Here we are. After all of the prelude, the regular season, and the conference tournament, Xavier is back where they belong. The seeds and matchups change, the possibilities expand and contract, but the Musketeers are in the NCAA tournament. From here on, every game is win or go home. There will be no second chances, no improving the resume, no non-damaging wins. It all counts.
Maryland arrives having suffered some of the same letdown that Xavier has. They are talented and capable of beating just about anyone, but also callow enough to lose to teams like Nebraska.