CINCINNATI — Jerrod Calhoun's first game as Cincinnati's head basketball coach wasn't always pretty, but the Bearcats eventually gave their new coach plenty to like in Monday night's 79-53 victory over American.
For a team that returned just one player from last season, the uneven performance wasn't entirely surprising. Cincinnati struggled with shot selection, allowed its offensive problems to affect its defense, and watched an 11-point first-half lead disappear. However, the Bearcats also showed an ability to make adjustments, respond to adversity, and take control of a game that was much closer than the final score indicated.
Calhoun wasn't particularly pleased with his team's approach early in the game, especially its willingness to settle for difficult outside shots.
"Four of our first five shots were contested threes," Calhoun said afterward. "I hadn't seen that group do that."
The Bearcats led 27-16 late in the first half before American rallied to tie the game at 33. Cincinnati took a 35-33 advantage into halftime, shooting just 41% from the field while allowing the Eagles to remain within striking distance.
The second half offered a much better example of what Calhoun expects from his team.
After American tied the game at 37, Cincinnati answered with 12 consecutive points and never looked back. The Bearcats increased their defensive pressure, attacked the basket more effectively, and gradually overwhelmed the Eagles with their size and athleticism.
Cincinnati outscored American 44-20 after halftime, holding the Eagles to just 20 points while applying pressure defense. American missed all 12 of its second-half three-point attempts, and the Bearcats built a lead that eventually reached 26 points.
The difference wasn't simply better shooting. Cincinnati began playing with greater purpose on both ends of the floor, creating opportunities through its defense rather than relying on contested jumpers.
That defensive effort produced 15 steals, including four apiece from MJ Collins Jr. and David Iweze. The Bearcats also controlled the boards 48-32, dominated points in the paint 40-14, and received 41 points from their bench.
Those numbers are encouraging for a team still learning how to play together. With so many newcomers, developing chemistry and establishing consistent roles will take time, particularly against the level of competition Cincinnati will eventually face in the Big 12. But, as far as the game with American, perhaps it took a half for the Bearcats to settle in and start playing their game.
The challenge now is getting Cincinnati to play with that second-half discipline and intensity from the opening tip. If Calhoun can accomplish that, Monday's uneven debut may eventually be remembered as the first step toward something much better.
