:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47668737/usa-today-8921222.0.jpg)
It didn't look pretty early, as the Bearcats trailed and struggled to get shots to go in, but Cincinnati eventually righted the ship, blowing out Robert Morris, 106-44.
Cincinnati started the game with a shot clock violation and trailed 14-15 early.
Then they flipped a switch.
The Bearcats got things started with an 11-0 run to retake the lead and they didn't look back. After getting offensive rebound after offensive rebound, the Bearcats pushed the ball into the post and by the under eight minute timeout had grabbed a 31-18 lead.
The offense began to finally make shots, gaining assists on nine of the first 10 scores. Troy Caupain and Justin Jenifer both a team-high nine assists.
The defense began to cause fits for Robert Morris, getting multiple backcourt traps and forcing bad throws. The defense forced Robert Morris to commit 29 turnovers. Shaq Thomas led the Bearcats with five steals while Caupain and Jacob Evans III each grabbed three steals.
The Bearcats showed that this new high-powered offense fans had been dreaming of, is more than a myth. The depth on the team was relentless not matter what lineup was on the floor. Cincinnati had eight players in double figures with Farad Cobb leading the team with 15.
The Bearcats finished shooting 53% from the floor and 45% from behind the arc. The one thing that seemed to help Cincinnati today was the lack of jump shoots needed. It seemed as though every other second a new Bearcat was throwing down a rim-rattling dunk.
This team had been talked about as one of the most put-together teams in the Mick Cronin era and it proved it today. With just little under four minutes to play, Coreontae DeBerry made a jumper to get the Bearcats over the 100-point mark. The crowd gave the Bearcats a huge standing ovation, shocked and excited for what the Bearcats seem to have put together.
With a stout, unrelenting defense and an offense that followed up a 97-point scoring outburst on Friday with an 106-point outing, this team seems poised for something special. This victory was the largest victory for Cincinnati under Mick Cronin.
Cincinnati gets their next opportunity to show off this new high-powered offense at Bowling Green on Wednesday.