The Crosstown Shootout Is Finally Back On Campus

December 10, 2011 Xavier beat UC 76-53, but in the final moments of the game the brawl between the two put the famous “Crosstown Shootout”

“Crosstown Showdown”

in jeopardy. This rivalry began in the 1920’s and has been played yearly since the 1942-43 season was looking as if it would end after the incident seen about the world.

During the last two seasons UC and Xavier came to agreement to play each other, but on a neutral site. So, both games were played downtown at US Bank Arena. You could tell even just watching it on TV that something was missing in the atmosphere at the games. The Bearcats, Musketeers and the fans were fish out of water. As much as both teams and fans “hate” each other, if you did a survey they all would say they wanted the games back on opposing campuses.

After a two-year hiatus the game is finally back on campus and the Bearcats are the first to host the renewed Crosstown Shootout.  This game will feel like old times for both teams even though some of the faces have changed.

The game on Wednesday night has great importance for both teams as they both are on the bubble because of questionable losses in the recent weeks. A win by either team will serve as a quality win and another win in one of the biggest rivalries in college basketball.

With that said, I’m just happy the rivalry is finally back on campus Fifth Third Arena aka The Shoemaker Center will be rocking and I bet next year The Cintas Center will be as well. Here’s to a nice clean game, GOOOOOO UC!