Can Dayton get back into the mix for one?
Can Ohio State get back for another?
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Are the Reds and Bengals setting themselves up to be in the mix when they return to action?
Let’s take a closer look…
Dayton hit another pothole Tuesday night
Credit: David Jablonski
Credit: David Jablonski
The Flyers did a great job building their NCAA Tournament at-large bid resume in November and December, but their work destroying all of that goodwill in January might be even more incredible.
After a blowout loss at St. Bonaventure, Dayton (14-7, 4-4) may have to win its last 10 games in the Atlantic 10 games to have a chance in the regular-season race and to secure a NCAA tournament at-large berth.
That may be a lot to ask for a team that has been streaky for better or for worse over the past month.
The Flyers answered a three-game losing streak with three straight victories only to revert to the form they showed in early January in losses to George Washington, UMass and George Mason.
They return to action tonight at Saint Louis before facing Davidson and VCU at home next week.
Wright State also searching for consistency
Credit: Joseph R. Craven
Credit: Joseph R. Craven
After losing three straight to end December, the Wright State men’s basketball team has been mostly trading wins and losses in January.
Clint Sargent identified what has been one of the biggest challenges for him in his first season as a college head coach.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the patience of our team with me — not only being in my first year, but that I went from their assistant to their head coach. I’m trying to find healthy ways when I have to point out the critical part — to not lead them to believe I think it’s all their fault. I’m taking ownership of it, too.”
High school basketball enters home stretch
Credit: Mike Cooper
Credit: Mike Cooper
The cream is rising to the top in local high school girls basketball, where champions are starting to emerge and we will get to see the tournament brackets in all seven divisions this weekend.
On the boys side, more is yet to be determined but Butler and Sidney are leading the way in the MVL, Dunbar paces the DPS, and the GWOC race is tight.
Questions facing Ohio State football
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Ryan Day had plenty of reason to smile after the head coach led the Buckeyes past Notre Dame to victory in the National Championship Game last week.
Whenever he reconvenes his team to start preparations for 2025, he will find a lot of new faces in most of his position groups — and perhaps the coaching staff.
What will it take for the Buckeyes to repeat? Here is a look at what Day and Co. are facing: LINK
Bengals hire staffers
Credit: Uncredited
Credit: Uncredited
As expected, Al Golden has been hired to be the new defensive coordinator in Cincinnati.
His familiarity with the way things are done in the organization, working with college-age players and scouting college talent could be assets as he attempts to rebuild a unit that was among the worst in the league last season.
The week the Bengals also announced the hiring of former New England Patriots defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery and former New Orleans Saints linebackers coach Mike Hodges to the same roles in Cincinnati for the coming season.
Reds add another arm
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Believe it or not, pitchers and catchers are set to report to Reds spring training in10 days. The organization made few major splashes this offseason, but they have added role players to supplement a talented young team and new manager Terry Francona.
The club added another piece this week in left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers, a former all-star. He was 1-4 with a 2.40 ERA and struck out 64 batters in 60 innings for the Giants last season.
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