Behold — The Crosstown Shootout. The very words send a blast of adrenaline into our bloodstream that gets our heart racing…or maybe that’s just a result of the chili dogs we always eat too many of while we’re in Cincy. Nah, it’s the game. Along with so many other college basketball freaks, this is one we circle on our hoop calendar as soon as we see the schedules. Hey, maybe you haven’t noticed or heard, but Cincinnati is undefeated. Given how much these two teams love each other, can you imagine the frissons of satisfaction that would wash over Xavier backers everywhere (not to mention every single one of head coach Chris Mack’s players) if the Musketeers were the ones to put the first blemish on Cincinnati’s season? The Bearcats, of course, would love to flick Xavier aside as conquest #15 and pay them back for the double-overtime loss they suffered at the Cintas Center last season. We made the trip there last year and it was one of the highlights of our season. If you can’t get fired up for this, go find another sport to love. Fifth Third Arena. 7:00 pm ET. We’ll start the conversation about 15 minutes before the tip, and we can’t wait.