Fri Dec 05 22:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided information about the upcoming Crosstown Shootout:

Bearcats Head to Cintas Center for Annual Crosstown Shootout Against Xavier

CINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball team will clash with their cross-town rivals, the Xavier Musketeers, this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Xavier’s Cintas Center. The highly anticipated Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout will be broadcast nationally on TNT, as well as locally on 700 WLW and the TuneIn app.

The Bearcats (record not provided, but relevant stats given) enter the game boasting a stingy defense, ranking fourth nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom. They lead the nation in non-steal turnover percentage (12.8%) and are among the top teams in block percentage, turnover percentage, and 2-point percentage defense. Offensively, Cincinnati aims to dictate the pace, averaging quicker possessions than most teams nationally.

Cincinnati has a long history of success, and the 2025-26 season will mark the 125th season of competition for the team. With 44 All-Americans, 41 conference titles, six Final Four appearances and back-to-back national championships across its history, there is much to celebrate.

Key players to watch for the Bearcats include senior forward Baba Miller, who leads the Big 12 in double-doubles and defensive rebounds, and graduate Day Day Thomas, who tops the conference in 3-point percentage (50.0%) and free-throw percentage (92.9%). While Cincinnati’s roster features mostly new faces this season, their defense-first approach has been a hallmark.

Xavier (6-3), led by first-year head coach Richard Pitino, is currently on a three-game winning streak. Graduate forward Tre Carroll leads the Musketeers in scoring, averaging 15.9 points per game.

The Crosstown Shootout is a storied rivalry, with this being the 93rd meeting between the two programs. Cincinnati holds a 52-40 edge in the all-time series. However, Xavier has dominated recent matchups at Cintas Center, winning the last 10 contests. The Bearcats won last year’s meeting at Fifth Third Arena, 68-65.

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