In the last game before Christmas, the #24 ranked Bearcats beat the Marshall Thundering Herd inside Fifth Third Arena. It was a close one, requiring extra minutes to resolve. This was the 33rd time the schools faced off, with Cincinnati leading the all-time series 20-12. Thanks to a 42-30 second half, UC squeaked this one out.
Gary Clark had 26 and really stepped up when he was needed and jumpers were not falling. Jacob Evans added 25 points and a clutch 3 to put the game in OT with 10 seconds left in regulation. He played all 45 minutes of the game. Troy Caupain only put up 7 points, but chased his rebound for a put-back layup to win the game. He also had 12 board and 6 assists.
Marshall shot the 3-ball nearly 60% for the game and was 12-12 from the stripe. Meanwhile, the Cats made just 10 of 23 free throws, something they have to work on and get better at right away.
It seemed like UC never led until the final buzzer. Next up UC travels to face pesky Temple in Philadelphia on December 28th at 9 pm ET to open AAC play. Enjoy Christmas break Bearcat Nation!
By Andy Smith