CINCINNATI — The Xavier Musketeers and University of Cincinnati Bearcats faced off in the 91st annual Crosstown Shootout, Saturday night at Xavier's Cintas Center.
Both teams started the game strong. UC's Jizzle James lead all scorers at the half with 14 points, but Xavier held the overall lead at halftime by a score of 35-27 over the Bearcats. Xavier's Dayveon McKnight had 9 points and 7 rebounds, respectively - also by the half.
UC was able to tie up the game at 40-40 with 16:43 left to play in the second half.
Both teams battled back and forth, staying relatively close in score as the clock dwindled down to the end of the game. Ultimately, Xavier was victorious at home against their crosstown rival, UC with a final score of 84-79.
In this annual showdown, the Musketeers and Bearcats were vying for bragging rights in the city they both call home, Cincinnati. Xavier has held those rights for more than 20 years with games set at the Cintas Center. The last time the Bearcats toppled Xavier at home was Dec. 14, 2001. UC last won overall on Dec. 8 2019 at Fifth Third Arena.
Heading into the game, Xavier (now 5-5) was coming off a loss to the Delaware Blue Hens, while UC (now 7-1) came into the game riding the high of an undefeated season.
Last year, Xavier pulled out a 80-77 win during a nail-biting game at UC's Fifth Third Arena.
