Both the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Xavier Musketeers secured victories on Monday night, setting the stage for their highly anticipated annual Crosstown Shootout on Friday evening.
The Bearcats triumphed over Tarleton State with a strong performance, winning 76-58 at Fifth Third Arena. This match was particularly significant as it marked Cincinnati’s first game following a surprising home loss to Eastern Michigan. The team’s guards Day Day Thomas and Kerr Kriisa showcased remarkable shooting, combining for 39 points, including 11 three-pointers. Kriisa led all scorers with 20 points, while forward Baba Miller contributed with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman guard Shon Abaev also added to the score tally with 10 points. Cincinnati’s effective long-range shooting helped establish a solid win over Tarleton State.
On the other side, Xavier claimed victory in their matchup against the Saint Francis Red Flash, winning decisively at 96-74, which marked their third consecutive win. Guard Roddie Anderson III made a significant impact off the bench, scoring a team-high 28 points and connecting on five three-pointers. He also contributed five rebounds and five assists. Forward Tre Carroll and guard All Wright supported the effort with 21 and 15 points, respectively, further solidifying the Musketeers’ offensive dominance.
As Friday approaches, the Bearcats and Musketeers are preparing to face off in a heated rivalry that promises excitement and intensity. This year’s Crosstown Shootout will be hosted at the Cintas Center, where Cincinnati will look to defend their title after a victory last season, which broke Xavier’s five-game winning streak in the series. The stakes are high as both teams battle for local bragging rights, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The upcoming encounter not only serves as a competition between two local schools but also highlights the growing talent within both programs and the passionate fan support surrounding them.