CINCINNATI — In a commanding performance, Aziz Bandaogo contributed 15 points as No. 19 Cincinnati secured an impressive 84-49 victory over Grambling State on Sunday, marking the Bearcats’ fourth consecutive win.
Dillon Mitchell supported the team with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Day Day Thomas added 12 points to the mix for Cincinnati (10-1). On the other hand, Ernest Ross was the standout for Grambling (2-10), scoring 16 points, and Mikale Stevenson chipped in with 11 points and seven rebounds. Unfortunately for Grambling, this defeat marked their fifth straight loss overall and their seventh consecutive defeat on the road.
Despite trailing significantly, Grambling managed to close the first half with a 9-0 run, reducing their deficit to 37-24 as they headed into halftime. However, they struggled throughout the second half, getting outscored 47-25 in what became a challenging game.
**Key Insights**
Grambling State faced difficulties in establishing a reliable offensive strategy and sharing the ball effectively, ending the game with only 34% shooting from the field and 16 turnovers against just 10 assists. In contrast, Cincinnati’s fast start came just under 48 hours after their hard-fought match against No. 22 Dayton, where they quickly established a significant lead, jumping out to 17-3 early in the game.
**Pivotal Moment**
A crucial moment came when Simas Lukosius connected on a three-pointer from the left wing, extending Cincinnati’s lead to 44-29 with 17:26 remaining in the second half. This shot initiated a sequence of three consecutive three-pointers made by the Bearcats, propelling their lead to 50-29 and allowing them to leverage a 20-4 run that sealed the game.
**Important Statistics**
Cincinnati showcased efficient ball distribution, finishing the contest with 17 assists while only committing six turnovers, two of which occurred during the second half. Their performance illustrates a strong offensive flow and defensive presence throughout the game.
**Looking Ahead**
Grambling State will be preparing to face the College of Biblical Studies on December 30, while Cincinnati is set to begin its Big 12 campaign against Kansas State on the same day.