Bearcats Play Coastal Carolina Friday

The Cincinnati men’s basketball squad (1-2) will try to even its record on Friday against Coastal Carolina.

After dropping two of three in the Peggy Cronin Classic last weekend, the Bearcats (2-1) will play Coastal Carolina from the Big South Conference on Friday at 7 o’clock at Fifth Third Arena.

Coastal Carolina has gotten off to a quick start this season after posting wins over North Greenville (95-75) and Campbell (85-76) for their first 2-0 start since the 1992-1993 season.

Cliff Ellis is in his first season as the head man of the Chanticleers. College basketball fans may remember Ellis since he coached both Auburn and Clemson to championship seasons and has over 500 Division I wins.

In their two victories this season, Coastal Carolina has shown the ability to shoot the basketball. Against North Greenville, the Chanticleers shot 53% from the field and were 14 of 30 (46.7%) from behind the three point line. In their more recent game against Campbell, Coastal shot 57% from the floor and hit 10 of 18 from long range for 55.6%.

The man offensive weapon for Coach Ellis is senior Jack Leasure. The 6’ 3” guard has scored 34 and 33 points in the two games thus far and was chosen to the 2007 Preseason All-Big South Conference team. He was named to the 2nd team all-conference squad last season.

After playing the Bearcats on Friday, Coastal Carolina travels to Wright State for a game on Monday, November 19th.