The Day After, Still a Big Win

UC assistant athletic director Mike Harris summed it up best Friday when he said, "it's a great day to be a Bearcat fan".  It's the day after a big win against West Virginia and the players are not caught up in the celebration, instead they are looking back at it with appreciation.

It was a sign this team is maturing.  The youngsters are growing up.  Thursday night they went into a must win game without one of their senior leaders, Mike Williams was on the bench with a sore knee.

Deonta Vaughn said the teams recent confidence helped them, but so did following the game plan and playing defense.

Locker Room Lock Out

In Saturdays loss to Louisville Coach Mick Cronin didn't like what he saw out of his team. Following the game he sat them down to watch film and Monday when they went to practice they were locked out of the players locker room.

What was the players reaction to loosing their "creature comforts"?

Not only did they loose their locker room privileges, they lost their Bearcat gear too.

The purpose of such a measure is to make a point with the team.  Apparently they got the message.  For one Larry Davis said this is the maddest he's seen his coach.

Coach Mick Cronin spoke after the Louisville game about how it's much more difficult to go from sixth in the conference to the top, as opposed from going to the basement to sixth.  In his eyes now that UC is sixth, it's time to take it to the next level, and in that next level there are no moral victories.

Coach Cronin speaks of taking the program to the next level.  One problem is not having anyone in the locker room that has been there.  Part of the "banishment" is a message to the teams leaders, and that includes a guy that has been very instrumental in taking UC from the basement to the middle of the pack.

There was a fair share of discussion about the return of Bob Huggins on Thursday night.  The evening news may have a few short clips, but Bearcat Sports Page.com will bring you the "entire comment".  Unfortunately, the evening news is limited by the amount they can use, we are not.   Several of Coach Cronin's thoughts were well over a minute.   We will have them all over the next couple of days.

Bearcats fall to Michigan 1-6

Michigan topped the Bearcats in their second day of the Big East/Big Ten Challenge, 1-6. The Wolverines, the defending Big Ten champions, got on the board early when they scored three runs in the first inning. Michigan extended its lead when Mike Dufek blasted a three-run homer in the top of the seventh. UC's only score came in the bottom of the fifth inning when junior Lance Durham was hit by a pitch, allowing Jamel Scott to score. 

UC finished Big East/Big Ten play tomorrow when they face in-state rival Ohio State at 10:00am. Last year the Buckeyes finished 5th in the Big Ten

For complete coverage click here

Another Game, Another Top 10 Team

 After a week off the Bearcats find themselves in the middle of a log in the Big East standings.  With a 7-6 record the Cats are even with Syracuse and West Virginia.  Saturday they kickoff a two game home stand with Louisville.  So is this a "must win" game?

Last year the Bearcats stunned a packed house in Freedom Hall on New Years day as they stole a rare road victory from the Cardinals.  Deonta Vaughn remembers that game.

Years ago a top ten team coming into Fifth Third Arena would have been a big deal.  Anymore that's just another day in the Big East.

With Louisville coming to town the focus quickly goes to the coaches.  The players don't care who coached with who, they worry about the players on the court, not the guys in the ties.

Coach Cronin could not agree more.  He knows with Louisville and then West Virginia the coaches will be put n the spotlight, a place he would prefer the players be.

Saturdays game tips off at Fifth Third Arena at 2:oo and will be televised locally on Fox Sports Ohio Ch #43 on most Time Warner Cable Systems.

Bearcats drop season-opener to Purdue, 10-11

The Bearcats faced the Purdue Boilermakers in their first game of the Big East/Big Ten challenge in Florida earlier today. UC jumped out to an early 2-1 lead in the first inning, but Purdue came back with three runs in the bottom of the second to take a 2-4 lead. After several lead changes, the Bearcats had the lead going into the ninth with two outs before a walk-off single by Dan Black gave the boilermakers the win. 

Bearcat senior Mike Spina and sophomore Justin Riddell had two home runs apiece in the loss.

The Big East/Big Ten challenge continues tomorrow when the Bearcats face the Michigan Wolverines at 4:00

For complete coverage click here

It's Baseball Season Today...in Florida

It may be snowing and 35 degrees outside, but baseball season has started. The Reds have started spring training, but they aren't the only Cincinnati team playing baseball in Florida this weekend. The Bearcats open up their season with the Big East/Big Ten Challenge in Tampa with games against Purdue, Ohio State and Michigan. This team had a great season last year and as Sarah Knigga reports, they plan on the same this year.

Friday 1:00 Purdue Saturday 4:00 Michigan Sunday 10:00AM Ohio State
For complete coverage and the entire schedule: Click Here.

Bubble, What Bubble?

With a week off this past week the Bearcats had a chance to catch their breath and take a look at where they are.  Going into this weekend they find themselves tied for 7th in the Big East with Syracuse and West Virginia, and just a game behind Providence.  Right now all sights are set on Louisville, despite all of the talk of UC being a bubble team.  Here is Deonta Vaughn and then Yancy Gates to talk about being a bubble team.

With the "bubble situation" at UC extra emphasis is being put on each game, including this Saturdays home game against Louisville.  Coach Cronin certainly understands the importance but tries to keep the team from getting to high after wins and too low after losses.  The old cliche keeps coming up, take 'em one at a time.

We will have more on the Louisville game Saturday morning here at the home of your best "complete" Bearcats coverage.  

Previewing the Big East Meet

Peaking at the right time is important in most collegiate sports. For example, in basketball you want to be playing your best in early March. However, you can't just concentrate on the games in March. You have to win before that or else those games won't matter. In swimming, the meets in December and January really don't matter. The swimmers prepare all year for the Big East Meet, and that begins Wednesday just up the road in Indianapolis. Jordan Staugler stopped by practice last week and gives us a preview of the teams final meet of the year.

Competition begins Wednesday and will conclude with the finals on Saturday night. Josh Schneider, who swam in the Olympic Trials last summer hopes to bring home a first place finish in a couple of events. Bearcat Sports Page.com has a crew in Indianapolis covering the Big East meet. To follow up to the minute results check the Big East web site: click here.

It's Gotta' Be The Suit

The Olympic Games in Beijing introduced the world to the Speedo LZR Racer swimsuit. The full body suit that helps swimmer cut through the water with more speed. Next week the Big East Championship meet will see most competitor jumping into competition with the LXR Racer. That is, if the mailman gets them to the team hotels in time. The UC swim team is one of many that is finally getting their order filled this week, just in time for the biggest meet of the year. The question is, what difference will it make?

The suits are expected to be arriving at the hotel in time for the meet. According the the UC coaches they won't be the only ones waiting for the mail in Indy.

Big East Meet Next Week

Putting all of your eggs in one basket is never a good idea.   Especially when an investment is involved.  Next week the UC swim team will see how there investment pays off, because they have put most of their eggs in one basket.  Swimming, unlike other sports, gears it's season toward the "big meet".  For the Bearcats that "big meet" is the Big East Championship meet next week in Indianapolis.    The team is going into it with certain goals that can only be obtained if they swim well early on.

The meet starts Wednesday and goes through Saturday night.  More information on the meet can be found here:  Big East Swimming.

No Let Down Against St John's.

Taking care of business in the Big East means winning the games you are supposed to win, especially at home. Wednesday night there was some concern in Fifth Third Arena that the team may have a "hangover" from their big win at Georgetown over the weekend. A sign this team is maturing is that it didn't happen because the team leaders stepped in.

Signing Day: Locals, Wide Outs and Defense

Wednesday afternoon head coach Brian Kelly stepped to the podium and announced his 2009 recruiting class. 27 young men that will help form the future of UC football. According to experts this class has one 4 star recruit and a hand full of three star recruits, but how many 1,2 and three star guys helped with the Big East? Interestingly enough the Big East championship and the Orange Bowl had very little influence on this class. They were already on board.


A complete list of recruits can be found at gobearcats.com. When you see it you will notice a great "local" flavor.






When Coach Kelly took an over view of the class he compared it to an NFL teams draft. Each class contains top draft picks that will play sooner, and some will have to be developed.

Looking at the team needs. Wide receiver has been addressed.

It's well known that the "Orange Bowl Bearcats" were full of seniors on defense. How will this class help fill that void?



Bearcat Sports page.Com will have more comments from Coach Kelly tomorrow. Other topics discussed were the influence being on TV had on some of the recruits and how the summer camp at UC helps strengthen the recruiting process.

Where's Tanya Harding When You Need Her?

Wednesday night Notre Dame pays a visit to US Bank Arena downtown to take on UC. Surprisingly the Irish come in riding a 5 games loosing streak. The last three being to top ten teams, Pitt, UConn and Marquette. Coach Cronin talks about Notre Dame and how tough they are, especially with the position they are in conference wise.

The Irish score a bunch of points and slowing them down means slowing down All American candidate Luke Harangody. Last year UC held him to 1 point in the first half, but they he exploded for 24 in the second half. If the snow can't slow him down, Coach Cronin has come up with "plan B".

This is a home game for UC. Coach Cronin said that part of the negotiations were that UC students would be on the floor in the bleachers behind each basket. During the "Cronin Era" the Bearcats are 3-0 at US Bank Arena, including a victory earlier this season against Mississippi State. Wednesdays game against Notre Dame is not on local cable. ESPN 360 is the only way to see the game. Tickets are still available. Tip Time: 7:30 at US Bank Arena downtown.

Super Sunday: At Villanova

In our weekly poll, the Bearcat fans that visit this site said that they have gained some confidence in the team following the win Wednesday against Georgetown.  The team itself also shares in that confidence, it was a good win for this young team.

This team is learning how to win, and just in time.  Winning four of the first 8 games is an accomplishment in this league.  Why is the team playing better now compared to in late December and early January?  Did "the light" finally come on for some of the younger players? Coach Cronin has been preaching the importance of defense all season.  He may not tell his team this, but is it a case of " I told you so" as far as if they play defense they will will games?

Playing in the Big East in late January is a difficult situation to prepare any player for.  In the past couple of weeks UC has been on as big of a "run" as you can be on in this tough conference. Winning 3 of the last 4 had taught this team how to win.  In this conference a victory is something to cherish, not expect.

They have learned how to win, they have even learned how to win on the road.  However, the next test is a doosey, at Villanova.   A team that is coming of a win against Pittsburgh and never looses at home.   UC played some tough games in December and early January,  and hopefully has grown to better handle big games in big atmospheres.

Up Next: At Villanova Sunday  Tip Time Noon.

Men Out Swim Kentucky on Senior Day

For the UC swim team every practice and every meet is some form of preparation for the Big East meet in mid February.  Saturday afternoon the Bearcats took to the water for the final time against competition before the conference meet.  The Kentucky Wildcats came north and were greeted with "senior day".  Here are a few sights and sounds from this special day.

With all of the emotion of senior day filling Keating Aquatic Center, the Bearca men's team went out and set the tone for the day by beating UK in the men's 4 x 100 medley relay.

Here is a "consolidated" version of the race.

Josh Schneider swam the third leg of that race.  Later in the day Josh would lead a come from behind victory in the men's 400 meter free style relay that was very instrumental in the Bearcats 143-133 victory.  Early in the meet the Bercats established the fact that the "favored" UK Wildcats were in for a fight.  Here in the men's 100 meter backstroke UC took the top 2 spots.

Nick Saul took Second in the 100 meter backstroke just behind team mate Jeremy Peter.  This was a big victory for the men.  The women weren't as fortunate loosing their meet 152-112.  From here it's all about getting ready for the Big East.  Bearcat Sports Page.com will have continued coverage as the team prepares for the biggest meet of the season.

Double Header

It will be a busy weekend for the UC swim team.  Friday they travel up I-75 to swim against Wright State before returning home Saturday to take on Kentucky.  Aside from the competition of the dual meets this is the last competition the teams will see before the Big East meet in the middle of February.  The fact that Friday's meet is on the road throws an extra wrinkle into the weekend but, the back to back meets will help the swimmers prepare for the the conference meet where they will be required to swim on consecutive days.  Saturdays meet against Kentucky will be on campus at the Keating Aquatic Center, a nice escape from the winter wonderland that has invaded the tri-state this week. 

Up next: Another Top 20 Team

With a week off to build on the "UCONN experience", Saturday the Bearcats travel to South Bend to take on the #17 ranked Fighting Irish.  Last Saturdays 31 point loss to UCONN was a better game for UC than the score indicates.  The Bearcats lost the first half 39-7.  They won the second half  27-26.  After practice Wednesday we talked to Shelly Bellman about the game, what was said at half time and how the second half can help in the future?

Up Next:    Saturday January 31 at #17 Notre Dame.  Tip Time:  2:00

UC Delivers in Big Game

The UC men's basketball team faced a tough conference opponent on Wednesday night, when the # 23 Georgetown Hoyas visited Fifth Third Arena. As the scoreboard hit zeros, Cincinnati came out on top and defeated it's first ranked opponent of the season 65-57. Deonta Vaughn had another big game as he put up 20 points and added 3 steals. Mike Williams played a solid game with 12 points, and freshman Dion Dixon scored 10 points as well. This game was very close showing many lead changes until the Bearcats made a run in the second half and never lost the lead after that. This win improves Cincinnati's record to 14-7 overall and 4-4 in the Big East. Catch the Bearcats in action next time they play, this Sunday, Feb. 1st when they face #21 Villanova. That game will be televised on the Big East Network. Reported by John Staugler

Ugly Game, Pretty Results

A couple of weeks ago Mick Cronin said that to win in the Big East you have to win ugly. Thursday night at St John's was the ever popular "pig with lipstick". Meet the pig: an 11 point deficit at half time, only 1 for 11 three pointers in the first half for UC, Rashad Bishop getting ejected early in the second half and a combined 53 foul shots. It wasn't pretty but it was a 71-60 win when the smoke cleared. Here is the ESPNU recap of the first half before the second half got started.

As we said earlier, Rashad Bishop and St John's D.J. Kennedy were ejected early in the second half. No punches were thrown, no pushing, just some jawing. Apparently that was enough.

After Bishop was gone the team began to turn things around. Deonta Vaughn was definitely the team leader down the stretch. He had 20 of his 23 points in the second half. Trailing by 11 with just over 13 minutes to go UC outscored St Johns 31-9 from that point. Deonta Vaughn was a major part of that run.

On the road trip the Cats won 2 out of 3. Now it's back to practice and some time off. The next game is at home next Wednesday when Georgetown pays a visit to Fifth Third Arena.

Seton Hall Saturday At 5/3 Arena

The women try again to get their third Big East win Saturday night at Fifth Third Arena when they host Seton Hall.  The Pirates are coming of of a big road win earlier this week over Syracuse 70-66, a team that beat UC last Saturday by one point.  The Cats know how important it is to win at home and the key to Seton Hall is their inside game.

Saturday January 17     Seton Hall @ Fifth Third Arena  7:00 Tip Time.