Last year, the Cincinnati Bearcats were notorious for failing to finish off critical victories. Losses against Iowa State, Butler, UConn and Saint Joseph’s, and a few others, featured an inability by UC to close the deal in a winnable game against a quality opponent.
It appears whatever caused those difficulties a year ago is still festering this season. Despite leading by as many as 12 points, the No. 24 Bearcats (2-1) were defeated by the No. 21 Rhode Island Rams (3-0) in the second semifinal of the Naismith Hall of Fame Tip-Off at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Even in the loss, Jacob Evans and Kyle Washington continued their hot starts to the campaign.