This years Crosstown Shootout is expected to be played this Thursday, January 26th. As a student at the University of Cincinnati, of course I'm rooting for my Bearcats, but we'll be up against a tough opponent.

The Xavier Musketeers are ranked 22nd (from the time of this writing) and have had been playing a decent season as well. Xavier is coming off three tough losses against Villanova, Butler, and Creighton. Xavier is 13-5, ranked 5th in the Big East. Xavier has not been receiving the offensive support it needs to stay hot.

Trevon Bluiett will need to heat up quick; averaging 17 points per game, he is the key to the Musketeers victory. J.P. Macura is Xavier's leading three point weapon and for him to have a solid start is definitely what the Musketeers need to get the win. Not to mention with the sudden loss of star Myles Davis, Xavier might need some help pulling this one off.

Mick Cronin's Cincinnati Bearcats boost a 17-2 record placing them 20th overall, or 1st in the AAC. Let's remember for a second that they are in the AAC, which is laughing stock compared to the Power 5 conferences. The most difficult team that the Cincinnati Bearcats have faced this year is Butler. and they were ranked 18 when the two teams faced off. This doesn't mean UC is a bad team by any means; they certainly have what it takes to defend themselves against the Musketeers. A lot of their success will rely on the top performers: Evans, Washington, Clark, and Caupain.

Overall, both are great teams, but I have to give the win to my hometown team. I predict that the Bearcats will defeat the Musketeers 68-63. Hopefully, I am not jinxing anything! See you all at the game.