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EXHIBIT 23.2--CONSENT OF CROWE, CHIZEK AND COMPANY LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 and
Prospectus of First Financial Bancorp. of our report, dated January 15, 1999, on
the consolidated financial statements of Sand Ridge Financial Corporation as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996. We also consent to the use of our name and the statements with respect to
us appearing under the heading of "Experts" in the Prospectus.
    



                                                CROWE, CHIZEK AND COMPANY LLP

   
South Bend, Indiana
April 7, 1999