Mitchell Shines Again In Win over Western Illinois
Alvin Mitchell was once again the star of the game for Cincinnati in their 74 – 46 win over the Western Illinois Leathernecks. He poured in 19 points and gathered 4 rebounds in 26 minutes of action. He got the Bearcats scoring started early on, and didn't let up as the game progressed.
Despite his high scoring numbers, Mitchell says he was just trying to do the best he could do and help the team in any way possible.
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"Things are looking better but I'm still trying to fight through it, said Mitchell. "I just want to keep playing hard and do the best I can do every day."
Coach Cronin has made a point in the past for Mitchell to get to the basket more often. Mitchell says that was something he was trying to do, but he also said he was just trying to make the most of what was given to him throughout the contest.
"I was just trying to play off of what they gave me and make the right play most of the time," said Mitchell.
Mike Williams says Mitchell's hot streak doesn't surprise him at all. He says it was just a matter of time before Mitchell's effort in practice began to translate into production during games.
"It doesn't surprise me because he does it every day in practice," said Williams. "It translates from practice to the game."
Head Coach Mick Cronin was pleased with his effort.
"Alvin Mitchell is a great example that if you practice hard every day it makes the games easier," said Cronin. "If you have a great attitude and work hard every day, you can't help but get better."
Mitchell shot the ball very well behind the arc, but what impressed Cronin the most was his ability to get baskets from inside of the 3 point line.
"My biggest point would be although he made 4 of 5 from the 3 point line, for the first time today he drove to the basket and got fouled," said Cronin. "That's big to have when you are in a tight game and points are hard to come by."
Cronin says he is very happy to see the progress Alvin has made over the last year.
"It was tough to see him go through his struggles last year," said Cronin. "He's now on our planet, and he was on his own last year. He has really come a long way in a year. He's still a young guy and he is still growing up as a player, but he is definitely on another planet."
Jim Molinari, Head Coach of Western Illinois, said he believes the success of the Bearcats could depend on the shooting of Mitchell.
"Alvin Mitchell has really shot the ball well from 3," said Molinari. "If he can keep shooting the ball like that and continue to get the ball inside, they are going to be a tough team to beat no matter who they play."
McClain Puts Up Big Numbers in Limited Time
Despite only seeing 12 minutes of action, Anthony McClain deserves a mention for his strong play on the defensive end of the court. In the limited amount of him he saw, McClain put up 8 points and 7 rebounds. He also rejected 4 Western Illinois shots and finished with 2 assists.