TicketsNov. 10, 2006
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CINCINNATI, Ohio -Lack of experience didn't affect the University of Cincinnati's men's basketball team in its season opener, a 70-39 win over Howard in the first round of the Jim Thorpe Association Classic at Fifth Third Arena.
Playing eight newcomers, including four in the starting lineup, Cincinnati limited Howard to 21 percent shooting from the field. The defense held the opposition to the lowest final output since an 89-37 win over Southern Miss. on Feb. 15, 2002.
Junior forward John Williamson paced the Bearcats with 18 points on a 7-of-11 shooting night from the field.
"Points in the paint changed everything," said head coach Mike Cronin. "It took us a while to take advantage of our size and strength."
Cronin continued, "I was really happy with our adherence to the scouting report. We did a great job of not giving their good shooters any open looks."
Howard scored its first field goal of the night at the 13:38 mark of the opening period to cut the UC lead to 11-3. The Bison made good on one of their first 12 field goal tries.
The lone returning starter from a year ago, Cedric McGowan added 10 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the floor. Marvin Gentry registered a game-high 10 rebounds and four steals. The Fort Worth, Texas product also added nine points.
The Bearcats controlled the glass, finishing with a 51-41 lead advantage in rebounding.
A hallmark of Cincinnati basketball, the unyielding defense limited the Bison to 12-of-56 shooting on the night. Cincinnati, connected on 41.2 percent on the night.
Although limited to 4-of-13 from the floor, Darryl Hudson led the Bison with 18 points including 9-of-12 from the charity stripe. He also collected a team-high seven boards.
The Bearcats carried an 18-point lead at the intermission, at 35-17.
Cincinnati and Howard both return to action at Fifth Third Arena in the second round of the Jim Thorpe Association Classic on Saturday night. UC tangles with High Point at 7 p.m. Howard faces Tennessee-Martin in the nightcap at 9:30 p.m.