When the brackets were announced on Sunday, I was happy and slightly surprised that UC got a 6 seed. I think they deserve a 6, but thought the committee would give them a 7. What I am not happy with is their matchup.
Missouri is no 11 seed. Their RPI isn't far behind the Bearcats and they went 0.500 in a major conference. They are more like an 8 or 9 in my opinion. The other 6 seeds are St. Johns, Georgetown, & Xavier, and they are matched up against Gonzaga, the USC/VCU play-in winner, & Marquette, repectively. One could argue that Xavier's draw is as tought as UC's, but I think Cincinnati's is just a little tougher, while Georgetown got the easiest of the bunch.
If the Bearcats can get past the Tigers, UConn potentially awaits. UConn beat UC this season at Fifth Third Arena and are red-hot and full of confidence coming off their Big East Tournament Championship. Hopefully they will be out of gas as well.
It's a tough draw to be sure, but one that UC can win if they come out with intensity and play smart basketball. In their first trip back to the dance since 2005, it sure would be nice to play two (or more).
Showing posts with label Big East Tournament. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Big East Tournament. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Time to move on
After their crushing defeat versus Notre Dame on Thursday, its time for UC to forget it and move on. Notre Dame played a perfect game where all their shots were falling, while the Bearcats were not. In the first half Notre Dame shot the lights out from 3-point range to loosen up the UC defense. In the second half they used screens and back door cuts executed to perfection to get easy layups. The way Notre Dame played I thought they were a lock to win the Big East tournament and get a #1 seed in March Madness. But against Louisville their shooting came back to earth and they played just an average game and lost.
For the Bearcats there are two ways they could respond to this loss: They could question their play and their defense and come out flat and tentative in their next game, or they could re-focus and play determined to show everyone that they are a good team that plays great defense. I think the latter will occur. They need to move forward and put the ND game in their rearview mirrow, and just look forward to finding out their seed and matchup on Selection Sunday tonight, and start preparing for their opponent. It's been a fun season and its not over yet!
For the Bearcats there are two ways they could respond to this loss: They could question their play and their defense and come out flat and tentative in their next game, or they could re-focus and play determined to show everyone that they are a good team that plays great defense. I think the latter will occur. They need to move forward and put the ND game in their rearview mirrow, and just look forward to finding out their seed and matchup on Selection Sunday tonight, and start preparing for their opponent. It's been a fun season and its not over yet!
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