TicketsFINAL BOXSCORE: CINCINNATI 85, OTTAWA 57
MONTREAL, Quebéc – The University of Cincinnati men's basketball team tipped off its three-game exhibition slate in Canada with an 85-57 victory over Ottawa on Sunday at College Jean de Brebéuf.
Six Bearcats scored in double figures led by sophomore guard Keith Williams (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bishop Loughlin Memorial), who tallied 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting with a pair of steals. Junior Jarron Cumberland (Wilmington, Ohio/Wilmington HS) struggled from the field on 5-of-17 shooting but supplied 13 points.
UC junior forward Trevon Scott (Darien, Ga./McIntosh County Academy) and sophomore big man Eliel Nsoseme (Kinsasha, Congo/RISE Centre Academy [Ontario, Canada]) were active inside for the Bearcats, who outrebounded the Gee Gees, 49-30. Scott produced 11 points and seven rebounds. Nsoseme contributed 10 points and seven rebounds.
Playing under mostly FIBA rules, the Bearcats led 54-44 after three quarters before pulling away in the last 10 minutes thanks to strong rebounding and intense defense. Williams scored 11 of his 18 points in the final period.
"We've been trying to teach Keith how to play without the ball and score off one or two dribbles, contrary to some of the Brooklyn playgrounds where he grew up," UC head coach Mick Cronin said. "It's a process for him. Really happy for him. We spent a lot of time on our offense, trying to get him to slow down. I told him his athleticism works against him on offense. The more we slow him down and get him on balance you'll see him continue to play well."
Junior transfer Rashawn Fredericks (St. Croix, Virgin Islands/Motlow State CC) saw the most action of UC's trio of newcomers. The 6-foot-5 swingman contributed 10 points and six rebounds. Senior guard Cane Broome (East Hartford, Conn./Sacred Heart) added 10 points with a team-high three steals.
UC led 39-30 at intermission but the score was tied 18-18 after the first period. The Gee Gees attempted 38 of their 58 total shots from behind the three-point line, making 11 threes. Gage Sabean and Brandon Robinson combined for five of Ottawa's threes and scored a team-high 11 points each.
"Our guys kept getting better as the game went along," Cronin said. "That was the most important thing. Our intensity kept getting better. Our deflections went way up. I thought we shared the ball and had a lot of balance. I always like when we are balanced in scoring.
"Ottawa does a good job," Cronin added. "They made a lot of shots early. It's usually the story when teams are going to spread you out and shoot the three, it's shocking for you early. We adjusted to it as the game went on we got much better."
Cincinnati travels to Ottawa on Monday for a true road game against the Carleton Ravens. Tip time is set for 7 p.m. ET. The Ravens have won 13 of the last 16 Canadian university championships and were 25-1 a year ago.
The Bearcats wrap up their visit to Canada on Tuesday when they battle the McGill Redmen in Montreal at 7 p.m. ET. McGill has won six consecutive league championships.
UC's remaining two games will not broadcasted or streamed. Follow the Bearcats Twitter account (@GoBearcatsMBB) for score updates and photos. Highlights from all three contests are available at GoBearcats.com.