TicketsOct. 31, 2007
CINCINNATI---In Cincinnati's exhibition opener, the Bearcats watched a pair of newcomers on the interior make significant contributions and a cool under pressure guard seal the game down the stretch, helping Mick Cronin's troops to a come-from-behind win over Northern Kentucky. The 76-71 Bearcats victory featured offensive fireworks by both teams and wasn't decided until the final seconds.
The Bearcats were able to overcome an astounding 16 three-pointers by Northern Kentucky and a 15-point first half deficit by shooting 55 percent from the field and getting some key free throws from Deonta Vaughn down the stretch. UC's top returning scorer knocked down all six of his free throw attempts inside the last minute to preserve the UC win. Vaughn finished with 17 points.
On the inside, Adam Hrycaniuk made his Bearcat debut a good one as he nailed all six of his field goal attempts, finishing with 15 points. Anthony McClain added 10 points off the bench as did fellow newcomer Rashad Bishop.
Northern Kentucky was nearly unstoppable from behind the arc, knocking down 16 of 27 attempts (59 percent), including 9 of 13 in the first half. Mark Hawkins buried seven triples for a game-high 21 points, leading four Norse players in double figures. Vincent Humphrey added 15 and Harrison Morton and Dennis Gagai chipped in 12 each.
NKU got off to a hot start, racing to a 20-5 lead on the strength of six bombs from behind the arc. Cincinnati slowly chipped away at the deficit, finally getting it under double digits for good on a Marcus Sikes lay-in. Trailing by a 30-21 count at that point, UC closed the half by scoring 12 of the final 18 points, culminating on a Jamual Warren lay-up with 18 seconds to go that made it 36-33 at the half.
The Bearcats got within a point early in the second half and took the lead for the first time when Hrycaniuk hit a bucket with 16:46 to play. The Norse managed to retake the lead just seconds later as Gagai hit all three free throws after being fouled behind the arc by Hrycaniuk. After reclaiming the lead later on, UC stretched its advantage to five when Hrycaniuk and John Williamson each hit a pair of free throws. Back NKU came, once again retying the game at 56 until the Bearcats used a 7-0 run to go in front to stay. A fast break lay-up by Marvin Gentry got the run started and Bishop sandwiched a three around a McClain dunk for all seven of the points.
The Norse wouldn't stay down for long, however as they used an 8-2 run, highlighted by a pair of triples by Hawkins to get back within a point. Vaughn took over from there, scoring Cincinnati's last 11 points of the night, including the six from the charity stripe.
Playing against an undersized NKU squad, UC held a 34-20 advantage on the glass. Williamson led all players with nine rebounds, while McClain had five. Vaughn completed a nice all-around game with seven assists, five rebounds and four steals in addition to his 17 points.
The Bearcats will wrap up the exhibition season on Saturday, taking on Bellarmine University in a 7:30 p.m. match-up at Fifth Third Arena. Tickets for that contest and all UC home games are available by calling 1-877-CATS-TIX or logging onto CATSTIX.com.