Xavier levels livid rally to beat Kennesaw State in Owls’ first-ever NCAA Tournament sport

The Greensboro Coliseum was rocking for an early begin between 14-seed Kennesaw State and 3-seed Xavier within the first spherical of the NCAA Tournament. 

In the varsity’s first-ever look within the match, the world had a robust pro-Kennesaw State contingent, as followers of the Owls made the almost six-hour drive from Kennesaw, Georgia, to Greensboro, North Carolina. 

Kennesaw State’s Demond Robinson, backside, battles for a unfastened ball throughout the first half of a first-round sport towards Xavier within the NCAA Tournament Friday, March 17, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C.  (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Xavier went on a 15-0 run late within the second half to take the lead, holding off Kennesaw State, 72-67, to advance to the second spherical of the NCAA Tournament. 

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After a day full of main upsets, faculty basketball followers and those that made the journey weren’t upset by one of many first video games of day two. 

Down 13 with just below 10 minutes to play, Xavier battled again, taking the lead with beneath 5 minutes to go. 

Xavier guard Colby Jones made considered one of two free throws with 16 seconds remaining within the sport, and Kennesaw State was unable to get a shot off on its ultimate two possessions, sending Xavier to the second spherical.

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After closing the primary half on a 34-18 run, the Owls got here out for the second half smelling upset, leaping throughout Xavier with an 8-2 run to take a 51-38 lead. 

Xavier ahead Jerome Hunter dunks towards Kennesaw State throughout the first half of a first-round sport within the NCAA Tournament Friday, March 17, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

But the Musketeers received 24 factors from senior Jerome Hunter, and 5 Xavier gamers completed in double figures. 

Despite the loss, it’s a significant turnaround for Kennesaw State after it completed the 2019-2020 season 1-28. 

Under head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, the Owls went 5-19 in 2020-21 and 13-18 in 2021-22, earlier than profitable the Atlantic Sun Conference championship and going 26-8 this season. 

Xavier head coach Sean Miller reacts throughout the first half of a first-round sport towards Kennesaw State within the NCAA Tournament Friday, March 17, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

It’s the primary time Kennesaw State has completed a season above .500 since turning into a Division I program in 2005. 

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In Sean Miller’s first 12 months as head coach of Xavier, the Musketeers went 25-9 within the common season.