6th in BEast within reach tomorrow

[juckerrules]

UC has caught WV in the standings - a win tomorrow at Villanova (tall order perhaps), would allow the Cats to pass up Villanova and tie with Syracuse for 6th in the conference - How sweet would that be?

Next Wednesday, I guess we'd root for WV to beat the 'Cuse.

I think I'd like Providence to win out now ;) - they beat us twice, let them do some damage to those ahead of us - better than having to lose out to them on a head-to-head

Who says the NCAA is out of reach?

Tune in tomorrow for either :D or :o

[BearcatAlum1]

I think we lose at Nova. They're a better team and have more talent. Jay Wright is a good coach. The deck is stacked against us in this one. However, if we defend and make some shots, anything is possible.

BearcatAlum1

[shaunsimpson]

UC has caught WV in the standings - a win tomorrow at Villanova (tall order perhaps), would allow the Cats to pass up Villanova and tie with Syracuse for 6th in the conference - How sweet would that be?

Next Wednesday, I guess we'd root for WV to beat the 'Cuse.

I think I'd like Providence to win out now ;) - they beat us twice, let them do some damage to those ahead of us - better than having to lose out to them on a head-to-head

Who says the NCAA is out of reach?

Tune in tomorrow for either :D or :o

I root for all of the teams we play twice in conference.

I don't expect a win tomorrow, but it would be huge since it would put us iin good position in the conference and maybe for the ncaa tourny.

[TmacGoCats]

Good point Juck, i def think we gotta root for Providence the rest of the year..........obviously if it comes down to the CATS and PROV on the bubble, there going to take PROV.

[Pocket Hercules]

Huge opportunity tomorrow. We will see intensity and energy on defense in this game, or we just do not have it. This could be a Marquette-type game if we do not.

Defensively, we have to mix up match-up zone with box-and-one featuring Rashad Bishop guarding Scotty Reynolds. Our bigs need to stay at home and watch for long rebounds. Biggie needs to log 10-15 minutes a few at a time, as he will be unchallenged by Nova's interior crashing the boards. When Biggie is in, we have to deliberately control the tempo and we cannot press. When Biggie is not in, we should press and get Wilks involved as an athletic PF to step out and challenge the perimeter shooting of Villanova.

Offensively, we MUST focus on drive-and-dish to get open looks, as their perimeter is too quick to get open simply by passing. Yancy needs to own down low when he gets the opportunity, and Mike will need to attack rather than settling for the mid-range jumper every time. Alvin, Dion, and Davis will have to knock down a few shots after Deonta and Rashad drive the lane.

Tall order, but if we pull it off we have the opportunity to KO Notre Dame in a true arena-tourney atmosphere at US Bank on Wednesday with plenty of UC and bandwaggon ND fans in attendance. Then, we would have the same opportunity against a GT team that is on the ropes. If we accomplish two out of three, we are sitting at 16-8 and probably a good bet as an at-large invite if the season ended next week.

[LongTimer]

Huge opportunity tomorrow. We will see intensity and energy on defense in this game, or we just do not have it. This could be a Marquette-type game if we do not.

Defensively, we have to mix up match-up zone with box-and-one featuring Rashad Bishop guarding Scotty Reynolds. Our bigs need to stay at home and watch for long rebounds. Biggie needs to log 10-15 minutes a few at a time, as he will be unchallenged by Nova's interior crashing the boards. When Biggie is in, we have to deliberately control the tempo and we cannot press. When Biggie is not in, we should press and get Wilks involved as an athletic PF to step out and challenge the perimeter shooting of Villanova.

Offensively, we MUST focus on drive-and-dish to get open looks, as their perimeter is too quick to get open simply by passing. Yancy needs to own down low when he gets the opportunity, and Mike will need to attack rather than settling for the mid-range jumper every time. Alvin, Dion, and Davis will have to knock down a few shots after Deonta and Rashad drive the lane.

Tall order, but if we pull it off we have the opportunity to KO Notre Dame in a true arena-tourney atmosphere at US Bank on Wednesday with plenty of UC and bandwaggon ND fans in attendance. Then, we would have the same opportunity against a GT team that is on the ropes. If we accomplish two out of three, we are sitting at 16-8 and probably a good bet as an at-large invite if the season ended next week.

We must do whatever offensively or defensively allows us to end the game with more points than Villinova. If we end the game with more points, then the Mick supporters can gloat about all the great adjustments Mick made at halftime. If we end the game with less points, then all the Mick haters can point out that Mick made no adjustments to pull out the victory. I can't wait for the back and forth barbs.

I think this is a winnable game after looking at Villinova's schedule and what they have done against the other teams. We'll probably lose, but if we can hit some clutch shots and cut down on the stupid turnovers, who knows?

[Matt1982]

Villlanova plays the style of ball that eats out D alive... transition defense will be key for us. Otherwise, we'll get our rear ends handed to us.

[catsfan32]

^ Why does it always have to be about this side or that sides supporters? Can't you give an objective opinion on what the cats have to do to win the game without throwing in a reference to one's allegiance?
As for the game, UC has to take advantage of their inside presence and maintain the full court press to stay in this. They need to limit their turnovers (i can live with agressive TO, please stop the nonesense passes). I think they can win, but this along with the game at Pitt will be our toughest games remaining.

[DarnellBurton33]

I don't think Providence losing by 33 to UCONN helped us out too much

[BearcatAlum1]

I think this is a winnable game after looking at Villinova's schedule and what they have done against the other teams.

They just knocked off Pitt at home. We have a chance at winning the game, but the probability is very, very low.


BearcatAlum1

[Corporateballa]

I think we lose at Nova. They're a better team and have more talent. Jay Wright is a good coach. The deck is stacked against us in this one. However, if we defend and make some shots, anything is possible.

BearcatAlum1

Bearcats 71, NOVA 66. I can't predict a loss vs. this team. They ain't all dat.

[Bcatfan08]

Huge opportunity tomorrow. We will see intensity and energy on defense in this game, or we just do not have it. This could be a Marquette-type game if we do not.

Defensively, we have to mix up match-up zone with box-and-one featuring Rashad Bishop guarding Scotty Reynolds. Our bigs need to stay at home and watch for long rebounds. Biggie needs to log 10-15 minutes a few at a time, as he will be unchallenged by Nova's interior crashing the boards. When Biggie is in, we have to deliberately control the tempo and we cannot press. When Biggie is not in, we should press and get Wilks involved as an athletic PF to step out and challenge the perimeter shooting of Villanova.

Offensively, we MUST focus on drive-and-dish to get open looks, as their perimeter is too quick to get open simply by passing. Yancy needs to own down low when he gets the opportunity, and Mike will need to attack rather than settling for the mid-range jumper every time. Alvin, Dion, and Davis will have to knock down a few shots after Deonta and Rashad drive the lane.

Tall order, but if we pull it off we have the opportunity to KO Notre Dame in a true arena-tourney atmosphere at US Bank on Wednesday with plenty of UC and bandwaggon ND fans in attendance. Then, we would have the same opportunity against a GT team that is on the ropes. If we accomplish two out of three, we are sitting at 16-8 and probably a good bet as an at-large invite if the season ended next week.

I don't see Biggie playing that much. Mick seems to play players mainly on how they'll be able to defend. Biggie doesn't play great defense and since Villanova plays just one or two big men at a time, I don't see Biggie getting PT over Gates, Williams, and Toyloy to guard them. I just don't see Biggie getting any PT when we had a similar situation earlier in the year against a team who played mostly guards and Biggie didn't see the floor then either.

[Forsure21]

This is the worst timing. I wish we were playing another home game instead of traveling up there. If they win it will be the biggest upset ever. 'Nova plays the kind of game that our guys aren't good at matching. Nova can penetrate and get fouls on our big guys or shoot lights out from 3.

I see Villanova blowing us out. Not because we suck or Mick sucks etc... but because they pose so many problems vs. our weaknesses.

[Pocket Hercules]

I don't see Biggie playing that much. Mick seems to play players mainly on how they'll be able to defend. Biggie doesn't play great defense and since Villanova plays just one or two big men at a time, I don't see Biggie getting PT over Gates, Williams, and Toyloy to guard them. I just don't see Biggie getting any PT when we had a similar situation earlier in the year against a team who played mostly guards and Biggie didn't see the floor then either.

I specifically pointed out Biggie's PT because I think it has been a mistake not to play him in these kinds of games. I think we need to press most of the game, but when we need to take a break from that, Biggie should come into the game. Their best rebounder is 6'8"! Cunningham will be no match against Biggie rebounding when we take a break from pressing and play half-court offense/defense. Because we have frontline flexibility with regards to personel, we should be able to control the tempo of the game at will. Transition defense is nothing more than focus and effort - skill is not really required.

All that said, historically Biggie does not play in these games so I understand where you are coming from. It drives me crazy when Mick keeps him on the bench the entire game in these situations.

[Forsure21]

Did anybody hear Lunardi on espn.com bracketology report? He said G-town can't hit a shot against the "Seton Hall and Cincinnati's of the world."

^ Has our bball program fallen that much of the radar? My god that was tough to hear? Is our program now just a joke? We go to post season play like 16 years straight and thats what we have to hear? Mick needs to start selling the program.

[BearcatAlum1]

Did anybody hear Lunardi on espn.com bracketology report? He said G-town can't hit a shot against the "Seton Hall and Cincinnati's of the world."

^ Has our bball program fallen that much of the radar? My god that was tough to hear? Is our program now just a joke? We go to post season play like 16 years straight and thats what we have to hear? Mick needs to start selling the program.

I don't necessarily agree with Lunadri's statement, but until we start regaining that "Cincinnati swagger," we'll be referred to in this sense.

As for the "selling the program," I think he is recruiting the best players he thinks will go to UC. We've struck out and missed on some serious players over the last couple years. Once we start winning, we start getting more of these players.

Alum1

[Forsure21]

I don't necessarily agree with Lunadri's statement, but until we start regaining that "Cincinnati swagger," we'll be referred to in this sense.

As for the "selling the program," I think he is recruiting the best players he thinks will go to UC. We've struck out and missed on some serious players over the last couple years. Once we start winning, we start getting more of these players.

Alum1

I know. The thing is you have to win now. Even with the odds stacked against you. If Mick can some how sneak this team in, which I think is very possible, then he will gain instant attention for the program and have people believing. Thats how programs get going, it's not really a 10 year process. It takes some luck. I think the Bearcat's can do it.

[Billy Don]

UC has caught WV in the standings - a win tomorrow at Villanova (tall order perhaps), would allow the Cats to pass up Villanova and tie with Syracuse for 6th in the conference - How sweet would that be?

Next Wednesday, I guess we'd root for WV to beat the 'Cuse.

I think I'd like Providence to win out now ;) - they beat us twice, let them do some damage to those ahead of us - better than having to lose out to them on a head-to-head

Who says the NCAA is out of reach?

Tune in tomorrow for either :D or :o
As it stands right now what you want to do is root for the top 7 teams to win unless UC is playing them. You want them to beat everyone in the standings around UC and save that 8th spot for UC. Otherwords you want Syracuse to beat WV for UC's sake.

[LongTimer]

Did anybody hear Lunardi on espn.com bracketology report? He said G-town can't hit a shot against the "Seton Hall and Cincinnati's of the world."

^ Has our bball program fallen that much of the radar? My god that was tough to hear? Is our program now just a joke? We go to post season play like 16 years straight and thats what we have to hear? Mick needs to start selling the program.

Sadly, Lunardi's opinion is a mainstream opinion, and one that many UC fans also have. We have zero respect in the college basketball world now. That's why the ones who post about the terrible 90's and early 2000's don't know what they speak about. You never hear anybody in the media listing Mick Cronin as one of the great young coaches. But, on here, he is amazing. I hope he becomes great and we can approach the past level of "POWER" that once existed in Cincinnati basketball. But, once again, sadly...it is what it is. A win against Villinova and more like it and even an NCAA bid won't even get us on the college basketball radar. That's how far we have sunk.

[juckerrules]

[QUOTE=Billy Don;57185]As it stands right now what you want to do is root for the top 7 teams to win unless UC is playing them. You want them to beat everyone in the standings around UC and save that 8th spot for UC. Otherwords you want Syracuse to beat WV for UC's sake

Good point - if 8 go from the Big East, might as well shoot for 8th

Wait a minute! I want 6th dang it!

[Doss]

Yes mick gets no respect. Watchinga SWAC game for a few minutes. The noted the one coach was a Petino former ***'t. They then put up a list of Petino assistants that had become notable coaches. Herb Sendek, and 4 others.

There was no mention of mick. I guess they don't think he has become notable.

[Kindog202]

Yes mick gets no respect. Watchinga SWAC game for a few minutes. The noted the one coach was a Petino former ***'t. They then put up a list of Petino assistants that had become notable coaches. Herb Sendek, and 4 others.

There was no mention of mick. I guess they don't think he has become notable.

That's funny, I was watching the Louisville/WVU game today and they brought up Pitino's assistants and Mick was at the top of the list and graphic.

[Pocket Hercules]

That's funny, I was watching the Louisville/WVU game today and they brought up Pitino's assistants and Mick was at the top of the list and graphic.

Doss=pwned.



As usual.

[Billy Don]

[QUOTE=Billy Don;57185]As it stands right now what you want to do is root for the top 7 teams to win unless UC is playing them. You want them to beat everyone in the standings around UC and save that 8th spot for UC. Otherwords you want Syracuse to beat WV for UC's sake

Good point - if 8 go from the Big East, might as well shoot for 8th

Wait a minute! I want 6th dang it!

Looking at it with the glass half full if UC were to lose the next 3 to VU, ND, and GU which they could very well do, you would be looking at 4-7 and 12th. The Big East can humble you real quick. Another bad point is some of the bottom feeders are playing each other 2 or 3 times in the next few days. What that means is that's 2 or 3 wins for some of those teams. Next Wednesday all the teams in UC's area in the standings play. Some against each other. Somebody is going to be swaping places in the standings so next Wednesday is a big night for UC.

[Thegreatone]

Joe Lunardi is a St. Joes blowhard. He looks like mr. bean.

As for the game, this is a great chance because I feel we have no chance of winning so if he do somehow win it is a major major bonus.

[Bearcat Jeff]

Sadly, Lunardi's opinion is a mainstream opinion, and one that many UC fans also have. We have zero respect in the college basketball world now. That's why the ones who post about the terrible 90's and early 2000's don't know what they speak about. You never hear anybody in the media listing Mick Cronin as one of the great young coaches. But, on here, he is amazing. I hope he becomes great and we can approach the past level of "POWER" that once existed in Cincinnati basketball. But, once again, sadly...it is what it is. A win against Villinova and more like it and even an NCAA bid won't even get us on the college basketball radar. That's how far we have sunk. Not true, just last season Mick and Sean Miller were on the list of young up and coming coaches. As I have said many times, others outside Cincy have a far greater appreciation of the situation Mick inherited than we here do. They understand the huge task at hand and realize he is doing a good job digging out of it. I never remember anybody saying the '90's and 2ks were terrible. We all appreciate those years. They are gone and a new era has begun. One that was severed from the past. It's time to look ahead, not behind. It's gone.

[Bearcat Jeff]

cats may get run out of Philly, but I think they have a shot at winning this game. I think it will be very close.

[BearcatAlum1]

Doss=pwned.



As usual.

Ouch. Haha.

BearcatAlum1

[ralph1950]

Sadly, Lunardi's opinion is a mainstream opinion, and one that many UC fans also have. We have zero respect in the college basketball world now. That's why the ones who post about the terrible 90's and early 2000's don't know what they speak about. You never hear anybody in the media listing Mick Cronin as one of the great young coaches. But, on here, he is amazing. I hope he becomes great and we can approach the past level of "POWER" that once existed in Cincinnati basketball. But, once again, sadly...it is what it is. A win against Villinova and more like it and even an NCAA bid won't even get us on the college basketball radar. That's how far we have sunk.

Mike DeCourcy, national college basketball writer of The Sporting News, has often commented on local sports talk that "Mick Cronin is a rising star" and "Mick Cronin will be great".

[Bcatfan08]

I specifically pointed out Biggie's PT because I think it has been a mistake not to play him in these kinds of games. I think we need to press most of the game, but when we need to take a break from that, Biggie should come into the game. Their best rebounder is 6'8"! Cunningham will be no match against Biggie rebounding when we take a break from pressing and play half-court offense/defense. Because we have frontline flexibility with regards to personel, we should be able to control the tempo of the game at will. Transition defense is nothing more than focus and effort - skill is not really required.

All that said, historically Biggie does not play in these games so I understand where you are coming from. It drives me crazy when Mick keeps him on the bench the entire game in these situations.

It seems Mick is doing what he has done all year and playing players based on defense. He has only had one or two big men in at a time and its likely that Biggie won't get any PT since he hasn't played at all in the first half.