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Xavier Falls to No. 22 Cincinnati in Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout
By
Musketeer Madness,
12/14/2024
Xavier’s five-game winning streak in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday, as No. 22 Cincinnati edged out a 68-65 victory at Fifth Third Arena. The Musketeers, now 8-3 on the season, fought valiantly but fell just short in the final moments against their archrival, who improved to 8-1.
The tightly contested affair saw 10 lead changes and seven ties, encapsulating the fierce nature of this storied rivalry. Xavier held a slim 31-30 advantage at halftime, but Cincinnati’s second-half surge, led by Simas Lukosius and Dillon Mitchell, proved decisive. Lukosius finished with 14 points and a crucial tip-in late in the game, while Mitchell contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Xavier’s Zach Freemantle showcased his leadership and skill throughout, scoring a team-high 18 points while grabbing seven rebounds. Ryan Conwell added 17 points, including a clutch three-pointer with 16 seconds left to pull the Musketeers within one. Despite their efforts, Xavier was unable to capitalize on a final possession after Cincinnati’s Jizzle James sank two free throws to extend the lead to three.
The Musketeers struggled with efficiency, shooting 37.9% from the field and 31.6% from beyond the arc. Their defense, however, kept them in the game, forcing 13 Cincinnati turnovers. Dailyn Swain chipped in 13 points and played a pivotal role in keeping Xavier competitive in the paint, where they matched Cincinnati’s physicality with 30 points.
Cincinnati’s ability to dominate the free-throw line played a crucial role in their victory. The Bearcats converted 19-of-26 attempts compared to Xavier’s 15-of-17, using these opportunities to maintain a slim edge in the closing minutes. Aziz Bandaogo was particularly impactful, going 4-of-6 from the line and finishing with 12 points and five rebounds.
The crowd of 12,513 at Fifth Third Arena was electric, fueling the Bearcats’ late-game push. Connor Hickman and Day Day Thomas combined for 17 points off the bench, providing timely scoring to offset Xavier’s defensive pressure. The Musketeers’ bench, by contrast, managed just nine points, highlighting the disparity in depth that proved pivotal.
Looking ahead, Xavier faces a challenging road matchup against No. 18 UConn on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The Huskies, known for their formidable home-court advantage, will test the Musketeers’ resilience as they aim to bounce back. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at the XL Center in Hartford, Conn., with national coverage on FS1.
Despite the setback, Xavier’s performance in a hostile environment showcased their potential and grit. Head coach Sean Miller will undoubtedly use this game as a learning experience as the Musketeers prepare for the grind of Big East play.
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