The Bearcats saved their best for March.
Cincinnati (30-5, 16-2 American) played their most complete game of the season against a quality opponent, defeating Kansas State (21-14, 8-10 American) 75-61 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It was Cincinnati’s first NCAA Tournament victory since they beat Purdue in the first round in 2015.
The Bearcats came out sizzling hot from the very start, hitting their first eight shots from the field to build an early 20-11 lead. The run was highlighted by several slick interior passes that set up easy dunks.
The Bearcats would stretch the lead to 27-14 when Troy Caupain was fouled on a drive to the basket with 7:39 remaining in the half.