Sports: SEC/Big East Challenge

Mick Cronin was an assistant coach at UC and then he moved on to work for Rick Pitino at Louisville. Andy Kennedy was an assistant coach a UC who took over the program for a year and then left because UC hired Cronin. Now Kennedy coaches Ole Miss, which will be in Cincinnati Thursday to play Pitino’s Louisville Cardinals. And, oh yeah, Cincinnati will play Mississippi State right before that game. This year’s SEC/Big East Challenge will welcome all of these familiar faces and storylines to U.S. Bank Arena for Day Two of the ESPN-created event on Thursday. UC could use a win over a decent team and should be favored against Mississippi State. Kennedy’s team is up against a highly ranked Louisville squad with some very good young dudes who will probably go pro. Still, AK is an awesome guy and will probably say some funny things after the game either way. UC vs. Mississippi State 6:30 p.m.; Ole Miss vs. Louisville 9 p.m. $28-$65. Get details, buy tickets and find nearby bars and restaurants here.