@SMU

[Garybearcat]

I've been to every home game and I went to Indy for the Butler game. SMU is the best team I've seen and it's not close. We played pretty well against them and we were fortunate to win at home. They're big, physical and talented at all 5 positions. The only thing they don't have is depth, but they obviously overcome that by playing their starters more minutes.

This game could mean 2-3 slots on our seed line. If we play well, we can win - but it will take our best effort on the road to date.

I can't wait for this one.

This game is not 2/3 difference in our seed line. It is a seed difference. If we lose this game and then win out to go 31-3 we will be a #2 seed.

 

[2bearcatdad]

I've been to every home game and I went to Indy for the Butler game. SMU is the best team I've seen and it's not close. We played pretty well against them and we were fortunate to win at home. They're big, physical and talented at all 5 positions. The only thing they don't have is depth, but they obviously overcome that by playing their starters more minutes.

This game could mean 2-3 slots on our seed line. If we play well, we can win - but it will take our best effort on the road to date.

I can't wait for this one.

This game is not 2/3 difference on outmr seed line. It is seed difference. If we lose this game and then win out to go
31-3 we will be a #2 seed.

Maybe. I hope you're right.

 

[Garybearcat]

Maybe. I hope you're right.

We aren't going to lose this game by the way. I have a secret weapon. I got my wife a chihuahua puppy for Christmas. We named him "Mateo" (means gift from God). We got him after the Butler game. We have not lost since that game. He watches every game with us. So don't worry I think this season is our "Gift from God".

Go Bearcats!

 

[2bearcatdad]

We aren't going to lose this game by the way. I have a secret weapon. I got my wife a chihuahua puppy for Christmas. We named him "Mateo" (means gift from God). We got him after the Butler game. We have not lost since that game. He watches every game with us. So don't worry I think this season is our "Gift from God".

Go Bearcats!

I like it!

Go Cats!

 

[HoosierCat]

We aren't going to lose this game by the way. I have a secret weapon. I got my wife a chihuahua puppy for Christmas. We named him "Mateo" (means gift from God). We got him after the Butler game. We have not lost since that game. He watches every game with us. So don't worry I think this season is our "Gift from God".

Go Bearcats!

In Mateo We Trust!

 

[Garybearcat]

In Mateo We Trust!

 

[Big Perm]

SMU is weak. Highly overrated and Cats will expose this tonight. Double Digits

 

[GuyfromNKY]

This game reminds me a lot of the Louisville game down at Yum a couple years ago (2014?). I thought we would hang with them but I didn't think we could pull it out. Hopefully we come out like we did that night, I believe we got up 10 real quick, and hang in there. To do that we need Troy to have a SKesque game. He's got it in him.

 

[Bearcat513]

SMU is weak. Highly overrated and Cats will expose this tonight. Double Digits

Lol what? SMU is a great team and if we beat them by double digits at Moody it'll be a helluva accomplishment. Also, the game is Sunday fyi.

 

[PakMan]

If we win out, we will have won like 25 games in a row heading into the NCAA tournament. While that's good for seeding, I'd almost like to lose a close game so that everyone re-focuses and starts another streak. So I won't be too disappointed if we lose a close one to SMU on the road.

That being said, we have a better team. 58 - 56 Cats.

 

[2bearcatdad]

This game @SMU is Kenpom Tier A game (Top 50 opponent adjusted for location).

We've played 5 Tier A Games so far this year

Below is a breakdown of our main guys ORTG in Tier A Games:

Kyle Washington: 106.7 (110.8 on the season)
Jacob Evans: 96.3 (120.9 on the season)
Troy Caupain: 109.6 (114.8 on the season)
Gary Clark: 132.2 (127.7 on the season)
Kevin Johnson: 92.3 (101.1 on the season)
Jarron Cumberland: 73.2 (120.6 on the season)

What sticks out to me is that:
1. Gary Clark rises to level of competition and plays better in bigger games
2. Kyle and Troy show not much deviation from season average to Tier A game which is nice for consistency
3. Jacob is below average in top tier games. A 24 point difference between season average and top tier game is huge and I'd guess you could blame that on being only a sophomore and facing better defense
4. Jarron is by far the most different player offensively when we play top tier opponents. A near 50 point separation is just bad news. He is a freshman and this is to be expected but we still need him step up in these games
5. Not a huge difference for KJ.. He is an average offensive player and slips below that for big games.

Interesting. If you asked 100 bearcat fans who the best player on UC's team is, what number would say Gary Clark? My guess is he would come in at least third behind Jacob and Troy - and possibly behind Kyle. However, from these numbers, it's not close. He's the best player on the team.

I'm not surprised, but the gap is a little surprising.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

SMU pounded Temple 66-50 @Temple. Never really close.

 

[David H]

One thing is sure, we will find out what this team is made of!

 

[waterhead]

Interesting. If you asked 100 bearcat fans who the best player on UC's team is, what number would say Gary Clark? My guess is he would come in at least third behind Jacob and Troy - and possibly behind Kyle. However, from these numbers, it's not close. He's the best player on the team.

I'm not surprised, but the gap is a little surprising.

For this reason I would love to see Gary become at least slightly more aggressive but his rating in large part is due to his selection. Kyle is much more aggressive and willing to try shots Gary would not. I think Gary or Kyle should touch the ball on as many possessions as we can because good things are generally going to happen whether it's a bucket, foul, or kick out 3. Especially on the road and in tier A games. We don't shoot well on the road so taking shots closer to the bucket is not a bad idea...which includes drives by our guards/wings. Drives, pick and rolls, entry passes, pull up J's, etc.

Get some confidence going first before we shoot too many 3's.

 

[AZ BEARCAT]

SMU pounded Temple 66-50 @Temple. Never really close.

they were sleep walking. Do no get Temple.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

One thing is sure, we will find out what this team is made of!

David this game should not define this team. They are having a great season with lots of games to be played. If they win this game and lose 3 other league games would it still be a good season?

Now with that said, I want them to win this game badly!!!!

 

[#BearcatNation]

Sorry nerd-bashers, but I'm basing my prediction on the law of averages. Whether you believe in "luck" or not, KenPom has UC as the 58th luckiest team out of 351. SMU is 205th. We've won a LOT of close games this year. I know you can attribute that to strong leadership and playing clutch down the stretch, but it's impossible to win every close game you play in. That just doesn't happen.

I think it'll be a hell of a game, and we'll be right with them from tip to finish. But I'll take SMU, 63-61. Praying I'm wrong.

 

[2bearcatdad]

Sorry nerd-bashers, but I'm basing my prediction on the law of averages. Whether you believe in "luck" or not, KenPom has UC as the 58th luckiest team out of 351. SMU is 205th. We've won a LOT of close games this year. I know you can attribute that to strong leadership and playing clutch down the stretch, but it's impossible to win every close game you play in. That just doesn't happen.

I think it'll be a hell of a game, and we'll be right with them from tip to finish. But I'll take SMU, 63-61. Praying I'm wrong.

SMU will be favored, so you're certainly not out of line with your prediction. This would be our best win of the season if we can pull it off.

I'm a complete homer, so I'll go with:

UC - 68
SMU - 64

Go Cats!

 

[juckerrules]

I try to follow my head, not my heart...I also tend to bet against my heart, operating on the theory that if my team loses, I'm devastated, but at least I can console myself with $$ - if my team wins, the joy I have more than offsets the financial loss (I'm not a big bettor, obviously)

Bottom line, (and of course I hope I'm wrong) SMU 68-59

 

[JasonS]

I will be at the game and I was there two years ago and brought home a victory. I think UC wins this by 2-4 points. SMU is a good team and there would be no shame in losing the game on the road. I fully expect the team to come out and play well. There won't be any issues getting motivated for this game. I'm going to say UC 66 SMU 62.