CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

On Monday, New Years Eve, the Xavier Musketeers met the Kansas State Wildcats at US Bank Arena in what was planned to be the homecoming of Bob Huggins. Huggins didn't stay at K-State but they played anyway. His top ten recruiting class was there but didn't fair well. Top recruit Michael Beasley had only five points. Bill Walker, who went to North College Hill with OJ Mayo, did score 31 for the visitors. Drew Lavender with 21 was one of seven players scoring in double figures for the Muskies as Xavier won handily 103-77.

On New Years day afternoon, the UC Bearcat basketball team was in Louisville's Freedom Hall for their Big East opener against Rick Patino's Cardinals. Mick Cronnin outcoached his former mentor and the scrappy young Cats eked out a 58-57 win. John Williamson and Deonta Vaughn each had 13 for Cincinnati. Neither team led by more than six points during the game. Louisville was picked by the coaches to finish first in the Big East and Cincinnati was picked to finish 12th.

The Bengals made a move on Wednesday by firing defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and linebackers coach Ricky Hunley. I guess, if someone had to go, these were the most likely suckers. Pro football is not really about coaches - its about players. The Bengals defense and especially the linebacking corp just didn't have enough talented and healthy players this year. Too bad good coaches lost their jobs. What this team really needs is someone to get them better players and someone to keep them healthy.



The same day, the Bengals signed Kyries Hebert from the Canadian league. He is a hard hitting safety who hit his wife last month. I think that's why he was available.

On Thursday night, Xavier played their best game of the year and one of their best in history. They whipped up on the Virginia Cavaliers (10-3) of the ACC by a whopping 108-70 score. Stanley Burrell had 15 points and Drew Lavender had 13 points and eight assists to lead the Muskies. Everyone on the bench saw action. Xavier is really playing on a high level right now.

The Reds signed free agent infielders Andy Phillips from the Yankees and Jeff Fiorentino from the Orioles and invited them to spring training. Spring Training will start on February 16 for pitchers and catchers. The rest of the team will be there on the 19th.

On Saturday night, the UC Bearcats played uninspired ball at St. Johns University's little on-campus gym and lost 70-58. Deonta Vaughn had 24 for the Cats who are now 1-1 in the Big East.

Xavier had another dominating performance on Sunday afternoon at Auburn University winning 80-57. Spectacular shooting put the game out of reach for the shorthanded Tigers before they ever got settled. B.J. Raymond hit six 3-pointers for 18 points to lead the Musketeers (now 11-3).