Zip ‘Em Up would come out firing in the second half as they would go on a 12-2 run to regain their early lead following six quick points from Remy Abell. The Xavier crowd was on its feet as Zip ‘Em Up looked to claw back into this one despite JP Macura being unavailable. However, Cashmere Wright and Nasty Nati would settle in in the final parts of the third quarter, where Nasty Nati found themselves, all notched up at 55 with Zip ‘Em Up heading to the 4th quarter. It appears this one would be heading down to the wire here with the winner playing on Monday night, with a chance to go to Dayton on the line.
Nasty Nati would take a huge 67-63 lead to the elam ending, as Jarron Cumberland looked to take over for the Bearcats, when they needed him the most. Nasty Nati would look to silence Zip ‘Em Up to start the elam ending, but Rick Carter was looking to lead Zip Em Up to the make a comeback for the second night in a row.
Nasty Nati would go back and forth with Zip Em up in the Elam Ending, despite an early 6-point lead at 69-63. Target score was set for 75, but Zip Em Up was looking to come back for the second night in a row in the Elam Ending. However, it wouldn’t come without a little drama, after Xavier sparked a huge 4-point possession to make this a 74-73 game. Troy Caupain would have an opportunity to walk it off for Nasty Nati, but missed the 1-of-1 free throw, but the Bearcats still retained the possession due to TBT rules. Nasty Nati would call timeout and draw up a play, where Jacob Evans would call game after burying a huge contested three to send Nasty Nati to the Monday’s Sweet 16 defeating Zip ‘Em Up 77-73.
“We drew up a play, they played great defense, but at the end of the day, your stars have to be stars,” Cashmere Wright said. “That’s why we are winning because guys like Jarron[Cumberland] and Jacob [Evans) they put the ball in the hoop when we needed it and that’s the most important part. It wasn’t really a play, it was these guys putting the ball in the hole when needed it, Like Jarron did Last night, and Jacob tonight.”
The Bearcats backcourt willed Nasty Nati to victory tonight behind huge nights from Jarron Cumberland who finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. While Jacob Evans finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists. “It feels good to win in this building,” Jarron Cumberland said. “I can speak for everyone, it feels good. It really means a lot to us.”
Nasty Nati will now face The Program For Autism Monday night at 7 pm, with a trip to the Dayton on the line for the TBT Elite 8.
