One of college basketball's most intense rivalries renews Friday night when Xavier hosts Cincinnati in the annual meeting known as the "Crosstown Shootout."

The two schools are meeting for the 93rd time. Cincinnati leads 52-40 but Xavier has won five of the last six, nine of the last 12 meetings and 13 of the last 18.

Cincinnati ended a five-game skid in the rivalry with a 68-65 home win in 2024, but the Bearcats have lost 10 straight at Xavier after winning the first rivalry game ever played at Xavier's home of the Cintas Center on Dec. 14, 2001.

Musketeers first-year coach Richard Pitino is attempting to win his first game in the rivalry.

"I understand the responsibility. I understand how important it is to fans. I will pour my heart and soul to win that game every single year becaus

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