018 NCAA Tournament when they were seeded No. 1 for the first time. They defeated Texas Southern 102-83 in their opener but were then upset 75-70 by Florida State in the next round. In 2017, they had a Final Four shot on the line but fell to Gonzaga 83-59.
The Musketeers have had several notable wins and deep runs in the tournament. Their first tournament win was against Missouri in 1987, followed by a legendary upset of Georgetown in 1990. They have made it to the Elite Eight four times: in 2004, 2008, 2017, and 2018. They have also had nine Sweet Sixteen appearances, including three straight seasons from 2009 to 2011 under coach Chris Mack.
Before the NCAA Tournament became the premier postseason tournament in the early 1960s, the Musketeers won the 1958 NIT, the first postseason championship won by any Ohio Division I school. They won the NIT again in 2022.
The Musketeers have faced off against many notable players and legendary coaches throughout their history. They have also produced NBA talents such as Jordan Crawford and David West.
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Musketeers' NCAA Tournament history
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has a long history of competing in the NCAA Tournament, representing Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Musketeers have made 29 or 30 appearances in the NCAA Tournament since 1961, including 16 appearances in the 18 tournaments between 2001 and 2018.
The Musketeers have enjoyed several notable achievements in the NCAA Tournament. In 2017, they defeated Maryland by 11 points and Florida State by 25 points in the opening rounds, advancing to the Sweet 16. This was the third consecutive year that Xavier made it to the Sweet 16, with the previous two appearances coming in 2015 and 2016. In 2018, Xavier earned its first-ever #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, making school history. The Musketeers have also reached the Elite 8 three times, the furthest they have progressed in the tournament.
Despite their frequent appearances and occasional deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, the Musketeers have never won the National Championship. They are one of 12 teams in the 2023 tournament seeking their first title.
In addition to their NCAA Tournament history, the Musketeers have found success in other postseason competitions. They are a two-time winner of the NIT, most recently claiming the championship in 2022 under interim head coach Jonas Hayes. They also won four Atlantic 10 tournament championships in 1998, 2002, 2004, and 2006.
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NIT championship wins
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has made it to the NCAA Tournament 30 times, including 16 times in the 18 tournaments between 2001 and 2018. On March 11, 2018, the team earned its first-ever No. 1 seed in the tournament.
The Musketeers have also experienced success in the NIT, which is a postseason tournament that was considered more prestigious than the NCAA Tournament until the early 1960s. Xavier is a two-time winner of the NIT, with their most recent championship coming in 2022 under interim head coach Jonas Hayes. This was the team's second-ever NIT championship. Their first NIT championship win was in 1938, when the NIT was considered the elite post-season tournament. This was the first postseason championship won by any Ohio Division I school.
The NIT, or National Invitation Tournament, was founded by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association in 1938, one year before the first NCAA Tournament. The NIT originally invited major conference teams with large television fan bases and respectable attendance for tournament games on their home court. However, as the NCAA Tournament expanded and gained more exposure, the prestige of the NIT suffered. The NCAA's rule change in 1975, requiring teams to accept its bids, further relegated the NIT to a collection of teams that did not make the cut for the NCAA. Today, the NIT is often seen as a consolation event, inviting 32 teams that were not selected for the NCAA Tournament.
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NCAA Tournament appearances
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has a long history of NCAA Tournament appearances, dating back to their first appearance in 1961 under the leadership of head coach Jim McCafferty. Since then, the Musketeers have made over 29 appearances in the tournament, including four consecutive appearances from 2016 to 2019.
One of the most notable appearances was in 1987 when Xavier won their first NCAA Tournament game, beating Missouri. In 1990, the Musketeers advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time, defeating Kansas State and Georgetown along the way. This was also the year that Xavier faced off against legendary coach John Thompson and his Georgetown team.
The Musketeers continued their success in the tournament during the early 2000s, making three straight appearances from 2001 to 2004 under head coach Thad Matta. During this time, Xavier reached the Elite Eight for the first time in 2004 and also won back-to-back Atlantic 10 regular-season championships in 2002 and 2003.
In recent years, the Musketeers have maintained their strong presence in the NCAA Tournament. In 2017, Xavier defeated Maryland and Florida State in the opening rounds before falling to Gonzaga in the Sweet Sixteen. In 2018, Xavier made history by becoming a No. 1 seed for the first time, defeating Texas Southern in their first game.
Overall, the Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has a rich history of NCAA Tournament appearances, with a total of 30 appearances and a record of 31-30. The team has yet to reach the Final Four or win a championship, but their consistent appearances and notable wins have established them as a premier college basketball program.
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Musketeers' March Madness history
The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team has had a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, making it to the prestigious tournament 30 times since 1961. However, the team has never won the March Madness championship.
The Musketeers first appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 1961 and have since become a regular fixture, with 16 appearances in the 18 tournaments between 2001 and 2018. In 2018, the Musketeers achieved a significant milestone by earning their first-ever #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite their frequent appearances, the Musketeers have never made it beyond the Elite 8 in March Madness. They achieved this feat three times, showcasing their potential and determination to go deeper into the tournament.
The Musketeers have enjoyed notable successes along their March Madness journey. In 2017, they defeated Maryland by 11 points and Florida State by 25 in the opening rounds, only to face their former coach in the Sweet 16. In 2010, NBA draft pick Jordan Crawford led the Musketeers to the Sweet Sixteen for the third consecutive year, showcasing their consistency and talent.
The Musketeers have also found success in other tournaments. They are two-time winners of the NIT, with their most recent championship in 2022. They have also won eight regular-season and six conference tournament championships during their time in the Midwestern Collegiate Conference from 1979 to 1995.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Xavier has never won the NCAA basketball championship.
Xavier has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 30 times, 16 times in the 18 tournaments between 2001 and 2018.
Xavier's best performance in the NCAA Tournament was reaching the Elite 8, which they have done three times.
Some of the coaches for Xavier's basketball team include Pete Gillen, Sean Miller, Travis Steele, and Jonas Hayes.
Xavier has won the NIT championship twice, most recently in 2022. They have also won four Atlantic 10 tournament championships (1998, 2002, 2004, and 2006) and six Midwestern Collegiate Conference tournament championships.








































