Cincinnati 91, Campbell 72: Bearcats Boot Camels in Final Global Sports Classic Prep
By Chris Bains
The Bearcats will be heading out to Las Vegas, NV this weekend to face the Iowa State Cyclones in their first marquee non-conference game of the season. After being snubbed by the early season tournaments last year, Cincinnati was selected to play in the Global Sports Classic that wraps up in Vegas. Really UC has been participating in the event for the past week, as they hosted North Carolina State and Campbell in the opening rounds of the tourney. Even though technically that was the case the real games begin on Friday when the Bearcats face the Cyclones. Then, depending on if they win or lose, they will play the respective winner/loser of the Oregon-UNLV game the following day for either a chance at the tournament title or 3rd place.
The Bearcats had a solid performance last night despite some sloppy play. They turned the ball over 14 times which was the second time this year they had given the ball away more than their opponent. Given Cincinnati’s high-paced style of play this isn’t uncommon but I’d keep an eye on this as the Bearcats start to face better competition. But Campbell is perhaps UC’s strongest opponent to date and still the game was never really in question. Even more encouraging is that the Camels are projected by some to win their conference which will surely add to UC’s RPI number and seeding coming tournament time. Look at us, we’re talking about what seed Cincinnati will get in the Big Dance and it’s only November! Isn’t it great to having UC basketball back?