The Bearcats concluded their season yesterday in the AAC tournament game against the University of Houston, where they lost the game 91-54. That didn’t stop freshman guard Mason Madsen, forward Tari Eason and guard Mike Saunders, Jr. from making a huge impact for the Bearcats throughout the tournament. The semi-final game against the Wichita Shockers proved to be a statement game for all three players. While in Fort Worth, Texas they got the draw of the top-seated AAC team, the Wichita Shockers in the semifinal where they defeated the Shockers 60-59. Unfortunately, senior Keith Williams wasn’t available for the second half of the semifinal game, but was a major catalyst in the first half, scoring nine points, three assist and five rebounds, he still was tied as the Bearcats second-leading scorer at the end of the game. Freshman Mason Madsen, Tari Eason and Mike Saunders, Jr. stepped up in a big way, providing defense and scoring down the stretch in the semi-final game.
Madsen was the only player to score in double digits with 10 points in the game. The Bearcats started freshman Tari Eason in the second half playing with Chris Vogt, deciding to go big in the starting lineup, hoping to create matchup issues. The Wichita State Shockers got off to a fast start in the second half tying the game at 37-37 at the 15:50 time in the second half. Jeremiah Davenport did continue his consistent scoring and getting to the free-throw line to keep the Bearcats in the game. But Mason Madsen made timely three point shots to keep the Bearcats in striking distance.
With 6:00 minutes left in the game, the Wichita Shockers led 51-53 hoping to make a push for a spot in the NCAA tournament. The Bearcats lineup at this time was freshman Mike Saunders,Jr., freshman Mason Madsen, sophomore Jeremiah Davenport, junior David DeJulius and freshman Tari Eason. Eason fought for the rebound and made a pass to a cutting Davenport for a game-tying layup with the score of 53-53. Wichita State continued to fight, but the Bearcats continued to play their tough defense, even with some questionable calls at the end of the game. The Bearcats ended up defeating the Wichita State Shockers, 60-59. Saunders, Jr. played great defense and had six points and four assists. Eason nine points, 11 rebounds, three steals and three blocks. The Bearcats ended up losing to the Houston Cougars in the ACC championship game. Throughout the tournament, they continued to improve and show great promise for future success in the AAC tournament. They didn’t make the NCAA tournament nor the NIT, but #BearcatNation will be looking forward to the Bearcat’s upcoming season.
