Like so much else in 2020, this year’s Crosstown Shootout is set to be an unusual affair. Nevertheless, it’s still set to live up to it’s reputation. As one of college basketball’s most heated rivalry games.

Xavier Basketball played five games so far this season. Winning all five games so far in a roller coaster opening home stand. The first and the fifth games were blowouts for the Xavier Musketeers. Scoring 101 points against Oakland Basketball to tip-off the season. While winning their last game against Tennessee Tech Basketball on Wednesday 79-48.

The three games in-between were wins by narrow margins. Xavier beat Bradley Basketball by one point on Thanksgiving Day. One day later, they beat Toledo Basketball by three points. Then beat Eastern Kentucky Basketball 99-96 on Monday. In the Musketeers only overtime game of the season so far.

Cincinnati Basketball only played one game going into Sunday. Beating Lipscomb Basketball 67-55 on Wednesday evening. Despite the final score, Wednesday’s game was mostly a nail-biter for the Cincinnati Bearcats. Cincinnati and Lipscomb went into halftime tied with 29 points each. The Bearcats broke away through scoring 38 in the second half.

Musketeers to watch in this year’s shootout include Zach Freemantle. He is having a noticeably strong start to this season. Freemantle leads the Musketeers this season with 17.4 points per game. He and Jason Carter lead the team in the rebounding department. Carter leads with 10.6 per game while Freemantle has 8.4 per game. In recent shootouts, the Musketeers have struggled in the battle of the boards. They even trailed Cincinnati rebounding-wise 41-36 last year; despite winning that game by seven points.

Paul Scruggs is another Musketeer to watch in this year’s shootout. Scruggs has a team-leading 7.4 assists per game going into Sunday. He also leads the team with 2.2 steals per game. In a game often known for it’s overall scrappiness. Scruggs’ defensive skills could make a pivotal difference for Xavier.

Chris Vogt is one of the main UC players to watch on Sunday. Vogt helped get Cincinnati back into their game against Lipscomb. Scoring four baskets in a three minute span to help Cincinnati win. He also had an impressive day rebounding-wise with a game-leading seven. Vogt is also likely to be a key play-maker for UC defensively. He was the Bearcats leading blocker last season with 1.6 per game. He wrapped up Wednesday with a game-leading three blocks.

Elsewhere defensively, David DeJulius is another Bearcat to watch. DeJulius lead the Bearcats with six defensive rebounds against Lipscomb. Offensively, he led the team with four assists and a 40.0 three-point percentage. Meanwhile, Mika Adams-Woods also came through for Cincinnati offensively. Scoring a game-leading 16 points on Wednesday evening.

Despite the Bearcats hosting this year’s Crosstown Shootout. Having more games to brush the dust off gives Xavier an advantage going into Sunday. Not having the typical boisterously packed house due to COVID-19 could be another factor in this shootout. Only around 300 spectators will be on hand for Sunday’s game. Far lower than the 12,000 spectators Fifth Third Arena can hold. It won’t compare to the high-octane energy of a typical Crosstown Shootout. Xavier’s had more games to adjust to these changes.

Playing less games and not having the typical crowd energy to feed off of. While being seen as an underdog despite having home court advantage. Striving to win their first Crosstown Shootout since John Brannen became UC’s head coach. Plus, the simple desire to beat their crosstown rivals. These are all motivating factors for Cincinnati heading into Sunday.

Perhaps the biggest motivating factor for both teams is being able to play this game this season. After everything that’s happened since the last Crosstown Shootout. Having this game is a cause for celebration in itself. Regardless of how the game ultimately goes. Sunday’s 88th Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout tips-off at 3 PM Eastern on ESPN.