Honorable Mention:
vs. UConn (AAC Tournament) W 81-71
This was the worst officiated game of the year by far. There were 60+ fouls called and the game lasted two and a half hours long. But that didn't stop Gary Clark from going for 25 points and 9 rebounds. This game was so special because this was the season the sweep of UConn. The Bearcats beat the Huskies three times this season, ALL by double digits. UC also beat them twice in one week on their home floor.
Cincinnati has struggled with UConn in years past so this was a big step to get past. UConn had knocked us out the three prior years in the AAC Tournament, all on last second plays. This was also the first time the 'Cats had advanced to the AAC Tournament Final.
vs. Kansas State (NCAA Tournament) W 75-61
This was arguably the best game the Bearcats played all year. They shot 63% and basically dominated all facets of the game. Troy Caupain was 7-10 from the field and scored 23 points to get his 2nd NCAA tournament victory and cruise past the Wildcats.
This game was never in doubt as UC lead by double digits for a good portion of the game. This is the first time since the 2010-11 season that we easily defeated a team. That year the Bearcats beat down on Missouri by 15 points and us fans didn't feel like 10 years was taken of our like.
5. vs. Xavier W 86-78
It's always good to get a win in the Crosstown Shootout, but this year was even better. Xavier came into the game ranked 24th and shots lights out in the first half. Bearcats trailed 44-36 at halftime, but came put away Xavier with clutch three's from Troy Caupain and Jarron Cumberland. Jacob Evans led the team with 23 points.
This was the teams first shootout win since the 2012-13 season. It was a big boost to UC's profile as well because Xavier was at full strength at the time. Trevon Blueitt dropped 40, but it wasn't enough for the Muskies.
4. vs. Houston W 65-47
It wasn't so much the game that was so memorable, but our final moments in 5/3rd arena as we know it. 5/3rd is under going serious renovations next year so UC will play their games at BB&T arena. This was also senior night as we celebrated UC's all time assist leader in Troy Caupain, their best defender on the team in Kevin Johnson, and the most beloved walk-on in a while, in Zack Tobler.
The game was a blowout since the tip. Walk-on Zack Tobler scored the first bucket off the game which was a very cool moment to see. The Bearcats crushed a decent Houston team who needed a win to get into the NCAA Tournament at the time. Caupain scored 11 points, but had his signature 4 assists & 0 turnovers. While Tobler scored the final points in the "old" 5/3rd.
3. vs. Marshall W 93-91 (OT)
The Bearcats crept back in to the top 25 polls and we were expected to roll the Thunder Herd before starting conference play and that was very wrong. Marshall jumped out to a 19 point lead in the first half and could not miss anything. Marshall finished the game 17-30 from three. The Bearcats were able to creep their way back in and Jacob Evans hit a clutch three to send the game into OT. In OT, Troy Caupain hit a game winning jumper to send UC past Marshall.
This was one of the best shooting performances I ever saw from a team UC played. They scored 50 in the first half and were just raining three's the entire game. Prior to that game they had already scored 98 twice and 111 points. There very next game they lost to Pitt 112-106 and finished the year losing in the C-USA tittle game. Check out these highlights from the game.
2. @ Tulsa W 57-55
This was a game to forget for most UC fans. UC trailed virtually the entire game and couldn't score the ball to save their life. With 3:30 left most UC fans probably went to bed as the Bearcats trailed 54-45, but a Jacob Evans steal and dunk brought new life to Mick Cronin's team. With 38 seconds left Caupain completed an and-1 to tie the game at 55 before he hit the game winning jump shot with 4 seconds left.
It was a great comeback that highlighted just how resilient this team was. Caupain showed the true leader that he is. UC played the Golden Hurricane two more times this year and blew them out twice.
1. @ Iowa State W 55-54 (OT)
This was UC biggest win in a while. After last years no shows in big games and losing in the final seconds things looked bleak for the Bearcats. Down by 4 with under a minute and a half, Gary Clark hit a jumper with 4 seconds to send it to OT. Jacob Evans eventually hit two free throws in the final seconds to bring home the win.
This city really needed this win. UC snapped the longest non conference win streak in the nation and beat a top 20 team in one of the toughest environments out there. It showed just how solid UC was with 4/5 starters scoring in double digits. All 5 of the starters scored in between 7-13 points. This was the win UC was looking for last year.
No comments:
Post a Comment