The Cincinnati Bearcats traveled to Lubbock, Texas to face No.15 Texas Tech Red Raiders in a Big 12 Conference battle. After a loss to West Virginia on Wednesday, the Bearcats look to get back on the right side of the winning column. John Newman was injured last in the last game and was able to give it a go after being a game time decision.
In the first half the Bearcats came out on fire on the offensive end taking a 13-4 lead in the six minutes. Simas Lukośius knocked down a 3 to push the lead to 9. After the Bearcats run, Texas Tech answered with some nice plays of their own and with a home whistle. Pop Isaacs led the way for Tech with 10 points, Dan Skillings led the way for Cincinnati with 10 points. Day Day Thomas was saddled with two fouls, but Jizzle James stepped in nicely to score seven points. The board were deadlocked at 16, Cincinnati has eight turnovers while Tech has seven. Tech took a 37-36 lead into the half, the final sequence was an Isaacs 3, followed by a Skillings post up and score. Tech got to shoot 11 free throws in the first half to the Bearcats two, will that change in the second half?
The Bearcats went on a 6-0 run, to a take a 46-43 lead with 12:51 left in the second half. Their defense has done a great job, but at times on offense they have had unforced errors. The game went back and forth, Joe Toussaint fouled out with 1:41 left. Down 1 point, Newman hit a 3 to give the Bearcats a 2 point lead, the next possession Isaacs hit a 3 to give Tech a 1 point lead, Lukośius came down the next possession banging a mid range jumper and after a missed Isaacs floater, Skillings got the rebound and kicked it to Newman who ran the clock down in finished with a dunk to put the Cats up 3. After Isaacs missed a three quarter court heave the Bearcats secured a 75-72 win on the road.
The Bearcats had solid play from Bandaogo who finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Lukośius had 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and five turnovers. Thomas had nine points, three rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. Skillings had 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal. Newman had 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal. James and Reynolds gave great minutes off the bench as well. The Bearcats shot 100% from the line tonight and won the rebound battle 39-35.
