For the second time this week, Xavier knocked off a ranked opponent, beating city rival Cincinnati 89-76 in the Crosstown Shootout. On Monday, the Musketeers beat No. 15 Baylor 76-63. BIG EAST teams were a combined 5-2 on Saturday.
In the Cincinnati win, Trevon Bluiett poured in 28 points on 7-of-14 shooting. He shot 5-of-10 from 3-point range. Karem Kanter added 17 points. Kaiser Gates posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Musketeers started quickly with a 15-5 lead and led 43-30 at halftime. Xavier won the rebounding battle 44-27.
No. 4 Villanova set a school record with 19 3-pointers in a 94-53 win at Saint Joseph’s.