It's the same as any other game.

How many times have players and coaches used this line as their answer when asked about a big rivalry game? This response is common even though fans and the media think the game means more, and honestly, know the game means more. Teams do a good job of minimizing the importance, but it is usually evident that it's more than just another game.

"With it being a rivalry game and people having a little more edge on the court, there's a little more to it," senior center Kurt Huelsman said. "You like to think you play the same for all games and not any harder for these rivalries, but subconsciously there just seems to be a little something extra involved."

The anticipation is growing for Saturday's noon matchup between conference foes and rivals Dayton and Xavier. For the Dayton seniors, this weekend's showdown could be their last chance to beat Xavier unless they should meet postseason.

"This game means a lot," Huelsman said. "Last year we beat them on our home court and I had never beaten them until that point. We would love to do it again."

UD traveled to the Cintas Center to play Xavier in January and fell to the Musketeers 78-74. It was the first of three losses in four games for Dayton. The Flyers rebounded with a 75-58 win at St. Bonaventure last Saturday giving them a victory as they headed into their full week of preparation for Xavier.

The sting from this season's earlier loss at Xavier still sticks with the Flyer Faithful, and the players haven't forgotten about it, either.

"We came so close in Cincinnati," Huelsman said. "Going down there and losing by four points was heartbreaking. We played well and played hard but didn't get the win."

The Flyers enter this weekend's showdown with a 15-6 record, good for 4-3 in the Atlantic 10. Xavier went into their game against Massachusetts Wednesday with a record of 15-6 but stood alone at first place in the A-10 with a 7-1 mark.

The game has significant conference implications and could play a role in each team's goal to reach the NCAA Tournament, especially for UD. The game is expected to be physical and could get testy. The two teams had plenty of words for each other before and during January's matchup, and the same kind of intensity is expected this weekend.

"I definitely think this game usually has a little more edge to it and guys get a little more physical," Huelsman said. "I have a feeling it's going to be a great game and a great atmosphere at UD Arena."

Same as all the others? Don't count on it.