The Cincinnati Bearcats traveled to Houston, Texas to take on American Athletic Conference rival Houston Cougars. The winner of this game would be tied with Tulsa at the top of the conference. Would Cincinnati be able to get a tough road win? Everyone remembers the battle at Fifth Third Arena February 1st that Cincinnati won 64-62.
Note: John Brannen’s father passes yesterday losing a battle with ALS. Jeremiah Davenport didn’t travel because on a knee injury.
Cincinnati had the lead most of the first half behind a great start by Tre Scott, but Houston controlled the glass especially on the offensive glass collecting 14 which was as many as Cincinnati had total. Once Houston took advantage of their glass work they never looked back. Houston took a 38-31 lead into the half.
In the second half it was more of the Marcus Sasser show who finished with a game high 21 points. Sasser scored 17 in the first meeting and gave Cincinnati all they could handle at home. Jarron Cumberland went 1-of-7 from the field finishing with 11 points and four assists. Cincinnati needed more from their senior if they were going to pull off the upset on the road. Scott finished with another double-double 17 points and 11 rebounds. It was a quiet day for Chris Vogt who had two points and seven rebounds.
Houston outrebounded Cincinnati 43-32 and besides the tough team defense Houston played the rebounding is the main reason they beat Cincinnati 68-55 Sunday afternoon.
Cincinnati is now 18-10 overall and 11-5 in the AAC. They will face USF on the road on Tuesday.
