BEARCAT-4-LIFE
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Cats -3.5
Scouting Harvard
- Thread starter Bearcat_NTS
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In their defense, both of those games were on the road. Also Green Bay and Vermont were decent, but yes their schedule was weak.
JumpinJack5
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Colorado? They are usually decent.
I just don't know how much value there is in watching a game that was played on Nov 24. I'm watching them play @Princeton during the end of Feb now.
Robert
Well-known member
I don't know how anyone can expect this game to be easy. We've struggled lately beating teams like UCF and Rutgers and this Harvard team is better than the AAC's bottom-feeders. I will be surprised if we win by double digits.
Levettation
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Unreal, they scored over 80 points in the first half. Fortunately for us, they also gave up the same amount. Either that or the graphic op never changed the number of the half.
cincrulz11
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Bottom feeders? They are better than Memphis and SMU according to kenpom.
They are a quiet, experienced team. When i saw their name come up as a 12, i audibly said "oh no". That doesn't mean i think we will get upset, but this Harvard team is textbook cinderella and the cats need to come to play just to get an opportunity to play a Michigan State team that seemingly everyone is picking as champion. I will never count the cats out, but this is seriously the worst first weekend draw i could have drawn up.
JumpinJack5
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It didn't flip. They may be smart at Harvard, but they are still in the mid-20th century when it comes to technology.
JasonS
Football Moderator
The only thing worse than a draw like this was back in the early 2000s when we would get a 1 or 2 seed and end up always playing out west and get a match up against a "local" team that is underseeded like UCLA and Gonzaga. It would essentially be an NCAA road game. That was part of the reason for the pods in the first two rounds. Apparently, MSU is quite close to Spokane or the committee thought Spokane was a suburb of Washington DC. Yes, that last sentence was sarcasm.
bearcat jeff
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Well disciplined good shooting team. If you over play them they will make you pay with their passing and and shooting ability. That said, UC will have a huge size and athletic advantage over them. Cincinnati should own the boards and their length will make it difficult on Harvard.
Frankly, offensive deficiencies considered, I think Cincinnati will win this by double figures. The key will be not overplaying in the half court and simply playing your position and making any Harvard shot difficult by making them shoot over you. If the Bearcats play loose defensively Harvard will give them problems. If UC plays solid defensively I don't think the game will be close because their size and athleticism will enable second chance points.
The game will be hyped due to some past Harvard wins and the whole 12/5 thing but honestly I think UC wins this game fairly comfortably.
Frankly, offensive deficiencies considered, I think Cincinnati will win this by double figures. The key will be not overplaying in the half court and simply playing your position and making any Harvard shot difficult by making them shoot over you. If the Bearcats play loose defensively Harvard will give them problems. If UC plays solid defensively I don't think the game will be close because their size and athleticism will enable second chance points.
The game will be hyped due to some past Harvard wins and the whole 12/5 thing but honestly I think UC wins this game fairly comfortably.
They have to put someone in the west pods and they were down to only Michigan St and UCLA for Spokane and San Diego. I think it's logical what they did. Honestly, it would make sense to eventually drop to only 1 true western pod so this doesn't happen every year, but too much politics involved.
Gotta come out running. We've had success against good by coming out running on them. Would like to see Rubles and Shaq attack rim early and often. Nobody in country can keep Shaq out of paint, if he stops being scared and just try dunk his going to get fouled and eventually players a start getting out his way. We need Shaq to avg at least 8 and 8 to have long run.
UCBearcats
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This is eerily similar to 2011 when we were a 6 and we played Mizzou as an 11. Almost every talking head picked Mizzou to upset us and we came out and shoved it right up their asses.
I think we do the same thing against Harvard. I like our team, I think we're very good despite the opinions of one of the worst selection committees the NCAA has ever put together.
I think we also give MSU a game. It'll be a physical battle and should be decided in the final minutes. We've thrived in the final minutes of games this season and we'll definitely be playing with a chip on our shoulder.
I think we do the same thing against Harvard. I like our team, I think we're very good despite the opinions of one of the worst selection committees the NCAA has ever put together.
I think we also give MSU a game. It'll be a physical battle and should be decided in the final minutes. We've thrived in the final minutes of games this season and we'll definitely be playing with a chip on our shoulder.
UCalum08
Well-known member
I am already for Thursday to get here. I am at the mental point that UC just needs to go out and freaking play. I don't want to break down numbers or think about the seeding, region etc etc. I don't want to hear UC players or Cronin talk about not getting respected etc etc. They need to just shut up and go play bearcat basketball. I don't care who we play or where its at. Just go out, play and win baby. I think UC has gotten far away from being influenced by outside talking heads. Time to get our mojo back boys.
david aka the TYZ
Well-known member
Just booked my trip. Nobody ask how much it is costing me, I don't want to think about it. I'm just glad I can go and support the team. Should be fun. I was able to get tix through UC which means hardly anyone is going. He said they are getting calls from people in Washington for tickets.
bearcats23
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I know we are a trendy upset pick, and I'm not discounting that Harvard is good considering they beat New Mexico last year, but I just don't see us losing this one. I think we win this game on the glass. As we know Jackson and Rubles are ruthless in going after the rebounds, but I think Shaq is a real x factor. I'm not too familiar with the Ivy league teams, but it's unlikely they have seen a 3 guard as long and athletic as Shaq all year. If he gets to the glass like he's capable of I think we win without too many problems. Harvard hasn't played against a team that defends and rebounds like we do. If we can hold Louisville to 66 and 58 then I'm confident we can hold Harvard to something similar. This team plays best when they play the disrespect card, and there's plenty of disrespect flying around at us in the media right now. I predict an 8-10 point win.
Bearcat_NTS
Well-known member
Harvard Crimson: 26-4 (13-1 Ivy League)
Seed: 12 (49 on S-Curve)
RPI: 46
ESPN BPI: 37
KenPom: 33
- Adjusted Offense: 55 (112.2)
- Adjusted Defense: 33 (96.3)
Home Record: 11-1 Loss to Yale (RPI 148)
Road Record: 11-3 Losses to Colorado (31), Connecticut (23), Florida Atlantic (272)
Neutral Site: 4-0 Wins over Holy Cross (129), Denver (140), TCU (197) and UW-Green Bay(56)
Best Wins (RPI/KPom/BPI): UW-Green Bay (56/61/63), Boston University (88/125/129)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key Players:
G Siyani Chambers (6-0 SO): 11 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 1.3 steals (in 34 minutes).
-Shoots 39.7% on three's, taking 4 per game.
-Solid on ball defender, quick hands.
-Comparable to Napier from UConn, he will take and make big shots. Very confident player.
G Brandyn Curry (6-1 SR): 9.3 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 1.5 steals (in 26 minutes)
-Senior Co-Captain, team leader
-Shoots 45.5% from the field, 36% from three
-Getting 1.5 steals per game, another solid on ball defender
G Laurent Rivard (6-5 SR): 10.0 points, 3 rebounds (in 34 minutes)
-Best three point shooter at 43% on nearly 6 attempts a game.
-Shoots off of screens or passes, not really a creator (176 of 200 shots are three's). CAN'T LOSE HIM OFF OF HELP
-Hero of New Mexico game last year making 5-9 three's
G/F Wesley Saunders (6-5 JR): 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.7 steals (in 34 minutes)
-Ivy League Player of the Year
-Strong driver to the basket, shoots nearly 6 FT's a game.
-Comparable to Sean Kilpatrick, he has the size and strength to score in the paint, but doesn't shoot from the perimeter as much as Sean
-History of being turnover prone but better this year
F Steve Moundou-Missi (6-7 JR): 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks (in 25 minutes)
-Shoots a high percentage from the field and from the free throw line
-Fouled out of three games, ended with 4 fouls nine other times
-Probably the best interior scorer with Casey's struggles this season
-Scoring has picked up late in the season with outputs of 16,16 and 21
F Kyle Casey (6-7 SR): 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1.2 blocks (in 24 minutes)
-Hasn't had the season expected after being suspended last year in academic scandal along with Curry
-Shoots a low percentage for a big man (just 46.5%)
-Solid FT shooter at 70%, attempting just 3 a game.
-Fouled out six times, ended with 4 fouls nine other times
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key's to Winning:
This team returns most of the team that beat New Mexico last year along with adding back Curry and Casey who were suspended last year. I would compare them to Connecticut in that they pass the ball well, and have guards that can make plays. From watching them play, they do not seem very fast getting up and down the court.
-Keep them off the free throw line. Saunders especially is very good at drawing contacting and getting fouled. They pretty much all shoot free throws well. Force them to take contested shots. Games out west are typically called closer, that could benefit the Crimson.
-Be strong with the ball. The backcourt does a good job of forcing steals and turnovers, you cannot be lazy with the ball.
-Push the Tempo. Both teams play a slow tempo but from what I've seen watching them, they do not look really fast getting up and down the court. Brown's guards were flying past them in transition.
-Press off of everything. I do not think they will be able to handle to size UC has on the wings in Sanders, Thomas, Johnson and Caupain. They will make some plays against the pressure, but over the course of 40 minutes it will be a net positive for UC.
-Offensive Rebound. They are a good rebounding team, but haven't seen the activity on the offensive glass of Rubles or Jackson. This must be a huge advantage for UC. They don't have anyone over 6' 7'' playing more than 10 minutes a game.
-Don't lose Rivard. He is a Giffey from UConn-like shooter. If you leave him open, he'll kill you. If Thomas is on him, he cannot over help in the pain and leave this guy open.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thoughts and Predictions:
At first glance of the matchup, I really thought UC would be in trouble. Harvard seems like the type of team to make a Sweet 16 run. After analyzing the team, they really do not pose the type of team that can beat Cincinnati. They do not have great size, and though they are athletic for a Mid-Major...they don't have an elite wing to guard Kilpatrick.
I think this will be a classic UC game, the Cats will get a decent lead midway through the second half and Harvard will come back and make it very interesting in the last few minutes. Free throws and stops will win it late.
Cincinnati 68, Harvard 63
Seed: 12 (49 on S-Curve)
RPI: 46
ESPN BPI: 37
KenPom: 33
- Adjusted Offense: 55 (112.2)
- Adjusted Defense: 33 (96.3)
Home Record: 11-1 Loss to Yale (RPI 148)
Road Record: 11-3 Losses to Colorado (31), Connecticut (23), Florida Atlantic (272)
Neutral Site: 4-0 Wins over Holy Cross (129), Denver (140), TCU (197) and UW-Green Bay(56)
Best Wins (RPI/KPom/BPI): UW-Green Bay (56/61/63), Boston University (88/125/129)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key Players:
G Siyani Chambers (6-0 SO): 11 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 1.3 steals (in 34 minutes).
-Shoots 39.7% on three's, taking 4 per game.
-Solid on ball defender, quick hands.
-Comparable to Napier from UConn, he will take and make big shots. Very confident player.
G Brandyn Curry (6-1 SR): 9.3 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 1.5 steals (in 26 minutes)
-Senior Co-Captain, team leader
-Shoots 45.5% from the field, 36% from three
-Getting 1.5 steals per game, another solid on ball defender
G Laurent Rivard (6-5 SR): 10.0 points, 3 rebounds (in 34 minutes)
-Best three point shooter at 43% on nearly 6 attempts a game.
-Shoots off of screens or passes, not really a creator (176 of 200 shots are three's). CAN'T LOSE HIM OFF OF HELP
-Hero of New Mexico game last year making 5-9 three's
G/F Wesley Saunders (6-5 JR): 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.7 steals (in 34 minutes)
-Ivy League Player of the Year
-Strong driver to the basket, shoots nearly 6 FT's a game.
-Comparable to Sean Kilpatrick, he has the size and strength to score in the paint, but doesn't shoot from the perimeter as much as Sean
-History of being turnover prone but better this year
F Steve Moundou-Missi (6-7 JR): 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks (in 25 minutes)
-Shoots a high percentage from the field and from the free throw line
-Fouled out of three games, ended with 4 fouls nine other times
-Probably the best interior scorer with Casey's struggles this season
-Scoring has picked up late in the season with outputs of 16,16 and 21
F Kyle Casey (6-7 SR): 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1.2 blocks (in 24 minutes)
-Hasn't had the season expected after being suspended last year in academic scandal along with Curry
-Shoots a low percentage for a big man (just 46.5%)
-Solid FT shooter at 70%, attempting just 3 a game.
-Fouled out six times, ended with 4 fouls nine other times
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key's to Winning:
This team returns most of the team that beat New Mexico last year along with adding back Curry and Casey who were suspended last year. I would compare them to Connecticut in that they pass the ball well, and have guards that can make plays. From watching them play, they do not seem very fast getting up and down the court.
-Keep them off the free throw line. Saunders especially is very good at drawing contacting and getting fouled. They pretty much all shoot free throws well. Force them to take contested shots. Games out west are typically called closer, that could benefit the Crimson.
-Be strong with the ball. The backcourt does a good job of forcing steals and turnovers, you cannot be lazy with the ball.
-Push the Tempo. Both teams play a slow tempo but from what I've seen watching them, they do not look really fast getting up and down the court. Brown's guards were flying past them in transition.
-Press off of everything. I do not think they will be able to handle to size UC has on the wings in Sanders, Thomas, Johnson and Caupain. They will make some plays against the pressure, but over the course of 40 minutes it will be a net positive for UC.
-Offensive Rebound. They are a good rebounding team, but haven't seen the activity on the offensive glass of Rubles or Jackson. This must be a huge advantage for UC. They don't have anyone over 6' 7'' playing more than 10 minutes a game.
-Don't lose Rivard. He is a Giffey from UConn-like shooter. If you leave him open, he'll kill you. If Thomas is on him, he cannot over help in the pain and leave this guy open.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thoughts and Predictions:
At first glance of the matchup, I really thought UC would be in trouble. Harvard seems like the type of team to make a Sweet 16 run. After analyzing the team, they really do not pose the type of team that can beat Cincinnati. They do not have great size, and though they are athletic for a Mid-Major...they don't have an elite wing to guard Kilpatrick.
I think this will be a classic UC game, the Cats will get a decent lead midway through the second half and Harvard will come back and make it very interesting in the last few minutes. Free throws and stops will win it late.
Cincinnati 68, Harvard 63
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