"It's a player's game," Travis Steele reminded the media during his pre-game press conference a few days ahead of his third Crosstown Shootout as Xavier University's head coach.
Steele seems to utter those same words every year when the University of Cincinnati Bearcats are up next on the schedule.
It's a rivalry that demands big performances every time it's played.
Paul Scruggs flew that flag for Xavier on Sunday. It was his moment.
"I wanted this win for my team, more than anything," said Scruggs. "Me being the senior, being a captain, I came out and did what I needed to do.