Cincinnati Bearcats triumph over Alabama State with solid performance
- No. 16 Cincinnati defeated Alabama State 77-59, improving their record to 6-0.
- Simas Lukosius led Cincinnati with 16 points, while Jizzle James contributed 13 points and five assists.
- Cincinnati's strong defensive performance helped them maintain their lead and secure the victory.
On November 27, 2024, the University of Cincinnati's men's basketball team, ranked 16th in the nation, continued its impressive start to the season with a decisive 77-59 victory over Alabama State in Cincinnati, USA. This win marked Cincinnati's sixth straight victory, replicating a similar successful start they achieved in the previous season under coach Wes Miller. Simas Lukosius was a standout player, leading his team with 16 points, further solidifying his role in the lineup. Alongside him, Jizzle James contributed 13 points and five assists, showcasing a balanced attack from the Bearcats. The game saw Cincinnati build an early lead, bolstered by Lukosius's two 3-pointers, and finished the first half with a solid 46-33 advantage. Despite a strong effort from Alabama State's Amarr Knox, who scored 24 points, the Hornets struggled against the Bearcats' defense, particularly in the second half, shooting just 23.3% from the 3-point range. This match was notable for Alabama State as it was the first time the Hornets faced a ranked opponent since the 2021 season, indicating both teams are pushing to establish their legacies early in the season. Dillon Mitchell, fresh from an impressive performance with 14 points and 11 rebounds in their previous match against Georgia Tech, played a crucial role with ten points and eight boards before leaving the game due to injury. Cincinnati's depth was tested, but the team managed to respond well, with key moments like TJ Madlock's missed dunk potentially changing the momentum late in the first half. Following that misstep, Cincinnati extended their lead, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on opponent mistakes. The Bearcats look poised moving forward as they prepare to face Villanova in their next outing. Additionally, the anticipated return of Dan Skillings Jr., Cincinnati's leading scorer from the previous season who has been recovering from minor knee surgery, adds to the team's hopeful outlook for the ongoing campaign. Cincinnati thus continues to build momentum in their pursuit of a successful season, thriving under coach Wes Miller's leadership.