Cincinnati Bearcats Offense Remains Challenged

Mar 1, 2014; Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies center Amida Brimah (35) defends against Cincinnati Bearcats guard Sean Kilpatrick (23) in the second half at XL Center. UConn defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 51-45. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The No. 15 Cincinnati Men’s Basketball team are one of the toughest teams in the country. That’s not the issue, team can rebound and defend with the very best. The issue is the offense and we have reached March, will it be the reason this team won’t go far in the NCAA tournament?

The team’s 51-45 loss at No. 19 Connecticut on Saturday, the offense was horrendous and fans should be very concerned moving forward.

Watching the game was difficult, they should at least be encouraged that they were hanging in the game with Connecticut despite probably the worst offensive showing of the season.

Here are some facts, the Bearcats are 22-0 when they score 60 or more points and 2-5 when they don’t. Well, get to 60 and we’ll be alright I guess.

The team relies on their two seniors Sean Kilpatrick and Justin Jackson, only players on the team to average double figures in points this season. That’s a problem.

Kilpatrick is having an all-American season, averaging 20.5 points per game and is in the running for American Athletic Conference player of the year. Connecticut shut him down completely on Saturday, when SK is held in check, the offense is in major trouble.

The other players on the team were not a factor in the game, team as a whole shot 27 percent from the field and had four points in the first twelve minutes of the second half. My eyes were bleeding watching that horror display.

I love this team, they can play so hard and each player know their role. Defending and rebounding, they are good as it gets in the nation. They need someone than Kilpatrick to step up and score. Cincinnati will be in every game because of its defense, but the offense has to get it going or it will be a short NCAA tournament.

Bearcats will be back on the floor Thursday night to take on the No. 20 Memphis Tigers at Fifth Third Arena on Senior Night at 7pm.