The Cincinnati Bearcats entered Tuesday night's Big East matchup in South Florida needing to win the next three games and steal a victory from one of its last three opponents in order to have a realistic chance at making the NCAA Tournament. Instead, UC turned in an unimpressive, uninspired performance in Tampa falling to USF 65-57 and likely bursting their tourney bubble.
The Bearcats (15-10, 6-7 Big East) shot only 38% (19-49) from the field, 27% (3-11) from three-point range, and 61% (16-26) from the foul line.
South Florida (16-9, 6-7), on the other hand, had no problem overcoming Cincinnati's defense. The Bulls shot 48% from the field, 40% from three-point range and 73% from the line.
UC was lethargic and sloppy throughout the first half, but still trailed by only one at halftime. After the break, the Bulls simply came out more prepared to play and win than the Bearcats did. UC let the game get out of hand early in the second half when USF scored nine straight points to take a 33-23 lead with 15:52 remaining. The 'Cats had five turnovers in the first four minutes of the second frame.
The Bearcats appeared to completely give up half way through the second half, allowing USF to go on a 23-6 run that put the Bulls up 47-29 with 9 minutes to go. Though Vaughn and Wright (both with 14 points) made a few shots in the final minutes, it was too little, too late.
At times during what was a crucial game for the Bearcats, the players appeared to simply be standing around, looking for open jump shots without even trying to take advantage of their size and rebounding ability. Stan Heath's Bulls, however, seemed to realize the importance of the contest. They played physical basketball at each end of the court and simply out-hustled UC.
Cincinnati now looks closer to repeating the horrific meltdowns of the past two seasons than making the NCAA Tournament. As detailed here, last year, the Bearcats lost six of their last seven games, including a crushing defeat to DePaul in the opening round of the Big East Tournament, and were left out of the postseason altogether despite being 17-8 with 6 games to go. In 2007-08, the Bearcats lost their last seven games. And in 2006-07, they lost 11 of their last 12.
All the Bearcats can do now is hope to pull off two major upsets in their final three games (at WVU, 'Nova, at Georgetown) or win deep into a Big East Tournament (where they have yet to win a game since admittance into the league) if they hope to play in the postseason.
If they are as unprepared for opponents as they were tonight, however, they'll be lucky to win another game.
_______________________________________________________
Follow Joshua on Twitter to stay up to date and subscribe at the top of the page for updates.
Comments
beat U Conn at there place about 60 hrs.ago
where does this have to win to of the last 3 or make a deep run in the tournament come from? Does anyone look at results of bubble teams. If UC beats Marquette, Depaul and one of the final 3 they will get in as long as they aren't upset in the first round of the Big East Tournament. That's a tall order but nothing like the crazy stuff I've been reading. Just look at the results people and quit throwing out stupid theories.
lol two not to
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!