The University of the Southwest Men's Basketball team traveled to Alexandria, Louisiana, for the first round of the RRAC Conference Tournament. Southwest, as the sixth seed, would be taking on the third seed Xavier (LA.). 
 
The two teams split their regular season meetings, with the Mustangs taking the first one 60-57, while Xavier took the second meeting 58-76. Riding a three-game win streak, USW was looking to continue their hot run of late into the tournament. Unfortunately, the Mustangs could not stop a high-powered Xavier offense as they fell in the first round 94-59.
 
The Mustangs got off to a hot start in the game's early moments, jumping ahead with a 9-2 run. Xavier would be tough to stop on offense as they went on a run of their own to regain the lead. They would not look back either, as the half would end with them up by 19 on the Mustangs. 
 
A slow first-half start for USW was highlighted by Jahvonta Jones' nine points and Tre Thomas' eight points.
 
It would be more of the same as the Xavier offense would continue their aggressive play, up by as much as 37 in the second half on 51.5% shooting. The Mustang offense would post up a better offensive effort, but more would be needed, as Xavier would outscore them 48-32. After a solid run to get into the tournament, the season would end for the Mustangs on this day. 
 
Jahvonta Jones led the Mustangs with 19 points and shot 9-11 from the free-throw line. Tre Thomas scored 13 points with six rebounds and three steals. 
 
Men's Basketball will return in the hopes of another playoff run for the 2023-2024 season. Continue to follow USW Athletics and USW Men's Basketball on all social media for updates throughout the year.