Bearcats Earn 72-62 Win over Wichita State

Jarron Cumberland scored 27 points and Keith Williams added 15 as the Cincinnati Bearcats bounced back with a 72-62 win over the Wichita State Shockers at Fifth Third Arena on Sunday afternoon.

A week after losing to the Houston Cougars, the Bearcats (21-4, 10-2 American Athletic Conference) rode a brilliant defensive performance to take down the Shockers. UC allowed their guests to shoot just 26.8 percent from the floor, making up for their own offensive struggles (34.5 percent shooting). Cumberland carried most of the offensive burden, netting 8-of-20 shots from the floor, including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added six rebounds and five assists. Williams made 3-of-6 from the field and sank 9-of-10 free throws. Cane Broome tacked on 12 points off the bench, but no other Bearcat scored more than five points.

UC’s defense really frustrated Wichita State’s Markis McDuffie, who had only 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting, falling far below his 18.9 points per game average. The Shockers (12-12, 5-7) were instead paced by reserve Dexter Dennis, who scored 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including a 4-of-8 showing from three-point range.

Up next, the Bearcats will remain at home for their next game against the UCF Knights this Thursday before a two-game road swing against UConn and SMU.

Editor’s note: This article was updated to reflect that Wichita State is now 12-12 overall.