Cincinnati Bearcats Crosstown Shootout Preview

Nov 8, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats forward Titus Rubles (2) shoots a layup during the first half of the game against the North Carolina Central Eagles at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bearcats will compete in the most important game of the season Saturday aside from the NCAA Tournament. The Xavier game is immensely important and a game that is not lost on the current Cincinnati roster and the students in Clifton.

Cincinnati enters Saturdays game with a  7-1 record and coming off a loss to New Mexico in New Mexico. Xavier will be Cincinnati’s second decent test of the season. Having handled every team easily up until last weekend Cincinnati looks to regroup. Led by seniors Sean Kilpatrick, Titus Rubles and Justin Jackson Cincinnati looks to go back to back against Xavier.

Freshman Jermaine Lawrence will be making his first appearance in the storied Crosstown Shootout rivalry, the young forward looks to make a lasting impression. Lawrence is averaging 18.1 minutes and a game with 4.8 points. Lawrence has not made a huge difference yet but the Xavier game could be his break out.

Sean Kilpatrick looks to lead his Bearcats to victory Saturday behind his 19.6 points a game. Kilpatrick has stepped up this season to lead the team following the departure of Cashmere Wright last season. Along with Kilpatrick seniors Titus Rubles and Justin Jackson have stepped up as well. Rubles is currently averaging 10.3 points a game and 6.9 rebounds, while Jackson is averaging 10.6 points a game with 6.6 rebounds.

Cincinnati has played smart basketball to open the season. The seniors working with the new guys has clicked early in the season. The New Mexico was hopefully a fluke, traveling into “The Pit” at New Mexico is intimidating for anyone. The atmosphere at US Bank Arena Saturday night will be much more in Cincinnati’s favor.

As for the opponent Saturday night Xavier enters with three losses on this young season. Three losses to Iowa, Tennessee, and USC have taken Xavier out of the potential top 25 and dropped them to mediocrity. The Crosstown Shootout brings out the best in everyone, expect Xavier to put up a fight Saturday night led by Matt Stainbrook and Semaj Christon (barring any cramps).

Tune in: Saturday Dec. 14th, 8pm ET FOX Sports 1.