Villanova survives Xavier in Big East overtime thriller

Field Level Media|published: Tue 17th February, 21:11 2026

Feb 17, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Xavier Musketeers forward Filip Borovicanin (4) drives to the basket as he is fouled by Villanova Wildcats guard Devin Askew (5) in the first half at the Cintas Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Acaden Lewis scored 21 and Tyler Perkins added 17 as visiting Villanova edged Xavier, 92-89, in overtime Tuesday night in Big East play in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Bryce Lindsay added 15 as Villanova (21-5, 12-3 Big East) won its sixth straight despite continuing to struggle from the free throw line late. It was Lindsay who hit a deep three from the right wing with 2:49 remaining in the extra session to put the Wildcats ahead for good, 86-83.

Tre Carroll had a game-high 28 and 10 rebounds while Jovan Milicevic added 20 for Xavier (13-13, 5-10) which committed 16 turnovers. Carroll committed six, including one with 2.5 seconds left that sealed the game for Villanova.

Xavier's Filip Borovicanin missed a layup badly but Carroll was there for the offensive rebound and banked in a layup with 4.1 seconds left to forge an 81-81 tie. Lewis missed a running one-hander as regulation expired to send the game to overtime.

The Musketeers started out red-hot from the field, making seven of its first 10 shots and running to an early 16-8 lead.

The Wildcats started off ice cold, missing their first five 3-point attempts and eight of their first 12 shots overall. Villanova missed 14 of its first 19 from beyond the arc before finishing the game 12-for-34 from long range.

Villanova led 38-29 before Xavier answered with eight straight points, aided by a questionable flagrant foul called on Villanova big man Duke Brennan.

Moments later, Milicevic finished a layup to complete the six-point possession and bring Xavier within one.

Carroll finished his big first half with a three that tied the game, 42-42, before Lewis hit one of two free throws for a 43-42 Villanova lead at the half. Xavier stayed close in the first 20 minutes thanks to 51.4% shooting from the field.

Xavier took a brief 45-43 lead on an All Wright 3-pointer before Villanova answered with a 15-5 spurt for a 58-50 lead with 15:28 left.

Xavier slowly fought back and eventually took a 77-75 lead on an Isaiah Walker layup with 3:31 left, completing a 7-0 Musketeers run. Villanova led 81-77 with 1:27 remaining but missed four of six free throws down the stretch that would've put the game away.

--Field Level Media