2011-2012 Cincinnati Bearcats College Basketball Preview:
Since joining the Big East in 2005-6, the Bearcats have had a harder go of things since their days barnstorming through Conference USA. But that changed last year when head coach Mick Cronin took the ‘Cats to the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament and a 25-8 record. With few defections, Cincinnati is looking to do it again and make a further dent in their road for a national championship.
Senior Yancy Gates, the leading scorer for the team, is expected to bring another element to his game coming into his final year. The 6' 9" power forward led the team in five categories and was ranked eighth in the division in field goal percentage. Cool as a cucumber, Gates will continue to hit big shots in critical game situations.
Come November, the defense is expected to really bring it. The roster includes two big bodies ready to stand under the bucket and block some shots. Both Cheikh Mbodj and Kelvin Gaines will look to establish their college legacies by providing much needed bulk in the paint. At 6' 10" each and a combined weight of more than 500 pounds, it's difficult to see how opponents will deal with this dynamic duo. Fans should get ready for some great games once Bearcat basketball starts up again in November.
CINCINNATI BEARCATS BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE:
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Stadium: Fifth Third Arena
Conference: Big East Conference
Rivals: Louisville Cardinals, Ohio State Buckeyes, Xavier Musketeers
Mascot: Bearcat
The Cincinnati Bearcats basketball program has been a Midwestern powerhouse for decades. With 2 NCAA National Championships in the 1960’s, and 4 Conference USA Tournament titles, the Cincinnati Bearcats are now in a rebuilding phase and have high hopes of reaching their past level of success. While Cincinnati has a tough hill to climb to compete for a conference title in the Big East, look for the Cincinnati Bearcats to be an explosive team in the NCAA Tournament. Watching a home game at Fifth Third Arena and you’ll understand why it’s known as the team’s sixth man. On the way in, you can’t ignore the rich Cincinnati Bearcats basketball tradition as you walk past the statue of Oscar Robertson. Look to the south wall and you’ll see the championship banners and retired numbers hanging in grand fashion. The arena usually sells out, so you’ll want to get Cincinnati Bearcats basketball tickets early.
Cincinnati’s greatest era of success was during the 1960’s when Oscar Robertson, a three-time All-American, led the team by averaging over 33 points per game, putting him at third all time in Division-I play. Soon after Robertson left, the Cincinnati Bearcats would continue their success by winning back-to-back national championships in 1961 and 1962. After a downturn in the ‘70's and ‘80's, Bob Huggins took over as coach and took the Bearcats to 14 NCAA Tournaments, and the Final Four in 1992.
The Cincinnati Bearcats play their home games at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. The arena holds over 13,000 and is regularly sold-out. The Cincinnati Bearcats Bearcats have an incredible record at home, winning 99 of 108 home games in the last 7 seasons. Watching a game at Fifth Third Arena is a wild experience you don’t want to miss. Buy Cincinnati Bearcats basketball tickets and watch the Cincinnati Bearcats fight to prominence in the Big East and make a long run at the NCAA Tournament!
See Also:
Cincinnati Bearcats Big East Tournament tickets
Cincinnati Bearcats NCAA Tournament tickets
Cincinnati Bearcats Final Four tickets
Cincinnati Bearcats Football tickets
Cincinnati Bearcats Basketball Ticket Information:
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