Overall, the RedHawks knew they would have to make some adjustments heading into the break or else this one could get out of hand as the Bearcats were taking advantage of the height advantage and using their length to create turnovers as they looked to get out and running in transition early.
The Bearcats would take a huge 69-43 lead with 13 minutes remaining in the second half after a DeJulius made three capped off a seven-point run in under 45 seconds for the Bearcats as the Bearcats were back to shooting roughly 61% from the field in the first 27 minutes of play. The RedHawks had no answer for Viktor Lakhin here in the second half as he was dominating the matchup inside with Anderson Mirambaeux and continued to be a huge presence inside for the Bearcats.
The Bearcats would take a huge 83 to 56 leads over the Redhawks following a great eight-minute span where the Bearcats went 9 of 10 from the field as the Bearcats offense was too much for the RedHawk defense tonight as they came into this one ranked 344th in the nation in defense and they had no answer for the Bearcats here tonight as they dominated from start to finish.
The Bearcats would hold on to defeat the Redhawks 103-76 as the Bearcats behind a great team performance as the Bearcats were too much to handle for Travis Steele and the Miami RedHawks tonight. The Bearcats finished the game shooting 63% from the field after an impressive second half where the Bearcats shot 19-of-27 from the field in the finals 20 minutes of action.
The Bearcats were led by David DeJulius who finished with a game high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Landers Nolley contributed another 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting. The Bearcats saw yet another a huge game from big man Viktor Lakhin, who finished with 14 points on 6-of-7 as he continued to be a huge presence in the paint, and a lethal force for Wes Miller and the Bearcats. This was the first time since 1959 that either team scored 100 or more points in the all-time rivalry between Miami and Cincinnati.
The last time the Bearcats scored 100 or more points was back on November 27th, 2018, when the Bearcats defeated Arkansas Pine Bluff 105-49, was also the last time the Bearcats shot more than 60% from the field.
“I want more, these guys showed what they are capable of from a focus, effort and passion standpoint in the second half vs Xavier. It’s my job to hold them to that standard every second,” said Wes Miller. “It’s good to get a win after the way we felt in here a couple of days ago. We got to get back on the practice floor tomorrow and keep trying to get better.”
“I’m thrilled about it. I’d prefer to not sit here and talk about me, but I’m thrilled. This is where I want to be. This is home. This is now my new home and I love it here. I’m thrilled and truly appreciative. I’m deeply appreciative.” said Wes Miller.
The Bearcats improve to (7-4) on the season as they will be back in action this Saturday at 2 pm when they welcome in La Salle (5-5) to Fifth Third Arena as the Bearcats look to wrap up the non-conference schedule on a high note.
