Xavier Musketeers Defeat Cincinnati Bearcats 79-74
Friday, December 5, 2025, 7:30 PM ET · Cintas Center
Xavier Musketeers 79, Cincinnati Bearcats 74, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Cincinnati Bearcats vs Xavier Musketeers?
Xavier Musketeers beat Cincinnati Bearcats 79-74 at Cintas Center on December 5, 2025.
Who was favored in Cincinnati Bearcats vs Xavier Musketeers?
Xavier Musketeers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -112 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Xavier Musketeers edged out the Cincinnati Bearcats with a final score of 79-74. This game, held at the Cintas Center, showcased the intensity of this rivalry, with both teams fighting hard to secure a win. The Musketeers improved their home record to 8-3, while the Bearcats fell to 6-4 on the road.
Xavier entered the game with a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, riding a three-game winning streak. Their scoring average during this stretch was an impressive 79.5 points per game, while they allowed an average of 74.4 points. The Musketeers had notable victories against teams like Saint Francis Red Wolves, where they won 96-74, and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders, winning 88-67. Their last five games showed an even stronger performance, averaging 87.6 points scored while allowing 71.2.
On the other hand, Cincinnati carried a record of 7-3 in their last ten games and entered the contest with a one-game winning streak. They averaged 74.7 points scored per game and allowed 65.1 points. Their recent form included a solid win against Tarleton State Texans, where they won 76-58, but they also faced a setback against Eastern Michigan Eagles, losing 56-64. In their last five games, they managed to score an average of 72.4 points while allowing 63.6.
The home-court advantage played a crucial role in Xavier's performance, as they maintained a strong home record of 7-3. Cincinnati's away record stood at 6-3, indicating they were competitive on the road but struggled to maintain consistency.
In terms of their previous meetings, this matchup was particularly significant as it marked a rematch from earlier in the season. In their last encounter on December 14, 2024, Cincinnati had edged out Xavier with a score of 68-65, giving the Musketeers extra motivation to claim victory this time around.
Injuries were not a significant factor in this game, as both teams appeared to be at full strength, allowing them to field their best lineups.
The betting market reflected a tight contest, with DraftKings listing Cincinnati as a slight favorite with a spread of 1.5 points. The total for the game was set at 147.5, with the over odds at -112.0 and the under at -108.0. This indicated that the market expected a competitive game with a moderate scoring output.
Conditions in the Cintas Center were favorable for basketball, with a lively crowd supporting the home team. Fans witnessed a thrilling second half, where the lead changed multiple times. Key moments included All Wright's clutch free throws that extended Xavier's lead and a crucial layup by Shon Abaev that kept Cincinnati within striking distance.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination from both teams. The Musketeers' ability to capitalize on free throws in the closing moments proved decisive, as they maintained their lead to secure the victory. The final scoring plays highlighted the tension, with both teams exchanging points in the final minutes, but Xavier ultimately held on for the win.
This victory not only boosts Xavier's confidence but also sets the stage for their upcoming games, while Cincinnati will need to regroup and address their performance to bounce back in their next outing.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CIN -1.5 | 147.5 o -112 / u -108 | Cincinnati Bearcats -108 · Xavier Musketeers -112 |
Leaders
- PointsTre Carroll30Xavier Musketeers
- AssistsMalik Messina-Moore6Xavier Musketeers
- ReboundsTre Carroll7Xavier Musketeers
- PointsShon Abaev16Cincinnati Bearcats
- AssistsBaba Miller6Cincinnati Bearcats
- ReboundsBaba Miller17Cincinnati Bearcats
Recent form
Xavier Musketeers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W379.5 scored · 74.4 allowed per game6-3 at home
- W96-74vs Saint Francis Red WolvesDec 2
- W88-67vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersNov 28
- W78-68vs West Virginia MountaineersNov 23
- L77-78vs Georgia BulldogsNov 22
- W99-69vs Old Dominion MonarchsNov 19
- L62-81at Iowa HawkeyesNov 15
- L68-87vs Santa Clara BroncosNov 11
- W74-69vs Le Moyne DolphinsNov 7
- W66-62vs Marist Red FoxesNov 4
- L87-89vs Marquette Golden EaglesMar 13
Cincinnati Bearcats
Last 10: 7-3Streak W174.7 scored · 65.1 allowed per game1-1 away
- W76-58vs Tarleton State TexansDec 2
- L56-64vs Eastern Michigan EaglesNov 27
- W94-67vs NJIT HighlandersNov 25
- L64-74vs Louisville CardinalsNov 21
- W72-55vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersNov 16
- W74-62vs Dayton FlyersNov 12
- W74-64vs Georgia State PanthersNov 8
- W94-63vs Western Carolina CatamountsNov 4
- L56-76at Iowa State CyclonesMar 12
- W87-68at Oklahoma State CowboysMar 11
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
| St. John's | 30-7 | - | 18-2 |
| UConn | 34-6 | 1 | 17-3 |
| Villanova | 24-9 | 3 | 15-5 |
| Seton Hall | 21-12 | 8 | 10-10 |
| Creighton | 16-18 | 9 | 9-11 |
| DePaul | 16-16 | 10 | 8-12 |
| Butler | 16-16 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Providence | 15-18 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Marquette | 12-20 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Georgetown | 16-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
| Xavier | 15-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Cincinnati Bearcats | Xavier Musketeers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-69 | 30-64 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 11-33 | 6-28 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 21 |
| Free throws | 11-22 | 13-23 |
| Free throw % | 50 | 57 |
| Rebounds | 51 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 32 |
| Assists | 18 | 19 |
| Steals | 3 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 4 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 3 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 28 |
| Fouls | 18 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 12 | 75 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-41Tre Carroll made Jumper.
- 2nd Half39-43Tre Carroll made Layup. Assisted by Filip Borovicanin.
- 2nd Half39-45Tre Carroll made Jumper. Assisted by Malik Messina-Moore.
- 2nd Half39-47Jovan Milicevic made Jumper.
- 2nd Half39-48Jovan Milicevic made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half39-50Tre Carroll made Layup. Assisted by Jovan Milicevic.
- 2nd Half40-50Baba Miller made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half41-50Baba Miller made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half43-50Moustapha Thiam made Jumper. Assisted by Day Day Thomas.
- 2nd Half43-53Jovan Milicevic made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Filip Borovicanin.
- 2nd Half43-56Roddie Anderson III made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Malik Messina-Moore.
- 2nd Half46-56Day Day Thomas made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Shon Abaev.
- 2nd Half48-56Day Day Thomas made Jumper. Assisted by Kerr Kriisa.
- 2nd Half48-58Jovan Milicevic made Layup. Assisted by Tre Carroll.
- 2nd Half49-58Moustapha Thiam made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-58Jalen Celestine made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half52-60Malik Messina-Moore made Jumper. Assisted by Filip Borovicanin.
- 2nd Half54-60Moustapha Thiam made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half54-62Filip Borovicanin made Jumper.
- 2nd Half56-62Baba Miller made Layup.
- 2nd Half59-62Shon Abaev made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kerr Kriisa.
- 2nd Half59-63Tre Carroll made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-63Sencire Harris made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-65Tre Carroll made Jumper.
- 2nd Half63-65Kerr Kriisa made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Day Day Thomas.
- 2nd Half63-67Tre Carroll made Layup.
- 2nd Half64-67Kerr Kriisa made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half65-67Kerr Kriisa made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-67Jalen Celestine made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Baba Miller.
- 2nd Half68-70Filip Borovicanin made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by All Wright.
- 2nd Half68-72Tre Carroll made Layup. Assisted by Malik Messina-Moore.
- 2nd Half70-72Day Day Thomas made Jumper.
- 2nd Half70-74Tre Carroll made Jumper.
- 2nd Half70-75All Wright made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half70-76All Wright made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half72-76Shon Abaev made Layup. Assisted by Day Day Thomas.
- 2nd Half72-77All Wright made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half72-78All Wright made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half74-78Day Day Thomas made Layup.
- 2nd Half74-79Jovan Milicevic made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours Xavier Musketeers, below favours Cincinnati Bearcats.
Venue
- Cintas CenterCincinnati, OH
- Attendance10880
- OfficialsPat Driscoll, John Gaffney, Kipp Kissinger
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond