This is the end. There is no next game. The Bearcats first season in the Big 12 is over. A 22-15 record, 11th place in the Big 12, two wins in the Big 12 Tournament, two wins in the NIT Tournament. So much more that could have been. Here are 12 Big Things from Tuesday night’s Bearcats loss to Indiana State.
12 Big Things
1. That was a great basketball game. Two really good teams with talent and contrasting styles going at it, slinging it for 40 minutes.
2. For any Bearcats fans complaining about the refs or thinking they cost the Bearcats game, I respect your opinions and beliefs. But there are bad calls in every game. The key is, I have always said this, to not put yourselves in a position where the refs have to be perfect in order for you to win.
3. Ohio State fans will say that Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross fumbled in the College Football Playoff semifinal game in 2019. The ruling on the field was changed to an incomplete pass, taking seven points off the board for the Buckeyes. Clemson wound up winning 29-23 on an end zone interception. All Buckeyes fans wanted to talk about was that non-fumble. They didn’t want to talk about the Buckeyes blowing a 16-0 lead and not scoring a touchdown on any of three red zone possessions.
4. My point: blame the refs all you want. Remember when the Bearcats led by eight in the second half? Remember when Indiana State missed two shots before making the go-ahead three wit just over a minute to play? Those are things the Bearcats could have controlled. They could have held onto the lead. They could have boxed out and gotten a defensive rebound. The refs don’t prevent you from doing those things.
5. This game could have gone either way. Both teams shot the ball evenly. The rebound battle was 36-34 Cincinnati. It was so close, such a competitive game.
6. That said: the Bearcats had 13 turnovers to just 11 assists. And, they went 11-of-17 from the free-throw line. In a four-point loss, those add up.
