Down The Drive - Bearcats Basketball Week 8: Conference Play BeginsA Cincinnati Bearcats blog for the moderately intelligenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48741/downthedrive-fave.png2014-01-04T17:41:23-05:00http://www.downthedrive.com/rss/stream/50284332014-01-04T17:41:23-05:002014-01-04T17:41:23-05:00Bearcats Stun Memphis 69-53
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<figcaption>What else but #MickCroninMeanFace?</figcaption>
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<p>UC stuns Memphis with stifling defense and go to 2-0 in the AAC</p> <p>No that's not a typo. UC went to Memphis, the #18 team in America, and manhandled the Tigers 69-53. Nearly three hours later, that's still shocking to me. I'm sure it is to many of you. I was all set to write about missed opportunities because, quite frankly, there were a LOT of missed opportunities in the first half. UC found a way to actually lead at halftime. No way Memphis doesn't take that as a wake up call and stomp the Bearcats in the second half, right? Well, the Bearcats were the ones doing the stomping, to the tune of 42-27 in the final 20 minutes. Stunning.</p>
<p>And it all started with UC's defense as it always does. They were quicker, smarter, and more tenacious Saturday. Led by Justin Jackson, yet again, who was all over the map. Blocking shots, great defense, big rebounds, and chipping in 13 points as well. (And probably some cheeseball saying "he took tickets too"). But on top of Jackson, they got huge contributions from just about everyone else you'd expect and more.</p>
<p><b>What I Liked:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Pretty much everything from Justin Jackson. My whipping boy continues to come through with off the charts performances. I'm not asking any questions because I don't want to know where it's coming from. 13 points, 8 rebounds, 7 blocks. SEVEN BLOCKS!! He was absolutely everywhere.</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/125920/sean-kilpatrick" class="sbn-auto-link">Sean Kilpatrick</a> was 5-11 from the field and scored 18 including an absolutely crushing three pointer with the game still somewhat in question. He's still taking some bad shots, but 11 shots is much better. <br>
</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/228653/troy-caupain" class="sbn-auto-link">Troy Caupain</a> continues his progression. Great on the break. Under control. Hits BIG shots. 5 assists. One turnover in 19 minutes. Only 19 minutes???? <br>
</li>
<li>Ladies and gentlemen...Shaq Thomas got FOUR rebounds!!! And one huge offensive board and putback in the first half. He was a lot more active today. 4-9 from the field including a three. No his shot isn't improving. It still has NO arc whatsoever, but he can do other things to help out. Today he did. Even chipped in 3 steals. Very nice to see.</li>
<li>Again Titus doesn't score. Hell he pretty much CAN'T score. But 7 rebounds and 4 assists in addition to very solid defense. Just wish he'd NEVER EVER shoot outside of 5 feet. EVER.</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/228655/jermaine-lawrence" class="sbn-auto-link">Jermaine Lawrence</a> and Kevin Johnson combined for 13 points and some really important buckets. Johnson's three from the Memphis bench in the first half helped UC close a 5-point gap. He also grabbed an offensive rebound and gave UC the lead at halftime with a tough putback. Lawrence also had a nice offensive rebound and bucket in the first half. Unfortunately he suffered a toe injury and missed the entire second half. Hopefully this is minor because he's the only low post reserve of note right now. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/174707/david-nyarsuk" class="sbn-auto-link">David Nyarsuk</a> isn't really an option right now. <br>
</li>
<li>Shooting. Now we hardly ever get to talk about shooting, but we have to do so today. 6-11 from three and 58% from the field in the second half. 58%?!?!?! For the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/cincinnati-bearcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bearcats</a>??? And they accomplished this by moving the ball very well. They just seemed to find the open man every possession. <br>
</li>
<li>Defense. What else? They always play good defense. But 33% from Memphis on their floor. 2-11 from deep. And if you need it...held Memphis 30 points under their season average. 30! Can't ask for much more. </li>
</ul>
<p><b>What I Didn't Like:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Guyn did nothing and took at least one horrible shot. OK well he made one three, which is more than he's made in three weeks. But otherwise, he's proving his doubters right in the battle with Troy Caupain for the point guard battle. But they DO need him to play better. He's probably going to continue to start so he's important. He will play at least 10 minutes a night so they have to get more from him</li>
<li>Some lazy passes from JJ in the latter part of the second half. That one-handed cross court hook pass is not gonna work. (you knew I'd get something in about him, didn't you?)</li>
<li>Got outrebounded by 3. We can live with that in a 16 point win.</li>
</ul>
<p>Yeah, that's really all I care to complain about right now. Sure they have things they can still improve upon, but we will deal with that stuff some other time. Let's enjoy this HUGE win!!</p>
<p>Bearcats will have to turn their focus quickly to Houston. The Cougars only knocked off Connecticut in their inaugural AAC game last week so you know they have some talent. Now of course UConn went and lost to SMU today to start off 0-2 in the conference...but still they're going to be right there at the top of the standings when it's all done.</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/1/4/5274552/recap-bearcats-69-tigers-53Jeff Gentil2014-01-04T14:23:41-05:002014-01-04T14:23:41-05:00Bearcats Upset #18 Memphis Behind SK and JJ
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<p>And all of a sudden the Bearcats are rolling on both ends of the floor behind the new and improved Justin Jackson. It also helped that Sean Kilpatrick broke a pretty dreadful shooting slump. </p> <p>He was simply unstoppable today for the Bearcats. His final stat line today? 13 points on 60 percent shooting from the field, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 7<i>(!)</i> blocks. He was the biggest storyline of the game by far, but the Bearcats got big contributions in the first half from Kevin Johnson and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/228655/jermaine-lawrence">Jermaine Lawrence</a>, and from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/228653/troy-caupain">Troy Caupain</a> in general. What more can be said about Caupain at this point though, he is by far the Bearcats best option at point guard. He is head and shoulders above Ge`lawn Guyn. I have even made peace with him not starting, so long as he plays 25 to 30 minutes a game, and every second of crunch time.</p>
<p>Perhaps the best news of the day though is <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/125920/sean-kilpatrick">Sean Kilpatrick</a> breaking out of a really bad shooting slump. SK was 5 of 11 from the field, just 1 of 3 from three. But that was only his second game shooting 45 percent or better from the field since early December.</p>
<p>It the Bearcats can get SK and Justin Jackson rolling at the same time these Bearcats could become very, very dangerous. Who could have predicted that?</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/1/4/5273860/justin-jackson-and-sean-kilpatrick-lead-bearcats-to-69-53-win-over-18Matt Opper2014-01-03T14:02:09-05:002014-01-03T14:02:09-05:00Memphis Rivalry Renewed
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<p>A rivalry that never should have ended returns tomorrow. Let's take a quick stroll down memory lane...</p> <p>I can't speak for the older crowd, but games with Memphis bring back some awesome memories especially in the Great Midwest and CUSA. I'm not old enough to remember too many battles in the Metro (plus Memphis was generally better than UC back in those days) so most of my memories are good ones.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>How about Steve Logan's last home game? The buzzer beater to tie it and send the game to OT where the Bearcats prevailed?</li>
<li>Kenny Satterfield made a runner near the buzzer in Memphis to pull out a huge win</li>
<li>Or Terry Nelson taking a charge from Penny Hardaway in the last few seconds of the Great Midwest Championship game in Memphis to preserve UC's title?</li>
<li>A few weeks later, UC beat Memphis an unbelievable 4th time in the same season to advance to the Final Four. Seems like yesterday...</li>
<li>Corie Blount breaking the rim at the Pyramid causing a lengthy delay in the game?</li>
<li>I remember Andy Kennedy's overachievers almost knocking off a very highly ranked Memphis team at 5/3 arena. I remember it vividly because I lost my ass betting on Memphis that game. Was my old gambling days that are in the past...of course. </li>
<li>But I'm not, I repeat NOT, going to discuss that other awful thing that occurred in Memphis. No way, no how. </li>
</ul>
<p>What about you? Any favorite memories of the Memphis rivalry?</p>
https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/1/3/5270508/welcome-back-memphisJeff Gentil2014-01-03T09:00:03-05:002014-01-03T09:00:03-05:00Layup Line: Memphis
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<p>The Bearcats and Tigers will renew a 45 year old rivalry when they face off as conference mates once again. UC leads the all-time series 36-31, but Memphis has won the last 4.</p> <p>It's been five years since the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/memphis-tigers">Memphis Tigers</a> (10-2) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/cincinnati-bearcats">Cincinnati Bearcats</a> faced one another on a basketball court. Seems odd for a rivalry that was so rich during the Conference USA days, but they meet again - as companions of a different conference.</p>
<p>The Bearcats travel to Memphis for their first game away from Fifth Third Arena in 2 weeks; in fact, it's the first true road game since the loss at New Mexico a month ago.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Game:</b> Saturday, January 4 @ 12:00pm ET</li>
<li> <b>Location:</b> FedEx Forum; Memphis, TN</li>
<li> <b>TV/Radio:</b> ESPN2; 700WLW</li>
</ul>
<p>There's no sugar-coatin' this one: you know Memphis is good. They come into Saturday's game with two losses: at #6 Oklahoma State and on a neutral court against #12 Florida. As a team, they average 82 points a game and shoot better than 48% from the field. Oh, and did I mention they're ranked 18th in both college basketball polls?</p>
<p><b>What an opportunity to grab a HUGE win on the road, right?</b></p>
<p>In order to do that, it'd be helpful to shut down Joe Jackson <i>(#01 in your program); </i>the 6'1" senior guard averages 15.2 points a game and is tied for the team lead in assists. But shutting down Jackson isn't easy <i>(duh)</i>; he leads the team in free throw attempts (82) and sinks them at a 88% clip - so even on an "off" shooting night, he'll still fill up the stat sheet.</p>
<p>And if, let's say, the Bearcats shut down Joe Jackson, there are still <b>4 other Tigers who average at least 9 points</b> a game. Compare that to the Bearcats - who have only 2 guys averaging more than 9 a game (Kilpatrick and Jackson).</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/176431/shaq-goodwin">Shaq Goodwin</a> <i>(#02)</i> is one of those guys. He's a 6'9" sophomore <i>(and former McD's AA)</i> who averages 12.8 points and 6.7 rebounds a game. Michael Dixon Jr. <i>(#11)</i> is another one - averaging 11.3 points a game. <i>Does that name sound familiar?</i> If so, it's because he used to play for another set of Tigers - Mizzou. Dixon, Jr. scored 11 points when the Bearcats beat Mizzou back in the 2011 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness">NCAA tournament</a>.</p>
<p><b>What I'm trying to say is</b> shutting down Memphis' offense will be a daunting task. Cronin and his assistants are usually pretty good at devising a gameplan to lock down the opposing team's best player, but even that's not gonna do the trick against this Tigers squad.</p>
<p>If the 'Cats wanna escape with a win, they'll have to do all the things they normally do well, <b>but</b> <b>even better</b>. When the Tigers lost to Florida 2 weeks ago Memphis had more points in the paint, more points off turnovers, more bench points, and a +9 turnover margin. <b>And they lost. </b>I'm willing to bet if the Tigers win all 4 of those statistical categories on Saturday, they'll probably beat the Bearcats handily.</p>
<p><b>What the 'Cats have to do to win:</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span><b>Get a +7 Rebounding Margin.</b> In Memphis' 2 losses this year, that's the average in which they were outrebounded. That also happens to be the Bearcats' average rebounding margin so far this year.</span></li>
<li><span><b>Hold the Tigers under 67.</b> If you follow Cincinnati closely this year, you know that no team has scored more than 67 points against them. Yes, Memphis averages 82 points a game; herein lies the rub.</span></li>
<li><span><b>Spread out the scoring.</b> In the Bearcats last 2 games, they're average 69.5 points each contest with four different guys scoring at least 9 in each contest. Even if Justin Jackson maintains his awesome pace and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/125920/sean-kilpatrick">Sean Kilpatrick</a> regains his stroke, they'll need at least 2 other guys to score 9 or more points.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><b>My prediction:</b> I said it above, but it bears repeating: there's no sugar coatin' this one. The Tigers are good, and they're favored to beat the Bearcats. If I were a bettin' man, though, I think Cincinnati keeps it close and probably covers the spread <i>(although I have no idea what the spread actually is; that's helpful, right?)</i>. Memphis plays Louisville next week, so there's a chance they're looking ahead. But I don't think the 'Cats have the firepower to pull this out on the road; <b>Memphis wins: 69-66</b>. Sorry Bearcat fans...</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/1/3/5269390/layup-line-memphisJustin Post2014-01-01T20:21:51-05:002014-01-01T20:21:51-05:00Bearcats Top SMU In AAC Opener
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<figcaption>Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Justin Jackson leads the Bearcats to their first American Athletic Conference win ever against the Mustangs of SMU.</p> <p>As is customary for any Cincinnati game, this was a grind. But the Bearcats did put SMU under wraps in the second half behind suffocating defense and the play of the new and improved Justin Jackson. The senior who is finally realizing the vastness of his talent once again led the Bearcats in both scoring and rebounding, More than that JJ had five blocks, five steals, a pair of assists and no turnovers. Earlier in the week Jackson was named AAC player of the week, if he replicates this performance against Memphis on Saturday he could make it three in a row.</p>
<p>The play of Jackson was so crucial because <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/125920/sean-kilpatrick">Sean Kilpatrick</a> had an off night. Truthfully SK has been off for a minute, but he has been able to mask that by getting to the line. Against Nebraska he shot a hillarious 18 free throws, made 8 of them and wound up with 21 points despite shooting 2 for 13 from the field. SMU kept him off the line, only 6 free throw attempts, and limited his impact. That was offset in large part by the play of Jackson, but Shaq Thomas and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145201/jermaine-sanders">Jermaine Sanders</a> both hit double figures today and the Bearcats were able to pull away late against the Mustangs.</p>
<p>Check back with Down The Drive later for Jeff Gentil's more in depth look at today's contest.</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2014/1/1/5264744/bearcats-win-opening-aac-contest-against-smu-65-57Matt Opper2013-12-31T12:42:38-05:002013-12-31T12:42:38-05:00Layup Line: SMU
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<p>Fresh off receiving a vote in last week's AP poll, the SMU Mustangs gallop into Cincinnati to open AAC play. Pop the top on that leftover New Year's bubbly, everybody; time to celebrate this new conference.</p> <p>Are you ready for a special New Year's Eve edition of everyone's favorite pre-game article? This one requires crowd participation, though. Your assignment over the next 36 hours:</p>
<ol>
<li><span>Read the rest this post (obviously)</span></li>
<li><span>Safely ring in the new year</span></li>
<li><span>Shake off that hangover before 6pm on Wednesday</span></li>
</ol>
<p>Why? Well, the Bearcats <b>face a dangerously tough</b> SMU squad in their conference opener. Most folks unanimously pegged the top four of the American - Louisville, UConn, Memphis, and UC - but the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/smu-mustangs" class="sbn-auto-link">SMU Mustangs</a> (10-2) are knocking at the door of the AAC's upper echelon.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Game:</b> Wednesday, January 1 @ 6:00pm ET</li>
<li> <b>Location:</b> Fifth Third Arena/Shoemaker Center; Cincinnati, OH</li>
<li> <b>TV/Radio:</b> ESPNU; 700WLW</li>
</ul>
<p>In just his second year at SMU, <b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146505/larry-brown" class="sbn-auto-link">Larry Brown</a> has the Mustangs out to yet another hot start</b>. Last year, Southern Methodist began with an 8-1 mark; this year they're 10-2. The bad news for Mustang fans, though, is that they finished 15-17 last year. And of their 10 wins so far in 2013, they've come against teams that have an average RPI ranking of 200+.</p>
<p>Still, SMU does a lot of things well. Well enough that I'm contemplating picking them to beat the Bearcats on Wednesday. <b>Here's what I mean:</b></p>
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Category</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Statistic</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">NCAA Rank</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Off FG%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">50.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">#7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Assists</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">16.2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">#29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Rebound Margin</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">+9.6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">#13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Def FG%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">35.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">#2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Scoring Def</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">61.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">#17</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><i>(as of December 30, 2013)</i></p>
<p>Yes, these stats are a factor of the Mustangs' weak schedule, but Larry Brown has <b>won a ton of games</b> in his lifetime; he's a damn good coach, and SMU is a pretty good team this year.</p>
<p>They're led in scoring by 5'9" redshirt sophomore <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145494/nic-moore" class="sbn-auto-link">Nic Moore</a> <i>(#11)</i>. Short dude, but big scorer - 13.8 a game. I know what you're thinking, though: <i>5'9"??? The Bearcats length & athleticism should cause him problems.</i> Unfortunately for the Bearcats, he's hitting 55% of his 3-pointers this year - and he leads the Mustangs in attempts.</p>
<p>Two other 'Stangs to look out for are what I'm deeming the "Bash Brothers": 6'11" <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/228799/yanick-moreira" class="sbn-auto-link">Yanick Moreira</a> <i>(#35)</i> and 6'9" <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146434/markus-kennedy" class="sbn-auto-link">Markus Kennedy</a> <i>(#5)</i>. <b>I'm only calling them that</b> because they both man the paint and lead the team in rebounds. Oh - and I just finished watching Mighty Ducks, so it seemed fitting...</p>
<p>Anyway, Moreira will start for Larry Brown, but he's not the thickest of guys - listed at 220 pounds in the media guide. Still, he averages 10 points and 6 rebounds a game. Kennedy comes off the bench and averages 10 points and 5 rebounds a game.</p>
<p>One last note before I get to Wednesday's keys to victory: the Mustangs are balanced. 6 guys average 6 or more points a game and 10 guys average double digit minutes a game. <i>See what I mean when I say I'm contemplating an SMU victory?</i></p>
<p><b>What the 'Cats have to do to win:</b></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span><b>Play Defense in the Paint.</b> The Mustangs have outscored all 12 of their opponents in the paint. Cincinnati doesn't have to outscore them there, but they better deny the ball and come up with a few blocked shots in the process. SMU hasn't played anyone with the shot-blocking prowess of Cincinnati yet.</span></li>
<li> <b>Rebound.</b> This'll be a key more often than not, but ESPECIALLY against SMU. They outrebound opponents by 9.6 a game while the Bearcats have a +7.8 margin. <b>Something has to give.</b> Again, the 'Cats don't need to outrebound SMU - they just need to keep the margin as close to 0 as possible.</li>
<li><span><b>Guard the 3 Point Line.</b> If the Mustangs are limited to no more than 5 made three-pointers, I'll feel good about the Bearcats' chances for victory.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><b>My prediction:</b> Look, this one's tough; I've already missed 2 games this season, and I don't wanna start the New Year on a missed prediction. I think the fact that this game's at home will help the Bearcats significantly. The Mustangs play in front of 3,000 at home, and they'll easily be twice that at Fifth Third - I'm just not sure how rowdy everyone will be. My gut says the 'Cats in an ugly one: <b>59-55</b>.</p>
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https://www.downthedrive.com/2013/12/31/5257512/layup-line-southern-methodistJustin Post2013-12-30T11:24:10-05:002013-12-30T11:24:10-05:00Non-Conference Recap
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<figcaption>#JustinJacksonMeanFace. There I did it once! | Joe Robbins</figcaption>
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<p>We're at the not-so-official halfway point in the season. So let's see just exactly where our Bearcats have excelled and where they need to step things up. </p> <p>I think for the most part we're all pretty happy with 11-2 in the non-conference portion of the schedule. The Xavier loss still stings, but they're proving to be a much better team than most anticipated this season. Also, at least for now, getting the Pitt win means more for the RPI/BPI/whatever metrics you believe in down the road. I still say my heart would trade the Pitt win to have beaten Xavier, but my head still thinks Pitt is more important.</p>
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<p>Anyway, let's get to it. In looking back at <a href="http://www.downthedrive.com/2013/11/8/5069088/staff-predictions-records-and-postseason">Staff Predictions</a> it appears as if everyone is right on in their non-conference record so kudos to us! As for <a href="http://www.downthedrive.com/2013/11/1/5037744/staff-predictions-starting-lineup-non-conference-edition">non-conference lineups</a> it was pretty simple to begin with and Mick started the same guys all 13 games, which is a nice luxury to have. We all had the same starting five so again, we rock!! It does not appear as if Mick is going to make any changes to the <a href="http://www.downthedrive.com/2013/11/4/5041820/staff-predictions-starting-lineup-conference-play-edition">conference starting lineup</a> even though <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145201/jermaine-sanders" class="sbn-auto-link">Jermaine Sanders</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/228653/troy-caupain" class="sbn-auto-link">Troy Caupain</a> have generally outplayed Shaq Thomas and Ge'Lawn Guyn. And honestly there's really no major reason right now. They are getting some good defense from Guyn and Sanders seems to be settling in to his reserve/instant offense role.</p>
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<p>As for <a href="http://www.downthedrive.com/2013/11/6/5068342/staff-predictions-mvp-and-others">MVP and others</a> it was hit and miss. Shaq Thomas has not been the breakout player thus far and neither has <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145197/jeremiah-davis-iii" class="sbn-auto-link">Jeremiah Davis III</a> obviously. But you can make a healthy debate on which player between <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/125920/sean-kilpatrick" class="sbn-auto-link">Sean Kilpatrick</a> and Justin Jackson has been the MVP. SK is probably the best player, but Jackson's contributions cannot be overlooked and in fact might just be the most <i>valuable </i>because when he's not on the floor there is really no one to pick up his slack on the boards. When SK goes out, Kevin Johnson has been a nice surprise in his reserve role.</p>
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<p>Honestly the best newcomer should just be "the freshman class". All three who are eligible and healthy - Caupain, Lawrence, and Johnson - have contributed a lot more as a group than I'd bet most of us anticipated. Lawrence is still finding his way down low but you can see his potential. Put 20 pounds on him and he's going to be very good. Johnson is already showing his range as well as his toughness. And as we've discussed before Caupain could very easily steal the starting point guard spot from Guyn...and just might before the season is over.</p>
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<p>So what are they doing well? Their rebounding efforts as a team have really picked up since the Xavier game. They were dominated at New Mexico and in the Crosstown, so seeing the resurgence on both ends of the rebounding battle is a major plus. They're shooting .711 from the foul line which is up from .647 last season. From the field they're up to .430 from .403 last season. And they're playing typical Bearcat defense. While holding everyone under 70 points, they're holding teams to .356 shooting which is down from .387 last season. Now obviously the level of competition is down as well, so this might not hold through the conference portion. But, defense is a staple of the program and this year is no exception.</p>
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<p>So what do they need to improve upon? I'd say they need some guys to be more consistent. Jermaine Sanders gets hot then goes ice cold. Shaq Thomas obviously drifts in and out of games. Ge'Lawn Guyn scores 14 one game then nothing for 2 weeks. Sean Kilpatrick has to continue to attack the glass especially when his shots aren't falling. Saturday was a prime example of how he can carry the team to victory even though he was 2-13 from the field. They probably need some more offense (if possible) from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/174705/titus-rubles" class="sbn-auto-link">Titus Rubles</a>. As much as he does everything else he needs to get some more garbage buckets, if Justin Jackson will let him. And they need continued improvement from the freshmen. That's not too much to ask for is it?</p>
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<p>I'd be very interested to hear back from you. Am I off base? Am I close? Did I miss something? Do you feel better or worse about this team than you did in mid-November?</p>
https://www.downthedrive.com/2013/12/30/5256596/non-conference-recapJeff Gentil