Those darn Bearcats: Cincinnati ends SMU's AAC title chances, 82-74

Here are a few takeaways from SMU's 82-74 loss to Cincinnati on Friday in the second round of the American Athletic Conference tournament:

Another quick start

Not much defense to talk about in the first half.... or at all, really.

The Mustangs and Bearcats both shot over 50 percent before the break and traded the lead five times. Both teams also shot 50 percent exactly from the perimeter. Cincinnati took a greater number of shots, but SMU made up for that by keeping the Bearcats off the free-throw line, completely.

SMU led by 7 as the half began to wind down, but a late surge by Cincinnati and three-pointer made by AAC Player of the Year Jarron Cumberland on the Bearcats' final possession gave…