UC basketball suffers two consecutive defeats

Team drops first Big East conference game

By: Chad Chessin

   After starting the season 12-2, the University of Cincinnati basketball team has undergone its first losing streak.
   The first trouncing came against the University of Memphis Tigers. UC simply could not hang with the high-flying, rapid offense of UM. Guard Deonta Vaughn scored 17 points in the 45-60 loss.
   “It was not a great performance, but it is very hard to stick with a team the quality of Memphis,” said AJ Goldhoff, 10.
   Standing at 12-3, the Bearcats prepared to take on the Marquette Golden Eagles to tip-off Big East competition.
   From the first whistle, it was all Marquette. Shooting 54 percent from the field, the Golden Eagles gained a 14 point lead at halftime, and had the Bearcats shell-shocked. UC lost in a blowout 50-84.
   “Plain and simple, it was a poor performance,” said Gary Banks, 12.
   Now on a two game losing streak, the Bearcats look to rebound. With newly acquired transfer Ibrahama Thomas out of Oklahoma State University, UC will have another big man down low.
   “Hopefully Thomas will help us play better in the post,” said Nick Goedde, 11.
   The Bearcats’ record is now 12-4. The team looks to gather its first Big East win against the Providence Friars on Jan. 7, at home, and get back to their winning ways.