Cincinnati Bearcats vs Xavier Musketeers Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

No. 22 Cincinnati Hosts Xavier in Crosstown Rivalry Clash

The stage is set for one of college basketball’s most passionate rivalries as the No. 22 Cincinnati Bearcats (7-1) host the Xavier Musketeers (8-2) in the latest edition of the Crosstown Shootout on Saturday afternoon. With both teams off to strong starts this season, the matchup promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in a series steeped in history.

Xavier’s Momentum and Dominance in the Rivalry

Xavier enters the game riding high after a historic 119-58 victory over Morgan State on Tuesday, the largest margin of victory in program history. The Musketeers have also dominated the Crosstown Shootout in recent years, winning the last five meetings and nine of the last 11.

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Zach Freemantle led the charge against Morgan State with a season-high 27 points and continues to pace the team with 16.8 points per game. Ryan Conwell, a key transfer from Indiana State, is close behind, averaging 16.4 points, while Marcus Foster, another impactful transfer from Furman, has added scoring depth. Foster’s assertive play in recent games has drawn praise from head coach Sean Miller.

“We’re a much more difficult team to defend and play against when he’s more assertive,” Miller said after Foster’s 18-point performance against Morgan State.

Xavier’s dominance from beyond the arc has been a weapon, with the team hitting 12 of 18 3-pointers in their latest win. However, the Musketeers face a daunting three-game stretch following the Shootout, including matchups against No. 18 UConn and No. 6 Marquette.

Cincinnati’s Depth and Return of Key Players

Cincinnati rebounded from its lone loss of the season to Villanova with an 84-67 victory over Howard last Sunday. The Bearcats boast a balanced roster built around returning stars like Simas Lukosius (16.3 points per game), point guard Jizzle James (13.6 points, 5.1 assists), and wing Dan Skillings Jr.

Skillings, last year’s leading scorer at 12.9 points per game, returned against Howard after missing time due to a minor knee procedure. While he contributed modestly with two points, three rebounds, and three assists in 14 minutes, his presence on the court was a morale boost for the team.

“You just feel different about our team with him out there,” Bearcats coach Wes Miller said. “Now it’s about getting him back in rhythm and getting his game back.”

Dillon Mitchell, a Texas transfer, has also made an immediate impact, averaging 11.9 points and providing an added punch to the lineup. James, who scored 19 points in last season’s 84-79 loss to Xavier, will again be a focal point in the Bearcats’ offensive attack.

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Key Matchups

• Lukosius vs. Freemantle: The leading scorers for their respective teams, Lukosius and Freemantle will play pivotal roles in dictating the offensive flow for Cincinnati and Xavier.
• Jizzle James vs. Xavier’s Perimeter Defense: James’ playmaking and scoring ability will be tested against a Musketeers team that has excelled in creating turnovers and guarding the 3-point line.
• Xavier’s 3-Point Shooting vs. Cincinnati’s Defense: Xavier’s proficiency from beyond the arc could be a game-changer if Cincinnati struggles to close out on shooters.

What to Watch

• Xavier’s Hot Streak: Can the Musketeers carry over the momentum from their blowout win, or will Cincinnati’s defense disrupt their rhythm?
• Skillings’ Return: How much will Dan Skillings contribute as he continues to work back into form?
• Intensity of the Rivalry: With the Crosstown Shootout’s history of close games and high stakes, the atmosphere is sure to be electric.

Injury Updates

Xavier will be without backup point guard Trey Green, who is on an indefinite leave due to a health-related issue. His absence will test the Musketeers’ depth at the guard position.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, is close to full strength, with Skillings back in the lineup and showing no setbacks from his recent knee procedure.

Outlook

The Crosstown Shootout rarely disappoints, and this year’s matchup has all the makings of another classic. Xavier’s firepower and recent dominance in the rivalry give them an edge, but Cincinnati’s home-court advantage and deep roster make them formidable opponents. With both teams looking to bolster their résumés, expect a fiercely contested battle that could come down to the wire.