+- CSNbbs (https://csnbbs.com)
+-- Forum: Active Boards (/forum-769.html)
+--- Forum: AACbbs (/forum-460.html)
+---- Forum: Archives (/forum-400.html)
+----- Forum: AACbbs Archives (/forum-418.html)
+------ Forum: Cincinnati Archives (/forum-932.html)
+------ Thread: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU (/thread-773012.html)
Pages: 1 2
UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - ctipton - 03-06-2016 04:09 PM
UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU
Tom Groeschen, tgroeschen@enquirer.com 2:39 p.m. EST March 6, 2016
![[Image: 635928742683465970-030616-SMU-UC-2086.jpg]](http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/3126cf8c338dafada95b12081b737d34503eaf41/c=0-10-4161-3139&r=x513&c=680x510/local/-/media/2016/03/06/Cincinnati/Cincinnati/635928742683465970-030616-SMU-UC-2086.jpg)
Cincinnati Bearcats forward Octavius Ellis (2) celebrates the win in the second half during the NCAA basketball game between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and the Cincinnati Bearcats, Sunday, March 6, 2016, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati. Cincinnati defeated SMU 61-54.
The Enquirer/Kareem Elgazzar
The Enquirer/Kareem Elgazzar
Senior Day found the University of Cincinnati still short-handed because of injuries, and facing yet another must-win game. The Bearcats responded with their most important victory of the season.
UC, riding the NCAA Tournament bubble entering its season finale, beat No. 24 SMU, 61-54, before a sellout crowd of 13,176 at Fifth Third Arena on Sunday afternoon.
It was UC’s first win over a ranked team (AP/USA Today) in five tries this season.
Junior guard Troy Caupain led UC with 14 points and senior center Coreontae DeBerry scored 10. Freshman wing Jacob Evans III scored nine, senior forward Octavius Ellis had eight points and 11 rebounds, and sophomore forward Gary Clark scored seven points with 11 rebounds.
UC (22-9, 12-6 American Athletic Conference) thus split its season series with SMU (25-5, 13-5 AAC).
It was the final game of the season for SMU, which is banned from all postseason play because of NCAA violations.
UC came off of a 69-56 loss at Houston on Thursday, and the Bearcats needed an attention-grabbing win. SMU offered that opportunity, with the Mustangs ranked No. 11 and UC No. 54 in the daily NCAA RPI (Ratings Percentage Index).
UC honored four seniors in pre-game: guard Farad Cobb, center DeBerry, forward Ellis and forward Shaq Thomas. All but Thomas (groin) started the game.
Cobb returned to action after missing two games with a sprained knee and he had six points. Thomas missed his third straight game.
The UC seniors have known nothing but NCAA Tournament appearances, with the Bearcats having made the last five tournaments. The 2016 seniors obviously do not want to be the class that stops the streak.
ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi, USA Today’s Shelby Mast and CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm all had UC among the “last four in” in their latest pre-game NCAA brackets Sunday, all listing UC as a No. 11 seed.
Senior guard Nic Moore led SMU with 14 points Sunday.
LOOKING BACK:SMU beat the Bearcats, 59-57, in the teams’ first meeting this season, Jan. 7 in Dallas.
UC now owns a 6-3 lead in its series against SMU, including 5-0 in games played in Cincinnati.
AAC SEEDING: UC will be be the No. 4 seed for the AAC tournament Thursday-Sunday at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. UC will face No. 5 seed Connecticut on Friday at 2 p.m. on ESPN2. The Bearcats swept the Huskies during the regular season.
UC still could gain the AAC automatic berth by winning the conference tournament next week in Orlando. The Bearcats appear to have made an NCAA berth more likely by beating SMU.
UC led 34-27 at halftime, after a grinder of a half where neither team could truly break away.
Both teams were getting open shots but not hitting. UC made only 27 percent from the field in the first half (10-for-37), while SMU hit only 36 percent (9-for-25).
DeBerry led UC with eight points in the first half. Usual UC scoring leader Caupain followed DeBerry with six first-half points, but Caupain was only 2-for-14 from the floor in the first half.
The Bearcats built their lead to nine points, 36-27, on a follow shot by Ellis to begin the second half.
UC extended its lead to 10 points, 46-36, on a goal by Evans with 12:45 left. UC again went up 10 at 48-38, on a shot by Caupain with 12:06 left.
UC then went up 11 points, 51-40, on two foul shots by Ellis with 8:11 left.
The Bearcats held a 53-44 lead before SMU went on an 8-2 run. That cut the Bearcats’ lead to 55-52 with 1:53 left, and Cronin called timeout.
Clark made two free throws to give UC a 57-52 lead with 1:36 left. Cuapain made one free throw to make it 58-52 with 50.1 seconds left. Then, another Caupain free throw made it 59-52 with 24.9 seconds left.
SMU’s Ben Moore scored to cut UC’s lead to 59-54 with 14.2 seconds left. Cobb made two foul shot for UC to make it 61-54 with 12.4 seconds lef.
UC held a 13-2 edge in points off of turnovers. SMU committed 17 turnovers, UC only six. UC survived despite shooting only 29.5 percent from the field, including 5.3 percent from 3-point range (1-for-19). SMU shot 39.3 percent overall, 16.7 percent from deep (2 for 12).
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/university-of-cincinnati/2016/03/06/uc-seeks-much-needed-win-vs-smu/81406384/
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - ctipton - 03-06-2016 04:14 PM
SMU loses to Cincinnati in season finale behind cold offensive performance
By Associated Press Contact Associated Press on Twitter:
CINCINNATI -- Troy Caupain scored 14 points despite missing all of his shots from beyond the arc, and Cincinnati overcame poor shooting to beat No. 24 SMU 61-54 on Sunday, ending the Mustangs' season.
The Bearcats (22-9, 12-6 American Athletic) held on despite shooting 29.5 percent from the field overall, including 1 of 19 from beyond the arc. They made a difference at the free throw line, going 24 of 30. Caupain made only 4 of 19 shots, missing all six from beyond the arc.
It was a final disappointment for SMU (25-5, 13-5), which is banned from postseason play because of NCAA rules violations. Players embraced on the court after the final buzzer.
SMU chose not to appeal the postseason ban or the nine-game suspension for coach Larry Brown. The NCAA found that a former basketball assistant had completed online course work to make a student eligible for admission to the school. Current players were disappointed that the school chose not to challenge the penalty.
Ben Moore had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Mustangs. Senior point guard Nic Moore had 14 points on 6-of-17 shooting.
The Bearcats were coming off a 69-56 loss at Houston and knew they needed some wins to make the NCAA Tournament. Their defense got this one, holding the Mustangs to a season low in points. SMU beat Cincinnati 59-57 in Dallas on Jan. 7, which was previously the Mustangs' lowest point total of the season.
Neither team could make an open shot at the outset. SMU pulled ahead 11-6 after 8 minutes despite shooting only 4 of 12 from the field. The Bearcats were worse, going 3 of 17 and missing all seven of their shots from beyond the arc.
Cincinnati was only 5 of 23 from the field when Caupain led its first run. He had a pull-up jumper and two free throws during an 8-0 spurt that put the Bearcats up 21-16. Cincinnati led 34-27 at the half, with the teams going a combined 3 of 20 from beyond the arc.
Neither team could put together a significant run at the start of the second half. Jacob Evans' driving basket gave the Bearcats the first double-digit lead of the game at 46-36.
Nic Moore tried to get the Mustangs going, making a driving layup that started a final run. Shake Milton's reverse layup cut Cincinnati's lead to 55-52 with 1:54 to go.
The Mustangs had a turnover and missed their next two shots, allowing Cincinnati to hold on.
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/college-sports/smumustangs/2016/03/06/smu-loses-cincinnati-season-finale-behind-cold-offensive-performance
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - ctipton - 03-06-2016 04:17 PM
Three takeaways: SMU falls to Cincinnati in physical contest, fails to clinch share of AAC title
By EJ Holland , Special Contributor Contact EJ Holland on Twitter: @EJHolland247
SMU fell to Cincinnati, 61-54, on Sunday afternoon. Here are three takeaways from the loss.
1. What it means -- SMU's season is over. The Mustangs are barred from postseason play, including the American Athletic Conference tournament. So this marked the last game of the year for SMU and the last game for seniors Nic Moore, Markus Kennedy and Jordan Tolbert. And unfortunately for SMU, it wasn't able to complete a second half rally and fell to Cincinnati, 61-54. A victory would have clinched a share of the AAC regular season title, but now, the Ponies need Temple to stumble against last place Tulane in order for that to happen. Overall, SMU finished with a 25-5 record and fought valiantly throughout the season amid the infractions, controversy with Keith Frazier and only having seven scholarship players on the roster.
2. Intangibles -- Cincinnati shot just 29.5 percent from the floor and connected on only 1-of-19 three-point attempts. So how did the Bercats knock off SMU? Cincinnati did a terrific job on the offensive glass, forced 17 turnovers and got to the free throw line 30 times, converting on 80 percent of their attempts. Meanwhile, SMU failed to force many turnovers, did not get to the line often, shot just 16.7 percent from behind the three-point line and got in foul trouble, losing both Markus Kennedy and Sterling Brown before the final buzzer. SMU is known for being able to win ugly under Larry Brown, but Cincinnati did enough of the little things right to overcome a poor shooting day.
3. Seniors -- As mentioned above, this was the final college game for Nic Moore, Jordan Tolbert and Markus Kennedy. While Moore wasn't his usual dominant self, he did lead SMU with 14 points and dished out five assists. Tolbert had a solid day in the paint as he contributed nine points and recorded a team-high 13 rebounds. Kennedy saw his day come to a close sooner than expected as he fouled out with around eight minutes remaining. Still, Kennedy played an important role off the bench with nine points and four boards. All three seniors helped SMU become last undefeated team in college basketball this season and win at least 25 games for the third consecutive year.
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/college-sports/smumustangs/2016/03/06/three-takeaways-smu-falls-cincinnati-physical-contest-fails-clinch-share-aac-title
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - Cat-Man - 03-07-2016 11:52 AM
They updated the article on the Enquirer website to include these quotes from Mick:
“I think we have the same record as Duke, and we play in a league with five teams that are tournament teams,” Cronin said. “How we could be in a league with that many good teams and be 22-9 and not be in, would be mind-boggling to me.”
“We’ve got the same record as some teams that supposedly are locks,” Cronin said. “It’s comical to me. The committee says you go play all these teams, we went and played them all. I don’t care what those computers say.”
“You (media) have watched us all year,” Cronin said. “You want to tell me we’re not one of the better teams? It’s a joke. That’s why I don’t like talking about it."
I know it's a coaches job to sell his team, but I hope Mick don't go on National shows making comments like this. He comes off as a whiner and some of these statements make him look foolish. I hope he really don't believe some of this crap he's saying.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - bearcatfan - 03-07-2016 12:01 PM
(03-07-2016 11:52 AM)Cat-Man Wrote: I know it's a coaches job to sell his team, but I hope Mick don't go on National shows making comments like this. He comes off as a whiner and some of these statements make him look foolish. I hope he really don't believe some of this crap he's saying.
And this coming from the coach who normally every week says "we don't worry about wins and losses".
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - BearcatBeta - 03-07-2016 12:12 PM
How can UC shoot 1 for the whole game from 3's?? On the HOME court.. Think we will see a heavy dose of UConn zone?
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - rtaylor - 03-07-2016 12:20 PM
(03-07-2016 11:52 AM)Cat-Man Wrote: They updated the article on the Enquirer website to include these quotes from Mick:
“I think we have the same record as Duke, and we play in a league with five teams that are tournament teams,” Cronin said. “How we could be in a league with that many good teams and be 22-9 and not be in, would be mind-boggling to me.”
“We’ve got the same record as some teams that supposedly are locks,” Cronin said. “It’s comical to me. The committee says you go play all these teams, we went and played them all. I don’t care what those computers say.”
“You (media) have watched us all year,” Cronin said. “You want to tell me we’re not one of the better teams? It’s a joke. That’s why I don’t like talking about it."
I know it's a coaches job to sell his team, but I hope Mick don't go on National shows making comments like this. He comes off as a whiner and some of these statements make him look foolish. I hope he really don't believe some of this crap he's saying.
That 3rd quote makes me wonder if he has been watching this team all year.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - Edgebrookjeff - 03-07-2016 12:26 PM
(03-07-2016 12:12 PM)BearcatBeta Wrote: How can UC shoot 1 for the whole game from 3's?? On the HOME court.. Think we will see a heavy dose of UConn zone?
SMU played better defense than UCONN. SMU's couldn't defend the lane, but their perimeter defense looked pretty good.
Our defense on the other hand was so concerned about Nic Moore that they forgot about the four other players who were wide open for layups and alley-oops.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - JPBearcat3 - 03-07-2016 12:50 PM
(03-07-2016 11:52 AM)Cat-Man Wrote: They updated the article on the Enquirer website to include these quotes from Mick:
“I think we have the same record as Duke, and we play in a league with five teams that are tournament teams,” Cronin said. “How we could be in a league with that many good teams and be 22-9 and not be in, would be mind-boggling to me.”
“We’ve got the same record as some teams that supposedly are locks,” Cronin said. “It’s comical to me. The committee says you go play all these teams, we went and played them all. I don’t care what those computers say.”
“You (media) have watched us all year,” Cronin said. “You want to tell me we’re not one of the better teams? It’s a joke. That’s why I don’t like talking about it."
I know it's a coaches job to sell his team, but I hope Mick don't go on National shows making comments like this. He comes off as a whiner and some of these statements make him look foolish. I hope he really don't believe some of this crap he's saying.
I like Mick a lot, personally. But this is one of the dumbest things I've ever read. Hope there's some context to this.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - Overrated - 03-07-2016 01:07 PM
(03-07-2016 12:26 PM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:(03-07-2016 12:12 PM)BearcatBeta Wrote: How can UC shoot 1 for the whole game from 3's?? On the HOME court.. Think we will see a heavy dose of UConn zone?
SMU played better defense than UCONN. SMU's couldn't defend the lane, but their perimeter defense looked pretty good.
Our defense on the other hand was so concerned about Nic Moore that they forgot about the four other players who were wide open for layups and alley-oops.
Are you really being critical of the defense they played against SMU?
UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - BearcatnKY - 03-07-2016 01:11 PM
Cronin on at 1:55 with Andy Katz on EspnU.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - stxrunner - 03-07-2016 02:33 PM
(03-07-2016 01:07 PM)Overrated Wrote:(03-07-2016 12:26 PM)Edgebrookjeff Wrote:(03-07-2016 12:12 PM)BearcatBeta Wrote: How can UC shoot 1 for the whole game from 3's?? On the HOME court.. Think we will see a heavy dose of UConn zone?
SMU played better defense than UCONN. SMU's couldn't defend the lane, but their perimeter defense looked pretty good.
Our defense on the other hand was so concerned about Nic Moore that they forgot about the four other players who were wide open for layups and alley-oops.
Are you really being critical of the defense they played against SMU?
LOL. Seriously. I can't believe I read that.
Obviously focusing on Nic Moore was a good strategy, because SMU turned it over 17 times, got very few good looks, and never got into a rhythm on offense. Held them 26 pts under their season avg. They got beat down the floor a few times, but I think it's telling that those seemed like their only opportunities to get an easy bucket and they were few and far between. No rhythm.
Our offense was abysmal, but the defensive effort and gameplan may have been the best of the season.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - Brian_Johnson - 03-07-2016 02:34 PM
Can't believe what I'm reading here. A seven-point win over a top 25 team, and people complain about Mick stating his case for a bid. Frankly, I'm glad he's fighting publicly for his team. It's clear no one else will.
Hasn't been nearly the team we expected, but it DOES deserve to be in the tourney field.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - JPBearcat3 - 03-07-2016 04:18 PM
I agree the Bearcats deserve to be in, but Mick should come up with better supporting arguments.
Sure, we have the same record as Duke, but they have a top 15 SOS. That analogy is asinine.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - Crewdogz - 03-07-2016 04:23 PM
(03-07-2016 02:34 PM)Brian_Johnson Wrote: Can't believe what I'm reading here. A seven-point win over a top 25 team, and people complain about Mick stating his case for a bid. Frankly, I'm glad he's fighting publicly for his team. It's clear no one else will.
Hasn't been nearly the team we expected, but it DOES deserve to be in the tourney field.
I agree Brian, would be nice to see Bohn make a few pubic statements as well.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - Coopdaddy67 - 03-07-2016 04:55 PM
(03-07-2016 04:18 PM)JPBearcat3 Wrote: I agree the Bearcats deserve to be in, but Mick should come up with better supporting arguments.
Sure, we have the same record as Duke, but they have a top 15 SOS. That analogy is asinine.
Exactly. Duke has wins against Louisville, Virginia, North Carolina and Indiana.
I almost want to leave UC out of my projections because of how stupid that argument was from Cronin.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - payday - 03-07-2016 05:54 PM
Why is anyone even talking about this? We're projected to be in already, and has anyone looked at the teams projected higher? Geez! There's no question were in.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - Coopdaddy67 - 03-07-2016 06:02 PM
(03-07-2016 05:54 PM)payday Wrote: Why is anyone even talking about this? We're projected to be in already, and has anyone looked at the teams projected higher? Geez! There's no question were in.
I really hope the team doesn't come out Friday afternoon with that attitude.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - Brian_Johnson - 03-07-2016 06:31 PM
Sure, Mick's point, comparing us directly to Duke is incorrect. But, we got jobbed in 2006, and it could happen again. I would much prefer Mick err on that side, than the other.
RE: UC Bearcats get much-needed win vs. SMU - OKIcat - 03-07-2016 06:51 PM
(03-07-2016 06:31 PM)Brian_Johnson Wrote: Sure, Mick's point, comparing us directly to Duke is incorrect. But, we got jobbed in 2006, and it could happen again. I would much prefer Mick err on that side, than the other.
Yes, I think many of us still have the scars from that monumental snub in '06. And that's why I have as little confidence in bracketologists as I have in meteorologists. There are just too many scenarios such as Memphis winning the AAC and a similar turn of events in other low bid conferences. It' isn't over until the fat lady sings @ 6:00 Sunday night.