Bearcats beat Houston on memorable Senior Night

A walk-on player became the hero when the University of Cincinnati opened Fifth Third Arena in 1989. Thursday, another walk-on seized the spotlight as UC closed the current version of its basketball building.

Seldom-used senior forward Zack Tobler received his first career start on Senior Night, to the surprise of both Tobler and the sellout crowd of 13,176. Tobler made it count, banking in a lay-up for the game’s first points as No. 18-ranked UC rolled to an easy 65-47 win over Houston. Tobler would play only two total minutes, but he finished with 3 points.

“Troy (Caupain) threw me a great pass,” Tobler said of his opening basket. “I had to give him the assist. It was cool, but I was just…