Xavier Musketeers Suffer Overtime Loss to Villanova

Fifth close defeat in last seven games for Xavier basketball

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Villanova Wildcats on February 17th at Cintas Center. This marks the fifth time in their last seven losses that Xavier has fallen by five points or less.

Why it matters

Xavier has been in a tough stretch, with several close losses that have prevented them from gaining momentum in the Big East conference standings. As the season winds down, these close defeats could prove costly in their quest to secure a high seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

The details

The game against Villanova went to overtime after the two teams were tied at the end of regulation. In the extra period, Villanova was able to pull away and hand Xavier their latest close defeat.

  • The game was played on February 17, 2026 at Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
  • Five of Xavier's last seven losses have been by five points or less.

The players

Richard Pitino

Head coach of the Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team.

Jovan Milicevic

Player for the Xavier Musketeers men's basketball team.

Villanova Wildcats

The opposing team that defeated Xavier in overtime.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to find a way to win these close games. Our guys are playing hard, but we've got to find a way to get over the hump.”

— Richard Pitino, Head Coach, Xavier Musketeers (cincinnati.com)

“It's tough to keep coming up short like this, but we have to keep fighting. We'll learn from this and come back stronger.”

— Jovan Milicevic, Player, Xavier Musketeers (cincinnati.com)

What’s next

Xavier will look to bounce back in their next game against Creighton on February 21st as they continue their push for a high seed in the Big East tournament and NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

Xavier's close losses this season highlight the fine line between success and failure at the highest levels of college basketball. While the Musketeers have shown fight, they will need to find a way to win these tight games down the stretch if they hope to achieve their goals this season.