The question was whether the Cincinnati Bearcats could perform in Big East Conference play the way that they performed during their non-conference schedule. The answer Tuesday night was a resounding "YES".
The UC Bearcats (13-0 overall/1-0 Big East) remained one of only seven unbeaten teams in the nation after routing the DePaul Blue Demons (6-7/0-1 Big East) Tuesday night at the Shoemaker Center, 76-60. Their play, and the score, was no different than against what some would argue were weaker opponents in the season's opening months.
The Bearcats were led by senior Larry Davis who scored 20 points behind 4-6 shooting from 3-point range, coming off the bench. Davis led four Bearcats that scored in double digits, despite a season average of 5.0 ppg. The guard's performance Tuesday was yet another example of Coach Cronin's Cats displaying their strongest asset: depth.
Dion Dixon added 16 points and Yancy Gates had 15 in a balanced offense. After a sluggish start, Cincinnati took control with a 34-6 run sparked by its energetic halfcourt pressure.
The Bearcats extended their best start since the 2003-04 season, when they also won their first 13 under coach Bob Huggins.
Certainly, some will argue that Tuesday night's win was "only" against DePaul, losers of 24 straight road games and 14 consecutive Big East games. Don't let them fool you. The Big East is hands down the best conference in the nation, and any opponent is dangerous.
The Bearcats took a huge step forward in their first conference game and look to continue their winning ways at home on New Years Eve against Big East foe Seton Hall (7-6/1-0 Big East).
_______________________________________________________
Follow Joshua on Twitter to stay up to date and subscribe at the top of the page for updates.
Comments