Yates and Stephenson

[esotericmindguy]

Where were they at the end of the game?

The announcers wouldn't shut up about it but it was odd to say the least, anyone have info on that?

[MauraDay]

I was wondering the same thing. They were having their way inside, and then Cronin sat them. Also wonder what the discipline issue was that caused Vaughn not to start.

[Blackhat]

Could you imagine if MU had Gates... don't know why he sat so long, he was shredding MU with his passing.

[77ncaachamps]

Gates has gotten bigger as in fatter. Dominant when he wants to be...he could've killed us but he wasn't more active.
I bet Stephenson is shocked that he's not in Cincy's picture this far into the season.

Oh well...not OUR problem.

[esotericmindguy]

Cronin likely trying to prove a point and it cost him a birth into the NCAAs.  Their remaining schedule is brutal.  Enjoy the NIT

[radome]

I don't think that Stephenson had any flow to his game today and have heard that Cronin believes that he gets himself into a mode and then can't stop, like drive, drive, drive regardless of whether it is there or not. I don't understand not playing Gates, he appeared to be crushing us.

[nyg]

Two McDonald's All Americans.

Stephenson was considered to be a "one and done" and the pre-season BE Rookie of Year.

Gates was having his way and a good game, didn't really notice anything he was doing that badly.

Yet both sit on the bench in Cincy's most important game of the year.  I don't go to any other team's boards, but this has to be a topic for the Cincy fans.  I also don't know how they perceive Cronin as a coach, but they have not made the NCAA tourney in a long time. 

[willie warrior]

A few of the Cincy posters on ESPN were ragging on Cronin for not using those guys at the end. They want Cronin out of there.

[HoopsMalone]

Gates could not stop Jimmy.  He would have fouled out.  He should have played more, but he was getting beat on D.

[MUUM794]

Definately agree about their defensive liability... Cronin obviously thought they couldn't stay with the men they were assigned to guard without fouling. Still... even thinking that... I cannot fathom sitting them as long as he did. Still have to play your best players. That was dumb

[OhioGoldenEagle]

I was fortunate enough to be at this game today and the first thing I noticed was that neither Vaughn nor Gates were in the starting lineup.  I don't know what's going on behind closed doors, but when your team is on the bubble with roughly 2 weeks to play, I don't understand not starting them.

Regarding them not playing at the end of the 2nd/OT, a number of Cincy fans were screaming for Gates.  Understandable as he was having his way with us offensively and on the boards.  Again, completely questionable on Cronin's part.

The Cronin regime is already on extremely thin ice.  Unless he gets his team to improve more next season, I don't see him having his job next April.

[ChicosBailBonds]

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20100221/COL03/302210015/

[karavotsos]

Alabi couldn't play defense against us in the FSU game, and they came back without him in the game, but their coach still had the sense to put him in on their last offensive possession to take the last shot.  Cronin at least should have put Gates in for the last possession.  Seems that things are setting up pretty well for Cincy to lose 3 of its next 4, finish 7 and 11 in conference and for Cronin to be canned.  Especially after reading the Cincy newspaper article.  People in Cincy seem pretty perturbed and rightfully so.

[Josey Wales]

Last year I remember wondering why gates played so little, he seemed to dominate when he was in, but he spent half the game on the bench.

[MauraDay]

Great article...thanks for posting. Makes a lot of great points.