Cincinnati Meets Xavier in Battle for Bragging Rights in Cincinnati
For the people of Cincinnati it might not get any better than this – the No. 22 ranked Cincinnati Bearcats visit the No. 13 ranked Xavier Musketeers.
This is an annual rivalry for bragging right to the city of Cincinnati, but not since 1994 have both teams been ranked in the top 25 the day of tipoff.
On the season, Cincinnati is 8-1 straight up and 2-3 against the spread, while Xavier is 9-0 SU and 6-3 ATS.
This crosstown rivalry has been known for his controversies and not so pleasant endings. Following the 1994 game, Bob Huggins the coach for Cincinnati who lost in overtime, refused to shake the hand of Xavier head coach Pete Gillen.
In 2011, the game had to be called with just over 9 second remaining due to a brawl that started between the two teams.
Saturday’s game is the 82nd of the rivalry.
Xavier looks as if they are the real deal. The Musketeers after 9 games have not even been challenged. The lowest margin of victory in nine games has been 9 points.
The team rolled over Alabama by 19, defeated USC by 10 and ripped apart Dayton by 29.
However, its biggest win in its first nine games was a 16-point blowout in Ann Arbor over the Michigan Wolverines.
Cincinnati does not have the big name wins thus far in the season that Xavier has. Their toughest outing so far was a home game against Butler in which they last by two points.
The Bearcats held George Washington to only 56 points, which was impressive in itself, as GW looked strong to open the season against the stingy defense of the Virginia Cavaliers.
Both have started strong this season, but Xavier is a step ahead at this point of the season.
With it weak schedule pushed aside, the Bearcats have strong team that is known for being physical, tough, great rebounders and hard workers that have talent but need to work at it.
Cincinnati is led in scoring by Octavius Ellis who is averaging 11 point per game. The team’s leading rebounder is Gary Clark at 8.2 per game.
Xavier is led in scoring by Trevon Bluiett who is averaging 15.9 points per game. The Musketeers are led in rebounding by James Farr who is averaging 8.7 per game.
This rivalry usually wipes away the won loss records of each time when the two take to the floor. The intensity between the two teams is amazing when they lineup at half court for the opening tip.
This year is looks as if Xavier is the more talented, polished and better team at both ends of the court.
Tune in Saturday afternoon to find out.
