The Bearcats would take a commanding 42-29 lead with 15:36 remaining following a Josh Reynolds made shot cut the Bearcats lead to 13. However, Lakhin continued to make it difficult for Temple on the other end as he was living rent free at the rim as he started a block party here at Dickies Arena after recording his fifth block of the game early in the 2nd half. Dan Skillings wasn’t done though after scoring a tough basket over Owls center Josh Reynolds that sparked a 5-0 run for the Bearcats extending their lead to 18 over the Owls.
The Bearcats took a commanding 48-35 lead over the Owls with 12 minutes remaining, as they looked to finish the Owls off. For those who dont know, Skillings is from the New Jersey area but when to high school outside Philadelphia. Skillings set a career high the last times these two teams faced with 15 points and would set a new career high after a made three gave him 16 on the afternoon as the Bearcats lead the Owls 60-42 with 7:42 remaining here at Dickies Arena. The Owls, just had no answer for the freshman and he made sure to make them pay today, especially following a made layup over 6’10, 280 pound Josh Reynolds, Skillings made sure to call him small afterwards.
The Bearcats went on a 7-0 run started by a Nolley dagger three from the parking lot, that was followed up by a Adams-Woods four point play. The Bearcats were just pouring it on the Owls here this afternoon, as they outscored the Owls 67-35 at one point. The Bearcats were just pouring it on the Owls here this afternoon and the Owls had no answer as the Bearcats dominated this one as they defeated the Owls 84-54.
The Bearcats saw three players in double figures as Dan Skillings set a new career high with 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, along with six rebounds. A huge afternoon for the freshman at one of the biggest moments of the season.
“Dan Skillings gave us a lift tonight. It was his best game as a Bearcat, and I think anybody that is around our team knows that he isn’t even scratching the surface of what he is capable off,” said Bearcats head coach Wes Miller.
Landers Nolley finished with 22 points, while Mika Adams-Woods finished with 20 points and seven assists. Adams-Woods had arguably his best game of the season and it was great to see after going through a little slump as of late. Also, Viktor Lakhin tied the AAC Tournament record after recording seven blocks and was a staple for the Bearcats this afternoon.
“Viktor’s rim Presence was really something tonight, his presence at the rim, I thought there were stretches this season where we were really defending, some of the analytical stuff said that was true. Viktor’s rim presence has a lot to do with that, he was moving tonight like Viktor Lakhin back in January before the ankle injury. When he moves like that, doesn’t reach in, he’s about as good as any rim presence we have in the AAC,” said Wes Miller.
“Certainly, pleased with a win, that is the 5th time I have played Aaron McKie and Temple in the last two years, and they have all been battles,” said Wes Miller. “They are so tough, physical, defensively sound, they can really rebound, and don’t turn the ball over, to win with that margin you are really pleased and proud of the guys. I thought Landers Nolley did a terrific job there on Damian Dunn, who is a terrific player in our conference. I thought Mika-Adams-Woods anchored us and defended very well this evening.”
The Bearcats will have a quick turnaround as they now face the number one team in all of college basketball in Houston tomorrow at 3 pm here at Dickies Arena. The Bearcats lost to Houston 75-69 back on January 28th.
