by Parker Fields
There's been one theme when it comes to Cincinnati Basketball this season. When they shoot well they win games. When they don't, it's very hard for them to win. Tonight was much of the same, the Bearcats started out slow against NJIT. To begin the game they were 1/7 from three and trailing 20-18 with less than 10 minutes to play in the first half. This is the trend the Bearcats have been following all season so far. They are a streaky team and their shooting is streaky as well.
Of Course, the Bearcats decided to get hot, they made five out of their next six threes to end the half and led 45-31 entering the half. David Dejulius was the anchor of the Bearcats First-Half offense, shooting an efficient 5/8 from the field and 3/5 from beyond the arch. Defensively the Bearcats were tenacious early and often, forcing nine turnovers in the first half.
For NJIT, they were led by Kevin Osawe in the first half with nine points and three rebounds. NJIT freshman and Cincinnati Native Paul Mcmillan IV did not have the first half he envisioned in his return home. Mcmillan had three turnovers and shot 0/3 from the field in the first half in just four minutes of action.
The second half however, was like a whole half of that beginning of the game for the Bearcats. Cincinnati struggled to score the ball throughout the second half. Overall, this half was an ugly half of basketball for both sides. The Bearcats started off the 2nd half just 1/8 from three before hitting three of their last 4 in garbage time. If the Bearcats can shoot the ball well, they play well it's that simple. Cincinnati will have to continue to work on shot selection, if they want to improve as a team.
The Bearcats ended up winning this game 86-60 over NJIT. They were led by David Dejulius with 22 points, and Landers Nolley II with 18 points.
Cincinnati will play Sunday as they host Bryant at 12:00 E.T., see you then.
