#1 Comes To Town

Saturday night the best women's college basketball team in America will be playing at Fifth Third Arena against the UC Bearcats. The UCONN Huskies are undefeated and ranked #1 in every poll. Bearcat Sports Page.com stopped by practice Thursday to talk to Coach Hall and the players about their up coming contest. We got there for the end of practice and got to hear Coach Hall and his staff address the team. The message was clear, stay positive and use this game to get better for the rest of the year. The seasons goals are a much bigger picture than just one game.

By no means is Coach Hall telling his team they have no chance against UCONN. Anything can happen, but reality can't be ignored. Last week the Huskies beat Syracuse 103-73 then in their most recent game they traveled to Chapel Hill to take on the #2 ranked Tar Heels, they beat UNC by 30, 88-58. We asked Coach Hall how good is this UCONN team?

Barwin Talks Senior Bowl, NFL

Last Friday Bearcat Sports Page.com caught up with Connor Barwin before his work out in the UC weight room. Here is the interview in it's entirety. We talked about the Senior Bowl and looking toward the NFL.

So far from what we have heard Connor has impressed and confused the NFL scout watching him. Why confused? Everybody wants him, they just aren't sure what side of the ball to play him on.

Like most players in this position Conner is not taking classes this quarter so he can concentrate on preparing for the NFL, We will continue to follow him on this journey. He is staying in Cincinnati to train and when we asked him if we continue to talk to him before the draft,"sure anytime, you know I'm always willing".

"A"For Effort

Saturday afternoon the Bearcats went up against one of the best teams in the country and held their own in a loosing effort, 72-81.  Unlike previous games against top 25 competition, this time they were "competitive". Freshman forward Yancy Gates did a great job against future NBA lottery pick Hasheem Thabeet.    Earlier this week Coach Mick Cronin pointed out that this "Final Four Caliber" UCONN team struggled just two seasons ago going 6-10 in the Big East and 17-14 overall.  This is the same team, the only difference is that the 8 freshmen and 5 sophomores are now Seniors and Juniors.

If the cats can duplicate this effort again, Big East wins should be on the way.

Up next:  Home game against Rutgers Wednesday Jan 14 7:30.  

Tall Task: UCONN

Saturday afternoon the Bearcats take on one of the best teams in the country when UCONN pays a visit to Fifth Third Arena, and that means going up against one of the best big men in the country. Hasheem Thabeet and his 7'3 frame will be clogging the lane at both ends of the court.

Along with a great team comes a great coach. Mick Cronin has the utmost in respect for this Hall of Fame counter part.

14 And Counting!

The women's volleyball team took their show on the road this weekend and didn't loose a set. Friday they went into West Virginia and pulled off a three game sweep over the Mountaineers, then on Sunday did the same thing to the Pitt Panthers a few miles up the road.

With only one game remaining here is where the Bearcats sit in the Big East:

1. St John's 11-1

2. CINCINNATI 11-2

3. Louisville 10-3

4. Connecticut 9-3

UC has the best overall record at 24-5. Sunday they host Rutgers at 2:00

The the Big East Tournament is November 21-23 in Pittsburgh.