UC played at Wichita for the final time in AAC play on Thursday. I’ll never forget UC clinching an AAC regular season championship on that floor in 2018. Good times. There was much less at stake on Thursday night, but Cincinnati picked up a much-needed 70-61 win.

The Bearcats started fast, jumping out to a 39-22 lead at halftime. It looked like a much more focused team on both ends. They played with a purpose on both ends, shooting 8-19 from three in the first half and holding the Shockers to just 25 percent from the field.

Wichita State’s offense isn’t going to get mixed up with the Showtime Lakers, but it was still a strong showing on the defensive end.

The biggest turnaround from the Temple game was the rebounding margin. Cincinnati out-rebounded Wichita 43-32 after the Cats were out-rebounded by 18 at Temple on New Year’s Day. There’s no question that this was an emphasis in practice. The effort to get the ball was also much better in this game.

There were a few sloppy segments offensively, but for the most part, you’re happy with shooting 41 percent from the field with 18 assists on the road.

It was the best game of the season for Jeremiah Davenport by a wide margin. I’m very happy for JD, who dropped 22 points and made six threes. He came off the bench in this game and maybe that helped, but he desperately needed a game like this. Jeremiah Davenport is a good shooter when he’s open and his feet are set. I will stand by that.

Shoey played another strong floor game. He’s been incredibly consistent this year. He’s also improved infinitely at scoring around the rim this year, which had been a major struggle for him in the past.

Landers Nolley II was a glass eater. With a thin backcourt, this team can use all the help it can get on the backboards. His eleven rebounds and 12 points went a long way in helping Cincinnati win this one.

This was a classic put your hard hat on and go to work game for Viktor Lakhin. It’s become a norm for him as long as he can stay on the floor. A 14-point and nine-rebound night is becoming light work for Vik.

David DeJulius struggled offensively, but that’s ok. He still added six assists and was engaged defensively. I’m confident Dave will get back on track.

Winning on the road isn’t easy, but if Cincinnati can replicate that performance, then they shouldn’t have trouble winning on the road in this league.

Up next, #2 ranked Houston comes to town. What could go wrong?

Game Ball:

Jeremiah Davenport (1)

Featured Image: Albert Cesare/The Cincinnati Enquirer