Spring Football Practice Starts

Spring football practice got under way Tuesday morning and here is a quick look at what went on.   Video from practice with interviews mixed in.

Bearcat Sports Page.com is where you will find the most complete coverage of spring practice at Nippert Stadium.

Marcus Barnett a Defensive back?

Spring practice kicked off Tuesday morning with a few surprises.  Demetrius Jones, the QB transfer from Notre Dame, has traded in his #2 quarterback jersey for a #44 linebacker jersey.  That move had already been talked about over the winter.  The biggest surprise might have been when sophomore wide receiver Marcus Barnett was wearing a black jersey and working out with the defensive backs.  

One of the big stories heading into spring is how the team will replace the 10 seniors they lost from the defensive side of the ball, including both starting defensive backs.  The media at Tuesdays practice was quick to ask Brian Kelly about the switch, and his thought process behind it.

Barnett was quickly surrounded by members of the media to get his thoughts on the switch.  Last years "experiment" of moving Connor Barwin to defense certainly worked out well for everyone.

Going into spring practice the coaching staff has a number of receivers to look at, one of the reasons Barnett is being looked at as a defensive back.  However, questions still remain.  Number one being, will Vidal Hazelton be able to play this fall.  He is the highly acclaimed transfer from USC.  UC is currently working with the NCAA to see if Hazelton could be eligible for the Bearcats this year.   That decision will have an effect on the future of Marcus Barnett as a defensive back.

Getting Ready for Spring Football

Tuesday morning at 9:00 the Bearcat football team will suit up for the first time since the Orange Bowl, and spring practice will officially begin.  For the equipment staff practice is over, for them Tuesday is time for "mid season" form.   They have been getting ready for spring ball for weeks.  Monday morning we watched them put some of the finishing touches on the locker room.  

Barry said that the spring is easier than the fall for his staff.   Tuesday there will be very few new players getting into new equipment, unlike the fall when a whole new class has to be sized and fitted.  As for the "new additions" I guess we will all just have to wait until Labor Day to see what they are.

Spring Soccer

There is no such thing as a "season" for any college sport.   Our calendar reads March, yet the football team is on the turf in Nippert Stadium and the soccer team is over at Gettler Stadium.  The spring soccer season kicked of Monday and the men's team is getting ready for a busy spring.

Here is a look at some upcoming  home games for the men:

April 3, Friday:  Alumni game 6:00

April 5, Sunday: Marshall 11:30 and NKU 2:30

The women's team kicks off their spring games with a home contest against Butler Sunday at 5:15.  For more details please go to : Go Bearcats.com

NFL teams Keep Coming to Clifton

Last week, "Pro Day" brought the NFL spotlight to UC football.  Fifteen different players got the chance to showcase their talents before coaches and scouts from 28 NFL teams.    One of the four teams that didn't make was the Chicago Bears.   A week and a day later they made their way to Clifton to take a look at Corey Smith and DeAngelo Smith with individual workouts.  Here's how it looked along with some thoughts from two when they were done.

The representative from the Bears was kind enough to answer a few questions.  Nothing could be said about specific players but plenty was said about the tremendous progress UC's program has taken and how workouts like this will become a common site.

Just a reminder that spring practice kicks off Tuesday morning and Bearcat Sports Page will be there with the best coverage.

Championship Swimming Starts Thursday

At the Big East Met last month UC's Josh Schneier was named the conferences most outstanding men's swimmer.    The junior from Taylor High School won three individual events at the conference meet, the 100 meter freestyle, the 50 meter freestyle and the 100 meter butterfly.   This weekend Schneider will be representing UC in those three events at the NCAA championship meet in College Station, Texas.   

According to collegeswimming.com Schneider has one of the top 10 times in the country for the 50 meter free style:

#6.  Josh Schneider    Cincinnati    19.17

Click here to see how Schneider's best times in the other events he will be competing in:  CLICK HERE.

Check back here for updates on how UC's top swimmer does in college swimming's top event.

Last summer Schneider finished 16th in the Olympic Trials for the 50 meter freestyle.

A Proud Father

Pro day on campus Thursday was looked at by a few of the seniors as the last time they would be on the turf at Nippert with something on the line.  With that being the case, Tom Barwin was not about to miss his last opportunity to see his son compete one last time at his favorite stadium.  Connors family has criss crossed the country watching his son play football and basketball for UC so it was no surprise Dad was there Thursday.   We caught up with Mr. Barwin and got his thoughts on his sons future past, present, and future.

Connor has been a favorite of ours as an interview subject as well as the rest of the local media during his career in Clifton,  and after spending some time with his father is easy to see why.  This apple didn't fall far from the tree at all.  

Track Kicks Off Spring Season

Spring arrived on Friday, and track season arrived a day later at UC.  Saturday afternoon the Bearcats hosted several area teams in their annual Early Bird Relay.  Bearcat Sports Page.com was on hand for the event and bring you a "sights and sounds" recap of some of the days events.  Click the play arrow and enjoy a beautiful day of competition at UC's Gettler Stadium.

For the final results of today's meet please visit Go Bearcats.com : Click Here.

There will only be two more home meets at UC:

March 28 and April 4

Do your self a favor and stop by and experience a great track and field atmosphere!

PRO DAY: Inside activities

Thursday morning at 10:00 the NFL scouts and coaches gathered in the weight room at UC to begin their day of evaluating 15 NFL prospects.  Here is a look at some of the events that took place inside before they moved outside for the speed and agility drills in Nippert Stadium.

Later today we hope to have a similar look at the outdoor activities, plus hearing more from the players.

PRO DAY: Todays Vital Stats and Closing Thoughts

For all of the times and other vital numbers from today's pro day at UC please click here and go to the official UC site.  We want to thank several people for their help in our coverage today. First and fore most, Coach Paul Longo.   The weight room is his domain and we were invited in to cover this awesome event.   Connor Barwin summed it up best, he said when he arrived at UC he was no where close to running a 40 yard dash in 4.66 time.  He gives credit to the strength staff, for the past two years that has been Coach Longo.  We would also like to thank the players for taking time to talk to us on this "highly stressful" day.    The work ethic and team work are two of the things we left with today.  These guys have worked hard to get to this point and not once today did any athlete perform a drill without team mates cheering them on.  This was a great day to be a Bearcat!   We will have much more video and interviews from today's event tomorrow, and in days to come.

PRO DAY: Rex Ryan Remembers UC Fondly

Among the NFL scouts, a couple of head coaches made the trip to UC for pro day.  One of them was New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan. This was his first trip back to Clifton in over 11 years.

Rex was the defensive coordinator for Rick Minter for two seasons.

As a new head coach he's looking at the years draft seriously. He liked what he saw at 

UC on Thursday.

Ryan is one of three former UC assistant coaches that have elevated to a head coaching position in the NFL.  The other two are Pittsburghs Mike Tomlin and Baltomores John Harbaugh.

PRO DAY: Hawkins Remembers His Pro Day

Along with the NFL scouts and head coaches a few other familiar faces were seen at Nippert Stadium on pro day.  One of those was former Bearcat, and 8 year NFL veteran, Artrell Hawkins.  Artrell is working with the UC defensive backs as they prepare for the next level.  The former Bearcat defensive back remembers his pro day from 1998, the last big pro day this program has seen.

We will have more from our interview with Artrell later this week.  In 1998 Artrell was taken in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals.

PRO DAY: Busy Day For Connor

Since the scouting combine Connor Barwins stock has been climbing.   At the combine he finished first in most of the categories the defensive linemen were tested in.  Thursday he participated in most of the drills and worked out with 4 different player groups.   Seems like a crazy day?  Connor expected it....he also expected to work out for the 4 different groups.

On the bench press he got 23 preps, and he had a 40 yard dash time of 4.66.   Several scouts were there specifically to watch Connor.  One coach that spent a tremendous amount of time with him was Giants tight end coach Mike Pope, a highly respected coach that apparently does not make many trips to see college kids work out.  

We will have more on Connors day later, including interviews with his agent and his father.

Mickens Works Out at Pro Day

Thursday was a big day for many of the senior football players.  If they plan on playing in the NFL this was the day to catch the eye of several NFL scouts.  Pro day at UC attracted over 28 different NFL teams and one of the bigger stories of the day was Mike Mickens.  A knee injury at the end of the season sent him home from the Senior Bowl early and then kept him from working out at the scouting combine.  He finally started running a few weeks ago and participated in every event Thursday afternoon.

Several scout commented that Mike looked good.

Big Day For Mickens

Pro day for at least one Bearcat will be a very important day.  Mike Mickens started his senior year with plenty of pre-season recognition, but ended it on crutches.  An knee injury at the end of the year sent him home early from the Senior Bowl and kept him for working out at the NFL combine.  Mike told us at the combine he was feeling good but was going to let the knee rest until Pro Day instead of working out at the combine.   Speculation among the media in Indianapolis was the Mickens stock was dropping because he didn't work out.  That stock could be on the rise with a good performance Thursday.

NFL Show Time: Thursday

At last count there were at least 28 different NFL teams staying at hotels in the Clifton area getting ready for Pro Day Thursday morning.  Along with the six players that were invited to the NFL combine, at least ten more players will be hoping to catch the eye of NFL scouts during hte work outs.  This event is only for UC seniors and is closed to the public.  Bearcat Sports page.com will have complete coverage of the event, including interviews and video of the tryouts.

This will be the biggest Pro Day UC has ever hosted.

Marathon or Sprint

In racing there is a big difference between a sprint and a marathon.  Fans are deservedly upset that UC did not make the tournament this year....either one.  However, the team did improve some this year and did finish better than expected.  The pre season Big East coaches poll had UC picked 11th, they finished 9th.  That's up two spots.  From top to bottom the poll was close to being right, except that Notre Dame and Georgetown finished below UC and not above them.  The difference between 9th and 11th.  One could say that UC would have finished in 11th had those two teams not "under achieved" and fallen apart.  True, they did have worse than expected seasons but remember that UC helped in that by beating Georgetown twice and Notre Dame once.  Turn that around and UC is 11th and both of them finish 9-9.    In a marathon you don't pass up the entire field at once you have to work your way up picking them of one at at time.  Put two more in the rear view mirror during next season and all of a sudden you are 7th or 6th and in the NCAA tournament.    A slow raise last much longer than being a "one hit wonder" that has one great season, and that's it.  Just a thought.

It's All or Nothing.

With basketball season over it's time to turn our sites toward football.  That's right football already.  In a couple of weeks spring practice begins...but in just a few days the football future of some former Bearcats could take a turn toward the NFL.  Thursday afternoon is Pro Day at UC and as Jordan Staugler reports there are a few more guys than the ones that went to the combine that have think they have what it takes to play on Sundays

Bearcat Sports page.com will have complete coverage of Pro Day and any news leading up to it.

Barwin #28

Sports Illiustrated ranked their top 50 college prospects after the NFL scouting combine last month.  Connor Barwin comes in at #28 on their list.   He is the only Bearcat in the top 50.

Here is the article: Click here.

Proving Their Worth...One Win At A Time

UC's Lacrosse team has started out their season this year with more win's than all of last year. They are now currently 4:2 with recent games. The team has added many eager new freshman that are excited about joining the team. With the combination of the seasoned players and the positivity from the freshman, this team seem's to be a force to be reckoned with. Here's a look at what the team's been doing this year. Next Game is on March 15, 2009 12:00pm vs. Vanderbuilt, in Cincinnati followed by March 25, 2009 @1:00pm vs. Fresno State in Cincinnati also.

Chip Off The Old Bull

A new face in the Bearcats clubhouse this year has a familiar name, Lance Durham.  The son of former major leaguer, and Cincinnati native, Leon "Bull" Durham.  Leon was best known for his years in a Chicago Cubs uniform, but he did play for his home town Reds at the end of his career.  Lance was raised in Cincinnati and attended Roger Bacon High School.  After high school he went to Kaskaskia College before transferring to UC this year.  So far this year Lance has played a big roll in helping the Bearcats score runs.

Pitching + Hitting+ More Hitting=Wins

After starting off the season with three straight losses the Bearcat baseball team has won 5 out of 7 at home, and as Sarah Knigga reports it's no surprise to the team that they started winning when they got home and started swinging the bat.

Western Michigan series this weekend at Marge Schott Stadium.

Friday:  4:00

Saturday Game #1:  1:00     Game # 2:  Following game 1

Sunday:  1:00

Batter Up!

Tuesday afternoon the Bearcat baseball team continued their winning ways as the defeated the Dayton Flyers 10-6.  For  the box score and a play by play list:  Click here.

Wednesday the Cats host Xavier at Marge Schott Stadium.  First pitch-4:00

Year #2, Lookin' Good

Last year UC added a new sport to the athletic department, women's lacrosse.  Year number one was a year of first's.  First goal, first win, and so on.  That was last year.  In 2009 there is only one first this team is aiming for, its first wining season....and with a 4-1 start that may be achieved. Head Coach Lellie Swords sees a change in the teams attitude this year.

Wednesday afternoon the Cats travel up I-71 to take on Ohio State.  Bearcat Sports page.com will be taking a look at this years team with a story to be posted later this week.

Which Tournament Will it be?

Last week the UC women's team became only the second #16 seed to ever win a post season tournament game with their win over Marquette.   That's includes all men's and women's post season tournaments.   Tuesday afternoon that feat was duplicated by DePaul as they came into their game against the Bearcats as the #16 and won.  It's great when you beat the 16 seed, it's bad when you loose to the 16 seed.  Now it's time to wait for the selection process.  Did the last week knock UC out of the NIT too?  Three straight losses to three teams they were favored to beat. Could it be a repeat of the College Basketball Invitational for UC?  What about the newest post season tournament added this year, the College Insider.com tournament?  Sunday should be quite a day.

Last Chance to Dance Starts Today

Bearcats take 3 of 4 games against Bradley

The baseball team wrapped up a four game set with a 10-5 victory over the Bradley Braves today at Marge Schott Stadium. Senior Mike Spina had two home runs and six RBIs in the win.

Bradley jumped out to an early lead scoring two runs on three hits in the top of the second, but a two-out grand slam to right field by Spina helped give the Bearcats a 5-2 lead. In the third inning, Sophomore Chris Peters hit his first home run of the season, increasing the lead to five. In the bottom of the eighth, the score was 8-5 in favor of UC when Spina hit his second home run of the day, increasing the lead 10-5. Senior pitcher Jake Geglein retired the side in the ninth inning for the win.

Yesterday the Bearcats split a doubleheader. In the first game, they defeated the Braves 16-2. Junior Kevin Johnson gave up only three hits in six innings. Four UC players had two or more hits; led by junior Jamel Scott's three.

In the second game, errors hurt the Bearcats as they dropped a 4-8 decision.

For complete information : Click here

UC returns to Marge Schott Stadium Tuesday and Wednesday to take on the Dayton Flyers adn the Xavier Musketeers. Both games are set to start at 4. 

Baseball Saturday

During the basketball game it was announced that a basketball ticket stub would get you into the UC baseball game free.  The Cats were taking on Bradley.  Luckily when most fans made their  way over they were greeted with some runs for the home team.    Here is a taste of the offensive display,  a three run home run by  junior catcher Jimmy Jacquot.  This was part of a 16-2 Bearcat win.

What great day for baseball.  UC ended us with a split on Saturdays double header.  Sunday the Cats end their weekend series against Bradley with a 1:00 game.

Connor Barwin On Senior Day

One of the highlights of senior day was the return of Connor Barwin to Fifth Third Arena. Connor was recognized for his two years as a basketball player, one under Coach Cronin during his first year at UC.   We caught up with Connor and asked him about this special day.

After four years of football and two years of basketball, what was tougher.....going up against Ohio State's Greg Oden on the basketball court or the Oklahoma offensive line on the football field?

We want to thank Connor for taking time to talk to us today.  Connor has been overwhelmed with football questions so we tried to stay away from questions about the combine and mock drafts and give him his day.  Again it says something about this young man that he took the time to  be apart of this.  The fact that his parents also took the time to come in from Chicago to be apart of the day lets you know that the way he has handled him self through out this process is no accident.   Coach Mick Cronin deserves a tremendous amount of credit for recognizing that Connor was a part of the rebuilding process and asked him to be there on Saturday.

Senior Day Ceremony

For the most part it wasn't a great day at Fifth Third Arena.  Without ESPN 360 you didn't see the game...or the senior day ceremony.  Here is the what it looked and sounded like when the three seniors were announced.  First Connor Barwin, then Mike WIlliams, and finally Brandon Miller.

The game might not have been too good but the senior recognition certainly was.

$10 Tickets

Tickets for todays game are only $10!  Noon Tip Time

TV:  ESPN 360   Radio:  102.7 FM  WEBN

Just Keep Winning

What will happen to the UC basketball team next weekend when the committee members go behind closed doors?    The team knows they have no control over that, except to win as many games as possible between now and then....and that starts today.  The players say they are just concentrating on Seton Hall.  What about Coach Cronin?  Does he look at the scenarios and look at what could happen?

With a win today the Bearcats wrap up the #9 seed in the Big East Tournament and will play DePaul on Tuesday at noon.

Bearcats top Braves 11-10

A walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth gave the Bearcats an 11-10 victory over the Bradley Braves Friday at Marge Schott Stadium.

Cincinnati jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the first inning. Senior Mike Spina drove in the first run on a single to right field. Bradley cut the lead to three in the top of the second, but the Bearcats quickly increased their lead.  Three straight walks loaded the bases, which brought Spina to the plate. Sophomore Nick Rohlfs scored on a wild pitch before Spina blasted a three-run homer giving UC a 9-2 lead. Junior Lance Durham increased the lead to 10-2 when he hit his first home run of the Bearcat career.

Bradley battled back to tie the game at 10 in the ninth inning, but a single through the left side of the infield by Sophomore Chris Peters gave the Bearcats the win. 

The two meet again for a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 1pm at Marge Schott Stadium

For complete coverage: Click here

Spring Fever: Baseball Style

Here are some sights and sounds from UC's game Friday against the Bradley Braves.    The Bearcats won 11-10.

Saturday the Cats play a double header.  Game #1  1:00   Game #2: 4:30

Women Win Big East Opener

Early on in the season the women's basketball team was beating teams.  At one point in time the team was 13-4, then they fell on hard times and lost 12 in a row to end the season.  Confidence gained in December was missing in February.  One of those 12 losses was a 6 point loss to Marquette in Cincinnati.  Friday afternoon they saw the Golden Eagles again in the first round of the Big East Tournament and the loosing streak came to an end.  In overtime, the Bearcats defeated Marquette 60-54, and they live to play another day.  Next up, South Florida.  A team they defeated early in the year on the road in Tampa.   

Saturday:  #8 Seed USF   Tip Time:  2:00  

For full details on Fridays win:  Click Here. 

A Walk On, A Transfer, and A Football Guy

Saturday the basketball team bids farewell to a rather, different group of seniors.  One, a walk on that came in during the Andy Kennedy "year" and stayed through thick and thin paying his own way.   One, a McDonald's All American that left Texas only to get hurt and loose a year at UC.  One, a football player that stepped in when needed, but then stepped aside when the coach recruited some basketball players.  Today two of the seniors and the coach "reminisced".

First, Brandon Miller.  A Player who's importance to the program may not get the attention it deserves.

Mike Williams came to UC as ready to help as much as he was needed to help, then he tore his achilles tendon and lost another year.  At seasons end the proper paperwork will be filed with the NCAA to see if he can get a 6th year.  Remember Ben Mauck?  Mike will be recognized Saturday with hopes he will see it again next year.

Connor Barwin was not included in the press conference but he will be involved Saturday.  Like Brandon Miller, Coach Cronin said that Connor was more important to the survival of the program that most will ever realize.  He is also happy that his "football player" will be there Saturday, with his parents.

Tickets are on sale for the game Saturday for $10.

These seniors deserve a full house. Game time:  Noon.  TV  ESPN 360 

2009 Football Schedule

The 2009 Football schedule for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats has been announced and shows many great match ups. The Bearcats open the season with a Thursday night game on September 5, which is labor day, at Big East opponent Rutgers. After games against Southeast Missouri State, Oregon State, and Fresno State, UC heads to Miami (OH) to play the Red Hawks. Cincinnati then enters Big East Conference play with match ups against USF, Louisville, Connecticut, Syracuse, and a Friday night game against West Virginia televised by ESPN2. Following a couple of weeks off, UC is scheduled to face off with Big Ten's Illinois at Nippert Stadium. The Bearcats conclude their season with an away game at Pittsburgh on December 5th.

The 2009 season brings just 3 home games against conference opponents and while UC will have 4 away games against Big East teams. Due to the number of teams in the Big East, teams alternate years with having 3 home games and 4 away games against conference teams, and visa versa. Head Coach Brian Kelly is not looking forward to only having 3 home games against Big East teams. The Big East is getting tougher and playing teams on the road just makes it that much harder. None the less, the Bearcats look to build on a solid 2008 season.  

The Full Schedule is Below

- Times are TBD

2009 Football Schedule Announced

Cincinnati Baseball Team Hopes for Nice Weather Against Bradley

The University of Cincinnati baseball team starts it's four game home series against the 2-3 Bradley University Braves on Friday at 4 p.m. The teams will will play a double header on Saturday and finish the series with a 1 p.m. game on Sunday. Friday's game was originally scheduled to be UC's home opener, but due to cancellations of several games the Bearcats scheduled Miami (OH) on March 4 at the Marge Schott Stadium, then making it the home opener. Cincinnati lost to the Red Hawks 11-8. Cincinnati plans on having a spring like weekend and playing all four games, in hopes to improve it's 1-4 record. This series will mark the first meeting between the two teams since 1970. 

Spring Fever: Football Style

Temperatures have finally climbed out of the single digits and spring is on the way.  For most that means the beginning of baseball season, but for some it means the beginning of football season.   That's right, the beginning of football season.  Spring is when the coaches evaluate talent to give them an idea of what they are looking at when camp begins in August.  Now that you're all excited, here is a little video from last years spring practice.  Enjoy....it's just a few weeks away!

Bearcat Bowl  April 25.

The Basketball Barwin

Saturday afternoon Connor Barwin, the basketball player, will be recognized at Fifth Third Arena.  It's senior day and Mick Cronin wants to recognize his former player as a member of the basketball program.  Barwin was a member of the team the Coach Cronin inherited when he took the program over three years ago.   The other seniors are Brandon Miller and Mike Williams.

Is it too late?

After the highest of highs, it's been the lowest of lows.  Beat West Virginia, then loose to South Florida.  With a win Saturday against Seton Hall the Bearcats will lock up the 9th seed in the Big East Conference.  That will get them a first round game against DePaul next Tuesday at noon.  Win that one and they move on to play the #8 seed.  Right now West Virginia and Providence are tied with 10-7 records.  Thursday night Providence plays at Villanova then Saturday West Virginia hosts Louisville.  West Virginia own the tie breaker with a head to head win against the Friars.  That would give UC a possible third shot at Providence Wednesday at noon.   After that more than likely UCONN.  What would winning two in the tournament do?  Time will tell.

Opening Day Comes Early

With all of the snow and ice in the south and along the east coast, a canceled baseball games is some what minor.  That's what keeps happening to the UC baseball team.   A weekend full of games in North Carolina were just canceled and Tuesdays game at Ohio University was canceled as well.  Another change, in the ever changing schedule, has the Bearcats hosting the Miami Redhawks Wednesday at Marge Schott Stadium, first pitch at 4:00.  Temperatures in the high 40's and field turf should make this game playable.    Friday the Bearcats will host Bradley in a four game set that includes a double header on Saturday.

November 28: Illinois@ " The Nip"

The 2009 football season will be the beginnings of a two game agreement between the UC and Illinois.  The Bearcats will make the return to to Champagne in 2013 in early September.  Details:  Click here.

Bad Practice, Bad Game

Going into the game Sunday the Bearcats were over an 8 point underdog, so few expected a win.

What about a 24 point loss?  As the team approaches the end of it's season every game has the potential to make or break " the resume".  How will the game at Syracuse effect their ability to make the field of 64?  With an expected loss does it matter that the end result was worse than expected?  Only time will tell.  Beating South Florida is the next task at hand and a loss there could be worse than the one in Syracuse.   Coach Cronin said after the game that they delayed the charter flight out of Cincinnati Saturday because the teams practice was so bad.  Without a game the next day Cronin said he would have thrown them out and started fresh the next day.  The team is heading straight to Tampa for their game Tuesday so Bearcat Sports Page will have no interviews before the South Florida game.

The Log Jam

Here is what the Big East looks like in the middle of the pack:

Providence        9-7

UC                      8-7

Syracuse            8-7

West Virginia   8-7

Notre Dame     7-9

Georgetown    6-10

UCONN, Pitt, Louisville, Marquette, and Villanova are separated with 2,3 and 5 losses.

So with just three games left UC could still go 10-8 with a shot of 11-7.

Looking at Syracuse

Sunday is a big game for the Bearcats, a quality win on the road would do nothing but bolster their NCAA resume.  The players know it won't be easy, Alvin Mitchell says they will have to use a sneak attack.

Coach Mick Cronin knows that this game will be completely different than the one they played Thursday.   It will be a game of keep up, not keep away.

In the past two year UC has played well against Syracuse.  Two years ago a "talent deficient" Bearcats team almost upset The Orange in the Carrier Dome, last year they managed a split. UC  won on the home floor and came close an upset again in Syracuse.

One problem UC has going into the game is that the Carrier Dome is a difficult place to play, for many reasons.   When full it's very loud, and for shooting the background is different from what visiting teams are used to.

Syracuse tries to force teams into taking quick three pointers,  Deonta Vaughn hopes that UC can take advantage of that.

UC @ Syracuse  Sunday 2:00 Tip Time    Local TV:  Fox Sports  #43 Time Warner Cable  Radio: WEBN 102.7 FM    Reds game on WLW