UC Basketball

[Cyclone792]

UC takes care of Pine Bluff by 30 tonight. That puts them at 10-2 heading into the Memphis game. Regardless if UC wins or loses, I think most of us would have been happy at the beginning of the season if we put up 10 wins in the non-conference schedule. If we can go down to Memphis and beat them, 11 wins will be even sweeter.

I've taken a peek at what it might take for UC to land in the NCAA, and I think 11 is the magic number in the Big East ... or 10 in the Big East + Memphis.

Right now I'm looking at 11 Big East wins (regular season + conference tournament) for UC to punch their NCAA ticket. This basically means we're looking at UC going 10-8 in the Big East regular season and then winning at least one Big East conference tourney game or going 11-7 in the regular season. The other scenario that would put UC in nice NCAA position is 10 Big East wins and a win in Memphis to help the non-conference record.

If UC loses to Memphis and has 10 Big East wins, they'd be squarely on the bubble (10 regular season Big East wins and 0 conference tourney wins or 9 regular season wins and 1 conference tourney win). If they beat Memphis and have 9 Big East wins, I also think they're squarely on the bubble (though more than likely on the outside looking in with this scenario because the committee doesn't like a sub .500 conference record).

If they have 8 or fewer Big East wins, then they're NIT bound at best regardless of what happens in Memphis.

Either way, let's play well next Monday night in Memphis and try to grab a win and then let's carry some momentum into Big East play.

[LoganBuck]

Truthfully Cyclone, they are going to have to be in the top half of the BigEast. I don't think the actual number of wins is that important for them, as their schedule has been a little too mushy. I think we see another year where the BigEast is cut off at 8 tourney teams. It is going to be an uphill battle.

A Memphis win would be really helpful though. That would give them two decent non conference wins.

[bucksfan2]

I think UC will face a slight problem with the Big East not being as BIG as people thought it would be. At the beginning of the season it was being talked about as the best conference by far in college basketball. They sure have taken their lumps this season. 10 wins is nice in the non conference because they haven't lost to anyone they shouldn't have. But then again they don't have a quality win so far. A win over Memphis will go along way towards fixing that.

What is going to be nice about this season with UC is that they have the inside players to play Big East basketball. If they had a PG I think UC would have a good shot at the NCAA tourney. They don't which hurts them. They need to go through the Big East without losing to the bottom feeder teams. I think its realistic to hope for a NCAA bid but also expect a NIT bid. Mick's biggest job should be getting this team loaded and ready for a strong season next year.

[paintmered]

Even if the Big East isn't quite what the pundits thought it could be, it's still a hyper-competitive conference. The Big East is looking at 8 or 9 NCAA bids this year with another 2-3 making the NIT.

[Cyclone792]

Kind of a big game tonight for UC hoops: 9pm @ Memphis on ESPN2

If UC can play well, I like their chances to grab a win. They'll need to play well though and avoid sloppy mistakes/turnovers and get the ball inside more. If they rely on the three point shot too much tonight, things may not bode well at all.

[NorrisHopper30]

Huge game tonight, GO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NatiRedGals]

Go Cats as of right now both teams look like their not having a good time lol

[Cyclone792]

Well, let's just say that UC's offensive performance last night resembled that of the last two seasons. If you can't make open shots, you're going to have trouble winning games.

On to Big East play now, and we need 10 wins. There are a handful of beatable Big East teams that UC needs to handle. If they can do just that and mix in a few nice wins against the high-powered teams, then we'll see how the chips fall in March.

[Reds4Life]

Originally Posted by Cyclone792

Well, let's just say that UC's offensive performance last night resembled that of the last two seasons. If you can't make open shots, you're going to have trouble winning games.

On to Big East play now, and we need 10 wins. There are a handful of beatable Big East teams that UC needs to handle. If they can do just that and mix in a few nice wins against the high-powered teams, then we'll see how the chips fall in March.

If UC plays like they did last night, they are going to get taken apart in Big East play. Horrible shot selection, bad passing, missed layups. I've seen high school teams that ran a better offense than UC did last night.

Hopefully they get it together, or it's going to be brutal for them in the Big East.

[Cedric]

Uc just isn't a very good bball team. Absolutely terrible frontcourt play and Vaughn is wildly overrated, IMO. The kid is a turnover machine and would probably be a 10 point scorer on a decent team. I don't see where this team has improved at all from last year. Toyloy, Gates, and Williams against the Big East is laughable. Mick should just be glad that UC football matters and his team is forgotten.

[NatiRedGals]

Originally Posted by Cedric

Uc just isn't a very good bball team. Absolutely terrible frontcourt play and Vaughn is wildly overrated, IMO. The kid is a turnover machine and would probably be a 10 point scorer on a decent team. I don't see where this team has improved at all from last year. Toyloy, Gates, and Williams against the Big East is laughable. Mick should just be glad that UC football matters and his team is forgotten.

Hmm wait to see when March comes around

[Reds4Life]

Originally Posted by Cedric

Uc just isn't a very good bball team. Absolutely terrible frontcourt play and Vaughn is wildly overrated, IMO. The kid is a turnover machine and would probably be a 10 point scorer on a decent team. I don't see where this team has improved at all from last year. Toyloy, Gates, and Williams against the Big East is laughable. Mick should just be glad that UC football matters and his team is forgotten.

I don't think he's over rated, but I think he tries to do to much. It's most likely because he doesn't have much of a supporting cast on the team, he's the only reliable option they have on offense each night.

Gates against the Big East isn't going to be laughable, he's a freshman, and the kid is a monster. When he gets some expierence under his belt, he's going to be a great player.

[Boss-Hog]

Originally Posted by Reds4Life

I don't think he's over rated, but I think he tries to do to much. It's most likely because he doesn't have much of a supporting cast on the team, he's the only reliable option they have on offense each night.

Gates against the Big East isn't going to be laughable, he's a freshman, and the kid is a monster. When he gets some expierence under his belt, he's going to be a great player.

I agree with that. I wasn't expecting him to be a superstar, but I have been disappointed with Mike Williams so far and his tendency to completely disappear (often due to foul problems) in some games...particularly losses.

[Reds4Life]

Originally Posted by Boss-Hog

I agree with that. I wasn't expecting him to be a superstar, but I have been disappointed with Mike Williams so far and his tendency to completely disappear (often due to foul problems) in some games...particularly losses.

You got that right, he goes MIA in almost every important game they've played so far this year.

[SeeinRed]

Originally Posted by Boss-Hog

I agree with that. I wasn't expecting him to be a superstar, but I have been disappointed with Mike Williams so far and his tendency to completely disappear (often due to foul problems) in some games...particularly losses.

From what I hear, Mike has not been the same since his injury. He doesn't jump nearly as high, he doesn't run nearly as fast, and he has lost a lot of confidence. I think he is a better player than he has shown, but he needs his confidence back. He made it through the physical part of the injury, now its time to work on the mental part. How much of it is mental is anyone's guess, but I hope he turns it around. He is a super person if you have ever had any contact with him.