Recap: Cincinnati 86 Nicholls 49
After a week-long break, the 17th-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats returned to Fifth Third Arena Friday night to take on Nicholls State in the first of two games that are a part of the Twyman-Stokes Classic.
(Photo: University of Cincinnati Athletics)
Through the first eight minutes, it looked as if Nicholls may be able to keep the game somewhat competitive, as Cincinnati led 13-10 at the under 12 media stop.
The Bearcats responded with a 12-2 run over the next 3:56 and never looked back.
Wes Miller's squad shot 52% from the field for the game and connected on 11-of-27 three-pointers as the Bearcats overwhelmed Nicholls over the final 23:45.
With Cincinnati leading 35-22 with 3:45 remaining in the first half, Simas Lukosius found Dillon Mitchell for an alley-oop dunk.
After two Jizzle James free throws, Simas Lukosius buried a three to extend the UC lead to 42-22 with :20 seconds left in the first half.
That momentum carried over into the second half as Cincinnati scored the first 13 points to push their lead to 55-22 at the 16:55 mark.
"I was pleased with the defensive effort to start the game. I was pleased with the defensive effort to start the second half. And there was some good stuff going on," said Miller.
"Jizzle James is really improved, and I think that's so obvious guys. He was really, really good on defense tonight. I mean, not only did he defeat ball screens, I don't think anybody hit him with the ball screen all night. I mean, he was special, so I was pleased with that."
Jizzle James scored 15 second half points on a perfect 7-for-7 from the field to finish the game with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists.
"I've been really impressed with his ability to run our team and lead our team," said Miller following the game. "Everybody knows that he can score in bunches and bunches. I think he's doing a nice job of continuing to grow as a true point guard."
Simas Lukosius tied James for the team high, also finishing with 19 points, six rebounds, six assists.
(Photo: University of Cincinnati Athletics)
Lukosius had another efficient night from the field, making 7-of-11 of his field goal attempts, as well as 5-of-7 from deep.
"Sniper. He's a sniper," Arrinten Page exclaimed following the game. "He helps our offense just by spreading the floor, allowing me operate in the post. He's a great floor spacer for our team and also a good action creator."
Page benefitted directly from the play of James and Lukosius, finishing with 11 points, six rebounds, and a career-high 5 blocks.
As a team, Cincinnati out-rebounded Nicholls 46-32, and finished with 14 blocks, which is the most by a UC team under Wes Miller.
Dillon Mitchell continued his stellar play for Cincinnati, contributing 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting, while also pulling down 9 rebounds.
Mitchell's energy was once again on full display and the spark the Bearcats needed to kick things in to another gear.
"We really challenged our guys defensively," said Miller. "Dillon was right there. He did an amazing job switching out, making people uncomfortable, making shots difficult. I thought early in the game we challenged every single shot or blocked every shot. I give all those guys in that first unit credit but Dillon stood out."
With the win, Cincinnati improves to 3-0 with a road trip to NKU up next on Tuesday night.
Key Takeaway:
Cincinnati played arguably their best game to date and it came without last season's leading scorer and rebounder, Dan Skillings, as well as senior point guard Day Day Thomas.
Skillings had a successful procedure earlier this week and is expected to miss "a couple weeks" according to Wes Miller.
Thomas returned to team activities Monday but Miller and his staff are still being cautious with his return to make sure there are no future setbacks
Final Stats:
Postgame Video (Miller, James, Page)