Rubber Match: Cincinnati Bearcats Get UConn Huskies

Mar 1, 2014; Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Nnamdi Amilo (23) drives the ball against Connecticut Huskies guard/forward Lasan Kromah (20) in the second half at XL Center. UConn defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 51-45. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

In the equivalent to a rubber match in baseball the Cincinnati Bearcats and the UConn Huskies will meet up for the third time this season after splitting their two regular season games each winning at home. Cincinnati enters the game following a close win against the UCF Golden Knights, a game that should have been a breeze for the #13 team in the country. UConn comes in following a dominating performance over the home team Memphis Tigers.

Cincinnati won the first matchup this season between the Bearcats and the Huskies. In front of a packed Fifth Third Arena Cincinnati won 63-58 in one of the most physical and gritty games of their season. Sean Kilpartick’s double double carried Cincinnati to their 15th straight win and solidified their #7 ranking at that point in the season. Senior Justin Jackson’s 15 points provided the Bearcats with everything they needed even as he flirted with foul trouble. Following that game Cincinnati looked secure in the American Athletic Conference.

Then came the rematch in Connecticut, in a game that can only be described as hideous from both teams UConn pulled out the win 51-45 in a game reminiscent of the Cincinnati Pitt game earlier in the season. UConn should have won by 20 in this game, Cincinnati through stubbornness and determination played great defense to keep the game close. The Cincinnati offense is what doomed them and Shabazz Napier had a Sean Kilpatrick-esque night.

Now this brings us to Friday night when these teams will meet up in Memphis for a trip to the AAC championship game. The winner will have to play Louisville who is playing lights out. Both of their games this season have been close hard fought games, there is no indication that the game Friday night will not be the same.

You can watch at 9pm ET on ESPNU. Although the game will likely not tip until 9:30 so plan accordingly.