The Cincinnati Bearcats welcomed Alabama A&M Bulldogs to Fifth Third Arena on a cold Thursday evening. The Bearcats handled business earlier in the week against Drake 81-59, would they be able to do the same thing to the Bulldogs?
Well to start the night we saw star guard Jarron Cumberland in street clothes so the starting lineup was altered some with his cousin Jaevin Cumberland taking his place followed with regulars Chris McNeal, Keith Williams, Trevon Scott and Chris Vogt.
The first half was marred with turnovers from both teams, but highlighted by the Bearcats registering 13 turnovers to the Bulldogs 11. While Chris Vogt had a strong half with 10 points and six rebounds on 4-of-5 shooting from the floor, his great first half was over shadowed by turnovers. Jaevin Cumberland had a solid first half with eight points, four assists and two rebounds, but he did have three turnovers. Freshman guard Jeremiah Davenport was the energy guy during this period with three points and three rebounds during his seven minutes of play.
Cincinnati took a 35-23 lead into the half, but only shot 2-of-13 from three and 5-of-11 from the line. A bright spot was the domination on the glass as the Bearcats led that area 28-18.
In the first play of the second half the Bearcats had another turnover, but calmed down only committing five more in the final 20 minutes of play. They looked better as a whole in the second half, attacking the Bulldogs zone with a better pace. After a rough first half in the second half the Bearcats shot 56.6% from three and 81.3% from the line. They had 11 players play over eight minutes and outrebounded the Bulldogs 53-27.
Vogt had his first double-double finishing with a game high 18 points and a game high 10 rebounds. Scott finished with 16 points and eight rebounds. Jae. Cumberland finished with 13 points, six assists and five steals. Williams finished with 11 points, three assists and two blocks.
After the 85-53 win the Bearcats are now 2-1 overall with no game until next Friday against Illinois State in the Virgin Islands at 5:45.
Video from Brannen, Vogt and Williams will be posted soon.
