Unfortunately, several impressive UC basketball records come to a close after losing to Temple 75-59 this week.
- UC had owned the nation’s longest streak for holding its opponent under 70 points at 27 games.
- The 2014-15 squad was also one of 3 UC teams since the 1949-50 season to hold as many as 7 consecutive opponents under 60 points.
Mick Cronin’s historic man-to-man defense has ranked at least 22nd nationally over the last 4 years. This year you may have noticed the new “hybrid zone” implemented based on the available roster and all new starters, and credited from Holy Cross coach and Cronin’s friend, Ralph Willard.
The Bearcats have held opponents this season to just 38.8% shooting. That’s good for 24th in the country. They are also 15th in the nation in defensive efficiency (0.887), 9th in blocks and steals (5.8 per game), and 5th in scoring defense (55.5 points per game).
Let’s all take a minute to marvel at what this year’s UC team has done defensively, and not lose sight that we will still definitely be dancing in March.
By Andy Smith