Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats Dominate Xavier Musketeers in Crosstown Shootout

After a five-year absence, Cincinnati Bearcats basketball is finally back in the Queen City. 

The dominance that the Bearcats displayed for nearly two decades under Bob Huggins was back on display in last night's dismantling of crosstown rival Xavier. 

Head coach Mick Cronin, a Huggins protege, has his team off to a 15-0 start, their best in 12 years. 

While Cincinnati has not played the toughest non-conference schedule, the Bearcats are 15-0 and the toughness and heart they display each and every game brings back visions of the past. 

This team is eerily reminiscent of many of Huggins' past squads who bullied and powered their way to multiple conference championships. 

The Bearcats defense was at its best last night, holding the Musketeers to 39 percent shooting while forcing 13 turnovers. Xavier totaled only four assists the entire night and leading scorer Tu Holloway was 2-for-13 from the field for only five points. 

The only thing Holloway could hit all night was Bearcat center Ibrahima Thomas in the face with a cheap punch that resulted in a technical foul. 

While there were many naysayers who doubted the Bearcats heading into last night's matchup, the Bearcats certainly made believers out of some of them. 

The sheer tenacity and toughness they displayed was witnessed by a national audience last night. Cincinnati was first to all the loose balls and made smart decisions throughout the entire game. Just ask Bobby Knight.

The Bearcats out-hustled, out-played and out-coached the Musketeers en route to their most impressive win of the season. 

At the halfway point of the season, Cincinnati has done everything right. While they will certainly not go 31-0 and probably not even 26-5, this team is talented enough to get into the NCAA Tournament and even win a few games. 

The Big East will be challenging, but this team is as tough both mentally and physically as anybody in the conference, and is ready for any challenge the Big East will throw its way.