Cincinnati topped Bellarmine 84-72, using a 15-0 run in the second half to pull away from the Knights. The Cats turned up the defensive pressure with at least 13 steals. Titus Rubles, twice, Jermaine Sanders and Ge'Lawn Guyn all had steals for easy buckets in the run.
There were some good things. Justin Jackson followed up on his solid performance in exhibition game one with a better game two. He scored 19 points, which would be a career high. His free throw shooting continues to be poor, but hey, he's not perfect.
Sean Kilpatrick was 7-10 from the field and perfect from the line for 24 points. It was a game high. He's really good.
Titus Rubles added 11 with some solid play. The full stats aren't available, so this is the type of analysis that you get.
Jermaine Lawrence looked a lot better. He finished with 9 points. He busted out some moves that were very impressive. He was not as impressive at the line.
Some things that need to be worked on are the 3 point defense and the free throw shooting. If you are going inside, Jackson and Rubles have to make free throws. They haven't so far. It was a big factor in Bellarmine hanging around.
The 3 point defense was much improved in the second half, but it's still an issue. UC gave up 9 3s today and 9 in the opener. That's cause for some concern. Bellarmine had a ton of wide open looks in the first half. They broke the press easily and at will before UC was able to wear them down by being better.
The season starts on Friday. I'm ready.
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