Walk into any bar in the Miami Valley or the Queen City and mention the word "rivalry." Half the room will probably start screaming about Xavier and the Crosstown Shootout. But if you're actually paying attention to the hardwood history in Southwest Ohio, there’s a deeper, grittier, and frankly more fascinating story brewing between two programs only 50 miles apart. We're talking about Dayton vs Cincinnati basketball.
It’s a matchup that feels like a family feud where nobody wants to admit they’re related.
For years, this series sat on a shelf gathering dust. Then, the programs realized they were leaving money and atmosphere on the table. They brought it back. And honestly? It’s been chaotic in the best way possible. From the neutral court slugfests at Heritage Bank Center to the high-voltage atmosphere of home-and-home dates, the Bearcats and Flyers have reminded everyone why this region is the heartbeat of college basketball.
Why Dayton vs Cincinnati Basketball is Turning Into a Modern Classic
If you look at the all-time records, Cincinnati holds a massive lead. Let's be real—the Bearcats dominated the mid-to-late 20th century. Entering the 2025-26 season, Cincinnati led the series 61-32. That's a lot of wins. However, if you think this is a one-sided blowout in the modern era, you’ve basically been sleeping for the last two decades.
The landscape shifted.
Dayton, under Anthony Grant, transformed into a program that doesn't just "compete" with high-major schools—they expect to beat them. Remember that 2023 matchup? Dayton walked into the Heritage Bank Center and handed the Bearcats an 82-68 loss that left the UC faithful stunned. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. But college basketball is a game of adjustments. Fast forward to November 11, 2025, and Wes Miller’s squad got their revenge in a 74-62 victory at Fifth Third Arena.
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That game was a microcosm of the whole rivalry. It was ugly at times. There were 24 turnovers for the Bearcats. Day Day Thomas had to carry the load with 20 points, mostly because the Flyers’ defense—led by the likes of Amael L’Etang—was suffocating. Dayton kept clawing back, cutting leads to a single possession, only for the Bearcats to explode with a 12-2 run that sent the "Fifth Third" into a frenzy.
This isn't just a game on the schedule. It’s a fight for territory.
The Numbers That Actually Matter
People love to quote historical stats from the 1950s, but that doesn't help you understand what's happening on the floor right now. Since the 2023 revival, the games have been defined by three things:
- Physicality in the Paint: These teams don't play "pretty" basketball against each other. It’s a lot of bruised ribs and floor burns.
- The Three-Point Gap: In the most recent meeting in late 2025, Cincinnati shot a blistering 47% from deep while Dayton went a miserable 2-for-26. You can't win like that.
- The Home Court Factor: After years of neutral site games, the move back to campus arenas has changed everything. Fifth Third Arena and UD Arena are two of the loudest "snake pits" in the country.
Anthony Grant and Wes Miller: A Chess Match in the 937 and 513
You’ve got two very different coaching styles colliding here. Anthony Grant is a Dayton legend. He played there. He lives and breathes the Flyers’ identity. He’s built a system that relies on high-IQ players and disciplined defense. When he’s got a guy like DaRon Holmes II (who haunted UC fans for years) or the newer crop of international talent, they are a nightmare to prepare for.
Then you have Wes Miller. He’s the high-energy, fast-paced architect trying to bring Cincinnati back to the Bob Huggins-era glory. He’s been aggressive in the transfer portal, bringing in guys like Day Day Thomas and Shon Abaev to ensure the Bearcats have the raw athleticism to overwhelm opponents.
The contrast is wild.
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Dayton wants to grind you down. Cincinnati wants to run you off the floor. In their 2025 meeting, Cincinnati jumped out to a 17-4 lead in the first six minutes. That’s the Wes Miller "blitz." But Dayton didn't fold. They used an 8-0 run to make it a game again. That’s the Anthony Grant "stamina."
The Geography of Hate (and Respect)
Let’s talk about the fans. Most of these people work in the same offices. They shop at the same Krogers. They probably have a cousin who went to the "other" school. This isn't like a Big Ten rivalry where the schools are three hours apart in different states. This is local.
Dayton fans travel. They call themselves the "Flyer Faithful" for a reason. When they play in Cincinnati, half the building is red and blue. It drives the Bearcat fans crazy. UC fans, meanwhile, have a bit of a chip on their shoulder. They’re in the Big 12 now. They feel like they’ve moved to a bigger neighborhood, but they still can't quite shake the pesky neighbor to the north who keeps winning 20+ games every year.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Series
There’s a common misconception that Cincinnati "doesn't care" about playing Dayton because they have bigger fish to fry in the Big 12. That’s total nonsense. Watch the bench during a timeout in the second half of a four-point game. Look at the technical fouls—like the one De’Shayne Montgomery picked up in the last meeting or the dust-up involving Baba Miller.
This matters.
It matters for recruiting. If a high school kid in Southwest Ohio is choosing between these two, the head-to-head result is the ultimate recruiting tool. It also matters for the NCAA Tournament resume. In 2024, Dayton was a 7-seed and made the second round. Cincinnati was a 22-win team that ended up in the NIT. The margin between a "great" season and a "good" one often comes down to these non-conference "Quad 1" opportunities.
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The Evolution of the Schedule
We’re finally seeing some stability. After the 2024 and 2025 matchups, the schools are moving toward a more consistent home-and-home rotation. This is what the fans wanted. No more neutral sites that feel like a corporate event. We want the 13,000+ screaming fans at UD Arena and the 11,000+ at Fifth Third.
The 2026-27 season is already circled on the calendar for a return to Dayton. If you haven't been to UD Arena for a high-stakes game, you're missing out on one of the top five atmospheres in college sports. Period.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup
If you’re looking to follow or bet on the next chapter of this rivalry, keep these specific factors in mind:
- Watch the Turnover Margin: Cincinnati has a history of high-turnover games (24 in the last win). If Dayton can capitalize on those points off turnovers, they win.
- Focus on the Wings: The battle between UC's athletic guards and Dayton's length on the perimeter usually determines who gets the "run" that decides the game.
- The "Third Man" Factor: Don't just look at the stars. In the last game, it was freshman Shon Abaev's 14 points that provided the cushion Cincinnati needed.
- Check the Venue: If the game is at UD Arena, the "Flyer Faithful" are worth at least 4-6 points in the spread. It's a notoriously difficult place for visitors to shoot accurately.
The rivalry is officially back. It’s no longer a "hidden" gem of the Midwest; it’s a premier non-conference fixture that demands your attention. Whether you’re wearing the red and blue of Dayton or the black and red of Cincinnati, one thing is certain: when these two meet, the basketball is going to be intense, the crowd is going to be deafening, and the history books are going to need a new chapter.