Xavier vs. Cinncinati: 2018-19 College Basketball game preview, TV schedule
Xavier has won four of the last five Crosstown Shootout games against rival Cincinnati. Can the Musketeers keep the momentum going?
TV schedule: Saturday, November 8, 2:00 pm ET. ESPN2
Arena: Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio
The annual Crosstown Shootout between fierce rivals Cincinnati and Xavier always delivers as a great game in the non-conference. Last season was no different, with the Musketeers winning the game, 89-76. Trevon Bluiett led all scorers with 28 points, while Jacob Evans paced the Bearcats with 23.
With both of those players having graduated, each roster looks vastly different. Xavier (6-3) uses a collective effort on offense, with six players averaging between 8.8-13.4 ppg. The offense flows through the frontcourt, with Naji Marshall and Tyrique Jones leading the way. They’re currently on a four game winning streak after losing three straight, including a pair in the Maui Invitational. As of now, the Musketeers have no quality wins to speak off, which is concerning given the early issues throughout the Big East.
The same could be said for Cincinnati (8-1), whose best win to date is Mississippi. They fell to start the season to Ohio State, their toughest opponent to date. Like Xavier, the Bearcats take the balanced approach scoring wise, with four players averaging double figures. Junior Jarron Cumberland leads the way with 14.9 ppg. But similar to the other Cronin-led Cincinnati teams, it’s the defense that has been responsible for their success. They’re currently giving up 57.4 ppg, good for fifth in the country.
This is the start of a tough three-game stretch for the Bearcats, with UCLA and Mississippi State following this game before the start of conference play. Like the Big East, the AAC also has struggled out of the gate collectively, forcing teams like Cincinnati to need multiple quality wins in the non-conference to shore up their respective resumes.
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Last season, Xavier was able to get the advantage by scoring 43 first half points to set the tone of the game. If they can do it again, the Musketeers could sneak out with a road win. But I like the Bearcats to make this an ugly game throughout, before making key shots to win in a grind.