The Cincinnati Bearcats welcomed the UCLA Bruins in for the second game of the home and home between these two. Could UC get back on the winning side of things after the Mississippi State loss?
UCLA came out on fire during the first 4:03 taking a 12-7 from hot shooting behind arc by Kris Wilkes and Prince Ali. UCLA pushed the lead to 17-9, but an 8-0 UC run lead by a three from Rashawn Fredericks, a steal and dunk by Jarron Cumberland and a nasty and 1 by Nysier Brooks tied the game with 12 minutes left in the half. After tying the game UC went on a 23-9 run to get the crowd into a frenzy. Cumberland dominated the first half making huge plays on both ends of the court. He had all facets of his game going and UCLA had no answer for him which was a key factor in the game. UC went into the locker room up 48-31 after a turnover by Logan Johnson and buzzer beating three by Wilkes.
Cumberland led the team with 19 points, five rebounds and two steals. Brooks had a great half scoring nine points on 4-of-4 from the field. Williams had seven points.
UC won the turnover battle 7-2 and the rebound battle 21-13, while holding UCLA to 33.3% from three.
In the second half it was literally the same type of game minus the eight point lead for UCLA. The second half was highlighted by Williams who scored 12 of his 19 points. He had a nice left handed lay up and a thunderous two hand dunk, all while battling the flu. Check out the post game with Mick Cronin get more information on that one. Everything just went better for UC as they made the right plays to pretty much dominate from wire to wire. Only have six turnovers and on the other hand dishing out 24 assists on 33 made baskets. They also shot 57.1% from three while holding UCLA 34.6% from the arc.
Cumberland finished with 25 points on 9-of-17 from the field. Justin Jenifer finished with 11 points, five assists and no turnovers. Brooks finished with 14 points, six rebounds and two blocks.
UC is now 10-2 and UCLA is 7-4. UC won the home and home.
Note: Bob Huggins returned to be honored at halftime.
My vlog and highlights on next page.
