CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

The Bengals signed free-agent linebacker Darryl Blackstock who played for Arizona last year. The 25 year old played college ball at Virginia.


On Wednesday, UC played Pittsburgh in the first round of the Big East tournament at New York City's Madison Square Gardens. The Bearcats and the Panthers had split two games in the regular season. This one was tight most of the way. Deonta Vaughn shook off a slow first half to score 30 points including 20 straight for UC at one point in the second half. It was an amazing run but not enough as Pitt (who ended up winning the whole tournament) prevailed 70-64. Cincinnati's season is over. They finished 13-18.


On Thursday, XU played Dayton in the second round of the A-10 tournament in Atlantic City and won 74-65. In typical Musketeer fashion, there were five players in double figures. The Flyers were very difficult to put away. They were playing for their tournament life. I assume their season is now over.


On Friday, the Muskies faced St. Joe's for the third time this season. They were 1 and 1 in previous battles. This time it seemed Xavier just could not make shots and they fell 61-53. XU finishes the regular season at 27-6. Now its just sit and wait for the NCAA tournament seedings. The Musketeers are not playing at the high level they were a month ago. They look flat. If they want to go far in the tourney, they will need to get their mojo back.


The Bengals have made a contract offer to Indianapolis tight end Ben Utech. The Colts have a week to match the Bengals' offer if they want to retain him. It is also rumored that the Bengals are looking at signing another Cardinal linebacker, Brandon Johnson. The Miami Dolphins signed Bengals free-agent wide receiver Tab Perry.


The Reds continue to work out in Florida. No cuts have yet been made. It looks certain, now, that they will train in Goodyear, Arizona beginning in 2010.

Xavier got a three seed in the West Regional of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. They play Georgia in Washington DC on Thursday. Georgia is the team that won the SEC tournament by winning an unbelievable three games in two days. If the Musketeers get by the Bulldogs, the could meet Purdue with a chance to go on to play Duke or Bob Huggins West Virginia team. This could be fun.