Thursday, February 10, 2005

Crosstown Shootout – Let’s Go Muskies!

Tonight marks the 72nd Crosstown Shootout between the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. Be sure to watch on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. The game could very well get away from XU, but if history holds true for this great rivalry, it will be a close game and the winner may very well win at the buzzer. UC is a 15½ point favorite. I think that is a little much given the history of the series, but I won’t be placing any money on XU to cover. Can’t bet the heart in this game.

Now, I know most of you out there are thinking, “Who cares about this rivalry?” I understand. We XU fans don’t expect the rest of the country to get as excited about this game as we do here in the ‘Nati. The national scene gets pumped up when talking about the Duke-UNC rivalry (and rightfully so) and how close in proximity they are to one another. We are a matter of minutes apart. Roughly 10 minutes separates these two universities. Roughly eight miles! That is all!

The story here lately is how UC might not keep the rivalry going because it doesn’t mean anything to them anymore. What a crock of shit! Could it be because they have be dominated the past eight years? XU has won 6 of the last 8 and 7 of the last 11. To say this “our championship” is bullshit. What has UC won the past several years, being the elitists and all?
Several C-USA Championships. I know they are moving into the Big East and yes, that will be one of the top three basketball conferences next year, but for UC to try to disrespect XU like this continues to show the lack of class coming from that University.

Catholics vs. Convicts! That’s the way it is and the way it always will be, unless UC is too scared to play lowly XU since it offers them nothing.

My prediction: UC – 72, XU – 69. I just can’t pick my beloved Musketeers because they are so young and inexperienced. Plus, if Brian Thornton doesn’t play, XU has nobody to bang inside with the much taller, experienced, and mature Bearcats.

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