Cincinnati
Bucs Drop 74-55 Contest to Bearcats
12/15/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
CINCINNATI, Ohio - Charleston Southern went up against a Big East contender in the Cincinnati Bearcats Monday, at the Fifth Third Arena, but came up short with a 74-55 loss. The Bucs struggled with their outside shot, shooting 34 percent from the field on the night including 25 percent from behind the arc. CSU dropped to 5-4 (1-0) on the year while the Bearcats improved to 7-2 (0-0) on the young season.
Jamarco Warren was the only player for the Bucs to reach double
figures with 17 points, but he struggled from the floor with 4-15
shooting. Tovi Bailey handled the ball for CSU the majority of the
night and dealt with the pressure well, scoring 8 points in the
game. Kelvin Martin's athleticism was also apparent, as he totaled
7 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals, and 2 blocks. On a night when CSU
struggled with their outside shot, freshman Joel Lamb responded
with two threes on four attempts.
Things started out well for the Bucs, as Warren took a trip to the
free throw line on the first possession and converted on two free
throws. The Bearcats responded with seven straight points, but CSU
was down just two at 11-9 with 12:34 left in the first half.
Cincinnati went up nine, but the Bucs came right back with a 9-2
run to put the score at 20-18 after another pair of Warren free
throws.
The Bearcats had a 12-3 run of their own to end the half and head
to the locker room with a 32-22 score. CSU was down just ten
despite shooting under 26 percent in the first half.
Cincinnati's hot shooting quickly led to an 18 point advantage five
minutes into the second half. Lamb provided a spark off the bench
with a three to put the score at 46-32 with 12:21 left in the
game. The Bucs traded baskets over the next few minutes and the
Bearcats managed to stretch their lead out to as many as 20.
CSU's best chance for a comeback came with eight minutes left to
play after six straight points, to cut the lead to 14. Cincinnati
would not allow their lead to drop any further, although the Bucs
were able to convert a number of turnovers into easy buckets. Lamb
and Carter both made three point shots in the closing minutes
before a final 74-55 score.
The loss for CSU was not due to lack of effort, as the Bucs fought
every trip up and down the court. They were simply undersized and
did not have an answer for the Bearcats when they established
position under the rim. Yancy Gates in particular gave CSU
trouble, as he led all scorers with 18 on 8 of 10 shooting, all of
which came at point blank range.
A scary moment for Buccaneer fans came in the final minute of the
game when Jamarco Warren went down with an ankle injury. Warren is
scheduled for an x-ray that will determine if he will be ready to
play in CSU's next contest.
The Bucs will attempt another upset when they travel to Florida
State on Thursday, December 18th, for a 7 p.m. contest.
