The Cincinnati Bearcats Men’s basketball team opened it’s 2020-21 campaign versus the Lipscomb Bisons, Wednesday evening at Fifth Third Arena. The Cats’ were slow out the gate, as to be partially expected being their first game action of the year. Lipscomb however entered the contest having played two games already (1-1), seemed to definitely be in more of a rhythm than the Cats’ were early.
Lipscomb’s 2-3 zone defense made it difficult for the Cats’ on the offensive end, particularly as it relates to getting the ball inside to pre-season All-American Athletic Conference selection Senior center Chris Vogt. Senior guard and fellow pre-season All-American Athletic Conference selection Keith Williams was slowed early after picking up two quick early fouls, forcing him to exit sitting out most of the first half.
The Cats’ remained aggressive though getting a boost from sophomore guard Mika Adams-Woods, who continued to attack the paint breaking down Lipscomb’s zone defense. Adams-Woods finished with a team high sixteen points, and by halftime the Cats’ had clawed their way back to a 29-29 tie on the score board.
Although Lipscomb initially extended to a nine point lead at the beginning of the 2nd half, the Bearcats turned up the heat defensively and began getting contributions from multiple players offensively. Helping them turn the tide were guards Zach Harvey and Keith Williams, who each finished the contest scoring seven points. The hustle and high energy of sophomore guard Jeremiah Davenport served as a major spark for the Cats’. He came off the bench adding four points, two rebounds, and dished out four assists.
After Lipscomb forward Parker Hazen fouled out midway through the 2nd half, Cats’ center Chris Vogt began to make his presence felt in the post. Vogt began to dominate finishing the game with twelve points and seven rebounds. The Cats’ took control of the game and went onto defeat Lipscomb 67-55.
Due to the covid-19 pandemic the Cats’ along with other schools did not have their typical offseason and/or exhibition schedule to get their feet wet. However they did respond when necessary to protect their home court and give UC head coach John Brannen a solid season opening victory. The Cats’ will have a few days to regroup before welcoming bitter rival Xavier to Fifth Third Arena, for the Crosstown Shootout on Sunday December 6th.
Notes:
Freshman forward Viktor Lakhin is out with a knee injury and freshman guard Mason Madsen with a high ankle strain.
Cincinnati shot 4-of-22 from three.
Graduate transfer forward Rapolas Ivanauskas had 11 points and six rebounds in his Bearcats debut.
