SB Nation New York - Big East Tournament 2012: Louisville Defeats Cincinnati 50-44 In Championship Gamehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48977/ny-fave.png2012-03-11T12:26:01-04:00http://newyork.sbnation.com/rss/stream/25663382012-03-11T12:26:01-04:002012-03-11T12:26:01-04:00Big East Tournament 2012 Bracket Reactions: St. John's Fans Break Down The Final
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The 2012 Big East champion has officially been crowned. On Saturday, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a> defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/cincinnati-bearcats">Cincinnati Bearcats</a> to take home the conference title and accompanying 2012 NCAA Tournament bid.</p>
<p>It wasn't the most thrilling of games and local fans are likely disappointed that New York teams were left out of the Big East final altogether, but there were still plenty of area fans tuning in to see who would take home the top prize. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/2012/3/10/2860900/big-east-championship-separation-saturday-open-thread">Picodulce at St. John's blog Rumble in the Garden had an interesting take </a>on the implications of this Big East final and what it might mean for some NCAA Tournament favorites.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Bearcats started showing the cracks in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> armor - a defensive player of the year who is a big man but can't rebound, a team that jacks up a lot of jump shots, and a team that, apparently, can be sloppy with the ball - perhaps even "arrogant" with their talent.</p>
<p>The Bearcats are aggressive, they can defend, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52404/yancy-gates">Yancy Gates</a> and crew are playing really good fundamental ball. Like St. John's, they're on a slow rise from the morass of scandal. Personally, I think we should be behind Mick Cronin's crew. Also, his daughter - his "good luck charm" - is really adorable.</p>
<p>Louisville has some New York talent, a kind of exciting style, and the ability to be really good on a good day. And the ability to be really bad on a bad day.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>With Syracuse and Louisville now both headed to the dance, it will be interesting to see how each team fares following the Big East tourney.</p>
<p><i>For more coverage of the Big East, be sure to check out <a href="http://bigeastcoastbias.com/">Big East Coast Bias</a></i><i> and <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/">SB Nation New York</a></i><i> for all your college hoops needs. For lots more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament, stay tuned to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball">SB Nation's dedicated college basketball hub</a></i><i>. </i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=sbnation" title="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com.s3.amazonaws.com/youtube/youtube-article-insert.png" alt="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube" style="margin-left: -15px" onclick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'SBN YouTube Integration', 'HTML Article Insert - Grey']);"></a></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/3/11/2862009/big-east-tournament-bracket-2012-reactionsBill Hanstock2012-03-10T23:15:58-05:002012-03-10T23:15:58-05:00Louisville-Cincinnati Final Score: Louisville 50, Cincinnati 44
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Louisville was able to put on a defensive clinic Saturday night, stifling the fourth-seeded Bearcats 50-44 en route to its second Big East Championship.</p>
<p>The Cardinals (27-9, 10-8) jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Louisville went on a 9-0 run early in the first half to take a 14-6 advantage and didn't relinquish it.</p>
<p>Chris Smith led the charge for the Cardinals with 15 points including three baskets from beyond the 3-point arc.</p>
<p>A huge scare was also alleviated when <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100008/peyton-siva">Peyton Siva</a> returned in the second half after landing oddly on his ankle. Siva was injured on a layup attempt and left for the final 3:19 of the first half. He played excellently after returning:</p>
<p><iframe src="https://newyork.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=28819" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="28819-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe>
<br id="1331439275379"></p>
<p>At one point the Cardinals held a 16-point cushion with just over eight minutes remaining before Cincinnati made one last push for glory, only to be turned away. Ultimately free throws cost the Bearcats, who shot a disastrous 1 of 7 from the line.</p>
<p>Cincinnati (24-11, 12-6) was paced by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52402/cashmere-wright">Cashmere Wright</a>, who poured in 16 points on 7 of 12 shooting from the field.</p>
<p>With the Big East Tournament now over, both of these squads can gear up for March Madness. Louisville has as much momentum as any team entering the Big Dance while Cincinnati also has to be feeling pretty good.</p>
<p><i>For more coverage of the Big East, be sure to check out </i><a href="http://bigeastcoastbias.com">Big East Coast Bias</a><i> and </i><a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com">SB Nation New York</a><i> for all your needs.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/3/10/2861328/big-east-championship-louisville-cincinnati-final-score-louisville-50-cincinnati-44Matt Verderame2012-03-10T22:16:55-05:002012-03-10T22:16:55-05:00Peyton Siva Injury: Siva Leaves Big East Championship Game
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>After coming down awkwardly on his ankle in the first half of the Big East Championship Game, Peyton Siva left the action and hasn't returned. On the play, Siva went into stumbling into the stands after coming down from an attempted layup.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://newyork.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=28815" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="28815-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe>
<br id="1331435987338"></p>
<p>This would be a major loss for Louisville not just tonight but even more so in the NCAA Tournament.. While Rick Pitino would love to claim a Big East Title, this could be a crippling blow to the Cardinals long-term.</p>
<p>Siva leads the team with five and a half assists per game and ranks second on the squad with just under two steals per contest. He's really stepped up his overall game in this tournament and become a huge contributor offensively, scoring at least 13 points in every game.</p>
<p>His best night was Saturday evening, when Siva accompanied those 13 points with nine assists and eight rebounds to beat Notre Dame.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Big East Tourney and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100008/peyton-siva" class="sbn-auto-link">Peyton Siva's</a> injury, be sure to check out our </i><a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/2/16/2802297/big-east-tournament-2012-date-game-time-tv-schedule-bracket-winners-champions">tournament stream</a><i>, </i><a href="http://bigeastcoastbias.com">Big East Coast Bias </a><i>and </i><a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com">SB Nation New York</a><i>.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/3/10/2861243/peyton-siva-injury-big-east-championhip-gameMatt Verderame2012-03-10T22:08:12-05:002012-03-10T22:08:12-05:00Louisville Vs. Cincinnati Score Update: Louisville 24, Cincinnati 14
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>In what was a brutal first half of basketball, Louisville had jumped ahead of the Bearcats 24-14 at the intermission.</p>
<p>The big story right now is the status of Louisville junior guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100008/peyton-siva" class="sbn-auto-link">Peyton Siva</a>. Siva went up for a layup before coming down awkwardly and careening into the stands. He hasn't yet returned to the game as we await word on his condition.</p>
<p>Chris Smith is leading the way for Rick Pitino's Cardinals with 10 points, two rebounds and two assists. Grogui Dieng is also playing with some fight, nabbing six rebounds in the first 20 minutes.</p>
<p>For Cincinnati, the offense hasn't been there to say the least. While doing a good job on the defensive end by holding Louisville to just 37.5 percent shooting, the Bearcats are only hitting on a pathetic 24.1 percent of their shots.</p>
<p>Another problem for Cincinnati has been its inability to get to the free throw line. The Bearcats are still looking for their first free throw attempt of the evening.</p>
<p>The good news for Cincinnati is there's still another half of basketball and its only down 10.</p>
<p><i>For more Big East tourney coverage, be sure to check out our </i><a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/2/16/2802297/big-east-tournament-2012-date-game-time-tv-schedule-bracket-winners-champions">tournament stream</a><i>, </i><a href="http://bigeastcoastbias.com">Big East Coast Bias </a><i>and </i><a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com">SB Nation New York </a><i>for all your needs.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/3/10/2861228/big-east-final-louisville-vs-cincinnati-score-update-louisville-24-cincinnati-14Matt Verderame2012-03-10T17:29:46-05:002012-03-10T17:29:46-05:00Big East Championship 2012, Cincinnati Vs. Louisville Game Time, TV Schedule And More
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The 2012 Big East Championship is scheduled for Sunday night and it features two unlikely teams – the no. 4 seed Bearcats from Cincinnati and the no. 7 seed Cardinals from Louisville. Both teams have rattled off impressive wins en route to the title game. Louisville knocked off Marquette and Notre Dame, while Cincinnati beat Georgetown and Syracuse. </p>
<p>This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. Cincinnati won the first, 60-56. </p>
<p><b>Where:</b> Madison Square Garden, New York, NY</p>
<p><b>When:</b> 9:00 PM ET, March 10, 2012</p>
<p><b>TV Schedule:</b> ESPN and ESPN3</p>
<p><b>Betting Line:</b> Louisville is three point favorites. The Over/Under has been set at 123.5 points</p>
<p><i>For complete coverage of the Big East Tournament, check back to this SB Nation New York <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/2/16/2802297/big-east-tournament-2012-date-game-time-tv-schedule-bracket-winners-champions#" target="_blank">StoryStream</a>. For more on the Big East Conference, visit the SB Nation blog <a href="http://www.bigeastcoastbias.com/" target="_blank">Big East Coast Bias</a>, and check out SB Nation's <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/1/ncaa-basketball" target="_blank">college basketball hub</a> for all the NCAA hoops action.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/3/10/2860749/big-east-championship-2012-cincinnati-vs-louisville-game-time-tv-scheduleJordan Sams2012-03-10T00:08:36-05:002012-03-10T00:08:36-05:00Big East Tournament 2012 Championship Game Set: Cincinnati To Take On Louisville Saturday Night
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>And then there were two. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/cincinnati-bearcats">Cincinnati Bearcats</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a>, two schools that are less than two hours drive away from each other, are facing off in the Big East Conference Tournament Final on Saturday night at 9 p.m. on ESPN.</p>
<p>The Bearcats defeated the No. 1 seeded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> on Friday evening by a score of 71-68, and the Cardinals took down the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> after that by a score of 64-50. The Bearcats met the Cardinals once during the regular season and Cincinnati walked away with a 60-56 win.</p>
<p>Here's the updated Big East Tournament bracket and TV Schedule:</p>
<p>Tuesday, March 6 (First Round):</p>
<p>Noon ET/ESPN2, ESPN3D: <strike>(16) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/depaul-blue-demons">DePaul Blue Demons</a></strike> 67, (9) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/connecticut-huskies">Connecticut Huskies</a> 81<br>2 p.m./ESPN2, ESPN3D: <strike>(12) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/st-john-s-red-storm">St. John's Red Storm</a></strike> 59, (12) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/pittsburgh-panthers">Pittsburgh Panthers</a> 73<br>7 p.m./ESPNU, ESPN3D: <strike>(15) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/providence-friars">Providence Friars</a></strike> 47, (10) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/seton-hall-pirates">Seton Hall Pirates</a> 79<br>9 p.m./ESPNU, ESPN3D: <strike>(11) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/rutgers-scarlet-knights">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a></strike> 49, (14) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/villanova-wildcats">Villanova Wildcats</a> 70</p>
<p>Wednesday, March 7:</p>
<p>Noon/ESPNU: <strike>(8) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/west-virginia-mountaineers">West Virginia Mountaineers</a></strike> 67, (9) Connecticut Huskies 71 (OT)<br>2 p.m./ESPNU: <strike>(13) Pittsburgh Panthers</strike> 52, (5) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/georgetown-hoyas">Georgetown Hoyas</a> 64<br>7 p.m./ESPNU: <strike>(10) Seton Hall Pirates</strike> 55, (7) Louisville Cardinals 61<br>9 p.m./ESPNU: <strike>(14) Villanova Wildcats</strike> 47, (6) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/south-florida-bulls">South Florida Bulls</a> 56</p>
<p>Thursday, March 8:</p>
<p>Noon/ESPN, ESPN3D: <strike>(9) Connecticut Huskies</strike> 55, (1) Syracuse Orange 58<br>2 p.m./ESPN, ESPN3D:<strike> (5) Georgetown Hoyas</strike> 70, (4) Cincinnati Bearcats 72 (2OT)<br>7 p.m./ESPN, ESPN3D: <strike>(2) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/marquette-golden-eagles">Marquette Golden Eagles</a></strike> 71, (7) Louisville Cardinals 84 <br>9 p.m./ESPN, ESPN3D: <i>(6) South Florida Bulls</i> 53, (3) Notre Dame Fighting Irish 57 (OT)</p>
<p>Friday, March 9:</p>
<p>7 p.m./ESPN, ESPN3D: <strike>(1) Syracuse Orange</strike> 68 vs. (4) Cincinnati Bearcats 71<br>9 p.m./ESPN, ESPN3D:<strike> (3) Notre Dame Fighting Irish</strike> 50 vs. (7) Louisville Cardinals 64</p>
<p>Saturday, March 10 (Championship Round on ESPN):</p>
<p>9 p.m./ESPN, ESPN3D: (4) Cincinnati Bearcats vs. (7) Louisville Cardinals</p>
<p>For complete coverage of the Big East Tournament, check back to this SB Nation New York <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/2/16/2802297/big-east-tournament-2012-date-game-time-tv-schedule-bracket-winners-champions#">StoryStream</a>. For more on the Big East Conference, visit the SB Nation blog <a href="http://www.bigeastcoastbias.com/">Big East Coast Bias</a>, and check out SB Nation's <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/1/ncaa-basketball">college basketball hub</a> for all the NCAA hoops action.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/3/10/2859186/2012-big-east-basketball-tournament-championship-game-finalJason Garrison2012-03-09T23:39:48-05:002012-03-09T23:39:48-05:00Louisville-Notre Dame Final Score: Louisville 64, Notre Dame 50
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Big East Tournament is down to the championship game after Louisville handled the Fighting Irish 64-50 in the semifinals at Madison Square Garden.</p>
<p>The Cardinals (25-9, 10-8) are a huge surprise to have made it this far as the seventh seed. Few expected Louisville to beat Marquette and Notre Dame on their way to a match-up with fourth-seeded Cincinnati.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124760/gorgui-dieng">Gorgui Dieng</a> led all scorers with 16 points to compliment his six rebounds. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100008/peyton-siva">Peyton Siva</a> also put forth a great effort with 13 points, eight boards and nine assists.</p>
<p>The Fighting Irish (22-11, 13-5) on the other hand were ice cold. As a team Notre Dame only shot a paltry 35.2 percent from the field and hit on just 10 of 19 free throws.</p>
<p>Only <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100020/jack-cooley">Jack Cooley</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124082/eric-atkins">Eric Atkins</a> could get anything going. Cooley recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds while Atkins had a respectable game, scoring 12 points to accompany five rebounds and four assists.</p>
<p>However, it's onto the Big East Conference Final for Louisville. The Cardinals will square off with the Bearcats tomorrow night at 9 p.m. ET.</p>
<p><i>For more Big East tourney coverage, be sure to check our<a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/2/16/2802297/big-east-tournament-2012-date-game-time-tv-schedule-bracket-winners-champions"> tournament stream </a>along with our blog <a href="http://bigeastcoastbias.com">Big East Coast Bias</a>. For Louisville news and updates, check <a href="http://cardchronicle.com">Card Chronicle </a>while Notre Dame followers should take a look at </i><a href="http://rakesofmallow.sbnprivate.com/">Rakes of Mallow</a><i>.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/3/9/2859107/big-east-tournament-louisville-notre-dame-final-score-boxscore-recapMatt Verderame2012-03-09T22:28:51-05:002012-03-09T22:28:51-05:00Louisville Vs Notre Dame Score Update: Louisville 35, Notre Dame 19
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>If you're into masonry, Notre Dame is putting on a clinic. The Fighting Irish and Louisville are dueling in the semifinals at Madison Square Garden, with the Cardinals leading 35-19 at the half.</p>
<p>Rick Pitino's group is shooting 57.7 percent from the field with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100008/peyton-siva">Peyton Siva</a> leading the charge. Silva has 11 points with seven rebounds and four assists. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124760/gorgui-dieng">Gorgui Dieng</a> has also chipped in with 10 points to help Louisville take a commanding lead.</p>
<p>On the other bench, Mike Brey must be at a loss for words. His team has played pour defense but even worse offense. Notre Dame is only hitting 24.1 percent of its attempts while knocking down just 1 of 11 shots from beyond the arc.</p>
<p>Junior forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100020/jack-cooley">Jack Cooley</a> is the only bright spot at the moment in an otherwise dark first half for the Irish. Cooley has five points but also contributed seven rebounds, six of them on the offensive end.</p>
<p>The winner of this game will move on to face Cincinnati in the Big East Tournament Final.</p>
<p><i>For more coverage of the Big East Tourney, be sure to check out our <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/2/16/2802297/big-east-tournament-2012-date-game-time-tv-schedule-bracket-winners-champions">tournament stream </a>for constant updates and our blog <a href="http://bigeastcoastbias.com">Big East Coast Bias</a>.</i></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/3/9/2858938/big-east-tournament-louisville-vs-notre-dame-scoreMatt Verderame