Cincinnati Bearcats Out Score Memphis Tigers On Senior Night

Mar 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats Titus Rubles (2), Troy Caupain (10), Jermaine Sanders (15), and Ge

Senior night ascended on The University of Cincinnati Thursday night as the Cincinnati Bearcats and their fans thanked this years senior class for one of the most memorable seasons in recent history. After losing their last two games Cincinnati needed to rebound, and rebound they did. A high scoring affair sent the Bearcats home with the W 97-84.

Cincinnati started the night thanking this years seniors. Those seniors would be Sean Kilpatrick, Justin Jackson, Titus Rubles, Dave Nyarsuk and walk on Derek Cox. It was a tear filled affair as Head Coach Mick Cronin thanked his seniors for everything they have given them. The students showed up early to thank each senior as well.

The Bearcats got the game started right once the ball was tipped. Cincinnati started the game quickly going up 18-4 seven and a half minutes into the game. Justin Jackson dominated early for the Bearcats Thursday night, his four rebounds, steal, assist and 4 points help get the lead to 14 points.

From there Cincinnati gave back some points to Memphis quickly but the game never got to within 6 points. Justin Jackson scored 11 points in the first half, a much better performance than in his previous game. His 11 points also took pressure off of Sean Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick as good as he has been this season had 12 points in the first half. Cincinnati had a season high in takeaways in the first half as well with 10.

With the clock running down in the first half Kilpatrick knocked down a three only to have Memphis answer with two seconds left giving Cincinnati a 38-32 lead at the half.

In the second half Memphis came out strong and clawed their way to within 1 point of the lead. That didn’t last long though as the Bearcats opened up the lead to 18 points at one point in the second half. Cincinnati could not have done anything better in the second half offensively. The only problem came on defense as they gave up a season high 84 points.

Justin Jackson had a monster game and a near double double. His 13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks and 3 assists were his best outing in recent games. Kilpatrick led the Bearcats again with 34 points, the best news for Bearcats fans is Kilpatrick went 11-18 from the field, much better than recent games. The most surprising performance of the night goes to Titus Rubles. His 24 points and 5 rebounds was his best AAC performance of the season.

The seniors were brought out to standing ovations with a few seconds left in the game. The tears flowed, the students chanted their thanks and one of the most magical seasons at Fifth Third came to a close. As a student and a senior it was the best basketball moment of the past few years. No group of players have been as beloved as this group.

Cincinnati would go on to win 97-84 in their highest scoring AAC game of the season. The Bearcats are now guaranteed at least the second seed in the AAC Tournament next week. Another showdown with Louisville may be on the horizon.

Thank you Seniors. Go Bearcats!