Crosstown Rivalry Renewed: Cincinnati Faces Xavier in Annual Showdown

One of college basketball's most intense rivalries renews Friday night when Xavier hosts Cincinnati in the annual meeting known as the 'Crosstown Shootout.' The two schools are meeting for the 93rd time, with Cincinnati leading the series 52-40.

However, Xavier has been dominant recently, winning five of the last six matchups, nine of the last 12, and 13 of the last 18 contests. Cincinnati ended a five-game skid in the rivalry with a 68-65 home win in 2024 but has lost 10 straight at Xavier since the first game ever played at the Cintas Center on December 14, 2001.

Xavier's first-year coach Richard Pitino is eager to capture his first win in this rivalry, stating, 'I understand the responsibility. I understand how important it is to fans. I will pour my heart and soul to win that game every single year.' Xavier comes into this matchup with a record of 6-3, riding a three-game winning streak, including a 96-74 victory over Saint Francis on Monday.

The Musketeers have been shooting well from beyond the arc, hitting at least 10 three-pointers in five consecutive games. Key contributors for Xavier include Tre Carroll, averaging 15.9 points per game, Roddie Anderson III at 13.9, Jovan Milicevic at 12.6, and All Wright at 11.3.

Cincinnati, with a record of 6-2, is coming off a 76-58 home win against Tarleton State. Star big man Baba Miller returned from a hip injury to score 13 points and grab 11 rebounds. Miller leads the Bearcats in scoring with 14.2 points per game and is also their top rebounder at 10.2 rebounds per contest.

Cincinnati head coach Wes Miller emphasized the game's significance, stating, 'It's what it means to this community. I get that. I've been here long enough to understand how much the Cincinnati-Xavier game means to the community of Cincinnati and to the people here.'