Coaches didn't like the Crosstown Shootout as a January game (too distracting). Fans didn't like it as a November game (too early).
So here's a date everybody can agree on: March 20.
For Cincinnati and Xavier fans, the juiciest nugget of Selection Sunday came when the NCAA Committee placed the Bearcats and the Musketeers in the same region: the Midwest in Auburn Hills, Mich. It's the first time in history that has happened.
If each wins its first two games, UC and XU would meet in the Sweet 16 March 20 in San Antonio.
''I hope we have the opportunity,'' said Xavier coach Skip Prosser, whose team - seeded No. 7, lower than some thought - will open with Vanderbilt on Thursday.
''I'd be thrilled. That would mean we'd still be playing next week.''
On Nov. 26, XU beat UC 71-69 on a last-second shot by guard Lenny Brown. ''I think they'd be happier to get (a rematch) than we would, because of a little revenge,'' Brown said.
Count on it.
''That's the first thing I saw when I looked at the bracket,'' UC star Danny Fortson said. ''I looked around at my friends, and all their eyes were lit up.''
UC, which got the No. 3 seed it expected, opens against Butler.
Also Sunday:
Kentucky got a No. 1 seed, and was shipped out West, where it will play Montana.
Miami got a No. 13, also a little worse than some expected. ''Our conference doesn't get the respect it deserves,'' Miami coach Charlie Coles said. ''... but that's not to bellyache.''
UC: OPPONENT DOESN'T MATTER
DAUGHERTY: LET FORTSON PLAY, REFS - IT'S HIS TIME
XAVIER: No. 7 SEED DOESN'T BOTHER MUSKIES
MIAMI: GOING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS
KENTUCKY: WILDCATS SIGHT BIGGER GOALS
SULLIVAN: PITINO POISED FOR ANOTHER TITLE
MEN'S BRACKET
