Cincinnati Bearcats Edge Out SMU Mustangs in Close Men's Basketball Contest at Moody Coliseum
The Cincinnati Bearcats secured a narrow victory over the SMU Mustangs with a final score of 54-52. The Bearcats' season record now stands at an impressive 17-3, while the Mustangs fall to a challenging 8-12.
In what was a tightly contested game at Moody Coliseum, the Cincinnati Bearcats demonstrated resilience and skill on both ends of the court. The defense was particularly notable, with the team amassing an impressive total of 12 blocks compared to seven from their opponents. This defensive effort was complemented by six steals, which contributed to keeping the Mustangs' scoring opportunities limited.
Offensively, Cincinnati's performance was marked by determination in securing points in key areas. They managed to score 24 points in the paint, matching that of SMU. Additionally, they capitalized on second-chance opportunities by scoring eight second-chance points.
Rebounding played a significant role in Cincinnati's success; they outrebounded SMU with a total rebound count of 52 against 41 for their opponents. This included grabbing an outstanding number of offensive rebounds (16), which provided additional scoring chances and helped maintain possession.
Despite shooting challenges faced by both teams – with field goal percentages hovering around one-third – it was Cincinnati's ability to make crucial shots that made the difference. They converted seven three-pointers from their attempts and were able to maintain a lead throughout much of the game due to timely baskets.
The assists-turnover ratio for Cincinnati stood at less than one (0.76), indicating room for improvement when it comes to ball handling and passing efficiency; however, this did not deter them from achieving victory on this occasion.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate watching their next game as The Cincinnati Bearcats are scheduled to face off against South Florida Bulls at Yuengling Center located in Tampa on January 19th at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. Fans can catch all live action via ESPN+ internet broadcast network as The Bearcats aim to continue their winning momentum into this upcoming contest.