The Cincinnati Bearcats welcomed the North Carolina Central Eagles to the newly renovated Fifth Third Arena. The Bearcats were looking to get back on the winning track and get their first win in the arena.
The first thing that was tweaked by Mick Cronin and the gang was they inserted sophomore guard Keith Williams into the lineup taking the place of senior Cane Broome. It was Williams first start of his young career the other four rounded out as Tre Scott, Nysier Brooks, Jarron Cumberland and Justin Jenifer.
In the first half the Bearcats shot the ball a lot better hitting 48% from the field during the first 20 minutes and held the Eagles to 27%. Scott came out hot hitting 4-of-4 from the field for eight points and Williams had six points in the first half. They took a 34-19 lead into the half.
In the second half it was more Bearcat basketball you expect to see and they dominated on both sides of the floor. They had eight blocks and eight steals which is something I know the coach loves. Williams finished with a career high 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field along with four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals. Scott finished 6-of-6 from the field for 12 points, he limped off late in the game currently no word on his condition, but hopefully he’s fine. Jenifer also had a solid game 10 points, six assists, two steals and zero turnovers. Cumberland also had 10 points tonight.
They held the Eagles to 36.2% from the field and won the rebounding battle 31-26.
The Bearcats are now 1-1 and play at Fifth Third Arena on Friday at 7 p.m. against Milwaukee.
Check out the highlights of tonight’s game Per BearcatsTV!
Highlights from the #Bearcats 73-51 victory over North Carolina Central. pic.twitter.com/NbVI2reBZf
— Cincinnati Men’s Hoops (@GoBearcatsMBB) November 14, 2018
