2014 NCAA Tournament: Fantasizing Cincinnati’s Path To A National Championship

Jan 8, 2014; Storrs, CT, USA; Harvard Crimson guard Brandyn Curry (10) shoots against Connecticut Huskies center Amida Brimah (35) in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. UConn defeated Harvard 61-56. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Round: (5) Cincinnati v. (12) Harvard

The Bearcats open their NCAA Tournament against the Harvard Crimson of the Ivy League. They’re a tough opponent to kick off the tournament for sure. Harvard has won 26 games this year and went 13-1 in the conference, winning their fourth straight league title. But the Crimson are not unbeatable. Harvard has yet to face a defense as suffocating as Cincinnati’s and while the Bearcats have issues offensively, can always rely on their ability to stop opponents to stay in games.

The key here is for Kilpatrick to get hot and Justin Jackson to stay out of foul trouble. In their opening round game, these seniors are as focused as ever, especially after getting knocked out of the AAC Tournament in heartbreaking fashion. They want revenge on the Huskies. Badly. But they have to vent their frustrations on those smarties at Harvard. Kilpatrick goes for 20 and 9 while Jackson gets a double-double. Titus Rubles and Shaq Thomas each go for 8 points while Troy Caupain picks up 6 assists. Defense results in offense for the Bearcats as they overwhelm the Crimson on both ends of the court.

Final Score: Cincinnati 74, Harvard 66