UC's Jamual Warren, John Williamson and Cedric McGowan (from left) celebrate the final seconds of their upset over Xavier Dec. 13. photo/Andrew Higley

Xavier senior Justin Cage may have said it best when asked to explain UC's 67-57 upset of the Musketeers following the Dec. 13, 2006 Crosstown Shootout.

"They came out like warriors," he said. "I really think they earned it."

UC was led by freshman Deonta Vaughn, who poured in 24 points, and junior John Williamson, who finished with 18, including six in the first three minutes of the second half to help the Bearcats extend their three-point halftime lead. Though the Muskees closed within a point at the 7:16 mark, UC stifled their efforts with swarming defense, particularly that of junior Jamual Warren, who shut out XU's Stanley Burrell, usually a leading scorer. Warren also finished with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Prior to this game, senior Cedric McGowan was the only UC starter to experience the intensity of a Crosstown Shootout, let alone a loud sell-out home crowd. On top of that, XU was heavily favored and even ranked among the country's Top 25 the previous week. Williamson, who played his college ball nearby at Cincinnati State before transferring to UC this year, said watching the rivalry on television doesn't do it justice.

Bearcat freshman Deonta Vaughn led all scorers with 24 points. photo/Andrew Higley

"The crowd was amazing," Williamson said. "I've seen it on TV. I've felt it through the TV screen. But when you feel it out on the court, there is a big difference. We came out, and we had a chip on our shoulder to get coach (Cronin) a win and also us as a team and the fans that came out to watch tonight."

Mick Cronin, the first head coach at UC to win the Shootout in his first try since Gale Catlett in 1973, said he hopes the heart and toughness his players exhibited in front of 13,176 at Fifth Third Arena Wednesday night will prove to UC fans they are a product worth watching.

"I was happy to see all our fans here tonight," he said. "I think they made a huge difference, especially our students. I'd like to see our students back next Saturday (Dec. 23) against N.C. State. Hopefully we gave them a reason to come back."

The players and coach Mick Cronin made a point to acknowledge the exuberant support of UC's student section after the game. photo/Andrew Higley

LINKS:

Crosstown Shootout photo gallery
Last year's Crosstown Shootout photo gallery
More coverage from UC Athletics