Cincy on the Prowl
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UC Bearcats Basketball: Cincinnati Finalizes Strong Non-Conference Schedule

By Chris Bains

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The Cincinnati Bearcats have announced their non-conference schedule for the 2014-15 men’s basketball season. Once again, the slate has been stacked with solid opponents that should give a young UC team a challenge during the first half of the year. The headliners of the schedule include 2014 NCAA Tournament participants:

  • 11/25: North Carolina Central, HOME
  • 11/29: Creighton/Ole Miss*, NEUTRAL – Emerald Coast Classic
  • 12/13: Nebraska, AWAY
  • 12/17: San Diego State, HOME
  • 12/20: VCU, HOME
  • 12/30: NC State, AWAY
  • 2/18: Xavier, HOME

*The Rebels obviously missed the NCAA Tournament last year.

Looking up and down the full list of opponents, this appears to be yet another solid non-conference schedule for Cincinnati. Seven opponents were in the 2014 NCAA Tournament and Middle Tennessee State, who UC will face in the opening game of Emerald Coast Classic on November 28th, narrowly missed the field. As a result, the Bearcats should expect minimal negative ramifications to their 2015 NCAA Tournament resume when we need to start paying attention to that early next year. It really should only help this team come Selection Sunday.

Also, as I alluded to above, Cincinnati basically hits the reset button on their roster next season. They are effectively replacing their entire front court and the back court will be dotted with fresh faces. Facing tough opponents like Nebraska, VCU, and Xavier will help them grow together quickly and prepare them for AAC play.

Finally, from an attendance standpoint, this schedule bodes well for getting a strong crowd at Fifth Third Arena. It was the non-conference schedule that pulled down attendance last season, resulting in a 7.4% overall decline. However, San Diego State, VCU (SHAKA SMART, Y’ALL!!), and of course Xavier are attractive opponents who will boost UC’s numbers.

Overall, I’m extremely pleased with the non-conference schedule the University of Cincinnati has orchestrated. The Bearcats tip off the 2014-15 season against St. Francis (PA.) on November 14th.

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