Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/479659
GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 25 • 7 history of them and how hard they play and how tough they are, it's more of playing another Big Ten game, it's like extending our Big Ten season, playing another tough opponent. I think it'll be a war type atmosphere. We have to wear our hard hats and go to war. "Two teams going in with that reputation, I feel like the refs are going to let us play and get more physical. With me, it's something I'm looking forward to, especially it being my first NCAA game, be- ing able to be more physical than usual, it'd be big for me. I love it." It wouldn't be the first time this season Cincinnati would have a grind-it-out game against a Big Ten opponent. In mid-December, the Bearcats held Nebraska to 56 points. In two overtimes. But still lost. And that's the rub. Though Cincinnati has been solid on defense, it hasn't exactly been an offensive juggernaut. The Bearcats average only 62.4 points per game and have only one play - er who averages in double-digits, junior Octavius Ellis is at 10.0 points per game. Three other players average nearly 8.0 per game but not more than 9.5. But on the defen- sive end is where the confidence lies. "We know about (Purdue)," Caupain said told the site. "They've got good big men. Their guards are OK, they can shoot well, they attack hard. "But it's noth- ing we haven't faced against." j Cincinnati athletics The Bearcats advanced to their fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament despite having coach Mick Cronin sidelined for medical reasons since mid-December. In his absence, Cincinnati went 15-8. Cincinnati athletics Gary Clark was picked to the American Athletic Conference's All-Rookie Team after a fresh- man season in which he's averaging 7.9 points and 7.0 rebounds.