Scouting Harvard

[Cin City]

Keep Doubting

Even Lunardi in his team by team breakdowns has Harvard pulling the upset. I love it. All the talking heads putting the pressure on Harvard by picking them only fuels our fire...can Thursday get here already. I think it's time to prove another point. Let's go Bearcats!

 

[Bearcat2011]

I'm calling that we get ahead so much big
Dave comes in at the 2 minute mark

 

[BEARCAT-4-LIFE]

East region: No. 5 Cincinnati (-3) vs. No. 12 Harvard

The Cincinnati Bearcats went 2-2 over the last four games of the regular season and looked out of sync after being a top-ranked team all year. The Bearcats do not score much—they are ranked 237th in scoring—but do play elite defense as they allowed only 58.3 points per game during the regular season.

The Harvard Crimson are on an eight-game winning streak and have looked fantastic heading into tournament play. Harvard is one of the highest-scoring teams in the nation with an average of 74 points per game and currently has five double-digit scorers on its roster.

Picks: Cincinnati feels like a team ready to get upset. The Bearcats are 3-3 over their last six and could have trouble keeping pace with a high-scoring Harvard offense. Take Harvard to pull of the upset.

from doc sports

I love it
5 double digit scorers, I',m pretty sure they have not seen a defense like this, but hey guys I really dont see us even putting on the uniform come Thursday

I may get banned from every social media if UC sticks it right up Harvard's a$$ and let every so called "expert" know about it.

 

[CanadianBearcat]

East region: No. 5 Cincinnati (-3) vs. No. 12 Harvard

The Cincinnati Bearcats went 2-2 over the last four games of the regular season and looked out of sync after being a top-ranked team all year. The Bearcats do not score much—they are ranked 237th in scoring—but do play elite defense as they allowed only 58.3 points per game during the regular season.

The Harvard Crimson are on an eight-game winning streak and have looked fantastic heading into tournament play. Harvard is one of the highest-scoring teams in the nation with an average of 74 points per game and currently has five double-digit scorers on its roster.

Picks: Cincinnati feels like a team ready to get upset. The Bearcats are 3-3 over their last six and could have trouble keeping pace with a high-scoring Harvard offense. Take Harvard to pull of the upset.

from doc sports

I love it
5 double digit scorers, I',m pretty sure they have not seen a defense like this, but hey guys I really dont see us even putting on the uniform come Thursday

I may get banned from every social media if UC sticks it right up Harvard's a$$ and let every so called "expert" know about it.

Im sure we would look "Fantastic" if our last 8 games were against the Ivy league, while I'm pretty confident Harvard wouldnt have done quite so well against the buzzsaw we had at the end of the American.

But hell I love being underdogs I gonna stick it right back at my friends who are all giving it to me now as soon as we shut down this balanced O of the Crimson

 

[BEARCAT-4-LIFE]

Louisville averaged 80 some points a game and no one gave us a prayer when we went to the YUM CENTER they were -9 over us and we held them to 66 points, then they were -4 and held them to 58. Point being they may have 5 guys in double figures but we have seen an explosive offense before


seen one expert say Harvard gets to 75 in this game I just cant see that happening I think these guys are on a mission right now and with the so called Michigan State already crowned champions and Harvard getting the upset Mick will have the CATS ready to put the hammer down. I really dont know why im at the office, I can't wait for Thursday!

 

[CanadianBearcat]

Saw this on Yahoo, Dream or nightmare outcomes. Thought it was pretty funny how our nightmare plays out..

No. 5 CINCINNATI

Best Case: Bearcats give the Ivy Leaguers from Harvard a proper education in full-contact basketball, muscling their way past the Crimson. Then their barbed-wire defense locks up Michigan State and Sean Kilpatrick makes all the big shots, ruining a lot of brackets nationwide. In the Sweet 16, coach Mick Cronin's enraged sideline elf persona motivates his team and terrifies officials in an upset of Virginia. In a fourth meeting with AAC rival Connecticut in the regional final, the Bearcats even the score at 2-2 as Jumpin' Justin Jackson throws down dunk after dunk. Cincy advances to its first Final Four in 22 years. Loss there to Florida is no shame. Hometown hero Cronin signs lifetime contract. Xavier lost so long ago, nobody even remembers the Musketeers were in the tournament.


Worst Case: Fouled on a put-back attempt with a second left and the Bearcats down one, Jackson must go to the line to beat Harvard. Horrified Cincinnati fans avert their eyes as the beloved senior who has missed 10 straight free throws, and 14 of his last 15, bricks them both. Cronin had previously been ejected when his enraged elf sideline act spills over into a Jeff Van Gundy leg grab of Harvard's center. Sean Kilpatrick's Cincy career ends on a 6-for-22 brickfest as the offensively laborious Bearcats bog down without him hitting enough shots. Meanwhile, Xavier executes a surprising dash from Dayton to the Sweet 16, reveling in Cincinnati's early ouster along the way. And there still is no other conference eyeing the Bearcats for expansion.

 

[JasonS]

Saw this on Yahoo, Dream or nightmare outcomes. Thought it was pretty funny how our nightmare plays out..

No. 5 CINCINNATI

Best Case: Bearcats give the Ivy Leaguers from Harvard a proper education in full-contact basketball, muscling their way past the Crimson. Then their barbed-wire defense locks up Michigan State and Sean Kilpatrick makes all the big shots, ruining a lot of brackets nationwide. In the Sweet 16, coach Mick Cronin's enraged sideline elf persona motivates his team and terrifies officials in an upset of Virginia. In a fourth meeting with AAC rival Connecticut in the regional final, the Bearcats even the score at 2-2 as Jumpin' Justin Jackson throws down dunk after dunk. Cincy advances to its first Final Four in 22 years. Loss there to Florida is no shame. Hometown hero Cronin signs lifetime contract. Xavier lost so long ago, nobody even remembers the Musketeers were in the tournament.


Worst Case: Fouled on a put-back attempt with a second left and the Bearcats down one, Jackson must go to the line to beat Harvard. Horrified Cincinnati fans avert their eyes as the beloved senior who has missed 10 straight free throws, and 14 of his last 15, bricks them both. Cronin had previously been ejected when his enraged elf sideline act spills over into a Jeff Van Gundy leg grab of Harvard's center. Sean Kilpatrick's Cincy career ends on a 6-for-22 brickfest as the offensively laborious Bearcats bog down without him hitting enough shots. Meanwhile, Xavier executes a surprising dash from Dayton to the Sweet 16, reveling in Cincinnati's early ouster along the way. And there still is no other conference eyeing the Bearcats for expansion.

I should have stopped reading after the "best case" scenario. The "worst case" one just made me want to jump off a bridge.

 

[BCM]

Saw this on Yahoo, Dream or nightmare outcomes. Thought it was pretty funny how our nightmare plays out..

No. 5 CINCINNATI

<snip>

Some people can write, and some people can write.

Not a bad way to start off the day, ha. That is truly the worst possible case I can imagine, possibly aside from we're tearing it up and on a 22-4 run, and SK comes down particularly hard on his arm :O

 

[bearcat jeff]

The Bearcats will not lose this game! Just going to let the Cats speak for themselves from here out. I'll talk more Thursday.

 

[UCalum08]

Louisville averaged 80 some points a game and no one gave us a prayer when we went to the YUM CENTER they were -9 over us and we held them to 66 points, then they were -4 and held them to 58. Point being they may have 5 guys in double figures but we have seen an explosive offense before


seen one expert say Harvard gets to 75 in this game I just cant see that happening I think these guys are on a mission right now and with the so called Michigan State already crowned champions and Harvard getting the upset Mick will have the CATS ready to put the hammer down. I really dont know why im at the office, I can't wait for Thursday!

That is straight comical and will not happen. I fully expect UC to win and win by 10-15 points. However, I see this game being in the 50's-low 60's. UC should be able to put up 70+ points on Harvard but they prob. won't. What is going to kill me if we are in the 50's by the final 2-3 minutes. Then it will be too close for comfort. I am not worried about our defense and have no reason to believe otherwise. For UC, its been all about our offense and our inability to score. Its the only thing I am worried about.

 

[BEARCAT-4-LIFE]

How Cincinnati Can Win

Much like they have all season, slow things down, and use their size to dominate the low post in the form of blocked shots and aggressive rebounding - from Jackson certainly, but hopefully from fellow senior Titus Rubles among others - without winding up in foul trouble. Allow Fitzpatrick to dictate the pace of the game, as well as the offense, but make sure that he is finding alternative options for producing points. Keep Harvard from establishing an offensive rhythm, and force them into ample ill-advised three-point shots.

How Harvard Can Win

Get out and run. While Cinci isn't incapable of playing a transition game, they don't exactly have experienced depth, and hitting the up-tempo button could lead to that desired early foul trouble, which would tilt the court heavily in the Crimson's favor. Make sure everyone is at least involved in the offense, even if they aren't scoring, and be smart with their three-point shooting - Rivard and Curry shoot it well, but the Crimson don't rebound well enough, especially compared to Cinci, to get trey-happy. Maintain poise, since all the relevant players have been here before at least once.

Who Will Win

Harvard, and it's not likely to be in question all game. The Bearcats are a great matchup for Harvard - there's no way they are seven slots worse than Cinci, and the 'Cats have been very uneven and susceptible to teams lesser than the Crimson this year. Their offensive imbalance will be their undoing in a 75-68 loss to Harvard.

I love reading these but Fitzpatrick?? wtf No respect at all

 

[anbuc88]

Don't know about anyone else, but I already feel nervous. Hard to work with this underlying jittery feeling and there is still over 48 hours till tipoff. Hope NC state destroys PukeU today. No question that would make me feel better.

 

[TheLongHaul]

I would love nothing more than if Harvard pushes the tempo. I actually think UC is pretty good when they push the tempo (especially when Caupain is playing), they just hardly ever do it. With an offense that is so dependent on SK, pushing the tempo creates open looks for others not to mention how good SK is in the open court.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I would love nothing more than if Harvard pushes the tempo. I actually think UC is pretty good when they push the tempo (especially when Caupain is playing), they just hardly ever do it. With an offense that is so dependent on SK, pushing the tempo creates open looks for others not to mention how good SK is in the open court.

And Shaq and even Rubles.

 

[bearcat jeff]

How Cincinnati Can Win

Much like they have all season, slow things down, and use their size to dominate the low post in the form of blocked shots and aggressive rebounding - from Jackson certainly, but hopefully from fellow senior Titus Rubles among others - without winding up in foul trouble. Allow Fitzpatrick to dictate the pace of the game, as well as the offense, but make sure that he is finding alternative options for producing points. Keep Harvard from establishing an offensive rhythm, and force them into ample ill-advised three-point shots.

How Harvard Can Win

Get out and run. While Cinci isn't incapable of playing a transition game, they don't exactly have experienced depth, and hitting the up-tempo button could lead to that desired early foul trouble, which would tilt the court heavily in the Crimson's favor. Make sure everyone is at least involved in the offense, even if they aren't scoring, and be smart with their three-point shooting - Rivard and Curry shoot it well, but the Crimson don't rebound well enough, especially compared to Cinci, to get trey-happy. Maintain poise, since all the relevant players have been here before at least once.

Who Will Win

Harvard, and it's not likely to be in question all game. The Bearcats are a great matchup for Harvard - there's no way they are seven slots worse than Cinci, and the 'Cats have been very uneven and susceptible to teams lesser than the Crimson this year. Their offensive imbalance will be their undoing in a 75-68 loss to Harvard.

I love reading these but Fitzpatrick?? wtf No respect at all

Don't know who wrote this but they obviously never saw UC play

 

[BEARCAT-4-LIFE]

That's why I say now it's just getting comical, now I'm not saying Harvard can't win but I just dont think they have seen this type of squad before, what im hearing from their PG is that he can be a handfull, this is a game where GG's length and defense is going to be crucial. But I think we all agree that Shaq has to be the X factor with his length and ability to get to the basket if he will.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

That's why I say now it's just getting comical, now I'm not saying Harvard can't win but I just dont think they have seen this type of squad before, what im hearing from their PG is that he can be a handfull, this is a game where GG's length and defense is going to be crucial. But I think we all agree that Shaq has to be the X factor with his length and ability to get to the basket if he will.

Chambers is a big time player and just a sophomore. He doesn't have blazing speed (no one on the team really does) but he is quick and effective in the half court and does a pretty good job of pushing the ball with the pass in the secondary breaks.

Curry is also a very good player, he was the second best guard in North Carolina behind John Wall coming out of high school. He got a late offer from Stanford but had already committed to Harvard.

Both are big time guards. That doesn't even include Rivard who is a very good shooter. Harvard has solid guard play, I don't think they've seen a relentless defense like Cincinnati though.

 

[handwaver]

How Cincinnati Can Win

Much like they have all season, slow things down, and use their size to dominate the low post in the form of blocked shots and aggressive rebounding - from Jackson certainly, but hopefully from fellow senior Titus Rubles among others - without winding up in foul trouble. Allow Fitzpatrick to dictate the pace of the game, as well as the offense, but make sure that he is finding alternative options for producing points. Keep Harvard from establishing an offensive rhythm, and force them into ample ill-advised three-point shots.

How Harvard Can Win

Get out and run. While Cinci isn't incapable of playing a transition game, they don't exactly have experienced depth, and hitting the up-tempo button could lead to that desired early foul trouble, which would tilt the court heavily in the Crimson's favor. Make sure everyone is at least involved in the offense, even if they aren't scoring, and be smart with their three-point shooting - Rivard and Curry shoot it well, but the Crimson don't rebound well enough, especially compared to Cinci, to get trey-happy. Maintain poise, since all the relevant players have been here before at least once.

Who Will Win

Harvard, and it's not likely to be in question all game. The Bearcats are a great matchup for Harvard - there's no way they are seven slots worse than Cinci, and the 'Cats have been very uneven and susceptible to teams lesser than the Crimson this year. Their offensive imbalance will be their undoing in a 75-68 loss to Harvard.

I love reading these but Fitzpatrick?? wtf No respect at all

Let's see....exactly three (3) teams scored as many as 70 pts. this year against Cincy...and two of them lost - but Harvard is going to put up 75? Give me a break!

 

[Bearcat22]

I would love nothing more than if Harvard pushes the tempo. I actually think UC is pretty good when they push the tempo (especially when Caupain is playing), they just hardly ever do it. With an offense that is so dependent on SK, pushing the tempo creates open looks for others not to mention how good SK is in the open court.

I was thinking the same thing. It would allow guys like TC and KJ to impact the game.

 

[cincrulz11]

I would love nothing more than if Harvard pushes the tempo. I actually think UC is pretty good when they push the tempo (especially when Caupain is playing), they just hardly ever do it. With an offense that is so dependent on SK, pushing the tempo creates open looks for others not to mention how good SK is in the open court.

you would think a team that plays half court defense so well and struggles scoring the ball would really look to get out and run at every chance.

i'm not sure why we don't to be honest. well i guess i kinda do, they can't push it with GG bc he's not capable of doing so. but mick has made up his mind about PT at PG.