Wes Miller’s team was able to hold off a second half comeback to secure a 54-52 win at SMU on Saturday evening. Cincinnati improved to 13-6 overall and 4-2 in AAC play with the victory.
Despite struggling to find an offensive rhythm, the Bearcats escaped with a win as sophomore center Viktor Lakhin blocked a pair of potential game-tying shots in the final minute.
Cincinnati senior duo Mika Adams-Woods and Landers Nolley II each scored a game-high 16 points including a combined 6/13 from 3-point range. Nolley added 12 rebounds in the win.
Lakhin wasn’t nearly as efficient as normal after scoring just six points on 3/9 shooting from the field but he more than made up for it with a career-high eight blocks and 10 rebounds.
#Bearcats escape with a last-second 54-52 win at SMU to improve to 13-6 as Mika Adams-Woods and Landers Nolley II each scored a game-high 16 points! 🔴⚫️🐾 pic.twitter.com/16H1TEnmHo
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) January 14, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats survive second half comeback to secure 54-52 win at SMU
With less than six minutes remaining, Adams-Woods knocked down back to back triples to give the Bearcats a 49-44 lead before SMU quickly answered to stay within striking distance.
Following the final media timeout, Nolley connected on a stepback 3-pointer to extend the lead to 54-49 with just 3:35 left but the Mustangs still had multiple chances to tie it down the stretch.
SMU guard Zhuric Phelps attacked the rim twice in the final minute and Lakhin blocked both shots as Cincinnati found a way to win despite going scoreless in the last three minutes.
The Bearcats will return to action at South Florida this week with a chance to extend its 3-game win streak. Tip off is set for Wednesday night at 7:00 PM and will be streaming on ESPN+.