SPORTS NEWS FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2001 St. X's challenge: Avoiding letdown         Coach Steve Rasso has the perfect motivator for tonight's Division I state semifinal game vs. Dublin Coffman at Columbus Crew Stadium • Complete prep football coverage NewCath returns to Ky. finals         Newport Central Catholic trampled Paintsville 59-8 in a Kentucky Class A semifinal behind senior quarterback Jeff Smith's 242 yards and four touchdowns passing. Missouri gives XU chance to show 'em         This is just the second game for an XU team that coach Thad Matta said is “still searching for an identity.” Yet it's a huge statement-making opportunity against a team that's a chic Final Four pick. UNLV likely to push UC         Point guard Marcus Banks and forward Dalron Johnson are the UNLV players most likely to give the Bearcats problems when the teams meet today at Shoemaker Center. Bearcats can clinch bowl berth         If UC wins at Memphis today, it will be assured of at least a second straight invitation to the Motor City Bowl in Pontiac, Mich., and could be in line for the galleryfurniture.com Bowl in Houston. Sports events this week         A schedule of area sporting events for the next seven days. SPECIAL COVERAGE College Basketball Special Preview Section         Our in-depth look at the upcoming season for UC, Xavier, Kentucky, Dayton, Ohio State and Miami. Complete with schedules, rosters, position breakdowns, and other analysis. Don't miss it! • Where high school stars are going to college • Tristate golf guide • Kentucky Speedway coverage • Auto racing coverage • Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati • New look of Cinergy Field • Flying Pig Marathon, including searchable results