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: Jarron Cumberland #34 of the Cincinnati Bearcats (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Who will prevail in what will likely be a defensive showdown?

Everyone says “defense wins games.” And, both Cincinnati and Xavier have been led to victory by their defenses this year. But, only one of them will actually be able to win this showdown (obviously). The defensive nature of both teams this year will only add to the gritty nature of the intense rivalry. Maybe we’ll even get lucky and see another brawl this year! Probably shouldn’t root for that though…

This year, Xavier currently stands at 55th in the nation in opponent’s FG% (38.5%) and 64th in opponents points per game (62.4 ppg). The Musketeers like to contest shots, force bad ones, and get after the ball when its available (144 TOVs forced this year). However, they do not have a lot of size down-low, Tyrique Jones is only 6’9″. Without a true rim protector, the Musketeers could struggle defending the 7’1″ Christ Vogt in the paint.

For their part, Bearcats are 47th (38.2%) and 154th (68.4 ppg) in the nation in those same categories. Though the defensive-minded Mick Cronin is now gone, Cincinnati has not lost the grit and toughness on defense that they were known for in their tournament runs in years past. One area of concern for the Cats is defensive rebounding. Cincinnati is 219th in offensive rebounds given up, while Xavier has grabbed 120 offensive rebounds already this year. Too many extra possessions for the Musketeers would spell doom for the Bearcats.

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