Scouting report, keys to victory for Xavier in Crosstown Shootout

When Richard Pitino was introduced as Xavier’s next head basketball coach, he already knew the Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout would come up.

“As good as it gets. I understand the responsibility. I understand how important it is to fans,” Pitino said April 1.

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With the 93rd Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout on tap for Dec. 5 at Cintas Center, Pitino is trying to become just the second first-year Xavier coach (Chris Mack) to win his debut against UC since 1986.

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Pitino is also trying to respect the magnitude of this game while realizing Xavier has a 20-game Big East schedule beginning in just two weeks.

“We totally respect the rivalry and the amazing tradition the game has. Our guys know it, but on a day-to-day (basis), we’re not working any harder,” Pitino said. “I can promise UC’s doing the same thing, but we obviously know it is a huge game for both programs. We’re gonna fight our butt off to get a win.”

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Part of the balance is sticking to the same routine, whether it’s the annual rivalry with UC or Missouri State, which Xavier plays host to on Dec. 12, while acknowledging that there’s a little more on the table when the Bearcats take the 4.4-mile bus ride to Cintas Center. The Crosstown Shootout divides a city into two sides with former players, coaches and alumni hoping for annual bragging rights.

“The community really embraces the game, and that’s a cool thing to be a part of. You wanna take a job where people care,” Pitino said. “We certainly know it’s a big, big challenge; they’re a really good team. We understand it’s huge for the fans, as well.”

Xavier’s Richard Pitino (left) will coach in his first Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout. UC head coach Wes Miller (right) is 1-3 in the rivalry.

Tip: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, at Cintas…

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Publish date : 2025-12-04 17:37:00

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