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SAN JOSE, Calif. — Two months ago, Xavier lost its two best point guards, one to a season-ending knee injury and the other to a decision to leave the program.
Three weeks ago, Xavier lost its sixth consecutive game, barreling toward a hollow March.
Two weeks ago, Xavier upset Butler in the Big East quarterfinals, a victory that maybe, just maybe, nudged the Musketeers into the N.C.A.A. tournament field.
On Thursday, Xavier, the lowest seed to advance out of the opening weekend, became the lowest seed to advance to the regional final.