CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

On Wednesday night, the UC Bearcats welcomed the Syracuse Orange into Fifth-Third Arena for a Big East tussle and prevailed 74-66. Deonta Vaughn scored 29 points (20 in the first half)to lead the way. The Orange (12-4, 2-1) had been averaging 85 points per game. The Cats defense was stifling.

Across town, the Xavier Musketeers were hosting St. Bonaventure in the A-12 opener for each team and won 83-68. B.J. Raymond and C.J. Anderson each had 21 points for the Muskies. The Bonnies (6-9) were never really in the game although Xavier (13-3) played pretty uninspired ball.

The Reds hired Walt Jocketty as a special advisor. He was the general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals when they won numerous league titles and a World Series. I assume he will help with player evaluations.

In prep basketball, Fenwick is now 1-10, Hamilton is 3-11, and Wilmington is 10-3. Withrow H.S., with UC recruit Yancey Gates, was featured on the ESPN high school game of the week on Saturday night.

Chad Johnson said on the Mike and Mike in the Morning show that he didn't expect to play for the Bengals next year!

On Saturday afternoon, Xavier hosted Fordam University at the Cintas Center. Junior B.J. Raymond starred in this affair (20 points and five boards) as the 24th-ranked Musketeers ran their record to 14-3 and 2-0 in the conference with a 68-50 win.

On Saturday evening, Cincinnati hosted 19th-ranked Villanova at FifthThird Arena and shocked them and the rest of the Big East with a 69-66 upset win. Freshman Rashad Bishop hit his only shot of the night, a 3-pointer with twenty seconds remaining to provide the margin of victory. Sophmore Deonta Vaughn was the show the rest of the night. He had 27 to lead the Cats who are now 3-1 in the conference. John Williamson had 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Bearcats outrebounded their second straight Big East opponent by double figures.