Nearly six months after Xavier's 76-53 win over the Bearcats ended in a brawl at Cintas Center, school officials at Cincinnati and Xavier re-evaluated aspects of a series that began in 1927 and has been played every year since the 1945-46 season. The end result has the two schools playing at US Bank Arena, at least for the next two years, and has the series being renamed from the Crosstown Shootout to the Skyline Chili Crosstown Classic.

COMPLETE ARTILCE (WCPO.com)

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After an embarrassing brawl at the end of last year’s Crosstown Shootout between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center, the game will reportedly be moved to US Bank Arena for the next two years, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Neither school has confirmed the move and the two issued a joint statement in a press release yesterday stating that no official agreement has been reached and announcement will come at a later date.

The paper states that the rivalry game will be played on Dec. 18, 19 or 20 and will be televised on one of the ESPN channels, with an official announcement expected in June. 

The last time UC and XU played each other at the downtown arena was Jan. 29, 1987 when the building was known as Riverfront Coliseum and served as UC’s home court.

MY TAKE: I don’t have a problem with the move, but I don’t believe that moving it to a neutral location where the fan base will be closer to 50/50 is going to help make it a less hostile environment. I definitely side with keeping the game around more than suspending indefinitely altogether.

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Tuesday, March 6 – First Round
(Regional TV only)
No. 9 Duqense (16-14) at No. 8 Massachusetts (20-10) - 7 p.m.
No. 12 Charlotte (13-16) at No. 5 St. Joseph's (19-12) - 7 p.m.
No. 10 Richmond (16-15) at No. 7 LaSalle (20-11) - 7 p.m.
No. 11 George Washington (10-20) at No 6 Dayton (19-11) - 7 p.m.

Friday, March 9 - Quarterfinals
(CBS Sports Network)
UMass/Duquense winner vs. No. 1 Temple (24-6) - 12 p.m.
St. Joseph's/Charlotte winner vs. No. 4 St. Bonaventure (17-11) - 2:30 p.m.
LaSalle/Richmond winner vs. No. 2 St. Louis (24-6) - 6:30 p.m.
Dayton/George Washington winner vs. No 3. Xavier (19-11) - 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 10 - Semifinals
(CBS Sports Network)
Friday afternoon winners - 1:00 p.m.
Friday evening winners - 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 11 - Finals
(CBS Sports Network)
Semifinal winners - 1:00 p.m.

*First-round games played on campus; remainder of tournament in Atlantic City, NJ

PROJECTED WINNER: ST. LOUIS (TeamRankings.com)

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We take a look at where some local college basketball teams stand and what they have left as the regular season winds down:

KENTUCKY (26-1)
RPI: 3

Remaining Games:
Feb 21 - @Mississippi St. - 9:00 PM 
Feb 25 - Vanderbilt - 12:00 PM 
Mar 1 - Georgia - 9:00 PM 
Mar 4 - @Florida - 12:00 PM

Outlook:  Winners of 18 straight, the top-ranked Wildcats must face the next best three teams in the SEC over their last four games. That will include two road tilts at Mississippi State and Florida.  They would have to absolutely collapse to lose a grip on a No. 1 seed, but the tournament’s top overall seed is well within reach.

CINCINNATI (19-8)
RPI: 79

Remaining Games:
Feb 23 - Louisville - 9:00 PM 
Feb 26 - @South Florida - 12:00 PM 
Feb 29 - Marquette - 7:00 PM 
Mar 3 - @Villanova - 2:00 PM

Outlook: As ugly as Saturday’s win over Seton Hall was the victory propelled the Bearcats up 14 spots in the RPI rankings.  It has been a roller coaster season for UC resulting in them being dead smack of the middle of the Big East standings. The November loss to Presbyterian (264th) is still hurting them.  Every game is an important one for the Bearcats, who are squarely on the bubble.

XAVIER (17-9)
RPI: 52

Remaining Games:
Feb 21 - @Massachusetts - 7:00 PM 
Feb 25 - Richmond - 8:00 PM 
Feb 28 - @St. Louis - 9:00 PM 
Mar 3 - Charlotte - 2:00 PM

Outlook: After being as ranked as high as eight in the polls earlier in the Year, Xavier has gone just 9-9 over their last 18 games. The Musketeers’ best win came at Vanderbilt, but they fell to Temple, Gonzaga, St. Louis and Memphis since.  That leaves them with just a 1-4 mark against teams currently in the top 30 in the latest RPI rankings and with little margin for error.  A road win against St. Louis would do wonders to their tournament resume.

LOUISVILLE (21-6)
RPI: 20

Remaining Games:
Feb 23 - @Cincinnati - 9:00 PM 
Feb 26 - Pittsburgh - 2:00 PM 
Feb 29 - South Florida - 7:00 PM 
Mar 3 - @Syracuse - 4:00 PM

Outlook: Four of the Cardinals’ six losses come to teams currently ranked in the top 15 in the latest RPI (UK, Syracuse, Marquette, and Georgetown). The three best wins all came at home to Memphis, UConn, and Vandy.  There is plenty at stake for U of L headed down the stretch they could climb to a No. 2 seed with a strong finish or fall to a No. 6 if they stumble.

OHIO STATE (22-5)
RPI: 7

Remaining Games:
Feb 21 - Illinois - 7:00 PM 
Feb 26 - Wisconsin - 4:00 PM 
Feb 29 - @Northwestern - 8:30 PM 
Mar 4 - @Michigan St. - 12:00 PM

Outlook: Their loss at home to Michigan State could have dampened the Buckeyes shot at the No. 1 overall seed, but that doesn’t mean a No. 1 seed is out of the question.  The road is going to be tough ahead though. In addition to rematch with the Spartans they also get a chance to avenge a loss vs. Illinois and have tilts with very capable Wisconsin and Northwestern teams ahead.  Worst-case scenario Ohio State is a No. 4 seed, but a No. 2 seed is most likely.

INDIANA (20-6)
RPI: 16

Remaining Games:
Feb 22 - N.C. Central - 7:00 PM 
Feb 26 - @Minnesota - 1:00 PM 
Feb 28 - Michigan St. - 7:00 PM 
Mar 4 - Purdue - 6:00 PM

Outlook: The Hoosiers are headed back to the Dance. That’s the most important thing.  With big wins over Kentucky, Ohio State and Michigan under their belt look for them to work their way into the field as a No. 3 to No. 5 seed based off finish. The schedule is weak down the stretch so to move up they’ll need to make some noise in the Big Ten tournament.

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Xavier University Associate Vice President and Athletic Director Mike Bobinski announced today that the University has entered into a new agreement with men's basketball head coach Chris Mack through the 2017-18 season. Mack, a 1992 Xavier graduate, is beginning his third year as the XU head coach.

"This is the most comprehensive agreement we have ever offered to a head coach at Xavier University and we are pleased to do so," said Bobinski. "Chris (Mack) is much more than just one of the best young coaches in college basketball. We believe he is one of the best coaches in college basketball and that our program will excel both on and off the court under his leadership in the years ahead."

"I have said many times that the commitment from our administration has been paramount to our success in college basketball," said Mack. "Xavier is a special place and the support from (University President Fr.) Mike Graham, (Vice President) John Kucia, (Athletic Director) Mike Bobinski and the entire Xavier Community is overwhelming. As both an alum and the head coach, I am excited about the future of the Xavier basketball program."

Mack, 41, was named 2010-11 Atlantic 10 Conference Coach of the Year by his fellow A-10 coaches this past year after leading Xavier to a 24-8 overall record, its fifth straight Atlantic 10 Regular Season Championship and its sixth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Mack is 50-17 (.746) overall and 29-3 (.906) in Atlantic 10 regular season play in his two years at the helm, while leading Xavier to the NCAA Second Round this past season and the 2010 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in his rookie season.

FINAL TAKE: Xavier does a great job at building a program and has transitioned well through the years during times of change. In Mack, they have a homegrown guy that not only connects well with his players, but appears committed to the long-term success of the program. Mack is a great fit and hopefully this deal will keep him in town for years to come.

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Official press release…

Xavier University junior guard Tu Holloway, a 2010-11 Associated Press Third Team All-American and the 2011 Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year, announced tonight that he will be returning to Xavier for his senior year. All of the underclassmen who have declared for the draft, but have not hired an agent, have until Sunday to withdraw their names from consideration and retain their eligibility.

“I think I speak for the entire Xavier Community when I say I am excited to have Tu Holloway return for his senior season,” said Xavier head coach Chris Mack “Tu Holloway’s progression as a player over the last three years has been remarkable. Since his first day on the Xavier campus, Tu has set the bar extremely high in terms of the expectations he has placed on himself as a player. He has matched those expectations with a tireless work ethic and a razor sharp focus on his goals. Tu has been a part of three NCAA Tournament teams, three conference championships and truly represents what it means to be a winner. There is no doubt in my mind that Tu will one day follow the same path as David West, Jordan Crawford, James Posey, Derrick Brown and so many others who have transitioned their experience at Xavier into a successful NBA career. Until that time comes, we are excited to have Tu as a part of our program as we point towards what should be a very special year.”

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Xavier University junior guard Tu Holloway, a 2010-11 Associated Press Third Team All-American and the 2011 Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year, has submitted the necessary paperwork to declare for the June 23rd NBA Draft.  Holloway has not hired an agent.

"I want to explore my options and gather as much information as I can,” to see what opportunities might exist for me," said Holloway. "I've always had a dream to play in the NBA and I want to see what the opportunities are and make the most well-informed decision about my future."

"Terrell wants to gather all of the input he can on what his NBA opportunities might be," said Xavier head coach Chris Mack.  "We will support him and help him throughout so he can make a wise decision. He has nothing to lose going through this process.”

NBA MOCK DRAFT (NBADraft.net)

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Lance McAlister breaks down the stretch run in the Atlantic 10:

STANDINGS
Xavier 11-1
Temple 11-2
Richmond 10-3
Duquesne 9-3

WHAT'S AHEAD (Oppoent/RPI)
Xavier
La Salle 184, @ Dayton 56, Charlotte 210, @ Saint Louis 179

Temple
St Joseph's 201, @ Duke 6, @ George Wash 151, @ UMass 125, LaSalle 184

Richmond
St. Bonaventure 102, @ Charlotte 210, @ St Joseph's 201, @ Duquesne 74

Duquesne
@ Dayton 56, Rhode Island 85, @ Saint Louis 179, St. Bonaventure 102, @ Richmond 67

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We look at some of the latest basketball headlines from around the region…

BUCKEYES UNBEATEN NO MORE (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
After 93 days of the season and in the 25th game of his career, Ohio State freshman Jared Sullinger finally lost a college basketball game Saturday. It turns out that he doesn't like it much.  In the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes' 71-67 loss to the Badgers, Sullinger was denied the ball at times by the Wisconsin defense, held without a shot for almost the first six minutes of the game and held without a field goal for more than 13 minutes in the second half as Wisconsin wiped out a 15-point Ohio State lead…MORE

KENTUCKY’S ROAD WOES CONTINUE (Lexington Herald Leader)
Vanderbilt shooting guard John Jenkins poured in a career-high 32 points in Vandy's 81-77 victory over Kentucky on Saturday. Tied at 66 after 35 minutes in which neither team even sniffed a double-digit lead, Kentucky came up empty on four of the next five trips down the court, including three turnovers. Kentucky, which lost a fifth SEC road game for only the second time since the league expanded into divisions in 1991-92, fell to 17-7 overall and 5-5 in the league…MORE

BEARCATS CHANCES TO DANCE FADING (CBSSports.com)
This is the biggest week of the year for Cincinnati basketball. The Bearcats sit 19-6 overall and 6-6 in the Big East, which right now would be good enough to make the Tournament. However the final two weeks of the season are brutal, with two games versus Georgetown, a home contest against UCONN and a trip on the road to Marquette. Mick Cronin's group simply must give itself some room to breathe during that difficult final stretch, which probably requires two wins this week...MORE

XAVIER TAKES CHARGE IN A-10 (Examiner.com)
Things were not looking good for Xavier midway through the second half of Sunday afternoon's tilt against the Duquesne Dukes.  In a battle for first place in the Atlantic 10, Xavier was squarely staring at a 6 point deficit, and starting guard Mark Lyons had just fouled out.  But what seems to be catastrophic to a normal team is merely a bump in the road for this group of Muskies, for over the next eight minutes Xavier held the Dukes without a field goal, turned the six-point deficit into a 10-point lead, and when it was all said and done, Xavier was at its usual perch atop the A-10 with a 71-63 victory...MORE

FUTURE IS NOW FOR CARDINALS (Courier-Journal)
There's nobody on Rick Pitino's roster whose name will be called by the NBA next June, but there also isn't a player losing sleep about it. It's a throwback team that fittingly wore throwback uniforms from the Cardinals' 1986 NCAA championship season while dispatching Syracuse 73-69. The Cards might be the only Top 25 team with nobody in a rush to walk out that locker-room door. Not one of Pitino's players ranks in the top 10 in the Big East in scoring or the top 20 in rebounding. They all rank in the top 10 in grinding...MORE

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There is no doubt that the Tri-state area in one of the best regions in the country for a college basketball fan.  However, the level of play overall with some of the area’s local teams has been subpar in recent years.  While in the past few seasons it’s been hard to focus on college hoops until football was over, the play of local teams early on in this season demands our attention.

KENTUCKY WILDCATS (6-0)
The buzz started for the Wildcats when they hired John Calipari during the off-season. His arrival immediately brought with some of the nation’s top recruits and that led to UK being in the top five in nearly every preseason poll in the country.

It hasn’t been pretty early on, but the young Wildcats undefeated and fresh off a Cancun Challenge title. They’ve shown us early on that consistency is still a struggle.  They are extremely, talented but young and inexperienced UK fans need to remember that championships are won in March, not November. Rest assured, this team has the capability of a special season.

Needs to get better: The team needs to take better care of the ball as they are averaging nearly 19 turnovers per game and 67 percent from the free throw line isn’t going to cut it long term. In games that have been close their perimeter defense has lacked, allowing opponents to get hot from behind the arc.

CINCINNATI BEARCATS (4-1)
While much of the attention in Clifton right now is centered on the 10-0 Cincinnati Bearcats’ football team and rightfully so, Mick Cronin’s basketball team is reminding us that UC was a basketball school first.  To this point of the season it appears as if Cincinnati is going to be able to compete in the Big East Conference.

The Bearcats, who were unranked to start the season, made a great run this past week in Maui Invitational. They beat two ranked teams (Vanderbilt, Maryland) before losing in an overtime thriller to Gonzaga. Their early success has come from hard-nosed, physical defense, the kind UC fans became accustomed to during the heyday of the Bob Huggins’ era.  While there are still plenty of strides to be made, the Bearcats’ NCAA tournament drought is likely to come to an end.

Needs to get better: Their stellar defense has hidden the fact that the Bearcats are only shooting 42 percent from the field. Point guard play is going to be key, getting more consistency from Cashmere Wright will go a long way towards their success.

XAVIER MUSKETEERS (3-1)
The Chris Mack era begins at Xavier and the cupboard was left full with talent by former coach Sean Miller. Without much change in the system, the expectations are high this year for the Muskies.

After rolling through their first three opponents with ease, XU suffered a setback when it fell to Marquette 71-61 in an opening round game in the Old Spice Classic on Thanksgiving. Despite the loss there is no reason to think that the talent-laden Xavier squad isn’t going to provide excitement.

Needs to get better: As the loss on Thursday indicated, XU needs to score at a more regular pace and more importantly need to sure up a few things on defense if they are going to be a Sweet 16-caliber team again this season.

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