7. Lukosius intentionally missing a free throw down 83-81 was probably the right thing to do. However, I don’t necessarily agree with it. If he makes that free throw, it’s an 83-82 game. With three seconds left, that’s enough time to get a quick foul and be down three at the most if Indiana State makes two free throws. The Bearcats also could have tried for a steal. Maybe that’s a long-winded explanation- Indiana State could have intentionally missed their second free throw- but I always feel like intentionally missing the second free throw while trailing has such a low percentage chance of turning into an offensive rebound and whatever happens subsequently.
8. Our Bearcats beat colleague, Ryan Roberts, tweeted a photo, as seen below, of Jizzle James embracing his father, Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Edgerrin James, after the game. James left everythnig out on the court over the last two games, the first two starts of his career.
9. James was spectacular again on Tuesday night, but he looked like a freshman at times. He had a crucial turnover late when his bullet passes went off the hands of John Newman. That turnover came when the game was tied 77-77 with just under two minutes to play. James finished the game with 21 points on 10-of-23 shooting with five assists, two steals and three tunrovers.
10. How about John Newman, in his final college game, going 3-of-3 from three-point range. I’ll remember Newman as a player that reinvigorated what a great Bearcats player should be: tough, hard-nosed, physical, leader, defender.
11. I can’t say enough about the potential Simas Lukosius has going into next season, hoping he stays. His 26 points and six threes now gives him 19 threes in three NIT games. He is who we thought CJ Frederick would be. Lukosius is a sharp shooter, a leader and a clutch player.
12. Dan Skillings had 12 points and 12 rebounds Tuesday night, a quiet night. But unlike this season, there won’t be anything quiet about him going into next season. Teams are going to know who he is, and he will be featured on opposing teams’ scouting reports.
