Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats epic comeback falls short in Crosstown Shootout loss

After trailing by double digits with three minutes left, the Bearcats tied the game as David DeJulius took over before Xavier hit free throws in the final seconds to win the Crosstown Shootout 80-77.

Cincinnati got off to a slow start and trailed 41-24 at halftime before storming back in the second half with an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to 63-57 capped off by a dunk from Landers Nolley II.

Ody Oguama followed that with a pair of throwdowns including a poster dunk to get the Bearcats within three points but Xavier answered with a run to extend the lead to 74-63 with 3:46 left.

DeJulius scored 10 points in the last three minutes including a clutch 4-point play to tie it 77-77 with 11 seconds remaining. The senior guard drilled a 3-pointer on the prior possession as well.

Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats epic comeback falls short in Crosstown Shootout loss

Xavier transfer guard Souley Boum drove to the rim and drew a foul on Viktor Lakhin in the final seconds. Boum hit three free throws to secure Xavier’s fourth straight win in the rivalry game.

Even though the Bearcats were able to come back following a frustrating first half, the Crosstown Shootout losing streak continued as second-year head coach Wes Miller fell to 0-2 against Xavier.

Cincinnati legend Kenyon Martin went into the locker room at halftime and helped motivate the team, which seemingly worked as the Bearcats outscored Xavier 53-39 in the second half.

DeJulius finished with a game-high 22 points and two assists on 3/5 shooting from 3-point range, while Lakhin scored 16 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 24 minutes before fouling out.

Nolley and Oguama totaled nine points and four rebounds each including a trio of dunks to get the Bearcats within reach. Mika Adams-Woods added nine points and six assists in the 80-77 loss.

It was the first loss at Fifth Third Arena this season as the Bearcats fell to 6-4 with conference play just over two weeks away. Cincinnati is set to host Miami on Wednesday at 7:00 PM.