TicketsNov. 13, 2011
CINCINNATI - Senior forward Yancy Gates recorded his 14th career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team to a 65-40 win over Alabama State University Sunday evening at Fifth Third Arena.
UC's top four returning scorers - Gates, senior guard Dion Dixon (14 points), sophomore guard Sean Kilpatrick (13) and junior guard Cashmere Wright (10) - each posted double-digit point totals to lead a balanced offensive attack.
Kilpatrick narrowly missed his first double-double after grabbing a career-best nine rebounds.
Cincinnati (1-0) relied on its pressure half-court defense to force Alabama State into 17 turnovers, which were converted into 19 points. Additionally, UC totaled 10 blocks and eight steals while holding the Hornets to a 29 percent field-goal percentage.
The Bearcats went into halftime with a 35-14 lead, the fewest points they've allowed in the first half under head coach Mick Cronin. The previous low during Cronin's tenure was 15 points, which was achieved twice (Nov. 22, 2008 vs. Western Illinois and Nov. 10, 2006 vs. Howard).
Cincinnati quickly jumped out to an 18-2 lead after starting the game with an 8-0 run and, after Alabama State made its first basket, a 10-run.
Sophomore forward Justin Jackson filled the stat sheet with a career-high three blocks, seven rebounds, four points and three steals. Jackson's seven boards tied his career high which he previously set Nov. 22, 2010 vs. Dayton.
In their collegiate debuts, redshirt freshman center Kelvin Gaines recorded five rebounds and three blocks in eight minutes, while freshman forward Octavius Ellis added six points, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Cincinnati has won 19 consecutive nonconference home games and is now 90-21 overall in season openers.
Alabama State (1-2) was led offensively by senior guard Kenderick Washington, who scored a game-high 18 points.
UC next plays Jacksonville State University at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Fifth Third Arena. The game will be televised live on FOX Sports Ohio.