The Bearcats overcame a BYU surge with a dominant second half performance, fueled by a season-high 10 three-pointers and strong performances from Jizzle James and Day Day Thomas.
The Cincinnati Bearcats continued their impressive offensive performance, shooting a scorching 58.6% from the field, to defeat BYU 84-66 on Saturday night. This victory not only avenged a previous loss to BYU but also kept the Bearcats' NCAA Tournament hopes alive. Jizzle James exploded for 24 points and three assists, while Day Day Thomas chipped in 15 points and four assists.
The duo led the charge as the team sank a season-high 10 three-pointers out of 20 attempts, marking their first back-to-back 80-plus point performance since late November. James's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he set a season-high point total for any Bearcat in 2024-25, drawing the attention of multiple NBA scouts in attendance. The Bearcats now stand at 3-2 against BYU since the 1949-50 season and will face another Utah-based opponent, the Utes, on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET.The game saw the Bearcats overcome a strong start from BYU, including a four-point play by Egor Demin, who finished with 12 points and two assists. Cincinnati took control in the second half, unleashing dominant 13-2 and 18-0 runs. James and Thomas were the driving force behind this surge, while the entire defense rallied, holding BYU to a mere 33.3% shooting in the second half, a stark contrast to the 59% they allowed in the first. Josh Reed added a surprising 12 points and two rebounds, a season-high for him, further solidifying the Bearcats' dominance. Both teams featured eight players who logged double-digit minutes, but Cincinnati's fresher legs in the second half proved crucial. BYU's offensive rhythm was disrupted, with multiple air-balled shots and a significant drop in paint attacks, having only scored six points in the second half compared to 22 in the first.Cincinnati's disciplined play also minimized BYU's foul opportunities, leaving them with few avenues for a comeback. This victory marked the first time in months that Cincinnati has played four straight consistent halves of offense. The team's recent performances suggest a positive momentum shift that could propel them through the remainder of their conference schedule. James, who entered the game shooting a dismal 25% from beyond the arc, turned things around dramatically, connecting on 6 out of 8 three-point attempts, including several difficult off-dribble shots. His confidence and effectiveness against BYU's weak perimeter defense (34.6% allowed this season) proved instrumental in keeping pace with one of the nation's top 20 offenses. The Bearcats' efficient scoring, particularly from three-point range, was a key factor in their victory. They achieved their highest three-point output since November 27, despite playing a slower pace compared to Wednesday's game. This success in shooting from distance, even with a lower paint scoring total, contrasts with their usual reliance on inside play. James and Thomas, with an impressive 19 efficiency mark, emerged as the team's primary offensive weapons, mirroring their successful partnership from Wednesday night. Thomas's exceptional shooting performance, sinking 6 of 6 shots from the floor in the first half, opened up the offense for the rest of the team. His ability to consistently hit midrange jumpers, despite BYU's strategy of forcing opponents to take those shots, proved to be a decisive factor.
Cincinnati Bearcats BYU NCAA Tournament Jizzle James Day Day Thomas Three-Point Shooting Conference Play College Basketball
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