Cincinnati Basketball: Jacob Evans fuels Nasty Nati to thrilling TBT win over Zip Em Up
By Charles Post
![Cincinnati Bearcats guard Jacob Evans drives to the basket against the South Florida Bulls. USA Today. Cincinnati Bearcats guard Jacob Evans drives to the basket against the South Florida Bulls. USA Today.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8f941bf56e94a00636b1fd6b7af00612a40c646bfa492155058e77215ed76ef7.jpg)
Bearcats alumni team Nasty Nati moved onto TBT regional championship with a thrilling 77-73 win over Zip Em Up at the Cintas Center tonight!
Jacob Evans finished with 22 points and seven rebounds, highlighted by a stepback 3-pointer to seal the win and eliminate the Xavier alumni.
Nasty Nati took a double digit lead in the first half and eventually held off a furious comeback to secure a berth in the regional title game.
Zip Em Up stayed within striking distance throughout the fourth quarter but Jarron Cumberland connected on a pair of shots to extend the lead.
NASTY NATI GOES INTO CINTAS & WINS THE CROSSTOWN SHOOTOUT 🐾
— TBT (@thetournament) July 23, 2023
The @GoBearcatsMBB alumni take on Program for Autism on Monday for the Xavier Regional crown! pic.twitter.com/6wdMh0Dy0G
Cincinnati Basketball: Jacob Evans fuels Nasty Nati to thrilling TBT win over Zip Em Up
After falling down 6-0 in the opening minutes, Nasty Nati quickly went on a 20-0 run and took a 22-9 lead heading into the second quarter.
Cumberland totaled a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds including a clutch triple to give Nasty Nati a 65-60 lead in the final minutes.
Despite struggling to score for stretches at a time, Nasty Nati was able to fend off Zip Em Up and advance to their first-ever regional final.
Nasty Nati will face top seeded The Program For Autism in the Xavier Regional championship on Monday night at the Cintas Center!
CINCINNATI BELONGS TO @NastyNati_TBT 🐾 pic.twitter.com/5QWuy7NxMh
— TBT (@thetournament) July 23, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: Nasty Nati clinches a spot in TBT regional final following 77-73 win
Following a first round exit last summer, Nasty Nati is hoping to make a deep run to the $1 million championship game set for next month!
Nasty Nati took down The Money Team in the first round on Friday night as Cumberland racked up a game-best 28 points and nine rebounds.
Stay tuned for the most recent roster changes and updates as Nasty Nati attempts to stay alive in the annual single elimination event.
The Xavier Regional will resume on Monday evening at the Cintas Center, followed by the must-see championship game in late August.
Next. Cincinnati Basketball: Nasty Nati clinches a spot in TBT second round following 88-76 win. dark