Mar 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats guard Sean Kilpatrick reacts to a closing seconds jump shot at the end of the first half of the game against the Memphis Tigers at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports
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After two excruciatingly painful games against Louisville and UConn, the Cincinnati Bearcats came out on fire against Memphis on senior night. UC jumped out to a 2-0 lead one minute into the game and never looked back. The Bearcats held double-digit leads several times this evening and even extended it to later in the second half.
The offensive explosion was due in large part to the seniors. In the losses to the Cardinals and Huskies, Sean Kilpatrick shouldered much of the load while Justin Jackson and Titus Rubles struggled in support. And to be clear, Killa paced all players with 34 points while shooting 11 of 18 from the field and 10-11 from the free throw line. But Cincinnati doesn’t get to an AAC high 97 points tonight on his hot hand alone. Jackson and Rubles finally found their shot and the latter especially. He notched a career high 24 points shooting an incredible 69% from the field and knocking down mid-range jumpers like a seasoned point guard. Rubles was also perfect from the line, which only helped his line.
The narrative played out perfectly for Cincinnati tonight as their three main seniors hoisted the team on their shoulders and propelled them to victory surrounded by festivities honoring their careers. It only made sense that they would be instrumental in the win over Memphis. Overall, it was just a special night amidst the energy of a sold out Fifth Third Arena crowd. Hopefully an AAC title awaits this team and these fans.