This is going to be a tough one. Not necessarily because of the degree of difficulty of the opponent but because this is the last home game for Gary Clark and Kyle Washington as members of the Cincinnati Bearcats.
On senior day, as we prepare to say farewell to Clark and Washington, the No. 11 Bearcats will accept a challenge from the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at BB&T Arena Sunday afternoon.
Who are the Tulsa Golden Hurricane?
Facing an American Athletic Conference opponent for the first time this late in the season is a bit of an oddity for the Bearcats. Usually late February is the time for rematches, but due to how the schedule shook out, this is the one and only regular season matchup between these two programs. So let?s get to know Tulsa.
This has been a bounce-back season to some degree for Frank Haith and his squad. After going 15-17 overall last season, the Golden Hurricane are sporting a perfectly respectable 17-10 mark this year, including a 10-5 record against the rest of the league. Improved offensive production has been a key, as they are averaging 73.7 points per game after being held to 67.4 in 206-17. Of course, that offensive improvement doesn?t mean UC will be dealing with an offensive juggernaut. Tulsa is ranked just 124th in the country in adjusted offense and 113th overall by KenPom. But, it is scoring more, so there?s that.
The Golden Hurricane are also on a nice winning streak, having come out on top in their last six games. Junior Etou has paved the way to many victories, including those during this run of triumphs. The senior forward is averaging 16.0 points and 9.7 rebounds per game while shooting 48.3 percent from the floor during the last six tilts. He has been the best Tulsa player beyond that, leading the team in scoring (15.4 PPG), rebounding (7.8 RPG) and win shares (3.4).
Etou has some solid sidekicks as well. DaQuan Jeffries leads the squad in PER (23.6) and offensive rating (123.2) and just put up a team-high 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting in the Golden Hurricanes? 70-61 win over UCF last time out. Sterling Taplin (12.0 PPG, 4.4 APG) can score and get open looks for his teammates and Corey Henderson (9.8 PPG) and Martins Igbanu (9 PPG, 5.1 RPG) are steady contributors as well.
Clearly the Bearcats are not going to accept the abuse they took after losing back-to-back games lying down. This is still a team that can defend as well as any in the country and has depth, especially as Broome has flipped the switch. Tulsa will be more of a challenge than UConn to be sure, especially if Etou keeps up his hot streak, but if you think UC is losing on Gary Clark?s senior day.
~Down the Drive
On senior day, as we prepare to say farewell to Clark and Washington, the No. 11 Bearcats will accept a challenge from the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at BB&T Arena Sunday afternoon.
Who are the Tulsa Golden Hurricane?
Facing an American Athletic Conference opponent for the first time this late in the season is a bit of an oddity for the Bearcats. Usually late February is the time for rematches, but due to how the schedule shook out, this is the one and only regular season matchup between these two programs. So let?s get to know Tulsa.
This has been a bounce-back season to some degree for Frank Haith and his squad. After going 15-17 overall last season, the Golden Hurricane are sporting a perfectly respectable 17-10 mark this year, including a 10-5 record against the rest of the league. Improved offensive production has been a key, as they are averaging 73.7 points per game after being held to 67.4 in 206-17. Of course, that offensive improvement doesn?t mean UC will be dealing with an offensive juggernaut. Tulsa is ranked just 124th in the country in adjusted offense and 113th overall by KenPom. But, it is scoring more, so there?s that.
The Golden Hurricane are also on a nice winning streak, having come out on top in their last six games. Junior Etou has paved the way to many victories, including those during this run of triumphs. The senior forward is averaging 16.0 points and 9.7 rebounds per game while shooting 48.3 percent from the floor during the last six tilts. He has been the best Tulsa player beyond that, leading the team in scoring (15.4 PPG), rebounding (7.8 RPG) and win shares (3.4).
Etou has some solid sidekicks as well. DaQuan Jeffries leads the squad in PER (23.6) and offensive rating (123.2) and just put up a team-high 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting in the Golden Hurricanes? 70-61 win over UCF last time out. Sterling Taplin (12.0 PPG, 4.4 APG) can score and get open looks for his teammates and Corey Henderson (9.8 PPG) and Martins Igbanu (9 PPG, 5.1 RPG) are steady contributors as well.
Clearly the Bearcats are not going to accept the abuse they took after losing back-to-back games lying down. This is still a team that can defend as well as any in the country and has depth, especially as Broome has flipped the switch. Tulsa will be more of a challenge than UConn to be sure, especially if Etou keeps up his hot streak, but if you think UC is losing on Gary Clark?s senior day.
~Down the Drive
