Bearcats Fade Late, Fall to No. 12 Houston 65-58

The Cincinnati Bearcats hung tough for nearly 40 minutes with the one-loss Houston Cougars this afternoon. Playing before a full house of more than 7,000 at the Fertitta Center, Cincinnati clung to a 58-57 lead over the heralded, hometown Cougars with 6:11 remaining.

A Jarron Cumberland three-pointer gave the Bearcats the fleeting lead. Cumberland led the way for Cincinnati in every respect, pouring in 27 points in the losing effort.

Cincinnati shot poorly, hitting just 33.3 percent from the floor. The Bearcats were outrebounded 42-36. They found a way to stay in this game, though.

The Bearcats turned the ball over just four times, thanks in large part to the fine ball-handling of Cane Broome and Justin Jennifer.

Cincinnati just couldn’t keep pace with a high-energy Houston team. Kelvin Sampson’s club played a 10-deep bench, nine of whom played at least 10 minutes.

The Cougars’ ace backcourt of Corey Davis Jr. and DeJon Jarreau each posted a team-high 16 points. With the win, Houston improves to 23-1 and takes the lead in the American Athletic Conference standings with a 10-1 mark.

The Bearcats (20-4, 9-2 AAC) return to action next Sunday at 1 PM, hosting an up-and-down Wichita State team. Check back with Down the Drive for full coverage of the contest.