Xavier vs. Cincinnati: 2019-20 key storylines for Crosstown Shootout

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 08: Eliel Nsoseme #22 of the Cincinnati Bearcats fights for the ball against Tyrique Jones #0 of the Xavier Musketeers in the first half of the game at Fifth Third Arena on December 8, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati won 62-47. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 08: Naji Marshall #13 of the Xavier Musketeers(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The Crosstown Shootout of Cincinnati, OH returns again for another round of the fiery rivalry. What are the storylines to look for as Xavier and Cincinnati face off again this year?

The Xavier Musketeers and Cincinnati Bearcats will face each other again this Saturday in the 87th game between the two Cincinnati, OH schools. The crosstown rivalry first began in 1928 with two games between the schools, each team winning one. Overall, the Bearcats lead the series 51-35. However, the Musketeers have won 13 of the last 20 match-ups. This rivalry has featured top-5 upsets, brawls, anything you can think of, and this year should be yet another show to watch.

Xavier comes into this game after having dropped from the rankings this week following a loss to Florida in the Charleston Classic championship game. The team is also coming off of their worst season last year (19-16) since the 1995-96 season, which was the last time the Musketeers finished below .500. This year’s squad is led by a trio of upperclassmen, Naji Marshall, Tyrique Jones, and Paul Scruggs. The trio all average over 14 ppg while no one else on the team is currently putting up more than 7 a night.

The Bearcats are led by a pair of Cumberland cousins. Jarron Cumberland has been with the ‘Cats his whole career and has been the best player on the team for at least the last two. This year, he is joined by his cousin Jaevin who transferred from Oakland this year and quickly became a key piece for this Cincinnati team. The two guards are joined by fellow guard Keith Williams and big man Christ Vogt as the key scorers for the Bearcats this season.

This year, the Bearcats will be going a few miles across town to play in the Cintas Center in the heart of Xavier’s campus. Both Xavier and Cincinnati will be trying to get a key early-season victory in a rivalry game, that will also provide a huge momentum boost going forward. With so much history between the two schools and animosity aplenty, there are plenty of storylines throughout this series. Let’s take a look at what some of the key stories are for the game this year.

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