TicketsDec. 27, 2006
CINCINNATI, Ohio--A win is a win, and the University of Cincinnati understands how true the adage goes after its 60-52 triumph over Miami University at U.S. Bank Arena.
In a game that was played at Miami's pace for much of the night, Marcus Sikes totaled 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead Cincinnati. Jemaul Warren also finished with 15 points, including five key points in the waning moments to give UC the win.
Coming out of a timeout with the game tied, at 52-52, a designed play allowed Warren to convert a jumper from the baseline put UC up by two with 2:14 to play. On the ensuing Miami possession, the Springfield, Mass. product anticipated a pass, made the steal and slammed home a one-handed fastbreak dunk to stretch the lead to four, at 56-52, with 1:50 left and effectively put the game out of reach.
The Bearcats (9-3) extended their winning streak against Miami (4-8) to nine consecutive games.
Winners of their last 10 games in US Bank Arena, the Bearcats got off to a shaky start. The RedHawks connected on three of their first four attempts from three-point range to grab an early 11-7 lead. They trailed the RedHawks by six, at 15-9, after Peavy drained a jumpshot with 10:58 remaining in the first half. But, the Bearcats found a rhythm, concluding the first period on a 13-5 run over the final 5:22 of the opening period.
Miami knotted the game, at 37-37, after Nathan Peavy's layin with 12:51 remaining in the game. The lone RedHawk to reach double-figures, Peavy finished with a game-high 22 points and 12 caroms.
John Williamson's dunk off a pass from Warren put the Bearcats ahead 48-42, but the RedHawks again roared back taking a 52-50 lead with less than four minutes left.
Reigning BIG EAST Conference Rookie of the Week, Deonta Vaughn was limited to six points on a 2-of-9 shooting performance, but he made a difference with seven assists and three steals. Marvin Gentry contributed a key eight points, two blocks and a pair of steals. Cedric McGowan and Williamson also added six points each.
UC outrebounded Miami, 36-27. Cincinnati connected on 25-of-52 from the floor (48.1 percent). Another excellent performance by the UC defense held Miami to 18-of-46 from the field (39.1 percent).
In the last six seconds of the first half, Connor Barwin's converted a layin, and Marvin Gentry sank a 17-foot jumper at the buzzer put Cincinnati in front by nine, 31-22, at the intermission.