TicketsNov. 4, 2006
CINCINNATI, Ohio - Head coach Mick Cronin wanted the Bearcats to be tested in a difficult game and he got just that in Saturday's 81-59 exhibition victory over the University of Ottawa.
UC's margin of victory is deceiving. The Bearcats trailed for much of the first half and were tied at 28 at intermission. After racing to a 20 point lead in the second half, they saw that margin dwindle to 10 points before putting on a final burst in which they outscored the visiting GeeGees, 19-7, in the final five and a half minutes.
John Williamson again was one of the stars. The 6-6 junior and newcomer from the junior college ranks recorded a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. All five starters reached double digits in scoring, though Cronin is wary that he got only 10 points from UC's short bench.
"I think what happened to us in the first half was benefited us," stated Cronin, who was quick to credit Ottawa for the Bearcats' troubles. "I have experience playing Ottawa. We played them Labor Day weekend of '05 (when Cronin was head coach at Murray State) and I knew they would play hard.
"Our guys were hung over from Wednesday night," added Cronin, referring to the 87-41 exhibition victory over Northern Kentucky. "We didn't play hard. When we get eight deflections and don't rebound well, we're going to struggle."
The Bearcats came out with more energy and determination in the second half. UC opened the half with a 14-3 scoring burst. Cincinnati, which enjoyed a mere two-rebound advantage at the intermission, outrebounded Ottawa, 8-1 during that two and a half minute span and finished the game with a plus-16 margin.
Cincinnati enjoyed a 58-38 advantage with 11:53 to play, but Ottawa outscored UC, 14-4, over the next six minutes to cut the lead to 10 points. The Bearcats pulled away with improved shooting and some transition baskets.
After managing a mere .355 percentage from the field in the first half, UC shot a sizzling .525 in the second half to finish at .451. The Bearcats held the GeeGees to .357 shooting and forced 19 turnovers.
"My biggest concern is our fatigue," said Cronin. "We've got a lot of guys playing extended minutes for the first time in their careers, and that leads to breakdowns for us. As a coach, I've got to find ways to stop this when the real running starts next week."
Cincinnati opens regular season play on Friday, Nov. 10 hosting Howard. The game is part of the Jim Thorpe Association Classic hosted by UC at Fifth Third Arena, a three-day round-robin tournament which also features High Point and Tennessee Martin. UC will play the 7 p.m. contest in each of the three nights.