Instant Analysis: UC 61 SMU 51

ORLANDO- Fla. – No. 1 seeded Cincinnati used an 8-0 run, that started with just over four minutes left in the game, to put away SMU and advance to the semifinal round of the Aaron’s American Athletic Conference Championship in Amway Center.

Three Bearcats scored in double-figures led by Kyle Washington (15) Cane Broome (13) Gary Clark (12). Clark who was named the AAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year this week added 11 rebounds for a double-double.

Jarron Cumberland didn't score in the game but he had eight assists, five rebounds, and by our count, eight deflections.

Jahmal McMurray led SMU with 17 points and Ben Emelogu II added 11.

BearcatReport.com was at the game and here is our Instant Analysis:

IT WAS OVER WHEN: Justin Jenifer sank two free throws with 2:48 left in the game to give the Bearcats a 59-47 lead.

HE STOLE THE SHOW: Although Clark had the double-double, Washington added seven rebounds (three offensive) and a block to his performance. Washington scored nine of his 15 points in the first half on 4-of-7 shooting. As a team Cincinnati shot just 37.5 percent in the first half, Washington’s points kept the team in the game.

STAT OF THE GAME: Cincinnati won the second chance points battle 17-7 thanks to 14 offensive rebounds. The ten-point margin in second chance points matched the margin of victory.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Despite holding SMU to 39 percent shooting for the game, the Bearcats did not defend up to their standards, nor did they shoot well from the perimeter (14 percent), but they did enough to get a win and advance to the semifinals.