The 2021 crosstown shootout between Xavier and UC is set to tip off Saturday at 8:30 and the trash talk around school has begun.

Xavier comes into the game as the favorite with the ESPN matchup predictor giving them 81% to win and UC just 19%.

“Honestly, I have literally zero doubt. It’ll be business as usual and Xavier will win as we’ve won 3 out of the last 4 and 6 out of the last 8,” Halverson said.

Austin Buckle doesn’t seem to be too worried about UC being underdogs as a very confident fan himself.

“No, although it is away we still have some fans there, the underdog doesn't affect my confidence, because we’ve already been in that situation before this year,” Buckle said.

The game being hosted at Cintas Center should be a huge advantage for the musketeers as they have won 9 out of the 10 crosstown shootouts played in Cintas.

“Being in Cintas has a huge impact. We have one of the most hype environments in the country and UC won’t be ready for it,” Halverson said.

There are many keys for both teams to be victorious in this game but Buckle believes that UC has a real shot to upset Xavier if they knock down shots and play hard.

“If we hit our threes and get offensive rebounds we will win,” Buckle Said.

A victor will be decided and the anticipation will be settled between the rivals on the court and inthe classroom.