No. 20 Cincinnati played shorthanded but still earned an 83-56 win against Morehead State on Friday night in Cincinnati.

Day Day Thomas and Dan Skillings Jr. sat out with injuries but the Bearcats (2-0) featured balanced scoring, with five players in double figures, and a stifling defense that was more than enough to make up for the absences.

Thomas averaged 10.4 points per game last season and Skillings had 17 points and 11 rebounds in Cincinnati’s opening win on Monday in Cincinnati.

Dillon Mitchell had 14 points and nine rebounds, and Jizzle James had 14 as well to pace the Bearcats. James shot 1-of-5 and only had two points at halftime before his second-half scoring barrage pushed Cincinnati to coach Wes Miller’s 250th career win.

Simas Lukosius had 14 points and six assists and Aziz Bandaogo had 12 points, five rebounds, and three blocks. Lukosius, Bandaogo, and Mitchell combined to shoot 18-for-20 from the field.

Kenny White Jr. led Morehead State (1-2) with 10 points and five rebounds while Dieonte Miles added nine points.

The Bearcats set the tone for the win immediately. Mitchell had a two-hand slam and Cincinnati forced a shot clock violation on defense on the ensuing possession.

Cincinnati had a 22-8 edge on points in the paint in the first half, and a 48-26 advantage for the game.

Cincinnati showcased that dominance early with back-to-back alley oops. Lukosius found Bandaogo both times, pushing the Bearcats’ lead to 10-3 at the 15:57 mark of the first half.

Lukosius hit a shot from deep to double up the Eagles 28-14 with 6:36 left in the half. The Bearcats pushed the lead to 37-19 at half and cruised to the win behind James’ 12 points in the second half.

–Field Level Media