BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: Cincinnati @ West Virginia

February 4, 2006


Cincinnati got a much needed win over South Florida earlier in the week to even their Big East record at 4-4. Theoretically, the Bearcats would still be "in" the NCAA Tournament if the season ended today, but the effects of a tumultuous season off the court, which started this summer, looks to be really taking a hold of this team as they have lost 5 of their last 7 games and things are not going to get easier for Cincinnati here on out with a trip to Morgantown Saturday and trips to Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Seton Hall ahead of them with home games with WVU, Villanova and Louisville as well.

The Mountaineers continue as the only undefeated team in the conference. They continue to live by the 3-pt shot and taking care of the basketball is a must for the team that does not rebound very well. They are led by their five seniors and will only go 7 deep, so their depth issues might even play a little bit into the hands of Cincinnati, that will also play just 7 players.

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Where the lack of depth really hurts the Bearcats is with their inability to adapt to the unique style of West Virginia. The Mountaineers will spread out the floor, forcing UC to guard the perimeter with players that might not be accustomed to spending time out there. The Bearcats are tough on the boards and should find success rebounding the ball against the soft middle that WVU has, will it be enough?

Of course, the Pittsnogle family could come into play here as Kevin Pittsnogle and his wife are expecting their first child any day now and you have to wonder if this will impact WVU in any way. Pittsnogle did not show any effects with his play against Notre Dame the other night, as the night before the due date he went over 20 pts once again to lead the Mountaineers to the victory.

This is the type of game that could be a possible pitfall for WVU. They have been finding some ways to escape of late and they have a possible distraction with the impending birth of a little Pittsnogle and a potential look-ahead game with Pittsburgh around the corner. WVU has five seniors, so their focus should remain consistent, but look to Cincinnati to make this game very interesting.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

West Virginia 69 Cincinnati 66