Watch: Wes Miller Discusses Importance of Crosstown Shootout

Miller is trying to become the first Bearcats coach t start 5-0 and beat Xavier in the same season.

CINCINNATI — The 2021 Crosstown Shootout is just a few days away, and the Bearcats new head coach is already diving into the bitter rivalry.

Wes Miller spoke at of Wednesday's practice and discussed his feelings on one of college basketball's greatest rivalries.

"Rivalries energize me. They excite me. I've really enjoyed playing in big rivalries as a player. I've really enjoyed coaching in them as a coach. This is one of the greatest rivalries in sports, so I'm gonna embrace it."@CoachWesMiller previews Saturday's Crosstown Shootout. pic.twitter.com/wcTsIaE4Ub

— Cincinnati Men’s Hoops (@GoBearcatsMBB) December 8, 2021

"This is one of the greatest rivalries in sports," Miller said. "So I'm going to embrace it and dive two feet into it. It's a big week, and we're excited about it. You can feel the energy within our program."

Miller made sure to needle the Musketeers by pronouncing the school name "egg-Xavier."

The former head man at UNC-Greensboro is the first Bearcats coach in program history to start 5-0. He'll try to notch another career mark with a victory in his first Crosstown Shootout. His predecessor, John Brannen, lost his debut against Xavier 73-66, while Mick Cronin won his opening matchup against the Musketeers 67-57.

The Bearcats battle Xavier at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game airs on FS1.

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