This Team Needs "Barwin-Attude"!!!!

After watching the game Wednesday night against Providence this team needs a spark. They need a guy that comes in and scraps and fights. They need a guy that won't back down and is willing to fight for every ball. They need Connor Barwin. Okay it ain't gonna happen....but what if. Last years seniors weren't the best players in America but they were hard fighting and tough. John Williamson, Marcus Sikes, Jamual Warren....where are they now? Where is that "Bearcat Attitude". Remember when Brad Jackson came in from the football team to help and just tackled the first guy he saw in his first game? That's what this team needs. Apparently they have the talent...they just need that swagger that this program has always had. Even when they lacked talent the other team knew they were in for a fight.

Women On A Roll

The UC women's basketball team takes their show on the road Wednesday night to West Virginia in search of their second conference win in as many tries. Last weekend the Cats knocked off Villanova for their 10th win of the year.  This will only be the 4th road game for Coach Halls squad, with a win at Dayton and losses at Kentucky and Michigan.

Game time is 8:00 and you can follow all of the action by visiting Go Bearcats.com where you can listen to the game live or use game tracker.  Just click here.

Bearcat Sports Page.com will have a follow up with the team when they get back to campus later this week.

Providence Preview

The Bearcats view Wednesdays game against Providence as a way to bounce back from two tough road games and get a much needed win in conference play. Like all games in the Big East, it won't be easy. Providence comes in with an identical 10-4 record but, their 10 wins include two conference wins. The Friars are riding a three game winning streak with a 21 point win over St John's and an 8 point win over Depaul. Both games were at home where the Friars have been very comfortable, as opposed to being on the road. They have played on the road only 4 times and show a 1-3 record. It won't be easy but it's definitely a winnable game, if the Cats play hard....and smart.

Game time is at 7:00.

A New 6'11 Bearcat

Tuesday afternoon before practice an unfamiliar "tall" young man was taking jump shots in Bearcat practice gear. Turns out it was UC's newest student and Mick Cronins newest Bearcat, Ibrahima Thomas is transferring in from Oklahoma State. Last year as a freshman Thomas started 27 games for the Cowboys. At the end of the year he scored 19 points against Texas in the Big 12 Conference quarter finals. He enrolled in classes today and will be eligible to play at the beginning of Winter Quarter next year.

Wasn't there another African native that was supposed to be in Clifton by now? Maybe that's who Coach Cronin "can't talk about".

Team Meeting Called By Players

Tuesday afternoon the basketball team was back at practice inside Fifth Third Arena. Not only are they getting ready for Providence coming to town Wednesday night, they're also trying to get over the last two road losses against Memphis and Marquette. So what is the teams mind set this week?

As Deonta said a "players only" team meeting was called. What was said? Was it worth while?

The meeting was called by the team leaders, both of them. With such a young team Deonta Vaughn and Mike Williams are the "veteran leaders". Having so much inexperience and so few leaders makes this a learning experience for every one.

Wednesday night will be a huge test for this team. How will they respond after two bad road losses? Are they young enough to shake it off and move on with a victory? The leadership taken by Vaughn and Williams was a "must" if this team is to get through this. The attitude is that of resilience not dispare. This team is focused on bouncing back, not giving up. A nice supportive crowd Wednesday would certainly help the cause.

Barwin, Underwood Added to East Squad

Two more Bearcats were added to the roster for the East West Shrine Bowl.  This is one of the oldest and most respected post season bowls.   The rosters are made up of outstanding senior talent from all over the country.  Trevor Canfield was named to the East roster earlier, and his team mates Connor Barwin and Brandon Underwood were added this week.   Proceeds from the game go the the Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Being selected for this All Star Bowl has been an honor for many years. For other roster additions this please click here.  The game is on January 17 and will air on ESPN2 at 4:00.   

NFL Playoff Bearcats

A number of Bearcat Alumni are still playing in the NFL Playoffs.  Here's a look at what they did this past weekend in the Wild Card Games:

Brent Celek - Eagles: 6 catches 56 Yards

Trent Cole - Eagles - 7 tackles 6 assist tackles

Haruki Nakamura - Ravens:  1/2 a sack

Tyjaun Hagler -Colts -  6 tackles 1 assist tackles

Here is a list of those Bearcats still alive and playing again this week.

Eagles: Brent Celek TE

Eagles: Trent Cole DE

Steelers: Andre Frazier LB

Steelers: Mike Tomlin Head Coach

Steelers: Amos Jones Special Teams Coach

Ravens: Haruki Nakamura  S

Ravens: John Harbaugh  Head Coach

Ravens: Rex Ryan  Defensive Coord.

With no "home town team" in the playoffs again, this gives us some rooting interest in supporting former Bearcats!