Cincinnati, a team that suffered some odd losses early (Presbyterian and Marshall), was able to make a run late in the season and topple Georgetown and Syracuse back-to-back in the Big East Tournament. The Bearcats will take on a Texas team that struggled in a weaker conference, but still managed to reach 20 wins. This game might come down to who controls the glass, considering that Cincy is ranked 87th overall in the nation in rebounds per game while Texas is right behind them at 88.
NO. 6 CINCINNATI
Overall Record: 24-10
Conference Record: 12-6
Conference Tournament Outcome: Won Big East Tournament
PPG: 68.5
Points Allowed: 61.2
AP Ranking: none
RPI: 40
KenPom Ranking: 31
Standout Player: Sean Kilpatrick
Season In Review: Following a bad loss to Rutgers to cap a three-game losing streak, it looked as if the Bearcats' chances at the big dance were doomed. But Cincinnati stayed strong, won seven of their last 10 regular season games, upset Syracuse in the Big East Tournament before falling to Louisville in the conference championship.
Tournament Experience: 41-24, 25 appearances, 6 Final Fours, 2 National Championshps
NO. 11 TEXAS
Overall Record: 20-13
Conference Record: 9-9
Conference Tournament Outcome: Lost To Missouri In Semis
PPG: 73.1
Points Allowed: 66.8
AP Ranking: none
RPI: 48
KenPom Ranking: 27
Standout Player: J'Covan Brown
Season In Review: Besides a seven-game winning streak early in the season -- that included a win over Temple -- Texas struggled to stay afloat in the Big 12, finishing .500 with no wins against top-25 teams. But the Longhorns were able to win a game in the conference tournament to clinch a 20-win seaosn.
Tournament Experience: 34-32, 29 appearances, 3 Final Fours
Related
Before You Go
Click HERE for Printable 2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket and stay tuned for in-depth coverage of March Madness throughout the tournament.