In this week’s review, Xavier Basketball wins this year’s Crosstown Shootout. Things got feisty in Florida for the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Plus, the Cincinnati Reds trade closer Raisel Iglesias.

Xavier wins second-consecutive Crosstown Shootout

The 88th Crosstown Shootout lived up to several expectations. It was a mostly close battle between Xavier Basketball and Cincinnati Basketball. With visiting Xavier ultimately emerging victorious 77-69 on Sunday afternoon. Both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. Neither team led by double-digit margins at any point. Xavier only managed to get a relatively stable lead in the final three minutes. Wrapping up the game with the largest lead for either team.

Free-throws made a pivotal difference for the Xavier Musketeers. Xavier made 20 of their 25 free-throws against Cincinnati. The Musketeers made five of their seven free-throws in the final minute. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bearcats made ten out of 15 free-throws. Missing three out of four free-throw attempts in the final 63 seconds of the game.

Another key difference maker for Xavier was Paul Scruggs. He wrapped up his last Crosstown Shootout with a game-leading 20 points. Scruggs also made a game leading eight free-throws. While leading the Musketeers with five assists. Just one shy of matching game-leader David DeJulius.

Despite Xavier winning back-to-back shootouts; Xavier trailed rebounding-wise for a third-consecutive shootout. Trailing the Bearcats 34-31 in that category. Fortunately for Xavier, the Bearcats didn’t get rebounds when it mattered most. Instead, Xavier’s Zach Freemantle and Nate Johnson snagged defensive rebounds in the final minute. Helping keep the Bearcats from getting back in the game.

Next up for 6-0 Xavier, 2-0 Oklahoma Basketball this Wednesday. That game tips-off at Xavier’s Cintas Center at 8 PM Eastern on FS1. Later this week, the Musketeers start their Big East Conference schedule. Traveling to face Providence Basketball this Saturday at 6:30 PM Eastern on FS2. Cincinnati takes on Furman Basketball at home this Wednesday; tip-off is set for 5 PM Eastern on ESPN+. This coming Saturday, Cincinnati hits the road for the first time this season. The Bearcats will face No.13 Tennessee Basketball at a time yet to be announced.

Northern Kentucky Basketball adds Dayton Basketball to schedule

Elsewhere in local college basketball news; Northern Kentucky Basketball had a mixed week. Losing to Chattanooga Basketball 79-72 in their road opener on Saturday. Last Thursday, NKU beat Tennessee Tech Basketball 74-65. This week, the NKU Norse will play two of four consecutive games against Ohio teams. Northern Kentucky will face Dayton Basketball in Dayton this Tuesday.

The Dayton game that was only added to the schedule last Saturday. After Dayton’s scheduled game against Purdue Fort Wayne Basketball was cancelled due to COVID-19. Tuesday’s game will tip-off at 7 PM Eastern on ESPN+. NKU will wrap up the week with a road game against Kent State Basketball. That game will take place this coming Sunday at a time yet to be announced.

Cincinnati Bengals: stalled offense and melees in Miami

The Cincinnati Bengals made it easy on Sunday. For their 7-19 loss to the Miami Dolphins to fade into the local sports background. Given the way this Bengals season is going. Along with playing on the same day as the Crosstown Shootout. The Bengals symbolically faded into the background when the shootout tipped-off. Not only was that likely the case for several local sports fans. The Bengals themselves figuratively clocked out shortly before the shootout’s 3 PM Eastern tip-off.

Cincinnati’s lone highlight of the game happened in the first quarter. When Tyler Boyd had the longest touchdown reception of his career. Going 72 yards to give the Bengals an early lead. One they would hold onto until the third quarter. Boyd was out of the game by the time the third quarter began. He and Miami’s Xavien Howard were ejected after a scuffle in the second quarter. That turned out to be just the start of the chippiness on Sunday.

Both benches cleared early in the fourth quarter. After Cincinnati’s Mike Thomas speared Dolphins punt returner Jakeem Grant. It was the second time Thomas targeted Grant in that way on Sunday. Thomas was penalized but not ejected from the game. Bengals safety Shawn Williams and two Dolphins receivers were ejected. Bengals cornerback William Jackson was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, fines are likely to be issued but it’s unclear if there will be suspensions.

The Bengals will face the Dallas Cowboys in Cincinnati this coming Sunday. This game will feature Andy Dalton’s return to Cincinnati. After the Bengals released the veteran quarterback earlier this year. Sunday’s game will kick off at 1 PM Eastern on FOX.

Cincinnati Reds rev-up hot stove deals

The Cincinnati Reds are starting December off on a busy note. Earlier today, the Reds traded closing pitcher Raisel Iglesias to the Los Angeles Angels. In exchange, the Reds are getting relief pitcher Noe Ramirez. Along with one of the most famous terms in baseball; a player to be named later. Last Wednesday, the Reds released four players at the non-tender deadline. Catcher Curt Casali, outfielder Brian Goodwin and relievers Archie Bradley and R.J. Alaniz. While signing Kyle Farmer to a one-year major league contract.