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 

Oh So Close to 3 an O

In the night cap of the basketball double header Saturday at Fifth Third Arena the women's team was trying to get their third conference win. Syracuse came in with with a good team (12-3) and confidence after knocking of Rutgers earlier it the week. The Bearcats jumped out to a 21-6 lead early on but Syracuse is a good team and they battled back. In the final minute of the game with the score tied at 70 UC had the ball and Kahla Roudenbush drove the basket and her shot was blocked from behind. Replays would show that she was clearly fouled on the play. Later with 7 seconds on the clock and The Orange up 71-10 Syracuse missed their second free throw and UC had the final shot, it just didn't fall. Courtesy of out friends at Fox Sports Network, here is are the final plays. First you will see the play where Kahla drove and did not get the foul called. Then we jump ahead to the final shot after the missed free throw with Syracuse up 71-70

This was a heartbreaking loss for Head Coach J Kelley Hall and his team. The consolation that they lost to a good team probably won't sit well considering they were up by as many as 15 early on. The Cats have a week off until they host Seton Hall next Saturday night at Fifth Third Arena, Game time 7:00.

Tremendous Turn Around

Wednesday night the women's basketball team went on the road and picked up their second conference win at West Virginia and improved their overall record to 12-3. Along with the impressive win in Morgantown, the Bearcats have also beaten a top 25 team in Xavier. Is this team surprised at their early success and quick start?

Just like on the men's side it doesn't get any easier. Saturday evening the Bearcats welcome in an equally "hot" Syracuse team. While the Cats were beating West Virginia the Orange were knocking of a top 25 team in Rutgers. This will certainly be a test for this young and developing team.

This time last year the Bearcats had just won their first Big East game of the season by upsetting Georgetown and handing Coach J. Kelly Hall his 300th career win. From that point the Cats would only win one more conference game in what would be a long season. Injured players, new coach, young players....what a difference a year makes.

Saturdays game against Syracuse is part of a double header with the men's team. The women's game starts at 7:30 and is free for anyone that went to the men's game against UCONN earlier in the afternoon. For those unable to make it to Fifth Third Arena the game will be carried on Fox Sports Network (FSN Ch #43 on Time Warner Cable). Game time is 7:30.

Finish is the Word!

Saturday afternoon the Bearcats line up against a Syracuse team that stand between them and a BCS bowl game and a Big East Title. Starting Tuesday head coach Brian Kelly preached the word "finish", and that's what the players plan on doing.

Tickets still remain for the big game. Please visit www.gobearcats.com for ticket info.

Orange Men, not Bowl!

Tuesday Bearcat Sports Page was at practice and the focus was on Orange Men, not Orange Bowls. Coach Kelly gathers the team before practice and the tone of his pre-practice speech was about "finishing". After practice we spoke with some players on a number of topics, the color orange, students rushing the field last Saturday, and the seniors last stand.

Check back at Bearcat Sports Page throughout the week for more video interviews with the players about the big game with Syracuse and what they do on Thanksgiving. One reminder: show up on Saturday, the team wants to keep the home field advantage of a full stadium!

Produce Sale, Magic Acts and Seniors

Staying focused is what the UC football team is all about this week. That was evident in the press conference today on campus with head Coach Brian Kelly. Staying away from the hoopla surrounding the team, it's just another "big game". Senior defensive end Lamonte Nelms joined coach Kelly. Lamonte answered several questions about being a senior and what this means to him. Coach Kelly hit on a number of topics, including daughters magic show.
Here are some of the highlights:
The Pitt game was just another step, oranges are just produce:


Saturday was playing for the city, not just the school.


Is it tough playing so many "historic big games" in a row?


Up next, another big game. Syracuse is a good team.


19 seniors will step on the field for their last game Saturday.

What if Pitt wins Friday and you don't have to win Saturday?

As we do each week we would like to thank Coach Kelly, Lamonte Nelms and the UC athletic administration for taking time out of their day to meet with us today. We will have more players comments today after practice and a special message for students about getting to the game Saturday. you need to be there to help this team again this weekend!!!!!!