CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

On Tuesday night, the UC Bearcats traveled to Providence, Rhode Island to take on the Friars and found a familiar way to lose a game, their fifth in a row. The Cats (10-13) led by 8 points with 1:44 left on the clock but managed to come up short 71-70. As has been the case recently, their shooting did them in. Cincinnati was 4-14 from the free throw line. Providence's season record goes to 15-7.

The Reds signed pitcher Aaron Harang to a long term contract. This is their best move of the off-season.

On Wednesday night, Xavier hosted the St. Louis Billikins at Cintas Center and avenged an earlier loss 76 - 57. The Musketeers, after a pretty even first half, pulled away from St. Louis in the 2nd half to win easily. Justin Doellman scored 24 and Stanley Burrell added 17.

On Thursday, the Reds shocked everyone by signing Bronson Auroyo to a long term contract. They now have their two top pitcher committed for the next four or five years. Good job.

In high school ball, the Mariemont Warriors won two this week which puts them at 9-9 on the season. The Hamilton High Big Blue won again and are tied atop the GMC. Little Fenwick was embarrassed twice more and are now 3-15. Winton Woods (11-7) lost one this week and Wilmington (14-5) won one.

On Saturday afternoon, the UC Bearcats were in Piscataway, New Jersey to play the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and repeated a recent theme in a 73-69 loss. The Bearcats jumped out to an 11 point lead but ended up down 10 at the half. The roller coaster ride continued in the second half when Cincinnati regained the lead and were ahead 67-61 with four minutes to play. The Cats were 7 of10 from the free throw line while the Knights were 26 of 30. Some referees in the Big East are determined to teach the new team and new coach a lesson.

Xavier was in the nation's capitol on Saturday night and handed the George Washington Colonials a 87-58 beat down. The Musketeers blew open a close game early in the second half with great defense and deadly 3-point shooting. Josh Duncan saw a little action for the first time since his injury. Lavender, Cole, Cage and Burrell all scored in double figures for the X-Men. Xavier broke GW's 24-game home win streak which was one of the longest in the country and moved to the top of the A10 standings. This was a very impresiive win for Xavier.

From the land of Queen Lili'uokalani, Carson Palmer was named MVP of the Pro-Bowl and Chad Johnson had 3 catches including a touchdown as the AFC won. Neither were hurt, thank Goodness.