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Thursday’s slate and what to watch: three league titles on the line? | CollegeBasketballTalk
No. 17 Louisville @ Cincinnati, 9 p.m. (ESPN): I’m not sure you can even technically justify this as an upset if Cincy were to win, but I’ll go with it because a) Louisville has that number to the left of their name which signifies that the top 25 polls that you should all-but disregard are think the Cardinals are better and b) NBC gave me the power to do so and you better believe I’m going to take advantage of that authority. Was I rambling? Sorry. Winner moves into a three-way tie with USF and Georgetown for the fourth double-bye in the Big East Tournament.
Cincinnati isn't going to be an easy win. They're sitting at 19-8 and have won their last two games, losing to then-No. 19 Marquette before that. They did have a three-game losing streak, which included games against WVU and Rutgers, but they're winners in four of their last five. Cincinnati also has the added benefit of having beaten the Cardinals in both of the recent meetings.
This Louisville/Cincinnati Game Harkens Memories Of Childhood - Card Chronicle
While the Louisville/Cincinnati rivalry is light years behind where it's been in the past, I must admit that today sort of has a throwback feel to it. U of L and UC are tied in the Big East standings, the Bearcat fans are planning a "blackout" for the game, many excited Cardinal fans are talking about making the trip up I-71, and of course it's a 9 p.m. Thursday night contest that will appear on ESPN.
UC seeking win over Louisville | Cincinnati.com | cincinnati.com
This game is more than a personal challenge for the UC coach. He knows a win over Louisville would go a long way toward getting his team back to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year.
Louisville's ranking matters most to Bearcats | Cincinnati.com | cincinnati.com
The Bearcats face No. 17 Louisville at 9 p.m. at Fifth Third Arena (ESPN) as they continue to make their case for a second straight NCAA appearance. They have won six of their last 10 games against ranked opponents and need one more victory to produce back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in six years.
Not strictly related to tonight's game but read this when you get the chance.
Brawl changed course of season for Cincinnati - College Basketball - Rivals.com
"Now we have to prove this isn’t who we are," Cronin said. "I said, ‘We’re not going to let people outside the locker room define who we are. I’m always talking about changing perceptions. Well, here’s our chance. We know we’re great guys. We know how to act, how to carry ourselves. And now we’re going to show everyone. Now’s our chance. And if we don’t do it, then it’s our fault. If we don’t rise to the challenge, then it’s our fault. Here’s our chance to show Cincinnati players aren’t pampered, they do appreciate the opportunity, they are good role models for the school.’ "
Very well reported by Dan Wetzel
Cardinals vs Bearcats coverage | Cardinals vs Bearcats preview | Card Chronicle