Bearcats Top SMU, Extend Winning Streak to Seven

Jarron Cumberland scored 24 points as the Cincinnati Bearcats earned a 73-68 victory over the SMU Mustangs at Fifth Third Arena on Saturday night.

Cumberland knocked down 9-of-18 shots from the floor, including 5-of-10 from three-point range, to lead the Bearcats (19-3, 8-1 American Athletic Conference), who have won their last seven games. Cumberland also collected a game-high nine rebounds and five assists. Keith Williams added 13 points, Cane Broome tacked on 11 off the bench and Nysier Brooks tallied 10 points and five boards.

Jahmal McMurray was narrowly out-dueled by Cumberland, finishing with 21 points for SMU (12-9, 4-5). Isiaha Mike netted 17 points, Jimmy Whitt Jr. scored 12 and Feron Hunt finished with 11 points and seven rebounds.

The Bearcats shot 48.1 percent from the field and made 10-of-26 shots from beyond the arc (10-of-26). The Mustangs countered with 43.3 percent shooting and a 10-of-28 effort from three-point line. UC also outscored SMU in the paint (26-20) and off of turnovers (12-7).

Next up for the Bearcats is a two-game road swing with games against Memphis and Houston.