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: Paul Scruggs #1 of the Xavier Musketeers reacts after being called for a foul in the second half of the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Who Will Win?

Who: Cincinnati Bearcats (6-2) at Xavier Musketeers (8-1)

When: Saturday, December 7th at 5 PM ET

Where: Cintas Center in Cincinnati, OH

TV Schedule: FS1

Overall, the 87th iteration of the Crosstown Shootout will be a great one to watch. Two historic teams with young coaches, hard-nosed basketball, and lots of hatred for each other is a recipe for a fantastic basketball game. Both teams will need a good quality win early in the year to set the tone and help them get to the NCAA tournament this year. Xavier looks like it will have the homecourt advantage, and the offensive rebounding, to pull it out.

Cincinnati will need a huge performance from their best player, and the best player on the court in this game, Jarron Cumberland. The reigning American Conference Player of the Year will need to play like that to help his squad pull out their first road victory of the year. If Xavier is able to force Cumberland into taking tough shots and grab plenty of offensive rebounds, they should be able to win. However, if Cumberland catches fire, and Vogt is able to cook in the paint against a smaller defender, the Bearcats can certainly pull out a quality road win, and make a lot of Xavier fans very sad.

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With two coaches facing each other for the first time, expect slightly slow starts for both teams while they feel each other out. But, one big play or burst of scoring could turn the tide and easily be the deciding factor in what should be an absolute slugfest to watch.

Final Prediction: Xavier 61, Cincinnati 57

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