CINCINNATI, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A 25-point effort from Sean Kilpatrick Wednesday sent No. 11 Cincinnati pulling away in the second half for a 60-45 decision over Xavier.
It was the first meeting of the cross-town rivals since last year's heated contest that involved a brawl that led to eight players being suspended for a total of 30 games.
This year's game was moved to a neutral site and members of the Bearcats and Musketeers joined for a social gathering during the week prior to the contest.
There was no hint of animosity between the teams in Wednesday's game, which saw Cincinnati pick up a victory despite shooting only 32 percent from the field. The Bearcats trailed for most of the first half, but took the lead for good during the opening minute of the second period.
Kilpatrick hit 10 field goals, but he needed 27 shots to do it. Cashmere Wright added 15 points for the Bearcats, who are unbeaten in 11 games this year.
Xavier (7-3), which made only 3-of-14 from the free-throw line, was led by Travis Taylor with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
