Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati, Ohio, two teams competed for first place in the Atlantic 10 Conference, in pursuit of the regular season league championship.

Oh, how true that deceptively dry statement really is.

The Xavier Musketeers and Richmond Spiders spilled the tank as they responded urgently to the situation in front of them at the Cintas Center. Joining Temple at 11-2 in the league, Xavier and Richmond were fully aware that the loser would essentially drop out of the three-team chase for the prize that makes lifelong memories in any sport: a championship. When today's kids become fathers and grandfathers, they can easily tell younger generations about the titles they claimed between the painted white lines. Being able to point to a banner hung from the rafters of the alma mater's home gymnasium is a special point of pride for the collegiate athlete, and in many ways, that's what these two foes - already assured of an NCAA Tournament berth - were fighting for on an emotional day in Southwestern Ohio.

Their levels of passion showed just how badly they wanted the distinction of being a champion.

Coach Chris Mack watched his Xavier squad take a three-point lead into the final half-minute of regulation, largely because of the work done by big man Jason Love (16 points and nine rebounds), but Richmond's David Gonzalvez knocked down a steely 3-pointer with 24 seconds left to tie the score at 64-apiece. Xavier had a chance to win at the end of regulation, but RU coach Chris Mooney had to marvel at the stifling defense displayed by his team on the perimeter. Xavier's Jordan Crawford was smothered on his attempt to drive to the lane, and a long 3-point heave missed the mark. Two teams, standing in the arena and slugging punches, traded blows in a rugged but rousing backyard battle.