Matta played down the significance of facing Miller and his former team. Cage and Justin Doellman, who were freshmen starters on the team Matta led to the final eight three years ago, also insisted there were no lingering hard feelings over the coach’s departure.

Xavier fans, who made the one-hour drive from Cincinnati, haven’t been as forgiving. Many booed Matta when he entered Rupp Arena to watch part of the Musketeers’ first-round victory over Brigham Young and voiced their displeasure again when the Ohio State coach was introduced before the game.

Two Musketeers supporters stood side-by-side with signs hoisted above their heads during a timeout. One read: “A Loyal Coach Is Like A Four Leaf Clover,” and the other “Hard To Find, Lucky To Have.”

Even though the schools are only about two hours apart and both have strong basketball traditions, the Buckeyes and Musketeers met for just the second time in the past 73 years and the fourth time overall.

Ohio State leads to the series 3-1, with Xavier’s only victory coming in the opening round of the 1984 National Invitation Tournament.

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“I think we were pretty confident when we were up nine,” said Xavier’s Drew Lavender, whose only basket — a long 3-pointer with the shot expiring — put the Musketeers up by 11. “We were still pretty confident when we were up with 9 seconds left, but Lewis hit the big 3. We just couldn’t hold on in overtime.”