The Cincinnati Bearcats kicked off their 2023-24 season in impressive fashion at the Fifth Third Arena, clinching a 69-58 victory over the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). The game saw two newcomers, CJ Fredrick Jr. and Day Day Thomas, making their Bearcats debuts, and their performance on the court was nothing short of spectacular.
Fredrick, coming off the bench, immediately left his mark, contributing 11 crucial points to the team's victory. Notably, he displayed his sharpshooting skills, sinking 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Thomas commanded the point guard position from the start and delivered an impressive 13 points of his own. Dan Skillings Jr., a sophomore wing, also stood out with 13 points. Their combined efforts ensured that Cincinnati gained a substantial 30 points from their reserves, showcasing the team's depth and talent.
However, the key to Cincinnati's win extended beyond their offensive prowess. It was their stifling perimeter defense that ultimately allowed them to pull away from UIC. The Bearcats held the Flames to a mere 14% shooting from the 3-point line, with only 2 successful attempts out of 14. Additionally, they notched an impressive 11 steals, which translated to a decisive 20-2 advantage in points off turnovers.
This victory marked the Bearcats' fourth consecutive win in a season opener, emphasizing their consistency and determination in getting off to a strong start. After a brief scare when UIC's Toby Okani cut Cincinnati's lead to just five points, 43-38, early in the second half, Day Day Thomas spearheaded a 9-0 run with back-to-back layups. This surge put the Bearcats in a comfortable position, holding a 14-point lead.
While UIC's CJ Jones displayed resilience by scoring a tough basket in the paint to narrow the gap to 52-44, junior guard/forward Simas Lukšius stepped up for Cincinnati. He drained a crucial 3-pointer from the extended elbow, pushing the Bearcats back to a double-digit lead of 55-44 with nine minutes left on the clock.
With just over six minutes remaining, Dan Skillings Jr. further extended Cincinnati's lead, contributing a pair of free throws and a layup. This put the Bearcats up by 15 points and effectively sealed the victory.
The Cincinnati Bearcats have certainly set the bar high in their season opener, and with standout performances from newcomers Fredrick and Thomas, coupled with their tenacious defense, they appear poised for another exciting season on the basketball court. Their strong start is a testament to their skill and teamwork, and fans can undoubtedly look forward to more thrilling moments as the 2023-24 season unfolds.
