Broome Powers Bearcats Past Patriots in Emerald Coast Classic Semifinal

Cane Broome scored 21 points and the Cincinnati Bearcats were able to cruise past the George Mason Patriots 71-55 in the semifinal of the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, Florida on Friday night.

Broome connected on 7-of-13 shots (and 7-of-8 at the foul line) in 32 minutes off the bench to complete his game-high scoring total for the Bearcats (4-1). Trevon Scott (14 points, eight rebounds) was the top scorer from the starters with Jarron Cumberland and Rashawn Fredericks each adding 11 points. Cumberland got there on a cold 2-of-11 shooting, while Fredericks, who recorded his first double-digit scoring effort as a Bearcat, made 5-of-6 shots as a reserve.

The Bearcats shot 44 percent in the first half and held the Patriots (2-4) to nine field goals. During the second period, UC led by as many as 21 points, as it scorched the nets at a 58 percent shooting pace. When the ball did miss the mark, the Bearcats usually cleaned it up, securing a 33-20 edge on the boards.

Javon Greene was the only Patriot to score in double figures (11 points), although George Mason did own a 21-6 scoring advantage from beyond the arc. To be fair, the Bearcats wren’t really trying to get perimeter shots, taking only seven triples all game.

UC will now await the victor of the other Emerald Coast Classic semifinal between Baylor and Ole Miss, which tips at 9:42 ET on Friday.