The Cincinnati Bearcats menโs basketball team made a strong statement in their College Basketball Crown opener. They had a commanding 83-61 victory over DePaul. This triumph was marked by an impressive team performance.
They had six players scoring in double figures. Day Day Thomas also stood out with a career-high seven steals. The Bearcats will now face the winner of the Oregon State and UCF matchup in the next round.
Dominant Team Performance
The Bearcats showcased their depth and versatility as they rolled past DePaul in a game that saw contributions from multiple players.
Dillon Mitchell led the charge with 15 points and seven rebounds. He also added three steals to his impressive stat line. Following closely were Day Day Thomas and Jizzle James, each contributing 13 points.
The scoring effort was rounded out by Dan Skillings with 12 points, and Simas Lukosius and Aziz Bandaogo each adding 11 points.
First Half Highlights
The first half of the game featured several key moments that set the tone for the Bearcatsโ victory. Halvine Dzellat checked in at the 12:56 mark, bringing fresh energy to the court.
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Despite having only 16 minutes of playtime this season, Dzellat made a significant impact in his 15 minutes on the court, including scoring his first career field goal.
Jizzle Jamesโ transition 3-pointer opened up a 26-17 lead at 4:08, prompting a timeout from DePaul. Dillon Mitchellโs aggressive play on the boards resulted in several crucial tip-ins. This helped him finish the half with 10 points and six rebounds.
Meanwhile, Dan Skillingsโ interception at half court led to a transition alley-oop and-one opportunity for Aziz Bandaogo, further extending the Bearcatsโ lead.
Second Half Surge
The Bearcats continued their dominance in the second half, maintaining a significant lead despite a brief scoring run from DePaul.
Even after three consecutive 3-pointers from DePaul, Cincinnati led 56-42 with 11:08 left.
Skillingsโ driving slam along the baseline and back-to-back alley-oops followed by 3-pointers from James and Josh Reed turned the game into a 68-45 blowout by the 7:25 mark.
Defensive Excellence
Cincinnatiโs defensive prowess was on full display as they held DePaul to just six assists while forcing 19 turnovers.
The Bearcatsโ aggressive defense was spearheaded by Day Day Thomas, whose seven steals were the third-most in program history. This defensive pressure was a key factor in the Bearcatsโ ability to control the game and secure the victory.
Offensive Efficiency
Offensively, the Bearcats were efficient and effective. They shot 49.3 percent from the field, including an impressive 57.1 percent in the second half.
This high shooting percentage was a result of the teamโs excellent ball movement and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Bearcatsโ balanced scoring attack and ability to share the ball made them a formidable opponent for DePaul.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Bearcats advance to the next round of the College Basketball Crown. They will face the winner of the Oregon State and UCF matchup. The game is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
The Bearcats will look to build on their strong performance and continue their quest for the championship.
For more details on the game and to stay updated on the Bearcatsโ journey, visit the official Cincinnati Bearcats website.
Key Takeaways
- Balanced Scoring: Six players scored in double figures, showing the depth and versatility of the Bearcatsโ roster.
- Defensive Dominance: Day Day Thomas recorded seven steals, and the team forced 19 turnovers, showcasing their defensive strength.
- Offensive Efficiency: The Bearcats shot 49.3 percent from the field. They also shot 57.1 percent in the second half.
- Key Contributions: Dillon Mitchell led the team with 15 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Halvine Dzellat made a notable impact off the bench.
The Bearcatsโ victory over DePaul was a testament to their balanced scoring, defensive dominance, and offensive efficiency. As they prepare for the next round, fans can look forward to more exciting performances from this talented team.
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