TicketsNov. 22, 2010
By Lara Thornton
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CINCINNATI - Sophomore guard Cashmere Wright drained a career-high four three pointers and was 4-for-5 from the free throw line scoring 18 points and leading the University of Cincinnati (3-0) to a 76-51 victory over Florida A&M (2-2) on Monday night at Fifth Third Arena. Wright also dished out a career-high eight assists and did not commit a turnover in the win that had three other Bearcats score in double figures.
The Bearcats applied defensive pressure from the start and attacked the Rattlers' zone with three-point shots, jumping out to a quick 6-0 lead. While the score remained close, UC worked both the outside shot and the paint and crashed the boards, winning the rebound contest, 24-16. The Bearcats went into the locker room with a 37-24 advantage.
In the second half it was much of the same with UC hitting from long range and dominating the boards, starting the half with a 10-4 run to take a 47-28 lead with 14:35 to go. A Rattlers bucket stymied the Bearcats momentarily but UC bounced right back with an 11-2 run over a 3:33 span to push their lead to 26, 58-32.
Cincinnati hit 12 3-pointers as a team, the first time since the Bearcats hit 12 treys against Mississippi State on Dec. 18, 2008. Wright and Dion Dixon each made four triples while Rashad Bishop hit two 3-pointers.
For the second time this season four players scored in double figures and for the second time this season Yancy Gates had a double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Gates swatted a career-high four blocks and had two steals. Dixon scored 14 points and had three assists while Ibrahima Thomas scored 11 points and pulled down six rebounds.
Sean Kilpatrick, who led the Bearcats in scoring the last two games, finished with three points but dished out a season-high four assists on the evening.
The Rattlers were led by Brandon Hosley who finished the game with 10 points. UC out rebounded FAMU, 46-27, for the game.
Cincinnati will play again on Wednesday, Nov. 24, in a 7 p.m. game against Savannah State at Fifth Third Arena.