Coogs clinch 2-seed in conference tournament with 69-56 win over Cincinnati

Posted: March 3, 2016 -- 11:45 pm CDT.

HOUSTON, TX (Hofheinz Pavilion) -- The Houston Cougars clinched the 2nd-seed in next week's American Athletic Conference men's basketball championship with a 69-56 win over the Cincinnati Bearcats Thursday night.

The Cougars (22-8 overall, 12-6 in the American Athletic Conference) started slowly and trailed the Bearcats 9-2 less than three minutes into the game. Cincinnati knocked down three consecutive three-point shots to force a quick timeout with 17 plus minutes remaining in the first half.

After the timeout, the Coogs made some adjustments on defense and the changes paid dividends the rest of the half.

Trailing 15-10, the Coogs erupted for a 14-0 run and expanded the run to 20-2 during a 9 minutes and 34 seconds blitz which gave the Coogs a 30-17 lead 2:04 remaining in the opening half.

The Coogs led 33-20 at halftime. After Cincinnati's hot shooting to start the game, the Coogs limited the Bearcats to 4 made baskets (out of 22 field goal attempts) the final 17 minutes of the half.

The Bearcats (21-9, 11-6) began the second half more aggressive and scored in the paint twice which helped open the perimeter shooting; however, the Coogs' matched the Bearcats hot shooting the first ten minutes of the second half.

Houston led by 15 (50-35) with 10:02 remaining and 57-44 with 6:43 on the clock. The Coogs went scoreless for nearly three minutes; and the Bearcats scored six straight points to slice the Coogs' lead to seven (57-50) with 4:03 left in the ball game.

Houston freshman Galen Robinson, Jr. ended the Coogs' scoreless drought with a quick attack up the court and finish for two. Robinson, Jr. was fouled. He made the free throw for a 60-50 lead.

The Bearcats got within seven again (62-55); however, Robinson, Jr. attacked the paint and scored a left-handed lay-up for a nine point lead. The Coogs limited the Bearcats to one point in the final 1:56 of the game.

Damyean Dotson and Rob Gray, Jr. each scored 13 points to lead the Cougars. Devonta Pollard added 11 points and 5 rebound. Robinson, Jr. scored nine points.

The Cougars shot 20 for 25 (80.0%) from the foul line and 22 for 54 (40.7%) from the floor while the Bearcats made 14 of 21 free throws (66.7%) and just 17 of 51 (33.3%) field goal attempts.

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