If anyone should know the insignificance of beating a Big Ten team in a basketball exhibition, it's the University of Cincinnati Bearcats.
Two years ago, the Bearcats were a preseason No. 20 team that had not beaten the Buckeyes since winning the 1962 NCAA title over them. Forget that it was an exhibition; fans were pumped over thumping Ohio State.
Come March, UC was an 18-15 team and the Buckeyes were 17-15.
Last season, Wes Miller took his last Bearcats team to Ann Arbor and defeated preseason No. 7 Michigan 100-98. They got a quick dose of reality in their next exhibition at Arkansas and finished 19-16, bringing about the end of Miller time in Cincinnati.
The Wolverines went on to cut the nets for the NCAA championship at Lucas Oil Stadium.
So,
as fun as UC's 79-68 exhibition victory over Ohio Statewas, rest assured the NCAA Selection Committee will not care about that result.
Nonetheless, we bring you exhibition grades for the Oct. 7 victory at the Lindner Tennis Center in Mason.
Cincinnati Bearcats grades for exhibition win over Ohio State in CareSource Invitational
Offense
Grade: B
In the first half, shooting initially in shade, then with partial sunlight, UC shot just 34.4% and was a miserable 2-for-13 on 3-pointers and just 6-for-14 from the line. If you've ever seen a live baseball game late in the afternoon where stadium shadows had the pitcher's mound in the sun and the plate in shade, it may have reminded you of how hitters struggle in such conditions.
Throw in a little bit of wind, and it's simply not the same as shooting indoors. Jayden Hastings has the best first half and finished with 16 points and six rebounds. The Bearcats outscored the Buckeyes in the paint 48-32.
In the second half, with both teams in sunlight, UC's shooting went to 65.4% and 72.2% from the line. It only shot six 3-pointers but made two. While there were far too many turnovers, UC led in fast-break points 10-7. Once Tylen Riley hit a layup with 5:11 to go for a 64-62 lead, UC outscored the Buckeyes 15-6 in the final minutes for the 11-point win.
If you watched a fair amount of last year's team, such comebacks were infrequent.
Defense
Grade: B-
Coach Jerrod Calhoun was not pleased with giving Ohio State 36 free throws, although it only made 20 for a 55.6% rate. John Mobley Jr. got his 15 points for the Buckeyes but was just 2-of-9 on 3-pointers. Ohio State did lead UC in second-chance points 11-9, but UC was able to lead in points from turnovers 19-16, stealing the ball nine times.
As tough as UC's shooting day outside was at 4-for-19 from the 3-point line, Ohio State was worse at 4-for-23.
Rebounding
Grade: A
The Bearcats had a double-digit edge at halftime on the glass even though they were down on the scoreboard, 35-30. They finished outrebounding the Buckeyes 45-35 with Adlan Elamin coming off the bench for eight in less than 15 minutes on the floor and Eric Mahaffey pulling down seven. Starter Hastings finished with six, including three offensive boards. UC led in that category 13-11.
Most Valuable Player
Tylen Riley's hand injury has healed up enough to where he was able to come off the bench and make 6 of 12 of his shots and 11 of 16 of his free throws to lead both teams with 23 points. He shot half of UC's 32 attempts from the charity stripe, getting to the rim with ease. Riley and Tyler Tejada (17 points, 15 in second half) were key to UC's comeback.
Player to watch
North Dakota State transfer Trevian Carson got the start at guard and played more than anyone on both teams. Carson was 16 seconds shy of logging 31 minutes in the 80-degree heat. His stats don't appear impressive with just three points, two rebounds and two assists, but he played lock down defense and had three of UC's nine steals.
His plus/minus numberwas 24, meaning he was highly valuable to UC's success while on the court. Tejada also had three steals and a plus/minus of 19.
Injury note
Myles Colvin started but hobbled off the court after playing less than three minutes. He had two points and a rebound in that time. Calhoun said he was held out as a precaution but could've returned if necessary. He was expected to be fine by UC's next practice.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Grading Cincinnati Bearcats outdoor exhibition win over Ohio State
