No. 22 Cincinnati avoids upset against Xavier

Cincinnati Bearcats guard Dan Skillings Jr. Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

No. 22 Cincinnati comes from behind to avoid upset against Xavier

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Dec 14, 2024 4:10 PM ET

After going down 53-46 with just seven minutes remaining in the game, the Cincinnati Bearcats came roaring back, avoided the upset bid and held on for a 68-65 victory over unranked Xavier.

CINCINNATI WINS THE CROSSTOWN SHOOTOUT FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2018 pic.twitter.com/V4SE9osBiB
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) December 14, 2024

The win for Cincinnati was its first in the rivalry series since 2018 and it put the Bearcats at 8-1 for the season. The loss for Xavier dropped its record to 8-3.

Cincinnati beats Xavier for the first time since 2018. Biggest win that the Bearcats have had under Wes Miller. Next up for the Musketeers: At UConn and home versus Marquette.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) December 14, 2024

Despite just two points from lead scorer Jizzle James, the Bearcats wound up with four players in double figures. Simas Lukosius was the leading scorer with 14 points.

Aziz Bandaogo (12 points), Dillon Mitchell (11 points, 10 rebounds) and Dan Skillings Jr. (10 points) were the other three Cincinnati players that scored 10+ points.

Dillon to the cup! @Dillonmit_23 pic.twitter.com/QtD7OSW7S2
— Cincinnati Men’s Hoops (@GoBearcatsMBB) December 14, 2024

Zach Freemantle (18 points) and Ryan Conwell (17 points) were the top two scores for Xavier. Dayvion McKnight scored just two points but added four rebounds and a season-high nine assists.

The road doesn't get any easier for the Musketeers, as their next two games are on the road at No. 18 UConn and home against No. 6 Marquette.

Cincinnati will stay at home to host Dayton and Grambling over its next two games.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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