UC vs. Rutgers
CINCINNATI (AP) — Sean Kilpatrick scored 19 points and No. 24 Cincinnati intensified its defense in the second half, overcoming a 10-point deficit to beat Rutgers 62-54 on Wednesday night for a sweep of their season series.
Cincinnati (17-4, 5-3 Big East) blocked eight shots, forced 21 turnovers and held the Scarlet Knights to 24 points in the second half. The Bearcats also won at Rutgers 68-58 on Jan. 12.
Myles Mack scored 15 points to lead the Scarlet Knights (12-8, 3-6), who have lost four in a row with an offense that can’t find any consistency.
The Bearcats trailed by 10 early in the second half and didn’t lead until Kilpatrick’s fastbreak layup put them ahead with 11 minutes left. Point guard Cashmere Wright hit a 3-pointer that put them ahead to stay.
Cincinnati had eight days off following its 57-55 loss at Syracuse, giving Wright more time to recover from a sprained right knee.
Xavier vs. Dayton
The teams exchanged the lead four times in a 2-minute span late, ending with Xavier (12-8, 5-2) leading 62-61 on Semaj Christon’s jumper with 59.4 second left.
The Flyers’ Kevin Dillard missed a jumper and Xavier grabbed the rebound. Three times, Dayton sent the Musketeers to the foul line for one-and-ones. Xavier missed the first end on the first two trips, but grabbed the rebound and drew fouls after each whiff. Davis connected on both free throws after the third foul, and then Matt Derenbecker missed a 3-point try for Dayton to effectively end it.
Xavier has beaten Dayton (12-8, 2-4) at home 28 consecutive times dating back to 1981.
Vee Sanford scored 16 points and Dillard hit four 3-pointers for 12 points.
