UC Bearcats, Xavier Musketeers talk Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout

In the Greater Cincinnati area, a single basketball game can elicit passionate and knee-jerk reactions when discussed among fans of two power conference universities separated by just over four miles.

The Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout for years has featured top-notch players, with many being from nearby communities or high schools.

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Fast forward to 2025, and the locals have seen the game go global.

Friday, Dec. 5, at Cintas Center, a dozen international players will be in the lay-up lines. You can actually make it 13 if you count UC freshman Shon Abaev, born in Israel but from Broward County, Florida.

UC’s roster includes players from Brazil, Canada, Estonia, France, Senegal and Spain. Xavier has new Musketeers from Canada, Italy, Ivory Coast, Mexico and Serbia.

Portal-wise, UC has players from Baylor, Florida Atlantic, George Mason, Kentucky, UCF and West Virginia who have not played in a Crosstown Shootout. Ditto for Xavier players from Belmont, Evansville, FAU, New Mexico, North Dakota, UNLV, Valparaiso and Virginia.

Cincinnati Bearcats center Moustapha Thiam (52) plays in his first Skyline Chili Crosstown Shoout Dec. 5 at Xavier’s Cintas Center. The 19-year-old from Senegal is one of several internatonal players on both roster.

International reactions to rivalries, Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout

Kerr Kriisa, Estonia – “Every school has their rivalry partner. Louisville/Kentucky was big. On the other hand, West Virginia, Pitt, Arizona, Arizona State. I have heard a lot about it (Crosstown Shootout). I actually looked it up. A lot of places have it as a top four for rivalries in college basketball.”

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Moustapha Thiam, Senegal – “In the Big 12, I would say Kansas (UCF vs. Kansas) was the biggest rivalry. I’m so excited for it (Crosstown Shootout). The crowd will be crazy. I’m good. That actually motivates me to play harder.”

Baba Miller, Spain – “Biggest rivalry I’ve played in is Florida/Florida State. I played in that twice and lost twice. I’ve…

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Publish date : 2025-12-05 05:30:00

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