Writer – Ernie Casanova
ORLANDO, Fla. – To start the first half, Cincinnati came storming out in the opening minutes and took a commanding 10-2 lead in the first four minutes. Houston visibly struggled adjusting to the pressure from the Bearcats’ defense for the first ten minutes, accumulating five fouls with three of them coming on offense. The Bearcats were taking advantage of their offensive rebounds, scoring 12 second-chance points compared to Houston’s zero. With a pro-Cincinnati crowd here at the Amway Center, the Cougars didn’t flounder.
After a 16-2 run by the Cougars, they took the lead and were effective in slowing down the Bearcats’ quick start. Cougar guard Rob Gray had to take some time to get his momentum going, but he eventually got into form similar to his amazing game from the night prior. Gray has 12 points for the Cougars while Corey Davis Jr. leads the team with 15 points, shooting 5-7 from three-point range.
Houston picked up the slack in the winding minutes and finished the first half shooting 54% from beyond the arc. Forward Gary Clark leads the Bearcats with 13 points and six rebounds, quickly flirting with a double-double. Forward Jacob Evans is second in line with 10 points and four rebounds. Houston heads into the locker room leading Cincinnati, 37-35.
