West Virginia Postgame

[jkwuc89]

Let's keep things positive. UC just got a HUGE win.

[gocats45]

It's not over, fellas. Win vs. Syracuse and we're in.

[Kindog202]

Agree 100%, there should be no negativity after this game - GREAT WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[shaunsimpson]

Ralph.....your on!


Great win. I looked at the box score and realized that this is the first big win when I think Vaughn didn't have a good game. They played tough. I am not a fan of saying they played hard or didn't play hard, but in this game they played tough. I hated the TOs, but that was passion (I could kick that official for giving a T with 1:45 left).

Very good ball movement today. Had a couple of rough stretches, but haven't seen this team drive and dish this much all year.

[nico]

Monster performance by Yancy Gates tonight. With Mike Williams out, Gates needed to step up and needless to say he delivered tonight. If he gives that kind of effort every night the sky is the limit.

[jkwuc89]

This was Yancy's coming out party. He was practically unstoppable. 22 points, 11 rebounds. He simply overpowered WVU. That's why I think WVU switched to the 1-3-1 zone press. They wanted to pressure the UC ball handlers, making it more difficult to feed Gates in the post. For the most part, the 1-3-1 worked. I wonder why Huggins did not stick with that defense.

Free throw shooting nearly cost us this game though. That needs to be worked on. If UC makes just 50%, they put this game away.

[Cyclone792]

That was a win that UC absolutely needed! Back on the inside track in the bubble, I think, but we've got plenty of work left to do. Going on the road to Syracuse is going to be tough, but pull a win out there and we'll really be looking pretty.

Let's look at some other games tonight I'm watching closely:

Temple vs. La Salle - La Salle wins!
Minnesota @ Illinois - Illinois wins!
Miami (FL) @ Virginia - root for Virginia
Purdue @ Michigan - root for Purdue
USC @ California - root for California
St. Mary's @ Pepperdine - root for Pepperdine

[jkwuc89]

Another game of interest is Memphis at UAB. We need Memphis to win. There are enough teams already on the bubble...let's not add UAB to the list.

[ThreeRiversKing]

I have watched our Bearcats lose many close games like this over the years. My question
were those close losses just a UC curse or was it bad Bob Huggins karma/coaching. It looked like a little of both as each team took it's turn in the final 30 seconds trying to lose this game. Never the less it was a much needed win. Go UC.

[Kindog202]

No, we still have to win out. 10th place in the conference is not going to get us in.

But this was a must win game, especially considering it was at home.

With the way we played down the stretch, not sure we deserved it. Luckily, we were playing a huggs coached team. The bearcats, who are historically undisciplined and can't execute down the stretch against a coach whose teams are know for the same thing. Something had to give. Luckily, we hung on.

Go cats.

WVU tried to give the game away as well. It was a sloppily played last couple of minutes but the only thing that matters is that it resulted in a "W".

[bearcat josh]

GREAT GAME by gates he made everything around the basket...the free throw shooting at the end almost cost us. NICE JOB CATS!!!

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

If we hit our FT, the game would not have been close.

Very VERY nice W for Bearcats!

[BtotheU]

'Cuse game is winnable IF they play "tough" like they did tonight, IF they make FTs (12 missed tonight), and IF they can get some production from MWilliams. Playing on the road will likely get one of the Bigs in foul trouble, especially given the way the calls have gone lately. They need his injury to heal ASAP.

[shaunsimpson]

Joe. 2-1 should at worst put us in a 4 way tie for 6-9th at 10-8.

[Forsure21]

Like I stated on Mo's Blog. THis was the greatest Cincinnati Sports moment of my life. Seeing the spirit in the building, Huggs cry and get a big ovation was simply incredible.

[CroninCrazy]

Does anyone think that it was a little bit of 'Huggins Home Cookin'? I felt a couple of calls were questionable and I booed the refs a few times at the game.

In the end, all that matters is that UC got the W.

[jeffto]

If we hit our FT, the game would not have been close.

Very VERY nice W for Bearcats!I agree. Our season average FT% gives 5 more points, plus second shots on 1-and-1's. Our problem was LongTimer harassing our free throw shooters in his Speedo. Some fans will go to any length to help their teams. :D

[Irishbearcat]

Wow. I screamed alot, especially in the second half after quickly losing a 10 point lead. Great game all around. Good ball control for the most part, not too many stupid fouls (except when they were REALLY dumb).
We took good shots, and they didn't. ****, at one point, they were shooting 18 percent in the 2nd half. I like how UC battled back after being down by 8 and 4 at one point.
NICE!!!

[iamspen]

Yancy had a coming out party, but why no mention of Toyloy? Despite his atrocious free-throw shooting, he played a **** of a game today. He was everywhere he was supposed to be and made some important shots. Our front court over the next few years will be unstoppable.

[slimm]

I agree. Our season average FT% gives 5 more points, plus second shots on 1-and-1's. Our problem was LongTimer harassing our free throw shooters in his Speedo. Some fans will go to any length to help their teams. :D

I saw the WVU emblem on the speedo. I thought the mountaineers gun was a musket, not a pee shooter
________
Bubbler pipe (http://bubblers.net/)

[CroninCrazy]

Like I stated on Mo's Blog. THis was the greatest Cincinnati Sports moment of my life. Seeing the spirit in the building, Huggs cry and get a big ovation was simply incredible.

Forsure, I think you and me are some of the younger (college aged) guys on this board...so we haven't seen a lot in terms of the older members.

However, I think that this will probably be the best sports moment ever that we have witnessed. I'm a little bummed that it wasn't a sell-out, but Huggs and his emotions were unforgettable...something we will tell our grandchildren one day.

[Pharmfam]

I saw the WVU emblem on the speedo. I thought the mountaineers gun was a musket, not a pee shooter

Whoa! Not a mental image I want to dwell on. He'll be so dejected his hero couldn't best MC.

Gates was a beast tonight. And Toyloy made some dumb mistakes and it was painful to watch his free throws, but he is a BEARCAT through and through. Tough as nails, plays with passion and flat out exudes attitude.

Great win. Go Bearcats!

[CroninCrazy]

Gates looked like the prototypical BEARCAT type of player against WVU.

I swear, I was seeing flashes of Hicks and Maxiell tonight!

[catscratchfever]

The best thing is, we will not hear from certain posters for the next day or so!!

Big win 'Cats!!!!

[BearcatRob33]

I was so proud of the crowd tonight.

They cheered and gave a standing ovation for Huggins during the video tribute. Then they went full steam ahead in cheering for UC. Great representation by the Bearcat faithful.

[ThreeRiversKing]

I think Bob Knight did a great job analyzing the game tonight. Also he has been one of the few "national" announcers who calls The Big O: Oscar Robertson (not Oscar Robinson). Having said that... how many people agreed with him that with UC having a 2 point lead,inbounding the ball into Vaughn,intentional foul called, Knight says"THAT'S IT THE GAME IS OVER" .I think Knight said it again 5 seconds later,UC holding a 3 point lead and Gates on free throw line with 3 seconds to go? Be honest how many people actuallly thought the game was over?

[Forsure21]

Will somebody post any video's from any of the local coverage from the game tonight for us who are out of town.

[Bcatfan08]

I think Bob Knight did a great job analyzing the game tonight. Also he has been one of the few "national" announcers who calls The Big O: Oscar Robertson (not Oscar Robinson). Having said that... how many people agreed with him that with UC having a 2 point lead,inbounding the ball into Vaughn,intentional foul called, Knight says"THAT'S IT THE GAME IS OVER" .I think Knight said it again 5 seconds later,UC holding a 3 point lead and Gates on free throw line with 3 seconds to go? Be honest how many people actuallly thought the game was over?

I'll be honest. I thought the game was over. We have a minimum of two free throws and probably four. I thought we would make two of those with Vaughn shooting the first of those two. Even when we had just one free throw left up three. Just couldn't see them tying it up with three seconds left with the way they were shooting.

I agree that Knight did a great job analyzing. He's by far my favorite announcer to listen to. His analysis of every play is something no other commentator does. He'll tell you of good or bad decisions and say why. Some are obvious, but he catches everything. He may want to get back into coaching, but ESPN should give him as much money as it takes to keep him.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I think Bob Knight did a great job analyzing the game tonight. Also he has been one of the few "national" announcers who calls The Big O: Oscar Robertson (not Oscar Robinson). Having said that... how many people agreed with him that with UC having a 2 point lead,inbounding the ball into Vaughn,intentional foul called, Knight says"THAT'S IT THE GAME IS OVER" .I think Knight said it again 5 seconds later,UC holding a 3 point lead and Gates on free throw line with 3 seconds to go? Be honest how many people actuallly thought the game was over?

Knight is a superb commentator. Among the few who knows what he is talking about.

[CroninCrazy]

I was so proud of the crowd tonight.

They cheered and gave a standing ovation for Huggins during the video tribute. Then they went full steam ahead in cheering for UC. Great representation by the Bearcat faithful.

Same here. I thought the video was a little short and I kept waiting for a banner to be raised...

For some reason I thought that the former players would be introduced, but I guess not.

[Bcatfan08]

Will somebody post any video's from any of the local coverage from the game tonight for us who are out of town.

The game was on ESPN, so you'll be able to find highlights on ESPN.com later on. It isn't uploaded there yet, but I'm sure it'll be on there later tonight.

[Cyclone792]

I think Bob Knight did a great job analyzing the game tonight. Also he has been one of the few "national" announcers who calls The Big O: Oscar Robertson (not Oscar Robinson). Having said that... how many people agreed with him that with UC having a 2 point lead,inbounding the ball into Vaughn,intentional foul called, Knight says"THAT'S IT THE GAME IS OVER" .I think Knight said it again 5 seconds later,UC holding a 3 point lead and Gates on free throw line with 3 seconds to go? Be honest how many people actuallly thought the game was over?

Once I saw the intentional foul, I knew the game was over. It would have taken a freak play for West Virginia to win, or as Knight pointed out, a wild shot.

I also thought Knight was outstanding calling the game tonight. I can't remember the last time an analyst was calling screens, cuts, passes and identifying ball movements just about right as the action was occurring. He really breaks the game down very, very nicely for the viewer, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Additionally, he's giving his very honest opinion of how well the teams were playing too, and it was refreshing to hear.

[Kindog202]

The only thing I don't like about his commentary is he doesn't seem to know the players names. He called them out a couple of times by their number which I think is kind of unprofessional. But overall, he is one of the best ESPN has - he is not completely full of himself like Vitale and his overall knowledge of the game is tremendous. His own humor and style is great as well.

[Forsure21]

The game was on ESPN, so you'll be able to find highlights on ESPN.com later on. It isn't uploaded there yet, but I'm sure it'll be on there later tonight.

I saw the the entire game but wanted to see some LOCAL presentation on the video. Im a big hometown guy and love seeing local coverage when I can.

[ThreeRiversKing]

Once I saw the intentional foul, I knew the game was over. It would have taken a freak play for West Virginia to win, or as Knight pointed out, a wild shot.

I agree about the wild shot but I think we have had our share of these heartbreakers in the past 10 to 12 years: Miles Simon/Arizona,NCAA games vs these same Mountainers (crazy 3 pt shot) ,5 pt(or was it a 6 pt play) vs UCLA
No call foul vs Tulsa and asttd heartbreakers vs X-xavier.
I 'm just sayin' the fat lady wasn't singing yet.

[behrlezt]

I have been saying for the past week that Yancy is not going to be near the player Blair will.....i stand corrected. Yancy played great ....

[ralph1950]

This was Yancy's coming out party. He was practically unstoppable. 22 points, 11 rebounds. He simply overpowered WVU. That's why I think WVU switched to the 1-3-1 zone press. They wanted to pressure the UC ball handlers, making it more difficult to feed Gates in the post. For the most part, the 1-3-1 worked. I wonder why Huggins did not stick with that defense.

Free throw shooting nearly cost us this game though. That needs to be worked on. If UC makes just 50%, they put this game away.

West Virginia had no one who could defend Yancy Gates. WVU had a bunch of tall lanky players but no one with Yancy's gerth and muscle, it was a man playing against boys.

[ralph1950]

Like I stated on Mo's Blog. THis was the greatest Cincinnati Sports moment of my life. Seeing the spirit in the building, Huggs cry and get a big ovation was simply incredible.

You must be very young...............

[ThreeRiversKing]

After Toyloy missed 3 out of 4 free-throws with the game winding down, the camera picked up Cashmere consoling/encouraging Toyloy. I think this speaks volumes of the red-shirted freshman point guard. It shows that he is respected by the older guys on the team and will be a great point guard for us next year.

[London 'Cat]

I would like to point out that I predicted the final score and outcome of the game with 100% accuracy - 65-61 UC. Gates was fantastic tonight; WVU had no answer for him. Toyloy played some tough minutes also, although not scoring much. If the 'Cats make their season average in free throws, they likely score 5-6 more points and the game looks much different. The refs were awful, as usual. The technicals were all unnecessary. The crowd was great. Terrific win for the 'Cats.

[LongTimer]

I would like to point out that I predicted the final score and outcome of the game with 100% accuracy - 65-61 UC. Gates was fantastic tonight; WVU had no answer for him. Toyloy played some tough minutes also, although not scoring much. If the 'Cats make their season average in free throws, they likely score 5-6 more points and the game looks much different. The refs were awful, as usual. The technicals were all unnecessary. The crowd was great. Terrific win for the 'Cats.

That crowd was like the old days. I don't remember the last time there was that much electricity in the arena. It was fun to be a bearcat again. I hope this is the start of that kind of crowd being the norm from here on out. The crowd definitely helped us win. I think we're dancin if we win 2 more. If not, there needs to be an investigation!

[Pie Hole]

That may have been the most entertaining game I've watched in a long while. And Ralph you are, with out a doubt, the most clueless and classless person on this forum. You guarantee a loss and then brag on Mick for being the better coach. I fully support Mick, but tonight I gained a whole new respect for Bob. It had to be hard for Bob to watch his entire UC career literally flash before his eyes. I, for one, thought he would remain stone faced during the video. It shocked me to see that kind of emotion poor out of him. I am overly excited by the win tonight but Ralph insists on kicking Huggs while he's down.

[Mick's Da Man]

This was Yancy's coming out party. He was practically unstoppable. 22 points, 11 rebounds. He simply overpowered WVU. That's why I think WVU switched to the 1-3-1 zone press. They wanted to pressure the UC ball handlers, making it more difficult to feed Gates in the post. For the most part, the 1-3-1 worked. I wonder why Huggins did not stick with that defense.

Free throw shooting nearly cost us this game though. That needs to be worked on. If UC makes just 50%, they put this game away.

You said it, not me. But I wanted to. I'll just add........that's why Huggs is the dumbest coach in the Big East. He had UC confused and he's so frickin' stupid, he didn't even realize it.

Enough said.

UC won. UC should have won by more had they made their FT's. WVU choked and so did Huggs.

I knew UC would win during crunch time because Huggs always chokes during crunch time. I remember talking to someone close to the program when Huggs was here, and they were close to one of the starting players, who told them that when crunch time happened, Huggs was so intense and tight that he made the players tight and it was hard to respond. BINGO!!!!!

Thanks Huggs. You lost tonight. We won. We're moving on.

In the next few years, UC is going to accomplish what you couldn't and never will!!!!!!! Hehehe.

[Mick's Da Man]

I would like to point out that I predicted the final score and outcome of the game with 100% accuracy - 65-61 UC. Gates was fantastic tonight; WVU had no answer for him. Toyloy played some tough minutes also, although not scoring much. If the 'Cats make their season average in free throws, they likely score 5-6 more points and the game looks much different. The refs were awful, as usual. The technicals were all unnecessary. The crowd was great. Terrific win for the 'Cats.

I would like to point out that I predicted 65-62 UC wins. I was almost as good as you.

Here's the link to my prediction on the first page: http://forums.bearcatnews.com/showthread.php?t=4054

[Mick's Da Man]

I will agree that I expected more of a tribute to Huggs. I was disappointed in the short length of the video and thought there would be much more to it, such as past players, etc.

In truth, it really wasn't much of a tribute. And as much as I blame Huggs for the downfall of UC basketball, I felt a bit sorry for him, because I thought they could have done more.

Still glad we kicked his arse though. Shoulda won by 10 had we made our FT's. 9 of 21? Yikes.

[dp3113]

PLEASE- no one here wants to hear the "I told you so" rant by any posters. It is childish and bush league. It is all that Alan Cutler does on the radio...don't turn into that. Everyone makes good predictions, everyone makes bad ones. The difference is not everyone posts links and brags about it.

[joe]

That was a win that UC absolutely needed! Back on the inside track in the bubble, I think, but we've got plenty of work left to do. Going on the road to Syracuse is going to be tough, but pull a win out there and we'll really be looking pretty.

Let's look at some other games tonight I'm watching closely:

Temple vs. La Salle - La Salle wins!
Minnesota @ Illinois - Illinois wins!
Miami (FL) @ Virginia - root for Virginia
Purdue @ Michigan - root for Purdue
USC @ California - root for California
St. Mary's @ Pepperdine - root for Pepperdine

I think UC looks good going into the Carrier Dome, I expect a win now. I think the key is going to be these tourneys. EVERY upset in these tourney finals will not bode well, unless UC can go 3-1 or 4-0 going into the BEast tourney and then win one or two. Not much room, it's going to be close. I just have this feeling that the A10 is going to throw another team (unwarranted IMO) into the dance.

Sometimes I could swear it seems like some of these tourney's are fixed because you know the A10 and other mid majors want their boys in there.

gregg

[shaunsimpson]

Huggins didn't stay with the zone since he was being outrebounded significantly in it. That is one thing that he can't take. When we were grabbing the offensive boards he got out of it.

PLEASE- no one here wants to hear the "I told you so" rant by any posters. It is childish and bush league. It is all that Alan Cutler does on the radio...don't turn into that. Everyone makes good predictions, everyone makes bad ones. The difference is not everyone posts links and brags about it.


I don't really care about the I told you so's, but I like to look back at the prediction threads and laugh at the UC will get killed, etc. posts. Predicting that UC won't win is one thing, but to say they aren't on WVU's level and they are going to get killed is another. It is part of the accountability in posting.

[juckerrules]

I would like to point out that I predicted the final score and outcome of the game with 100% accuracy - 65-61 UC. Gates was fantastic tonight; WVU had no answer for him. Toyloy played some tough minutes also, although not scoring much. If the 'Cats make their season average in free throws, they likely score 5-6 more points and the game looks much different. The refs were awful, as usual. The technicals were all unnecessary. The crowd was great. Terrific win for the 'Cats.

London's Prediction:
I think the team responds to the coaching staff's message following the UL game and plays well early. After halftime, Huggins' adjustments allow WVU to come back and take a lead in the last ten minutes of the game. The 'Cats respond with a late surge, which is too much for WVU's relatively short bench to stave off. The 'Cats hold on to win - 65-61.

Wanna go to Vegas with me ? ;)

[London 'Cat]

London's Prediction:
I think the team responds to the coaching staff's message following the UL game and plays well early. After halftime, Huggins' adjustments allow WVU to come back and take a lead in the last ten minutes of the game. The 'Cats respond with a late surge, which is too much for WVU's relatively short bench to stave off. The 'Cats hold on to win - 65-61.

Wanna go to Vegas with me ? ;)

I got lucky. It happens. Not exactly how it played out, but close. Great atmosphere. Great win for the 'Cats. It was nice to see 5/3 nearly full. On to Syraucse and hopefully a good road win.

[London 'Cat]

PLEASE- no one here wants to hear the "I told you so" rant by any posters. It is childish and bush league. It is all that Alan Cutler does on the radio...don't turn into that. Everyone makes good predictions, everyone makes bad ones. The difference is not everyone posts links and brags about it.

I think you can review my posts, which exceed 450, and find that it is not my nature to routinely say I told you so. When did the prohibition against having a little fun on here arise?

[Mick's Da Man]

I think you can review my posts, which exceed 450, and find that it is not my nature to routinely say I told you so. When did the prohibition against having a little fun on here arise?

Who cares what dp says. That's his frickin' opinion. Opinions are like arseh........

I don't see anyone saying "I told you so" anyway. You and I just looked back at the prediction thread to see how close our score guesstimates were and we find it cool that you were dead on and I missed by one point. What's wrong with doing that?

NOTHING

[shaunsimpson]

I think you can review my posts, which exceed 450, and find that it is not my nature to routinely say I told you so. When did the prohibition against having a little fun on here arise?

I think the problem is not you, but the people who throw out the 1,000 predictions and get one right and that is all we hear about. You hit the number on the head. Shout it out.

The issues are the comments that are definitive and prove to be untrue....again and again and again. .

Good call on the game.

[richard k.]

I think Bob Knight did a great job analyzing the game tonight. Also he has been one of the few "national" announcers who calls The Big O: Oscar Robertson (not Oscar Robinson). Having said that... how many people agreed with him that with UC having a 2 point lead,inbounding the ball into Vaughn,intentional foul called, Knight says"THAT'S IT THE GAME IS OVER" .I think Knight said it again 5 seconds later,UC holding a 3 point lead and Gates on free throw line with 3 seconds to go? Be honest how many people actuallly thought the game was over?

I think he did qualify it some by saying it would take some sort of miracle shot at the end to get it to overtime. But more importantly I couldn't agree more with your comment about Knight's game analysis. Historically I've never liked Knight as a person while conceding his coaching acumen. That said, his commentary last night on what was happening, why it was happening, and what should happen, was just terrific. His comment after one particularly bad shot by a West Virginia player that he would call a time out to yank the kid, or even play 5 on 4 if he had to to get the player off the floor was priceless.

[Mick's Da Man]

I think he did qualify it some by saying it would take some sort of miracle shot at the end to get it to overtime. But more importantly I couldn't agree more with your comment about Knight's game analysis. Historically I've never liked Knight as a person while conceding his coaching acumen. That said, his commentary last night on what was happening, why it was happening, and what should happen, was just terrific. His comment after one particularly bad shot by a West Virginia player that he would call a time out to yank the kid, or even play 5 on 4 if he had to to get the player off the floor was priceless.

I have to admit. I never liked Knight's personality and demeanor as a head coach, although I'll acknowledge he was a great coach.

But as an announcer, I'm pleasantly surprised and enjoy his commentary. He doesn't come across arrogant or like he's forcing his opinion on you, yet you know he's spot on.

[shaunsimpson]

Bob Knight is my favorite announcer out there. He is new at it so I will forgive the not knowing players names, etc., but to learn the game and what is going on he is the best out there.

[milfordcats]

I got lucky. It happens. Not exactly how it played out, but close. Great atmosphere. Great win for the 'Cats. It was nice to see 5/3 nearly full. On to Syraucse and hopefully a good road win.

So...what do you predict for the Syracuse game?

[London 'Cat]

Bob Knight is my favorite announcer out there. He is new at it so I will forgive the not knowing players names, etc., but to learn the game and what is going on he is the best out there.

He really is the best, IMO. His knowledge of the game is so vast and his comments really demonstrate that. While I do not find him to be arrogant, if others do, I say he has earned that right based upon an unquestionably brilliant coaching career.

[London 'Cat]

So...what do you predict for the Syracuse game?

It will be tough. The way the 'Cats have been sharing the ball lately and how much their passing has improved lessens my concerns over the zone defense. If Vaughn, Mitchell and Davis can hit some threes and Williams is healthy enough to find some seams in the middle of the zone and knock down some mid-range jumpers, I really like their chances. Syracuse is very long and athletic, however, so I could see them closing the passing lanes, deflecting passes and coming up with steals. In summary, I don't know how it will turn out.

[BearcatAlum1]

It will be tough. The way the 'Cats have been sharing the ball lately and how much their passing has improved lessens my concerns over the zone defense. If Vaughn, Mitchell and Davis can hit some threes and Williams is healthy enough to find some seams in the middle of the zone and knock down some mid-range jumpers, I really like their chances. Syracuse is very long and athletic, however, so I could see them closing the passing lanes, deflecting passes and coming up with steals. In summary, I don't know how it will turn out.

Agreed. Mitchell, Davis, and Vaughn could have great offensive games. I would imagine that we'll go with those players for a good amount of minutes. My concern is not scoring, but defending Syracuse. They're satisfied with allowing easy buckets and shots, only to race down the court and take a quick shot of their own. UC must contest shots and defend. I have a feeling the winning team will score 75+.

Alum1

[Josh Rexhausen]

I would like to point out that I predicted the final score and outcome of the game with 100% accuracy - 65-61 UC.

So it's your fault we missed all those free throws!!!!

After Davis misse two, I was thining we need to start yelling instead of being quiet. Change it up a bit and reboot their mindset.

[London 'Cat]

Sure, I'll take the blame for the missed FTs, since no damage resulted. The 'Cats still won the game despite my actions/omissions, whatever I did to cause the misses.