Bearcats start off season in solid fashion in 94-63 win over Catamount’s

The Cincinnati Bearcats started their third Big 12 season against the Western Carolina Catamount’s. Wes Miller started his fifth year in the black and red. The Bearcats would go this game without big man Jalen Haynes who will miss significant time due to a knee injury which he recently had successful surgery. 

The starting lineup for the Bearcats:

Kerr Kriisa, Day Day Thomas, Shon Abaev, Baba Miller and Moustapha Thiam

The first half saw 11 Bearcats get playing time. There were Impressive plays by Abaev, Sencire Harris, Keyshawn Tillery and others. Abaev showed his shot making abilities making mid ranges, side step’s and floaters, but also showed that he’s a true freshman with two turnovers in the half. Baba Miller had seven points and four rebounds, looking very versatile.

The Bearcats took a 49-28 led into the half shooting 53.1% from the field and 31.3% from three. The rebound battle is tied at 18.

In the second half at times the Bearcats looked sloppy, as they forced too many 3’s not imposing their will over the outmatched team. Miller and Thiam showed their offensive skills. They both finished with 18 points as well as Abaev. Miller had a team high 10 rebounds, which notched his first double double as a Bearcat. 

Overall they shot 54.2% from the floor, 35.7% from 3. They did lose the rebounding battle 38-36, but won the turnover battle 15-2.

Note: Sencire “Buck” Harris hurt his left hand/wrist, he only shot one of the two free throws around 13 minute mark of the half.

Now, 1-0 they will face Georgia State on Friday at Fifth Third Arena at 7 pm.