Carroll, Borovicanin lead Xavier past DePaul, 68-66

January 31, 2026 - 21:50

CINCINNATI (AP) — A last-second shot delivered a heart-stopping victory for Xavier on Saturday, as the Musketeers narrowly defeated the DePaul Blue Demons 68-66. The game was decided in the final moments by freshman Filip Borovicanin, who secured the win with a clutch buzzer-beater.

Tre Carroll was the offensive engine for Xavier, leading all scorers with 21 points. His consistent performance kept the Musketeers in contention throughout a tightly contested matchup. DePaul fought tenaciously, holding a lead at halftime and challenging Xavier until the very last second.

The closing sequence saw Xavier execute a final play under immense pressure. Borovicanin, who finished with seven points, found himself with the ball as time expired and sank the decisive jumper, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The victory provides a significant boost for Xavier as they navigate the heart of their conference schedule, while DePaul is left to rue a narrow defeat after a resilient effort on the road. The contest showcased the intensity and unpredictability characteristic of league play this season.