In this week’s review, the Cincinnati Bengals face the wrath of the defending Super Bowl champions. Plus, nail-biting finishes for two local college basketball teams.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ Week 15 recap

Sunday’s Cincinnati Bengals game played out in a way many likely expected. Losing 34-13 at home to the New England Patriots. Though the Bengals played better than expected in the first half. Leading 10-7 at one point in that half. New England would retake by halftime with two field goals.

Cethan Carter caught the Bengals lone touchdown in the first quarter. For both the first touchdown and reception of his NFL career. Elsewhere offensively, Joe Mixon led the game with 136 of the Bengals 164 rushing yards. On defense, the Bengals mostly contained the Patriots well in the first half. Though didn’t stop former Bengal Rex Burkhead from scoring a touchdown later.

Turnovers were the key contributing factor in Cincinnati’s loss. The Bengals collectively had five turnovers in this game. Adding fuel to calls by Bengals fans to draft 2019 Heisman winner Joe Burrow. Including one returned by Stephon Gilmore for a touchdown. Gilmore had another interception and teammate J.C. Jackson also caught two. Dalton’s interceptions provided fuel to fans calling for the team to draft a new quarterback. Along with Joe Burrow winning the Heisman Trophy last Saturday.

Cincinnati’s other turnover came through a muffed punt by Alex Erickson. Coming about in a play left Bengals fans wanting a review. Over questions about whether the Patriots Matthew Slater committed an interference penalty. Next up for the Bengals, their 2019 road finale against the Miami Dolphins. That December 22nd game kicks off at 1 PM Eastern.

The local college basketball roundup

Last Saturday was a roller coaster night for two local college basketball teams. With Xavier Basketball and Cincinnati Basketball both losing by a possession. Xavier lost on the road to Wake Forest 80-78 in the Skip Prosser Classic. Cincinnati lost at home to defending Patriot League champions Colgate 67-66. Both teams ultimately lost with poorly executed final plays.

Another rough night for Jarron Cumberland is grounds for reasonable concerns. Cumberland was hobbled in the offseason by an injury. His performances this season are prompting concern over the impact of that injury. Given his performances in the Crosstown Shootout and against Colgate. Calls by fans for Cumberland to sit out for a few games might only increase.

Unlike the Bengals, Northern Kentucky Basketball had a winning Sunday. Beating Illinois State 79-64 at Northern Kentucky’s BB&T Arena. Tyler Sharpe’s game leading 30 points led the way for Northern Kentucky.