by Tim Daniel
We are officially into Crosstown Shootout Week.
Tonight, the Cincinnati Bearcats had their prequel to the big game and won in big fashion against the Bryant Bulldogs 73-58.
The game started very very ugly on both sides of the floor. Cincinnati started the game shooting 1/12 from the field while Bryant shot 3/14 to start the game. Shortly after, Cincinnati then got into a rhythm offensively shooting 11 for 14 from the field the rest of the half and were led by David DeJulius's 14 points in the first half. DeJulius finished the game leading all scorers with 16 points.
Cincinnati shot fairly well the rest of the way leaving the floor at 45% but were 39% from three. On the other end, the Bearcats were very good defensively throughout the game. Bryant shot just 32% from the floor, 18% from three, and were 60% from the free-throw line. Peter Kiss, not to be confused with former Kiss drummer Peter Criss, lead the Bulldogs in scoring with 15 points but was 6/19 from the floor.
One of the most impressive performances from the game was sophomore guard Mike Saunder Jr. Saunders had to get some early play due to Mika Adams-Woods picking up early fouls. In his time on the floor, Mike took over and had 14 points, four assists, and two steals. Mika was able to put together a solid box score despite his foul trouble with ten points, and 4 assists.
Cincinnati now stands at 7-2 for the season.
Dunks Du Lac:
Tonight, the Bearcats were able to show off their hops with some solid dunks. John Newman III had two impressive slams and Ody Oguama also had an athletic jam that brought the fans in Fifth Third Arena to their feet.
Lahkin Dominates:
Viktor Lahkin had a nice game tonight for the Bearcats. Vik had his first double/double with the team scoring 13 points and eleven rebounds. This was also the second straight game Cincinnati had a player get a double-double. Abdul Ado had one this last week when the Bearcats played at Miami (OH)
No Davenport:
The Bearcats were without junior Jeremiah Davenport tonight. Per coach Wes Miller, Davenport had a mildly sprained ankle earlier this week in practice. Miller said that if it were up to Jeremiah he would have played but the training staff made the decision for him to sit out, especially with the Bearcats having a long break until Saturday night.
Up next:
The game of the year, the Crosstown Shootout. Cincinnati will travel to the Cintas Center to face the Xavier Musketeers. Tip-off will be at 8:30 PM EST and the broadcast will be on FS1.
