TicketsNov. 12, 2006
Box Score | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery
, --Playing in their third game in as many nights, the of men's basketball team was languid in the early going, missing 12 of its first 15 shots, but UC finished with a flrry to claim a 12-point win, 63-51, over Sunday at Fifth Third Arena. With the victory, (3-0) claimed the Jim Thorpe Association Classic title.
"We got the win and that's the No. 1 thing," said head coach Mick Cronin. "I'm going to have to learn that those are the most important words to hear."
Cronin added, "It would be naïve of me to think we are going to look like a well-oiled juggernaut every night. out-executed us tonight. There were points where we picked up our defensive intensity and took them out of their offense. That caused three layups and made the difference in the game tonight."
John Williamson scored all eight of his points over the first 2:54 of the second half to key an 8-2 run that gave the Bearcats a 36-30 lead. Williamson hit both of his 3-point attempts and came through the lane with a lay-in to make it a 38-31 UC advantage.
UC stretched the lead to double figures, at 48-38, on Deonta Vaughn's jumper with 10:56 left on the clock, but the Panthers did not go away quietly.
High Point's (1-2) Arizona Reid hit back-to-back baskets, then Mike Jefferson's 3-pointer with 8:00 showing on the clock cut UC's lead to three, at 48-45.
led all scorers with 15 points on a 6-of-23 shooting performance. Eugene Harris came off the bench to add 11 points for HPU.
The Bearcats increased the pressure late in the game with Cedric McGowan's steal and ensuing fastbreak dunk sparking a 9-0 run that stretched the lead to 59-45. Jamaul Warren pressed the issue with a pair of steals that led to fastbreak layups and McGowan's jumper with 3:50 remaining gave the home team a 14-point edge.
McGowan paced UC with 13 points and 12 caroms. Sikes added 12 points, while Vaughn and Warren scored nine points each.
used four points from Marcus Sikes over the final 2:15 of the first half to mount an 8-0 run to knot the score, at 28-28, at the break.
has nine days until its returns to action on Tuesday, November 21 when it hosts Wofford. Tip off from Fifth Third Arena is at 7 p.m.
Jim Thorpe Association Classic All-Tournament Team :
Darryl Hudson, Howard
Gerald Robinson, Tenn.-Martin
Mike Jefferson,
Reid,
Most Outstanding Player