The crowds keep getting bigger, and the Cincinnati Bearcats keep getting better.
The No. 22-ranked UC basketball team beat SMU 66-64 in an American Athletic Conference showdown for first place Thursday night, before a home season-high 11,344 fans at Fifth Third Arena.
UC improved to 14-2 overall and 4-0 in the AAC, with its seventh straight win. SMU fell to 14-4 and 4-1 in the AAC, and had a 10-game winning streak snapped.
The thrilling, fast-paced game had all a fan could want. The Bearcats raced to a 27-12 lead, then withstood a spirited SMU comeback.