The Xavier Musketeers survived an onslaught from upset-minded Kennesaw State on Friday.
The 14th-seeded Owls held a double-digit lead over the Musketeers for parts of the game. But in the end, the three-seeded Muskies escaped with a narrow victory. Xavier can breathe several sighs of relief and can thank one player for a specifically huge contribution.
Jack Nunge put Kennesaw State away with an absolutely insane block in the waning moments of the game.
Xavier holds off an upset bid from Kennesaw State!
Jack Nunge came through with a huge block in the final seconds. 🏀 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/81xam0wfvF
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 17, 2023
Significantly high drama on display. Xavier wanted to desperately avoid a bungling of their first-round matchup against the 14th-seeded Owls. Their thin margin set up the ultimate finish and Nunge delivered with that absolutely crazy block.
Tons had plenty to say in response to the massive play.
Former college basketball star Jordan Bohanon, a former teammate of Nunge’s, was SUPER excited about it.
JACK NUNGE!!!!
— Jordan Bohannon (@JordanBo_3) March 17, 2023
Road to the Garden lead content man Jack Nunge accurately described it all. “Jack Nunge with the play to save the season,” he said. “He’s been fantastic for Xavier all year long.”
Jack Nunge with the play to save the season. He's been fantastic for Xavier all year long.
— Matt St. Jean (@mattstdream) March 17, 2023
FanDuel likened the block to LeBron James’ huge block in Game 7 of the NBA Finals!
Jack Nunge on that last play: pic.twitter.com/uBdlWyvsEO
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) March 17, 2023
David Eickholt said, “Jack Nunge deserves that moment as much as anyone in the tournament. Thrilled for him.”
Jack Nunge deserves that moment as much as anyone in the tournament. Thrilled for him.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) March 17, 2023
The Musketeers will play either 6-seeded Iowa State or 11th-seeded Pittsburgh in Round of 32 action on Sunday. Xavier hopes to reach the Sweet Sixteen again, a place they haven’t been to since 2017.
