Gonzaga Postgame

[jkwuc89]

Very tough loss. Missed FTs in OT hurt. Great effort overall by the Bearcats in this tourney.

[Vaughn5]

very disappointing finish...

[ucat4]

Losing this game really SUCKS, but overall, I'm happy with how they played this week. We do need to work on some things though......like free throw shooting and not jacking so many 3's

[Kindog202]

Very proud of this team and what they accomplished these past 3 days in Maui. We announced that Cincy basketball is back. Need to build on the positives out there. Hope to have a big crowd next Tuesday to welcome them home.

[bearcat_cd]

good effort on defense. comes down to free throws and just making wide open shots when it counts. good learning experience for some of the younger players, but why no vaughn when it counts? or yancy? Although, the no call on that alley oop was just terrible. Just cause it was game winning you have to make that call in my opinion. a foul is a foul no matter what.

[Cincatz13]

I am tired of Dion Dixon's defense. The kid is terrible on D. He is guarding their leading scorer and gives him 2 open 3's that they drain. The kid shoots every time he gets the ball and never looks to run the offense. He hustles and crashes the board but this kid's basketball I.Q. is zero. You don't let a guy walk the ball down the court and shoot a 3 ever!

[JasonS]

To add insult to injury, the add on this page has Gonzaga on it.

[Kindog202]

I am tired of Dion Dixon's defense. The kid is terrible on D. He is guarding their leading scorer and gives him 2 open 3's that they drain. The kid shoots every time he gets the ball and never looks to run the offense. He hustles and crashes the board but this kid's basketball I.Q. is zero. You don't let a guy walk the ball down the court and shoot a 3 ever!

Ummmmm, huh?

[TmacGoCats]

Ummmmm, huh?

Ha i was thinking the same thing as well...i'm not sure why he's talking about other people's IQ.:cool:

[bearcat_cd]

I am tired of Dion Dixon's defense. The kid is terrible on D. He is guarding their leading scorer and gives him 2 open 3's that they drain. The kid shoots every time he gets the ball and never looks to run the offense. He hustles and crashes the board but this kid's basketball I.Q. is zero. You don't let a guy walk the ball down the court and shoot a 3 ever!

I think that was a defensive confusion not solely his fault, but defensively he was fine, however offensively he was horrible...along with just about everyone

[Cincatz13]

So I am the only one who saw Gray make two 3's where he dribbled up-court and pulled up while Dixon was lost at the free throw line?

[JasonS]

So I am the only one who saw Gray make two 3's where he dribbled up-court and pulled up while Dixon was lost at the free throw line?

Yes. Because one of those threes was a catch and shoot off of a screen.

[Forsure21]

I really like the toughness the team showed. They need to be able to get the ball down low. The team just falls in love with the 3 ball too often. Man, Deonta Vaughn missing those two free throws was tough to watch in OT.

[Cincatz13]

Is anyone else frustrated with all the fouls though? You can't win games when the other team is shooting almost double the amount of free throws you are. Part of it is we reach a lot but that has to change.

[ucat4]

Is anyone else frustrated with all the fouls though? You can't win games when the other team is shooting almost double the amount of free throws you are. Part of it is we reach a lot but that has to change.

This is a good point. We had the same issue last year. We need to learn how to play tough defense w/o fouling....this is a must!!

[Cincatz13]

The Cat's really impressed me so far. It's just frustrating to see the better team on the court lose. And how about that move by LS. My God did he make Bouldin look bad there.

[Carthage World]

I'm concerned with how this team will fair out in close games but all in all this was a good 3 day stretch for us.

[bubbachunk]

I'm concerned with how this team will fair out in close games but all in all this was a good 3 day stretch for us.

Why is that? They played a **** of a game and came up short. Fatigue looked to be a big issue with those missed free throws and unless we are talking the beast tourney in NYC they will not again play 3 games in 3 days.

[seville]

A tough loss indeed however I can't help but be encouraged by their play so far in this very young season. All that went wrong tonight can be corrected. Seriously we as fans can't expect these guys not to lose any games, it's a long season. Go Bearcats!!!!!

[Carthage World]

Why is that? They played a **** of a game and came up short. Fatigue looked to be a big issue with those missed free throws and unless we are talking the beast tourney in NYC they will not again play 3 games in 3 days.

Gonzaga played 3 games too. I suppose it was just because it's early in the season and this team is still searching for an identity on offense. Vaughn should've had a bigger role in clutch time but the ball somehow never found his hands.

[BeastUC]

I was pleased with the defense,rebounding and toughness these 3 tourney games.
Both teams was tired and i knew the foul differential would eventually come back to hurt us in the end.
OT:It's interesting how a lot of these tournaments are playing 2 games in a row and then give teams a day off and play again.

[dp3113]

A tough loss indeed however I can't help but be encouraged by their play so far in this very young season. All that went wrong tonight can be corrected. Seriously we as fans can't expect these guys not to lose any games, it's a long season. Go Bearcats!!!!!

Yes, but we can expect them to beat teams they are better than.

[crimedogg21]

Prior to the Maui Invitational our most glaring need was defense.

After three games I am very satisfied with the way our team played. The defense was the least of our worries after this tournament and for a casual bearcat's fan that is a great thing.

I believe we are still finding ourselves on the offensive end and will only improve as the season progresses.

Worry not, this team will be a force to be reckoned with as the season wears on.

[icehole3]

Overall Im very pleased with the progress of the team, if there's any weak links, any players who arent up to snuff, Cronin has no problem pulling anyone on the team and sitting them down so that means the team will continue to improve and get every inch of production out of everyone, I chalk up last nights game as a good test for them, they will have other games that go down to the wire and this game gives them an ideal of what type of execution needs to take place when it comes down to 1 possession, so I feel good about that, once again if there's a player who isnt on board they will get benched so they need to all continue to produce.

[Bearcat Jeff]

Coming into this tournament most on here was concerned about their defense and they answered that question in a very positive way. Offensively they will come together. Once they get an attack mentallity on offense this team will be very strong indeed. Remember, Thomas will be playing in 3 weeks to add another dimension to this team. They had every chance to win the whole thing but came up short. I loved the way they looked after the game. They hated losing. This team is going to be tough all year long.

[weez1414]

Im notgoing to hang my head its sucks that we lost when we could of easily had won. Not hating on anyone but im a little confused that at the end of regulation and overtime Deonta doesnt even touch the ball, although he did miss 2 critical freebies. It goes back to game 1 like I said not nipicking but when is Cash going to make a layup, he airballs the first the thank god Gates dunks it home, then he clanks the last one. Too fast, freshman, he was hurt Ive heard it all but cmon it doesnt get more high percentage than a 3 footer.

[The HFD fan]

Just a couple of observations/learning experiences:

I don't think the freshmen should have been the decision makers at the end of regulation and at the end of overtime. The result proves this point. I do, however, think that it will serve them good in the long run. They will learn to make better decisions with the game on the line.

Free throws were the difference. We lost by 2 and missed 5 when it counted.

I wonder why no JP? His defense was good thru out the tourney.

It is very obvious where Biggie will spend most of his time.

Wilks is not a very good passer. I stop counting how many blown passes and ball fumble he had.

Overall, the team deserves to be congratulated for a fine effort. They played very good in this young season and I look forward to the new poll after Sunday. We should make the poll. Go cats!

[Pete]

This could be a productive 3 games for the Bearcats. While they played well, and gained a great deal of confidence, the tough loss should keep them focused on working to get better. Good focus going into December break from school should pay dividends come conference time in January.

[slimm]

very happy where our young team is at. the attitude and effort is back. I only have 2 issues ...1) on going issue, we still shoot too many 3s without running some sort of motion offense to get a good shot or get it inside...along with getting rebounding position for the shot..2) this game only...coaching dropped the ball in this one. the team didnt falter, but made some bad choices. unless mick wanted them to take it to the hole & they just didnt do it. the last play by cash with the drive and toss to gates should have been every play at the end, especially sine both big men had 4 fouls. oh well...trivial things...like I said , I am very happy!..hows 30-1 sound?

[Bearcat Jeff]

very happy where our young team is at. the attitude and effort is back. I only have 2 issues ...1) on going issue, we still shoot too many 3s without running some sort of motion offense to get a good shot or get it inside...along with getting rebounding position for the shot..2) this game only...coaching dropped the ball in this one. the team didnt falter, but made some bad choices. unless mick wanted them to take it to the hole & they just didnt do it. the last play by cash with the drive and toss to gates should have been every play at the end, especially sine both big men had 4 fouls. oh well...trivial things...like I said , I am very happy!..hows 30-1 sound?

Mick was frustrated at times with the shot selection. You could see his reaction on the sideline. My biggest issue right now is all the dribbling. This team is very efficient offensively when they pass the ball. When someone dribbles around the others tend to just stand. I disagree with coaching dropping the ball statement. Mick put the team in position to win the tournament. I would have liked to see a little more substitutions in the Gonzaga game to help keep people fresh, but overall I was very happy with the play. I too would have liked to see JP play more too. I personally like him better than Wright.

[Joe C.]

How many years has this been a problem??? It absolutely blows my mind.

[bearcat_cd]

I have no problem with shooting threes, lance having the ball at the end of the game, or anything that happened. They need to finish...its that simple. Deonta could have technically tied the game if he makes 2 free throws, and gates could have won the game if he makes both of his. Dixon missed 2 WIDE OPEN threes that he has to make...I felt like we didnt make a basket for the last 15 minutes including OT. In addition, having them in the bonus with 16 minutes left in the second half...you are going to lose especially against a team that shot well at the foul line. They need to quit having dumb ticky tack fouls when there is no point to foul...

[JDBEARCAT]

Great effort by the Cats & no game is perfect. We could have won but also could have
gotton blown out to. We played hard against a good team. Let's build on that & not
taint the runnerup finish.
Gonzaga's coach, team & fans are a bunch of cry babies & whinners. I hope they don't
win another game this century!

[Antonio]

Gonzaga played 3 games too. I suppose it was just because it's early in the season and this team is still searching for an identity on offense. Vaughn should've had a bigger role in clutch time but the ball somehow never found his hands.

Why does he just "deserve" it? He missed two clutch FT's in OT that would've been HUGE.

[weez1414]

Hey Slimm Please tell me you dont think Cash's Airball layup that Gates dunked in was a pass. This was a great tourney for us we got a couple hopefully quality wins on our resume, and we definately our going to grow and be a force this year.

[McMickenKid]

I have no problem with shooting threes, lance having the ball at the end of the game, or anything that happened. They need to finish...its that simple. Deonta could have technically tied the game if he makes 2 free throws, and gates could have won the game if he makes both of his. Dixon missed 2 WIDE OPEN threes that he has to make...I felt like we didnt make a basket for the last 15 minutes including OT. In addition, having them in the bonus with 16 minutes left in the second half...you are going to lose especially against a team that shot well at the foul line. They need to quit having dumb ticky tack fouls when there is no point to foul...

Dixon's missed wide open three when we were up 53-50 late was a huge play in the game. Drain that and we win.

[millerkw]

If I was told, before the tourny, that we would beat two top 25 teams and loss in the finals in overtime I would have been happy...so, I'm happy. We're at the very beginning of the season and this team will only get better.

[Bearcat-in-Italy]

We just don't seem to run any offense for about 75% of the game. We stand around on the perimeter and jack up 3's. Does this concern anybody??? I'm very concerned. We had very little movement. No picks. No rotation, no pass and screen away. Nothing. Lance had to create off the dribble to get his points. Yancey could not score on their big men. I don't know fellas. It was a good showing and at the end of the day we should be undefeated. Yancey got hacked on the last play of regulation and the officials didn't have the guts to make the call.

[icehole3]

to be honest everyone may be thinking we shouldnt put the ball in the freshman's hands, I actually wanted Lance to have the ball down the stretch, if you look at each and every NBA team they give the ball to their bellcow and thats what Lance is, he is the only one who can go end to end and take is man and score, Wright got hold of the last possession and jetted up court with his head down, I think Lance wouldve made a better play IMO.

[dp3113]

We just don't seem to run any offense for about 75% of the game. We stand around on the perimeter and jack up 3's. Does this concern anybody??? I'm very concerned. We had very little movement. No picks. No rotation, no pass and screen away. Nothing. Lance had to create off the dribble to get his points. Yancey could not score on their big men. I don't know fellas. It was a good showing and at the end of the day we should be undefeated. Yancey got hacked on the last play of regulation and the officials didn't have the guts to make the call.

agree 100%

[dp3113]

to be honest everyone may be thinking we shouldnt put the ball in the freshman's hands, I actually wanted Lance to have the ball down the stretch, if you look at each and every NBA team they give the ball to their bellcow and thats what Lance is, he is the only one who can go end to end and take is man and score, Wright got hold of the last possession and jetted up court with his head down, I think Lance wouldve made a better play IMO.

cashmere still got a good look at the basket. he got 6 feet away and got his shoulders squared to the hoop. i don't know that anyone could have gotten a better look.

let's be honest, judging by what lance does when he has the ball when the shot clock is running out/end of the half, he would have pulled up for a 3 or an 18-20 footer. i will take a solid look from 6 feet over a mediocre look for 3 any day of the week.

[Bcat007]

Mick was frustrated at times with the shot selection. You could see his reaction on the sideline. My biggest issue right now is all the dribbling. This team is very efficient offensively when they pass the ball. When someone dribbles around the others tend to just stand. I disagree with coaching dropping the ball statement. Mick put the team in position to win the tournament. I would have liked to see a little more substitutions in the Gonzaga game to help keep people fresh, but overall I was very happy with the play. I too would have liked to see JP play more too. I personally like him better than Wright.

There were multiple things that led to this loss. But i believe you are giving the coaching way too much immunity. If Mick is frustrated with the shot selection all season we have a problem here. It is his job to make sure that the shot selection fits his game plan. It is also his job to make these substitutions you speak of. During those timeouts he needed something going towards the hoop. You instead end up with Vaughn shooting a fade away 3 pointer? I am ok with Cronin's overall work throughout this tournament, the team played quite well. But he has to take at least a small portion of the blame in the late minutes.

[bearcat_cd]

There were multiple things that led to this loss. But i believe you are giving the coaching way too much immunity. If Mick is frustrated with the shot selection all season we have a problem here. It is his job to make sure that the shot selection fits his game plan. It is also his job to make these substitutions you speak of. During those timeouts he needed something going towards the hoop. You instead end up with Vaughn shooting a fade away 3 pointer? I am ok with Cronin's overall work throughout this tournament, the team played quite well. But he has to take at least a small portion of the blame in the late minutes.

he also called for a play that should have ended the game had the refs made the call and not been faked out as much as everyone on the court and in the stands. gates was fouled, and it sucks that we didn't get the call. if mick gets the call and win the game then there would be no problems with the coaching...he also can't teach these kids to make a foul shot. kids lost the game in my opinion not the coaching. he can't teach these kids to finish a game. Im also sick of reading the espn postgame reprots saying how the guy blocked the shot...more like he wacked his arms out and got lucky

[hangarninetysix]

I am still optimistic about this team. Free throws were a big problem, hopefully this gets corrected.

[icehole3]

let's be honest, judging by what lance does when he has the ball when the shot clock is running out/end of the half, he would have pulled up for a 3 or an 18-20 footer. i will take a solid look from 6 feet over a mediocre look for 3 any day of the week.

true, it's a 50-50 shot with Lance, if he takes it to the bucket Lance is getting the bucket and a free throw, but youre right he couldve just as well panicked and settled for a 3. Cronin said they talked about it in the timeout they felt Wright was the fastest and could get a good shot, they probably didnt figure the guy missing the second freethrow.

[Bcat007]

he also called for a play that should have ended the game had the refs made the call and not been faked out as much as everyone on the court and in the stands. gates was fouled, and it sucks that we didn't get the call. if mick gets the call and win the game then there would be no problems with the coaching...he also can't teach these kids to make a foul shot. kids lost the game in my opinion not the coaching. he can't teach these kids to finish a game. Im also sick of reading the espn postgame reprots saying how the guy blocked the shot...more like he wacked his arms out and got lucky

Don't know what coaches you are talking about. But i teach free throw shooting to my own son (a 13 year old) and he gets it. Now you can't teach something that you don't know and perhaps that is where the problem lies. We didn't get the call, suck or not. That still does not mean we would have sank the free throws. Our best free throw shooter missed both of his and the same guy going to the line missed 2 free throws that cost his high school team a championship truth be told. You teach a team to finish a game by coaching them to follow a game plan, and the game plan should not be to dribble around at the top of the key and throw up any 3 you feel you can make. Oh and perhaps your best shooters should be the guys taking the 3 if you are he** bent on taking that approach. Yes i would be talking about these things win or lose. It just would not bother me as much if we had won, which we did not. How can you mention players lacking the ability to finish a game then cry over a bad call all in the same paragraph? If you finish the game you don't get the bad call right?

[bearcat_cd]

Don't know what coaches you are talking about. But i teach free throw shooting to my own son (a 13 year old) and he gets it. Now you can't teach something that you don't know and perhaps that is where the problem lies. We didn't get the call, suck or not. That still does not mean we would have sank the free throws. Our best free throw shooter missed both of his and the same guy going to the line missed 2 free throws that cost his high school team a championship truth be told. You teach a team to finish a game by coaching them to follow a game plan, and the game plan should not be to dribble around at the top of the key and throw up any 3 you feel you can make. Oh and perhaps your best shooters should be the guys taking the 3 if you are he** bent on taking that approach. Yes i would be talking about these things win or lose. It just would not bother me as much if we had won, which we did not. How can you mention players lacking the ability to finish a game then cry over a bad call all in the same paragraph? If you finish the game you don't get the bad call right?

No it doesnt mean we will sink those free throws but I would not mind shooting those free throws again. 2 free shots are better than none. Plus you honestly think mick had no game plan? I can guarantee there was a game plan it's not his job to execute, make free throws, or make open shots. I believe mick had them in a position to win the game, but the players blew it. He's had them motivated playing defense, but making stupid fouls when not necessary, and making absolutely zero shots...you are going to lose. Unless mick was shooting those shots then I must have missed the game

[CanadianBearcat]

If this game were after December 13 and we werent playing our 3rd game in 3 days we win this by 15. If we had the energy in the second half and overtime there is no way we get out rebounded and our defense falls off. With Thomas they cant double gates and then they're in big trouble. However it wasnt the case and we lost to a good team so im ok with that, because it wasnt do to lack of heart and hustle.

Did anyone see the video of the guys after the game? It was so obvious that this ment alot to them and its great to see that they want Cincy basketball back on the map. I cant wait to watch this team improve throughout the year and i hope we get to see the zags again in march when were that much more experienced and at full strength, dont think it would even be close!

[Pie Hole]

Why does he just "deserve" it? He missed two clutch FT's in OT that would've been HUGE.

He deserved the ball because he is a senior and one of the most prolific scorers ever to suit up for the Cats. I was absolutely irate that the ball didn't go to Vaughn on the last shot before overtime. If anyone deserved that shot it was Vaughn!

[dp3113]

He deserved the ball because he is a senior and one of the most prolific scorers ever to suit up for the Cats. I was absolutely irate that the ball didn't go to Vaughn on the last shot before overtime. If anyone deserved that shot it was Vaughn!

as a senior, he should have demanded the ball then.

[Ding Chavez]

Maybe it was a Hoosiers scene in the huddle, where Mick was calling for Deonta to be a decoy because they wouldn't expect a freshman to get the ball over a senior, but Deonta didn't pull a Jimmy Chitwood and say "I'll make it".

[Bearcat Jeff]

Cash had a good look and missed it. He is missing far too many layups on drives. I'd like to see more of Parker.