Cincinnati vs Xavier Picks and Predictions for Friday December 5, 2025

By: Kim Smith Published 12/05/2025, 12:45 AM ET

The Crosstown Shootout returns to the Cintas Center, with Cincinnati and Xavier set to battle in one of college basketball’s most intense rivalries. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST on TNT, and both teams enter at 6–2 and 6–3 respectively, each riding positive momentum and showcasing strong early-season resumes. Before locking in your wager, make sure to check all the Free College Basketball Picks.

Cincinnati Preview

Cincinnati enters at 6–2, playing its best basketball defensively in years. The Bearcats are allowing only 63.4 points per game, controlling the pace, and consistently winning the rebounding margin. Their latest outing was a 76–58 win over Tarleton State, a performance defined by toughness and second-chance scoring.

Offensively, the Bearcats put up 75.5 points per game on 43% shooting, highlighted by forward B. Miller, who leads the team with 14.2 points per contest on an efficient 64.6%. The Bearcats also move the ball well, averaging 17.3 assists, and their perimeter depth has emerged as a clear strength.

Rebounding remains a core advantage — Cincinnati averages 43 boards per game, one of the best marks among major-conference programs. Their defensive rotations are sharp, their ball pressure is consistent, and they have the length to bother Xavier’s wings.

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The major question for UC: can they generate enough consistent half-court offense on the road in a rivalry environment?

Xavier Preview

Xavier enters at 6–3 and riding a three-game winning streak, most recently a 96–74 win over Saint Francis (PA). The Musketeers have looked vastly improved since tightening their rotation and trusting their younger contributors.

Offensively, Xavier averages 78.7 points per game, shooting 46% from the field and 36.1 rebounds per contest. Their attack is headlined by T. Carroll, who leads the team at 15.9 points on 46.1% shooting with a reliable mid-range and downhill game.

The Musketeers also share the ball well — 18.4 assists per game — showing their offense is at its best when the ball is moving. Their spacing is improved, and their bench has provided solid scoring support.

Defensively, Xavier allows 72.8 points per contest, and their length on the perimeter has caused issues for several opponents. They’re also producing 7.6 steals per game, generating critical transition opportunities.

The key for Xavier: matching Cincinnati’s physicality on the glass and preventing UC from turning this into a slow, grind-it-out affair.

Cincinnati vs Xavier Pick

This is always one of the hardest rivalry games to handicap, but I’m backing Xavier at home. Cincinnati’s defense is legit, and their rebounding edge is real, but this matchup heavily favors the Musketeers’ offensive depth and their ability to score in multiple ways. Xavier’s ball movement and shot creation on the wings give them more reliable late-game options, especially in their own building.

Cincinnati will try to impose a slower tempo, and they may succeed for stretches — but Xavier’s transition attack, efficiency in the half court, and home-court environment should help them push the pace exactly when they need it. In a rivalry where momentum swings are constant, I trust Xavier’s scoring balance to be the difference. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Cincinnati with the Thrillz promo code. Make the most of your bets on Xavier by using the sportsbook promos. Make sure when you place your Cincinnati vs Xavier bet you are using the bet365 bonus code.

Give me Xavier to defend the Cintas Center and extend their win streak to four.

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