CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

On Wednesday, both local colleges played league games. Xavier had to go to Philly to play Temple. The Owls are rated 12th in the country and looked it. The Muskies went down 77-72. Jordan Crawford had 18 for the X-Men.

Cincinnati hosted South Florida in a must win game for the Bearcats. They never could really put the Bulls away but maintained a lead throughout and won, 78-70. Jaquon Parker, who got the start because Lance Stephenson sprained his ankle in practice, shined at point guard with 15 points and zero turn-overs.

On Saturday, Xavier hosted Rhode Island at Cintas Center. The Rams were pesky and played a stingy defense but the Muskies were able to prevail 72-61. Jordan Crawford poured in 21 points and had 12 rebounds and six assists.

On Sunday, the Bearcats were at Freedom Hall to play the desperate Louisville Cardinals. UC led by as many as 11 points early but lost the lead early in the second couldn't get over the hump or to the line. Cincinnati lost 68-60. Cashmere Wright finally had a good game with some clutch shooting in the second half.