The UC Bearcats won a nailbiter Saturday evening with an electrifying comeback win over the Temple Owls 64-63 at home on senior night. After trailing the majority of the contest, Cincinnati chipped away at a one point 14 point lead until the last minute of play. Tre Scott hit the game winning layup with 2.3 seconds remaining and a last minute heave by Temple missed. Jarron Cumberland all scorers with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Quinton Rose with Temple had 19 points and 5 rebounds.
The entire first half was absolutely an abysmal effort by the Bearcats. They shot just 24% from the field including 1-10 from the 3 point line while Temple shot 40.7% from the field. Alani Moore of Temple had a fantastic first half with 9 points and going 3-4 on 3's. The Owls led 31-17. The 2nd half was a slow burn. Every small run by the Bearcats was usually met with another basket or foul at the other end but by the final 2 minutes, UC got a one point lead. While Temple added a 3 and a dunk towards the end, it was the heroic offensive rebound and game winning layup by senior, Tre Scott that gave the Bearcats the win.
After the game, Tre Scott said that second chance points were crucial in the win. When asked about what went wrong during the first half, Scott said that communication was the issue and we were out of sync but they figured it out enough to win. Even when down 14 points, they still knew they we're gonna win. While UC has had their share of heart attacks this season, Scott commented that losing for most of the game is annoying but they give the fans their money's worth. In closing remarks, Scott said the crowd was so loud that they couldn't hear each other. "Once we start rolling, we just keep rolling. We went through a lot of adversity at the beginning of the season but I'm glad we did".
UC Coach John Brannon said that there were 12,365 fans in attendance at Fifth Third Center and "we needed every one of them". He also said the last month has been exhausting but there's a callousness at the end of the games and it has enabled them to win some close contests.
UC ends their season with a 20-10 record under Brannon during his first year. The Bearcats have earned a first-round bye at next week's American Championship in Forth Worth, Texas.
