CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

On Wednesday night at the US Bank Arena, XU met Bob Huggins' Kansas State University Wildcats and prevailed 76-66. The Musketeers had a big run in the middle of the first half to push their lead to double digits and never relinquished the advantage after that. Stanley Burrell showed up and scored 23 points to lead Sean Miller's five. KSU's Bill Walker returned to town and looked like the young freshman that he is, scoring only 8 points.

On Thursday night, the UC Bearcats traveled south to play John Calipari's #22 Memphis Tigers before an ESPN audience and were embarrassed 88-55. Hot shooting Memphis broke out to an 11-0 lead and extended it to 31 points by the half. The outcome of this one was never in doubt. Cedric McGowan led the Cats with 20 points.

On Saturday in Toronto, Canada, the first International Bowl was played and the University of Cincinnati football team met the Western Michigan Broncos of the Mid-American Conference. UC stormed out of the locker room and took a 24-0 lead midway through the second quarter and then the game changed its face. WMU scored the next 24 points, tieing the game with about 10 minutes to go. The Bearcats were able to take the lead on a Kevin Lovell field goal at the 8 minute mark and hold on for the victory. UC wide receiver Dominick Goodman had 7 receptions for 109 yards and was named the game's MVP.

The game was played at what is now known as the Rogers Center. This facility was originally known as the Sky Dome. I took a tour there fifteen years ago when I was in Toronto on business. Its a really cool structure. It has a movable roof and one end of the stadium is made up of a hotel and restaurants.

Mariemont High School (7-2) whipped Taylor HS on Friday night and then lost to conference leader and top ranked Wyoming on Saturday night. Fenwick (3-6) lost to Talawanda on Saturday after losing to LaSalle on Friday night. Hamilton High (7-3) beat Milford on Wednesday and Princeton on Saturday. Wilmington HS won two this week to go to 8-1.

On Saturday night, Xavier hosted Temple University at Cintas Center and handled the Owls 76-68. Stanley Burrell and Justin Doellman each had 21 points for the Musketeers. It wasn't the prettiest game ever played but it was an important A12 win for X.

On Sunday afternoon, UC hosted Rutgers University in its Big East opener at Shoemaker Center and put on one of the worst offensive displays the Bearcat faithful have ever seen. The 54-42 final tells the story. 42 points in a game is an embarrassment. This team has totally lost confidence in itself. Marcus Sikes had 17 to lead the Cats in scoring. No one else had more than 7 points.