Cincinnati Basketball: Takeaways from opening defeat to Ohio State

Cincinnati Basketball: Takeaways from Bearcats opening defeat to Ohio State

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Jarron Cumberland #34 of the Cincinnati Bearcats reacts after being defeated by the Iowa Hawkeyes 79-72 in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 10: Chris Harris Jr. #1 of the Houston Cougars blocks the shot attempt by Jarron Cumberland #34 of the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second half at Fertitta Center on February 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Major Questions Offensively

Cincinnati had an ugly game on the offensive end of the floor but their defense in the first half kept them in it. In the second half, they couldn’t buy a basket. A dismal 33% from the floor in the game for UC and a shocking 19% from three is not the way Cincinnati wanted to start off their season. Even from the free-throw line, UC wasn’t great shooting 60%.

Jarron Cumberland didn’t have a great game. 0-5 from three-point land and just 13 points on 14 shots in his 32 minutes. Guys that Brannen was hoping to take some of the weight off on the offensive end didn’t pitch in much, the highly anticipated debut of Jaevin Cumberland was more than disappointing as the graduate transfer managed just 3 points on 1-6 shooting.

Tre Scott wasn’t helpful on the offensive end of the floor at all, no field goals made for Scott on seven attempts but he did manage to snag six offensive boards for a total of twelve in the game. Keith Williams was a bright spot offensively for Cincinnati in a night where the Bearcats really struggled to put up points, especially in the second half.

Cincinnati will have to regroup and hope they find their stride offensively, Drake will not a be a pushover in their next contest.

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