But Xavier was just as thrilled Saturday by a game that wasn't much in doubt.
When all the hoopla died down and the ball was tossed in the air for this year's 65th Crosstown Shootout, it was the Musketeers - ranked seventh in the nation - taking center stage.
Xavier routed rival Cincinnati 88-68 before a sold-out and rocking Cincinnati Gardens.
''We weren't going to let them come in and beat us on this court,'' said XU junior Lenny Brown, hero of last year's game with a last-second jumper. Brown played a huge role in this year's victory, too. He and fellow guard Gary Lumpkin each scored 23 points.
It was the most lopsided Shootout since 1964-65, when Cincinnati won 102-72. And it was Xavier's second-biggest victory in the series. The largest XU lead was 24 points.
Cincinnati's top two players, D'Juan Baker and Bobby Brannen, were held to a combined eight points. They came in averaging 46.8 points together.
Bob Huggins couldn't stop the bleeding.
(Ernest Coleman photo)
| ZOOM |
|
''We're going to be limited offensively until we get Ruben (Patterson) back (Jan. 18),'' UC coach Bob Huggins said. Patterson has been suspended for NCAA violations.
Xavier's full-court pressure made the difference. The Bearcats committed 29 turnovers.
The Musketeers pulled away late in the first half with a 16-0 run that turned a five-point lead into a 43-22 advantage with 3:55 to play in the half.
''We played about as well as we could play, except for the three-point shooting (4-of-17),'' Xavier coach Skip Prosser said.
''I really never felt confident no matter what the lead was, because I have tremendous respect for those guys.''
SHOOTOUT PAGE
