Cincinnati, OH.  The Undefeated, and #25 ranked Cincinnati Bearcats hosted in-state rivals Xavier Thursday night. The Bearcats laid a thumping on their backyard rivals, and sent the Musketeer’s home with a good old fashioned butt whooping. Cincinnati extended its winning streak for the 2010-2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball year undefeated, and sitting at 16-0. Xavier who came into tonight’s ballgame at 8-5, and winless on the road, were outplayed, and out hustled in every aspect of the game.

Yancy Gates lead the Bearcats in scoring with a season high 22 points. Cincinnati Coach Mick Cronin said, “it was quite obvious that Yancey Gates decided it was time to win the crosstown shootout”. The Bearcats start to the 2010-2011 basketball season has them at 15-0, and is the second best start in school history dating back to the 1998-1999 team. Xavier has had the edge over Cincinnati the last few years, so it was a sweet victory for the Bearcats. Xavier has won the last 3 meetings, and 8 out of the last 11 games.

There is no love lost between these two backyard rivals. Xavier’s Terrence Holloway was slapped with a technical foul for throwing elbows. Cincinnati’s Yancey Gates put on a dominating performance, and none of the Musketeer’s could stop him. Gates who went 10 for 16 from the field, and added 14 rebounds was a man among boys. Gates who said after the game “definitely one of my best games since I’ve been in college”. Xavier’s Terrence Holloway came into tonight’s game averaging 21.3 points per game was held to just 2 of 13 from the field, and only scored 5 points.

Cincinnati played the Musketeers physically, and dominated throughout. This backyard brawl between inner-city rivals Xavier and Cincinnati is always the centerpiece for bragging rights in the City. Major League Baseball legend, and Cincinnati Reds icon Pete Rose, and his son Pete Rose Jr. sat court side. The Bearcats put on a impressive basketball show for the 13,000 fans that came out to watch this inner-city grudge match.

Xavier roared out to a 14-0 lead, and was dominating inside early. Xaviers 7 foot center, and Cincinnati native Kenny Frease was strong early for the Musketeers. The Bearcats came roaring back with a 16-4 run to take the lead, and never looked back. Cincinnati had 3 player’s in double figures. Yancey Gates lead the Bearcats with 22 points, and 14 rebounds. Dion Dixon added 16 points, and 9 rebounds for the Bearcats. Xavier was lead by Jamel McLean who scored 18 points, and grabbed 6 rebounds.

This was a great game to watch for basketball fans, and just fans of sports in general. Listening to legendary basketball coach Bob Knight give great play by play commentary, and then watching Knight shoot the breeze, and cut up with long time friend, and Major League baseball legend Pete Rose. This game tonight was just a great sporting event.

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