Xavier takes down Dillard for Spring Crosstown Classic 

By Sean Brown 

Xavier and Dillard are one of the more storied HBCU collegiate rivalries spanning across multiple sports and decades. The rivalry started in 1948 with the first ever Crosstown Classic basketball game and as time passed the rivalry expanded to all sports. Every date that is set for these two schools to face off on the court puts a very distinct mood and vibe in the air at both schools. This game is all that students, faculty and alumni talk about the day of the game. This rivalry continues to bring great culture and tradition to both universities, the city and sports fans.  

Earlier this season Dillard’s Blue Devils traveled to Xavier’s Convocation Center to take on the Xavier Gold Rush on Nov. 8, 2025 for their Centennial Homecoming in which Xavier pulled out the 88-68 victory. On Feb. 2, 2026 the Goldrush traveled to Dent Hall to take on the Blue Devils for the Crosstown Classic in a highly anticipated rematch for Dillard.  

Dillard was coming off a five-game winning streak while on the other hand Xavier had lost their previous game two days prior. This game was going to be pivotal for the Gold Rush because throughout the season they had managed to drop a few close ones and a big win versus Dillard would get them back on track to get in a good contending spot for the tournament. This was also the long-awaited return of Xavier’s starting point guard and Dillard transfer, senior, Bentravin Phillips, a Lafayette, La. native.  

After a hard-fought game on both sides with the Blue Devils leading for most of the game, the Gold Rush were able to outlast the Blue Devils 74-71 with a game winning three pointer from Phillips at the buzzer. Phillips led the way for the Goldrush with 27 points and senior guard Nasir DeGgruy also added 15 points.   

“My mindset going into my old school was to really have fun,” Phillips said. “I didn’t really want to get into all the antics,” Phillips said. “I just wanted to focus on having fun, playing my game and doing the stuff I know, I know how to do.”  

It looked like the game was going to go into an overtime period, but Phillips had other plans. He went on to create an iconic play in the match. 

“We had three seconds left and I knew I had to get the ball,” Phillips said. “I had to get OC (out of control) and that’s what I did.”  

Several players stepped up for the Gold Rush, like New Orleans native, and St. Augustine alumni DeGruy.  

“We wanted to go out there and play free,” DeGruy said. “As a basketball player these are the types of games you want to play in,” DeGruy added. “It just brings the best out of you as a competitor.”  

Xavier graduate assistant coach Terrence “TJ” Jones, who had an impressive five-year career for the Gold Rush, said there is a special atmosphere within this rivalry.  

“The atmosphere in Dent Hall was better this past game than my last game in Dent Hall because a step back three to win the game is crazy,” Jones said. “I would even say that it’s more exciting to compete as a coach being that whenever I was playing during the competitions a lot of times I was zoned out.”