Monday, March 20, 2000

What might have been?

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BY MIKE DeCOURCY
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Cincinnati Bearcats can't help but wonder how their season might have ended if they'd all been able to end the season at once.

Jermaine Tate looks on as time expires. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

        But All-American Kenyon Martin went first, lost with a broken leg in a Conference USA tournament quarterfinal game. Without him, UC fell in the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season, this time with a 69-61 loss to Tulsa at the Gaylord Entertainment Center.

        The Bearcats fell behind 28-12 in the first half, recovered to establish a 5-point lead, but tired in the end. They were unable to hold off a furious Tulsa rally.

        “I'm proud of our guys,” Coach Bob Huggins said. “We had every opportunity to pack it in when things weren't going our way. It's been a tough few weeks. Our kids have played hard, they've practiced hard. We had to make a lot of adjustments. It's a great lesson in life — you have to keep going at things no matter what.”

Bob Huggins leaves the floor after UC's loss. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        The Bearcats look at what's become of the 2000 NCAA Tournament bracket — with no Stanford, no Arizona and no Temple left standing — and they wonder what might have occurred if they hadn't been forced to play without Martin.

        “I think the whole country feels the same way,” said freshman point guard Kenny Satterfield. “We were the best team the whole season with Kenyon, and to lose him like that ... it really hurts.”

        Only 10 days ago, the Bearcats were the kings of college basketball, playing their way toward a coronation.

        “The biggest disappointment I have is for Coach Huggins,” forward Ryan Fletcher said. “He gives everything he has to this team, and I feel bad for him because he deserves better.”

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