Villanova Edges Xavier in Overtime Thriller
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Cintas Center
Villanova Wildcats 92, Xavier Musketeers 89, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Villanova Wildcats vs Xavier Musketeers?
Villanova Wildcats beat Xavier Musketeers 92-89 at Cintas Center on February 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Villanova Wildcats vs Xavier Musketeers?
Villanova Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The favorite won.
In a nail-biting finish, the Villanova Wildcats triumphed over the Xavier Musketeers 92-89 in overtime at the Cintas Center on February 17, 2026. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as Villanova, with a record of 21-5, faced off against a struggling Xavier team, which now stands at 13-13. The game not only highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams this season but also showcased their competitive history, with both teams now holding a 1-1 record against each other in their last two meetings.
Villanova entered the game riding a five-game winning streak, having won eight of their last ten contests. Their recent form included victories against teams like Creighton and Marquette, with an average of 77.2 points scored and 71.6 points allowed over their last ten games. In contrast, Xavier had a mixed record of 4-6 in their last ten games, with their most recent performance being a win against Marquette, where they scored 96 points. However, they have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 82.6 points during that stretch.
At home, Xavier has performed better, boasting a 4-1 record, while their away performances have been less favorable, with an 0-5 record. Villanova, on the other hand, has shown strength both at home and on the road, holding a 4-1 record in both scenarios. This game was pivotal for Xavier as they sought to improve their standing and gain momentum heading into the latter part of the season.
In terms of previous encounters, the two teams faced each other twice in the 2025 season, with Xavier winning the first matchup at home 69-63, while Villanova claimed victory in the second meeting 80-68. This history added an extra layer of intensity to their latest clash.
The injury report showed no significant absences for either team, allowing both to field their strongest lineups. This contributed to a highly competitive atmosphere, with both teams eager to assert their dominance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Villanova favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 152.5. The odds reflected Villanova's strong performance leading up to the game, as well as Xavier's struggles. The moneyline was listed at +170 for Xavier and -205 for Villanova, indicating the expectation of a close matchup.
Conditions for the game were typical for an indoor basketball environment, with no weather-related factors influencing play. Fans witnessed a thrilling back-and-forth contest that culminated in overtime, showcasing the resilience and skill of both teams.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a series of exciting plays, particularly in the overtime period. Key moments included Filip Borovicanin making crucial free throws and Bryce Lindsay hitting a long three-pointer that helped Villanova maintain their lead. Acaden Lewis was instrumental for Villanova, contributing both with driving layups and free throws that sealed the victory.
In summary, this matchup between Villanova and Xavier was not only a display of basketball skill but also a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams. Villanova's ability to secure the win in overtime against a determined Xavier side adds another chapter to their rivalry.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | VILL -4.5 | 152.5 o -115 / u -105 | Villanova Wildcats -205 · Xavier Musketeers +170 |
Leaders
- PointsTre Carroll28Xavier Musketeers
- AssistsMalik Messina-Moore7Xavier Musketeers
- ReboundsTre Carroll10Xavier Musketeers
- PointsAcaden Lewis21Villanova Wildcats
- AssistsAcaden Lewis6Villanova Wildcats
- ReboundsDuke Brennan13Villanova Wildcats
Recent form
Xavier Musketeers
Last 10: 4-6Streak W180.1 scored · 82.6 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W96-88vs Marquette Golden EaglesFeb 14
- L82-87at St. John's Red StormFeb 9
- L60-92at UConn HuskiesFeb 4
- W68-66vs DePaul Blue DemonsJan 31
- L68-86at Seton Hall PiratesJan 29
- L83-88vs St. John's Red StormJan 24
- L93-94at Creighton BluejaysJan 22
- W89-75vs Butler BulldogsJan 14
- W97-84vs Providence FriarsJan 10
- L65-66at Marquette Golden EaglesJan 8
Villanova Wildcats
Last 10: 8-2Streak W577.2 scored · 71.6 allowed per game4-1 away
- W80-69at Creighton BluejaysFeb 14
- W77-74vs Marquette Golden EaglesFeb 11
- W80-73at Georgetown HoyasFeb 7
- W72-60vs Seton Hall PiratesFeb 4
- W87-73vs Providence FriarsJan 31
- L67-75at UConn HuskiesJan 24
- W66-51vs Georgetown HoyasJan 22
- L79-86vs St. John's Red StormJan 18
- W88-82at Providence FriarsJan 13
- W76-73at Marquette Golden EaglesJan 10
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. John's | 30-7 | - | 18-2 |
| UConn | 34-6 | 1 | 17-3 |
| Villanova | 24-9 | 3 | 15-5 |
| Seton Hall | 21-12 | 8 | 10-10 |
| Creighton | 16-18 | 9 | 9-11 |
| DePaul | 16-16 | 10 | 8-12 |
| Butler | 16-16 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Providence | 15-18 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Marquette | 12-20 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Georgetown | 16-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
| Xavier | 15-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Villanova Wildcats | Xavier Musketeers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-75 | 34-67 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 12-34 | 10-23 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 43 |
| Free throws | 14-22 | 11-13 |
| Free throw % | 64 | 85 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 32 |
| Assists | 24 | 26 |
| Steals | 12 | 4 |
| Blocks | 4 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 22 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 32 |
| Fouls | 15 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 68 | 20 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half58-50Tyler Perkins makes driving layup (Acaden Lewis assists)
- 2nd Half58-52Jovan Milicevic makes 21-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-55Roddie Anderson III makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jovan Milicevic assists)
- 2nd Half60-55Braden Pierce makes layup (Malachi Palmer assists)
- 2nd Half60-56Tre Carroll makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-58Isaiah Walker makes layup (Roddie Anderson III assists)
- 2nd Half63-58Bryce Lindsay makes 23-foot three point jumper (Duke Brennan assists)
- 2nd Half63-61Isaiah Walker makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jovan Milicevic assists)
- 2nd Half66-61Bryce Lindsay makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chris Jeffrey assists)
- 2nd Half66-62Malik Messina-Moore makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half66-63Malik Messina-Moore makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half66-64Malik Messina-Moore makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half69-64Tyler Perkins makes 23-foot three point jumper (Matt Hodge assists)
- 2nd Half69-66Malik Messina-Moore makes 18-foot floating jump shot (Anthony Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half69-68Tre Carroll makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half71-68Bryce Lindsay makes layup (Duke Brennan assists)
- 2nd Half71-70Tre Carroll makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half73-70Duke Brennan makes layup
- 2nd Half75-70Acaden Lewis makes layup (Malachi Palmer assists)
- 2nd Half75-72Roddie Anderson III makes driving layup
- 2nd Half75-75Jovan Milicevic makes 26-foot three point jumper (Malik Messina-Moore assists)
- 2nd Half75-77Isaiah Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half76-77Acaden Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-77Tyler Perkins makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-77Tyler Perkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-77Tyler Perkins makes driving layup
- 2nd Half81-78Malik Messina-Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-79Malik Messina-Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-81Tre Carroll makes layup
- OT82-81Duke Brennan makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT83-81Duke Brennan makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT83-82Filip Borovicanin makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT83-83Filip Borovicanin makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT86-83Bryce Lindsay makes 26-foot three point jumper (Acaden Lewis assists)
- OT88-83Acaden Lewis makes driving layup
- OT88-86Tre Carroll makes 24-foot three point jumper (Filip Borovicanin assists)
- OT90-86Acaden Lewis makes driving layup
- OT90-89Tre Carroll makes 28-foot three point jumper (Filip Borovicanin assists)
- OT91-89Bryce Lindsay makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT92-89Acaden Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Xavier Musketeers, below favours Villanova Wildcats.
Venue
- Cintas CenterCincinnati, OH
- Attendance9439
- OfficialsTim Clougherty, John Gaffney, Tony Chiazza
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond