Rutgers Predictions

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UCalum08 said:
Meaning like if he is still able to maintain focus and play well. That is a huge step in any guys life, don't twist my words and wrongfully analyze it. I think it might make him play better, I bet that was heavy on his mind for awhile. imo.
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I'll take any kind of improvement from the players I can get. The cats need a kick in the ass.
 
UCalum08 said:
I am sure Ralphy will ridicule me for this but I think we will drop this game in heart break fashion, 58-55. I honestly can't believe I am thinking this but my reasons are:

I think this team has seriously lost their confidence. Playing at that high school sized gym has and is always tough. Our offense is bad right now, the word it out on how to stop us and Rutgers coach is pretty smart. He will have his defense ready to muddy up the game. Rutgers has a few solid players, I watched the Pitt game Carter and Mack are solid. Mack is shooting 48% from 3's and both players are 90% ft shooters. This is a tough game to "turn" things around and for some reason I can see it being another tough L.
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So if you predicted a loss does this mean if they lose you won't freak out like it's the biggest upset in the history of college sports yet again??

Just messing with you. I love the passion! I'd just pass along that not every win/loss is season defining. It's a long road. Enjoy it for what it's worth.

Actually, I agree with you. I think the roller coaster ride is still on it's way down. I hate playing at the RAC even when we are hot. Rice really gets his team motivated as a home dog. I see us getting off to a hot start, blowing a lead, and losing a close one. I'd love to be wrong though. I really think the team from Vegas is going to have to show up to win this one. That's the last time I was overly impressed with their play. I still think this team is going to be a tough out come March, but right now it's tough sledding.
 
Bearcat04 said:
So if you predicted a loss does this mean if they lose you won't freak out like it's the biggest upset in the history of college sports yet again??

Just messing with you. I love the passion! I'd just pass along that not every win/loss is season defining. It's a long road. Enjoy it for what it's worth.

Actually, I agree with you. I think the roller coaster ride is still on it's way down. I hate playing at the RAC even when we are hot. Rice really gets his team motivated as a home dog. I see us getting off to a hot start, blowing a lead, and losing a close one. I'd love to be wrong though. I really think the team from Vegas is going to have to show up to win this one. That's the last time I was overly impressed with their play. I still think this team is going to be a tough out come March, but right now it's tough sledding.
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Haha every loss just sucks a fat one especially the ways that we have had them this year and BC they have been so close and at home. But I agree about every win or lose isn't defining for sure. These first 8 conference games I was looking forward/ hoping we play well because from February to March I think it gets twice as hard. I'm always strapped in for the ride though, better or for worse!
 
In 2010-2011 the Bearcats started BEast play 3-5. People on here were calling for Mick's job. From Feb. 16th-March 9th UC won 6-7 Beating 3 ranked teams. They lost in the second round of the NCAA to eventual national champ UConn.

Last season UC lost 4-6 from Jan. 21-Feb. 11th capped by a blowout @ Marquette. People on here were talking collapse and saying it was the NIT. UC went on to win 7-8 and avenge the Marquette loss, and beat 2 ranked teams. They went on to the BEast Chamionship game and the Sweet 16.

New offense, completely new bench, and a shooting slump, there were going to be growing pains. It'll all work out. This team has talent and defense and rebounding will keep them close in almost every game. I think we are going to be fine and better as the players adjust and the coaches continue tinkering.
 
Just found this seems Paul Dehner agrees with me, or me with him, whatever...


Clearly, they aren't there yet --- Grant's NBA audition tape made sure of that. But as the critics begin to swirl like vultures, the Bearcats do find themselves in a familiar role seen on a seemingly annual basis around Fifth Third Arena.

"We are used to being in this spot," Cronin said. 'I'm used to people second-guessing me as the coach of Cincinnati and I'm used to people bagging it on our team, national people thinking we are not any good. So, we are right back to where we are comfortable."

This is the same group most left for dead after a three-game losing streak last January. Two years ago, the season obits were written on Feb. 13 after a loss to St. John's supposedly stole any NCAA tournament hope.

http://www.gobearcats.com/blog/2013/01/result-against-notre-dame-extends-beyond-scoreboard.html
 
bearcat jeff said:
In 2010-2011 the Bearcats started BEast play 3-5. People on here were calling for Mick's job. From Feb. 16th-March 9th UC won 6-7 Beating 3 ranked teams. They lost in the second round of the NCAA to eventual national champ UConn.

Last season UC lost 4-6 from Jan. 21-Feb. 11th capped by a blowout @ Marquette. People on here were talking collapse and saying it was the NIT. UC went on to win 7-8 and avenge the Marquette loss, and beat 2 ranked teams. They went on to the BEast Chamionship game and the Sweet 16.

New offense, completely new bench, and a shooting slump, there were going to be growing pains. It'll all work out. This team has talent and defense and rebounding will keep them close in almost every game. I think we are going to be fine and better as the players adjust and the coaches continue tinkering.
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I do agree with you, there is plenty of time to turn it around and I am confident they will. I just don't like using the example of last years team and what they did. To be fair, its completely different circumstances and I don't think its a fair assessment to say just because Mick has done it the past two years he will do it again. I think they are good enough to turn it around and the coaches are smart enough to turn it around. Its hard not to think if you walk that line year after year, its going to burn you eventually. Just a thought.
 
If this team did slip to a lower seed in the tourney, it would be a nightmare matchup for anyone.
 
UCalum08 said:
I do agree with you, there is plenty of time to turn it around and I am confident they will. I just don't like using the example of last years team and what they did. To be fair, its completely different circumstances and I don't think its a fair assessment to say just because Mick has done it the past two years he will do it again. I think they are good enough to turn it around and the coaches are smart enough to turn it around. Its hard not to think if you walk that line year after year, its going to burn you eventually. Just a thought.
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First of all, my point wasn't that because they have done it in the past they will do it again. It was more to say Mick has demonstrated since hired, that he is very good at managing tough situations and having the team coming out on the other side better. We can debate his strengths and weaknesses but I doubt many would say he is not a good manager. That's where my confidence comes from. I believe even with shortcomings, the team will improve and because of the constants of rebounding and defense win many games.

Secondly, all but a few elite teams face "crisis" moments during the season. It is common in a 30 game schedule where the balance of talent in college basketball is spread so evenly. If you're struggling, and another team is playing well you're going to lose the close games.

The one caveat to this imo, and that is that UC has to find a way to score close to the basket. One way they could do this is with mid-range shooting. How often does this team shoot a 10-15 foot shot? This is where I think Thomas and Sanders could help.

Thomas could really add to this team if he can get comfortable. He is a sneaky rebounder and can get to the basket. Sanders needs to look for his shots and I thought he took a step with that against ND.
 
bearcat jeff said:
First of all, my point wasn't that because they have done it in the past they will do it again. It was more to say Mick has demonstrated since hired, that he is very good at managing tough situations and having the team coming out on the other side better. We can debate his strengths and weaknesses but I doubt many would say he is not a good manager. That's where my confidence comes from. I believe even with shortcomings, the team will improve and because of the constants of rebounding and defense win many games.

Secondly, all but a few elite teams face "crisis" moments during the season. It is common in a 30 game schedule where the balance of talent in college basketball is spread so evenly. If you're struggling, and another team is playing well you're going to lose the close games.

The one caveat to this imo, and that is that UC has to find a way to score close to the basket. One way they could do this is with mid-range shooting. How often does this team shoot a 10-15 foot shot? This is where I think Thomas and Sanders could help.

Thomas could really add to this team if he can get comfortable. He is a sneaky rebounder and can get to the basket. Sanders needs to look for his shots and I thought he took a step with that against ND.
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Agreed, well said.
 
it will come down to how we start the game. if we start well and can just take the crowd and Rutgers out of it, we will win. if we score less than 30 in the first half again, the game could be a flashback of st. johns and notre dame. I would say this is a must win.

uc 69
rutgers 58
 
This photo is making a splash. Seton Hall's swim team trying to distract the Tards. We have to go there this year right?! lol Ralph, contain yourself. :D Hopefully Rutgers doesn't try to copy.


AP833269774075.jpg
 
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bearcat4life said:
it will come down to how we start the game. if we start well and can just take the crowd and Rutgers out of it, we will win. if we score less than 30 in the first half again, the game could be a flashback of st. johns and notre dame. I would say this is a must win.

uc 69
rutgers 58
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I can't go as far as must-win considering Rutgers actually has a higher RPI than we do and they are notorious for knocking off ranked teams at home. DePaul, on the other hand, is absolutely a must-win.
 
bearcat4life said:
it will come down to how we start the game. if we start well and can just take the crowd and Rutgers out of it, we will win. if we score less than 30 in the first half again, the game could be a flashback of st. johns and notre dame. I would say this is a must win.

uc 69
rutgers 58
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every game is a must win if ur taking into perspective that u want to win the conference and get a high seed. Other than that this is a game to c where the cats are mentally and to see if the coach and or coaches can add a little somethn extra to the offense. Wouldnt kill the cats to lose standings wise that bad but would kill the pshyche of the fans and the team..
 
I think UC has lost all credibility at this point. If they lose at Rutgers, half of the believers will bail.

Must win? In terms of fanbase and attendance. Yeah baby.
Must win? In terms of the season? Nah.
 
In terms of fan base? Are you serious? It'll be the same. People will show up for big names and not for others. Fan base, that's almost laughable. The season is all that matters.
 

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