Cincinnati 71, Rutgers 51: Bearcats Win Eighth In A Row
By Chris Bains
Jan 11, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats center David Nyarsuk (33) rebounds in the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at FifthThird Arena. Cincinnati defeated Rutgers 71-51. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
It’s the same story all over again; Cincinnati wins a basketball game behind stifling defense and clutch play from their true freshman. And while watching Sean Kilpatrick shank a three-pointer for the ninth time in a row makes me want to claw my eyes out, I could get used to games like these. Despite surrendering 32 points in the first half, Cincinnati clamped down after halftime, allowing just 19 points in the final 20 minutes. The Bearcats even caused Rutgers to go ice cold from the field for the final 11:45 of play. It was yet another accomplishment for one of the best defensive teams in college basketball.
On the offensive end, like I mentioned, it was another horrific night from Sean Kilpatrick. He wound up with 16 points but did most of his damage from the free throw line. But Kilpatrick shot just 3-13 from the field and made just 1 out of 10 (TEN!!!) threes. Thankfully we’ve learned that UC doesn’t need to solely rely on him to score points this season. New players like Troy Caupain are more than capable of pulling their weight. The freshman set a career high with 14 points and shot 5-6 from the field including a pair of threes. As you’ve probably already gathered, Caupain’s going to be a good one.
So, at 15-2 and undefeated in the AAC, the Bearcats are rolling. Unlike last week, I would, without a doubt, expect Cincinnati be ranked on Monday in the AP Poll at least. UC hosts the Temple Owls on Tuesday at 9 pm.