7:00 pm: Xavier @ No. 25 Cincinnati: As far as rivalries go, it doesn't get much better than this. Known as the Crosstown Shootout (Xavier is in Cincinnati, for those that don't know) this game almost always seems to end in a dogfight with at least one skirmish, a couple of technical fouls, and someone bloodied.
Part of what makes tonight's game between these two so meaningful is that Cincinnati has yet to beat a team worth a damn. Its why, sitting at 14-0 in the Big East, they are barely ranked in the top 25, something that has drawn the ire of Mick Cronin. Xavier's depth has taken a big hit with injuries and ineligible players this year, and where is has hit them the most is in the back court. Xavier still does have Tu Holloway, Dante Jackson, and Mark Lyons. Cinci's back court, believe it or not, has also been one of their strength this season.
Believe it or not, this has actually become a crucial game for both teams. Odds seem pretty good that Cincinnati will drop back to the middle of the pack in the Big East once they get into the meat of the schedule, which means that their entire non-conference season may end up resting on the outcome of this game. For Xavier, they aren't in a great position right now, and with the A-10 down a bit this season, a win in this game could end up going a long way.
9:00 pm: Northwestern @ No. 20 Illinois: The Illini look like they have finally figured things out this season, starting out Big Ten play 2-0 with a win over Wisconsin their last time out. Northwestern, however, will be desperate. They've been on the opposite end of the Big Ten spectrum, losing their first two games to Purdue and Michigan State. If these Wildcats really do what to have a chance at getting to the dance, they don't want to fall to 0-3 in the league, which means they need a win tonight.
Other Notable Games:
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thursday's Pregame Beat: The Crosstown Brawl |
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