Our Bearcats are in Tulsa tonight to take on the Golden Hurricane. (Maybe I’m getting old, but “Golden Hurricane” sounds more like something you wouldn’t want to have to explain to your parents than a collegiate sports nickname). The experts are all saying that this is not a “must win” for the Bearcats. All I know is that a team can only win the game that it’s playing, so it might as well focus on winning that one.
Tulsa (14-2) is currently in first place in the AAC. The Bearcats (11-5) are tied for fourth. This game will undoubtedly impact the seeding for the AAC tournament, which set to be played in Hartford, Connecticut later this month. A strong run in the conference tournament will guarantee the Bearcats a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Tulsa is also currently ranked 37th in the the RPI. Cincinnati is ranked 50th. Notching a road win against a top-50 team would no doubt add to the Bearcats resume with Selection Sunday little more than a week away.
This game is important.
Tulsa’s guards lead the way. James Woodard and Shaquille Harrison both average more than ten points per game. As a team, Tulsa averages almost 66 points per game. The Bearcats, of course, have been great at defense, holding opponents to 55 points per game. The game will be a battle of wills. The Cats will have their hands full on defense, but if any team is up to the task, it’s the Bearcats.
The Bearcats have really been playing solid basketball of late. I think the streak continues. I predict the Bearcats win this one by ten, 66-56.
By Rhett Lemmel