Has the Crosstown Shootout lost it’s luster? *rolls eyes* That game and that atmosphere was absolutely fantastic. This is a top three event in the city every single year without question.

The first half looked all too familiar. Xavier looked like they were playing a different sport as they have for much of the past decade, taking a 17-point lead into the break. UC legend Kenyon Martin had some words for the team at halftime and whatever he said propelled the Bearcats to a second-half rally. But it was all for not as X held on for a 80-77 win, their fourth straight over the Bearcats.

The first half was dreadful, to put it mildly. Cincinnati made seven baskets on 25 percent shooting from the field. Xavier shot 46 percent from the field in the first half. When you spot Xavier a 13-1 lead, coming back is a tall order. Xavier abused Cincinnati’s ball screen defense, and Souley Boum was the one making them pay.

The second half was a different story. Cincinnati ran better sets, and the ball didn’t stick nearly as much. The defense ratcheted up, and Cincinnati looked more active stepping into passing lanes. Xavier’s easy baskets were mostly quelled. It was a spirited effort and a hell of a comeback. Of course, it’s the Crosstown Shootout, and moral victories aren’t a thing, but in years past UC would have folded up and lost by 25.

David DeJulius was fabulous in the last three minutes of this game. He scored 12 points in the final four minutes and almost willed Cincinnati to a win. Had UC pulled this off, his and-one three to tie the game with 11 seconds to go would have been one you tell your grandkids about. Still, you have to applaud Dave. When the lights came on, DDJ shined.

Viktor Lakhin brought his hard hat for this one. When he was on the floor, he was brilliant. Unfortunately, foul trouble has hampered him, and he sometimes lets his emotions get the best of him. For him to score 16 with eight rebounds against a very good frontcourt is impressive.

Welcome to the 2022 season, Ody Oguama. Not that Ody hasn’t had a few good games, but that was a perfect time for this team’s “energizer bunny” to show up. Nine points, four rebounds, and a few highlight-reel slams are all you can ask for, and then some.

It wasn’t a great game from Landers Nolley as he scored just nine points on 3-for-9 shooting. I feel bad for him because he usually makes that open three on the wing with just under two minutes left, which would have made it a three-point game. In a game like this, you need more from your second-leading scorer.

Right after Jeremiah Davenport had arguably his best game of the year versus Bryant, he struggled in this one. He had a crucial turnover late and shot 2-for-7 from the floor. I’ve been in JD’s corner, but his shot selection and decision-making aren’t improving.

Consistency is the name of the game. A terrible first half put this team behind the eight ball. Nine turnovers and a stagnant offense for the first twenty minutes did them in. If they played a mere average first half, then this outcome is probably different. They just haven’t strung together two consecutive twenty-minute segments very often this year.

This is the portion of the blog where I credit our neighbors to the east. The better team won, and they’ve been the better team each of the last four years (Yes, I typed that with a frown). As for this year’s UC team, it was already an uphill climb to get an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. It just got harder.

Game Ball:

David DeJulius (2)

Lower Bowl (1) (crowd was electric)

Noteworthy Post-game quote:

“I can’t tell you how bad I want us to get where we’re supposed to be as a Cincinnati basketball program. I don’t say the words “I promise” a lot, but I promise we’ll freaking get there. And I mean we’ll get there or I’ll damn be in the grave.” – Wes Miller