The game will be played at the U.S. Bank Arena mainly because of a direct result of the highly publicized Dec. 10 brawl between the two schools, which led numerous player suspensions and discussions of an end to the series.

Officials from Xavier and Cincinnati schools have decided to move the rivalry away from its alternating home-and-home fixtures for the next two seasons in an “attempt to improve the climate surrounding the game,” according to the report.

After the two seasons, school officials from both sides will take a look at how fans, players, and students act and see if they can continue this annual game. I sure hope so, because nothing is better than an intense cross-town rivalry game.

Financial details have not been finalized, though this season’s game likely will be played on December 18th, 19th or 20th. According to the report, an official announcement will be made sometime next month.

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Now, back to what really matters. I guess it makes sense that I was sick when Notre Dame lost in a controversial way to the Xavier Musketeers, 67-63. Notre Dame leaves the tournament early after having one of their better seasons in program history (considering their circumstances). I can’t say I was too surprsied, after seeing all the upsets just few hours before.

Xavier’s guards really carried their team through this one. Tu Holloway was a huge part of that success. His clutch shooting really hurt the Irish as he finished with 25 points. The Musketeers will play Lehigh in the next round (which makes this loss even worse).

Mar 16, 2012; Greensboro, NC, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guards Jerian Grant (22) and Eric Atkins (0) and Xavier Musketeers forward Jeff Robinson (21)react late in the game. The Musketeers defeated the Irish 67-63 in the second round of the 2012 NCAA men

I will not go into detail about the bad call, because I don’t like to make excuses. However, I will say this, just let the kids play.

“It’s too bad that happens, but there was a lot of plays,” Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said of the lane-violation call. “We missed some free throws. There were a lot of plays that culminated in not being able to escape with a win.” -ESPN.com

As frustrating as it can be, I must say I’m still proud to be an Irish fan. The fight and grit is what I love to see. I know ND is a football school, but I think that is changing into a 2-sport school, after yet another 20-win season by the Irish.

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Notre Dame will be led by back-court specialist Jerian Grant and Eric Atkins, both are young underclassmen that will be a little inexperienced for the Big Dance. However, the boys have played mostly every minute of every game for Mike Brey’s squad this season. If both guards contribute, Notre Dame will win this game. If either one lags off, the Irish will have to rely heavily on Jack Cooley.

Mar 9, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Jerian Grant (22) during the first half of the semifinals against the Louisville Cardinals at the Big East Tournament held at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE

For Xavier, Tu Holloway is the guy to watch. I love the way he plays and the talent level he brings to the Musketeers. If he scores around 20 points and 5 assists, he lead the team to a victory. I truly think Notre Dame will contain him, but Notre Dame defense may have an “off” game.

Score Prediction:

Notre Dame 73, Xavier 66.

I think Notre Dame will be too much for #10 Xavier. However, Notre Dame will have to face off against Duke (pending if they win against Lehigh) in North Carolina, so the Irish may be heading home early as well.

Gametime: 9:45pm ET

Channel: CBS

Location: Greensboro, NC

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