CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bearcats are getting an early test in their first regular-season game under head coach Jerrod Calhoun, taking a narrow 35-33 lead into halftime against American University at Fifth Third Arena.
Cincinnati appeared to be gaining control midway through the opening half, building an 11-point advantage at 27-16 with 5:52 remaining. The Bearcats maintained that lead at 32-21 with 3:38 left, but American responded with a 12-3 run to close the half and make it a two-point game.
Madden Collins led the Eagles' comeback, scoring 14 first-half points, including nine during the final three minutes. Julen Iturbe also contributed two three-pointers, with his second cutting Cincinnati's lead to 33-31 with 1:17 remaining.
The Eagles completed their comeback when Collins connected on two free throws with 42 seconds left to tie the game at 33. Cincinnati answered with two free throws from MJ Collins Jr. with 19 seconds remaining, and American missed a potential tying jumper in the closing seconds.
The Bearcats received contributions throughout their lineup, with Riley Allenspach scoring six points and Adlan Elamin adding five. Tyler Tejada and Akai Fleming also scored five apiece, but Cincinnati's late offensive struggles allowed American to erase what had been a comfortable advantage.
Cincinnati will need a more consistent second half to avoid an opening-night upset. The Bearcats have shown they can build a lead, but they'll need to do a better job protecting it against an American team that has already demonstrated its ability to respond.
