Cincinnati Basketball: Jizzle James fuels the Bearcats in his first career start

Cincinnati Bearcats face Bradley Braves in 2024 NIT at Fifth Third Arena
Cincinnati Bearcats face Bradley Braves in 2024 NIT at Fifth Third Arena | Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

Cincinnati Bearcats freshman point guard Jizzle James put up a career-best 25 points in his first start to help stay alive in the NIT second round!

During the postgame press conference today, James reacted to his career-high performance to advance to the upcoming NIT quarterfinals.

"It felt crazy and was kind of a dream come true moment for me. I was proud of how I played and contributed to the team. I had to take that all in."

James started for the first time this season after DaVeon Thomas went down with an injury in the Bearcats win in the NIT opening round last week.

Cincinnati Basketball: Jizzle James fuels the Bearcats in his first career start

Bearcats forward Daniel Skillings Jr posted 20 points and five rebounds, while Simas Lukosius stayed hot with 17 points in the runaway win!

Cincinnati senior John Newman III made a free throw during the first half to reach 1,000 career points and was given an ovation by the crowd.

In addition to having a 40-33 rebounding edge, the Bearcats hit 10/28 from 3-point range and totaled 16 points off turnovers against Bradley.

Wes Miller's team improved to 22-14 with the win and will advance to face Indiana State or Minnesota in the NIT quarterfinals next week!

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