He actually smiled a few times before the game ended. Not that he’s ever smiled before. Just not lately. He hadn’t slept well either, replaying a recent moment in a game numerous times in his mind, trying to determine what he could have done to prevent it.
Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin enjoyed his team’s short trip from the Queen City to Dayton. UC shot the ball extraordinarily well from the floor, dominated the boards and played with a determination not seen recently, winning 78-58 over Wright State on December 14.
It may not have been the cure for what ails him. As a UC grad and a west side kid who grew up in Cincinnati, Cronin is not likely to forget the worst moment in the history of The Crosstown Shootout between UC and Xavier on December 10. The game was stopped after a brawl broke out between players, resulting in multiple suspensions and a shortened roster of just nine Bearcats for the game with the Raiders.
This game at WSU, though, was a game void of player profanity, taunting and hard fouls which had to be refreshing for Cronin and Bearcats. The win was what they wanted. A night of good sportsmanship, respect for the opponent and zero trouble was what Cincinnati needed.
And, what were Cronin’s first words afterwards? To compliment Wright State coach Billy Donlan personally and his team’s play collectively. After more than 96 hours of spotlight-intense scrutiny, the Bearcats found comfort in the land of the Horizon League.
For the record, this conference hasn’t cornered the market on good sportsmanship. There are many leagues with plenty of good days and nights of clean play. But, in the last few years, we’ve been witness to a number of refreshing stories from the Horizon League, such as Butler’s ascent to the national championship in its hometown, armed with a strong GPA and a desire to attend class on the day of its biggest game. Or, Valparaiso’s tribute to an ailing ex-coach, not only stricken with cancer, but also experiencing his wife’s struggle with the disease as well.
And, then there was this night in Dayton. Compared to the brawl in Cincinnati, a stroll through the park: no unruly fans, no jawing or woofing between players, no inflammatory remarks in the press conferences afterwards. Just healthy competition, handshakes between players after the game and plenty of praise for one another--a reminder of what sports should be. True, Cincinnati-Wright State doesn’t have the history, interest or passion of UC-X. But, if anything is learned from a rare Bearcats visit to the home of a mid-major school was that basketball—no matter what level—can be played and enjoyed without all the ugliness.
Come to think of it, maybe a trip to Horizon League country for Mick Cronin was the cure for what ails him.
