Louisville Postgame Thread

[jkwuc89]

Tremendous performance all around. That was fun to watch. 40 minutes of playing hard on both ends of the floor. And one cannot underestimate the importance of this win with regards to UC's NCAA tourney hopes.

[bearcat428]

really fun to watch. gates was agressive, finally! if they can play like this for a stretch, the end of season collapse can be put to bed.

[Who Dey Time]

He got bashed for three days and came out tonight ready to go. Great effort and game Yancy Gates!!!

Great win. Go get Providence!

[Bearcat_DF]

Kudos to Coach Cronin for getting this team turned around and focused for tonight's game!

Kudos to Yancy Gates for coming out and playing with great effort. He showed a lot of character and heart!

Kudos to Cash for driving with authority to the rim. This new dimension to his game should open up a lot of things on the offense. (I think his only bucket on Sunday was a strong baseline drive. Made me take notice.) Tonight he made a huge statement!

[CroninCrazy]

People better start jumping back on the bandwagon before it gets full! ;)

[Ran513]

Good game cats

[Bearcat_DF]

Kudos to Coach Cronin for getting this team turned around and focused for tonight's game!

Kudos to Yancy Gates for coming out and playing with great effort. He showed a lot of character and heart!

Kudos to Cash for driving with authority to the rim. This new dimension to his game should open up a lot of things on the offense. (I think his only bucket on Sunday was a strong baseline drive. Made me take notice.) Tonight he made a huge stateme

[DMoney1080]

Finally a complete 40 minute game of effort and intensity. I hope Cash, JJ and Gates play with that intensity the rest of year. Huge for the NCAA.

[Richard_Head]

I was pretty outspoken after the St. Johns game, so I don't mind eating a little crow and giving credit when it's due. This was a much better effort, to bad this team doesn't show up everynight if they did they could be top 6 in the Big East.

[cmm27]

It feels good to root for that team that showed up today. When they play smart and aggressive it makes you see how good this team can be. I was pleasantly surprised tonight, and would like to continue to be surprised.

[4mrUCat]

HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE Win!!!!

Looked like a real team tonight with everyone contributing. Kudos to Mick for having them ready.

Keep it rolling vs the Friars Saturday night!

[cincyfan81]

Great Win. Two more to be right smack on the bubble on selection sunday 3 more to be safe.

[Cincatz13]

X factor tonight was Cashmere. Great all around performance. If no one caught the pregame on the radio Mick said there are personal problems that have really been affecting Yancy which is the reason why he played the way he did on Sunday. I caught the tail end of this while I was pulling into the garage for the game tonight so I don't know if he elaborated on this or not. Great to beat our long time rivals and huge win for a tourney bid.

[Richard_Head]

Tremendous performance all around. That was fun to watch. 40 minutes of playing hard on both ends of the floor. And one cannot underestimate the importance of this win with regards to UC's NCAA tourney hopes.

This was the first time since the X game I thought they played hard for all 40 mins. I wish that team would show up every night and we would need to win 3 or 4 games to make the NCAA's. Nice game now keep fighting like a wounded dog the rest of the way and make it to March.

['nati streets]

While Gates did not have a huge offensive game but showed some good intensity and just solid over all. It was nice to see him get a warm response from the crowd.

Cash was money (sorry had to do it)... and Killa looked psyched both offensively and defensively.
For that matter we were very active jumping passes tonight.

My worries if I could have some after a great quality win, would be Dixon on point and Rashad's continued poor shot selection/decision making (which could be overlooked due to his defensive effort but...)

[jkwuc89]

I seriously doubted this team after the St. John's game and I predicted a loss tonight. I am very happy to be proven wrong.

[GoCats1994]

That was fun to watch! What a difference it makes when they hustle their behinds off

[cincycpaw]

Wow, great unexpected win tonight. Hope they build on it and finish strong. Realistically back in the big dance discussion I think.

[waterhead]

One down and 3 to go. GT away is going to be tough but we can win the rest with that kind of effort. Well done Cats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bearcat428]

what tops it off, is this game being on espn, national tv

[Richard_Head]

X factor tonight was Cashmere. Great all around performance. If no one caught the pregame on the radio Mick said there are personal problems that have really been affecting Yancy which is the reason why he played the way he did on Sunday. I caught the tail end of this while I was pulling into the garage for the game tonight so I don't know if he elaborated on this or not. Great to beat our long time rivals and huge win for a tourney bid.

I hope this was the Cashmere Wright coming out party, if you can get that kind of effort out of him and Kilpatrick that would go a long ways to solving the offensive woes of this team. Hopefully Gates has learned his lesson and shows up the rest of the way like he did tonight. I saw a guy on the BLOCK calling for the ball and being aggressive when he got it.

['nati streets]

I have my tickets to the Georgetown game- I hope they keep playing like this

[CatsClaw]

This win puts UC in the 7th to 8th seed range. Lunardi said that Cincinnati isn't playing to get into the NCAA Tournament they're playing to maintain a spot. If the Bearcats can go down to Providence and pull out a win that would put them in the catbird seat for an NCAA Tournament berth.

[BigDaddyCornHusker]

Top scorers were Wright and Kilpatrick - and they'll be with the Cats for a couple more years.

[bearcat428]

If no one caught the pregame on the radio Mick said there are personal problems that have really been affecting Yancy which is the reason why he played the way he did on Sunday. I caught the tail end of this while I was pulling into the garage for the game tonight so I don't know if he elaborated on this or not. Great to beat our long time rivals and huge win for a tourney bid.

thanks for posting, didn't know/hear it

[cincycats2208]

Great overall performance tonight! Couldnt be happier right now... and y are people sayin "back in the tournament discussion"? I dont remember ever being out of the discussion... This wins just helps our resume even more with a win against a ranked big east opponent that most analyst said we needed to secure our position inside the bubble

[Bearcat-in-Italy]

This must be Mick's biggest win ever with UC. After a week of H-E double hockey sticks, for the team to pull together and play like this says a lot. Need a few more. Congrats to the 'Cats and Cronin. Back from the brink!

[waterhead]

Hope we got that mojo confidence back that we had at the beginning of the season. Gates looked interested...wha?? Loved seeing Davis on the bench going absolutely crazy for his teamates. I saw Gates at the end of the game on the bench directing other players what to do. That's the type of Gates I want to see...fully engaged. Cash was EXCELLENT!!!

[bearcat428]

This must be Mick's biggest win ever with UC. After a week of H-E double hockey sticks, for the team to pull together and play like this says a lot. Need a few more. Congrats to the 'Cats and Cronin. Back from the brink!

was a great showing by mick, had them coming out red hot for the ring of red

['nati streets]

Forde's article on bubble teams:
"I’ll be watching Cincinnati on Wednesday against Louisville, and Utah State this weekend against Saint Mary’s. Those are big games for bubble teams. Maybe after they’re played I’ll know a tournament team when I see one -- or two."

link: http://espn.go.com/blog/CollegeBasketballNation/post/_/id/23388/forde-the-dangers-of-the-eyeball-test

glad he was watching (only if it was because L-ville was playing)

[jkwuc89]

From Coach Cronin:

11 steals tonight. Defense did not get sucked in on drives. They stayed on the wings and got deflections on drive and dishes. Louisville lives and dies with the 3 and tonight, they died.

Tonight, UC played defense for 40 minutes.

Held them to 4 3-point shots made. We never let them get going.

Gates had a great game tonight. He was active. Guarded the rim. Gave us an inside presence. 0 turnovers. Just gotta play hard. Assert yourself physically. Too much pressure on him from outside people. Too many people texting him telling him he needs to score.

Wright had a cramp. Played with tremendous passion and heart.

Today, our PG was better than their PG.

19 deflections at half time. Very strong number in a Big East game.

[Deaf_Bearcat]

Very well executed basketball game! Hats off to Mick and players for their best performance of this season. I think this is the best quality win UC ever has gotten this year. It will help improve its NCAA tourney resume. They better play like they did today against next 5 opponent so that they could get into the NCAA tourney.

[Corporateballa]

Cronin's comments -
I told them I was proud to be their coach tonight. *Cash was unbelievable. *He's got it in him. He's too nice a kid. *Him and Yancy. *They are such great kids but too nice. *We did a great job with the scouting. *11 steals, many because of the scouting report. *We we back to being a great defensive team. *We played D for 40 minutes. *Knolls is a tough guy to guard. *You watch him on film, and he's scary. *They only made 4 threes. *They feed off the steal and the 3 point shot. *We never let them get into a rhythm. *Yancy had a great game. *Stats don't matter when you're a big guy. *What our fans don't realize is that he's been playing well all year. *Too many people have been in his ear. *Everyone who he's ever met at a camp is testing him telling him he needs to score more. Yancy had zero TOs getting trapped everytime in the post.*

Going small with Darnell allows us to switch everything. *That's how we guarded Dayton. *We had 19 deflections at half-time. We are the quicker team and the more physical team. *They were bought in tonight. *Killa is excellent going to the rim. *Cut his TOs down from 5 (St. John's) to 1. *

It's good to see them play hard and get the pay-off. *When you are building a program, you gotta get the team to buy-in.*

[Lobot]

Kenpom -way off
bearcats 1

I lose happily.

[bighicks14]

This team is so much better when we drive to the basket instead of just passing around the perimeter and settling for the 3 point shot. St. Johns game we settled and lost. Loserville we drove to the basket and that created good shots and we win. I hope we can keep it up because I want to go dancing, it has been way too long.

[Corporateballa]

I'm most proud of the way this team responded after an emotional loss. In previous years they have gone into a free fall. Mick has been saying all year that Cash is the key. He's coached him up and encouraged him to take chances and played aggressively.

20 wins with a minimum of 6 to go. Tough night for Mick Haters.

[BeastUC]

Now that's what we call Bearcat Basketball!

[behrlezt]

I was pretty outspoken after the St. Johns game, so I don't mind eating a little crow and giving credit when it's due. This was a much better effort, to bad this team doesn't show up everynight if they did they could be top 6 in the Big East.

Getting Mick fired is not the answer. I wonder what threads will be started after the next loss. Go CATS!

[Former Lurker]

Great game, but I'd remind everyone that we were favored to win (-1). I just want Mick to get the team down the stretch doing what they're supposed to do, which would mean that they go 3-2 in the games that remain.

[GoCats1994]

From Coach Cronin:

19 deflections at half time. Very strong number in a Big East game.

I would suggest...very strong number in ANY game

[waterhead]

With this great game let's not get too far ahead...we have to focus and bring this intensity every game from here on out. If we do...this D can stifle anyone. If we can continue to get to the rack we can get higher percentage shots or foul shots. That's the magic combination. Again...Cash was awesome to watch tonight!!! That's a Big East guard. He's really starting to assert himself and he's the player we need other than SK.

Dixon didn't look good. I hope he can get that mojo back soon. I liked what Bishop did tonight...and Gates. Cash, SK, Gates, and Bishop had a heck of a game.

[McMickenKid]

Cats made 9 more free throws than Lville attempted...love that stat.

[bcat1997]

1 game out of 4th place in the Big East standings

[waterhead]

We now have wins over two top 25 teams and one over a top 30 or so team in STJ (on the road) who is making a strong push for top 25. Anyone care to say we don't have any quality wins???

[waterhead]

I couldn't be happier...BUT...we need to continue with what we did this game to have a chance. let's be realistic. There is no room for a let down from here on out. We need 3 more wins to solidify a berth and 2 to have a chance.

Awesome job Cats!!! I salute you. I believe you can do it.

[DMoney1080]

That was a great effort. The team was ready tonight - we need to be ready for Providence on Saturday. No need to think ahead to GT or UCONN, or whoever, let's take care of Providence and then worry about the next one. For the first time in a long time, they drove to the hole. Do you know how many times that drives you nuts watching this team, because games like this prove that it wins games!

[RedRocker]

I seriously doubted this team after the St. John's game and I predicted a loss tonight. I am very happy to be proven wrong.

Same here. Where has this team been the past 10 games? Now just back it up by winning at Providence and Marquette at a minimum and taking it to UConn and GT here.

If they play the rest of the regular and post-season like tonight, they'll be dancing and make some noise.

Nice to see the ball worked inside tonight instead of the recent "3 Jack" offense.

[subflea]

Great game, but I'd remind everyone that we were favored to win (-1).

So what?

Does it really matter what the spread was?

[PK2]

Great Win! Let's keep it rollin!

[BearCatMarcher]

Who predicted the cats would get 63? That was me wasn't it :)

Not bad for a first-time prediction. Maybe I should do so more often...

[Herb Jones]

I was at the game ... The sad thing is, 75% of this board was NOT in attendance! That is gross!

[Former Lurker]

So what?

Does it really matter what the spread was?

I'm glad they played well, but I'm putting this one under "takin' care of business," not "monumental upsets."

[cenpabcat]

This was the first time since the X game I thought they played hard for all 40 mins. I wish that team would show up every night and we would need to win 3 or 4 games to make the NCAA's. Nice game now keep fighting like a wounded dog the rest of the way and make it to March.

Agreed. Nice intensity. Great play on defense.

[PakMan]

The lesson, as always:

Basketball, especially basketball involving amateurs, is more about the talent, attitude, energy and execution of the players than it is about coaching.

There were times Mick had awful lineups in the game, Yancy had some super soft possessions, Rashad jacked up bad shots, etc. but all of that was overshadowed by the collective effort of the team.

[subflea]

I'm glad they played well, but I'm putting this one under "takin' care of business," not "monumental upsets."

No one said it was monumental, but it was an upset. If you want to down play a great victory, go ahead.

[zandozan]

A win over Louisville will always be more than taking care of business in my book. Very happy right now.

[STKohls]

I'm glad they played well, but I'm putting this one under "takin' care of business," not "monumental upsets."

Call it what you will, but I think you can accurately describe tonights win as "best win of the season".

Beat the #16 team on National TV and looked impressive doing it. The announcers were riding UC like Dickie V rides Duke.

[blackcattitude]

I was at the game ... The sad thing is, 75% of this board was NOT in attendance! That is gross!

this might've been one of the best crowds in years

****, even the halftime kiddie act was awesome

[BearCatMarcher]

Call it what you will, but I think you can accurately describe tonights win as "best win of the season".

Beat the #16 team on National TV and looked impressive doing it. The announcers were riding UC like Dickie V rides Duke.

Looked impressive? What are you talking about? There wasn't a single dunk by cats the whole game. That's disgusting. The program is falling apart and Mick needs to be fired. Also, Huggins something or other.

^^
Take that with a grain of salt the size of a boulder

[coach]

thank god the home crowd was finally rewarded with a quality performance. i can tell you there were an awful lot of lvl fans in attendance and it was nice to send them home with a loss. much like the x game our guards were to big for theirs and we controlled the tempo. everything we talked about after the losses on offense they did. transition pts, check. post passes, check. only 14 three's check. let's see what they carryover saturday. i stick by my feeling though that even with gates not playing well, which wasn't the case tonight, they are still more effective and dangerous on offense. you can't leave him alone, and they lack players who take up defenders and space.

[Carin's Dad]

We don't win w/o Gates. Period. I think Mick was handling the psychological side of this better than we gave him credit.

[Ding Chavez]

this might've been one of the best crowds in years

****, even the halftime kiddie act was awesome

Yeah, tonight's jump rope kids were a lot better than Sunday's.

[PakMan]

Still, gotta get better converting in transition and end of half/game situations.

SK and Cash are figuring it out though, which is great for UC's future.

[Panamacat]

Looked impressive? What are you talking about? There wasn't a single dunk by cats the whole game. That's disgusting. The program is falling apart and Mick needs to be fired. Also, Huggins something or other.

^^
Take that with a grain of salt the size of a boulder

I think its a bit crude to rate the state of the team's play on whether they dunk or not. They beat a #16 team didn't they, and they did so with some pretty stellar defense. Looked impressive to me, the TV commentators, and most watching it on the tube. Fundamentals before flamboyance!

[vabearcat]

Now that was Bearcat basketball. The Shoe looked great on TV. It was rockin'. Red uniforms with "Bearcats" across the chest looked great. Gates played with heart. Cash was awesome. Killa ought to be playing 32 minutes. When he goes out, we get stagnant on offense. Great team victory.

[beeman7467]

I picked U of L and thrilled to death I was wrong. Crowd was great. I don't think anyone has mentioned Justin Jackson yet. He kept down the silly fouls and had his arms everywhere. I haven't seen this this team show up very often this year, but they played great. With that effort, they will be be every game the rest of the year.

[jbreeds1]

When Cash and SK are on the floor and playing well at the same time this team is going to be tough to beat. Mix in Yancy playing with heart and JJ running around like a mad man it gets me all tingly thinking about the future! But the time is definitely now! Let's gem em Cats! On to the next one! Down with the Friars!:)

[Ding Chavez]

I think its a bit crude to rate the state of the team's play on whether they dunk or not. They beat a #16 team didn't they, and they did so with some pretty stellar defense. Looked impressive to me, the TV commentators, and most watching it on the tube. Fundamentals before flamboyance!

Ummmm... he was clearly being sarcastic with his "no dunks" comment.

[Carin's Dad]

I think its a bit crude to rate the state of the team's play on whether they dunk or not. They beat a #16 team didn't they, and they did so with some pretty stellar defense. Looked impressive to me, the TV commentators, and most watching it on the tube. Fundamentals before flamboyance!You do know he was kidding don't you? But maybe this is a double reverse and you're kidding too?

Hey delivery is everything in comedy.

[UCinTroy]

Did lots of subjective review of what was a mess against SJU but the team was able to turn it around very quickly. Great team defense as always with only the long 3's even close to being open. Difference today was YG eating up space in the lane and that has been missed on both O and D. Smartly contested shots caused a lot of adjustment. Seems out of sorts on the offensive end, no confidence but played very hard. I wish they could get the inlet pass in earlier to keep the help from crashing down on him so fast. Would also give him better positi0on closer to goal.

Wright and Kilpatrick were on and glad to see someone attacking the rim. Thankfully not looking for the 3 first. It really paid off.

A different team showed up. Looks like Cronin got to them and they likely got to each other.

[London 'Cat]

I predicted a loss and am glad to admit I was wrong. Good win for the 'Cats over a certain NCAA team. I was at the game and the atmosphere was terrific. Defense was excellent. Good movement on offense. Wright was fantastic, especially on defense. Kilpatrick was fantastic. Gates was excellent. Jackson was excellent. Only one complaint about tonight's performance - transition offense. This team cannot score on a fast break. They need to learn to run a fast break better. They left no less than 10 points on the table tonight. All around great performance, sustained for 40 minutes.

[bearcats011]

Sooooo pumped after that performance. Its about time, reminds me of the crosstown shootout :) I only have one complaint about tonight's game, and really all year for that matter. Has anyone noticed on our fast breaks we always seem to turn the ball over? I remember we had two 3 on 1's and ended up throwing them both away. That aside, Heckuva victory for our Cats. Continue the momentum into the Prov. Game!!!!

[catscratchfever]

I think its a bit crude to rate the state of the team's play on whether they dunk or not. They beat a #16 team didn't they, and they did so with some pretty stellar defense. Looked impressive to me, the TV commentators, and most watching it on the tube. Fundamentals before flamboyance!

My god dude....really?

[Genester]

We don't win w/o Gates. Period.

I think this is right on. When/if Gates plays like he did tonight, we can be a very good team. Louisville had no answer for him - they doubled every time we threw it inside, and that opened up shots and penetration for everyone else. Also, Gates blocked/altered numerous shots, effectively denying all the "easy stuff". As bad as he was in the last couple of games, he was easily the most dominant player on the floor tonight.

[TheLivingLegend]

Cats made 9 more free throws than Lville attempted...love that stat.

Awesome stat!

great game for the cats. SK and cash played awesome. big ups to yancy for putting in work tonight, played solid.

[Binturong05]

Watching this game I was reminded of Bearcats teams of yore and why I started rooting for this team as a kid - they played defense unlike the pathetic NBA. It was great to see guys hustling, being active, and scrambling for the ball. I didn't look at the stats but there had to be a ridiculously high number of turnovers by Louisville. It was great to see the agressive type of play by the Bearcats that I grew up watching in the 90s. Sure hope this is the new approach to the rest of their remaining games this season. It sure is fun to watch not to mention gives them a higher probability of winning (assuming you don't get whistle-happy referees that wish to interject themselves into the game).

[London 'Cat]

I think this is right on. When/if Gates plays like he did tonight, we can be a very good team. Louisville had no answer for him - they doubled every time we threw it inside, and that opened up shots and penetration for everyone else. Also, Gates blocked/altered numerous shots, effectively denying all the "easy stuff". As bad as he was in the last couple of games, he was easily the most dominant player on the floor tonight.

Come on, man! Did you even watch the game? Gates played very well, don't get me wrong. But the most dominant player on the floor tonight was Wright, without question. Lousyville had no answer for him.

[Who Dey Time]

The thing that was most impressive to me....UL make a run to cut it to 5 and the Cats immediately score the next 7 to push it back up to 12. That would not have happened last year and hopefully it is a sign that this team is getting tougher mentally.

[KY Bearcat]

Very fun game...we could have won by 15+ if Higgins would have pulled his head out of his ***. Thats our signature win, now we have to take care of business in Rhode Island...no letdowns!

Only thing concerning me, is Dion's offense is nowhere to be found...

[ucat4]

Great showing by the cats tonight!! Where has this team been the last 10 games? When we put it together for a full 40 minutes and play with passion and effort I honestly think we can hang w/ just about anybody in the nation. I think this is why many of us have been kinda harsh on MC and the team in general the past few weeks. It's like having an intelligent kid come home w/ a C on a report card when you know damn well they're capable of an A. They need to bring it from here on out! Here's to the beginning of the rest of the season! Go Cats!!

[BearCatMarcher]

My god dude....really?

Grain of salt the size of the moon. Does that help convey my satirical attempt better? :rolleyes:

[JDBEARCAT]

Great game, great effort, great defense & just a great nite!
Time to give Mic an extension. Maybe another 5 years at least!!!!!!
Let's beat the heck out of the Friars.

[juckerrules]

Grain of salt the size of the moon. Does that help convey my satirical attempt better? :rolleyes:

Grains of salt are really small and the moon is big. I don't think your comparison is valid.

(How's that for satire bouncing off a stone wall?)

Oh, yuk, yuk, lol, rotf, lmao, eyes rolling like pinballs, projectile vomiting sarcasm, deadpan humor etc. for anyone who doesn't get it

[jkwuc89]

Everyone on this board must read the column below. All of us should think well on this in the future before criticizing Coach Cronin or the team:

For Bearcats, drowning out critics temporarily disproves them (http://www.gobearcats.com/blog/2011/02/for-bearcats-drowning-out-critics-temporarily-disproves-them.html)

[cmm27]

There is a lot of overreaction on this board after a win or a loss. Euphoric reaction is great though. Especially when so many, myself included, were wrong about the outcome of the game.

Wright was the best player on the floor tonight. When he was out the offense was slower and less aggressive. His ability to finish last night was amazing, and his range forced Louisville to extend their defense on him opening lanes for passing or penetration. If that is the future with Wright then I see great things from that young man. Kilpatrick was instant offense when he was playing. I like that kid. And the free throw shooting tonight was hella refreshing.

Things I didn't like about the game include Bishop being out of control on offense when he had the ball. He only took a few shots, but they seemed ill-advised and could have been potentially costly. End of the half possession. The inability to make accurate passes down court, or run an effective break seem strange given the athleticism on the team.

[loshow22]

I love Justin Jackson...I thought he, as well as the rest of our team, played really well tonight. I like the thought of Cash, Kilpatrick, and Jackson in the next few years...

[JDBEARCAT]

Everyone on this board must read the column below. All of us should think well on this in the future before criticizing Coach Cronin or the team:

For Bearcats, drowning out critics temporarily disproves them (http://www.gobearcats.com/blog/2011/02/for-bearcats-drowning-out-critics-temporarily-disproves-them.html)

Well placed post to dampen the negative comments by so many "So Called
Bearcat Fans" that want Cronin fired(why?) & love to see us lose so they
can complain about him & the team.

20 - 6 or 6 -20 I will always support the Bearcats. Their my team & my
alma matre!

[Carin's Dad]

Come on, man! Did you even watch the game? Gates played very well, don't get me wrong. But the most dominant player on the floor tonight was Wright, without question. Lousyville had no answer for him.""Yancy had a great game. The stat line doesn't do justice to how big an effect he had on the game," Cronin said. "He had zero turnovers against a team that tried to double-team him all night."

Their big man back patrolling the middle, the Bearcats sliced through Louisville's matchup zone relentlessly on offense and then bottled up the Cardinals at the other end of the floor." Courier-Journal

Could it be that Gates play made it possible for Wright to look like he dominated?

[MDW79]

The team won b/c they continued to attack on both ends. As opposed to getting into a half court, almost reactive, back and forth game. We can win that way, and last night we looked like a completely different team. The keys to the game IMO:

-Cash. He looked like a PG. He was able to get penetration, and was a force all night. In many games this year, there's stretches where you almost forget he's out there. That was not the case last night. This is the best game I've seen him play in a Bearcats uniform. Better than the game against WVU, where he had 6 3's.

-We did not settle for 3's. The guys actually attacked the rim, rather than settling for jumpers. For this team to win they need to play like this all the time. Off the top of my head, I want to say we're like 3rd in the BE in 3pt attempts, but we're also like 14th in 3pt%. Those numbers do not support one another. STOP SHOOTING 25 3's a game, and play like this from here on out.

-Yancy took a step or steps towards the basket when he got the ball, rather than away. It's seems so simple, I hope he continues to play like that cuz it really changes the look of the team. Having a post guy capable of sealing off his man inside of 8 feet, and able to get to the line actually make us resemble a college offense.

-All the kids look amped up, and the intensity didn't waver much. I think there was one stretch where we went on a mini drought for about 3 minutes. I'm pretty sure a steal got us out of it and back on track. If you play that hard, and don't settle, we won't have 6-10 minute droughts like we've had. Guys look liked the wanted the ball too.

Great win, and I'll happily admit I couldn't have been more wrong in my prediction. But they have to have the game against Providence. I'll be curious if they come on with the same level of intensity on the road. Hopefully they can build off this.

[BearcatAlum1]

The team won b/c they continued to attack on both ends. As opposed to getting into a half court, almost reactive, back and forth game. We can win that way, and last night we looked like a completely different team. The keys to the game IMO:

-Cash. He looked like a PG. He was able to get penetration, and was a force all night. In many games this year, there's stretches where you almost forget he's out there. That was not the case last night. This is the best game I've seen him play in a Bearcats uniform. Better than the game against WVU, where he had 6 3's.

-We did not settle for 3's. The guys actually attacked the rim, rather than settling for jumpers. For this team to win they need to play like this all the time. Off the top of my head, I want to say we're like 3rd in the BE in 3pt attempts, but we're also like 14th in 3pt%. Those numbers do not support one another. STOP SHOOTING 25 3's a game, and play like this from here on out.

-Yancy took a step or steps towards the basket when he got the ball, rather than away. It's seems so simple, I hope he continues to play like that cuz it really changes the look of the team. Having a post guy capable of sealing off his man inside of 8 feet, and able to get to the line actually make us resemble a college offense.

-All the kids look amped up, and the intensity didn't waver much. I think there was one stretch where we went on a mini drought for abotu 3's minutes. I'm pretty sure a steal got us out of it and back on track.

Great win, and I'll happily admit I couldn't have been more wrong in my prediction. But they have to have the game against Providence. I'll be curious if they come on with the same level of intensity on the road. Hopefully they can build off this.

Amen to the bolded statement. First touch of the game he took 3-4 hard dribbles right and put up a layup going into contact and towards the hoop. I said, "did you guys just see that?"

Yancy played with energy. When JJ got a +1 early in the game, Yancy was right there to get hyped nd keep JJ hungry.

This team is completely different with an energetic and aggressive (offensively and defensively) Yancy Gates on the floor.

[London 'Cat]

""Yancy had a great game. The stat line doesn't do justice to how big an effect he had on the game," Cronin said. "He had zero turnovers against a team that tried to double-team him all night."

Their big man back patrolling the middle, the Bearcats sliced through Louisville's matchup zone relentlessly on offense and then bottled up the Cardinals at the other end of the floor." Courier-Journal

Could it be that Gates play made it possible for Wright to look like he dominated?

Sure, Gates' play, in part, made it possible for Wright to be the best player on the floor. But the prior post was that Gates was the most dominant player on the floor. That assertion simply defies the facts.

[Carin's Dad]

Sure, Gates' play, in part, made it possible for Wright to be the best player on the floor. But the prior post was that Gates was the most dominant player on the floor. That assertion simply defies the facts.I think it comes down to opinion - not facts. W/O Gates - they don't win. W/O Wright they could still win. There's nobody on the team that can do what Gates does (when he plays well). There are several who could take over Wright's role - maybe not as well as him, but they could do it.

[Dannyboy]

Everyone was playing aggressive and hard. Where's that been for the last month? Regardless, its awesome that they played like that. Keep it up, boys.

[catsfan32]

Cannot win w/o Wright either. He makes our offense flow. Dixon is not a PG, and it shows. Dixon must be at the 2.

We have two kids for 2011 that can handle backup PG roles. That will help tremendously.

[Rational Cat]

Great game by the Cats, and fun to be there.

The crowd was really into it, and it's always fun to beat Louisville.

Now the key is to stop celebrating and talking about this win, and play just as hard Saturday night as they played last night. The defense has been great all year, I think, but the effort on loose balls and getting to the rim was outstanding. They played with real purpose last night.

[Bearcat_DF]

Cats made 9 more free throws than Lville attempted...love that stat.

Doesn't that stat prove that the refs called a bias game and the only reason we won was because they favored us??

[London 'Cat]

I think it comes down to opinion - not facts. W/O Gates - they don't win. W/O Wright they could still win. There's nobody on the team that can do what Gates does (when he plays well). There are several who could take over Wright's role - maybe not as well as him, but they could do it.

Not one player on the team could do what Wright did last night. Wright was the leading scorer in the game, no player for UL could stay in front of him on D and he had several very nice steals on defense. Who else was going to give UC that last night? Dixon? Parker? Davis? Without Wright, they definitely lose last night. He was the most dominant player on the floor last night.

[Bearcat_DF]

Everyone on this board must read the column below. All of us should think well on this in the future before criticizing Coach Cronin or the team:

For Bearcats, drowning out critics temporarily disproves them (http://www.gobearcats.com/blog/2011/02/for-bearcats-drowning-out-critics-temporarily-disproves-them.html)

It kind of confirmed what I have been saying - for the last 6 weeks, this team has not played well. Cronin says they had the best practice in 2-3 months! They finally played 40 minutes of basketball.

Cincinnati like it or not is a Pete Rose city. You have to lay it all out on the field/court. Short of that - there is going to be critique. (I know the support of the Bengals contracts that statement and I have absolutely no explanation why people continue to support the Bengals.)

It seems that one of the things that stoked the Cats was all the naysaying. So it begs the question. If, after the StJ game, the fans had been as lackluster as the team appeared to be on the court Sunday, would the team had found the motivation to attack, attack, attack?

[bearcatbret]

The only problem I had was during the second half UL run, UC finally made a basket (a three I believe) and nobody got down on D. Even having to throw the ball in, UL had an uncontested layup at the other end. The UC players were too busy slapping each other to get down on D.

Also, has Parker played at all during the past month?

[CallTheWahbulance]

If.... And that's a big if.... If they can consistently pound the ball like this they will have a chance to make the NCAA. But it all boils down to our ability to get higher percentage shots rather than chucking up 35 3 pointers. Great win but it won't mean a thing if we lay an egg against bottom feeder Providence.

[Pharmfam]

Not one player on the team could do what Wright did last night. Wright was the leading scorer in the game, no player for UL could stay in front of him on D and he had several very nice steals on defense. Who else was going to give UC that last night? Dixon? Parker? Davis? Without Wright, they definitely lose last night. He was the most dominant player on the floor last night.

Agree with most of the above. Cash was the star of the game, but Yancy was the most dominating, physical presence on the floor last night.

[cincycpaw]

Doesn't that stat prove that the refs called a bias game and the only reason we won was because they favored us??

No, not necessarily. If both teams played identical, then perhaps. But if you sit back and launch jumpers, you are far less likely to go to the line very much, no?

[ME80]

Great game by the Cats, and fun to be there.

The crowd was really into it, and it's always fun to beat Louisville.

Now the key is to stop celebrating and talking about this win, and play just as hard Saturday night as they played last night. The defense has been great all year, I think, but the effort on loose balls and getting to the rim was outstanding. They played with real purpose last night.

Your right on the team buckling down for Saturday, but as far as us fans our concerned I will celebrate for a while since it seems to go on forever when we lose.

[jkwuc89]

Doesn't that stat prove that the refs called a bias game and the only reason we won was because they favored us??

It proves that UC were the more aggressive team and deserved to go to the line. Coach Pitino stated in the Louisville Courier-Journal that he thought the refereeing was fair.

[ME80]

I think it comes down to opinion - not facts. W/O Gates - they don't win. W/O Wright they could still win. There's nobody on the team that can do what Gates does (when he plays well). There are several who could take over Wright's role - maybe not as well as him, but they could do it.

I almost view it as the chicken and the egg puzzle. I think both need each other and I think the team needs both. No one has the potential of working inside better than Gates, and no one has the potential of handling the ball and penetrating better than Wright. Right now my opinion is that the back up ball handler should be Bishop not Dixon. Bishop seems to be the only other person that can get the ball up court under pressure but he will slow things down. Right now they almost stagnate when Dixon has the helm.

[Colonel]

Gate played with enthusiasm and intensity. With that kind of effort you got a 5 on 5 versus the 4 on 5 we have been seeing lately. I dont care that he sinks every shot he takes. I liked the offensive effort of the X game and the D I saw last night against L'ville. Bring either game night in and night out and you will silence many "critics", myself included. Just show you want to be there.

Again, I am not a big Gates supporter but the effort of last night was a treat and I commend the young man for getting back on the horse and shrugging off the criticism. And I agree with the comments earlier in this thread; the team was a bit different with him on the floor, and this time in a positive way!

[ronm23]

It was two things (IMHO) that won this came:

Simplify
- Coach Cronin said on the post game comments that he simplified the game plan and just had them attack, attack, attack. This is a team without great basketball smarts but has has above average basketball skills. Play to your strength.

Effort
- Yancy, for one, gave it his effort A1. So did Bishop and Cash. Give me a team that lays it on the floor and I am all in.

I was at the game. Coach said it was so loud that twice he had a problem being heard to call a time out. There was about 2000 UL fans that had a very long ride back home.

RM

[Genester]

Come on, man! Did you even watch the game? Gates played very well, don't get me wrong. But the most dominant player on the floor tonight was Wright, without question. Lousyville had no answer for him.

I was at the game, thank you :D When Gates was not on the floor, we had NO sustained offense whatsoever. We either didn't know what to do, or we got off bad/lucky shots. Wright was awesome last night, but we do not win without Gates.

[ronm23]

I was at the game, thank you :D When Gates was not on the floor, we had NO sustained offense whatsoever. We either didn't know what to do, or we got off bad/lucky shots. Wright was awesome last night, but we do not win without Gates.

I thought it was more a problem with Thomas and Wilks not having any bulk in the low post. Gates was the only one who did not get pushed around.

RM

[cincycpaw]

I was at the game, thank you :D When Gates was not on the floor, we had NO sustained offense whatsoever. We either didn't know what to do, or we got off bad/lucky shots. Wright was awesome last night, but we do not win without Gates.

Guys....we don't win that game without Gates, Cash or SK.

[BearCatMarcher]

I thought it was more a problem with Thomas and Wilks not having any bulk in the low post. Gates was the only one who did not get pushed around.

RM

Yah, Thomas wasn't his usual self (or he was his usual self) but I think it's more to do with them damn fouls they constantly call on him. He gets in foul trouble first half and it's a different game plan, so he played with some restraint. He'll be back and he played as expected. It's just that when Gates brings his A-game Thomas looks less good by comparison.

[Carin's Dad]

Not one player on the team could do what Wright did last night. Wright was the leading scorer in the game, no player for UL could stay in front of him on D and he had several very nice steals on defense. Who else was going to give UC that last night? Dixon? Parker? Davis? Without Wright, they definitely lose last night. He was the most dominant player on the floor last night.Thank you for your OPINION.

[London 'Cat]

Thank you for your OPINION.

At least my opinion is based in fact. You ignore the facts and simply say I am wrong. Again, who on the team was going to give what Wright gave? Nobody else came close. Here is the box score. Show me the facts that say otherwise.

Name Min FG 3Pt FT Reb Ast TO Stl Blk PF Pts
D. Wilks 13 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 3 1 0 2 0
L. Davis 23 1-4 0-2 0-0 1 0 0 0 0 2 2
C. Wright 29 7-15 2-6 4-5 3 2 2 2 0 2 20
R. Bishop 30 3-5 1-2 1-2 6 1 1 3 1 2 8
I. Thomas 9 1-2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2
S. Kilpatrick 23 5-8 2-4 6-7 2 0 1 2 0 1 18
D. Dixon 23 1-3 0-0 0-1 3 3 3 1 0 0 2
J. Jackson 20 1-2 0-0 1-3 4 3 1 1 0 0 3
Y. Gates 30 2-8 0-0 4-6 6 2 0 1 2 2 8

Again, nobody from UL could stay in front of Wright all night long. He thoroughly and completely dominated whomever tried to guard him. He gave the opposing point guard fits all night long, never letting him get into rhythm. Davis and Dixon played a combined 46 minutes and produced a paltry 4 points on 2-7 FG, 0-1 FT, 4 Rbs, 3 Asts, 3 TOs, 1 Stl. Take away Wright's contributions, the 'Cats lose and we're calling for Cronin to be fired since the buzzer sounds.

[London 'Cat]

I was at the game, thank you :D When Gates was not on the floor, we had NO sustained offense whatsoever. We either didn't know what to do, or we got off bad/lucky shots. Wright was awesome last night, but we do not win without Gates.

I am not disputing that Gates played well. But the original premise of these series of posts was that Gates was "the most dominant player" in the UL game. I disagree, as Wright's performance and statistics demonstrate otherwise.

[Carin's Dad]

At least my opinion is based in fact. You .Stats are quantitative facts that ignore the qualitative aspects of performance. You can hang your hat on offensive stats all day and it doesn't discount the opinion of several of us that Gates contribution was more important then Wright's very fine performance.

Let's just agree that both had good games and move on.

[bearcatbret]

Here is a link that references the 15 seconds as testified by Pitino.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6136611