Introduction
Since their first meeting in 1928, the basketball rivalry between the University of Cincinnati (UC) and Xavier University (XU) has captivated fans and fueled intense competition for nearly a century. The two schools, separated by just four miles, share a rich history and a deep-rooted tradition of excellence on the court.
Historical Significance
The UC vs. XU rivalry is one of the most storied in college basketball history. The two schools have faced off 133 times, with UC holding a slight edge in the all-time series, 68-65. The most memorable game in the series arguably came in the 1961 NCAA Tournament, when XU upset the top-ranked Bearcats in the regional semifinals.
Recent Dominance by UC
In recent years, UC has dominated the rivalry, winning seven of the last eight matchups. The Bearcats’ resurgence under head coach Mick Cronin has coincided with a resurgence in the program’s status as a perennial contender in the American Athletic Conference.
Key Players to Watch
UC
- Chris Vogt: 6’9″ center known for his size and rebounding ability
- David DeJulius: 6’0″ point guard with exceptional ball-handling skills
- Jeremiah Davenport: 6’6″ wing who can score from inside and outside
XU
- Paul Scruggs: 6’4″ guard who is the team’s leading scorer
- Jack Nunge: 6’10” center who provides a solid inside presence
- Colby Jones: 6’6″ forward who is a versatile player who can contribute in all areas
X-Factors
UC
- Perimeter defense: The Bearcats have struggled with perimeter defense at times this season, which could be exploited by XU’s talented shooters.
- Free throw shooting: UC has been inconsistent from the free throw line, which could cost them in a close game.
XU
- Health: Xavier has been plagued by injuries this season, which could affect their ability to compete at a high level.
- Home-court advantage: XU plays host to the game in the Cintas Center, which provides them with a significant advantage.
Prediction
This year’s UC vs. XU matchup is sure to be another memorable chapter in the rivalry’s storied history. With both teams boasting talented squads and plenty of motivation, it is likely to be a closely contested game. Ultimately, UC’s recent dominance and XU’s home-court advantage make them a slight favorite, but anything can happen in the Crosstown Shootout.
First Half
The first half of the game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. UC took an early lead, but XU responded with a run of their own to tie the game. The Bearcats then went on another run to take a 35-29 lead into halftime.
Second Half
The second half was all UC. The Bearcats extended their lead to 10 points early in the period and never looked back. Xavier made a few runs to cut into the deficit, but UC always had an answer. The Bearcats ultimately cruised to a 77-65 victory, their eighth straight win over XU.
Key Stats
- Points per game: UC 77, XU 65
- Field goal percentage: UC 45.8%, XU 39.1%
- Three-point percentage: UC 37.5%, XU 23.1%
- Rebounds: UC 41, XU 33
- Assists: UC 16, XU 11
Impact of Players
UC
- Chris Vogt: Led the team with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
- David DeJulius: Contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.
- Jeremiah Davenport: Scored 14 points and hit several key shots down the stretch.
XU
- Paul Scruggs: Finished with a game-high 20 points, but struggled to shoot the ball efficiently.
- Jack Nunge: Scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, but was limited by foul trouble.
- Colby Jones: Had a quiet game with just 8 points and 4 rebounds.
UC’s victory extends their dominance in the UC vs. XU rivalry and strengthens their position as one of the top teams in the American Athletic Conference. XU, while disappointing in this game, remains a talented team with the potential to make a run in the postseason. The Crosstown Shootout is always one of the most anticipated games on the college basketball calendar, and this year’s matchup lived up to the hype.