The Cincinnati Bearcats looked to get another tough American Athletic Conference road win against the Memphis Tigers. Would they push their winning streak to eight during the first meeting against Penny Hardaway?
In the first half the Bearcats played too slow and turned the ball over uncharacteristically, causing the Tigers to have control of the first 20 minutes. Finishing the have with 10 turnovers must’ve made Mick Cronin angry, but besides the turnovers the Tigers did a great job of taking away guard Jarron Cumberland. Without Cumberland being able to be his normal self, stymied by double teams the Bearcats were down six at the half 35-29. When was the last time the Bearcats only made one two point field goal in an entire half? Ohio State (I kid, but it was rough), shooting 8-of-17 from three kept them afloat led by Justin Jenifer with three three’s for nine points. Tre Scott knocked down two three’s for a total of nine points also. Cumberland, Cane Broome and Trevor Moore knocked down one a piece.
This game looked very similar to the Temple game as they allowed the Tigers to get an 11 point lead. The Bearcats went on a 17-6 run to tie the game up at 46. Some inspired by play by freshman guard Logan Johnson helped lead the charge. Jeremiah Martin hit two three’s in a row to give the Tigers a 52-46. Martin had a game high 26 points to go along with five assists. After the quick Martin spurt the Bearcats went on a 12-0 run to take the lead and never looked back. Keith Williams scored seven of his nine points during the run, while Jenifer hit his fourth three and Rashawn Fredericks got a clean dunk off of a nice feed from Scott. Cumberland closed the game out making play after big play highlight by two and one plays in a row, he missed one of the free throws. The junior guard finished with 17 points, six rebounds and six assists.
The Bearcats committed zero turnovers in the second half which was huge for their comeback win. They also only allowed the Tigers to shoot 39% from the field and 29% from three in second half after allowing 50% from the field and 42% from three in the first half. They also won the rebounding battle 38-32 despite Eliel Nsoseme being out due to an ankle injury suffered at practice. Scott finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Jenifer finished with 14 points and shot 4-of-9 from three.
With the 69-64 win the Bearcats are now 20-3 overall and 9-1 in the AAC. With this win the Bearcats have won 20 games the last nine seasons. They will face Houston on the road on Sunday for the battle for the top spot in the conference.
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