The Cincinnati Enquirer

Point guard: Nick Williams UC VS. Dedrick Finn XU

Finn took control of Xavier's team in the early part of the season but has been inconsistent. Contending with bigger opponents has caused problems for Finn, who is coming off one of his better games of the season against Dayton - a 14-point, six-assist, one-turnover outing.

Williams does not play many minutes for a point guard (21.0), but at 6-feet-4, he has 3 inches on Finn and will be able to apply pressure.

Edge: Cincinnati

2004 CROSSTOWN SHOOTOUT

SPORTS • Tonight, one trend has to end • XU disputes Huggins' claims • Bobbitt is Mr. Impact • Crosstown Matchups: A position-by-position look • Coaches' oaths • Storylines to keep your eyes on • Xavier's Chalmers: We still have bragging rights NEWS • Crosstown staples: cookies, chili, rivalry EDITORIAL PAGE • Shootout more than 'just one game'

Shooting guard: Field Williams UC VS. Lionel Chalmers XU

Williams does exactly what a shooting guard is supposed to do: He makes long-range shots. Williams shoots 45.1 percent from 3-point range, and 63.8 percent of his field goals are 3-pointers.

Chalmers is as much of a point guard as he is a shooting guard. That can be good when Chalmers provides extra ball handling, but it's not so good when he tries to do too much.

Edge: Cincinnati

Small forward: James White UC VS. Romain Sato XU

When Sato plays well offensively, Xavier has a chance to win. His shot hasn't always been there this season - he's shooting 40.5 percent from the field - but he works hard on defense and rebounding (team-leading 7.1). XU needs a big game from him.

White will start his eighth game and is still adjusting to UC's system. Athletically, he can stay with Sato, but he's not as important to UC as Sato is to XU.

Edge: Xavier

Power forward: Jason Maxiell UC VS. Justin Doellman XU

Maxiell embodies this position. He shoots 52.4 percent and averages 14.5 points, and provides an intimidating inside presence.

Doellman will have to use his versatility and outside shooting touch - he makes 40.8 percent of his 3-pointers - to draw Maxiell out of the lane.

Edge: Cincinnati

Center: Kareem Johnson UC VS. Anthony Myles XU

Myles was supposed to be the go-to guy inside for Xavier this season with David West gone. Myles has had his moments, but he's had trouble holding onto the ball and finishing.

Johnson is not a big part of UC's offense, averaging 5.5 points, but rebounds (5.3), works hard and takes care of the ball.

Edge: Even

Bench: Tony Bobbitt UC VS. Justin Cage XU

Perhaps UC's biggest strength is in its bench play. Ten players average 12.9 minutes or more, and foul trouble rarely causes problems. Sixth-man Tony Bobbitt is the second-leading scorer (13.9).

Xavier's bench is young, especially inside. The first two reserves are both freshmen - Cage and Brandon Cole - who always bring energy, but average only seven points between them.

Edge: Cincinnati

Intangibles

Xavier's season is on the brink. A win against UC could redirect the Musketeers for the final nine games. They have home-court advantage and the confidence of knowing that XU has historically pulled off big upsets against the Bearcats.

Will this game mean as much to UC, which is in the thick of the C-USA race, as it does to Xavier? The Bearcats are coming off a loss to Charlotte, and UC coach Bob Huggins rarely loses consecutive games.

Edge: Xavier

Final score: Cincinnati 77, Xavier 70